Public health challenges最新文献

{"title":"Improving Public Health Intervention Design for Food-Borne Zoonotic Disease Control: Insights From a Situational Analysis of Meat Consumers' Knowledge and Practices in Burkina Faso.","authors":"Madi Savadogo, Malik Orou Seko, Inoussa Conombo, Guesrim Lallogo, Serge Diagbouga, Zékiba Tarnagda, Rianatou Bada Alambedji","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70269","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In low- and middle-income countries, meat consumption is often associated with health risks due to limited awareness of zoonotic disease transmission. Burkina Faso is not exempt from these public health threats. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices related to meat-borne zoonotic risks among meat consumers in Burkina Faso.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical survey was conducted from August to November 2022, including 849 participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Scores were attributed to assess levels of knowledge and practices regarding zoonotic risks associated with meat handling and consumption. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>According to findings, although 90.22% acknowledged that meat could transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, only 31.22% could name at least one zoonotic disease. Poor hygiene in meat sale outlets was reported by 50.77% of respondents. Good practices, such as proper meat storage, were inconsistently reported, as 66.90% reportedly stored meat exposed to open air, and 46.29% used the same utensils for meat preparation and meal service in households. Overall, level of education, professional occupation, religion and position held in the household were significantly associated with both knowledge and practices (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and participants having better knowledge were more likely to adopt safer practices (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite a general awareness of meat-related health risks, including zoonotic diseases, knowledge gaps and unsafe practices remain prevalent among consumers. Reducing meat-borne zoonotic diseases requires shifting from general awareness to actionable, behaviour-oriented interventions. By combining community education, improved market hygiene and multi-sectoral collaboration, public health authorities can substantially reduce preventable exposure to zoonotic pathogens while preserving the nutritional benefits of meat consumption.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13142224/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sleep Quality, Sleep Hygiene Behaviors, and Psychosocial Determinants Among Undergraduate Students in South-Eastern Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Md Mayin Uddin Hasan, Intesar Mahmud Sayeed, Mohammed Zahidul Islam, Md Shahin Rana, Md Aminul Anowar, Shantu Ghosh, Abdullah Al Noman, Mohammed Abu Sayeed, Mohammad Injamul Hoq","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70262","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sleep disturbances among university students have increasingly been linked to academic stress, lifestyle choices, and psychosocial factors, all of which elevate the risk of insomnia through the demands of academic work and a propensity for irregular sleep schedules. This study evaluated the determinants of sleep quality and sleep hygiene behaviors among university students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across five universities in Chittagong, Bangladesh, involving undergraduate students selected via stratified random sampling. Student groups were compared using descriptive statistics, <i>t</i>-tests, Mann-Whitney <i>U</i>-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Dunn post hoc tests. Multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate predictors of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] score), with <i>p </i>< 0.05 as the significance threshold. Data analysis and visualization were performed using Stata SE 18 and R.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 1000 participants, the mean age was 22.05 ± 1.55 years, and 49.6% were classified as poor sleepers (PSQI > 5). Significant gender differences were found (<i>p</i> = <0.003), with females reporting poorer sleep quality. PSQI differed across disciplines (<i>p</i> = 0.028), especially science versus humanities (<i>p</i> = 0.023). Poor sleepers had significantly higher scores on the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), Academic Stressors Module (ASM), and Cultural and Social Practices Module (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In multivariable regression, female gender predicted poorer sleep (<i>β</i> = 0.741, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.254-1.228, <i>p</i> = 0.003), humanities discipline (vs. science) was also associated with higher PSQI scores (<i>β</i> = 0.621, 95% CI: 0.108-1.133, <i>p</i> = 0.018), whereas middle-income status predicted better sleep (<i>β</i> = -0.999, 95% CI: -1.813 to -0.185, <i>p</i> = 0.016).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Poor sleep quality is prevalent among university students and is primarily influenced by gender, academic discipline, socioeconomic background, and co-occurring psychosocial stressors. Targeted interventions are needed to improve educational outcomes through sleep hygiene education and context-specific strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70262"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13143870/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comparative Analysis of the Critical Resilience and Gender Equity of Mothers Impacted by Albinism: Promising Practices From Tanzania and South Africa.","authors":"Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, Barbara Astle, Ikponwosa Ero, Lori Beaman, Maretha de Waal, Bonny Ibhawoh, Elvis Imafidon, Jennifer Kromberg, Ronell Leech, Nomasonto Mazibuko, Innocentia Mgijima-Konopi, Ramadimetja Shirley Mooa, Dianah Msipa, Perpetua Senkoro, Sonya Sharma, Wisdom Tettey, Mpho Tjope, Boateng Wiafe, Meghann Buyco, Emma Strobell","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70239","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70239","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women bear the brunt of human rights violations faced by persons with albinism, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to insufficient access to skin and eye care, increased rates of skin cancer, stigma and discrimination, and threats of mutilation and murder as they are reportedly trafficked for economic gain, they face heightened gender-based violence linked to misbeliefs about albinism. This study explored through a human rights lens the resilience of mothers affected by albinism, at the intersection of gender, colorism, and religion in Tanzania and South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The critical ethnography involved participant observation, interviews, and sharing circles with 97 participants, including mothers and key informants such as albinism advocates, health and social workers, community leaders, and policy makers. In Tanzania, we conducted fieldwork in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam; in South Africa, in the provinces of Northern Cape and Gauteng. We present a comparative analysis of the two countries.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study shows that critical resilience comes about through social relationships, collective practices, and identities present in communities (local and national). We identified six promising practices that created conditions to strengthen gender equity: In Tanzania, peer support groups build capacity as human rights defenders; international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fill gaps and advocate; and faith leaders act as advocates. In South Africa, progressive health system and policy frameworks, genetic counseling and health education equip families, and traditional healers act as advocates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The promising practices distilled from the Tanzanian and South African cases should be considered for broader uptake, importantly with local adaptations.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70239"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13138115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health Diplomacy in Africa: Prospects, Obstacles, and the Way Ahead.","authors":"Majani Edward","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70245","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70245","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Africa faces a complex and evolving health landscape marked by endemic diseases, emerging infectious threats, fragile health systems, climate change, and geopolitical pressures. In this context, health diplomacy has become an important mechanism for fostering collaboration, mobilizing resources, and advancing collective health security.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review examines the prospects and obstacles of health diplomacy in Africa and proposes strategic directions to enhance its effectiveness in achieving equitable and sustainable health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted using a purposive search of literature published between 2016 and 2026 across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, complemented by policy documents and institutional reports. A total of 152 records were identified, with 43 sources included after screening. Data were analyzed through thematic synthesis, guided by decolonial theory and liberal institutionalism to interpret governance dynamics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key prospects include strengthened regional collaboration through African Union mechanisms, improved bargaining power in global health governance, increased engagement of non-state actors, and the integration of digital health innovations. However, significant obstacles persist, including political diversity, sovereignty concerns, resource inequalities, weak institutional capacity, coordination gaps, and external influence. Historical power asymmetries continue to shape negotiation processes and health governance structures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Health diplomacy offers a critical pathway to address shared health challenges in Africa. Strengthening its impact requires investment in diplomatic capacity, policy alignment, digital innovation, and equitable partnerships, supported by a unified and equity-driven continental approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70245"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13134502/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147823836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tick-Tac-Foe: When Ticks, Trade, and Zoonotic Pathogens Align in African Wet Meat Markets.","authors":"Allen Takudzwa Munaro","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70261","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70261","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zoonotic diseases account for over ∼60% of infectious diseases and present a significantly growing fatality threat in Africa. Live and wet markets (LWMs) in Africa function as key economic venues that support human livelihoods through social interaction and trade in food stuff, including meat and other animal-based products. These spaces concentrate and exaggerate human and animal contact, creating conditions conducive to zoonotic spill-over events. This narrative review, based on an opportunistic literature identification process, summarizes the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBPs) associated with carcasses at African LWMs, as well as the awareness, perceptions, and control practices of stakeholders along the meat value chain. Findings show pervasive infestations by <i>Amblyomma</i>, <i>Rhipicephalus</i>, <i>Hyalomma</i>; limited reports of <i>Haemaphysalis</i>, <i>Ixodes</i>, and <i>Demacentor</i> species; along with the circulation of <i>Rickettsia africae</i>, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, <i>Anaplasma</i> spp., and <i>Coxiella burnetii</i>. Surveillance efforts remain geographically patchy, with strong bias towards East and West Africa. The knowledge of tick-borne zoonotic diseases is poor and shaped by sociodemographic factors, like education and occupational roles. Control measures, where practiced, are inconsistently applied and inadequate. Collectively, these findings flag African LWMs as understudied epidemiologically permeable hubs, with potential implications in the ecology of tick-borne zoonotic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70261"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13134530/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Diabetes Mellitus Among Hospital Outpatients and Their Companions in Herat, Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Mohammad Masudi, Mohammad Shafi Saljuqi, Fatemah Rezaei, Zhila Arjmand, Parwin Arsin, Ali Rahimi, Enayatollah Ejaz, Fahim Ahmadi, Nasar Ahmad Shayan","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70256","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to diabetes mellitus (DM) among outpatients in Herat, aiming to identify key gaps and inform educational and policy interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An outpatient-based cross-sectional study, using a structured-, validated-, and interviewer-administered questionnaire, was conducted among 421 adult outpatients at Herat Regional and Jami Hospitals. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were performed in SPSS 27 to explore associations between KAP levels and sociodemographic factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 54.4% had good knowledge, 51.3% positive attitudes, and 52.5% good practices. Knowledge correlated with education, diabetes education, and family history (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Positive attitudes were more common in singles, urban residents, and media users (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Good practices were higher in females, housewives, and those working fewer hours (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, knowledge was associated with age 25-34 (AOR 3.94, <i>p</i> = 0.044), rural residence (AOR 0.20, <i>p</i> = 0.032), university education (AOR 0.19, <i>p</i> = 0.028), normal BMI (AOR 0.11, <i>p</i> = 0.019), and family history of Type 2 diabetes (AOR 0.25, <i>p</i> = 0.007). Positive attitudes were linked to working 2-9 h (AOR 3.41, <i>p</i> = 0.012), whereas medium income decreased odds (AOR 0.23, <i>p</i> = 0.013). Good practices were associated with female sex (AOR 0.13, <i>p</i> = 0.010), being married (AOR 0.20, <i>p</i> = 0.047), working 2-9 h (AOR 3.50, <i>p</i> = 0.033), literacy without schooling (AOR 12.31, <i>p</i> = 0.012), and prior diabetes education (AOR 8.90, <i>p</i> < 0.001). High income showed a negative association (AOR 0.21, <i>p</i> = 0.040).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although moderate KAP levels were observed, critical gaps remain, particularly in lifestyle practices and routine monitoring. Comprehensive public health strategies including structured education, media outreach, and culturally tailored interventions are vital to improve diabetes awareness and management in Afghanistan.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129491/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infectious Disease Response in Tanzania: Enhanced Strategies From the 2023 to 2025 Marburg Outbreaks.","authors":"Huda Haque, Faraan O Rahim, Sameer Abbasi, Nam Nguyen, Erick Mahatara, Alison Jang, Ntuli A Kapologwe","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70266","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The 2023 Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania, which resulted in nine confirmed cases and six deaths (case fatality rate [CFR]: 66.7%), served as a critical stress test of the national health system, revealing significant gaps in outbreak preparedness across surveillance, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control (IPC). This narrative review examines how Tanzania's public health response evolved between the 2023 and subsequent 2025 outbreak and assesses how response strategies changed between the two outbreaks. The 2025 outbreak was limited to two confirmed cases with no further transmission, a marked contrast to the 2023 outbreak. Between the two outbreaks, Tanzania implemented several critical interventions, including expansions of PCR diagnostic capacity, integration of electronic tracing modules, and public health communication strategies. This review synthesizes publicly available reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, and peer-reviewed literature, and analysis focuses on three major response domains: infectious disease surveillance, IPC, and public health education as key factors associated with Tanzania's progress. The rapid containment of the 2025 outbreak suggests meaningful progress in Tanzania's public health capabilities and the need for continued, sustained investment in integrated surveillance systems and IPC infrastructure to maintain resilience against future outbreaks. Tanzania's adaptation and multi-level interventions between 2023 and 2025 provide a model for regional health security in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70266"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13130137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147824122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional Sewing Workstation Design by Analyzing Male Bangladeshi Anthropometric Measurement in the Ready-Made Garment Industry.","authors":"Md Hasan Ali, Manjarul Hasan, Abdul Ahad, Raihan Ahmed Redoy, Md Johirul Islam, Md Al Amin, Mashrur Alam Koushik, Raihan Ahmed Joy, Md Munem Shahriar M M Shahriar","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70252","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study analyzes the anthropometric dimensions of Bangladeshi male sewing machine operators and their application in designing ergonomic workstations for the ready-made garments (RMG) industry. A cross-sectional anthropometric survey was conducted among 155 male sewing machine operators aged 18-30 years from a garment factory in Tangail, Bangladesh. A total of 44 body dimensions were measured in standing and sitting postures using standard anthropometric instruments. Descriptive statistics, comprising mean, standard deviation, and specific percentile values, were computed to inform preliminary workstation design decisions. Ergonomic risk was assessed using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) methods on the basis of observed and proposed posture. Results indicate a mismatch between existing workstation design and operator anthropometric measurements. The proposed workstation decreased RULA scores from 6-7 to 3-4 and REBA scores from 8-9 to 4-5, resulting in increased worker comfort, diminished injury risks, and enhanced ergonomic conditions. However, because of the small sample size and lack of experimental validation, the findings should be considered preliminary. The research establishes a preliminary anthropometric benchmark for subsequent ergonomic design and extensive validation studies within the Bangladeshi RMG sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70252"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13123448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of Different Pesticide Residues in Seasonal Leafy Vegetables of North Bengal Region, Bangladesh.","authors":"Md Mejbah Uddin Mithu, Sadia Akter Shormela, Md Shahinul Islam, Mahfuza Mubarak","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70220","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70220","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Food pesticide residue is a significant health issue affecting the population of developing nations, including Bangladesh. Nevertheless, there is minimal literature on the report of pesticide residues of commonly used pesticides in seasonal leafy vegetables in the North Bengal area. As such this study was meant to identify pesticide residues in raw leafy vegetables through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Three frequently consumed leafy vegetables were collected and analyzed, including Indian spinach, spinach, and stem amaranth. Overall, four pesticides have been observed in the three types of vegetables (two insecticides and two fungicides) depending on the characteristic absorption peaks in the FTIR spectra. These compounds were thiamethoxam, carbendazim, mancozeb + metalaxyl, and dimethoate. These pesticide residues likely cause food safety and health-related challenges to the population. To minimize the potential health risks, increased monitoring of pesticide residues in the vegetables and promotion of integrated pest management (IPM) approach with trainings the farmers on safe handling of pesticides are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70220"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13122106/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome Among Bankers in Bangladesh.","authors":"Bodrunnahar Barna, Md Azad Uddin, Marzia Shormin, Md Shihab Mostafa, Abdullah Al Islam","doi":"10.1002/puh2.70259","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.70259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The increasing reliance on digital devices in modern workplaces has raised significant concerns about computer vision syndrome (CVS), particularly among professionals in screen-intensive environments, like the banking sector. Despite its widespread prevalence, limited research exists on CVS within the Bangladeshi banking sector. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of CVS among bank employees in Bangladesh and to evaluate the key demographic, occupational, and environmental risk factors associated with its occurrence.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The required sample size was calculated a prior based on an expected prevalence of 85.2%, a 5% margin of error, and a 95% confidence level, resulting in a target sample of 201 Bangladeshi bank employees. The presence of CVS was determined using the validated CVS-Q tool. Descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the study participants. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of CVS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of CVS among participants was 55.2%. The most reported symptoms were headache (79%), burning eyes (63%), and eye pain (52%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that increased daily computer use (odds ratios [OR]: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.07-4.83) and very bright monitor (OR: 113; 95% CI: 1.88-18,710) were significantly associated with higher odds of CVS. Conversely, larger family size (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.39-0.92), higher weekly overtime (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60-0.91), and number of leave days taken for eye problems (OR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.00-0.41) were associated with reduced odds of CVS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CVS is a prevalent occupational health concern among Bangladeshi bank employees, driven by modifiable factors such as screen brightness and prolonged computer use. Findings underscore the need for ergonomic interventions, regular eye screening, and educational measures to mitigate CVS and promote workplace well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"5 ","pages":"e70259"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13123453/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}