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Adolescent pregnancy remains a major global public health concern with well-documented risks to both young mothers and their infants. In low- and middle-income countries, adolescents (15–19 years) experience an estimated 21 million pregnancies annually, about half of which are unintended, resulting in roughly 12 million births[1]. Adolescent mothers face substantially higher risks of obstetric complications, notably eclampsia and infections, than women in their early twenties[1]. Their infants are likewise more vulnerable: babies born to adolescent mothers have significantly higher rates of low birth weight, preterm delivery, congenital anomalies and neonatal mortality[2]. These elevated risks are compounded by underlying social determinants. In South Asia, where adolescent pregnancy prevalence is among the world’s highest[2], contributing factors include poverty, limited female education, lack of reproductive health knowledge and entrenched norms of early marriage[2,3]. These factors underscore that preventing adolescent pregnancy and its adverse outcomes is critical to achieving global maternal and child health goals.
Through your esteemed journal, I would like to draw urgent attention to the alarming rise in dengue prevalence in Bangladesh. Over the past several years, dengue has transitioned from a seasonal public health concern to a year-round threat, with record-breaking cases and fatalities reported across the country. The rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management, expansion of construction sites, and climate variability—especially prolonged monsoon seasons and warmer temperatures—have collectively created ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.
AbstractBackground and Objective: In Kenya, a significant number of hypertensive patients have uncontrolled blood pressure, but data on medication adherence among this patient population is scarce. This study sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of medication non-adherence among hypertensive patients on follow-up in two referral hospitals in central Kenya.Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional study comprising of 339 hypertensive patients undergoing follow-up care in two referral hospitals located in Nyeri County between October and December 2019. Medication adherence was assessed using a validated medication adherence questionnaire. Medication adherence was a dichotomous variable (adherent vs non-adherent), with the prevalence of non-adherence being measured as a proportion. Independent predictors of medication non-adherence were identified by fitting a multiple logistic regression model, where adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were computed for various covariates and interpreted at a 5% level of significance and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The study sample largely comprised of the female gender (65.2%) and elderly people (mean age, 65 years +/- 12). Nearly half (46.6%) of the hypertensive patients interviewed were non-adherent to their medications. The factors associated with non-adherence were: having poor hypertension knowledge (AOR, 5.6, 95% CI, 3.3, 9.4); being on more than one antihypertensive medication (AOR, 2.8, 95% CI, 1.7, 4.7) and being on two or more daily doses of medications (AOR, 2.3, 95% CI, 1.3, 4.1).Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Non-adherence to prescribed medications is highly prevalent among hypertensive patients in central Kenya, and it should therefore be identified as a public health concern. Strategies aimed at optimizing medication adherence
AbstractCritically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) require continuous monitoring and specialized nursing care to prevent complications and improve outcomes.This case report highlights the role of evidence-based nursing interventions in the management of a critically ill patient admitted with severe sepsis and respiratory failure. Comprehensive ICU nursing care, including vigilant monitoring, infection control, ventilator care, pressure injury prevention, and psychosocial support, contributed significantly to clinical stabilization and recovery.This report emphasizes the critical role of ICU nurses as key members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Physiotherapy is a vital component of rehabilitation, recognized globally as an evidence-based health profession essential to achieving universal health coverage and optimizing patient functioning. However, in Bangladesh, a significant lack of regulatory oversight, professional recognition, and public awareness has allowed widespread malpractice and unqualified practice, posing serious risks to patient safety and public health. Unlike many countries with statutory licensing and clearly defined scopes of practice, Bangladesh lacks an effective licensing authority for physiotherapists and does not enforce professional standards, leaving patients vulnerable to harm. This commentary discusses the urgent need for robust regulation, structured education standards, and public health initiatives to safeguard care quality and align Bangladesh with global rehabilitation goals. We call for the establishment of a national regulatory body, integration of qualified physiotherapists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams, and public education campaigns to enhance awareness of professional credentials. Strengthening the rehabilitation workforce and embedding physiotherapy into the national health system will not only improve patient outcomes but also contribute to economic productivity and social inclusion. International collaboration and policy support are crucial to overcoming current challenges and improving rehabilitation services in Bangladesh.
AbstractBackground: Tetanus remains a preventable but persistent public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Immunization with tetanus toxoid (TT) among women of reproductive age is a proven strategy to prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus. However, gaps in knowledge and practice continue to exist among disadvantaged urban populations.Objective: To assess the status of knowledge and practice regarding tetanus toxoid immunization among women of reproductive age living in a selected slum area of Dhaka, Bangladesh.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 15–49 years residing in a selected slum area of Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of TT immunization, and immunization practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and appropriate inferential tests.Results: The majority of respondents had heard about tetanus toxoid immunization, primarily from health workers and mass media. Although awareness of TT vaccination during pregnancy was relatively high, comprehensive knowledge regarding the recommended number of doses and schedule was inadequate. A considerable proportion of women had received at least one dose of TT; however, completion of the full recommended schedule was suboptimal. Knowledge level showed a significant association with educational status and antenatal care utilization.Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness, important gaps remain in knowledge and practice of tetanus toxoid immunization among women of reproductive age in urban slum settings. Strengthening health education, improving access to antenatal services, and targeted community-based interventions are essential to improve TT coverage and prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus.