Publications by authors named "Rifath Ara Alam Barsha"

Background: Smoking cessation interventions are critical for underserved populations, particularly among low-income individuals who may benefit from tailored support. However, the effectiveness of different intervention formats remains unclear, particularly as virtual and hybrid models gain popularity.

Aims: This study compares the effectiveness of three smoking cessation intervention arms in a quasi-experimental design: Self-help group (Arm 1), In-person group (Arm 2), and Virtual/hybrid group (Arm 3).

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Objectives: Although educational attainment is a major social determinant of health, according to Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs), the effect of education tends to be weaker for marginalized groups compared to the privileged groups. While we know more about marginalization due to race and ethnicity, limited information is available on MDRs of educational attainment among US immigrant individuals.

Aims: This study compared immigrant and non-immigrant US adults aged 18 and over for the effects of educational attainment on subjective health (self-rated health; SRH).

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Objective: This study aimed to examine the intersectional effects of race and educational attainment on tobacco advertising exposure among adults in Baltimore, given the growing evidence on differential influence of education for Black and White populations.

Methods: A survey was conducted in Baltimore, collecting data on educational attainment, demographics, and tobacco advertising exposure among adults (n = 3028, 22.7% 18 - 29, 17.

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Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as educational attainment are fundamental factors affecting health. One mechanism through which education affects health is by reducing the likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as smoking. However, according to the marginalization-related diminished returns (MDRs) theory, the association between education and health may be weaker for marginalized populations such as Black than White, primarily due to racism and discrimination.

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Background: Vulnerable communities are susceptible to and disproportionately affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the challenges faced, perceptions, lessons learned, and recommendations of the organizations that provide services in response to COVID-19 to vulnerable communities is critical to improving emergency response and preparedness in these communities.

Methods: This study employed GIS mapping to identify the needs and assets that exist in communities in Baltimore City, where vulnerabilities related to social determinants of health and the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic were greatest.

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Background: Due to the persistence of tobacco-related health disparities in the U.S., there is a need for innovative strategies to reach the underserved ethnic minority populations who are most at risk.

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Research partnerships between universities and communities following the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) have the potential to eliminate cycles of health disparities. The purpose of this article is to describe the process of establishing a community-campus network with a distinct mission and vision of developing trusting and successful research partnerships that are sustained and effective. In 2019, Morgan CARES was established to facilitate community engagement by founding a community center "within" a low-income residential neighborhood as a safe and accessible hub for creating a vibrant learning community.

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Introduction: Depression in women is common, and 1 woman in 4 is likely to have an episode of major depression at some point in her life. Sleep disturbances, which are significantly associated with depression, are increasingly recognized as a determinant of women's health and well-being. Although studies have examined the association between depression and sleep disorders, little research has explored this association among young women.

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Background: Total fertility rate (TFR) is high and at a static level for the last two decades in Bangladesh. Reduction of fertility by increasing contraceptives use could reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. To achieve the targeted contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) of Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) Initiative, it is important to increase CPR in all regions of the country.

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Background: The presence of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) is crucial in childbirth to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and to achieve the maternal mortality target of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim of this study was to investigate the factors related to childbirths attended by SBAs in Bangladesh.

Methods: Data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (2014 BDHS) were analyzed.

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