Browsing by Author "Karki, Prabin Kumar"
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Publication A Cross Sectional Study on Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among Adolescent School Girls(Rapti Academy of Health Sciences (RAHS), 2025) Karki, Prabin Kumar; Khakurel, Gita; Shrestha, Biju; Gautam, KalyanAbstract: Introduction: Menstrual hygiene is an important component of adolescent girls reproductive health and well-being. Inadequate knowledge, poor access to sanitary materials, and cultural taboos can negatively affect health, education, and quality of life. In Nepal, socio-cultural practices and limited resources often hinder proper menstrual hygiene management among school girls. This study was conducted to assess menstrual pattern and hygiene practices during menstrual cycle among adolescent school girls. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 210 adolescent school girls from grade 7 to 10 of secondary schools located at Balkot, Bhaktapur. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire covering menarche age, menstrual patterns, hygiene practices and availability of facilities. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, with descriptive statistics recorded. Results: A total of 210 participants were included in the study. Mean age of menarche was 11.86±1.09 years. During menstruation, 95.24% used commercially available sanitary pads only. All the participants practiced proper disposal of sanitary materials, and had access to private washing facilities at school. Good menstrual hygiene practice was observed among most of the participants. Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent school girls in Nepal remains a challenge. Majority of participants in our study reported availability of separate girls toilet with access to water and soap/handwash, however sanitary pads weren’t available at school. Improving school based menstrual education, ensuring the availability of sanitary pads, and enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in schools are essential to promote better menstrual health and reduce school absenteeism.Publication Association of Resting Blood Pressure Levels with Pain Sensitivity Parameters among Medical Students(Institute of Medicine, 2025) Khakurel, Gita; Kharel, Sushil; Karki, Prabin Kumar; Gautam, KalyanABSTRACT Introduction: Pain perception varies among individuals and is influenced by multiple physiological factors, including blood pressure. The present study aimed to assess the association of resting blood pressure with pain sensitivity parameters among medical students of a medical college. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in first and second year medical students aged 17-25 years. Pain sensitivity was assessed by the Cold Pressor Test. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the association between blood pressure and pain sensitivity parameters. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: Resting systolic blood pressure increased significantly in both sexes (Males:123.13±5.40 to 126.93±3.97; Females:113.35±8.26 to 119.76±5.67) following cold pressor test, while diastolic BP rose significantly only in females. Males had significantly higher pain threshold (23.32±3.00 vs 20.06 ± 4.15) and pain tolerance (92.18±14.06 vs 65.46±12.81) compared to females, while females reported significantly higher pain ratings (6.57±1.64 vs 5.32±1.08) on the visual analog scale (p<0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between resting blood pressure and both pain threshold and pain tolerance in both males and females. In contrast, pain rating showed a significant negative correlation with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in males (r = –0.247 and –0.343, p = 0.020 and 0.001, respectively) and females (r = –0.320 and –0.504, p = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This study shows an inverse relationship between resting blood pressure and pain sensitivity, with stronger associations observed in females. The study also highlights sex-based differences in both pain perception and physiological response to cold-induced stress. Keywords: Blood pressure; cold pressor test; medical students; pain sensitivity