A cross-sectional study was conducted among women of different ethnic groups aged 40 to 60 years and health workers in different parts of Nepal using focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs) and clinical examinations to determine the symptoms and complains related to menopause. The mean age at menarche was 15 years and the mean age of menopause was 47. The highest menarche and menopause (50 years) was found to be among the Gurung women. Mean age of menopause was found to be higher among currently older women (52 years among 60+ women vs 41 years among <45 years women) and unmarried women. Tharu perimenopausal women and Sarki, Gurung and Tharu postmenopausal women were found to have relatively more regular menstrual cycles. However, Tharu perimenopausal women were found to have excess bleedings during the menstrual cycle. Most of the women had heard about menopause but did not have detailed knowledge on it. Loss of sexual interest (95.3%), decreased visual activity (58%), joint pain (31.3%) and body pain (31.3%) were the most commonly reported menopausal symptoms. Mean body mass index (BMI) was highest among the Gurung women (both perimenopausal and postmenopausal). Pap smear was normal in all 138 women but around 50% had some cervical and vaginal-related problems. One-third of Tharu postmenopausal women had atropic labia and onethird of Tamang women had leukoderma. Since, very little knowledge is known about the postmenopausal symptoms and problems in Nepal, this study can serve as the basis for further researches in this area with an increased sample size. How to cite this article Rajbhandari S, Amatya A, Giri K. Relation of Ethnicity and Menopausal Symptoms in Nepal. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2013;1(2):50-55.
Background and purpose: HIV testing among pregnant women can reduce the risk of mother to child HIV transmission. The implementation of prevention from mother to child transmission (PMTCT) program in Bangli District is suboptimal. This study aims to explore challenges and opportunities for implementing PMTCT program from both user and provider perspectives.Methods: A qualitative approach was conducted in Bangli District between April and May 2016. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 18 informants. All informants were purposively selected and covered of 10 pregnant women, two counsellors, two laboratory analysts, two head of community health centres, one disease control officer from Bangli District Health Office and one officer from Bangli District AIDS Commission. Data were analysed using thematic method.Results: Pregnant women choosed to have ANC service at private midwife and obstetrician instead of public health centre. From health providers’ perspectives barrier of PMTCT implementation included lack of health human resources and a high level of stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS in the community. This study revealed that there was an opportunity for PMTCT implementation in Bangli District due to positive attitudes and supports from husband and health provider toward HIV testing. Another opportunity is to involve village health cadres and community leaders in promoting HIV testing among pregnant women.Conclusions: Implementation of PMTCT program in health centre should includes network of private practitioner and enhance village health cadres and community leaders’ participation.
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