An ecohealth perspective of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh: a population-based study of risk factors

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Date
2025-06-09
Authors
Badat, Sobiya Aziz
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Abstract

The present study focused on food habits, lifestyle, residential location or place (from an ecosystem perspective) and their roles in human health, particularly in influencing non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh. Specifically, it investigated the patterns in hypertension and diabetes prevalence and their risk factors, from an Ecohealth (i.e., interdisciplinary) perspective. The three specific objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among adult population in Bangladesh; (ii) examine the distribution of hypertension and diabetes by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and place of residence; and (iii) identify and analyze the relationship between hypertension as well as diabetes and their risk factors in the country. Secondary data, collected by an IDRC-sponsored project from participants residing in eight districts across Bangladesh, in various spectrums of urbanicity, including metropolitan areas, peri-urban areas (contiguous to the cities), semi-urban areas, and rural areas, were used. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, applying a quantitative approach, were followed to analyze the data. The results revealed that individuals from higher SES groups exhibited healthier dietary habits, such as consuming more fruits and vegetables. Age, Body Mass Index (BMI), tobacco consumption and fruit and vegetable intake significantly influenced the likelihood of hypertension, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and preventative measures. The findings indicated that 10.7% of the population aged 18 years and above had diabetes, and that aging was a significant determinant of diabetes among Bangladeshi adults. A greater proportion of the participants with diabetes were overweight and/or obese. Among other factors, a higher level of education, likely to be associated with sedentary-oriented occupation and lifestyle, was found to be a significant risk factor for increased odds of diabetes. In addition, an ascending gradient of diabetes from rural to Upazila headquarters (semi-urban) to peri-urban and urban areas was seen. It is recommended that health policies in the country should establish standards and protocols for NCD services at all levels of healthcare. A consideration of the importance of NCD-related public education campaign regarding the ill-effects of urbanism is needed in national policy formulation -- which would help to attain Bangladesh’s commitment to the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Non-communicable disease risk factors
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