Perceived Usefulness of a Microfinance Intervention on Health Awareness and Practices in Nepal.

Background: Economic constraints may lead to poor health among people from the developing world. Microfinance has proven to be useful in improving health outcomes elsewhere, but it still remains a neglected issue in Nepal. This study aims to assess perceived usefulness of the microfinance on health awareness and practices among different ethnic groups of Nepal.

Prognostic value of rapid test for diagnosis of dengue in Nepalese patients during 2010 epidemic.

Background: Dengue is an emerging vector borne disease in Nepal and rapid diagnostic test is important for early diagnosis of the disease.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of commonly used rapid immunochromatographic test kit in Nepal during 2010 dengue epidemic and to assess disease burden of dengue.

Methods: A total of 131 acute and nonacute serum samples were collected during recent epidemic of dengue in 2010 from clinically suspected Nepalese patients of different hospitals.

Rotavirus infection: an unrecognised disease in Nepal.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute infectious gastroenteritis in young children and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, mostly in developing countries. The global rotavirus disease burden has prompted study on their basic research, molecular epidemiology and vaccine development. Little is known about rotavirus infection among health professionals in Nepal.