Mohammad Rakibul Islam Bhuiyan, Taha Husain, Saiful Islam and Al Amin
The study aims to assess the awareness, perception and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to assess the awareness, perception and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a quantitative methodology. A survey with structured questionnaire was conducted with a sample of 399 healthcare professionals and public members through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics summarized participant demographics, while inferential statistical techniques, including regression analysis, examined relationships between AI readiness and adoption.
Findings
Using a conceptual framework, the study explored factors influencing AI adoption in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. The measurement model confirmed reliability and validity, with strong factor loadings and discriminant validity. Structural model analysis revealed that social media influence (SMI) and technological awareness (TA) significantly enhanced readiness for AI (RAI) (path coefficients: 0.354 and 0.162, respectively). Perceived risk (PR) had a weaker positive effect (0.123), while perceived susceptibility (PS) and personal innovativeness (PI) were insignificant. Mediation analysis showed that RAI significantly mediated the effects of TA and PR on the adaptation of AI (AAI).
Research limitations/implications
The study suggests policymakers develop robust regulatory frameworks to address privacy concerns, enhance trust in AI and implement educational initiatives to improve AI literacy among healthcare stakeholders in Bangladesh.
Originality/value
This study offers insights into AI adoption in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. It addresses gaps in awareness and perceptions among professionals and the public, contributing to the limited research in this context.
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This study aims to evaluate public perceptions of illegal drug availability in Bangladesh amid the ongoing war on drugs while comparing the efficacy of crackdowns with traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate public perceptions of illegal drug availability in Bangladesh amid the ongoing war on drugs while comparing the efficacy of crackdowns with traditional law enforcement strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative approach, the research analyzes data gathered from 400 participants, including law enforcement officials, students, politicians, community leaders and journalists.
Findings
The findings reveal that illegal drugs continue to be widely accessible in Bangladesh, with 50.15% of respondents acknowledging this despite the government's intensified efforts against drug dealers since 2015. Perceptions of availability are notably higher among those identifying as “other” (66.67%), younger individuals aged 18–28 (55.26%), participants with lower educational levels (76.67% for those with less than SSC education), unmarried respondents (58.86%) and students (60.55%). When assessing enforcement methods, a substantial majority (65.6%) prefer regular law enforcement over violent crackdowns. The survey indicates that all respondents identifying as “other,” along with 73.23% of females, 65.6% of males, 81.82% of participants aged 58–68 and individuals from Khulna (92.65%), Rangpur (96.92%) and Dhaka (51.43%), overwhelmingly favor regular law enforcement compared to crackdowns.
Practical implications
The study emphasizes the urgent need to address the shortcomings of violent anti-drug measures and advocates for a more holistic approach that considers the complex interplay of social, economic and health factors in combating drug abuse in Bangladesh.
Originality/value
This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between demographic factors and perceptions of drug availability and the effectiveness of violent crackdowns vs regular law enforcement, revealing new insights into this complex sociocultural issue.
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This study aims to explore the prevalence and patterns of workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the prevalence and patterns of workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data collection spanned four months, using structured interviews, self-administered questionnaires and qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. A stratified random sampling technique ensured a diverse representation across sectors like garment manufacturing, domestic work and construction. Quantitative data from 384 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, while qualitative data provided practical insights into participants' experiences. Limitations included sample specificity to Dhaka, underreporting bias and potential biases in self-reported data, impacting generalizability and data validity.
Findings
The findings reveal significant demographic trends, with younger age groups (16–35 years) experiencing higher rates of harassment, particularly within the garment industry. Occupation-wise, garment workers report more incidents of harassment, while housemaids and child domestic workers face comparatively lower risks. The length of time in current employment shows mixed correlations with harassment prevalence. Fears of job loss, social stigma and reliance on internal resolution mechanisms within workplaces influence reporting behaviors.
Practical implications
This research highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions to protect young women in the garment sector and vulnerable occupations from sexual harassment. Policy reforms should enhance reporting mechanisms and address cultural barriers to reporting, ensuring safer workplaces and fair treatment for all female workers in Bangladesh.
Originality/value
This research contributes original insights by examining demographic correlates of sexual harassment across diverse occupations in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It uniquely identifies age-related vulnerabilities, occupational disparities and reporting behaviors, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing sexual violence in a critical socio-economic context.
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Taha Husain, Ruchita Banik Prima, Naimur Rahman, Md Ahsanul Haque and Al Jamal Mustafa Shindaini
This study investigates how tertiary education in Bangladesh can promote gender equality by integrating feminine writing into the academic environment. It examines feminine…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates how tertiary education in Bangladesh can promote gender equality by integrating feminine writing into the academic environment. It examines feminine writing as a vehicle for empowering female students, encouraging critical thinking and challenging societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.
Design/methodology/approach
This study follows a quantitative research methodology. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 672 students from various educational institutions across Bangladesh. Based on a research framework driven by critical pedagogy theory, the data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics to explore relationships among variables.
Findings
The findings indicate that 76.8% of female students engage in personal narratives and 54.9% in feminist essays, showing a significant preference for feminine writing. Female students (70.1%) exhibit greater awareness of gender issues than male students (29.9%). Arts and social sciences students show the highest engagement in gender discussions (52.7%) and are more likely to perceive supportive environments for feminine writing (65.9%). However, students in vocational fields report only 15.5% engagement in gender-related discussions and significantly lower institutional support. These disparities highlight the need for inclusive academic frameworks encouraging broader participation in gender discourse across all disciplines.
Practical implications
The study emphasizes embedding feminine writing and gender perspectives across curricula to foster gender equality in Bangladesh’s higher education sector. To create a more supportive academic environment, policymakers and educational institutions must integrate gender-related content across all disciplines, particularly in science, business, vocational and technical fields.
Originality/value
As one of the first studies to examine the intersection of tertiary education, feminine writing and gender equality in Bangladesh, this research offers new insights into the role of higher education in fostering gender empowerment and critical engagement with societal norms. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how academic settings can serve as transformative spaces for promoting gender equality and inclusive self-expression.
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Md. Rabiul Awal, Md. Faisal-E-Alam and Taha Husain
The primary purpose of this study is to integrate the stimulus-organism-behavior-accomplishment (S-O-B-A) paradigm to investigate the chain effect of university students'…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this study is to integrate the stimulus-organism-behavior-accomplishment (S-O-B-A) paradigm to investigate the chain effect of university students' perceived university and family support on their entrepreneurial action (EA) with a serial mediation of their attitude and intention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study introduces stratified random sample to choose respondents and a cross-sectional research design. partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has applied to thoroughly investigate the behavioral intention concerned with students' entrepreneurship action.
Findings
The findings explored that perceived university support and family supports positively impact students' entrepreneurship attitude, where perceived family support creates statistically more powerful implications than university support. Students' attitude toward entrepreneurship positively affects their entrepreneurial intent, and finally, the entrepreneurial pursuit has an affirmative impact on students' EA.
Originality/value
This study incorporates the S-O-B-A paradigm for the very first time to investigate the effects of students' environmental support on their EA with double mediation by their attitude and intention.
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Komal Dayani, Waliyah Mughis, Uswa Ali, Shahzor Hashim, Beenish Nafees and Taha Sabri
Pakistan faces a high burden of mental illness, yet mental health care remains underprioritized. This paper aims to examine key challenges within Pakistan’s mental health-care…
Abstract
Purpose
Pakistan faces a high burden of mental illness, yet mental health care remains underprioritized. This paper aims to examine key challenges within Pakistan’s mental health-care system, such as inadequate infrastructure, stigma and limited access to mental health care. It highlights how a nonprofit organization addresses these issues using a multifaceted approach.
Design/methodology/approach
This perspective explores a comprehensive strategy that includes public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, telephonic mental health services to enhance accessibility to mental health care and advocacy efforts to promote systemic change.
Findings
The integration of these approaches has the potential to improve mental health awareness, increase accessibility through a national helpline and develop community programs offering both digital and in-person support. These efforts demonstrate the promise of synchronous interventions to address mental health challenges effectively.
Originality/value
This paper provides a unique perspective on addressing mental health challenges in low-resource settings like Pakistan. It emphasizes the synergy of combining awareness, direct mental health support and advocacy efforts to create a scalable and sustainable mental health ecosystem while highlighting lessons applicable to other low-resource settings globally.
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Mustapha Yakubu Madaki and Bavorova Miroslava
To investigate the relationship between food safety knowledge, food safety attitudes, the accessibility of sanitation facilities, perceived economic and social constraints and…
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the relationship between food safety knowledge, food safety attitudes, the accessibility of sanitation facilities, perceived economic and social constraints and food safety practices among food vendors of higher institutions of learning in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A purposive sampling method was used to select 6 out of 13 public higher institutions of learning in the state and a random sampling method was used in selecting 181 food vendors from the list of 342 food vendors in the 6 institutions. Face-to-face survey interviews were carried out between June–September 2018 completing a structured questionnaire.
Findings
The result of the structural equation model revealed that food safety knowledge, food safety attitudes and economic and social control affected the food safety behaviour of the food vendors. Inaccessibility to sanitation facilities affected food safety behaviour negatively.
Practical implications
Appropriate measures to improve the food safety behaviour of food vendors in higher institutions of learning could include, for example, food safety training that could increase food safety knowledge and awareness, as well as improved access to sanitation facilities at vending sites.
Originality/value
There is no previous study that investigates the relationship between food safety knowledge, food safety attitudes, social and economic constraints, access to sanitation facilities and the food safety behaviour of food vendors in higher educational institutions in Nigeria.
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Yasmeen Abu Sumaqa and Ferial A. Hayajneh
The purpose of this study is to integrate evidence on contributing factors, consequences, in addition to coping mechanisms of depression and anxiety in patients with heart failure.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to integrate evidence on contributing factors, consequences, in addition to coping mechanisms of depression and anxiety in patients with heart failure.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrative review was conducted by searching three main electronic databases: Web of Sciences, MEDLINE and Science Direct. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review process.
Findings
The review identified the most common contributing factors, consequences and coping mechanisms of depression and anxiety in patients with heart failure. Patients with heart failure have high anxiety and depression prevalence rates.
Originality/value
It is recommended to include routine assessment and management of anxiety and depression in heart failure protocols to improve clinical outcomes.
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Eka Rastiyanto Amrullah, Aris Rusyiana and Hiromi Tokuda
This study aims to explore the structural changes in food consumption expenditure in Indonesia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the 2020 and 2021 National…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the structural changes in food consumption expenditure in Indonesia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the 2020 and 2021 National Socioeconomic Survey by Statistics Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
The quadratic almost-ideal demand system analysis model is used to estimate changes in the share of food consumption and the demand and price elasticity of food commodities in Indonesia. A total of 15 food items are analyzed to determine changes in food consumption expenditure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Findings
The results of this study show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the proportion of household expenditure related to the consumption of home-cooked food. Simultaneously, the proportion of expenditure on prepared food significantly decreased.
Practical implications
The pandemic has changed household food consumption in Indonesia. This study recommends that the government ensure the availability of supplies and stability of food prices and provide financial subsidies to maintain food consumption, especially for lower-income communities.
Originality/value
There has yet to be a study on the changes in household food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Therefore, this research provides empirical evidence that there were changes in household food expenditure during the pandemic.
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Bruno Lot Tanko, Jack Thomas Oakley, Zainab Jagun and Upeksha Madanayake
Sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects aim to reduce flooding impacts and improve community adaptability. For instance, flood-resistant stilts elevate structures…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects aim to reduce flooding impacts and improve community adaptability. For instance, flood-resistant stilts elevate structures, mitigating flood damage. Comprehensive consideration is crucial when adding elements to housing projects, incurring costs for all involved parties. This study aims to assess the viability of concrete stilts for cost-effective flood mitigation in Malaysian terrace housing.
Design/methodology/approach
The study evaluates cost implications through a comparative 5D building information modeling (BIM) cost analysis of stilted and conventional (standard) housing models. This assesses the percentage increase in total cost. Furthermore, a survey of construction professionals was undertaken. The study used online convenience and stratified sampling techniques. Out of the 222 emails that were sent, 27 construction professionals located in Johor, Sabah and Selangor within Malaysia participated in the research survey. Their perspectives on stilt housing prospects and factors for costing such structures were analyzed through a descriptive analysis using SPSS.
Findings
The case study models revealed that the incorporation of stilts could lead to a 21.64% increase in the overall cost per unit. This cost increase was primarily attributed to the additional reinforcement required. However, the survey findings highlighted that a majority of construction professionals perceived the cost increment to fall within the range of 10%–20%. Consequently, it becomes imperative to meticulously consider cost factors such as foundational requirements, staircases, and the extended construction duration to effectively curtail expenditures. The prospect of heightened costs potentially posing a threat to profit margins and discouraging developers necessitates careful financial management. Notwithstanding these challenges, the survey's insights underscored that professionals in the construction industry indeed recognize the potential of stilt technology in the realm of flood mitigation and management, particularly within housing projects.
Practical implications
This research has significant practical implications. It provides a precise financial contrast between housing categories using 5D BIM and incorporates construction experts’ viewpoints on raised housing. Enhanced design considerations for raised housing can make it economically viable, offering a cost-effective, nature-based approach to flood mitigation. This approach can bring substantial benefits to residents by reducing flood-related damages and enhancing community resilience.
Originality/value
One of the notable aspects of this research is its originality. It uses a dual quantitative methodology involving modeling and survey techniques to address its objectives effectively. This approach contributes significantly to the relatively limited body of research focused on stilt housing and the application of 5D BIM. By combining these methodologies, the study explores a relatively uncharted area, making a valuable contribution to the field.