Original Articles
Arsenic Exposure and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Rural Adults in Araihazar Upazila, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Mohammad Arifuzzaman, H.E.M. Mahbubul Eunus, Sabrina Parvin Mohammad, Md. Mizanur Rahman
Background: Arsenic contamination of groundwater remains a significant public health challenge in Bangladesh, affecting an estimated 20–40 million people. Araihazar, Narayanganj is among the most severely affected regions.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 adults (aged 18–65 years) in Araihazar Upazila. Urinary arsenic levels were measured and cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profiles were assessed.
Results: The mean urinary arsenic level was 142 µg/L (SD ± 68). Subjects with higher arsenic exposure showed significantly elevated systolic blood pressure (p<0.01) and fasting blood glucose (p<0.05) compared to low-exposure groups.
Conclusion: Chronic arsenic exposure is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in this rural Bangladeshi population. Targeted interventions for arsenic mitigation and cardiovascular screening are recommended.
Keywords: Arsenic, Cardiovascular risk, Bangladesh, Araihazar, Groundwater contamination
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults in Urban Slum Communities of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Mizanur Rahman, Shamima Parveen Lasker, H.E.M. Mahbubul Eunus
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rapidly emerging as a major public health burden in Bangladesh, particularly in urban slum populations where access to healthcare is limited.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three urban slum areas of Dhaka. A total of 610 participants aged ≥30 years were enrolled. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were measured.
Results: The prevalence of T2DM was 18.4% (95% CI: 15.3–21.5%). Significant risk factors included age ≥45 years (OR 3.2), family history of diabetes (OR 2.8), physical inactivity (OR 2.1), and overweight/obesity (OR 2.5).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of T2DM in urban slum communities of Dhaka underscores the urgent need for targeted diabetes prevention programs and early screening strategies.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Urban slum, Dhaka, Prevalence, Risk factors
Maternal Nutritional Status and Birth Outcomes in Rural Noakhali District: A Prospective Cohort Study
Sabrina Parvin Mohammad, Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Syed Muhammad Baqui Billah
Background: Maternal malnutrition is a leading contributor to adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight and preterm birth in Bangladesh.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Chakhil, Noakhali among 380 pregnant women from the first trimester until delivery. Maternal anthropometric measures and dietary intake were assessed. Birth outcomes were recorded.
Results: Of the 380 women, 38.2% had chronic energy deficiency (CED). Low birth weight prevalence was 31.6%. Maternal CED was independently associated with low birth weight (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.8–4.7) and preterm birth (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.6).
Conclusion: Maternal undernutrition remains highly prevalent in rural Noakhali and is strongly associated with adverse birth outcomes. Antenatal nutritional supplementation programs are urgently needed.
Keywords: Maternal nutrition, Birth outcomes, Low birth weight, Noakhali, Bangladesh
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Hypertension Management Among Healthcare Workers in Primary Health Care Centers of Narayanganj District
H.E.M. Mahbubul Eunus, Shamima Parveen Lasker, Mohammad Arifuzzaman
Background: Hypertension is the most common NCD in Bangladesh yet remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Healthcare worker knowledge and practice gaps contribute substantially to this problem.
Methods: A cross-sectional KAP study was conducted among 185 healthcare workers in 12 primary health care centers in Narayanganj. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used.
Results: Only 52.4% of healthcare workers had good knowledge of hypertension management guidelines. Attitude scores were moderate (mean 3.2/5). Practice gaps were identified in blood pressure measurement technique (38.9%) and patient counselling (44.3%).
Conclusion: Significant gaps exist in hypertension-related KAP among primary healthcare workers. Structured training programs and updated clinical protocols are recommended.
Keywords: Hypertension, KAP study, Healthcare workers, Primary health care, Bangladesh
Review Article
Environmental Determinants of Non-Communicable Diseases in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Syed Muhammad Baqui Billah, H.E.M. Mahbubul Eunus, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Sabrina Parvin Mohammad
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly linked to environmental exposures in low-and middle-income countries. Bangladesh faces a dual burden of environmental hazards and rising NCD prevalence.
Objective: To systematically review the evidence on environmental determinants of NCDs in Bangladesh, including air pollution, water contamination, occupational exposures, and climate-related factors.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and BanglaJOL was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published 2000–2025 were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed where data permitted.
Results: 68 studies met inclusion criteria. Strong evidence was found for arsenic-NCD associations (cardiovascular disease: pooled OR 2.1; diabetes: pooled OR 1.7). Air pollution was associated with respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity. Gaps in occupational and climate-related NCD research were identified.
Keywords: NCDs, Environmental health, Bangladesh, Arsenic, Air pollution, Systematic review
Case Report
Arsenical Keratosis Presenting as Bowen's Disease in a 52-Year-Old Male from Araihazar: A Case Report
Mohammad Arifuzzaman, H.E.M. Mahbubul Eunus, Sabrina Parvin Mohammad
Background: Chronic arsenic poisoning through contaminated drinking water is a significant health issue in Bangladesh. Arsenical skin lesions including keratosis and Bowen's disease represent pre-malignant and malignant complications.
Case Summary: A 52-year-old male from Araihazar presented with widespread keratotic plaques on the trunk and extremities with a 25-year history of consuming tube-well water. Urinary arsenic was 320 µg/L. Skin biopsy confirmed Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ). The patient was started on arsenic chelation and referred for dermatology follow-up.
Conclusion: This case highlights the ongoing risk of arsenical skin malignancy in high-exposure regions of Bangladesh and emphasizes the need for regular dermatological screening.
Keywords: Arsenical keratosis, Bowen's disease, Arsenic poisoning, Araihazar, Bangladesh