Background: Transport workers (drivers and helpers) are exposed to dust and vehicle emissions continuously throughout their duty hours. Most common health hazards on exposure to air pollution is related to respiratory system. The main objective of the study was to measure lung function parameters of transport workers and compare results with those of the general public. This study also aimed to evaluate the effect of job duration on transport workers.Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was done in a total of 78 apparently healthy, non-smoking, male transport workers working for at least one year within the Ring Road in Kathmandu valley. The results obtained from these professionals were compared to 78 apparently healthy, non-smoker male general public, working as students in medical college and administrative staff in transport office.Results: Statistically significant decrease in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Forced Expiratory Flow between 25% and 75% (FEF25%-75%) among transport workers was noted as compared to the general public. Transport workers working for more than five years also have deteriorated above mentioned parameters as compared to their colleagues working five years or less in the same profession.Conclusions: This study concludes that there is an adverse effect of ambient air pollution on pulmonary functions of the transport workers. The findings of this study also demonstrate that the transport workers working in Kathmandu valley for more than five years have deteriorated pulmonary functions.Med Phoenix. Vol. 3, Issue. 1, 2018, Page: 52-59
Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing these days. The adverse effect of obesity can be seen in different physiological functions. Relative fat mass is a newly identified parameter to estimate whole body fat. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of obesity among medical students of a medical college. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students of a medical college from 1 September 2021 to 30 January 2022. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: FNMC/539/078/79). Simple random sampling was done. Height was measured using a stadiometer and waist circumference was measured using non-stretchable tape. Relative fat mass was calculated using the relative fat mass equation. The data was categorised according to the distribution of fat mass. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Out of 180 medical students, 57 (31.67%) (24.87-38.47, 95% Confidence Interval) were obese according to relative fat mass cut-off. The mean fat mass among male and female participants with high relative fat mass was 27.057±1.42 and 35.674±2.63 respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity was lower than in other studies done in similar settings.
Introduction Yoga is a practice of mind and body that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate. It is considered one of many complementary and integrative health approaches. Yoga brings together physical and mental discipline that may help achieve a healthy body and peaceful mind. In this study, we aim to assess knowledge and awareness regarding yoga and its benefit among preclinical students. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study includes 176 preclinical medical students of National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal. A total of 14 self-designed close-ended questionnaires regarding knowledge and awareness about Yoga were used as a study tool. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, 2010. Results Among 176 preclinical students, 77.84% had the habit of practicing yoga, but only 14.20% of students continued it. About 96.59% of students knew the benefits of yoga. Conclusion The result of the study reveals that there is a positive influence of practicing yoga among students. By practicing yoga, it is capable to achieve personal abilities such as stress management, attention in their work, and maintenance of physical and mental health.
Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is an indicator of cardiovascular health, usually expressed as VO2max. VO2max is the capacity of our body to transport and utilize oxygen during maximal exertion. The present study attempts to assess the level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in medical students and compare VO2max between physically active and insufficiently active students. Materials and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was conducted in 246 medical students (123 males and females each) of age between 18 to 23 years in National Medical College, Birgunj. After obtaining ethical clearance, screening was done with American College of Sports Medicine participants screening questionnaire. Students were classified as physically active and insufficiently active by using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. VO2max was calculated from recovery heart rate counted from fifth to twentieth second of recovery after step test. Finally, subjects were categorized into different level of cardiorespiratory fitness based on their VO2max values. Results: Present study found 33.6% of insufficiently physical active students. Females had higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity (40.6%) than males (26.8%). The VO2max of male and female was 46.79 ± 8.98 and 36.15 ± 4.66 ml/Kg/min respectively. Majority of female participants had ‘average’ VO2max whereas in male, distribution is almost equal in ‘excellent’, ‘good’ and ‘fair’ category. Conclusion: Around one-third of medical students did not meet the level of physical activity recommended by WHO for health. Majority of them had ‘average’ level of VO2max and those physically active had better cardiorespiratory fitness.
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