IntroductionMale involvement in reproductive health is an essential component in promoting maternal and family health. In Nepal, men are not actively engaged in most maternal and child health (MCH) services nor in other reproductive health programs. There is a need to know about the understanding of key professionals in such practices. This study explores gendered perspectives among teachers and health professionals to understand the factors contributing to male involvement in reproductive health.MethodsThe data were collected through two focus group discussions (FGDs) and seven key informant interviews (KIIs). FGDs were held among male teachers of selected schools, and KIIs were conducted with health professionals of the health post of Bungamati, Lalitpur. An unstructured interview guide was used to explore their experiences and perceptions. All KIIs and FGDs were recorded, translated and transcribed verbatim.ResultsFindings show limited male involvement in reproductive health. Participants reported several hindering and challenging factors such as sociocultural and psychological norms, lack of education, and misinformation and dominance of female as health care providers in many MCH clinics. Perceived motivating factors included positive attitude in men, literacy and awareness, inclusion of reproductive health in school curriculum and certain incentives. Participants also recommended a range of strategies for increasing men’s involvement in reproductive health in Nepal.ConclusionMen’s education and attitude, knowledge and awareness, sociocultural factors, psychological factors, health system factors, and policies play important roles in male involvement in reproductive health. Programs on effective implementation of men involvement in reproductive health initiatives should address the barriers and challenges to men’s supportive activities. This study also suggests increasing literacy of reproductive health among men that enhances their positivity and motivates them to participate in reproductive health services.

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Background: Nursing profession is stereotyped worldwide.  In Nepal, the enrollment of males in nursing education was initiated in 1986 AD with allocation of 10% seats, which stopped after enrollment of four batches only. Nepal Nursing council has announced 15% allocation of nursing seats to male students from academic year 2018/19 AD but only a few number of males have been enrolled.  Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude towards the nursing profession among male secondary level students.  Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by employing multi-stage sampling technique in June, 2019. Random list of secondary schools of Kathmandu district was created followed by proportionate stratified random sampling among 80% of male students studying in grades nine and ten from initial ten schools from the randomized list. The sample size was 388. A self-structured questionnaire was administered. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 20 by using frequency, percentage, mean, chi-square test and pearson’s correlation coefficient.  Results: Out of 388 respondents, only 55.4% had adequate knowledge and only 53.4% had a more positive attitude towards the nursing profession. Significant association was found between knowledge towards the nursing profession with two of the socio-demographic variables grade of student and respondent’s family, friends and relatives in the nursing profession. Conclusion: The study showed inadequate knowledge and less positive attitude towards the nursing profession. Educational programs regarding different aspects of nursing profession should be planned timely by professional nursing organizations, nursing colleges and secondary schools of Nepal which would create a positive impact in enrollment of male nursing students in coming academic years.

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is considered to be one of the most common endocrinedisorders among women of reproductive age. Characterized by a triad of androgen excess,anovulation, infertility, and obesity the disease can lead to several complications like infertility,endometrial carcinoma. This study aims to find out its prevalence among female medicalundergraduates. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate medicalstudents in a tertiary care hospital from 1st to 7th February 2018. Ethical approval was taken fromthe Institutional Review Committee (reference number 10012018). The sample size was calculated.Systematic random sampling was done. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 wasused. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportionfor binary data. Results: Out of 381 participants, the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome was found to be 35(9.18%) at 95% Confidence Interval (6.28-12.08). Eighty (20.99%) participants were reported to haveprolonged menses, 28 (7.34%) tended to grow dark, coarse hair, 79 (20.73%) reported being obese oroverweight, and milky discharge from nipple was present in 4 (1.049%). Conclusions: The prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome was found to be similar to other studiesconducted in similar settings. But still, it is a growing endocrinological problem in the females of thereproductive age group. Early screening is necessary to prevent lifelong complications.