Rationale and methodology for a population-based study of diabetes and common eye diseases in a rural area in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Population based Diabetes and Eye Study (BPDES)

Abstract

Abstract:Objectives: The purpose of this study were (i) to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) and impact of socioeconomic factors upon the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes (ii) compute a diabetes risk score and (iii) estimate the undiagnosed prevalence of hypertension amongst a large adult population in rural Bangladesh. Methods/design: A sample of 3104 adults aged ≥30 years were interviewed from a cluster sample of 18 villages in the Banshgram Union of the Narail District, Bangladesh. Each participant was interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire that assessed participant knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) regarding diabetes, its risk factors, complications and management. Data on demographic details, education, socioeconomic status, medical history, dietary and lifestyle behavior was obtained. Fasting capillary glucose, blood pressure, presenting vision and anthropometric parameters were measured. Participants were stratified into those without diabetes, prediabetes, and diagnosed diabetes (known and newly diagnosed). The association of KAP components and other risk factors with diabetes status was assessed. Logistic regression analysis allowed for the development of a non-invasive risk-stratification tool to be developed and implemented for the rural Bangladeshi community. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to report the associations of risk factors with the severity of hypertension. Results and discussion: In Banshgram, over 95% people had not undergone any previous diabetes screening. Baseline demographics estimated the prevalence of diabetes in the sample was 3.2% (n=99). 47% of participants had no formal education. Whilst there is literature on the prevalence of diabetes in urban and semi-urban Bangladesh there is a paucity of evidence examining the impact of KAP of diabetes amongst the general community. We believe that the BPDES has developed a methodology to provide new evidence to guide health policy and targeted population-based interventions in these rural areas.

Factors Associated with Awareness, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Common Eye Diseases in the General Population in a Rural District in Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Population-based Diabetes and Eye Study (BPDES)

“…The questionnaire is presented in detail elsewhere. [ 20 ] Questions assessing awareness of and attitudes to common eye diseases or symptoms had binary responses options (Yes/No) and questions assessing practice related to eye care had the following response options: Frequently (more than once a year), Regularly (at least once a year), Whenever I have an eye problem, and Never.…”

“…We have reported the study sample, recruitment strategy, data collection, awareness, attitudes and practice questionnaire and socio-demographic factors in detail elsewhere. [ 20 , 22 , 23 ]…”

Factors Associated with Disability in Rural Bangladesh: Bangladesh Population-Based Diabetes and Eye Study (BPDES)

“…Narail is considered to be a typical rural district, being neither in a remote area nor in close proximity to metropolitan Dhaka. The similarity of study participants with the population at national level has been reported elsewhere [11, 21]. The sample size was based on the 2012 prevalence of type 2 diabetes (6.3%) among adults in Bangladesh, as estimated by the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas [23].…”

“…However, on the second visit on next day, about 15% of participants interviewed on the first visit failed to show up for the second visit (with a participation rate of 85%). Selection of the study location, recruitment and data collection related to the current study have been reported in previous publications [11, 21]. …”

“…Using data from the Bangladesh population-based diabetes and eye study (BPDES) [21], the current study aimed to provide a further estimate of prevalence of disability and associated risk factors amongst adults aged 30 years and older in a rural district in Bangladesh.…”