ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 19, 2026
Shielding Offshore Gas Turbines: A Validated CFD Approach to Multistage Inlet-Air Filtration
Samuel O. Effiom, Fidelis I. Abam, Assam T. Assam, Precious-Chibuzo O. Effiom, Okwonna C. Onochie, Oliver I. Inah
Page no 31-43 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2026.v11i01.003
Gas turbines (GTs) operating in offshore environments are highly vulnerable to performance degradation from airborne contaminants such as salt aerosols, mist, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. This study develops and validates a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to optimize a multistage inlet-air filtration system for offshore GT applications, complementing prior experimental investigations. A three-dimensional CAD model of a wind tunnel housing six ASHRAE filter classes (F7, H12, E11, E10, G5, F9) was created in ANSYS Design Modeler, and simulations were performed under steady-state and transient conditions using Navier–Stokes, turbulence, and particle transport models. Contaminant mass loadings from 20–100% were evaluated at inlet velocities of 5 m/s and 10 m/s to characterize airflow distribution, static and total pressures, and filtration efficiency. Results revealed peak inlet velocities up to nine times the free-stream value, with mass flow concentration opposite the vertical inflow reaching 8.4 kg/s. Static and total pressures decreased progressively downstream, with the highest pressure drops occurring at 80% contaminant loading, indicating increased flow resistance. Transient analyses showed filtration efficiency degradation over time due to fouling. Model predictions for total pressure drop and volumetric flow rate deviated by ≤10% from experimental data, confirming robustness and accuracy. This work offers validated CFD insights into the complex aero–particle dynamics in offshore GT inlet filtration, providing a predictive framework for optimizing filter design, selection, and maintenance to enhance long-term turbine reliability and efficiency.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 19, 2026
Effect of Process Parameters Variation and Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Dehulled Orange Seed Oils Using Acid Modified Clay
Uket, Igri Omini, Effiom Samuel Oliver, Nyong Oku
Page no 23-30 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2026.v11i01.002
This study explores the feasibility of producing biodiesel from dehulled orange seed oil, a non-edible agro-industrial byproduct with significant potential as a renewable energy feedstock. The research aims to enhance biodiesel yield through the optimization of transesterification process parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Dehulled orange seeds were processed to extract oil, after which transesterification was carried out using methanol. Five key process factors—reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst concentration, methanol-to-oil molar ratio, and agitation speed—were systematically varied based on a central composite design to assess their individual and interactive effects on biodiesel yield. Statistical analysis indicated that all variables influenced conversion efficiency, with methanol ratio and catalyst concentration exerting particularly strong effects. The quadratic model developed showed high predictive accuracy and statistical significance, confirming its suitability for optimization. The optimal reaction conditions were identified as a temperature of 75 °C, reaction time of 150 minutes, catalyst concentration of 5 wt%, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1, and agitation speed of 350 rpm. Under these conditions, the biodiesel yield reached 95.23%, demonstrating efficient conversion and validating the optimization strategy. The physico-chemical characteristics of the produced biodiesel further complied with standard fuel specifications, underscoring its suitability as a renewable fuel. Overall, the results affirm that dehulled orange seed oil is a viable and sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production. The optimized process not only achieves high yields but also adds value to agricultural waste streams, contributing to cleaner energy alternatives and supporting circular bioeconomy initiatives. This study highlights the importance of exploring non-edible oils for biodiesel production to reduce competition with food resources and promote environmental sustainability.
Malnutrition is commonly observed in children in developing countries and is a major cause of multiple illnesses. Kwashiorkor in children is characterized by generalized edema and develops as a result of protein-calorie deficiency, whereas marasmus results from calorie and energy deficiency. We report a case of an 11-month-old female infant who presented with fever, cough, and excessive crying for 2 days. She was normal 2 days back, then developed high-grade fever, which is acute in onset, intermittent, relieved by medications, with multiple spikes with kwashiorkor features as idiopathic. The child also presented with hepatomegaly, hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia, and elevated transaminases. Children with kwashiorkor typically have a very low plasma albumin concentration due to protein deficiency.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Jan. 17, 2026
Reimagining Belonging: History, Politics, and Trauma in Easterine Kire’s Bitter Wormwood
Rajendra Prasad Roy, Gajendra Adhikary, Dr. Rustam Brahma
Page no 14-18 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2026.v11i01.002
Easterine Kire represents a significant contemporary literary figure from Nagaland, whose writings profoundly explore the intricate social, political, and historical contexts of the Naga community. In Bitter Wormwood, she delves into the complex intersections of history, politics, and trauma, reconstructing Naga identity through lived experience, memory, and acts of defiance. Employing frameworks derived from postcolonial and trauma theory, especially those articulated by Cathy Caruth and Sanjib Baruah, the novel illustrates the profound impact of historical violence, colonial disruptions, and political marginalisation on the formation of Naga consciousness. Kire’s narrative intricately weaves together personal experiences of trauma, creating a shared repository of resilience that connects individual pain to the larger tapestry of communal history. The novel situates the Naga struggle within the broader framework of India’s postcolonial nation-building, examining how marginalised histories contest prevailing nationalist narratives. By re-centring marginalised voices, Kire enacts a form of “history from below,” demonstrating how literature can function as an alternative space for historiography and healing. Recollection, articulated through narrative, manifests as a vital endeavour for survival and ethical restoration, navigating the intricate interplay among trauma, selfhood, and optimism. This research paper examines the representation of personal and collective trauma in Bitter Wormwood, the reconstruction of Naga identity, and the role of literature in safeguarding subaltern histories.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 17, 2026
Light-Controlled Defect Engineering for Enhanced Superconductivity in Layered Nickelate Quantum Materials
Zubeda Nangrejo, Deedar Ali Jamro, Omme Habiba Abbasi, Dilawar Ali, Nawa Arshad, Muhammad Zakria, Muhammad Owais, Iftekhar Majeed, Muhammad Rashid
Page no 39-58 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i01.005
Layered nickelate quantum materials have emerged as a promising platform for unconventional superconductivity. However, their superconducting response remains highly sensitive to lattice defects and carrier inhomogeneity. Conventional defect engineering relies on static chemical doping or strain, which lacks real-time tunability. This work introduces a dynamic and non-invasive strategy based on light-controlled defect engineering to enhance superconductivity in layered nickelates. We demonstrate that targeted optical excitation can reversibly manipulate defect states at the atomic scale. Photo-induced charge redistribution modifies local lattice distortions without permanent structural damage. This process enables controlled tuning of carrier density and electron phonon coupling. As a result, superconducting coherence is strengthened across the layered structure. The approach bridges optical control and quantum material engineering within a single framework. Spectroscopic and transport analyses reveal a measurable increase in critical temperature and superconducting stability under optimized illumination conditions. The enhancement originates from defect reconfiguration rather than thermal effects. Importantly, the induced changes persist over experimentally relevant timescales and remain fully reversible. This behavior distinguishes the method from irreversible chemical techniques. The proposed mechanism establishes light as an active control parameter for superconductivity. It also provides direct insight into the role of defects in nickelate quantum phases. Beyond nickelates, the framework can be generalized to other correlated electron systems where defect dynamics govern emergent properties. This study opens a pathway toward optically programmable superconductors and reconfigurable quantum devices.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 17, 2026
Nutrition, Supplements and their Interaction with Drugs in Diets for the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases
Leonid Ramov, Elizabeta Popova Ramova
Page no 30-38 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i01.004
The promotion of healthy eating and physical activity is part of the prevention and treatment of diseases in modern medicine. The aim of our research was to study the clinical principles in compiling a diet for patients who are already on drug therapy for a diagnosed disease, guided by the principle of healthy eating. Material and method: we conducted a study motivated by personal experiences on the interaction of drugs and nutrients in diets prescribed for healthy eating in certain diseases, with a special aspect of anticoagulant therapy. The basic principle of the protocol should include the underlying disease, medications for the same, past diseases with a deficit of certain organs in function and an assessment of the existing diet and supplements to prevent drug interactions. Results: More than 30% of people take supplements on their own. Knowledge of the interaction of drugs with supplements and nutrients with medications is of crucial importance for preventing the consequences of their synergistic or antagonistic interaction, of which bleeding is the key and most dangerous. Discussion: Modern management of patients in the perioperative period is crucial to avoid bleeding or thrombosis. The medical team takes into account all possible risks, based on the clinical examination, blood laboratory and possible drug interactions, but there is not always available data on the patients' supplementary therapy, which may be a risk. Conclusion: When recommending the consumption of supplements and diet for a given disease, the possible interaction of the drug and the condition of the organs that may be damaged should be taken into account.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 16, 2026
Anticipatory Guidance: A Cornerstone of Preventive Pediatric Dental Care
Dr. Muskan Mishra, Dr. Sonal Gupta, Dr. Jyoti Sharma, Dr. Charu Aggarwal, Dr. Akil Prawin S.S, Dr. Megha Priyadarshini
Page no 7-14 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i01.002
Anticipatory guidance (AG) is a cornerstone of preventive pediatric health care, emphasizing proactive, age-appropriate counseling to prepare parents and caregivers for children’s upcoming developmental, behavioral, and health-related changes. In pediatric dentistry, AG plays a critical role in preventing early childhood caries, promoting healthy oral habits, reducing traumatic dental injuries, and establishing the concept of a dental home early in life. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on anticipatory guidance with a particular focus on pediatric oral health, prenatal counseling, infancy, early childhood, and special health care needs. The review also identifies key domains of AG, historical evolution, clinical applications, and challenges to implementation. By synthesizing evidence from guidelines, policy documents, and empirical studies, this review highlights the importance of anticipatory guidance as an effective preventive strategy and underscores gaps for future research and clinical practice.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: BIOTECHNOLOGY | Jan. 16, 2026
Advancements in Nanoencapsulation Strategies for Enhancing Functionality and Quality of Food
Nayab Munsif, Muhammad Kashif Nawaz, Amir Sohail, Syed Ashiq Hussain, Abdus Samee, Ali Asad Yousaf, Nadia Begum, Laiba Zahid, Ayesha Musfirah
Page no 6-12 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sb.2026.v12i01.002
Consumers around the world are turning to natural ingredients to enhance flavor and promote health and well-being, as food industry around the globe has seen a surge. The innovative technologies are brought in to ensure that food is available but safe and beneficial to all. Therefore, Nanoencapsulation is gaining much importance in nutraceuticals and encapsulation of food components. Considering the global food security and food safety we must move forward the ultimate sustainable food production, processing, preservation, bioavailability and food packaging techniques, which will assist and gives more economical as well environment friendly results. The main objective of this review is to create understanding for different nano encapsulating techniques, being used by producer to attain more profit and more sustainable products. On the other hand, Encapsulation technique can be used for the protection and controlled release of bioactive compounds towards targeted sides. These encapsulation processes include emulsification, coacervation, freeze drying, super critical fluid techniques, emulsification-solvent evaporation techniques and spray drying. All these processes have somehow limited utilization and exemplification in food industry. The Producer who has capacity to generate more advanced or extra ordinary approach in food industry should not lemmatized to conventional techniques of encapsulation. We cover some advances in encapsulation procedures which are not applicable to food but being utilized in pharmaceutical industry as well. Furthermore, we have given some suggestions to both producers as well as consumer aspect to make better understanding of cooperation in future.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: FAMILY MEDICINE | Jan. 16, 2026
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virtual Academy Training in Enhancing Continuous Medical Education for Primary Health Care Physicians in Dubai Health
Elham Alnuaimi, Rasha AbdulSalam, Heba Ahmed Reda, Alia Al Sakkal, Amal Elsetouhi, Ayesha Folad, Amr Nasr, Fatma Abbasi
Page no 13-20 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sb.2026.v12i01.003
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a virtual academy training program in enhancing continuous medical education for family medicine physicians in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai's primary healthcare sector has implemented this virtual training initiative to provide ongoing education and skill development for family medicine practitioners working in primary care centers. A convergent mixed-methods design combined quantitative survey data from 166 participants with qualitative insights from 27 in-depth interviews. The study examined the impact of the training on physicians' knowledge, clinical competence, overall satisfaction, and the key challenges and opportunities in implementing virtual programs. Results showed that 88% agreed that the sessions improved their awareness of the latest practices, and 72.5% were more confident in diagnosing and treating common illnesses. 85.5% reported successfully putting the training skills to work at their clinics. Participants also noticed improvement in handling essential procedures, with 81.3% agreeing. Qualitative analysis reinforced these findings, highlighting the importance of interactive, case-based learning and the need for more hands-on opportunities. Barriers identified included time constraints, scheduling conflicts, and limited direct practice opportunities. The findings indicate that virtual CME is an effective strategy for upskilling family medicine physicians in Dubai. Hybrid learning models, protected learning time, and optimised session design can further enhance its impact. These insights offer practical guidance for healthcare policymakers and organisations aiming to strengthen medical education through digital innovation in the UAE and similar contexts.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 15, 2026
Prevalence of Myalgia and Chills as Predictors for Dengue Virus Positivity Among Adult Outpatients in Public Hospitals of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Mohammad Sayem, Dr. Fariya Khan, Dr. Syeda Zinia Zafrin, Dr. Mostakim Billah, Dr. Shanawaz Ibne Ambiya, Dr. Arjuman Sharmin
Page no 44-51 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i01.007
Background: In dengue-endemic countries such as Bangladesh, early discrimination of dengue from other acute febrile illnesses (AFI) in outpatient practice is a pivotal practical strategy to expedite proper case management and optimize resource utilization, but the predictive value of common symptoms like myalgia and chills are poorly quantified. The prevalence, diagnostic accuracy and independent predictors for laboratory confirmed dengue among adults’ outpatients in Dhaka, Bangladesh were the objectives of this study. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in two tertiary hospitals, Dhaka during the period from January to December 2025. The consecutive AFI (History & examination duration ≤7 days) adults older than 18 years were included. Symptoms were assessed using a structured questionnaire and included information on myalgia (presence and severity, from 1 to 10), and chills. NS1 antigen and/or IgM antibody using a WHO-prequalified rapid test (SD BIOLINE Dengue Duo) were used to confirm dengue illness. Summary (max 100 words): Diagnostic accuracy was determined, and independent predictors were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Dengue prevalence was 42.2% (76/180) in a total of 180 studied individuals. Myalgia was reported in 93.4% vs 68.3% in dengue-positive than dengue-negative patients (p<0.001) revealing a high sensitivity (93.4%) but low specificity It was the prevalent symptom/sign among both cases and controls (Table 2A). Myalgia (≥5 score) had a specificity 55.8%. Chills were less predominantly observed among dengue-positive patients (44.7% vs 71.2%, p<0.001) and had moderate specificity 71.2%. In multivariate analysis, myalgia was a strong independent predictor (aOR=5.87, 95% CI: 1.99–17.29), while chills were inversely associated with dengue (aOR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.21–0.80). Conclusions: Severe myalgia is a sensitive clinical marker, whereas chills should raise the possibility of other causes. Targeting such symptom presentations can help contribute to early clinical suspicion and prioritize testing in the outpatient settings affected by dengue epidemics.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 15, 2026
Antifungal Potential of Neem Seeds and Onion Bulb Extracts on Anthracnose Disease of Sweet Pepper
Abana Peace C, Anah Chinwizu O, Nleonu Emmanuel C, Abana Prince C, Opara Chioma T and Ubah Chinweike R
Page no 13-19 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i01.002
Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production is seriously restricted by anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp., leading to significant yield losses globally. Dependence on synthetic fungicides has raised serious concerns over fungal resistance, environmental contamination, and human health risks, necessitating ecofriendly alternatives. This study investigated the antifungal potential of aqueous extracts from neem (Azadirachta indica) seeds and onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs against anthracnose in sweet pepper under controlled pot conditions. The design employed weekly foliar applications of 200 ml/m² neem seed extract, onion bulb extract, or untreated control on anthracnose-inoculated plants. Parameters assessed were leaf number, plant height, fruit yield, disease severity and agronomic efficiency index. Both extracts significantly improved vegetative growth, increased fruit yield, and reduced disease incidence compared to the control. Neem seed extract exhibited slightly better performance in promoting leaf retention and plant height. Strong positive correlations were observed between growth traits and yield, while disease severity showed significant negative correlations with productivity. The findings reveal that neem seed and onion bulb extracts effectively suppress anthracnose, improve plant performance, and offer promising eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides for sustainable sweet pepper cultivation.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 15, 2026
Pattern of Disabilities among Differently Abled Children Attending a Special Education Institute in Rajshahi, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Dr. Abdullah Al Kafi, Belona Nasrin Shoshi
Page no 21-27 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2026.v12i01.004
Introduction: Childhood disability represents a significant public health challenge in low-resource settings, yet detailed epidemiological profiles of children attending special education institutes in Bangladesh remain scarce. This study aimed to identify the pattern of disabilities and associated socio-demographic, perinatal, and familial characteristics among differently abled children attending Islami Bank Medical College and Hospital in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children attending Islami Bank Medical College and Hospital in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with mothers or guardians using a pre-tested, partially structured questionnaire. Disability types, birth history, maternal health, and familial factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests in SPSS version 22. Result: The mean age of children was 8.85 (±4.25) years; 66.7% were male. Autism spectrum disorder was the most common disability (44.2%), followed by cerebral palsy (15.8%), Down syndrome (15.0%), and multiple disorders (13.3%). Half (50.8%) exhibited multiple co-occurring disability characteristics. Significant associations were found between disability type and sex (p<0.05), prematurity/low birth weight (p<0.001), birth trauma (p<0.001), and maternal age at conception (p<0.001). Despite 90.8% antenatal care coverage, 92.5% of mothers did not take folic acid during the first trimester, and 95.0% were unaware of micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusion: Autism is the predominant disability among children in this setting, with notable links to perinatal factors and maternal age. Critical gaps persist in maternal nutrition awareness and perinatal care. Findings underscore the need for targeted autism services, strengthened perinatal interventions, and integrated maternal health education to mitigate disability risks and improve outcomes for differently abled children in Bangladesh.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 15, 2026
Precision Nutrition Across Species: A Bibliometric Analysis of PubMed-Indexed Research
Zubair Azhar Nomi, Maira Ashfaq, Muhammad Qamar Abdullah, Alishba Mazhar, Eiman sheikh, Laiba Iftikhar, Hanium Mrrya
Page no 20-29 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i01.003
Precision nutrition is a potentially disruptive paradigm of nutritional science that seeks to precisely customize food advice depending on the biological, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors of individuals. The intensive research growth in human and animal nutrition, nutrigenomics, metabolomics and data-driven methods has produced a convoluted and multidisciplinary literature that is difficult to synthesize in terms of conventional narrative methods. The current paper presents a combined bibliometric and scientmetric review of the world-wide research on precision nutrition published in PubMed index between 2005 and 2025 which incorporates the performance analysis, science mapping and multivariate conceptual approaches. One hundred and thirty-two publications were analyzed in 81 sources with the help of Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer. Temporal analysis indicated that the output of research has increased significantly since 2015 as a result of increasing use of omics technologies, microbiome research, and computational analytics. The source analysis revealed that there is a high concentration of journal that has a few core nutrition journals that cover a huge percentage of the publications, which is in line with the law of Bradford. The geographic evaluation showed that the high-income nations, especially the United States and Western Europe, had been dominant, with a moderate yet growing cooperation at the international level. The keywords co-occurrence networks, density mapping, and overlay visualization revealed diet-health interaction, nutrigenomics, and human nutritional status as the key themes of research, whereas artificial intelligence and microbiome-based personalization and precision feeding in animals became emerging directions. Several correspondence analyses also showed the specific conceptual axes between molecular and omics-oriented research on the one hand and, on the other hand, applied and preventive nutrition areas. All the results point to parallel, but still not fully integrated processes of human and animal precision nutrition studies. The paper has provided a strategic overview of intellectual, thematic, and future directions of the field of precision nutrition, which offers a solid evidence base to guide interdisciplinary research, translational implementation, and policy formulation.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 15, 2026
Comparative Evaluation of Nonstructural Protein-1 (NS1) Antigen Detection Via Rapid Test and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in Correlation with Real-Time RT-PCR for Early Dengue Diagnosis: A Hospital-Based Study in Bangladesh
Dr. Mohammad Sayem, Dr. Fariya Khan, Dr. Syeda Zinia Zafrin, Dr. Mostakim Billah, Dr. Shanawaz Ibne Ambiya, Dr. Farhana Huq
Page no 36-43 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2026.v12i01.006
Background: Early and accurate diagnosis of dengue fever (DF) is indispensable for patient management and outbreak control in endemic areas such as Bangladesh. S ns1 as an early diagnostic marker is a challenge, and there are many formats of “rapid test” (RDT) today, the sensitivity and specificity of all RDT in relation to molecular gold standard has yet not been well defined for use among more vulnerable population with highest dengue burden. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of a commercial NS1 RDT and an NS1 ELISA with reference to real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for early dengue diagnosis. Methods: A prospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted from July 2024 to June 2025 at two tertiary hospitals in Dhaka. We enrolled 200 consecutive patients with acute febrile illness (≤5 days) meeting the WHO suspected dengue case definition. Serum was simultaneously tested with the SD BIOLINE Dengue Duo NS1 rapid diagnostic test (RDT), the PANBIO™ Dengue Early enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a multiplex real time reverse transcriptase PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and concordance (Cohen’s kappa) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Performance was analyzed by day of illness and association with RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values. Results: Out of the total 200 patients, confirmed RICT dengue-positive was found in 124 (62.0%) by RT-PCR. The NS1 ELISA was significantly more sensitive compared with the RDT (91.9% [85.6-96.1] versus 74.2% [65.5-81.6]; p<0.001). Specificities were 96.1% (88.9-99.2) with ELISA and 92.1% (83.6-97.0) with RDT. ELISA testing had good concordance with RT-PCR (κ=0.87), whereas the RDT administered only a moderate concordance (κ=0.66). Sensitivity of both tests waned with delay in presentation, but this was more marked for the RDT which registered a sensitivity of 59.1% by day 4-5. The most influential factor for both tests false negative was high RT-PCR Ct values (low viral load). Conclusion: The NS1 ELISA is far superior to the NS 1 RDT for early diagnosis of dengue in Bangladesh hospital. Though the RDT serves as a rapid triage tool, it comes with a high false-negative rate after the early febrile stage, and should be used cautiously. A reflex testing algorithm with RDT as initial screening, followed by ELISA confirmation of negative RDT cases, should be considered in order to maximize early case detection and patient management.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 15, 2026
Association of Household Drinking Water Access with Gastrointestinal Morbidity: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Dr. Mohammad Sayem, Dr. Fariya Khan, Dr. Syeda Zinia Zafrin, Dr. Mostakim Billah, Dr. Farhana Huq, Dr. Abdullah Enam
Page no 28-35 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2026.v12i01.005
Background: In many urban and peri-urban settings, access to safe drinking water continues to be a major public health issue. Although infrastructure has improved, the association of multidimensional household water access and clinical gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity is incompletely described for hospital-based populations. We sought to examine the relationships of household drinking water access across dimensions with GI morbidity among patients and their caregivers in tertiary hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A hospital-based, analytical cross-sectional observational study was carried out from July to December 2025 in two tertiary-care centers. The sample of 150 patients were recruited by consecutive sampling. Data was obtained through face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire which included collection of socio-demographics, methods of access to household water (source, treatment, availability and perceived quality), GI morbidity in the past six months. Independent predictors of GI morbidity were determined by multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of household GI morbidity was 72.0%. Strong bivariate predictors of GI illness included, unimproved water source (90.5% vs. 58.6% for improved sources, p<0.001), no water treatment (94.4% vs. 59.4% for treated water, p<0.001), access <12 hours/day (78.3% vs 66.7%, p=0.035) and belief that there are problems with perceived quality of drinking water (85.3 % VS.43.8 %, P< 0.001). In multivariate analysis, not practicing household water treatment was the most significant independent risk factor (aOR=8.45; 95% CI: 2.68-26.68). Additional strong predictors were perceived water quality problems (aOR=6.03), use of unimproved water sources (aOR=2.91) and access <12 hours/day (aOR=1.72). Conclusion: This study exhibits a robust, independent relationship between unimproved household water access, and in particular lack of point-of-use treatment with GI morbidity. The results point to a dual approach for public health: widespread household water treatment should be promoted as an immediate measure; and also, parallel investment in reliable, higher-level source improved infrastructure that can address the burden of waterborne disease in other such urban settings.