Abstract: The proportion of older persons in Bangladesh is gradually increasing due to declining mortality rates and increased life expectancy. Bangladesh faces significant challenges around older persons’ health and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess older persons’ depression in two southern districts of Bangladesh and the relationship between depression and several socio-demographic characteristics. Data were collected from 280 older persons using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-10). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic and depression data. One way classification of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare different groups of older persons with different socio-demographic characteristics. A large majority (84.3%) of participants reported having depression. Being widowed, being illiterate, the presence of disease(s), living in a nuclear family, and having a low income were found to be significant factors contributing to older persons’ depression. The identification of internal and external factors that affect older persons’ depression may inform screening and intervention programs and reduce the consequences of depression.Abstract: The proportion of older persons in Bangladesh is gradually increasing due to declining mortality rates and increased life expectancy. Bangladesh faces significant challenges around older persons’ health and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess older persons’ depression in two southern districts of Bangladesh and the relationship between ...Show More
Abstract: Household solid waste (HSW) stream is becoming problematic due to the threat they posed to the environment and public health. Application of inefficient and insufficient management strategies results in unsegregated HSW which are burnt, or left to undergo biological or physicochemical transformation which affects the atmospheric ambient air quality of the environment. In this study, waste streams were characterized in a block multi-stage and stratified randomized post-monthly study, comprising of 100-domestic unit. Comparatively, the mass composition of garbage (food) waste streams was 211.50kg (40.82%) in dry season, and 285.70kg (42.81%) in wet season. Plastic/rubber wastes, had values of 127.00kg (24.51%) and 138.01kg (20.68%) in dry and wet seasons respectively. Similarly, paper waste stream was 70.30kg (13.56%) in dry season and 98.41kg (1476.68%) in wet season. Furthermore, glass/ceramic waste had seasonal values of 56.20kg (10.85%) for dry season and 62.59kg (9.37%) for wet season. Furthermore, the composition of metal and wood waste streams per 100 domestic units in dry/wet season were reported as; 29.50kg (5.70%)/39.40 (5.90%) for metals; and 12.70kg (2.45%)/24.23 (3.63%) for wood. Other unclassified and special wastes streams which includes but not limited to ashes, sand, stones, clothes were reported to have values of 10.90kg (2.10%) in dry season and 19.00kg (2.85%) in wet season. Disposal of uncharacterized HSW is hazardous and pose grave consequences to the environment, we therefore urge the populace to desist from reckless disposal of HSWs and also urge Government to formulate policies the will enhance safe disposal of wastes for the effective reuse and recycling.Abstract: Household solid waste (HSW) stream is becoming problematic due to the threat they posed to the environment and public health. Application of inefficient and insufficient management strategies results in unsegregated HSW which are burnt, or left to undergo biological or physicochemical transformation which affects the atmospheric ambient air quality...Show More