Misconceptions about COVID-19 among older Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals) adults in Bangladesh: findings from a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesDue to low health literacy and adverse situation in the camps, there are possibilities of misconceptions related to COVID-19 among the older Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals or FDMNs) adults in Bangladesh. The present research aimed to assess the level of misconceptions and the factors associated with it among the older FDMNs in Bangladesh.DesignCross-sectional.SettingA selected Rohingya camp situated in Cox’s Bazar, a southeastern district of Bangladesh.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 416 conveniently selected FDMNs who were aged 60 years and above.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was misconceptions related to the spread, prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Information on 14 different locally relevant misconceptions was gathered, each was scored as one, and obtained a cumulative score, ranging from 0 to 14, with a higher score indicating a higher level of misconceptions. A multiple linear regression model explored the factors associated with misconceptions.ResultsThe participants had an average of five misconceptions. The most prevalent misconceptions were: everyone should wear personal protective equipment when outside (84.6%) and its prevention by nutritious food (62.5%) and drinking water (59.3%). Other notable misconceptions included the spread of COVID-19 through mosquito bites (42%) and its transmissions only to the non/less religious person (31.4%). In regression analyses, memory or concentration problems, communication frequency with social networks, pre-existing conditions and receiving information from health workers were significantly associated with higher COVID-19 misconceptions. These misconceptions were less likely among those overwhelmed by COVID-19, having COVID-19 diagnosed friends or family members and receiving information from friends and family.ConclusionsOverall, we found that misconceptions were prevalent among the older FDMNs in Bangladesh. The associations have important implications for programmes to prevent and manage COVID-19 in these settings. Health workers need to be adequately trained to provide clear communication and counter misconceptions.

Difficulties faced by older Rohingya (forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals) adults in accessing medical services amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh

“…We did not find any single study on older refugees in Bangladesh and other countries to compare this finding with. However, existing studies conducted among younger Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, 19 child refugees in England, 29 refugees and asylum seekers in Switzerland 30 and Syrian refugees in Germany 31 reported several barriers associated with refugees’ access to medicine and routine healthcare, including poor literacy of older refugees, 19 language and legal barriers and travel costs. 32 Furthermore, several studies indicated that limited long-term clinical care facilities for older individuals, limited/unavailability of medicines, inadequate knowledge about available services and healthcare system, inadequate ‘cultural competence of the healthcare providers, age-related self-stigma and financial constraints were the primary reasons that refugees experienced difficulties in accessing medical services.…”

“…The detailed method of the study is presented elsewhere. 19 The inclusion criteria included age ≥60 years and Rohingya Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) status. Participants were excluded if they self-reported having any of the following criteria: adverse mental conditions (clinically diagnosed schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, dementia/cognitive impairment), a hearing disability or were unable to communicate with researchers.…”

“… 18 Moreover, there are widespread misconceptions regarding the prevention, spread and management of COVID-19 among the older adults in the camps, which may further exacerbate the condition and its management. 19 …”

Epidemiological modelling in refugee and internally displaced people settlements: challenges and ways forward

“…However, certain compound comorbidities, which are prevalent in displaced populations, impact the clinical progression of COVID-19, but this impact is poorly quantified 41 42. Similarly, under-reporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths is a concern in many countries and settlements due to inadequate disease surveillance infrastructure43 and the spread of misinformation 44 45. To address this, SB modelling can be a powerful approach to explore possible futures under uncertainty.…”

Perceived Change in Tobacco Use and Its Associated Factors among Older Adults Residing in Rohingya Refugee Camps during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

“…Older adults from the refugee background may be particularly vulnerable to increased mental health conditions during this pandemic [ 22 ] with a possible increase in tobacco use and chronic disease episodes. While a few recent studies [ 23 , 24 ] have documented adverse mental health issues among the Rohingya older adults, no research has reported their tobacco use patterns amid this pandemic. Therefore, the present research aimed to explore the perceived change in tobacco use and the factors associated with this change among older adults residing in the Rohingya refugee camps during this COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.…”