scholarly journals Prevalence of Hypertension in a Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (232) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Paudel ◽  
Samir Chalise ◽  
Dinesh Raj Neupane ◽  
Narayan Adhikari ◽  
Shishir Paudel ◽  
...  

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for the global burden of disease and is of rising public health concerns in the developing world including Nepal. However, few studies have focused on awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among people living with this condition. In this scenario, this study aimed to find out the prevalence of hypertension and its awareness, treatment, and control among hypertensive patients residing in different parts of Kaski district, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among 977 family members of 290 households from August to December 2017. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (reference number:73/074/75) of the Pokhara University Research Center. Simple random sampling was done. Hypertension screening was performed through averaging three values obtained by standardized aneroid sphygmomanometer in three observations. Primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews based on the participant’s preferences. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out Of total 997 family members screened, 294 (29.49%) (26.66-32.32 at 95% confidence interval) had hypertension whereas only 127 (43.2%) were completely aware of their disease condition. 279 (94.9%) were taking antihypertensive medication and 201 (68.4%) had their blood pressure controlled. Conclusions: We found that almost one-fourth of the adult population in the community suffered from hypertension but less than half of the hypertensive patients are aware of their conditions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (242) ◽  
pp. 868-871
Author(s):  
Alisha Thapa ◽  
Susmita Nepal ◽  
Garima Malla ◽  
Sushma Pokhrel

 Introduction: Childhood obesity, caused due to excessive fat accumulation, is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths associated with several non-communicable diseases. In Nepal, there is limited data available on the status of overweight and obesity among school children. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of childhood overnutrition among school going children in a municipality. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to July 2019, in four schools of a municipality selected by simple random sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from Nepal Health Research Council (Registration number 380/2019). Data was collected using census sampling from children aged 5-18 years through self-administered questionnaires to the children’s parents. The data was entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for analysis. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of 379 school children, the prevalence of overnutrition was found to be 38 (10.03%) (95% Confidence Interval= 7.01-13.05). Prevalence of overnutrition was highest in children of age group 10-13 years 23 (60.5%), in females 27 (71.1%), those consuming junk food 4-6 times weekly 14 (36.8%) and those performing daily physical activity less than 60 minutes 24 (63.2%). Conclusions: The prevalence of childhood overnutrition is similar in comparison to other studies done in similar settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (222) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabina Maharjan ◽  
Narayani Maharjan ◽  
Rui Li

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing rapidly worldwide. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of diet and exercise among hypertensive patients. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire among 169 hypertensive patients at Kathmandu diabetes and thyroid center from May 2017 to July 2017 after taking ethical clearance from Nepal Health Research Council, Nepal. A convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected and entry was done in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of total 169 participants enrolled in this study, only 79 (46.7%) had good knowledge and 90 (53.3%) had poor knowledge regarding diet and exercise. The mean age of participants was 54.68±13.91 years. Conclusions: This study revealed that the knowledge about diet and exercise among hypertensive patients is poor and this study suggests the need for a proper educational intervention to improve awareness and to control hypertension effectively.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (231) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shristi Shrestha ◽  
Smita Joshi ◽  
Sajana Bhandari

Introduction: Topical corticosteroids misuse has become one of the burning issues in many countries across the globe. They are known to cause a myriad of adverse effects which include local effects commonly and systemic effects rarely. In dermatology practice, one of the common problems we see these days are steroid-induced and steroid aggravated dermatoses. So, this study was done to find the prevalence of misuse of topical corticosteroid among dermatology outpatients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the outpatient department of dermatology at atertiary care hospital for 18 months. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of NMCTH (Reference no. 029-076/077). Convenient sampling was done. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 was used to tabulate the data and analyze the results. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of 19464 patients, 614 (3.15%) (2.91%-3.39% at 95% Confidence Interval) gave a history of applying steroid containing creams. Among them, 220 (35.8%) belonged to the age group 21-30 years. Dermatophytoses were the skin disease where TCS was most commonly misused followed by melasma in 425 (69.2%) and 115 (18.7%) respectively. Beclomethasone was the steroid preparation that was misused in the maximum number of patients in 271 (44.1%). Some form of adverse effects was seen in 554 (88.6%) patients. Conclusions: Non-prescription sale of topical corticosteroids is the major cause of topical corticosteroids abuse in Nepal. Creating awareness among the prescribers as well as the patients is the current need.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (232) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashmita Paudel ◽  
Surya Prasad Devkota ◽  
Anima Shrestha ◽  
Anil Kumar Shah

Introduction: Gram-negative isolates harboring mobilized colistin resistance (mcr-1) gene are a great threat to human health. They have been reported worldwide among various bacterial isolates. This work aimed to study the prevalence of colistin resistance among Gram-negative bacteria and the incidence of mcr-1 gene among these isolates. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done at a tertiary care center from June 2016 to February 2017. An ethical approval was taken from review board of the Nepal Health Research Council (Reg. no: 274/2016). Convenience sampling was used. The data was collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16 . Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Among 485 gram-negative isolates, only 13 (2.68%) (1.26-6.62 at 95% Confidence Interval) isolates were colistin-resistant and mcr-1 was present in two isolates. Predominant colistin-resistant isolates were E. coli 6 (4.1%), Enterobacter spp 2 (2.81%), and Acinetobacter spp 2 (2.81%). A high level of colistin-resistance was noted in 4 (30.7%) isolates as indicated by the very high value of colistin MIC (>256 µg/ml). ICU was the major site of isolation of colistin-resistant and mcr-1 positive pathogens. The majority of colistin-resistant isolates were highly drug-resistant and were sensitive only to polymyxin B. Antibiotics like imipenem, amikacin, gentamicin, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam were effective for few of these isolates. Conclusions: Though the prevalence of mcr-1 gene was low among colistin-resistant gram-negative isolates, the resistant pattern was quite alarming as these isolates were highly drug-resistant.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (232) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bibechan Thapa ◽  
Nisha Sharma ◽  
Yam Prasad Dwa

Introduction: Each year, unsafe medical abortion costs the lives of thousands worldwide. Despite the legalization of abortion in Nepal in 2002, many still seek services from unauthorized sources. This has led to grave consequences including death. Our objective is to find out the prevalence of self-induced abortion by self-administration of abortive pills and related complications. Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among abortion-related admissions in a tertiary care center from June 15 2018 to March 15, 2020. Ethical approval was taken from the institutional review committee (076/077/51). Data was collected using pre-designed proforma and analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of 223 cases enrolled, 37 (16.6%) (9.6-23.6 at 95% Confidence Interval) were self-induced abortion cases by self-administration of abortion pills. The mean gestational age at the time of intake of pills was 7+6±3+1 week of gestation. The majority were diagnosed with incomplete abortion 14 (37.8%) followed by septic abortion 8 (21.6%). A surgical evacuation was performed in 25 (67.6%). Anemia was observed in 19 (51.3%) with severe anemia in 4 (10.8%). Blood transfusion was carried out in 14 (37.8%). Post abortive contraception was accepted by only 16 (42.3%). Conclusions: Medical abortion is safe if done under supervision but self-induced abortion by self-administration of abortion pills has a high complication rate. Therefore, further studies exploring a different dimension of the serious issue is the need of time.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (230) ◽  
Author(s):  
Apar Pokharel

Introduction: Laryngomalacia is one of the most common causes of stridor in young children. It can be a serious concern to both parents and caregivers. The main objective of this study is to find the prevalence of laryngomalacia among young children presenting with stridor in a tertiary care hospital in central Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out form 1st December 2017 to 1st May 2020 in children less than two years of age in a tertiary care hospital. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of the hospital (reference number: 2020/23). Convenient sampling was done. Detailed demography, clinical examination, and video laryngoscopy findings were evaluated to find the prevalence of laryngomalacia among all children with stridor. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of 430 participants who presented with stridor, the laryngomalacia was found in 234 (66%) (58.7-74.07) cases at a 95% confidence interval. The male: female ratio was 1.7:1. Most children, 192 (67.6%), presented with a milder form of laryngomalacia. The most common type was a mixed type of laryngomalacia in 159 (56%). Sleep-disordered breathing was seen in 113 (39.79%) of children diagnosed with laryngomalacia. Conclusions: Our study concluded that laryngomalacia was the most common cause of stridor in children less than two years of age. However, in most cases, the problem is not serious and a regular follow-up with weight monitoring is warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (236) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Shrestha ◽  
Sunil Raja Manandhar ◽  
Om Krishna Malla

Introduction: Ophthalmia neonatorum although runs a benign course mostly, sometimes may progress to sight threatening complications. The study was conducted to find the prevalence of culture positive cases of opthalmia neonatorum. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care center from January to December 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review committee of Kathmandu Medical College. Convenience sampling was done. All data were entered into excel and, then for analysis, exported to Statistal Package for Social Sciences version 21. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: The prevalence of culture positive cases of opthalmia neonaturum is 10 (55.55%) (32.61-78.49 at 95% Confidence Interval). The causative organisms were coagulase negative Staphylococcus 4 (40%), Staphylococcus aureus 3 (30%), Klebsiella 2 (20%) and Pseudomonas 1 (10%). Culture sensitivity of the isolated organisms were different according to the patient even in case of the same organism. Vancomycin 7 ( 70%) was the most sensitive antibiotic followed by Ciprofloxacin 6 (60%), Amikacin 5 (50%) and Cloxacillin 5 (50%) while Azithromycin 1 (10%), Cefixime 1 (10%) and Cotrimoxazole 1 (10%) were the least sensitive. Conclusions: Staphylococcus species was the most common organism isolated from neonates with ophthalmia neonatorum and vancomycin was the most sensitive antibiotic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (238) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bipana Manandhar ◽  
Ritee Shrestha

Introduction: Superficial veins in cubital fossa vary frequently in their anatomical pattern. The knowledge of variation of the cubital venous pattern is very essential for medical professionals for venous access during different medical procedures. This study aims to find the prevalence of Type A cubital venous pattern among students of a dental college. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 dental students of age 18 to 25 years in the department of anatomy of a dental college from November 2020 to February 2021. This study was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling used and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of 133 dental students, Type A cubital venous pattern was found in 96 (72.18%) (64.56-79.79 at 95% Confidence Interval). Type A cubital venous pattern was seen in the left arm in 116 (43.61%) and in the right arm of 76 (28.57%) students. This pattern was noticed in 30 (22.55%) male and 103 (77.44%) female students respectively. Conclusions: This study showed higher Type A cubital venous pattern among dental students than other international studies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (219) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niraj Pandey ◽  
Sudikshya KC ◽  
Chandan Sintakala

Introduction: The human ear is divided into external, middle and internal ear. The auricle helps in the clinical diagnosis of congenital anomalies and syndromes. The aim of this study is to determine the mean auricular index from the right and left ears, mean measurements of left and right ear and sex-related dimensions of the ear. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in medical students studying at a tertiary care hospital during the period of 1st April 2019 to 20th May 2019 after ethical clearance from the institutional review committee. Simple random sampling was done. Data were collected, entered in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 and point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of total measurements done, we found the mean auricular index was found to be for right ear 51.75±4.51mm and for left ear 54.0996±4.95682mm at 95% CI (51.75-52.37) and (53.42654.766) respectively. The mean ear length, mean ear breadth, mean lobular length and mean lobular breadth were 57.62±5.03mm, 29.72±2.79mm, 19.32±2.60mm and 20.89±3.06mm on the right side and 57.89±4.89mm, 31.21±2.95mm, 19.38±2.55mm and 21.25±2.81mm on the left side respectively. Conclusions: The mean auricular index of the external ear of medical students was within the normal range as compared to the other studies conducted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (219) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anmol Purna Shrestha ◽  
Roshana Shrestha ◽  
Sanu Krishna Shrestha ◽  
Alok Pradhan ◽  
Samjhana Basnet

Introduction: Dyspnea is a common presenting complaint in the emergency department worldwide and a diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians. Our study aims to find the prevalence of dyspnea among patients attending emergency department in our hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency department of Dhulikhel hospital from May 2019 to July 2019 after ethical approval from the institutional review committee. Total 1200 samples were collected by consecutive sampling method. All patients were triaged in the emergency department as a part of regular protocol. The participants were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent from the patient or caretaker (if the patient were not able to provide it). Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. The statistical analysis was done using R version 3.5.3 (2019-03-11). Results: The prevalence of dyspnea among patients attending emergency department of a tertiary care hospital was 107 (8.9%) (4.6%-13.2%) at 95% confidence interval. The patients triaged into red, orange and yellow categories were 14 (13.1%), 50 (46.7%) and 43 (40.2%) respectively. Median age was 64 years and 74 (69%) were ≥60 years. Sixty-seven (62.6%) were females and 40 (37.4%) were males. Forty-four (41.1%) arrived by ambulance. Most commonly associated symptoms were cough and fever 59 (51.1%) and 44 (41.1%) respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of dyspnea among patients attending emergency department of our hospital is higher compared to that of other studies. This warrants structured and prompt management of dyspnea for quality improvement.


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