Anemia is a significant public health concern among female university students in Bangladesh, and the situation may be worse in coastal areas due to socioeconomic and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among female students in southern coastal Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study involved female students from two public universities in Bangladesh (Barishal Division). Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire (completed on-site) covering sociodemographic, dietary, lifestyle, and medical history information. Anthropometric measurements were used to assess body mass index, and dietary diversity was evaluated using a nine-food group questionnaire (24-h recall method). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 12 g/dL (WHO criteria). Binary logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with anemia. Out of 398 participants, 43.7% (n = 174) had anemia. Underweight students were nearly twice more likely to be anemic compared to those with normal weight [adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.10–3.11]. Drinking > 4 cups of tea/day was associated with higher odds of anemia than drinking no tea [AOR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.06–3.18]. Participants with a history of iron deficiency anemia were significantly more likely to be anemic than those without the history [AOR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.03–2.87]. Individuals with low dietary diversity were more likely to be anemic than those with high dietary diversity [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.06–4.17]. These findings support the need for campus-based screening and nutrition education. Further prospective research is needed to explore interventions among this demographic in Bangladesh.
Sumaia Sahrin, M. H. Al Banna, J. K. Tetteh et al.· Discover Public Health· 0 citations
Physical inactivity is a major global health risk and a growing concern among university students. In Bangladesh, where non-communicable diseases are rising, limited evidence exists on the perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity among university students. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels, perceived benefits, barriers, and associated factors among public university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 students from public universities in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire incorporating sociodemographic variables, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS). Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with physical activity status. Overall, 52.9% of students met the recommended physical activity threshold of IPAQ ≥ 600 MET-min/week, while 47.1% were inactive. Male students were significantly more likely to be physically active than females (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.86–4.22, p < 0.001). Obese students were less likely to be active compared to those with healthy weight (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.66, p = 0.009). The highest-rated perceived benefits included “Exercise increases my muscle strength” and “Exercise improves my mental health.” Relatively high-rated barriers included “Exercise tires me” and “Exercise facilities do not have convenient schedules”. Nearly half of the university students did not meet the recommended physical activity threshold, and gender and obesity were significantly associated with physical activity status. While students value physical and psychological benefits, barriers such as inconvenient schedules and limited facilities may be linked with lower participation, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in university settings.
S. Debnath, M. M. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Hasibur Rahman et al.· Discover Public Health· 0 citations
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