BackgroundWorld Health Organization (WHO) estimates for deaths attributed to Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nepal have risen from 51% in 2010 to 60% in 2014. This study assessed the distribution and determinants of NCD risk factors among the Nepalese adult population.Methods and FindingsA nationally representative cross-sectional survey was conducted from Jan to June 2013 on the prevalence of NCD risk factors using the WHO NCD STEPS instrument. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to randomly select the 4,200 respondents. The adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) was used to assess the determinants of NCD risk factors using a Poisson regression model. The prevalence of current smoking (last 30 days) was 19% (95%CI:16.6-20.6), and harmful alcohol consumption (≥60 g of pure alcohol for men and ≥40 g of pure alcohol for women on an average day) was 2% (95%CI:1.4-2.9). Almost all (99%, 95%CI:98.3-99.3) of the respondents consumed less than five servings of fruits and vegetables combined on an average day and 3% (95%CI:2.7-4.3) had low physical activity. Around 21% (95%CI:19.3-23.7) were overweight or obese (BMI≥25). The prevalence of raised blood pressure (SBP≥140 mm of Hg or DBP≥90 mm of Hg) and raised blood glucose (fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dl), including those on medication were 26% (95%CI:23.6-28.0) and 4% (95%CI:2.9-4.5) respectively. Almost one quarter of respondents, 23% (95%CI:20.5-24.9), had raised total cholesterol (total cholesterol ≥190 mg/dl or under current medication for raised cholesterol). he study revealed a lower prevalence of smoking among women than men (APR:0.30; 95%CI:0.25-0.36), and in those who had higher education levels compared to those with no formal education (APR:0.39; 95%CI:0.26-0.58). Harmful alcohol use was also lower in women than men (APR:0.26; 95%CI:0.14-0.48), and in Terai residents compared to hill residents (APR:0.16; 95%CI:0.07-0.36). Physical inactivity was lower among women than men (APR:0.55; 95%CI:0.38-0.80), however women were significantly more overweight and obese (APR:1.19; 95%CI:1.02-1.39). Being overweight or obese was significantly less prevalent in mountain residents than in hill residents (APR:0.41; 95%CI:0.21-0.80), and in rural compared to urban residents (APR:1.39; 95%CI:1.15-1.67). Lower prevalence of raised blood pressure was observed among women than men (APR:0.69; 95%CI: 0.60-0.80). Higher prevalence of raised blood glucose was observed among urban residents compared to rural residents (APR:2.05; 95%CI:1.29-3.25). A higher prevalence of raised total cholesterol was observed among the respondents having higher education levels compared to those respondents having no formal education (APR:1.76; 95%CI:1.35-2.28).ConclusionThe prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption, overweight and obesity, raised blood pressure and raised total cholesterol is markedly high among the Nepalese population, with variation by demographic and ecological factors and urbanization. Prevention, treatment and control of NCDs and their risk factors in Nepal is an em...

BackgroundDengue fever (DF) is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. In this decade it has expanded to new countries and from urban to rural areas. Nepal was regarded DF free until 2004. Since then dengue virus (DENV) has rapidly expanded its range even in mountain regions of Nepal, and major outbreaks occurred in 2006 and 2010. However, no data on the local knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of DF in Nepal exist although such information is required for prevention and control measures.MethodsWe conducted a community based cross-sectional survey in five districts of central Nepal between September 2011 and February 2012. We collected information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding DF using a structured questionnaire. We then statistically compared highland and lowland communities to identify possible causes of observed differences.Principal FindingsOut of 589 individuals interviewed, 77% had heard of DF. Only 12% of the sample had good knowledge of DF. Those living in the lowlands were five times more likely to possess good knowledge than highlanders (P<0.001). Despite low knowledge levels, 83% of the people had good attitude and 37% reported good practice. We found a significantly positive correlation among knowledge, attitude and practice (P<0.001). Among the socio-demographic variables, the education level of the participants was an independent predictor of practice level (P<0.05), and education level and interaction between the sex and age group of the participants were independent predictors of attitude level (P<0.05).ConclusionDespite the rapid expansion of DENV in Nepal, the knowledge of people about DF was very low. Therefore, massive awareness programmes are urgently required to protect the health of people from DF and to limit its further spread in this country.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid is thought to be one of the causes of otitis media with effusion, though it is controversial. Grading the adenoid by rigid nasal endoscope in patients with otitis media with effusion may justify adenoidectomy in otitis media with effusion in the future. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out at GMS Memorial Academy of ENT and head neck studies from 15th December 2005-April 2007. Study group comprised of 32 children with otitis media with effusion and control group of 28 children with clinically normal ear and nose. Rigid nasal endoscope was used for grading of adenoid in study and control group. The severity of otitis media with effusion was assessed by preoperative air-bone gap and thickness of the fluid aspirated from middle ear during ventilation tube insertion. RESULTS: In the study group 13 out of 32 had grade 4 adenoid hypertrophy. This grade 4 adenoid hypertrophy was found to be statistically significant in children with otitis media with effusion (P < 0.0002). In control group 15 out of 28 had grade 1 adenoid hypertrophy which was significant in the same group (P < 0.002). Air-bone gap and thickness of fluid did not correlate with the increasing grade of adenoid hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Grade 4 adenoid hypertrophy was statistically found to be significant with otitis media with effusion but severity of hypertrophy were not reflected by hearing loss and thickness of fluid. Keywords: adenoid hypertrophy, myringotomy , otitis media with effusion, ventilaiton tube insertion.

This study was done to compare the pre and post-operative hearing results in patients undergoingcanal wall down mastoidectomy with classical type III tympanoplasty using temporalis fasciaalone.Patients of ≥5 years age with the diagnosis of Chronic otitis media (squamous) with conductive ormixed hearing loss, needing canal wall down mastoidectomy and with intact and mobile stapessuprastructure at surgery who underwent classical type III tympanoplasty were included in thestudy. The pre and post-operative PTA was performed and evaluated. The post-operative hearingwas assessed in terms of average ABG and size of ABG closure.Mean pre and post-operative air bone gap in classical type III tympanoplasty were 37.8 dB and 29.8dB respectively and these differences were statistically significant. The postoperative PTA-ABGranged from 15-61.2 dB.Hearing results after type III tympanoplasty varied widely showing statistically significantimprovement in mean post-operative PTA-ABG but there was a great variation.Key words: air bone gap, chronic otitis media, mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty

BackgroundMalaria is a major public health problem in Nepal inflicted primarily by the parasite Plasmodium vivax, - the only species responsible for relapse cases in Nepal. Knowledge on its relapse rate is important for successful malaria control, but is lacking in Nepal. The information on circulating predominant genotypes of P. vivax is equally relevant for high endemic districts of Nepal to understand the transmission dynamics of the parasite and to uncover the coverage and efficacy of potential vaccine beforehand.MethodsA prospective observational study with a six months follow-up period was conducted from August 2010 to May 2011 in four health centres of Kailali and Kanchanpur districts of Nepal to access the relapse/re-infection rate of P. vivax. The prevalence and heterogeneity of its genotypes were identified by PCR-RFLP assay targeting central repeat region of circumsporozoite protein (Pvcsp).ResultsIn total, 137 cases microscopically suspected to have P. vivax infection were enrolled in the study. Of these, 23 cases (17%) were detected for the relapse/ re-infection-during a six-month period, with a high proportion being male cases of age group 11–20 years. For genotyping, 100 whole blood samples were analysed, of which 95% of the parasite isolates were found to be of VK210 genotype. The minor genotype VK247 existed either in isolation or as mixed infection with VK210 in rest of the samples.ConclusionsThe relapse/re-infection rate of 17% was determined for P. vivax in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts of Nepal. A heterogeneous Pvcsp genotypic distribution of P. vivax was detected with VK210 being a predominant type, suggesting a complex transmission dynamics of the parasite. Expanding such study in other endemic regions of Nepal would help provide a complete picture on relapse/re-infection rate and parasite genotypic variability that can help in effective control and management of malaria in Nepal.

DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v7i2.3025 Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol.7(2) Apr 2009 140-141

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