- Addressing Public Health Risks: Strategies to Combat Infectious Diseases After the August 2024 Floods in Bangladesh
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Fatema Hashem Rupa, Mosharop Hossian
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J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(6):600-603. Published online November 3, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.495
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Abstract
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- The August 2024 floods in Bangladesh have precipitated a major public health crisis, significantly elevating the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases and exacerbating existing health vulnerabilities. This disaster has impacted over 5 million people, causing widespread environmental disruption, population displacement, and strained healthcare resources. The flooding of latrines, sewage systems, and agricultural land has led to the contamination of drinking water sources, increasing the risk of cholera, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhoea, shigellosis, and hepatitis. Additionally, stagnant floodwaters have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thereby increasing the threat of malaria and dengue fever. The disruption of healthcare services has further compounded the crisis, delaying emergency responses and impeding access to care. The psychological impact on affected communities is profound, with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder emerging as significant concerns. This perspective provides an analysis of these public health threats, supported by data on the impact of floods and a discussion of the underlying risk factors. This underscores the need for immediate and long-term public health interventions, including restoring clean water access, enhancing disease surveillance, repairing healthcare infrastructure, and addressing mental health needs. The response to this disaster must be rapid and comprehensive, with lessons learned to inform preparedness efforts to better manage similar events in the future.
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Summary
Key Message
The August 2024 floods in Bangladesh have caused a severe public health crisis, elevating risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases like cholera, shigellosis, malaria, and dengue. Over 5 million people have been affected, with contaminated water sources, disrupted healthcare services, and mental health issues worsening the impact. This article highlights the urgent need for clean water restoration, disease surveillance, healthcare system repairs, and mental health support, emphasizing the importance of immediate and long-term interventions to manage the crisis and strengthen disaster preparedness for the future.
- Individual and Occupational Factors Associated With Low Back Pain: The First-ever Occupational Health Study Among Bangladeshi Online Professionals
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Mosharop Hossian, Mohammad Hayatun Nabi, Ahmed Hossain, Mohammad Delwer Hossain Hawlader, Nadira Sultana Kakoly
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J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(1):98-105. Published online January 12, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.565
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Abstract
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- Objectives
Low back pain (LBP) is a common chronic condition among sedentary workers that causes long-term productivity loss. This study aimed to identify the relationships of individual and occupational factors with LBP among Bangladeshi online professionals.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 468 full-time online professionals who usually worked in a sitting position. One-month LBP complaints were assessed using a musculoskeletal subscale of subjective health complaints. The chi-square test was used to measure associations between categorical predictors and LBP, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the variables significantly associated with LBP.
Results LBP within the last month was reported by 65.6% of participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that age >30 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23 to 0.70) and being married (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.97) had significant negative associations with LBP. Significant positive associations were found for spending >50 hours weekly on average working in a sitting position (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.49), being overweight and obese (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.99), sleeping on a soft mattress (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.80), and ex-smoking status (aOR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.41 to 7.87).
Conclusions A high prevalence of LBP was found among full-time online professionals. Long working hours in a sitting position showed a significant association with developing LBP. Smoking history, body mass index, and sleeping arrangements should also be considered while considering solutions for LBP prevalence among online professionals.
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- Effects of mattress firmness and usage duration on low back pain: a hospital-based study from Lahore
Alveena Mobeen, Hafiz Muhammad Kazim, Nimra Ijaz Journal of Social & Health Sciences.2024; 2: 34. CrossRef - Pay-for-performance and low back pain with interaction of overwork: findings from the cross-sectional Korean working conditions survey
Julia D. Hur, Jongin Lee Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
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