Shahabuddin Medical College

BACKGROUND:Menstrual hygiene management is an important public health issue related to reproductive health, dignity, and well-being. Although medical students are expected to have basic knowledge of reproductive physiology, gaps may persist in practical menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study aimed to assess KAP regarding menstrual hygiene among second-year female medical students. METHODS:This single-institution cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2025 to June 2025 among second-year female medical students at Shahabuddin Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Of 63 eligible female second-year MBBS students, 46 participated and were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and menstrual hygiene-related KAP. Composite KAP scores were calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with KAP scores. RESULTS:The mean age of the participants was 20.98 ± 0.61 years. Twenty-one participants 21 (45.65%) resided in hostels, and 42 (91.30%) were from urban backgrounds. All participants reported awareness of menstruation, and 41 (89.13%) correctly identified the normal menstrual cycle length. Most participants strongly agreed that menstruation is a natural and normal process (42, 91.30%) and that proper menstrual hygiene has health benefits (44, 95.65%). Sanitary pads were the most commonly used menstrual product (43, 93.48%). However, only 26 (56.52%) correctly identified changing menstrual products every two to four hours as appropriate. Hostel residence was significantly associated with higher KAP scores (all p < 0.001). Urban background was also significantly associated with higher knowledge (p < 0.001), attitude (p = 0.005), and practice scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Second-year female medical students demonstrated good general awareness and favorable attitudes regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. However, practical gaps remained, particularly regarding appropriate menstrual product-changing frequency and product diversity. Hostel residence and urban background were associated with higher KAP scores, although findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size and single-institution design. Structured menstrual health education may help improve practical hygiene knowledge and future counseling capacity among medical students.

Background : Skilled birth assistance (SBA) is one of the determinants of maternal and neonatal health. Although there has been development in Nepal, there is still imbalance in SBA coverage in socioeconomic, obstetric, and geographical dimensions. This research sought to determine the major risk factors of SBA, spatial differences in SBA, and rural and urban differences in the determinants. Methodology : This study used national representative data on Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022, which included women age 15-49 years with a last live birth within the last 5 years. The outcome variable categorized as SBA at delivery (skilled vs unskilled). Step wise survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the national and rural -urban determinants with fitted assessed by likelihood ratio tests, (AIC), (BIC), and result presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with the 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Findings : Among 2,785 women, 72.5% of women were received skill birth assistance (SBA). The uptake of SBA was highest among women aged 20-34 years, secondary or higher education, and richer households. Multiparity (aOR :0.47 ,95% CI:0.36–0.63). The obstetric variables such as 4 or more antenatal care visits (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.80-2.94) and caesarean section delivery (aOR: 3.86, 95% CI: 2.42-6.16) were significant predictors of SBA. Maternal age during first birth 20 years and above, increased SBA likelihood to a moderate extent (aOR :1.23,95% CI 1.00-1.50). SBA coverage in the provinces differed significantly with the highest level in Madhesh (≈18 .19%) and the smallest in Gandaki and Bagmati (≈9.11%). Caesarean delivery, ≥4 ANC visits, and residence in Lumbini were the most significant predictors in rural areas and Gandaki residence, caesarean delivery, ≥4 ANC visits and no desire of having additional children were the most significant predictors in urban areas. Conclusion : Maternal, obstetric and socioeconomic factors have a strong impact on SBA in Nepal, and there are immense geographic and rural-urban differences. Specific actions taken against ANC uptake, parity, and provincial inequity: It is necessary to increase SBA coverage on the national level.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh from July 2019 to June 2020, to see the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Salmonella Typhi isolated from human blood with distribution of virulence genes and sequencing. Clinically suspected enteric fever patients irrespective of age and gender who attended either the Department of Microbiology or Medicine out-patient department (MOPD) in a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh for blood culture and sensitivity test were included in this study. The positive growth S. Typhi was identified by gram straining, colony morphology and biochemical test. Then Salmonella Typhi was identified by using Salmonella specific antisera. Final identification was done by using 16s Rrna by PCR. Virulence factors like hemolysin and siderophore was detected by siderophores production assay. PCR and sequencing of virulence genes were done. A total number of 50 isolated organisms were identified as Salmonella species of which Salmonella Typhi was detected in 40 (48.2%) isolates. Among 40 isolated Salmonella Typhi, no Salmonella Typhi produced hemolysin and 30 (75.0%) isolates have ability to produce siderophore. Among the isolated Salmonella Typhi all isolates 40 (100%) were positive for viaB and staA gene, 21 (52.5%) were positive for iroB. Sequencing of viaB and iroB were done for further validation. In conclusion all isolated Salmonella Typhi carried viaB and staA, iroB genes were responsible for S. Typhi pathogenicity. CBMJ 2023 January: Vol. 12 No. 01 P: 41-47

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) also known as male pattern baldness is the most common hair loss disorder characterized by chronic, nonscarring disorder that is marked by a progressive reduction in the diameter, length, and pigmentation of the hair. This disorder is located primarily on the central scalp with various patterns of loss. Pathophysiological features include an alteration in the hair cycle via reduction of the anagen (growth) phase, inflammation, and follicular miniaturization. Therapies for AGA are limited and there is no cure. There is a high demand for hair restoration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a treatment modality shown to promote wound healing, has also been explored as a treatment for AGA. Objectives: To observe the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia. Materials & method: This prospective observational study was conducted among 30 subjects with androgenetic alopecia from July 2018 to June 2020 in a reputed private hospital in Dhaka. Five platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, at intervals of 4 –5 weeks, and 2 follow-up examinations were performed. Blood (9 cc) from each AGA patient was collected in 10 cc syringe, and PRP was isolated using commercially available kit under sterilized conditions. Isolated PRP was injected in the bald areas of scalp of AGA patients. Treatment efficacy was assessed by changes in hair number and diameter. A secondary objective was to assess clinical improvement, which was evaluated by 5-point Likert scale. Then variables were analyzed and compared. Data was processed and analysed with the help of computer program SPSS and Microsoft excel. Quantitative data expressed as mean and standard deviation and qualitative data as frequency and percentage. Comparison was done by tabulation and graphical presentation in the form of tables, pie chart, graphs, bar diagrams, histogram & charts etc. Result: It was found that majority of the patients i.e. 41(68.3%) were in the age group 20-40 years, mean age was found to 38.3±6.5 years. No significant difference in age and other demographic profile was observed between groups. The median (range) hair number per square centimetre at baseline was 38.0 (13-105) in the both groups. At the final follow-up visit, hair number is improved & it was found 53.0 (24-130) in the treated group and 41.0 (11-105) in the control group. Differences was statistically significant (p=0.017). Hair diameter (μm) at baseline was 65.0 (48-81) μm in the treated group and 66.0 (49-75) in the control group. At the final follow up visit, hair diameter also improved and it was 80.0 (58-94) μm in the treated group and 69.0 (51-85) μm in the control group. Differences was statistically significant (p=0.031). There were no treatment-related adverse effects. Conclusion: Present study concluded that PRP is an effective treatment option in androgenetic alopecia, provides better clinical outcome in terms of improve hair density, diameter and significant subject satisfaction. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(2): 158-163

Abstract Context: Salmonella Typhi has developed resistance to different groups of antibiotics. Aims: The purpose of the present study was to assess the distribution of ciprofloxacin- and azithromycin-resistant genes among Salmonella Typhi isolated from human blood. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh from July 2019–June 2020. Subjects and Methods: Clinically suspected enteric fever patients, irrespective of age and gender, who attended the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and outpatient department of Medicine of tertiary care hospital. Blood culture and sensitivity tests were done. The positive growth of Salmonella Typhi was identified by Gram staining, colony morphology, and biochemical test. Then, Salmonella Typhi was identified by using Salmonella-specific antisera. Final identification was made by using 16s rRNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR was also done to detect quinolone and azithromycin resistance genes. Results: A total number of 83 samples yielded positive cultures, of which 50 isolated organisms were identified as Salmonella species; however, among these isolates, Salmonella Typhi was detected in 40 (48.2%) isolates. Among 12 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, 8 (66.67%) were positive for the gyrA gene, 1 (8.33%) was positive for the qnrB gene and qnrS gene, 2 (16.67%) were positive for aac (6´)-Ib-cr. Among 12 azithromycin-resistant isolates, 2 (16.66%) were positive for mphA and mefA genes, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, the gyrA, aac (6´)-Ib-cr, mphA, and mefA genes are found for the first time in tertiary care hospitals from the quinolones and azithromycin-resistant Salmonella Typhi.