Effects of age on non-communicable disease risk factors among Nepalese adults.

The growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and an increase in the prevalence of the underlying risk factors are creating a challenge to health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Nepal, deaths attributable to NCDs have been increasing, as has life expectancy. This poses questions with regards to how age and various risk factors interact in affecting NCDs.

Utilization of Basic Health Services at Primary Health Care Facilities During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: COVID-19, a novel rapidly emerging respiratory disease has spread across the world in a short span of time, infecting millions of people around the world. Consequently, health systems are overwhelmed by both direct mortality from COVID-19 and indirect mortality from other treatable conditions. Though COVID-19 prevention and control is crucial, it is also equally important to continue basic health services.

Public Health Approach to Developing Palliative Care.

Unlabelled: Nepal has witnessed demographic and epidemiological transition resulting in the shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases as the major disease burden. Around 60% of mortalities and morbidities are attributable to non-communicable diseases of which the majority end with the need for palliative care services. The current palliative care services in Nepal are in the infancy stage compared with other services.

Relationship between Animal Sourced Food Consumption and Early Childhood Development Outcomes.

Early-childhood development (ECD) is an important determinant of a child’s cognitive ability, learning, productivity, and lifetime earnings. Animal-sourced food (ASF), which is a rich source of high-quality protein and micronutrients, has been linked with ECD outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between the number, frequency, and cumulative consumption of ASF at 6, 9, 12, and 18 months of age and ECD outcomes at 24 months of age, controlling for physical growth.

Health sector readiness for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases: A multi-method qualitative assessment in Nepal.

In Nepal, deaths attributable to NCDs have increased in recent years. Although NCDs constitute a major public health problem, how best to address this has not received much attention. The objective of this study was to assess the readiness of the Nepalese health sector for the prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors.

Global burden of influenza-associated lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Influenza illness burden is substantial, particularly among young children, older adults, and those with underlying conditions. Initiatives are underway to develop better global estimates for influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths. Knowledge gaps remain regarding the role of influenza viruses in severe respiratory disease and hospitalizations among adults, particularly in lower-income settings.

Using a co-design process to develop an integrated model of care for delivering self-management intervention to multi-morbid COPD people in rural Nepal.

Background: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Nepal are not receiving adequate support to self-manage their chronic conditions, and primary health care can play a key role in the effective management of these. In this study, we aimed to develop a model of care, using a co-design approach, for delivering evidence-based biomedical and psycho-social care to support self-management for people with multi-morbid COPD in rural Nepal.

Methods: A co-design approach, guided by the five stages of the design thinking model, was used for this study.

Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a co-design approach to developing an integrated model of care for people with multi-morbid COPD in rural Nepal: a qualitative study.

Objective: To understand the feasibility and acceptability of a co-design approach to developing an integrated model of healthcare for people with multi-morbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural Nepal.

Settings: A rural setting of Nepal.

Participants: Data collection included five video recordings, five key informant interviews and observation notes from a final co-design workshop that involved a total of 68 stakeholders: persons with COPD and their family members; healthcare providers, including respiratory physicians; local community leaders; representatives from local, provincial and federal government; academics; and representatives from non-government organisations.

Levels and determinants of health literacy and patient activation among multi-morbid COPD people in rural Nepal: Findings from a cross-sectional study.

Background: Health literacy (HL) and patient activation (PA) are necessary foundations to engage patients in self-management intervention. Each concept plays a unique role in improving access to the effective self-management of chronic disease. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the levels and determinants of HL and PA among the multi-morbid COPD patients in Nepal.

Facilitators and barriers to the self-management of COPD: a qualitative study from rural Nepal.

Objective: To understand the facilitators and barriers to the self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural Nepal.

Settings: Community and primary care centres in rural Nepal.

Participants: A total of 14 participants (10 people with COPD and 4 health care providers) were interviewed.

Self-management practice, associated factors and its relationship with health literacy and patient activation among multi-morbid COPD patients from rural Nepal.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive and debilitating condition that affects individuals' quality of life. COPD self-management and supports provided by carers is key to the quality of life people living with COPD. Health literacy (HL) and Patient Activation (PA) are main drivers of self-management practices (SMPs).

Do Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) Self-Management Interventions Consider Health Literacy and Patient Activation? A Systematic Review.

Self-management (SM) includes activities that patients initiate and perform in the interest of controlling their disease and maintaining good health and well-being. This review examines the health literacy and patient activation elements of self-management interventions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) patients. We investigated the effects of the intervention on health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, depression, and anxiety among people with COPD.

Providing Palliative Care in Rural Nepal: Perceptions of Mid-Level Health Workers.

Introduction: Nepal is beginning to develop palliative care services across the country. Most people live in rural areas, where the Mid-Level Health Workers (MHWs) are the major service providers. Their views on providing palliative care are most important in determining how the service is organized and developed.

Incidence of intrapartum stillbirth and associated risk factors in tertiary care setting of Nepal: a case-control study.

Background: Each year, 1.2 million intrapartum stillbirths occur globally. In Nepal, about 50 % of the total number of stillbirths occur during the intrapartum period.

Overweight and its associated risk factors among urban school adolescents in Nepal: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is increasing in Nepal. Overweight and obesity are the major risk factors of many non-communicable diseases. Adolescence is a critical phase for development of overweight and obesity.

Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA), battling stigma, discrimination and denial and the role of support groups as a coping strategy: a review of literature.

Background And Objectives: Women living with HIV/AIDS, in particular, have been positioned as a latent source of infection, and have captivated culpability and blame leading to a highly stigmatised and discriminated life. Despite the situation, women and their particular concerns have largely been ignored in HIV/AIDS research literature. This review aims to examine and analyze the feelings, experiences and perceptions of Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) and will also access the role of support group as a coping strategy on the basis of 7 primary researches conducted in or on different parts of the world.

Field test results of the motherhood method to measure maternal mortality.

Background & Objectives: Measuring maternal mortality in developing countries poses a major challenge. In Nepal, vital registration is extremely deficient. Currently available methods to measure maternal mortality, such as the sisterhood method, pose problems with respect to validity, precision, cost and time.