ABSTRACT
This study explored violence against women with chronic maternal disabilities in rural Bangladesh. During November 2006–July 2008, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 rural Bangladeshi women suffering from uterine prolapse, stress incontinence, or fistula. Results of interviews showed that exposure to emotional abuse was almost universal, and most women were sexually abused. The common triggers for violence were the inability of the woman to perform household chores and to satisfy her husband’s sexual demands. Misconceptions relating to the causes of these disabilities and the inability of the affected women to fulfill gender role expectations fostered stigma. Emotional and sexual violence increased their vulnerability, highlighting the lack of life options outside marriage and silencing most of them into accepting the violence. Initiatives need to be developed to address misperceptions regarding the causes of such disabilities and, in the long-term, create economic opportunities for reducing the dependence of women on marriage and men and transform the society to overcome rigid gender norms.
ABSTRACT
Gout is a common metabolic disorder which occurs due to excessive deposition of uric acid in different bone joints. Increasing life expectancy, life style change, changes in diet are causing an increased incidence of the disease nowadays. The present study was aimed to understand the pattern and treatment of gout in Bangladesh. 150 patients at four tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka city were surveyed. The findings of the present study suggests that both male and female are suffering from the disease and age seems to be related to the disease as 62% of gout patients were found over 50 years of age. Body weight may be a contributing factor of the disease. Most of the gout patients under the survey were suffering from high blood pressure (65.33%). Primary gout was found more prevalent in this investigation (70.66%) and viral hepatitis was found to be the most common cause of the disease (50%). The patients presented common sign and symptoms of gout.
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis is common disease in Bangladesh. As a country of the Asia Pacific region Bangladesh is considered to be a high risk country for developing hepatitis A and B. This study represents the pattern and types of treatment of hepatitis in two tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh; Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Dhaka Medical Collage Hospital. 140 patients were selected among whom 80 were male and 60 female. The patients were asked to fill up a questioner. Prescriptions of all the patients were reviewed and the duty doctors were consulted for further clarification of the cases. From the data obtained over a 3 month long survey it was found that hepatitis A, B and C are most common in this country. Most of the patients develop classical sign and symptoms of hepatitis; most commonly jaundice and weight loss. About 50% hepatitis cases contributed a viral cause. 42.86% patients undergo preventive treatment whereas 57.14% patients are treated with drugs. Lamivudine, Adefovir and Ribavirin were the commonly used drugs in viral hepatitis. The prevalence of different forms of hepatitis in Bangladesh is high. Bangladesh is at the high risk region of hepatitis A and B. Routine immunizations and community education regarding the diseases are highly warranted here
ABSTRACT
The hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq., Rubiaceae, a Bangladeshi medicinal plant, was studied for its potential hypoglycemic effect and antioxidant property in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract induced significant reduction in serum glucose, and transaminases, e.g. aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP), activities. Significant changes in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxidase and catalase levels during the experimental period were also observed. The results established that the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of A. cadamba possesses hypoglycemic property and is able to protect liver and brain from oxidative damages caused by diabetes.