Firm growth by women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises in a developing economy setting
- Authors: Jomaraty, Mosfeka
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The growth experiences of women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the context of a developing economy are examined through the lens of pragmatism. This approach views a businesswoman’s ‘belief’, ‘habit’ and ‘doubt’ as critical for researching gender related issues in entrepreneurship. This study explains the growth aspects of women-owned manufacturing and services SMEs of Bangladesh with the aim of addressing two neglected research issues. One is the scarcity of studies on growth oriented women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The other is the lack of focus on very successful high-growth women-owned firms in the context of a strong male-dominated economy. This study adopts a framework developed out of the Diana International Project to evaluate the factors influencing the growth of these successful, growing, Bangladeshi women-owned businesses. In order to evaluate the growth process itself, this framework was then modified with growth resources and actions as explained by Edith Penrose in her 1959 seminal book The Theory of Growth of the Firm. This allows for the investigation of the effects of managerial and entrepreneurial abilities in growth, and the identification of how firms achieve growth. A multiple-case design is adopted, covering sixteen successful growth-oriented firms in the manufacturing and services sector. SMEs were studied as the basis for firm growth from initial venture creation, while the sector concentration on manufacturing and services reflects the urban nature of the study in examining firms that exist in the capital city of Dhaka. Data from in-depth interviews and supporting documents were used for the case studies and integrated with the theoretical framework. Themes were categorised and patterns compared against the framework. The results of this research suggest that SME growth is a process which is gradual and iterative, comprising a series of growth strategies and approaches. The framework identifies interactive connection between different growth variables and highlights how industry sector and the national context of a growing economy facilitate growth of women-owned SMEs. The case study based research seeks to advance scholarship in relation to women’s entrepreneurship globally and contribute to the understanding of growth oriented women’s entrepreneurship. Building upon existing knowledge, this research endeavours to generate new insights and advance theoretical discourse by providing richness and subtlety to the knowledge of growth process and opening up new avenues for future research.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Jomaraty, Mosfeka
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The growth experiences of women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the context of a developing economy are examined through the lens of pragmatism. This approach views a businesswoman’s ‘belief’, ‘habit’ and ‘doubt’ as critical for researching gender related issues in entrepreneurship. This study explains the growth aspects of women-owned manufacturing and services SMEs of Bangladesh with the aim of addressing two neglected research issues. One is the scarcity of studies on growth oriented women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The other is the lack of focus on very successful high-growth women-owned firms in the context of a strong male-dominated economy. This study adopts a framework developed out of the Diana International Project to evaluate the factors influencing the growth of these successful, growing, Bangladeshi women-owned businesses. In order to evaluate the growth process itself, this framework was then modified with growth resources and actions as explained by Edith Penrose in her 1959 seminal book The Theory of Growth of the Firm. This allows for the investigation of the effects of managerial and entrepreneurial abilities in growth, and the identification of how firms achieve growth. A multiple-case design is adopted, covering sixteen successful growth-oriented firms in the manufacturing and services sector. SMEs were studied as the basis for firm growth from initial venture creation, while the sector concentration on manufacturing and services reflects the urban nature of the study in examining firms that exist in the capital city of Dhaka. Data from in-depth interviews and supporting documents were used for the case studies and integrated with the theoretical framework. Themes were categorised and patterns compared against the framework. The results of this research suggest that SME growth is a process which is gradual and iterative, comprising a series of growth strategies and approaches. The framework identifies interactive connection between different growth variables and highlights how industry sector and the national context of a growing economy facilitate growth of women-owned SMEs. The case study based research seeks to advance scholarship in relation to women’s entrepreneurship globally and contribute to the understanding of growth oriented women’s entrepreneurship. Building upon existing knowledge, this research endeavours to generate new insights and advance theoretical discourse by providing richness and subtlety to the knowledge of growth process and opening up new avenues for future research.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Levels and determinants of complementary feeding based on meal frequency among children of 6 to 23 months in Bangladesh
- Chowdhury, Mohammad, Rahman, Shafiur, Khan, Mobarak
- Authors: Chowdhury, Mohammad , Rahman, Shafiur , Khan, Mobarak
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC public health Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p. 944
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Information concerning complementary feeding (CF) practice during infancy and early childhood is still scarce in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the level of CF among children of 6-23 months and identify individual, household and community level determinants in Bangladesh.
- Authors: Chowdhury, Mohammad , Rahman, Shafiur , Khan, Mobarak
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC public health Vol. 16, no. 1 (2016), p. 944
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Information concerning complementary feeding (CF) practice during infancy and early childhood is still scarce in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the level of CF among children of 6-23 months and identify individual, household and community level determinants in Bangladesh.
Spatial modelling of bacterial diversity over the selected regions in Bangladesh by next-generation sequencing : role of water temperature
- Akter, Nabila, Wahiduzzaman, Md, Yeasmin, Alea, Islam, Kazi, Luo, Jing-Jia
- Authors: Akter, Nabila , Wahiduzzaman, Md , Yeasmin, Alea , Islam, Kazi , Luo, Jing-Jia
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 10, no. 7 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In this study, a spatial model has been developed to investigate the role of water temperature to the distribution of bacteria over the selected regions in the Bay of Bengal, located in the southern region of Bangladesh using next-generation sequencing. Bacterial concentration, quantitative polymerase chain reactions, and sequencing were performed on water samples and identified Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chlorobi, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. The spatial model tessellated the parts of the Bay of Bengal with hexagons and analyzed the relationship between the distribution of bacteria and water temperature. A geographically weighted regression was used to observe whether water temperature contributed strongly or weakly to the distribution of bacteria. The residuals were examined to assess the model's fitness. The spatial model has the potential to predict the bacterial diversity in the selected regions of Bangladesh. © 2020 by the authors.
- Authors: Akter, Nabila , Wahiduzzaman, Md , Yeasmin, Alea , Islam, Kazi , Luo, Jing-Jia
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 10, no. 7 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In this study, a spatial model has been developed to investigate the role of water temperature to the distribution of bacteria over the selected regions in the Bay of Bengal, located in the southern region of Bangladesh using next-generation sequencing. Bacterial concentration, quantitative polymerase chain reactions, and sequencing were performed on water samples and identified Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chlorobi, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. The spatial model tessellated the parts of the Bay of Bengal with hexagons and analyzed the relationship between the distribution of bacteria and water temperature. A geographically weighted regression was used to observe whether water temperature contributed strongly or weakly to the distribution of bacteria. The residuals were examined to assess the model's fitness. The spatial model has the potential to predict the bacterial diversity in the selected regions of Bangladesh. © 2020 by the authors.
Changes in tobacco use patterns during COVID-19 and their correlates among older adults in Bangladesh
- Mistry, Sabuj, Ali, , Armm, Rahman, Md Ashfikur, Yadav, , Uday, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Mistry, Sabuj , Ali, , Armm , Rahman, Md Ashfikur , Yadav, , Uday , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 4 (2021), p. 1-11
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- Description: The present study explored the changes in tobacco use patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and their correlates among older adults in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1032 older adults aged ≥60 years in Bangladesh through telephone interviews in October 2020. Participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information were gathered using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were asked if they noted any change in their tobacco use patterns (smoking or smokeless tobacco) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (6 months prior to the survey). Nearly half of the participants (45.6%) were current tobacco users, of whom 15.9% reported increased tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic and all others had no change in their tobacco use patterns. Tobacco use was significantly increased among the participants from rural areas, who had reduced communications during COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic (OR = 2.76, 95%CI:1.51–5.03). Participants who were aged ≥70 years (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.77), widowed (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–1.00), had pre-existing, non-communi-cable, and/or chronic conditions (OR = 0.44, 95% CI:0.25–0.78), and felt themselves at the highest risk of COVID-19 (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15–0.62), had significantly lower odds of increased tobacco use. Policy makers and practitioners need to focus on strengthening awareness and raising initia-tives to avoid tobacco use during such a crisis period. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Mistry, Sabuj , Ali, , Armm , Rahman, Md Ashfikur , Yadav, , Uday , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 4 (2021), p. 1-11
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The present study explored the changes in tobacco use patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and their correlates among older adults in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1032 older adults aged ≥60 years in Bangladesh through telephone interviews in October 2020. Participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information were gathered using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were asked if they noted any change in their tobacco use patterns (smoking or smokeless tobacco) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (6 months prior to the survey). Nearly half of the participants (45.6%) were current tobacco users, of whom 15.9% reported increased tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic and all others had no change in their tobacco use patterns. Tobacco use was significantly increased among the participants from rural areas, who had reduced communications during COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic (OR = 2.76, 95%CI:1.51–5.03). Participants who were aged ≥70 years (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.77), widowed (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–1.00), had pre-existing, non-communi-cable, and/or chronic conditions (OR = 0.44, 95% CI:0.25–0.78), and felt themselves at the highest risk of COVID-19 (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15–0.62), had significantly lower odds of increased tobacco use. Policy makers and practitioners need to focus on strengthening awareness and raising initia-tives to avoid tobacco use during such a crisis period. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**
Factors associated with chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh
- Islam, Sheikh, Salehin, Masudus, Zaman, Sojib, Tansi, Tania, Gupta, Rajat
- Authors: Islam, Sheikh , Salehin, Masudus , Zaman, Sojib , Tansi, Tania , Gupta, Rajat
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 23 (2021), p.
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- Description: Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a major public health burden in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore factors associated with CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 adults with T2D presenting at the outpatient department of Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS) hospital between July 2013 to December 2013. CKD was diagnosed based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate using the ‘Modification of Diet in Renal Disease’ equations and the presence of albu-minuria estimated by the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with CKD. The overall prevalence of CKD among patients with T2D was 21.3%. In the unadjusted model, factors associated with CKD included age 40–49 years (OR: 5.7, 95% CI: 1.3–25.4), age 50–59 years (7.0, 1.6–39), age ≥60 years (7.6, 1.7–34), being female (2.2, 1.2–3.8), being hypertensive (1.9, 1.1–3.5), and household income between 10,001 and 20,000 Bangladeshi taka, BDT (2.9, 1.0–8.2) compared with income ≤10,000 BDT. However, after ad-justment of other covariates, only the duration of hypertension and household income (10,001– 20,000 BDT) remained statistically significant. There is a need to implement policies and programs for early detection and management of hypertension and CKD in T2D patients in Bangladesh. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Masudus Salehin” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Islam, Sheikh , Salehin, Masudus , Zaman, Sojib , Tansi, Tania , Gupta, Rajat
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 23 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a major public health burden in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore factors associated with CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 adults with T2D presenting at the outpatient department of Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS) hospital between July 2013 to December 2013. CKD was diagnosed based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate using the ‘Modification of Diet in Renal Disease’ equations and the presence of albu-minuria estimated by the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with CKD. The overall prevalence of CKD among patients with T2D was 21.3%. In the unadjusted model, factors associated with CKD included age 40–49 years (OR: 5.7, 95% CI: 1.3–25.4), age 50–59 years (7.0, 1.6–39), age ≥60 years (7.6, 1.7–34), being female (2.2, 1.2–3.8), being hypertensive (1.9, 1.1–3.5), and household income between 10,001 and 20,000 Bangladeshi taka, BDT (2.9, 1.0–8.2) compared with income ≤10,000 BDT. However, after ad-justment of other covariates, only the duration of hypertension and household income (10,001– 20,000 BDT) remained statistically significant. There is a need to implement policies and programs for early detection and management of hypertension and CKD in T2D patients in Bangladesh. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Masudus Salehin” is provided in this record**
COVID-19 related psychological distress, fear and coping : identification of high-risk groups in Bangladesh
- Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Rahman, Shaila, Wazib, Amit, Salehin, Masudus, Cross, Wendy
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Rahman, Shaila , Wazib, Amit , Salehin, Masudus , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 12, no. (2021), p. 718654
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed psychological distress and fear across the globe; however, factors associated with those issues or the ways people cope may vary by country or context. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies for people living in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in August-September 2020 using online platforms in Bangladesh. People residing in Bangladesh, aged ≥18 years, who were proficient in English and able to respond to online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess the psychological stress. Level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and strategies to cope were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Results: Of the 962 participants, half of them were aged between 30 and 59 years. Being born in Bangladesh, having graduate education, perceived distress due to employment change, effect of COVID-19 on financial situation, having multiple comorbidities, and visiting a healthcare provider in the last 4 weeks were associated with higher levels of both psychological distress and fear of COVID-19. Furthermore, higher psychological distress was associated with being a female (AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.33–2.47, p < 0.001), being a frontline worker (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04–2.15, p < 0.05), having pre-existing psychiatric problems (AOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.19–13.7, p < 0.05), being a smoker (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.32–3.09, p < 0.01), providing care to a known/suspected COVID-19 patient (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.40–2.72, p < 0.001), having a recent overseas travel history and being in self-quarantine (AOR 4.59, 95% CI 1.23–17.2, p < 0.05), self-isolation without COVID-19 (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.68–4.13, p < 0.001) or being COVID-19 positive (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.19–5.34, p < 0.05), and having high levels of fear of COVID-19 (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.29–4.66, p < 0.001). A higher level of fear was associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 2.31–4.69, p < 0.001). People with pre-existing mental health problems were less likely to be resilient (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.54, p < 0.01), whereas those with having an income were more likely to be resilient (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.02–2.11, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Effective interventions to support the vulnerable groups including improved access to mental health services are of utmost importance during the pandemic. © Copyright © 2021 Rahman, Rahman, Wazib, Arafat, Chowdhury, Uddin, Rahman, Bahar Moni, Alif, Sultana, Salehin, Islam, Cross and Bahar. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Masudus Salehin, Wendy Cross" is provided in this record**
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Rahman, Shaila , Wazib, Amit , Salehin, Masudus , Cross, Wendy
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 12, no. (2021), p. 718654
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed psychological distress and fear across the globe; however, factors associated with those issues or the ways people cope may vary by country or context. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies for people living in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in August-September 2020 using online platforms in Bangladesh. People residing in Bangladesh, aged ≥18 years, who were proficient in English and able to respond to online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess the psychological stress. Level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and strategies to cope were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Results: Of the 962 participants, half of them were aged between 30 and 59 years. Being born in Bangladesh, having graduate education, perceived distress due to employment change, effect of COVID-19 on financial situation, having multiple comorbidities, and visiting a healthcare provider in the last 4 weeks were associated with higher levels of both psychological distress and fear of COVID-19. Furthermore, higher psychological distress was associated with being a female (AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.33–2.47, p < 0.001), being a frontline worker (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04–2.15, p < 0.05), having pre-existing psychiatric problems (AOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.19–13.7, p < 0.05), being a smoker (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.32–3.09, p < 0.01), providing care to a known/suspected COVID-19 patient (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.40–2.72, p < 0.001), having a recent overseas travel history and being in self-quarantine (AOR 4.59, 95% CI 1.23–17.2, p < 0.05), self-isolation without COVID-19 (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.68–4.13, p < 0.001) or being COVID-19 positive (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.19–5.34, p < 0.05), and having high levels of fear of COVID-19 (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.29–4.66, p < 0.001). A higher level of fear was associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 2.31–4.69, p < 0.001). People with pre-existing mental health problems were less likely to be resilient (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.54, p < 0.01), whereas those with having an income were more likely to be resilient (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.02–2.11, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Effective interventions to support the vulnerable groups including improved access to mental health services are of utmost importance during the pandemic. © Copyright © 2021 Rahman, Rahman, Wazib, Arafat, Chowdhury, Uddin, Rahman, Bahar Moni, Alif, Sultana, Salehin, Islam, Cross and Bahar. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Masudus Salehin, Wendy Cross" is provided in this record**
A comparative analysis of domestic violence against women in Australia and Bangladesh : government policies, legislation and organisational responses
- Authors: Rahman, Nasrin
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This is a comparative study of Domestic Violence (DV) between Australia (Victoria) and Bangladesh. It examined the interrelationship between factors which contribute to DV, government policies and legislation developed to deal with DV, and organisational responders (police and DV Crisis Support Services) implementing strategies and remedies in the policies and legislation. A comparative country case study strategy was adopted utilising triangulation of methods of data collection including an analysis of the countries’ respective policies and legislation and conducting in-depth interviews with key responder personnel. The conceptual framework identified policies and legislation as Steering Media, which influenced a society’s beliefs embedded in the Lifeworld, and which guided the actions of responders to DV in the two different countries’ Systems. Differences and similarities were found between the two countries. The main common factor was the identification of gender inequality as an underlying factor causing DV. Some social and cultural factors exist in both countries such as poverty. Some factors were specific to Australia, such as the consumption of alcohol; and in Bangladesh, such as dowry and dependency on men. Of significance is that gender equality is enshrined in the Bangladeshi Constitution, while Australia relies on legislation that could potentially be changed to disadvantage women. Differences revealed include identification of victims and perpetrators, with Bangladesh specifically naming women and children as victims but never the perpetrator and Australia (Victoria) naming any family member as victim or perpetrator. Also, responders deal with DV victims and perpetrators differently according to the policies and legislation of both countries. This research has implications for both theory and practice in both countries. The findings have potential to contribute to changes in policy and legislation related to DV as well as in the practice level by responders across both countries, learning from each other in the process.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Rahman, Nasrin
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This is a comparative study of Domestic Violence (DV) between Australia (Victoria) and Bangladesh. It examined the interrelationship between factors which contribute to DV, government policies and legislation developed to deal with DV, and organisational responders (police and DV Crisis Support Services) implementing strategies and remedies in the policies and legislation. A comparative country case study strategy was adopted utilising triangulation of methods of data collection including an analysis of the countries’ respective policies and legislation and conducting in-depth interviews with key responder personnel. The conceptual framework identified policies and legislation as Steering Media, which influenced a society’s beliefs embedded in the Lifeworld, and which guided the actions of responders to DV in the two different countries’ Systems. Differences and similarities were found between the two countries. The main common factor was the identification of gender inequality as an underlying factor causing DV. Some social and cultural factors exist in both countries such as poverty. Some factors were specific to Australia, such as the consumption of alcohol; and in Bangladesh, such as dowry and dependency on men. Of significance is that gender equality is enshrined in the Bangladeshi Constitution, while Australia relies on legislation that could potentially be changed to disadvantage women. Differences revealed include identification of victims and perpetrators, with Bangladesh specifically naming women and children as victims but never the perpetrator and Australia (Victoria) naming any family member as victim or perpetrator. Also, responders deal with DV victims and perpetrators differently according to the policies and legislation of both countries. This research has implications for both theory and practice in both countries. The findings have potential to contribute to changes in policy and legislation related to DV as well as in the practice level by responders across both countries, learning from each other in the process.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Electronic cigarettes or vaping : are there any differences in the profiles, use and perceptions between a developed and a developing country?
- Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Joseph, Bindu, Nimmi, Naima
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Joseph, Bindu , Nimmi, Naima
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 3 (2022), p.
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- Description: The use of electronic cigarettes or vaping is currently increasing in popularity globally. Debate continues regarding their potential role for smoking cessation. We aimed to compare the profiles, use and perceptions of using e-cigarettes amongst online forum users in a developed and a developing country. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of different popular online forums in Australia and Bangladesh who were current or ex-users of e-cigarettes. There were 422 study participants, 261 (62%) from Australia and 161 (38%) from Bangladesh. The mean age was 36.3 (±12) years and 83% were men. Australians were more likely to be exclusive users of e-cigarettes (70% vs. 30%, AOR 3.05 [95% CI 1.63–5.71]), but less likely to be dual users of smoking and e-cigarettes (43% vs. 57%, 0.36 [0.19–0.69]); they were also more likely to mention that the perceived reasons for using were their low cost, good taste/flavour, safety and assistance in reducing or quitting smoking (66% vs. 34%, 5.10 [2.04–12.8]), but less likely to mention a social/cool image as a reason for use (23% vs. 77%, 0.11 [0.01–0.87]) compared with Bangladeshi participants. About two-thirds of the participants in both countries perceived the use of e-cigarettes as less addictive than cigarettes and more than three-quarters perceived them as less harmful. E-cigarette users in Australia were more likely to use them to reduce or quit cigarettes compared with those in Bangladesh, and dual use was common in Bangladesh. These findings warrant the consideration of precautions for promoting e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for smoking cessation in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Joseph, Bindu , Nimmi, Naima
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 3 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The use of electronic cigarettes or vaping is currently increasing in popularity globally. Debate continues regarding their potential role for smoking cessation. We aimed to compare the profiles, use and perceptions of using e-cigarettes amongst online forum users in a developed and a developing country. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of different popular online forums in Australia and Bangladesh who were current or ex-users of e-cigarettes. There were 422 study participants, 261 (62%) from Australia and 161 (38%) from Bangladesh. The mean age was 36.3 (±12) years and 83% were men. Australians were more likely to be exclusive users of e-cigarettes (70% vs. 30%, AOR 3.05 [95% CI 1.63–5.71]), but less likely to be dual users of smoking and e-cigarettes (43% vs. 57%, 0.36 [0.19–0.69]); they were also more likely to mention that the perceived reasons for using were their low cost, good taste/flavour, safety and assistance in reducing or quitting smoking (66% vs. 34%, 5.10 [2.04–12.8]), but less likely to mention a social/cool image as a reason for use (23% vs. 77%, 0.11 [0.01–0.87]) compared with Bangladeshi participants. About two-thirds of the participants in both countries perceived the use of e-cigarettes as less addictive than cigarettes and more than three-quarters perceived them as less harmful. E-cigarette users in Australia were more likely to use them to reduce or quit cigarettes compared with those in Bangladesh, and dual use was common in Bangladesh. These findings warrant the consideration of precautions for promoting e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for smoking cessation in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Examining Bangladesh's responses to COVID-19 in light of Vietnam : lessons learned
- Hilda, Nazmul, Uddin, Helal, Hasan, Kamrul, Malo, James Sujit, Duong, Minh Cuong, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Hilda, Nazmul , Uddin, Helal , Hasan, Kamrul , Malo, James Sujit , Duong, Minh Cuong , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Biosecurity Vol. 3, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This review aimed to examine the extent of Bangladesh's COVID-19 preparedness and control measures up to 20 January 2021, and to draw some lessons for informing the current and future pandemic responses in Bangladesh in light of Vietnam's responses, which had successfully controlled the pandemic. We performed a content analysis of data to identify similarities and critical discrepancies in epidemiological features and COVID-19 responses between the two countries. Findings indicated that Vietnam reported lower COVID-19 incidence (15 cases per million) and death rate (0.4 cases per million) than Bangladesh, with 3,129 cases per million and a death rate of 46 cases per million. Vietnam reported only 35 deaths, with 22 older individuals (>60 years) compared with 7,950 deaths in Bangladesh, with the highest death rate in older people (45%). An integrated approach combined with widespread contact tracing, better health investment, vaccine development, and strong political commitment enabled Vietnam to control the disease and mitigate its impacts. In contrast, Bangladesh seemed to adopt inadequate and untimely measures in the same domains, potentially contributing to relatively high COVID-19 infections and death rates. To control COVID-19 or inform responses to future pandemics, Bangladesh and similar countries can learn eight lessons from Vietnam. Such transferable responses could prepare health systems and populations for an appropriate global response to the next potential pandemic.
- Authors: Hilda, Nazmul , Uddin, Helal , Hasan, Kamrul , Malo, James Sujit , Duong, Minh Cuong , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Biosecurity Vol. 3, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This review aimed to examine the extent of Bangladesh's COVID-19 preparedness and control measures up to 20 January 2021, and to draw some lessons for informing the current and future pandemic responses in Bangladesh in light of Vietnam's responses, which had successfully controlled the pandemic. We performed a content analysis of data to identify similarities and critical discrepancies in epidemiological features and COVID-19 responses between the two countries. Findings indicated that Vietnam reported lower COVID-19 incidence (15 cases per million) and death rate (0.4 cases per million) than Bangladesh, with 3,129 cases per million and a death rate of 46 cases per million. Vietnam reported only 35 deaths, with 22 older individuals (>60 years) compared with 7,950 deaths in Bangladesh, with the highest death rate in older people (45%). An integrated approach combined with widespread contact tracing, better health investment, vaccine development, and strong political commitment enabled Vietnam to control the disease and mitigate its impacts. In contrast, Bangladesh seemed to adopt inadequate and untimely measures in the same domains, potentially contributing to relatively high COVID-19 infections and death rates. To control COVID-19 or inform responses to future pandemics, Bangladesh and similar countries can learn eight lessons from Vietnam. Such transferable responses could prepare health systems and populations for an appropriate global response to the next potential pandemic.
COVID-19 effects on public finance and SDG priorities in developing countries : comparative evidence from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
- Colombage, Sisira, Barua, Suborna, Nanayakkara, Madurika, Colombage, Udari
- Authors: Colombage, Sisira , Barua, Suborna , Nanayakkara, Madurika , Colombage, Udari
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Journal of Development Research Vol. 35, no. 1 (2023), p. 85-111
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global health crisis, rapidly transferred into a global economic and social crisis. The pandemic has threatened the world’s commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 as governments in developing countries have shifted their priorities from attaining SDGs, to providing urgent financial needs to save lives and prevent recession in hopes for a rapid economic recovery. The rerouting of public funding priorities has undermined the progress and achievement of SDGs. We employed a mixed-method and carried out a comparative study using pre- and post-public financial data of two developing countries in South Asia; Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A threefold analysis was conducted to investigate the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in two countries, the impact of the pandemic on external and internal public finance and the effect of the pandemic in shifting the policy priorities from SDGs to economic survival. This study found that both countries are highly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic and are suffering from the lack of financing from external sources through the private sector as well as an increasing foreign debt. There is mounting pressure on the fiscal balance in both countries. © 2022, The Author(s).
- Authors: Colombage, Sisira , Barua, Suborna , Nanayakkara, Madurika , Colombage, Udari
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Journal of Development Research Vol. 35, no. 1 (2023), p. 85-111
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global health crisis, rapidly transferred into a global economic and social crisis. The pandemic has threatened the world’s commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 as governments in developing countries have shifted their priorities from attaining SDGs, to providing urgent financial needs to save lives and prevent recession in hopes for a rapid economic recovery. The rerouting of public funding priorities has undermined the progress and achievement of SDGs. We employed a mixed-method and carried out a comparative study using pre- and post-public financial data of two developing countries in South Asia; Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A threefold analysis was conducted to investigate the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in two countries, the impact of the pandemic on external and internal public finance and the effect of the pandemic in shifting the policy priorities from SDGs to economic survival. This study found that both countries are highly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic and are suffering from the lack of financing from external sources through the private sector as well as an increasing foreign debt. There is mounting pressure on the fiscal balance in both countries. © 2022, The Author(s).
An observation of the changing trends of a river channel pattern in Bangladesh using satellite images
- Wahiduzzaman, Md, Yeasmin, Alea
- Authors: Wahiduzzaman, Md , Yeasmin, Alea
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 12, no. 22 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The shifting pattern of the Ganges-Padma River in Bangladesh is examined using satellite images. The meandering Ganges-Padma River has recently transformed into a braided river. Satellite imageries from 1973–2016 are used to compute the sinuosity ratio and braiding index (two measures that allow for the trend analysis). It turns out that both the sinuosity ratio and the braiding index went up with time, surpassing the cut-off for meandering. Overall, the braiding index variation exceeds the sinuosity variation. © 2022 by the authors.
- Authors: Wahiduzzaman, Md , Yeasmin, Alea
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 12, no. 22 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The shifting pattern of the Ganges-Padma River in Bangladesh is examined using satellite images. The meandering Ganges-Padma River has recently transformed into a braided river. Satellite imageries from 1973–2016 are used to compute the sinuosity ratio and braiding index (two measures that allow for the trend analysis). It turns out that both the sinuosity ratio and the braiding index went up with time, surpassing the cut-off for meandering. Overall, the braiding index variation exceeds the sinuosity variation. © 2022 by the authors.
Psychological distress among bangladeshi dental students during the covid-19 pandemic
- Sabrina, Farah, Chowdhury, Mohammad, Nath, Sujan, Imon, Ashik, Abdul Quader, S., Jahan, Md Shahed, Noor, Ashek, Podder, Clopa, Gainju, Unisha, Niroula, Rina, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Sabrina, Farah , Chowdhury, Mohammad , Nath, Sujan , Imon, Ashik , Abdul Quader, S. , Jahan, Md Shahed , Noor, Ashek , Podder, Clopa , Gainju, Unisha , Niroula, Rina , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Psychological sufferings are observed among dental students during their academic years, which had been intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This study assessed the levels and identified factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping experienced by dental undergraduate students in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional online survey was conducted during October-November, 2021. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used in order to assess psychological distress, fear and coping strategies, respectively. Results: A total of 327 students participated; the majority (72%) were 19–23 years old and females (75%). One in five participants were infected with COVID-19 and 15% reported contact with COVID-19 cases. Negative financial impact (AOR 3.72, 95% CIs 1.28–10.8), recent or past COVID-19 infection, and contact with COVID-19 cases were associated with higher levels of psychological distress; but being a third year student (0.14, 0.04–0.55) and being satisfied about current social life (0.11, 0.03–0.33) were associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Being a third year (0.17, 0.08–0.39) and a fourth year student (0.29, 0.12–0.71) were associated with lower levels of fear. Health care service use and feeling positive about life were associated with medium to high resilience coping. Conclusions: This study identified dental students in Bangladesh who were at higher risk of psychological distress, fear and coping during the ongoing pandemic. Development of a mental health support system within dental institutions should be considered in addition to the academic and clinical teaching. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Sabrina, Farah , Chowdhury, Mohammad , Nath, Sujan , Imon, Ashik , Abdul Quader, S. , Jahan, Md Shahed , Noor, Ashek , Podder, Clopa , Gainju, Unisha , Niroula, Rina , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 1 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Psychological sufferings are observed among dental students during their academic years, which had been intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This study assessed the levels and identified factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping experienced by dental undergraduate students in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional online survey was conducted during October-November, 2021. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used in order to assess psychological distress, fear and coping strategies, respectively. Results: A total of 327 students participated; the majority (72%) were 19–23 years old and females (75%). One in five participants were infected with COVID-19 and 15% reported contact with COVID-19 cases. Negative financial impact (AOR 3.72, 95% CIs 1.28–10.8), recent or past COVID-19 infection, and contact with COVID-19 cases were associated with higher levels of psychological distress; but being a third year student (0.14, 0.04–0.55) and being satisfied about current social life (0.11, 0.03–0.33) were associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Being a third year (0.17, 0.08–0.39) and a fourth year student (0.29, 0.12–0.71) were associated with lower levels of fear. Health care service use and feeling positive about life were associated with medium to high resilience coping. Conclusions: This study identified dental students in Bangladesh who were at higher risk of psychological distress, fear and coping during the ongoing pandemic. Development of a mental health support system within dental institutions should be considered in addition to the academic and clinical teaching. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Factors influencing the timeliness of care for patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh
- Ansar, Adnan, Lewis, Virginia, McDonald, Christine, Liu, Chaojie, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Ansar, Adnan , Lewis, Virginia , McDonald, Christine , Liu, Chaojie , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Health Services Research Vol. 23, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: This study explored the factors associated with timeliness of care in the healthcare seeking pathway among patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh. Methods: A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from 418 patients with lung cancer through face-to-face interviews in three tertiary care hospitals. Log-rank tests were performed to test differences in the length of intervals between points in healthcare by socioeconomic characteristics and care seeking behaviours of the patients. Cox Proportional Hazard (PH) regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of the intervals after adjustment for variations in other variables. Results: A higher education level was associated significantly (p < 0.05) with a shorter interval between first contact with a healthcare provider (HCP) and diagnosis (median 81 days) and initiation of treatment (median 101 days). Higher monthly household income was associated significantly with a shorter time from first contact and diagnosis (median 91 days), onset of symptom and diagnosis (median 99 days), onset of symptom and treatment (median 122 days), and first contact with any HCP to treatment (median 111 days). Consulting with additional HCPs prior to diagnosis was associated significantly with longer intervals from first contact with any HCP and diagnosis (median 127 days), onset of symptom and diagnosis (median 154 days), onset of symptom and treatment (median 205 days), and first contact with any HCP to treatment (median 174 days). Consulting with informal HCPs was associated significantly with a longer time interval from symptom to treatment (median 171 days). Having more than one triggering symptom was associated significantly with a shorter interval between onset of symptoms and first contact with any HCP. Conclusion: The predictors for timeliness of lung cancer care used in this study affected different intervals in the care seeking pathway. Higher education and income predicted shorter intervals whereas consulting informal healthcare providers and multiple providers were associated with longer intervals. © 2023, The Author(s).
- Authors: Ansar, Adnan , Lewis, Virginia , McDonald, Christine , Liu, Chaojie , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Health Services Research Vol. 23, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: This study explored the factors associated with timeliness of care in the healthcare seeking pathway among patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh. Methods: A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from 418 patients with lung cancer through face-to-face interviews in three tertiary care hospitals. Log-rank tests were performed to test differences in the length of intervals between points in healthcare by socioeconomic characteristics and care seeking behaviours of the patients. Cox Proportional Hazard (PH) regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of the intervals after adjustment for variations in other variables. Results: A higher education level was associated significantly (p < 0.05) with a shorter interval between first contact with a healthcare provider (HCP) and diagnosis (median 81 days) and initiation of treatment (median 101 days). Higher monthly household income was associated significantly with a shorter time from first contact and diagnosis (median 91 days), onset of symptom and diagnosis (median 99 days), onset of symptom and treatment (median 122 days), and first contact with any HCP to treatment (median 111 days). Consulting with additional HCPs prior to diagnosis was associated significantly with longer intervals from first contact with any HCP and diagnosis (median 127 days), onset of symptom and diagnosis (median 154 days), onset of symptom and treatment (median 205 days), and first contact with any HCP to treatment (median 174 days). Consulting with informal HCPs was associated significantly with a longer time interval from symptom to treatment (median 171 days). Having more than one triggering symptom was associated significantly with a shorter interval between onset of symptoms and first contact with any HCP. Conclusion: The predictors for timeliness of lung cancer care used in this study affected different intervals in the care seeking pathway. Higher education and income predicted shorter intervals whereas consulting informal healthcare providers and multiple providers were associated with longer intervals. © 2023, The Author(s).
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