Feeling of Discrimination of Indigenous Students Studying in Dhaka: Their Mental Health Status and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Risk Factors. v1

As the Principal Investigator, I intend to investigate the experiences of discrimination among indigenous students in Dhaka, assessing its association with mental health outcomes and key NCD risk factors. The study falls within BMRC’s priority research areas of Social 26 Behavioural Science, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Mental Health, and is designed to generate evidence to inform interventions aimed at improving equity and well-being among marginalized student populations. This cross-sectional quantitative study aims to examine the association between perceived discrimination and mental health status, along with non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors among indigenous students studying in Dhaka. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires using validated instruments, including the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire (PEDQ) to assess discrimination experiences, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to measure mental health status, and the WHO’s Generic STEPS Instrument for evaluating NCD risk factors. Statistical analyses will identify the prevalence and strength of associations to inform targeted interventions and policy development. Abstract for Ethical Review Committee Project Title: Feeling of Discrimination of Indigenous Students Studying in Dhaka: Their Mental Health Status and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Risk Factors Background: Indigenous students in Dhaka often face discrimination, which can negatively impact their mental health and contribute to non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. Despite this, limited data exists on these associations within this population. Objective: To examine the relationship between perceived discrimination and mental health status, alongside NCD risk factors, among indigenous students studying in Dhaka. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study will recruit indigenous students from selected universities in Dhaka. Data collection will use validated questionnaires: Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire (PEDQ) to assess discrimination, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) for mental health evaluation, and the WHO’s Generic STEPS Instrument for assessing NCD risk factors. Statistical analyses will explore the prevalence of discrimination, mental health outcomes, and their association with NCD risk factors. Ethical Considerations: Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Confidentiality and anonymity will be strictly maintained. Participants will have the right to withdraw at any time without penalty. Significance: Findings will inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing discrimination and improving health outcomes among indigenous student populations in Bangladesh.