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Song KR, Chapagain RH, Tamrakar D, Shrestha R, Kanodia P, Chaudhary S, Wartel TA, Yang JS, Kim DR, Lee J, Park EL, Cho H, Lee J, Thaisrivichai P, Vemula S, Kim BM, Gupta B, Saluja T, Pansuriya RK, Ganapathy R, Baik YO, Lee YJ, Jeon S, Park Y, Her HL, Park Y, Lynch JA. Safety and immunogenicity of the Euvichol-S oral cholera vaccine for prevention of Vibrio cholerae O1 infection in Nepal: an observer-blind, active-controlled, randomised, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e826-e837. [PMID: 38614631 PMCID: PMC11027156 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In October, 2017, WHO launched a strategy to eliminate cholera by 2030. A primary challenge in meeting this goal is the limited global supply capacity of oral cholera vaccine and the worsening of cholera outbreaks since 2021. To help address the current shortage of oral cholera vaccine, a WHO prequalified oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-Plus was reformulated by reducing the number of components and inactivation methods. We aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of Euvichol-S (EuBiologics, Seoul, South Korea) compared with an active control vaccine, Shanchol (Sanofi Healthcare India, Telangana, India) in participants of various ages in Nepal. METHODS We did an observer-blind, active-controlled, randomised, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial at four hospitals in Nepal. Eligible participants were healthy individuals aged 1-40 years without a history of cholera vaccination. Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to other preventive vaccines, severe chronic disease, previous cholera vaccination, receipt of blood or blood-derived products in the past 3 months or other vaccine within 4 weeks before enrolment, and pregnant or lactating women were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) by block randomisation (block sizes of two, four, six, or eight) to one of four groups (groups A-D); groups C and D were stratified by age (1-5, 6-17, and 18-40 years). Participants in groups A-C were assigned to receive two 1·5 mL doses of Euvichol-S (three different lots) and participants in group D were assigned to receive the active control vaccine, Shanchol. All participants and site staff (with the exception of those who prepared and administered the study vaccines) were masked to group assignment. The primary immunogenicity endpoint was non-inferiority of immunogenicity of Euvichol-S (group C) versus Shanchol (group D) at 2 weeks after the second vaccine dose, measured by the seroconversion rate, defined as the proportion of participants who had achieved seroconversion (defined as ≥four-fold increase in V cholerae O1 Inaba and Ogawa titres compared with baseline). The primary immunogenicity endpoint was assessed in the per-protocol analysis set, which included all participants who received all their planned vaccine administrations, had no important protocol deviations, and who provided blood samples for all immunogenicity assessments. The primary safety endpoint was the number of solicited adverse events, unsolicited adverse events, and serious adverse events after each vaccine dose in all ages and each age stratum, assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of the Euvichol-S or Shanchol. Non-inferiority of Euvichol-S compared with Shanchol was shown if the lower limit of the 95% CI for the difference between the seroconversion rates in Euvichol-S group C versus Shanchol group D was above the predefined non-inferiority margin of -10%. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04760236. FINDINGS Between Oct 6, 2021, and Jan 19, 2022, 2529 healthy participants (1261 [49·9%] males; 1268 [50·1%] females), were randomly assigned to group A (n=330; Euvichol-S lot number ES-2002), group B (n=331; Euvichol-S ES-2003), group C (n=934; Euvichol-S ES-2004]), or group D (n=934; Shanchol). Non-inferiority of Euvichol-S versus Shanchol in seroconversion rate for both serotypes at 2 weeks after the second dose was confirmed in all ages (difference in seroconversion rate for V cholerae O1 Inaba -0·00 [95% CI -1·86 to 1·86]; for V cholerae O1 Ogawa -1·62 [-4·80 to 1·56]). Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 244 (9·7%) of 2529 participants in the safety analysis set, with a total of 403 events; 247 events were reported among 151 (9·5%) of 1595 Euvichol-S recipients and 156 events among 93 (10·0%) of 934 Shanchol recipients. Pyrexia was the most common adverse event in both groups (57 events among 56 [3·5%] of 1595 Euvichol-S recipients and 37 events among 35 [3·7%] of 934 Shanchol recipients). No serious adverse events were deemed to be vaccine-related. INTERPRETATION A two-dose regimen of Euvichol-S vaccine was non-inferior to the active control vaccine, Shanchol, in terms of seroconversion rates 2 weeks after the second dose. The simplified formulation and production requirements of the Euvichol-S vaccine have the potential to increase the supply of oral cholera vaccine and reduce the gap between the current oral cholera vaccine supply and demand. FUNDING The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. TRANSLATION For the Nepali translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Rok Song
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Ram Hari Chapagain
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Kanti Children's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dipesh Tamrakar
- Center for Clinical Trial Studies, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Rajeev Shrestha
- Center for Clinical Trial Studies, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Piush Kanodia
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nepalgunj Medical College, Nepalgunj, Nepal
| | - Shipra Chaudhary
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - T Anh Wartel
- International Vaccine Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jae Seung Yang
- Science Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Deok Ryun Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Management, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinae Lee
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Management, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Lyeong Park
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Management, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Haeun Cho
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Management, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Management, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Sridhar Vemula
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bo Mi Kim
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Birendra Gupta
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tarun Saluja
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ruchir Kumar Pansuriya
- Vaccine Process Development Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ravi Ganapathy
- Research and Development, Hilleman Laboratories, Singapore
| | - Yeong Ok Baik
- Research and Development Division, EuBiologics, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Jin Lee
- Research and Development Division, EuBiologics, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suhi Jeon
- Production Division, EuBiologics, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Howard L Her
- Research and Development Division, EuBiologics, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Julia A Lynch
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
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Parajuli A, Kakchapati S, Arjyal A, Joshi D, Kharel C, Otmani Del Barrio M, Baral SC. Assessing intersectional gender analysis in Nepal's health management information system: a case study on tuberculosis for inclusive health systems. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:31. [PMID: 38659012 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in Nepal, high in settings marked by prevalent gender and social inequities. Various social stratifiers intersect, either privileging or oppressing individuals based on their characteristics and contexts, thereby increasing risks, vulnerabilities and marganilisation associated with TB. This study aimed to assess the inclusiveness of gender and other social stratifiers in key health related national policies and the Health Management Information System (HMIS) of National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) by conducting an intersectional analysis of TB cases recorded via HMIS. METHODS A desk review of key policies and the NTP's HMIS was conducted. Retrospective intersectional analysis utilized two secondary data sources: annual NTP report (2017-2021) and records of 628 TB cases via HMIS 6.5 from two TB centres (2017/18-2018/19). Chi-square test and multi-variate analysis was used to assess the association between social stratifers and types of TB, registration category and treatment outcome. RESULTS Gender, social inclusion and concept of intersectionality are incorporated into various health policies and strategies but lack effective implementation. NTP has initiated the collection of age, sex, ethnicity and location data since 2014/15 through the HMIS. However, only age and sex disaggregated data are routinely reported, leaving recorded social stratifiers of TB patients static without analysis and dissemination. Furthermore, findings from the intersectional analysis using TB secondary data, showed that male more than 25 years exhibited higher odds [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60-19.06, P = 0.01)] of successful outcome compared to male TB patients less than 25 years. Similarly, sex was significantly associated with types of TB (P < 0.05) whereas both age (P < 0.05) and sex (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with patient registration category (old/new cases). CONCLUSIONS The results highlight inadequacy in the availability of social stratifiers in the routine HMIS. This limitation hampers the NTP's ability to conduct intersectional analyses, crucial for unveiling the roles of other social determinants of TB. Such limitation underscores the need for more disaggregated data in routine NTP to better inform policies and plans contributing to the development of a more responsive and equitable TB programme and effectively addressing disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayuska Parajuli
- HERD International, Saibu Awas Cr-10 Marga, Bhaisepati, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | | | - Abriti Arjyal
- HERD International, Saibu Awas Cr-10 Marga, Bhaisepati, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Deepak Joshi
- HERD International, Saibu Awas Cr-10 Marga, Bhaisepati, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Chandani Kharel
- HERD International, Saibu Awas Cr-10 Marga, Bhaisepati, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Mariam Otmani Del Barrio
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sushil C Baral
- HERD International, Saibu Awas Cr-10 Marga, Bhaisepati, Lalitpur, Nepal.
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Uranw S, Bhattarai NR, Cloots K, Roy L, Rai K, Kiran U, Pyakurel UR, Lal BK, Burza S, Rijal S, Karki P, Khanal B, Hasker E. Visceral leishmaniasis in the hills of western Nepal: A transmission assessment. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289578. [PMID: 38630746 PMCID: PMC11023194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In Nepal, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2026. Recently, increasing numbers of VL cases have been reported from districts of doubtful endemicity including hills and mountains, threatening the ongoing VL elimination program in Nepal. We conducted a multi-disciplinary, descriptive cross-sectional survey to assess the local transmission of Leishmania donovani in seven such districts situated at altitudes of up to 1,764 meters in western Nepal from March to December 2019. House-to-house surveys were performed for socio-demographic data and data on past and current VL cases. Venous blood was collected from all consenting individuals aged ≥2 years and tested with the rK39 RDT. Blood samples were also tested with direct agglutination test, and a titer of ≥1:1600 was taken as a marker of infection. A Leishmania donovani species-specific PCR (SSU-rDNA) was performed for parasite species confirmation. We also captured sand flies using CDC light traps and mouth aspirators. The house-to-house surveys documented 28 past and six new VL cases of which 82% (28/34) were without travel exposure. Overall, 4.1% (54/1320) of healthy participants tested positive for L. donovani on at least one serological or molecular test. Among asymptomatic individuals, 17% (9/54) were household contacts of past VL cases, compared to 0.5% (6/1266) among non-infected individuals. Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector of L. donovani, was found in all districts except in Bajura. L. donovani was confirmed in two asymptomatic individuals and one pool of sand flies of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) sp. We found epidemiological and entomological evidence for local transmission of L. donovani in areas previously considered as non-endemic for VL. The national VL elimination program should revise the endemicity status of these districts and extend surveillance and control activities to curb further transmission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Uranw
- Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Narayan Raj Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Kristien Cloots
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lalita Roy
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Tropical & Infectious Diseases Center, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Keshav Rai
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Usha Kiran
- World Health Organization, Country Office for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Uttam Raj Pyakurel
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bibek Kumar Lal
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sakib Burza
- Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, India Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Prahlad Karki
- Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Basudha Khanal
- Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Raya S, Malla B, Shrestha S, Sthapit N, Kattel H, Sharma ST, Tuladhar R, Maharjan R, Takeda T, Kitajima M, Tandukar S, Haramoto E. Quantification of multiple respiratory viruses in wastewater in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: Potential implications of wastewater-based epidemiology for community disease surveillance in developing countries. Sci Total Environ 2024; 920:170845. [PMID: 38340866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite being the major cause of death, clinical surveillance of respiratory viruses at the community level is very passive, especially in developing countries. This study focused on the surveillance of three respiratory viruses [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus (IFV-A), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)] in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, by implication of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). Fifty-one untreated wastewater samples were from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) between April and October 2022. Among eight combinations of the pre-evaluated methods, the combination of concentration by simple centrifugation, pretreatment by DNA/RNA Shield (Zymo Research), and extraction by the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN) showed the best performance for detecting respiratory viruses. Using this method with a one-step reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully detected from both WWTPs (positive ratio, 100 % and 81 %) at concentrations of 5.6 ± 0.6 log10 copies/L from each WWTP. Forty-six SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive samples were further tested for three mutation site-specific one-step RT-qPCR (L452R, T478K, and E484A/G339D), where G339D/E484A mutations were frequently detected in both WWTPs (96 %). IFV-A RNA was more frequently detected in WWTP A (84 %) compared to WWTP B (38 %). RSV RNA was also detected in both WWTPs (28 % and 8 %, respectively). This is the first study on detecting IFV-A and RSV in wastewater in Nepal, showing the applicability and importance of WBE for respiratory viruses in developing countries where clinical data are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunayana Raya
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Sadhana Shrestha
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Niva Sthapit
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Hari Kattel
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sangita Tara Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Reshma Tuladhar
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rabin Maharjan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Tomoko Takeda
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Kitajima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13 West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan.
| | | | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan.
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Kc S, Gooden TE, Aryal D, Koirala K, Luitel S, Haniffa R, Beane A. The burden of anxiety, depression, and stress, along with the prevalence of symptoms of PTSD, and perceptions of the drivers of psychological harms, as perceived by doctors and nurses working in ICUs in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic; a mixed method evaluation. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:450. [PMID: 38600462 PMCID: PMC11007980 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant physical and psychological impacts for survivors, and for the healthcare professionals caring for patients. Nurses and doctors in critical care faced longer working hours, increased burden of patients, and limited resources, all in the context of personal social isolation and uncertainties regarding cross-infection. We evaluated the burden of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol dependence among doctors and nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) in Nepal and explored the individual and social drivers for these impacts. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study in Nepal, using an online survey to assess psychological well-being and semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions as to the drivers of anxiety, stress, and depression. Participants were recruited from existing national critical care professional organisations in Nepal and using a snowball technique. The online survey comprised of validated assessment tools for anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and alcohol dependence; all tools were analysed using published guidelines. Interviews were analysed using rapid appraisal techniques, and themes regarding the drivers for psychological distress were explored. RESULTS 134 respondents (113 nurses, 21 doctors) completed the online survey. Twenty-eight (21%) participants experienced moderate to severe symptoms of depression; 67 (50%) experienced moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety; 114 (85%) had scores indicative of moderate to high levels of stress; 46 out of 100 reported symptoms of PTSD. Compared to doctors, nurses experienced more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, whereas doctors experienced higher levels of stress than nurses. Most (95%) participants had scores indicative of low risk of alcohol dependence. Twenty participants were followed up in interviews. Social stigmatism, physical and emotional safety, enforced role change and the absence of organisational support were perceived drivers for poor psychological well-being. CONCLUSION Nurses and doctors working in ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic sustained psychological impacts, manifesting as stress, anxiety, and for some, symptoms of PTSD. Nurses were more vulnerable. Individual characteristics and professional inequalities in healthcare may be potential modifiable factors for policy makers seeking to mitigate risks for healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirish Kc
- Nepal Intensive Care Research Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Tiffany E Gooden
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Diptesh Aryal
- Nepal Intensive Care Research Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | | | | | - Rashan Haniffa
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Abi Beane
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
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Poudel B, Paudel K, Adhikari B, Paudel R, Bhusal S, Adhikari N, Adhikari TB, Sapkota VP, Shrestha R. Prevalence of common risk factors of major noncommunicable diseases among sexual and gender minorities in Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37746. [PMID: 38579035 PMCID: PMC10994461 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Four noncommunicable diseases (NCDs): cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, account for 71% of global deaths. However, little is known about the NCDs risk profile of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NCDs risk factors among the SGMs of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted among SGMs in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. We recruited 140 participants using the snowball sampling method. A face-to-face interview was done using a structured questionnaire adapted from World Health Organization Step Wise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS instruments V2.2 2019) along with blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS.v20). More than two-thirds of the participants, 96 (68.6%), had co-occurrence of NCDs risk factors. The prevalence of insufficient fruits and vegetables consumption, current smoking, harmful alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, and hypertension were 95.7%, 40.0%, 32.9%, 28.5%, and 28.6%, respectively. There was a significant association between hypertension, harmful alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity with the participants' age, employment status, and marital status, respectively. Study findings indicated a higher prevalence of NCDs risk factors among SGMs. National-level NCDs surveillance, policy planning, prevention, and targeted health interventions should prioritize the SGMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikram Poudel
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Kiran Paudel
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Bikram Adhikari
- Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Rajan Paudel
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sandesh Bhusal
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Nabin Adhikari
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Tara Ballav Adhikari
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Community-Based Management of Non-communicable Diseases in Nepal Project, Nepal Development Society, Bharatpur, Nepal
- Section for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Section of Infectious, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Regmi S, Bertone MP, Shrestha P, Sapkota S, Arjyal A, Martineau T, Raven J, Witter S, Baral S. Understanding health system resilience in responding to COVID-19 pandemic: experiences and lessons from an evolving context of federalization in Nepal. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:428. [PMID: 38575933 PMCID: PMC10996157 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience capacities of health systems worldwide and highlighted the need to understand the concept, pathways, and elements of resilience in different country contexts. In this study, we assessed the health system response to COVID-19 in Nepal and examined the processes of policy formulation, communication, and implementation at the three tiers of government, including the dynamic interactions between tiers. Nepal was experiencing the early stages of federalization reform when COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, and clarity in roles and capacity to implement functions were the prevailing challenges, especially among the subnational governments. METHODS We adopted a cross-sectional exploratory design, using mixed methods. We conducted a desk-based review of all policy documents introduced in response to COVID-19 from January to December 2020, and collected qualitative data through 22 key informant interviews at three tiers of government, during January-March 2021. Two municipalities were purposively selected for data collection in Lumbini province. Our analysis is based on a resilience framework that has been developed by our research project, ReBUILD for Resilience, which helps to understand pathways to health system resilience through absorption, adaptation and transformation. RESULTS In the newly established federal structure, the existing emergency response structure and plans were utilized, which were yet to be tested in the decentralized system. The federal government effectively led the policy formulation process, but with minimal engagement of sub-national governments. Local governments could not demonstrate resilience capacities due to the novelty of the federal system and their consequent lack of experience, confusion on roles, insufficient management capacity and governance structures at local level, which was further aggravated by the limited availability of human, technical and financial resources. CONCLUSIONS The study findings emphasize the importance of strong and flexible governance structures and strengthened capacity of subnational governments to effectively manage pandemics. The study elaborates on the key areas and pathways that contribute to the resilience capacities of health systems from the experience of Nepal. We draw out lessons that can be applied to other fragile and shock-prone settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Paola Bertone
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | | | - Tim Martineau
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanna Raven
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sophie Witter
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
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Sthapit N, Malla B, Tandukar S, Thakali O, Sherchand JB, Haramoto E. Evaluating acute gastroenteritis-causing pathogen reduction in wastewater and the applicability of river water for wastewater-based epidemiology in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Sci Total Environ 2024; 919:170764. [PMID: 38331291 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and population growth without the implementation of proper waste management are capable of contaminating water sources, which can lead to acute gastroenteritis. This study examined the detection and reduction of five gastroenteritis-causing enteropathogens, Salmonella, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens, and genogroup IV norovirus, and one respiratory pathogen, influenza A virus, in two municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) using an oxidation ditch system (WWTP A; n = 20) and a stabilization pond system (WWTP B; n = 18) in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, collected between August 2017 and August 2019. All enteropathogens were detected in wastewater via quantitative PCR. The concentrations of the pathogens ranged from 5.7 to 7.9 log10 copies/L in WWTP A and from 4.9 to 8.1 log10 copies/L in WWTP B. The log10 reduction values of the pathogens ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 in WWTP A and from -0.1 to 0.2 in WWTP B. The association between the pathogen concentrations and the number of clinical cases in the corresponding week could not be evaluated; however, the consistent detection of pathogens in the wastewater despite low number of case reports suggested the use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for early warning of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in the Kathmandu Valley. The pathogens were also detected in river water at approximately 7.0 log10 copies/L and exhibited no significant difference in concentration compared to wastewater, suggesting the applicability of river water for WBE of AGE. Insufficient treatment of all pathogens in the wastewater was observed, suggesting the need for full rehabilitation of the treatment plants. However, the influent may be utilized for early detection of AGE-causing pathogens in the city, whereas the river water may serve as an alternative in areas without connection to the WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niva Sthapit
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Sarmila Tandukar
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Ocean Thakali
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Jeevan B Sherchand
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu 1524, Nepal
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan.
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Uprety S, Ngo I, Maggos M, Dangol B, Sherchan SP, Shisler JL, Amarasiri M, Sano D, Nguyen TH. Multiple pathogen contamination of water, hands, and fomites in rural Nepal and the effect of WaSH interventions. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 257:114341. [PMID: 38442666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) interventions are the most effective in reducing diarrheal disease severity and prevalence. However, very few studies have investigated the effectiveness of WaSH intervention in reducing pathogen presence and concentration. In this study, we employed a microfluidic PCR approach to quantify twenty bacterial pathogens in water (n = 360), hands (n = 180), and fomite (n = 540) samples collected in rural households of Nepal to assess the pathogen exposures and the effect of WaSH intervention on contamination and exposure rates. The pathogen load and the exposure pathways for each pathogen in intervention and control villages were compared to understand the effects of WaSH intervention. Pathogens were detected in higher frequency and concentration from fomites samples, toilet handle (21.42%; 5.4,0 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.69, 5.96), utensils (23.5%; 5.47, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.77, 6.77), and water vessels (22.42%; 5.53, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.79, 6.60) as compared to cleaning water (14.36%; 5.05, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.36, 5.89), drinking water (14.26%; 4.37, 85%CI: mean log10 of 4.37, 5.87), and hand rinse samples (16.92%; 5.49, 95%CI: mean log10 of 4.77, 6.39). There was no clear evidence that WaSH intervention reduced overall pathogen contamination in any tested pathway. However, we observed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the prevalence, but not concentration, of some target pathogens, including Enterococcus spp. in the intervention village compared to the control village for water and hands rinse samples. Conversely, no significant reduction in target pathogen concentration was observed for water and hand rinse samples. In swab samples, there was a reduction mostly in pathogen concentration rather than pathogen prevalence, highlighting that a reduction in pathogen prevalence was not always accompanied by a reduction in pathogen concentration. This study provides an understanding of WaSH intervention on microbe concentrations. Such data could help with better planning of intervention activities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sital Uprety
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tohoku University Sendai, Japan.
| | - Isaac Ngo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Marika Maggos
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bipin Dangol
- Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), Kathmandu, Nepal; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; BioEnvironmental Science Program Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mohan Amarasiri
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sano
- Department of Frontier Sciences for Advanced Environment, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tohoku University Sendai, Japan
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Adhikari CM, Prajapati D, Timalsena B, Bogati A, Khan B, Safi S, Adhikari J, Ghimire V. Use of Statin and Target Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol attainment among post-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients in Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:564-572. [PMID: 38616584 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.4754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and objective: Lipid-lowering is an important intervention to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the secondary prevention of STEMI. There is no study to analyze the use of statin and LDL-C treatment target attainment among STEMI patients in Nepal. This study aims to assess the use of statin and LDL-C treatment target attainment among STEMI patients. METHODS It was a prospective observational single-center study conducted at the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal outpatient department. An outpatient department-based survey was conducted among STEMI patients who have lipid profile levels at the time of admission for STEMI and after 4-13 weeks of the index event. Lipid profile levels, diagnosis, and risk factors were collected during the outpatient follow-up. RESULTS Our study included 280 post-STEMI patients; the mean age was 57.5±11.7 years with the majority being male. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.7 ± 0.1 weeks. Rosuvastatin was the preferred statin with 82.1%. The most common dose of statin used was Rosuvastatin 20mg (70%), followed by Atorvastatin 40mg (12.5%). LDL-C levels of <1.4mmol/l were achieved in 44.6% of cases and LDL levels of <1.8mmol/l in 71.8% of cases. In 36.8% of the study population, there was a greater than 50% decline in LDL-C levels. Diabetic patients (55.1% and 83.1%) only have the significant achievement of LDL goal of both <1.4mmol/l and <1.8mmol/l respectively, when compared to those without diabetes (44.9% and 16.9%). CONCLUSIONS Most of the post-STEMI patients were treated with high doses of statins and achieved the target LDL-C levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dipanker Prajapati
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Birat Timalsena
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Amrit Bogati
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Barkadin Khan
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sajjad Safi
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jagat Adhikari
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Vijay Ghimire
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Gautam P, Puri MC, Karki S, Foster DG. Deaths among Women of Reproductive Age: an Explorative Case Study among Abortion Seekers. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:692-696. [PMID: 38616604 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.4871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
In Nepal, abortion was legalized in 2002. Yet many women are denied abortion services. Women denied abortion services may either continue their pregnancies or find abortion care elsewhere. However, what is not known is the consequences on women, and their children after accessing abortion services or after being denied abortion services. This comment aims to understand the cause of death of women who sought abortion services between 2019 and 2020 and were enrolled in a longitudinal nationwide study of the consequences of legal abortion access in Nepal. Women were interviewed 6 weeks and every 6 months for 3 years after seeking abortion. During the follow-up interviews, the field research assistants were informed about the death of the clients. Once the death was reported, a trained senior research staff visited the deceased persons house and interviewed family members including husbands, maternal parents or in-laws to explore the cause of death. A total of nine deaths were reported between April 2019 and December 2022. Out of nine deceased women, four received abortions while five of them were initially denial abortion services. The majority of the deaths were due to suicide followed by tuberculosis. None of the deaths were caused by abortion or birth. Keywords: Death; Nepal; reproductive ages; womens health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Gautam
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mahesh C Puri
- Center for Research on Environment, Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Kusunti, Lalitpur, P.O. Box 9626, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sunita Karki
- Center for Research on Environment, Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Kusunti, Lalitpur, P.O. Box 9626, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Diana Greene Foster
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Advancing New Standard in Reproductive Health, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Kathayat TS, Rokaya PK, Rawal M, Marasini P, Karki PD, Nath M. Epidemiology of Spinal Trauma and Related Complication. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:642-645. [PMID: 38616596 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.4911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic spinal injury is leading cause of mortality and morbidity among the people of productive age group. This study aim to find the cause of spinal injury, site ,and mode of injury, treatment option given so that a preventive measures and create awareness among people of this region. METHODS This is a prospective observation study done in Karnali Academy of Health Sciences from December 2021 to January 2023. Performa was filled to collect data. Data were entered in excel sheet and transported to SPSS 16.0 and statistical analysis was done . RESULTS Out of 117 patients male population had higher incidence of spinal trauma (69.2%) with average age 43.9 years . Fall injury was the commonest mode of injury. 65.8% had injury at the thoracolumbar junction followed by lumbar, thoracic and cervical respectively. Cervical injury patients had higher incidence of neurological deficit. The average duration of trauma to hospital presentation was 10.9±11.2 hours. 19.7 % were operated and 6.8 % of patients were referred to other center. CONCLUSIONS Fall injury being the commonest mode of injury in this art of world, prevention and awareness should be raised about the spinal trauma and its consequences. Adequate equipment with health facilities to the distant hospital may reduce the referral rate and duration of presentation to the hospital which ultimately prevent the further damage to the cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tufan Singh Kathayat
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma surgery , Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
| | - Poojan Kumar Rokaya
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma surgery , Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
| | - Mangal Rawal
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma surgery , Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
| | - Pawan Marasini
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma surgery , Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
| | | | - Mohan Nath
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma surgery, Seti Provincial Hospital
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Adhikari S, Maharjan J, Bhattarai S, Kunwar K, Agrawal S, Dangal RK, Chapagain RH, Bista TB, Bhattarai S. Adverse Events Following COVISHIELD and VERO CELL Vaccination Campaigns Against COVID-19. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:651-658. [PMID: 38616598 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.4926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination against COVID-19 for Nepalese was initiated in January 2021 for various age groups. People were anxious about receiving the vaccines and were concerned about the safety profile of the vaccine they received. In this study, we have tried to observe the Adverse Events Following Immunization of two different vaccines namely COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1 nCOV-19) and VERO CELL (CZ02 strain), used in different phases of vaccination by the government of Nepal. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among people who received COVID-19 vaccines in this study using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was cleaned and then exported to IBM SPSS v.20 for analysis, Chi-square test was used to see the association between different variables and a p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Out of 303 respondents, all had received the first and 270 participants had received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, among which, 133 (43.89%) reported at least one side effect after the first dose of vaccination while 58 (21.48%) had self-reported side effects after the second dose of vaccination. Seventeen percent of the respondents had COVID-19 infection within the past 3 months before receiving COVID-19 vaccine. Three percent of participants had re-infection with COVID-19 after receiving the first or the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants who experienced adverse events, 42% and 62.1% of participants experienced mild adverse events following the first dose and second dose of the vaccine, respectively. Conclusions: The adverse events following immunization for both vaccines after both doses of vaccination were quite low, with 43.89% of participants reporting side effects after the first dose and 21.48% of participants reporting side effects after the second dose. Adverse events were most frequently reported within 24 hours of vaccination and were mostly mild. There was no statistical significance of adverse events between both vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Raj Kumar Dangal
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
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Sharma A, Sharma Y, Thapa A, Kar N. Mental Health of Mothers with Malnourished Children in Nepal: A Prospective Observational Study. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:659-666. [PMID: 38616599 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.4965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mental health may influence the nutritional status of their children. It was intended to assess the mental health status of the mothers of children admitted to a nutrition rehabilitation center. We specifically explored the relationship between maternal mental health and malnutrition of the child; to observe any change of maternal depressive/anxiety symptoms and weight gain in the child following admission. METHODS In a prospective observational study, malnutrition of children was assessed based on weight for height z scores using the WHO Anthro-Survey-Analyser. We evaluated anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and depression by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Demographic and clinical variables were collected. RESULTS The degree of malnutrition of the children at admission and discharge was: mild (3.6% v 31.7%), moderate (37.7% v 26.3%), severe (58.7% v 8.4%), and no malnutrition (0.0% v 33.5%) (p<0.001). At admission, 12% of mothers had anxiety, depression, or both, which decreased to 3.0% at the time of discharge. There was no difference in malnutrition scores among children of mothers with or without anxiety/depression at admission or discharge, except that children of depressed mothers continued to have significantly greater levels of malnutrition at discharge compared with the mothers without depression. Maternal anxiety or depression was not associated with the severity of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS A proportion of mothers of children with malnutrition had clinical anxiety and depression; and maternal mental health concerns, especially depression may influence the nutrition of children. It is imperative to explore maternal mental health routinely for malnourished children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Sharma
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Bharatpur Hospital Nursing College, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - Yograj Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Bharatpur Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - Asha Thapa
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Bharatpur Hospital Nursing College, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - Nilamadhab Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
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Lamichhane N, Dumre AP, Thakur GK. Epidemiology of Stress Fracture in Police Trainees. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:573-577. [PMID: 38616585 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.4791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military recruits and athletes have high occurrence of stress fractures, with very high incidence among military recruits. Symptomatic stress fractures can be disabling in some people. This study aims at identifying pattern and distribution of such fractures in Nepal Police trainee and assess the risk factors and demographics that may help to develop the local guidelines. METHODS This study analysed 65 police trainees who presented to the orthopaedic Out Patient Department at Nepal Police and Province Police Hospital diagnosed as a case of stress fracture from 29 December, 2020 to 29 December, 2021. Ethical approval was obtained and different variables analysed were age, sex, Body Mass Index, location of fracture, duration of pain, method of treatment, time to heal the fracture and time to pain free mobilisation of patient. RESULTS There were 65 trainees with 86 sites of fracture at different bones with 50.8% (33) of male population. The majority of fracture was located at tibia (58.1%) followed by pubic rami (33.7%) with potentially debilitating fracture neck of femur seen in 4.6% subjects. Mean duration of pain was 20.7±14.2 days with mean time for pain free mobilisation 42.2±17.7 days after presentation. 96.5% of those recovered with conservative treatment (activity restriction or cast). CONCLUSIONS The location of stress fracture depends upon the type of training or activities. Modification of activities in early phase of training with early visit for medical care in case of trainees with increasing pain may decrease morbidities and complications requiring operative treatment.
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Pokhrel N, Neupane A, Thapa N, Yadav RK, Hamal PK, Malla P. Respiratory Morbidity and Mortality of Traumatic Cervical Spinal Injury. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:680-683. [PMID: 38616602 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.5068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic cervical spinal injuries can severely affect respiratory function and cause significant morbidity and mortality. The typical respiratory morbidity in cervical spine injury is Atelectasis, Ventilator-associated pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and delayed weaning, etc. The study aims to see the prevalence of respiratory morbidity as well as mortality associated with cervical spine injury. METHODS Cross sectional study based on retrospective data was conducted on the X Sciences with the existing hospital record during the period of 3 years to find out the prevalence respiratory morbidity like Ventilatory Associated Pneumonia, delayed weaning, ARDS, atelectasis of traumatic cervical spine injury, determine the prevalence, type, and impact of respiratory morbidity and mortality in this population. RESULTS Total no 76 patients data meeting the inclusion criteria included in study. Male patients were more prone to develop traumatic cervical spinal injuries (SCI). The prevalence of respiratory morbidity in term of VAP(57.89), delayed weaning(46.05) and Atelectasis(22.36) was high. Patients with Asia A Neurology has higher association for VAP and delayed weaning, while Asia E Neurology patients had no respiratory morbidity. The study found a significant positive association between respiratory morbidity with hospital stay, and ventilator days (p-value: 0.019 and 0.048). A total of 15 patients died, 28.95% were discharged on request and 40.8% leaving the hospital against medical advice. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of respiratory morbidity higher in cervical spine injury. Furthermore, it has associated with prolonged ICU and ventilator days and increase in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabin Pokhrel
- National Academy of Medical Science, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Nabin Thapa
- Karnali Academy of Health Science, Karnali, Nepal
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Joshi A, Rijal N, Gurung S, Basukala B, Sharma R, Bista R, Singh N, Pradhan I. Is Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Needed in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroscopy? A Prospective Observational Study. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:587-592. [PMID: 38616587 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i4.4802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although rare, deep vein thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening complication of knee arthroscopy. There are scanty literature analysing deep vein thrombosis after arthroscopy in Nepal. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy without chemoprophylaxis postoperatively at 2 weeks and 6 weeks, respectively. The study also aimed to estimate the risk of deep vein thrombosis in these patients by using Caprini Risk Assessment Model. METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted at AKB center, B and B Hospital, Gwarko, Lalitpur, over a period of 16 months. All patients who underwent arthroscopy knee surgeries fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis as diagnosed by compression color-coded ultrasonography of the popliteal vein and calf vein at 2 weeks and 6 weeks postoperatively. The secondary outcome measure was the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in the risk groups according to Caprini Risk Assessment Model. RESULTS Out of 612 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgeries during the study period, 2 patients (0.33%) developed deep vein thrombosis at 6 weeks follow-up as diagnosed with ultrasonography of the popliteal and calf veins. The prevalence rate in high-risk group was 0.33% (1 in 307) and in very high-risk group was 5.88% (1 in 17). CONCLUSIONS There was a low prevalence of deep vein thrombosis without chemoprophylaxis following knee arthroscopy in our study. There was higher prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in very high-risk group patients, so close monitoring of such patients during follow-up is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Joshi
- Department of Orthopaedics, B and B Hospital Pvt Ltd., Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Nishchal Rijal
- Department of Orthopaedics, B and B Hospital Pvt Ltd., Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Subash Gurung
- Department of Orthopaedics, B and B Hospital Pvt Ltd., Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Bibek Basukala
- Department of Orthopaedics, B and B Hospital Pvt Ltd., Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Rajiv Sharma
- Department of Orthopaedics, B and B Hospital Pvt Ltd., Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Rohit Bista
- Department of Orthopaedics, B and B Hospital Pvt Ltd., Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Nagmani Singh
- Department of Orthopaedics, B and B Hospital Pvt Ltd., Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
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Gautam K, Aguilar C, Paudel K, Dhakal M, Wickersham JA, Acharya B, Sapkota S, Deuba K, Shrestha R. Preferences for mHealth Intervention to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nepal: Qualitative Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e56002. [PMID: 38551632 PMCID: PMC11015371 DOI: 10.2196/56002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by poor mental health. Despite the increasing burden, evidence-based interventions for MSM are largely nonexistent in Nepal. OBJECTIVE This study explored mental health concerns, contributing factors, barriers to mental health care and support, and preferred interventions to improve access to and use of mental health support services among MSM in Nepal. METHODS We conducted focus groups with MSM in Kathmandu, Nepal, in January 2023. In total, 28 participants took part in 5 focus group sessions. Participants discussed several topics related to the mental health issues they experienced, factors contributing to these issues, and their suggestions for potential interventions to address existing barriers. The discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Dedoose (version 9.0.54; SocioCultural Research Consultants, LLC) software for thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants reported substantial mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and behaviors. Contributing factors included family rejection, isolation, bullying, stigma, discrimination, and fear of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Barriers to accessing services included cost, lack of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTIQA+)-friendly providers, and the stigma associated with mental health and sexuality. Participants suggested a smartphone app with features such as a mental health screening tool, digital consultation, helpline number, directory of LGBTIQA+-friendly providers, mental health resources, and a discussion forum for peer support as potential solutions. Participants emphasized the importance of privacy and confidentiality to ensure mobile apps are safe and accessible. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study have potential transferability to other low-resource settings facing similar challenges. Intervention developers can use these findings to design tailored mobile apps to facilitate mental health care delivery and support for MSM and other marginalized groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Camille Aguilar
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kiran Paudel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Tokha-5, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Manisha Dhakal
- Blue Diamond Society, Dhumbarahi Height, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Bibhav Acharya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Possible, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Keshab Deuba
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Hussain MA, Singh SK, Naz S, Haque M, Shah HK, Singh A. Predictors of apical periodontitis in root canal treated teeth from an adult Nepalese subpopulation: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:400. [PMID: 38553672 PMCID: PMC10979567 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endodontic literature search revealed that no study has been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in root canal treated teeth from an adult Nepalese population of Madhesh Province. Consequently, little is known about the extent and risk factors associated with it. This study aimed to determine AP prevalence in root canal treated teeth from an adult Nepalese subpopulation and to analyze the related risk factors including age, sex, tooth type, type of coronal restoration and quality of root canal treatment and coronal restoration as predictors of AP. METHODS Digital panoramic radiographs were evaluated. Periapical status of 300 root canal-treated teeth was scored by using the periapical index. The quality of root canal treatment and coronal restorations were categorized as adequate or inadequate through radiographic and clinical evaluation. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Prevalence of AP in the present study was 31.7%. In 45.7% of the treated teeth, quality of root canal treatment was adequate whereas 46% of the cases had adequate coronal restorations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations and remarkably increased risk for AP in teeth with inadequate root canal treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 7.92; 95% CI: 3.96-15.82; p < 0.001) whereas lower risk for AP was found in females (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28-0.90; p = 0.021) and in teeth restored with crown (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09-0.51; p < 0.001) and filling (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08-0.42; p < 0.001). Quality of coronal restoration, tooth type and age of the patient were not found to be the predictors of AP. CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of this study, a high prevalence of AP and poor overall quality of root canal treatment and coronal restoration was found in the subpopulation studied. Quality of root canal treatment, type of coronal restoration and sex of the patient are significant predictors of possible AP development in root canal treated teeth. Substantial efforts are needed to improve the endodontic treatment standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asdaq Hussain
- Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal.
| | - Shailendra Kumar Singh
- Department of Prosthodontics & Maxillofacial Prosthesis, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal
| | - Shazia Naz
- Department of Operative Dentistry, de'Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Merazul Haque
- Department of Prosthodontics & Maxillofacial Prosthesis, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal
| | - Harish Kumar Shah
- Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal
| | - Abanish Singh
- Department of Community Dentistry, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal
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Kamar SB, Pandey H, Shahi R, Puri S, Yadav GK, Amgain K. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Humoral Response Following Vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Covishield™) and/or Sinopharm, BBIBP-CorV (Vero cell™). J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:523-529. [PMID: 38615227 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been introducing in the world to prevent pandemic COVID-19. Higher efficacy but limited data are available for its longevity. We aimed to find out the IgG Anti-SARS Cov-2 antibody level among frontline healthcare workers after two doses of vaccines. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried among 170 HCPs of Seti Provincial Hospital of western Nepal, who were more than 18 years, and had taken two doses of either one of COVID 19 vaccine. All those participants, who were on leave during the data collection tenure (1st February 2022 to 28th February 2022) and/or did not consent to participate were excluded. Mindray SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG assay kit based on CLIA method, was used whose target antigen is S-RBD (spike protein of receptor binding domain) antigen. The IgG immunoglobulin is detected and cut off value ≥10 AU/ml is considered positive. RESULTS Based on the recommended cut off, the antibody was present in more than 90% across both groups of vaccinee i.e. the positive antibody titer at a mean duration of 7.31 months was 93.53% overall (93.75% and 93.44% in Vero cell™ and Covishield™ vaccinees respectively). There were 3.92 times high odds of high antibody titer (≥250 AU/ml) in Covishield™ group (OR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.86-8.26, P-value: <0.001) than in Vero cell™ group of vaccinee. Similarly, there were significant difference of high titer of antibody across groups with more than six months of elapse of vaccination (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.06-4.49, P-value: <0.001) than with less than six months of elapse of vaccination. CONCLUSIONS The humoral response was higher among HCPs who received two-doses vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Covishield™) and/or Sinopharm, BBIBP-CorV (Vero cell™) vaccine, and among those with six or more months of elapse of vaccination. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 following two-doses vaccination among HCPs was more than nine-tenths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sher Bahadur Kamar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seti Provincial Hospital, Kailali, Nepal
| | - Hemraj Pandey
- Department of Paediatrics, Seti Provincial Hospital, Kailali, Nepal
| | - Ramesh Shahi
- Department of Pathology, Seti Provincial Hospital, Kailali, Nepal
| | - Shurehraman Puri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seti Provincial Hospital, Kailali, Nepal
| | - Gopal Kumar Yadav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Narayani Hospital, Ministry of Health and Population, Birgunj, Nepal
| | - Kapil Amgain
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Karnali Academy of Health Science, Jumla, Nepal
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Thapa S, Sharma S, Gautam N, Shrestha S, Raj Ghimire B, Dahal S, Adhikari B, Maharjan R, Thapa S, Kattel R, Koirala R. Performance of Distress Thermometer: A Study among Cancer Patients. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:472-478. [PMID: 38615220 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Distress Thermometer accompanied with Problems List is a commonly used screening tool for psychosocial distress. However, it's cut-off score, performance and risk factors for psychosocial distress varies among studies. This is the first study conducted in Nepal to investigate the Distress Thermometer's screening properties, its optimal cut-off score and evaluating the prevalence of psychosocial distress and its risk factors. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 162 heterogeneous cancer patients. The English form of the Distress Thermometer was translated to Nepali using a forward and backward translation method. Questionnaires including socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Distress Thermometer accompanied with Problems List were filled. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis of distress thermometer scores was evaluated against Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Total (≥15). An Area Under the Curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated at each Distress Thermometer cut-off score. RESULTS Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis showed an excellent discriminating performance (Area Under the Curve =87.4%). A cut-off score of 4 on Distress Thermometer was established and it yielded sensitivity (88.9%), specificity (71.1%), positive predictive value (75.4%) and negative predictive value (86.5%) respectively. Furthermore, 55.6% of participants were distressed and emotional problems (odd ratio = 28.00), practical problems (odd ratio = 12.152) and physical problems (odd ratio = 2.397) were found to be significant risk factors for PD. CONCLUSIONS PD is a global burden in cancer patients. The DT with a cut-off score of 4 accompanied with PL is valid instrument for screening PD in Nepali cancer patients. PL identified the problems that causes of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susmita Sharma
- Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Department Medical Oncology, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Nishim Gautam
- Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Department Medical Oncology, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Sudip Shrestha
- Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Department Medical Oncology, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Bijesh Raj Ghimire
- Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Department Medical Oncology, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Sanuja Dahal
- Vinayak College of Health Science, Battisputali-9, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bibhav Adhikari
- College of Management, Little Angels' College of Higher Studies, Hattiban, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Rubina Maharjan
- PGY-1, Pediatrics, New York Health And Hospitals, Woodhull Medical Center, United State
| | - Sadiksha Thapa
- Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Department Medical Oncology, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Regina Kattel
- Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Department of Psycho-oncology, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, Nepal
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22
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Chhetri BR, Thapa R, Banjara MR. Decadal Analysis of ESBL-Escherichia coli Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Urine Samples from Nepal: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:353-365. [PMID: 38615204 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of the extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) in urine samples in Nepal. METHODS Systematic literature review was conducted to locate all articles reporting ESBL-EC in urine samples published between January 2012 to December 2022. The Egger's weighted regression analysis was done to assess the publication bias. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence interval due to significant between-study heterogeneity. The strength of correlation between multidrug resistance and ESBL production in E.coli strains was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The data were analyzed using R-language 4.2.2. software. RESULTS The combined prevalence of E.coli in urine samples was found to be 14 % (95% CI, 11-18), while the overall pooled prevalence of ESBL E.coli and MDR E.coli were 30% (95% CI, 20-42) and 70% (95% CI, 38-90) respectively. A strong positive correlation of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.89-1.0) was found between ESBL production and MDR among E.coli isolates. Imipenem was the drug of choice against ESBL-E.coli in urine specimens. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses showed the overall ESBL-EC and MDR-EC burden in Nepal is considerably high. Likewise, the study also infers an increasing trend of antibiotic resistance pattern of ESBL-EC in urine samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibek Rana Chhetri
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chester Medical School, University of Chester, UK
| | - Rajat Thapa
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chester Medical School, University of Chester, UK
| | - Megha Raj Banjara
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Rawal P, Shrestha SM, Gurung A, Poudel D. Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema as respiratory complications of COVID-19. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:428-438. [PMID: 38615213 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are respiratory complications of Coronavirus disease 2019 occurring with noteworthy frequency in patients especially with severe disease. They can be life-threatening and often complicate patient managment. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational study of patients admitted in Nepal Armed Police Force hospital from 13/05/2020 to 28/12/2021 diagnosed with pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum or subcutaneous emphysema singly or in combination. Data were collected from clinical charts, imaging records and electronic medical records of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-type 2 positive patients 18 years and older. The frequency and type of the defined complications, the inflammatory markers and ventilatory parameters just prior to their diagnosis, the duration of hospitalization and ICU admission and in-hospital mortality rate were studied. RESULTS Out of 4013 COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital during the period, a total of 28 patients were observed to develop the complications, the overall incidence being 0.7% among hospitalized patients and 5.6% among ICU patients. The proportion of subcutaneous emphysema (64.3%) was highest followed by pneumomediastinum (46.4%) and then pneumothorax (39.3%) existing singly or in combination among the 28 patients, where four patients developed the complications spontaneously. Mean Positive End Expiratory Pressure of 12.1±2.6 cmH2O and Peak Inspiratory Pressure or Pressure Support of 30.9±10.3 cmH2O were observed for patients under positive pressure ventilation. Most of the patients who developed the complications (78.6%) died during treatment. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary air leak complications occur frequently in COVID-19 patients treated with or without positive pressure ventilation signifying increased disease severity, risk of ICU admission and high mortality rate. Hence, clinicians should be vigilant of these complications in all patients affected with COVID-19 and institute timely management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Rawal
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Nepal A.P.F. Hospital
| | | | - Anju Gurung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Nepal A.P.F. Hospital
| | - Dipesh Poudel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Nepal A.P.F. Hospital
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Parajuli S, Khadka A, Sharma Regmi S, Sthapit S, Singh Rathaur E. Belief and Risk Factors Associated with Suicidal and Self-harm Behaviour among Young Adults of Kathmandu District. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:445-449. [PMID: 38615215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is an emerging public health problem accounting for over 700,000 annual deaths globally. It is also the fourth leading cause of death among the age group 15-29 years in the world. In Nepal, on average 14 people commit suicide every day. Our study explores the factors associated with suicidal and self-harm behaviours among young adults in the Kathmandu district, Nepal. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 242 young adults of the Kathmandu district. Data were collected through interview using a developed semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios were used for data analysis. RESULTS The mean age for initial suicidal and self-harm behaviour was found to be 14 and 15 years respectively, with 28.51% reporting suicidal behaviours including making a plan or suicidal ideation or attempts, and 18.5% with self-harm behaviours. Avoidance and emotional discharge were found as common coping strategies adopted by participants. Belief, family functioning, depression status and self-harm behaviour were found statistically associated with suicidal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Various factors including belief, family functioning, and depression were found to influence individual suicidal behaviour. Hence, an integrated approach addressing these factors is crucial for the prevention and control of suicide among young adults at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Parajuli
- Department of Public Health, Nobel College, Pokhara University
| | - Anil Khadka
- Department of Public Health, Nobel College, Pokhara University
| | | | - Supriya Sthapit
- Department of Public Health, Nobel College, Pokhara University
| | - Ela Singh Rathaur
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
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25
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Paudel PK, Bhandari P, Kc N, Devkota B. Morbidity and Mortality Profile of Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:373-379. [PMID: 38615206 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neonatal period faces the greatest risk of death as they are vulnerable to sepsis, birth asphyxia, hypoxic injuries etc. A substantial disparity exists in NMR between Nepal and other developed countries and among different provinces of Nepal as well. This study was conducted to describe the pattern of neonatal admission, and immediate hospital outcomes from NICU located in a remote part of Nepal. METHODS This prospective study was conducted in The Province Hospital, Karnali, Nepal over a period of six months (June 2021 to Dec 2021 AD). The variables used were neonatal age, sex, gestation, birth weight, maternal age, mode and place of delivery. Neonatal morbidities and final outcomes at discharge were recorded in a predesigned proforma. RESULTS A total of 396 neonates included, the majority were inborn 283(71%), male 241(61%), term 301(76%) and had normal birth weight 279 (70.4%). Neonatal sepsis 188(37.2%), prematurity 95(24%), and birth asphyxia 55(15.2%) were main indications for hospitalization. The majority 337(85%) improved after treatment, while 33(8.3%) died, 12 (3%) left against medical advice and 14(3.5%) cases were referred. Preterm neonates had thrice the risk of mortality than term neonates (OR =3.27). Low birth weight (< 2500 grams) had higher odds of poor outcomes (OR =3.5). Low maternal age (<20 years), prematurity, LBW, mechanical ventilation and inotrope use were predictors of poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Neonatal sepsis, prematurity and perinatal asphyxia were the most common causes of NICU admissions. Mechanical ventilation, inotropes use, extreme prematurity, low birth weight and younger age of the mother were predictors of poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nawaraj Kc
- Department of Pediatrics, Province Hospital, Karnali
| | - Bibek Devkota
- Department of Anesthesia, Province Hospital, Karnali
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Dangol S, Poudel D, Shrestha SM, Rawal P, Shrestha K. Awake Prone Positioning In COVID Positive Patients: A Retrospective Study. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:366-372. [PMID: 38615205 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the advanced health care settings are struggling hard to handle the sudden surge of COVID-19 cases, resource poor settings in developing countries like Nepal can barely stand to fight the increasing number of severe cases. Easily available cost effective interventions would be great blessing for such settings. This study aimed to study if awake prone positioning can be used as such intervention in COVID 19. METHODS The retrospective study involved 150 patients admitted between November 2020 and January 2021 at Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital and met specific inclusion criteria. Data was obtained at four different time points in relation to prone position and was analysed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. RESULTS It was found that among 150 patients, majority (109; 72.7%) were males and 60(40%) had some comorbidities. The mean oxygen saturation was found to increase significantly from 87.18 %(SD 3.531) to 91.08(SD 2.206) after fifteen minutes of prone positioning. One way ANOVA test showed that there was significant difference in oxygen saturation between at least two time points. (F (3,596) = [180.005], p=0.000). Games Howell Post Hoc test for multiple comparisons showed that the mean value of SPO-2 was significantly different across all four time points, at significance level 0.05. CONCLUSIONS This study found Awake Prone positioning as a promising cost effective and feasible intervention for improving oxygenation in COVID 19 and thus could be a blessing to the resource poor health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shova Dangol
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dipesh Poudel
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Surendra Man Shrestha
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Prabhat Rawal
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Kundu Shrestha
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Gyamtsho S, Tenzin K, Choeda T. Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Preterm Birth: A Case Control Study. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:505-513. [PMID: 38615225 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is the child birth before 37 completed weeks .Prematurity is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality due to the complications associated with it. The objective of the study was to determine the maternal risk factors associated with all preterm birth in singleton pregnancy at National hospital. METHODS Hospital based unmatched case control study was conducted between March 2021 to December 2021 at National hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan. Case to control ratio was 1:2.Data were collected using interviewer -administered structured questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi-data and exported into SPSS for analysis. Independent variables with p-valves<0.05 in the univariate analysis were entered to multi variable logistic model to estimate the strength of association .P-valve <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Total of 107 cases and 201 controls participated with a response rate of 95.95%.Multiple logistic regression showed that mothers with ANC follow ≤ four[aOR 9.58(7.36-28.86) ], previous history of preterm delivery [aOR 2.99(1.5-15.77) ], previous caesarean section [aOR 5.72(2.19-14.92)], prelabour rupture of membrane [aOR 8.67(3.78-19.73)], fetal growth restriction [aOR 7.28(2.11-25.11)] , and pre-eclampsia [aOR 10.99(6.75-85.29) were the risk factors positively associated with preterm birth . CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that preeclampsia, number of antenatal care visits ≤ four, prelabour rupture of membrane, fetal growth restriction, previous caesarean section and previous preterm delivery were the risk factors for preterm birth. This show the need of early screening and prevention of preeclampsia, strengthening of antenatal care follow-up, and treatment of infection to prevent prelabour rupture of membrane, reducing primary caesarean section and more attention and care with previous preterm birth .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Gyamtsho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu
| | - Karma Tenzin
- Faculty of Postgraduate medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu
| | - Tshering Choeda
- Faculty of Postgraduate medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu
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Joshi P, Agrawal S, Ghimire JJ, Shrestha PN, Khatun N, Banjara MR. Application of Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III Score in Predicting Mortality Outcomes. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:450-457. [PMID: 38615216 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children admitted in a pediatric intensive care unit have a high risk of mortality. Pediatric risk of mortality III score in first 24 hours of admission has increasingly been used to predict mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of Pediatric risk of mortality score in prediction of mortality among the patient admitted in pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted at pediatric intensive care unit of a government pediatric hospital from January to June 2021. Patients between 1 month to 14 years of age and meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pediatric risk of mortality III score was calculated within 24 hours of admission. Patients were followed up for outcome measure as survivors and non survivors. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis were used to find the association of predictors and the score. RESULTS The mean Pediatric risk of mortality III score was lower in survivors than in non-survivors (4.67 ± 3.8 versus 14.10 ± 6.07; p<0.001). Those requiring inotropic and ventilator support have significantly higher mortality [49.4 versus 0.6 (p<0.001) and 81.8 versus 1.5 (p<0.001) respectively]. Minimum systolic blood pressure, abnormal pupillary reflex, increased blood urea nitrogen and decreased platelet were the significant (p<0.001) risk factors. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.916±0.024 (p<0.001) and goodness-of-fit test showed no significant difference between observed and expected mortalities (p=0.186). CONCLUSIONS The Pediatric risk of mortality score constitutes a useful prognostic tool in predicting the mortality. KEY WORDS Mortality; pediatrics; pediatric intensive care unit; risk score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Joshi
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Kanti Childrens Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sumit Agrawal
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Kanti Childrens Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jagat Jeevan Ghimire
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Kanti Childrens Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Pun Narayan Shrestha
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Kanti Childrens Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Najala Khatun
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Kanti Childrens Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Megha Raj Banjara
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Karki KB, Shah BK, Shrestha SM. Sexual Dysfunctions among Diabetic and Non-diabetic People Attending in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu Nepal. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:514-522. [PMID: 38615226 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dysfunctions including erectile dysfunction among men, a widespread sexual health issue, pose challenges to sexual satisfaction. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of sexual dysfunctions in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals aged 30-70. METHODS A study at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, surveyed 350 participants (176 men, 174 women), aged 30-70, with 52.6% having diabetes. The structured interviews and validated questionnaires like IIEF-5 for men and FSFI-6 for women to assess the prevalence and factors associated with erectile dysfunction were used. Statistical tools were employed to measure the associations of different variables with Sexual dysfunctions. RESULTS Overall, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 73.7% (95% CI: 72.4- 73.7) with higher rates in men 83.9% (95% CI: 83.1- 84.7) than women 63.6% (95% CI: 62.0 - 65.2). Individuals with diabetes experienced an 81.5% prevalence of sexual dysfunction (95% CI: 80.6-82.4), whereas non-diabetic individuals exhibited a 65.1% prevalence (95% CI: 63.5-66.7). In the diabetic male population, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 97.5% (95% CI: 97.4-97.6), while diabetic females had a prevalence of 68.9% (95% CI: 67.5-70.3). Among non-diabetic men, the percentage of erectile dysfunction was 72% (95% CI: 70.7-73.3), and among non-diabetic women, sexual dysfunction remained 56.2% (95% CI: 54.4-58.0). Among individuals with diabetes, those who used tobacco exhibited a sexual dysfunction prevalence of 93.8% (95% CI: 93.5-94.1), while non-tobacco users had a prevalence of 74.8% (95% CI: 73.6-76.0). In non-diabetic individuals, obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunctions, reaching 84.6% (95% CI: 83.8-84.6). High blood pressure showed a strong association with sexual dysfunctions in both diabetic (83% with 95% CI: 81.9-83.4) and non-diabetic (70% with 95% CI: 67.7-70.1) groups. Individuals with diabetes for more than five years had a higher rate of sexual dysfunction as 87.8% (95% CI: 86.6-89.0) with 100% in men and 79% in women. However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions related to obesity and alcohol consumption between diabetics and non-diabetics. CONCLUSIONS The research highlights a noteworthy association of sexual dysfunctions with individuals with diabetes, male sex, tobacco use, and hypertension. The observed high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in both diabetic and non diabetic people is a public health concern, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored approaches to address the sexual health of the affected individuals.
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Sharma R, Shrestha DP. Patch Testing in Allergic Contact Dermatitis. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:467-471. [PMID: 38615219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most common forms of skin diseases that require medical intervention. Appropriate detection of allergens by patch test and accurate avoidance of them is the key to management. The objective of this study is to determine the types and frequency of allergens responsible for Allergic contact dermatitis in a tertiary hospital of Nepal. METHODS Altogether 120 patients with Allergic contact dermatitis were enrolled in the study. Patch test was performed to find out the most common inciting allergen, utilizing the Indian Standard Series of allergens approved by The Contact and Occupational Dermatoses Forum of India. Results were read at 48 and 96 hours. Grading of the reactions was done based on the criteria of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. Pattern of reactivity of different allergens was assessed. RESULTS Of all the patients, 63 (53%) showed positivity to at least one allergen. Nickel sulfate was the most frequent sensitizing agent in 22 (18%) cases, followed by Fragrance mix in 11(9%) and Paraphenylenediamine in 7 (6%) cases. Out of all positive results, Grade 1 positivity was seen in 44 (51%), Grade 2 positivity in 41(47%) and only 2 (2%) cases showed Grade 3 positivity. Mercaptobenzothiazole, Balsam of Peru, Nitrofurazone and Wool Alcohol did not show positive results in any of our patients. CONCLUSIONS Patch testing helps in the treatment, long term remission, and patient counseling for prevention. Larger scale studies are required to know the sensitivity to allergens in Nepalese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Sharma
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu
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Chapagain Koirala P, Sah RK, Sherpa K, Poudyal S, Gautam B, Koirala R. Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women, a Study on Risk Factors, Angiographic Features and Outcomes. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2024; 21:491-497. [PMID: 38615223 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v21i3.4762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with acute coronary syndrome are more likely to have cardiovascular disease risk factors and atypical symptoms as compared to men. In Nepal, there is a rising trend of Coronary Artery Disease and myocardial infarction in women. However, research on acute myocardial infarction in women is lacking. The aim of this study was to study the cardiac risk factors, clinical features, angiographic features, and outcome of acute myocardial infarction in Nepalese women admitted to Hospital. METHODS This was a cross sectional study done at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center Kathmandu from September 2016 to March 2017. Female patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The details of the patients, demographic profile, major clinical symptoms, major coronary artery disease risk factors, angiographic features and outcomes were recorded and assessed during the study period. Coronary angiography was done in 112 patients out of 178 patients. RESULTS Out of 178 patients, 85.95 % had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 14.05% had non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. The mean patient age was 62.53 ± 12.1. 26.4% patients were of age less than 55 years. Major risk factors were central obesity (94.61%), dyslipidemia due to low HDL (78.65%). hypertension (54.49%), smoking (54.49%) and type 2 diabetes (34.83%). The most common atypical symptoms were shortness of breath (35.39 %,) , nausea and vomiting (23. 6%) and epigastric pain (6.74%), Single vessel disease was found in 36%; double vessel disease in 26.3% and triple vessel disease in 28.9% of patients. The primary outcome of in- hospital mortality was 3.37 %. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that significant number of females had Coronary Artery Disease at early age. Among women with myocardial infarction in Nepal, obesity due to high waist to hip ratio was the most common risk factor followed by dyslipidemia due to low high density lipoproteins, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes. Atypical symptoms were also common findings. Single vessel disease was the most common lesion and left anterior descending artery was the most commonly involved vessel. Mortality was seen in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients only.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ram Kishor Sah
- Department of Cardiology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital
| | - Kunjang Sherpa
- Department of Cardiology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital
| | - Samir Poudyal
- Department of Cardiology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital
| | - Binayak Gautam
- Department of Cardiology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital
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Adhikary P, Devkota HR, Reingold AL, Ghimire DJ. Factors associated with depressive symptoms among returnee migrants and non-migrants working adults in Madi municipality in Nepal: a community-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:861. [PMID: 38509521 PMCID: PMC10953170 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health is a growing concern worldwide. It is not well understood whether international labour migrants from Nepal who return to Nepal are at higher risk of developing mental health problems. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of and examine the associated factors for depressive symptoms among returnee migrants and non-migrant working male adults in Nepal. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of a probability-based sample of 725 participants was conducted in February 2020. The sample was comprised of two groups based on migration status: returning migrants and non-migrants. The 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21) questionnaire was used to assess depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was applied to investigate factors associated with symptoms of depression. RESULTS The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 10.1%. However, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was lower (7%) among returnee migrants compared to non-migrants (13.7%). Men in the lower income group had a higher chance of having depressive (AOR = 5.88, 95% CI: 2.17-15.96) than those in the higher income group. Similarly, Buddhists and Christians were more likely to be depressed (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.03-4.68) than Hindus. Participants with more than two children had a higher chance of having of depressive symptoms (AOR = 4.80, 95% CI: 1.15-20.05) compared with those without children. Unmarried men were more likely to be depressed (AOR = 4.07, 95%, CI:1.11-14.92) than those who were married. CONCLUSION The working Nepali adult male population in Nepal, including returning migrants, is at risk of depressive symptoms, but this association was lower in those in the higher income group, returnee migrants, those who were married, Hindus and those with no children. Our results highlight the need to monitor and develop national policies to ensure the mental health of the Nepali male adult population, including returnee migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Adhikary
- School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, USA.
- Institute for Social and Environmental Research (ISER-N), Bharatpur, Nepal.
| | - Hridaya Raj Devkota
- Institute for Social and Environmental Research (ISER-N), Bharatpur, Nepal
- Community Support Association of Nepal (COSAN), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Dirgha J Ghimire
- Institute for Social and Environmental Research (ISER-N), Bharatpur, Nepal
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Huda MD, Rahman M, Mostofa MG, Sarkar P, Islam MJ, Adam IF, Duc NHC, Al-Sobaihi S. Health Facilities Readiness and Determinants to Manage Cardiovascular Disease in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal: Evidence from the National Service Provision Assessment Survey. Glob Heart 2024; 19:31. [PMID: 38524910 PMCID: PMC10959132 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In South Asia, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are an increasing public health concern. One strategy for dealing with the growing CVDs epidemic is to make health facilities more ready to provide CVDs services. The study's objectives were to: (1) assess healthcare facilities' readiness to offer CVDs services; and (2) identify the variables that influence such readiness. Methods This study employed data from the Afghanistan Service Provision Assessment Survey 2018-2019, Bangladesh Health Facility Survey 2017, and Nepal Health Facility Survey 2021 that were cross-sectional and nationally representative. In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, 117, 368, and 1,381 health facilities, respectively, were examined. A total of 10 items/indicators were used to measure a health facility's readiness to provide CVDs services across three domains. Results The mean readiness scores of managing CVDs were 6.7, 5.6, and 4.6 in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, respectively. Availability of trained staff for CVD services are not commonly accessible in Afghanistan (21.5%), Bangladesh (15.3%), or Nepal (12.9%), except from supplies and equipment. Afghanistan has the highest levels of medicine and other commodity availability. Among the common factors linked with readiness scores, we ought to expect a 0.02 unit rise in readiness scores for three nations for every unit increase in number of CVDs care providers. In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, availability of both diagnosis and treatment facilities was associated with increases in readiness scores of 27%, 9%, and 17%, respectively. Additionally, an association was observed between nation-specific facility types and the readiness scores. Conclusions Country-specific factors as well as universal factors present in all three nations must be addressed to improve a health facility's readiness to provide CVDs care. To create focused and efficient country-specific plans to raise the standard of CVD care in South Asia, more investigation is necessary to ascertain the reasons behind country-level variations in the availability of tracer items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Durrul Huda
- Diabetic Hospital, Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh
- Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Mosiur Rahman
- Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Golam Mostofa
- Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Prosannajid Sarkar
- Dr. Wazed Research and Training Institute, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Jahirul Islam
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia
| | | | | | - Saber Al-Sobaihi
- Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe) at Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Bijukchhe SM, Gurung M, Pokhrel B, Shakya M, Pant D, Maskey P, Maskey H, Dhakal B, Rajkarkinar S, Bista S, Voysey M, Mujadidi YF, Kim YC, Atherton R, Jones E, Mclean F, Shrestha S, Hill M, Nyland KT, Kelly S, O'reilly P, Sah GP, Basnyat B, Pollard AJ, Shrestha S. Immune responses to typhoid conjugate vaccine in a two dose schedule among Nepalese children <2 years of age. Vaccine 2024; 42:2018-2025. [PMID: 38395723 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, the Vi-typhoid conjugate vaccine (Vi-TT) was found to be highly efficacious in Nepalese children under 16 years of age. We assessed the immunogenicity of Vi-TT at 9 and 12 months of age and response to a booster dose at 15 months of age. METHODS Infants were recruited at Patan Hospital, Kathmandu and received an initial dose of Vi-TT at 9 or 12 months of age with a booster dose at 15 months of age. Blood was taken at four timepoints, and antibody titres were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. The primary study outcome was seroconversion (4-fold rise in antibody titre) of IgG one month after both the doses. FINDINGS Fifty children were recruited to each study group.Some visits were disrupted by the COVID19 pandemic and occurred out of protocol windows.Both the study groups attained 100 % IgG seroconversion after the initial dose. IgG seroconversion in the 9-month group was significantly higher than in the 12-month group (68.42 % vs 25.8 %, p < 0.001). Among individuals who attended visits per protocol, IgG seroconversion after the first dose occurred in 100 % of individuals (n = 27/27 in 9-month and n = 32/32 in 12-month group). However, seroconversion rates after the second dose were 80 % in the 9-month and 0 % in the shorter dose-interval 12-month group (p < 0.001) (n = 16/20 and n = 0/8, respectively). INTERPRETATION Vi-TT is highly immunogenic at both 9 and 12 months of age. Stronger response to a booster in the 9-month group is likely due to the longer interval between doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev M Bijukchhe
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal; Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Meeru Gurung
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bhishma Pokhrel
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mila Shakya
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dikshya Pant
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Pratistha Maskey
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Himang Maskey
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Babita Dhakal
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shristy Rajkarkinar
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sabitri Bista
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Merryn Voysey
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yama F Mujadidi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Young Chan Kim
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Atherton
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Jones
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Mclean
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sonu Shrestha
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matilda Hill
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Kelly
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter O'reilly
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ganesh Prasad Sah
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Buddha Basnyat
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shrijana Shrestha
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Das SK, Bhattarai A, Paudel K, Bhusal S, Shah S, Timsina S, Subedi A, Niroula S, Alshahrani NZ, Sah S, Padhi BK, Barboza JJ, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Salas-Matta LA, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Sah R. Socio-demographic determinants of the knowledge of Monkeypox Virus among the general public: a cross-sectional study in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:295. [PMID: 38448821 PMCID: PMC10916306 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09184-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of monkeypox's zoonotic infection and was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies from different countries have shown insufficient knowledge among the general public on MPXV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the general public of Nepal on MPXV. METHODS Three hundred people were interviewed in person in October 2022, and 282 complete responses were recorded. The questionnaire related to the knowledge of MPXV was derived from a previous study conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two questions were included that assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese toward monkeypox. Statistical comparison between high and low knowledge was performed using Pearson's Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were deployed to establish the relationship between participants' knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS Among the total respondents, 53.8% demonstrated high knowledge of monkeypox. People aged 18-25 years, unmarried people, and those living in urban areas had significantly higher levels of knowledge. Most respondents believed that MPXV is not a conspiracy or bioterrorism (63.1%) and agreed that it is likely to affect people's social and economic life as COVID-19 did (67.0%). The history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR: 2.980; 95%CI: 1.227, 7.236) and the younger age (aOR: 2.975; 95%CI: 1.097, 8.069) were found to be significant determinants of the knowledge of the participants on monkeypox. CONCLUSION We observed that most Nepalese populations had a high knowledge of monkeypox and that social media was the most valuable source of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santa Kumar Das
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, 44600, Maharajgunj, Nepal
| | | | - Kiran Paudel
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Tokha-5, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sandesh Bhusal
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sangam Shah
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Aastha Subedi
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sandhya Niroula
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Najim Z Alshahrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanjit Sah
- Research Scientist, Global Consortium for Public Health and Research, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, 442001, Wardha, India
- SR Sanjeevani Hospital, Kalyanpur-10, Siraha, Nepal
| | - Bijaya Kumar Padhi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, 4861, Lima, Peru
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Msedicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas-Institucion Universitaria Vision de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Luis A Salas-Matta
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, 4861, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Ranjit Sah
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, 44600, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, 411018, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, 411018, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Gurung TB, Paudel R, K. C. A, Acharya A, Khanal PK. Appropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months in Bhimphedi rural municipality of Nepal. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299969. [PMID: 38446802 PMCID: PMC10917259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate complementary feeding plays a crucial role in the enhancement of child survival; and promotes healthy growth and development. Evidence has shown that appropriate complementary feeding is effective in preventing malnutrition and child mortality. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months. METHODOLOGY A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2018. A total of 259 mothers who had children aged 6-23 months were selected randomly from the 714 eligible mothers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. The data were collected in a tablet phone-based questionnaire using the Open Data Kit mobile application by face-to-face interview. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the factor associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice. RESULT The prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practice was 25%. Mother and father with formal education (AOR 6.1, CI: 1.7-22.4 and AOR 5.6 CI: 1.5-21.2 respectively), counseling on IYCF (AOR 4.2, CI: 1.5-12.3), having kitchen garden (AOR 2.4, CI: 1.1-5.2) and food secured family (AOR 3.0, CI: 1.0-8.9) had higher odds of appropriate complementary feeding practice. CONCLUSION This study revealed that a significant proportion of mothers had inappropriate complementary feeding practice for their children aged 6-23 months. This study highlights the need for behavior change communication and promotion of kitchen garden to address the associated factors and promote appropriate complementary feeding practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thag Bahadur Gurung
- Environment Health and Health Care Waste Management Section, Management Division, Department of Health Service, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rajan Paudel
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Aashish Acharya
- Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Kunwar S, Sharma S, Marasini S, Joshi A, Adhikari A, Ranjit A, Byanju Shrestha I, Shrestha A, Shrestha AK, Karmacharya BM. Cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation among higher secondary school adolescents in an urban city of Nepal: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081016. [PMID: 38448066 PMCID: PMC10916119 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and factors associated with cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation among high school adolescents of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. PARTICIPANTS We used convenient sampling to enrol 450 adolescents aged 16-19 years from four distinct higher secondary schools in Pokhara Metropolitan City. OUTCOME MEASURES We administered the Cyberbullying and an Online Aggression Survey to determine the prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs. Data were analysed using STATA V.13. RESULTS The 30-day prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation was 14.4% and 19.8%, and the over-the-lifetime prevalence was 24.2% and 42.2%, respectively. Posting mean or hurtful comments online was the most common form of both cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation. Compared with females, males were more likely to be involved in cyberbullying (adjusted OR (AOR)=13.52; 95% CI: 6.04 to 30.25; p value <0.001) and cyber-victimised (AOR=2.22; 95% CI: 1.33 to 3.73; p value <0.05). Using the internet almost every day was associated with cyberbullying (AOR=9.44; 95% CI: 1.17 to 75.79; p value <0.05) and cyber-victimisation (AOR=4.96; 95% CI: 1.06 to 23.18; p value <0.05). Students from urban place of residence were associated with both cyberbullying (AOR=2.45; 95% CI: 1.23 to 4.88; p value <0.05) and cyber-victimisation (AOR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.02 to 3.05; p value <0.05). CONCLUSION The study recommends the implementation of cyber-safety educational programmes, and counselling services including the rational use of internet and periodic screening for cyberbullying in educational institutions. The enforcement of strong anti-bullying policies and regulations could be helpful to combat the health-related consequences of cyberbullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surakshya Kunwar
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | - Sabina Marasini
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Anjali Joshi
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | | | - Ishwori Byanju Shrestha
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Archana Shrestha
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Akina Koju Shrestha
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Biraj Man Karmacharya
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
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Monsieurs P, Cloots K, Uranw S, Banjara MR, Ghimire P, Burza S, Hasker E, Dujardin JC, Domagalska MA. Source Tracing of Leishmania donovani in Emerging Foci of Visceral Leishmaniasis, Western Nepal. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:611-613. [PMID: 38407178 PMCID: PMC10902524 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We sequenced Leishmania donovani genomes in blood samples collected in emerging foci of visceral leishmaniasis in western Nepal. We detected lineages very different from the preelimination main parasite population, including a new lineage and a rare one previously reported in eastern Nepal. Our findings underscore the need for genomic surveillance.
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Paudel G, Vandelanotte C, Dahal PK, Rawal L. Use of Health Care Services and Its Associated Factors Among People With Type 2 Diabetes in Nepal. Asia Pac J Public Health 2024; 36:249-256. [PMID: 38462855 PMCID: PMC10993629 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241236058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the utilization of health care services and its associated factors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nepal. Data on the utilization of health care services were assessed in 481 adults aged 30 to 70 years with T2DM in Nepal. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with the utilization of health care services. Over 6 months, 66.1% of participants visited health care facilities or health service providers, followed by specialist visits (3.5%), hospitalization (2.1%), and emergency department visits (1.9%). Visit to health care facilities was significantly higher among those aged 50 to 59 years old (ORA: 1.64), practicing Hinduism (ORA: 2.4), and earning NRs ≥30 000 (≥USD 226.10) (ORA: 1.82) as compared to those aged ≥60 years old, practicing other religions, and with monthly family income NRs ≤10 000 (≤USD 75.37), respectively. The utilization of health care services among people with T2DM in Nepal was reasonably low. Identifying the underlying causes of low use of health care services is of great importance to bridge the gap in using health care services for management of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grish Paudel
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Corneel Vandelanotte
- Appleton Institute, Physical Activity Research Group, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Padam Kanta Dahal
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lal Rawal
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Appleton Institute, Physical Activity Research Group, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Katz J, Khatry SK, Shrestha L, Summers A, Visscher MO, Sherchand JB, Tielsch JM, Subedi S, LeClerq SC, Mullany LC. Impact of topical applications of sunflower seed oil on neonatal mortality and morbidity in southern Nepal: a community-based, cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e013691. [PMID: 38423547 PMCID: PMC10910473 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hospital-based studies have demonstrated topical applications of sunflower seed oil (SSO) to skin of preterm infants can reduce nosocomial infections and improve survival. In South Asia, replacing traditional mustard with SSO might have similar benefits. METHODS 340 communities in Sarlahi, Nepal were randomised to use mustard oil (MO) or SSO for community practice of daily newborn massage. Women were provided oil in late pregnancy and the first month post partum, and visited daily through the first week of life to encourage massage practice. A separate data collection team visited on days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 to record vital status and assess serious bacterial infection. RESULTS Between November 2010 and January 2017, we enrolled 39 479 pregnancies. 32 114 live births were analysed. Neonatal mortality rates (NMRs) were 31.8/1000 (520 deaths, 16 327 births) and 30.5/1000 (478 deaths, 15 676 births) in control and intervention, respectively (relative risk (RR)=0.95, 95% CI: 0.84, 1.08). Among preterm births, NMR was 90.4/1000 (229 deaths, 2533 births) and 79.2/1000 (188 deaths, 2373 births) in control and intervention, respectively (RR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.05). Among preterm births <34 weeks, the RR was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.02). No statistically significant differences were observed in incidence of serious bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS We did not find any neonatal mortality or morbidity benefit of using SSO instead of MO as emollient therapy in the early neonatal period. Further studies examining whether very preterm babies may benefit are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT01177111).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Katz
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Laxman Shrestha
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Aimee Summers
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marty O Visscher
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - James M Tielsch
- Global Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Seema Subedi
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven C LeClerq
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Luke C Mullany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Binagwaho A, Hirschhorn LR. Using implementation research to understand lessons in reducing child mortality. BMC Pediatr 2024; 23:654. [PMID: 38413965 PMCID: PMC10900535 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04472-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Under-5 mortality decreased significantly worldwide between 2000 and 2015, but there is still progress to be made, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries. This supplement shares the work over the last four years on a project to understand how six countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda, and Senegal) were more successful in decreasing child mortality than many of their regional and economic peers. The use of implementation research across these countries identifies common implementation strategies and contextual factors that can facilitate or impede successful implementation of an evidence-based intervention and explores a common pathway to implementation. The work highlights how the use of implementation research to understand the "how" and the "why" behind countries' success provides important actionable knowledge and lessons to country-level decision-makers, donors, and implementers as we arrive at the midpoint of the Sustainable Development Goal era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa R Hirschhorn
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Shrestha R, Chayaput P, Wongkongkam K, Chanruangvanich W. Prevalence and predictors of postcholecystectomy syndrome in Nepalese patients after 1 week of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4903. [PMID: 38418688 PMCID: PMC10902287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55625-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is persistent distressing symptoms which develops following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC); in cases when the condition is severe, readmission may be necessary. However, research on the prevalence of PCS and potential factors associated with PCS in Nepalese patients is still limited. An observational point-prevalence, correlational predictive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of PCS and examine what predicting factors including preoperative anxiety, preoperative dyspepsia, smoking, alcohol consumption, and duration of preoperative symptoms are associated with PCS. A total of 127 eligible Nepalese patients who came for follow-up after 1 week of LC at outpatient department of surgery in one single university hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, were recruited. A set of questionnaires consisting participants' information record form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaires (LDQ), Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was administered for data collection. The associations between influential factors and PCS were analyzed using Binary logistic regression. 43.3% of participants reported PCS after 1 week of surgery. The findings from logistic regression analysis affirmed that the patients with preoperative anxiety (OR = 6.38, 95%CI = 2.07-19.67, p < 0.01) and moderate to severe dyspepsia (OR = 4.01, 95%CI = 1.34-12.02, p < 0.05) held the likelihood to report PCS 6.38 and 4.01 times, respectively, greater than others. The implications from study results are that screening of anxiety and patients' tailored interventions to reduce anxiety should be implemented preoperatively. An appropriate health education about persistence of PCS and self-management should be provided to those postoperative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshani Shrestha
- Master of Nursing Science Program in Adult and Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- Department of Nursing, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Prangtip Chayaput
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Kessiri Wongkongkam
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Wallada Chanruangvanich
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
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Shrestha R, Paudel B, Panthi B, Gyawali B, Pandey A, Khanal S, Gyawali S. Breast Cancer among Cancer Patients Visiting the Department of Internal Medicine of a Tertiary Centre. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2024; 62:64-67. [PMID: 38409971 PMCID: PMC10924505 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.8466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide both in terms of incidence and mortality. Its incidence has been on an increasing trend in developing nations including Nepal, however, there is very limited evidence of its demographic profile in our setting. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of breast cancer among cancer patients visiting the Department of Internal Medicine of a tertiary centre. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer patients visiting the Department of Internal Medicine of a tertiary care centre using retrospectively collected data from 1 August 2022 to 30 July 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Histopathologically confirmed cancer patients were included and those with incomplete and duplicated data were excluded. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results Among 2067 cancer patients, the prevalence of breast cancer was 102 (4.93%) (4.00-5.87, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean age was 50.51±2.08 years. The most commonly affected age group was 40 to 60 years constituting 61 (59.80%) patients. Histologically, invasive breast cancer of no special type was the most common and was found in 91 (89.22%) patients. Conclusions The prevalence of breast cancer was similar to other studies done in similar settings. Keywords breast cancer; cross-sectional study; demography; malignancy; prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakshya Shrestha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bishal Paudel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bishal Panthi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bindu Gyawali
- Curative Service Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Anup Pandey
- Curative Service Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Surendra Khanal
- Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, 1200 Prince Avenue, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Bhandari D, Bi P, Sherchand JB, von Ehrenstein OS, Lokmic-Tomkins Z, Dhimal M, Hanson-Easey S. Climate change and infectious disease surveillance in Nepal: qualitative study exploring social, cultural, political and institutional factors influencing disease surveillance. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:30-40. [PMID: 37955595 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the impacts of contextual issues encompassing social, cultural, political and institutional elements, on the operation of public health surveillance systems in Nepal concerning the monitoring of infectious diseases in the face of a changing climate. METHODS Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were conducted amongst key informants from the Department of Health Services, Health Information Management System, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, World Health Organization, and experts working on infectious disease and climate change in Nepal, and data were analysed using thematic analysis technique. RESULTS Analysis explicates how climate change is constructed as a contingent risk for infectious diseases transmission and public health systems, and treated less seriously than other 'salient' public health risks, having implications for how resources are allocated. Further, analysis suggests a weak alliance among different stakeholders, particularly policy makers and evidence generators, resulting in the continuation of traditional practices of infectious diseases surveillance without consideration of the impacts of climate change. CONCLUSIONS We argue that along with strengthening systemic issues (epidemiological capacity, data quality and inter-sectoral collaboration), it is necessary to build a stronger political commitment to urgently address the influence of climate change as a present and exponential risk factor in the spread of infectious disease in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bhandari
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University,Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jeevan Bahadur Sherchand
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Research Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Ondine S von Ehrenstein
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University,Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Meghnath Dhimal
- Department of Research, Nepal Health Research Council, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Scott Hanson-Easey
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Dhakal S, Sharma K, Adhikari K, Joshi A, Poudyal S. Osteoporosis and its associated factors among patients attending Manakamana Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289517. [PMID: 38381757 PMCID: PMC10881011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disorder that weakens bones and increases their susceptibility to fractures. It is becoming an urgent and serious global epidemic. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with it. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients attending at Manakamana Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal. METHODS A cross-sectional study was adopted and 623 patients attending at orthopaedic outpatients department (OPD) of Manakamana Hospital were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected from 15th October 2021 to 15th April, 2022, by using interview schedule, chart review and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurement through calcaneal ultrasonography. Ethical approval was obtained from Nepal Health Research Council Ethical Review Board prior to study procedures. Obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Association between the variables were measured using chi-square test. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 43.5 (±14.26) years. Nearly half (44%, n = 274) were middle aged adults, 59.7% were female and 56.0% were involved in agriculture and household chores. Nearly half of the patients (45.7%) were overweight/ obese, 7.9% were smokers and 13.5% had habit of alcohol use. Osteopenia or low bone density was detected in 58.9% patients and 19.4% had osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly associated with age group (p = <0.001) and educational status (p = 0.013) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Osteoporosis and osteopenia are prevalent in patients attending in the hospital. Hence, awareness, early screening, and treatment are necessary for the hospital attended patients to enhance their health and, minimize the risk of osteoporosis and the consequences associated with it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kalpana Sharma
- Schools of Nursing, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Kishor Adhikari
- School of Public Health & Dept. of Community Medicine, Chitwan Medical College, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Alisha Joshi
- Schools of Nursing, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Sunita Poudyal
- Schools of Nursing, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
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D'Souza R, Prakash B, Yadav NK, Ross O, Subedi K. Small vulnerable newborns in Nepal: the need for data. Lancet 2024; 403:614. [PMID: 38368006 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi D'Souza
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London WC1X 8SH, UK. rashmi.d'
| | | | | | - Oliver Ross
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London WC1X 8SH, UK
| | - Kalpana Subedi
- Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Gajurel BP, Yadav SK, Nepal G, Pant S, Yadav M, Shah R, Shah S. Neurological manifestations and complications of COVID-19 in patients admitted to a tertiary care center in Nepal during the second wave. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36017. [PMID: 38363915 PMCID: PMC10869060 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological symptoms and signs of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) can accompany, follow, or precede respiratory symptoms and signs; hence, they are important in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients. In this retrospective study conducted during the second wave of COVID-19, we included all patients diagnosed with COVID-19 using real-time polymerase chain reaction and admitted to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital between June 2021 and October 2021. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: group A (with neurological manifestations or complications) and Group-B (without neurological manifestations or complications). The 2 groups were compared in terms of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need for ventilatory support, length of hospital stay, and various outcomes. The study included 235 participants ranging in age from 13 to 102 years (mean age = 54 years, standard deviation = 18). Among the participants, 54.50% were male. The proportion of individuals in group A was higher (59.15%, N = 139) than that in Group-B (40.85%, N = 96). Notably, a significantly greater number of patients were admitted to the ICU in Group B than in Group A. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the need for ventilatory support or hospital stay between the 2 groups. Interestingly, group A showed a higher rate of improvement (Z = -3.1145, P = .00188, 95% CI), while Group-B had a higher rate of mortality (Z = 4.5562, P < .00001, 95% CI). Altered mental status and stroke have been specifically linked to poorer outcomes, whereas typical neurological manifestations, such as hyposmia, hypogeusia, dizziness, headache, and myalgia, are associated with better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikram Prasad Gajurel
- Department of Neurology Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sushil Kumar Yadav
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gaurav Nepal
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sobin Pant
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Manish Yadav
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ravi Shah
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sumit Shah
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Subedi K, Sigdel B, Khanal PP, Sharma D, Chaudhary G, Singh AK, Paneru S. Dental caries, tobacco usage and associated risk factor of dental caries in patients visiting a government hospital in Western, Nepal. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:219. [PMID: 38342887 PMCID: PMC10859024 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-03997-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of dental caries, tobacco usage, and associated risk factors for dental caries in patients who visited a government hospital in Western, Nepal. METHODS This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2022. Patients above 18 years visiting the dental OPD of a government hospital, and who had provided informed consent were enrolled in the study using a convenience sampling technique. As the study also involved an illiterate population, in that case, informed consent was obtained from their respective legal guardian as well. A pretested standardized, close-ended questionnaire was administered by researchers to gather information regarding the associated risk factors and oral hygiene practices. Clinical examination was done for dental caries according to the criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO) using the "DMFT" index (WHO modification 1987). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done and the odds ratio and p-value was calculated. For all tests, statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS A total of 219 participants completed the study with a mean age of 31.73 ± 12.46. The prevalence of dental caries and tobacco was found to be 80.36% and 5.02% respectively. Participants without health insurance had 2.35 times higher odds of dental caries (95% CI: 1.03-5.36). Not rinsing the mouth after eating sweets was associated with 3.07 times higher odds of dental caries (95% CI: 1.31-7.18). Those who hadn't visited a dentist in the past 12 months had lower odds (0.42; 95% CI: 0.18-0.94). Eating fresh fruit daily showed statistically higher odds (2.70; 95% CI: 1.04-6.99) of dental caries. Non-tobacco users had higher odds (14.19; 2.55-78.99) of dental caries. CONCLUSION Dental caries is highly prevalent, while tobacco usage is relatively low. Factors associated with dental caries included lack of health insurance coverage, consumption of fruits once daily, recent dental visits within the past year, not rinsing the mouth with water after consuming sweets, and non-tobacco users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Subedi
- Department of Community Dentistry, Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Pokhara, Nepal.
| | - Bhawana Sigdel
- Department of Dentistry, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Purna Prasad Khanal
- Orthodontic Unit, Dental Department, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Deepa Sharma
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Pokhara, Nepal
| | | | | | - Sunil Paneru
- Department of Dentistry, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
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Bhattarai B, Thapa HB, Bashyal S, Thapa SK, Chaudhuri S, Agiwal V, Pant H, Singh S, Mahajan H. Structured Counselling and Regular Telephonic follow up to improve Referral flow and compliance in Nepal for Diabetic Retinopathy(SCREEN-D Study): a randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:188. [PMID: 38336691 PMCID: PMC10858536 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is an emerging public health issue, leading to severe visual impairment or blindness. Early identification and prompt treatment play a key role in achieving good visual outcomes. The objective of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of SCREEN package on improving referral compliance from peripheral centres to a tertiary eye centre in Nepal. METHODS In this facility-based cluster-randomized trial, ten out of 19 referring centres of the tertiary eye care centre in Lumbini zone, Nepal were randomized into intervention and control groups. A SCREEN packagewereprovided as intervention for DR patients who require advanced treatment in the tertiary centres and was compared with the current practice of the control arm, where structured counselling and follow-up mechanism are absent. Compliance was estimated by a weekly follow-up between the referring centre and the referred hospital. RESULTS We recruited 302 participantsof whom 153 were in the intervention arm. The mean age of the participants was 57.8 years (Standard deviation [SD]±11.7 years). With implementation of SCREEN package71.2% (n=109) in the intervention group and 42.9% (n=64) in the control group were compliant till three months of follow-up (Difference 28.3%, 95% CI: 17.6- 39.0, p<0.05). Compliance was 43% (n=66) with counselling alone, and 66% (n=103) with first telephonic follow-up in the intervention arm. The mean duration to reach the referral centre was 14.7 days (SD± 9.4 days) and 18.2 days (SD± 9.1 days) in the intervention and the control arm, respectively (Difference 3.5 days, 95% CI: 0.7 to 6.4 days). CONCLUSIONS Counselling& follow-up to patients is the key factor to improve the utilization of the health services by patients with DR. Health systems must be strengthened by optimizing the existing referral structure in Nepal. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04834648 , 08/04/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita Bhattarai
- Lumbini Eye Institute and Research center, Siddharthanagar, Lumbini, Nepal.
- Lumbini Eye Institute and Research Centre, Bhairahawa, Nepal.
| | - Hari Bahadur Thapa
- Lumbini Eye Institute and Research center, Siddharthanagar, Lumbini, Nepal
| | - Sandip Bashyal
- Lumbini Eye Institute and Research center, Siddharthanagar, Lumbini, Nepal
| | | | | | - Varun Agiwal
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad (IIPH-H), Hyderabad, India
| | - Hira Pant
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad (IIPH-H), Hyderabad, India
| | - Samiksha Singh
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad (IIPH-H), Hyderabad, India
| | - Hemant Mahajan
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad (IIPH-H), Hyderabad, India
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Basnet A, Shrestha MR, Tamang B, Pokhrel N, Maharjan R, Rai JR, Bista S, Shrestha S, Rai SK. Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance among Clinical Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae in Nepal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:283-290. [PMID: 38167427 PMCID: PMC10859788 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinicians face a global challenge treating infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae because of the high rate of antibiotic resistance. This cross-sectional study from the Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, characterized resistance patterns in Enterobacteriaceae across different antimicrobial classes and assessed incidences of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) infections. Enterobacteriaceae from clinical samples were isolated on blood and MacConkey agar, except for urine samples on cysteine lactose electrolyte-deficient agar. To determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, including MDR and XDR, the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used. Statistics were performed using SPSS, v. 17.0. Members of the family were identified in 14.5% (95% CI: 16.2-12.8%) of the total samples (N = 1,617), primarily in urine (54.7%, 128/234), blood (19.7%, 46/234), and sputum (15.0%, 35/234). Escherichia coli (n = 118, 44.2%) was the most predominant bacteria, followed by Citrobacter freundii (n = 81, 30.3%). As much as 95.6% (392/410) of the isolates were penicillin-resistant, whereas only 36.2% (290/801) were carbapenem-resistant. A total of 96 (36.0%) MDR and 98 (36.7%) XDR Enterobacteriaceae were identified. Proteus mirabilis (44.4%, 8/18) predominated MDR cultures, whereas C. freundii (53.1%, 43/81) predominated XDR cultures. Multidrug resistant (38.4%, 71/154) and XDR Enterobacteriaceae (22.7%, 35/154) were chiefly uropathogens. Fluoroquinolone resistance rates in non-MDR, MDR, and XDR isolates were 19.9%, 63.2%, and 96.2%, respectively, whereas cephalosporin resistance rates were 28.6%, 72.9%, and 95.4% and penicillin resistance rates were 67.0%, 97.4%, and 98.0%. One-seventh of patients visiting the hospital were found to be infected with Enterobacteriaceae, and of these patients, at least one-fourth were infected with MDR strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaya Basnet
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Microbiology, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mahendra Raj Shrestha
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Basanta Tamang
- Department of Microbiology, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nayanum Pokhrel
- Research Section, Nepal Health Research Council, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rajendra Maharjan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Junu Richhinbung Rai
- Department of Microbiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shrijana Bista
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shila Shrestha
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shiba Kumar Rai
- Department of Research and Microbiology, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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