Research Projects

Research Project (FY-2026)

Project 52-ExF-2026: KOL-Well Study (Indigenous KOL Community Health and Well-being Study)
Funding: BPA (External) Funded Project | FY 2026

Overview: The KOL-Well Study is the first comprehensive investigation of mental health, life satisfaction, and social well-being among the Indigenous KOL community in Bangladesh. The study addresses critical evidence gaps related to psychosocial health, food security, social support networks, and quality of life among one of the country’s most marginalized ethnic communities. By generating community-centered evidence, this project aims to inform culturally appropriate interventions and strengthen health equity among Indigenous populations.

Key Research Areas:

  • Mental health and psychosocial well-being
  • Social support and community resilience
  • Food security and nutritional vulnerability

Research Project (FY-2026)

Project 51-ExF-2026: ASCEND Adolescent Study (Adolescent Study of Climate, Emotions, Neurobehavioral Health, and Development: Tracking Physical and Mental Health Trajectories in Climate-Vulnerable Communities)
Funding: BPA (External) Funded Project | FY 2026–2028

Overview: The ASCEND Adolescent Study is the first longitudinal study in Bangladesh designed to understand how adolescents develop, adapt, and transition through a critical stage of life within climate-vulnerable communities.

The project addresses major evidence gaps in adolescent health research by examining the long-term trajectories of mental health, neurobehavioral development, risky behaviors, and vulnerability among adolescents living in disaster-prone areas.

Key Research Areas

  • Adolescent mental health and emotional well-being
  • Climate-related health vulnerabilities
  • Neurobehavioral development
  • Risk behaviors and protective factors
  • Longitudinal health trajectories

Research Project (FY-2026)

Project 50-InF-2026: DIET-SHIELD Study (Dietary Inequality, Environmental Constraints, and Psychosocial Health among Reproductive-Age Mothers in Urban Slums of Dhaka)
Funding: BIIRAD Internal Research Grant | FY 2026

Overview: The DIET-SHIELD Study investigates how structural inequalities, socioeconomic challenges, food access constraints, and psychosocial factors influence dietary quality among reproductive-age mothers living in urban slums of Dhaka.

This research aims to identify interconnected drivers of nutritional vulnerability and to generate evidence to inform the design of context-specific strategies to improve maternal nutrition, health outcomes, and equity among underserved urban populations.

Key Research Areas

  • Maternal dietary quality and nutrition
  • Food insecurity and household vulnerabilities
  • Social determinants of health
  • Psychosocial factors affecting nutrition
  • Urban health equity

Research Project (FY-2025)

Project 49-InF-2025:
MENSTRUA Study (Menstrual Health, Experiences, and Associated Factors among Female University Students)
Funding: BIIRAD Internal Research Grant | FY 2025

Overview: The MENSTRUA Study investigates the prevalence, experiences, and determinants of dysmenorrhea and menstrual health challenges among female university students in Bangladesh. Despite menstruation being a fundamental aspect of women’s health, menstrual-related symptoms, pain, and associated impacts on academic performance, mental well-being, and quality of life remain underexplored.

This study aims to generate evidence on menstrual health experiences, healthcare-seeking behaviors, knowledge, stigma, and associated physical and psychosocial factors among young women. Findings from this research will inform the development of evidence-informed strategies to improve menstrual health awareness, strengthen support services, and advance reproductive health equity in educational settings.

Key Research Areas

  • Dysmenorrhea prevalence and severity
  • Menstrual health knowledge and practices
  • Impact of menstrual challenges on academic and daily activities
  • Healthcare-seeking behaviors and barriers
  • Menstrual stigma and psychosocial well-being

Research Project (FY-2025)

Project 48-InF-2025: BODYWISE Study (Body Image Perception, Dysmorphic Symptoms, and Psychosocial Well-being among Young Adults) Funding: BIIRAD Internal Research Grant | FY 2025

Overview: The BODYWISE Study explores body image perception, dysmorphic symptoms, and their relationship with psychological well-being among young adults in Bangladesh. With increasing exposure to social media, shifting appearance-related expectations, and evolving social norms, body image concerns have become an emerging public health issue among young populations.

This study aims to understand the psychological, social, and behavioral factors associated with body image concerns and dysmorphic symptoms. The findings will contribute to increased awareness, early identification of psychosocial vulnerabilities, and the development of supportive approaches to promote mental well-being among young adults.

Key Research Areas

  • Body image perception and satisfaction
  • Dysmorphic symptoms and psychological distress
  • Social media influence and appearance-related concerns
  • Self-esteem and mental well-being
  • Psychosocial determinants among young adults
Completed Projects
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Ongoing Projects
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