Browsing by Author "Manandhar, K"
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Publication Awareness Regarding Preventive Measures of Avian Influ- enza Among the Adult People of Thimi Municipality, Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2013) Manandhar, K; Chataut, J; Khanal, K; Shrestha, A; Shrestha, S; Shrestha, SABSTRACT Background Avian influenza is considered as a threat to global public health. Prevention and control depends on the awareness of the general population as well as high risk- groups. The avian influenza should be viewed more seriously because it may lead to pandemic influenza when the virus mutates its strain with the common human influenza. Thus, this study aims to explore the awareness regarding preventive measures of avian influenza among the adult population of Thimi Municipality. Objective The objective of this study was to explore awareness regarding preventive measures of avian influenza among the adult population of Thimi Municipality. Methods It is a cross-sectional, population based study. It was carried out in Thimi Municipality from May 15 to June 15, 2012. Pre tested structured questionnaire was used for face to face interview with randomly selected 250 subjects. Results Out of 250 subjects, 123 (49.2 %) were males. The mean age of subjects was 36 ± 11.8 year. Among total subjects, 94.4 percent had heard about avian influenza. The main source of information was television (94.1%). Majority of subjects (84.9 %) thought that keeping infected birds and poultry as the mode of transmission followed by eating not well cooked poultry meat (82.8 %). Out of total study subjects, 165 (66.0 percent) mentioned fever and 138 (55.2 percent) thought fatigue as the signs and symptoms. As for knowledge about preventive measures, majority (85.6%) stated that cleaning the surfaces that had come in contact with the poultry could prevent the disease and 83.2 % had knowledge that the infection could be prevented by washing hands with soap and water after poultry handling. Awareness regarding preventive measures was found significantly low in females, middle adults, illiterates, and house wives. Conclusion The awareness regarding avian influenza was quite satisfactory among the adult people of Thimi Municipality. However level of awareness was seen lower in female, illiterate and middle adult. So that along with large scale mass education, there should be specific health education program for the specific group of population. KEY WORDS Awareness, avian influenza, preventive measuresPublication Morbidity pattern of children with asthma: A prospective study(Kathmandu University, 2006) Manandhar, K; Bajracharya, BL; Dhakal, S; Shrestha, MObjectives: To determine the morbidity pattern of asthma in children attending the paediatric asthma follow-up clinic. Materials and methods: Longitudinal prospective follow up of hundred and four patients, diagnosed as asthma, over a period of 2 years was done. Regular follow up by the same person during each visit and proper supervision of standard treatment along with parental education regarding the asthma, was done. Results: The mean age of children presenting with asthma was 6.7 years. Majority of children 49 (47.5%) were graded as mild persistent asthma. Fifty nine (56.7%) children were missing school more than 7 days per month. Family history was present in forty one percent of the children. Fifty seven (54.8%) children were taking significant amount of junk food and were undernourished. Significant reduction in school-missing days and Emergency Room visits was noted in these children during the follow up period. Conclusion: Awareness of disease is an important aspect of asthma management. Proper treatment and follow up with emotional support and education of the care taker, about the asthma, can reduce the morbidity pattern of asthma in children. Key words: Prospective study, longitudinal study, AsthmaPublication One year follow up study of term babies born at Kathmandu medical college teaching hospital(Kathmandu University, 2004) Manandhar, K; Manandhar, DS; Baral, MRObjective: To study the mean, standard deviation and centiles for anthropometry and haemoglobin in healthy term infants followed up to 12 months of age. Design: Cohort study Settings: Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH) in Kathmandu. Subject: Consecutive healthy term newborns Method: 100 consecutive healthy term newborns were enrolled at birth.19 babies were lost in follow up. So, 81(45 male, 36 female) healthy, full term infants were followed up from birth to 12 months of age. Anthropometry (weight, length, and head circumference) and haemoglobin were measured at birth, 6 weeks, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months of age. Haemoglobin was estimated by Hemocue microcuvette method. The data so obtained was subjected to statistical analysis by using SPSS computer package. Main outcomes: Mean, centile and standard deviation score values for weight (Kgs), infant length (cms), head circumference (cms) and haemoglobin (gm/dl) at birth, 6 weeks, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months of age. Results: Out of 100 babies enrolled, data presented here is for the remaining 81 babies. Among 81 babies, 76 were appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 3 were small for gestation (SFD). The mean, standard deviation and percentile values are presented for anthropometry (weight, length and head circumference) and haemoglobin at birth, 6 weeks, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months of age. The mean birth weight was 3.05 kg (SD 0.41). The mean infant length and head circumference at birth were 49 cm (2.28) and 33.8 cm (SD1.4) respectively. The mean haemoglobin at birth was 15.7 gm/dl (SD 2.29). At 12 months of age mean weight, length, head circumference and haemoglobin were 9 kg (SD 0.81), 73.5 cm (SD 2.9), 45 cm (SD 1.2 ) and 11.1 gm/dl (SD 1.41) respectively. Almost 50% of the babies at 6 weeks, 9 months and 12 months of age were found to be anaemic (Hb <11 gm/dl). Among the babies, 49% were exclusively breast fed for 6 months of age. Other feeding practices seen were, mother’s breast feed with water supplementation (25%), mother’s breast feeding with formula feed (16%) and formula feeding only (5%). National and international comparisons of anthropometry and haemoglobin data are shown in table.Publication Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among People Aged 50 years and more in Banepa Municipality, Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2012) Manandhar, K; Koju, R; Sinha, NP; Humagain, SABSTRACT Background Hypertension is a cardiovascular disorder rapidly emerging as a major public health problem in developing countries and is the most widely recognized modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Objective The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors with hypertension among people aged 50 years and more in Banepa Municipality, Kavre, Nepal. Methods It is a cross- sectional, population based study which was carried out in Banepa Municipality from May 15 to June 15, 2009. Among total 11 wards of Banepa municipally, wards number 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10 were selected by using Simple Random Sampling Technique and 405 subjects of people aged 50 years and more were selected for study from the selected wards by using Cluster Sampling. The structured interview method was used for collection of data. Mercury sphygmomanometers with standard cuff were used to measure the indirect auscultatory arterial blood pressure. Two consecutive blood pressure readings were taken and average of them was calculated to determine single value of blood pressure. Results The prevalence of hypertension was 44.9 percent (47.75% in male and 42.73% in females). Among them, only 32.9 percent (60/182) were previously diagnosed as hypertension. The higher proportion of hypertensive cases were in age > 65 years (55.49%) than in the age group < 65 years (36.32%). The prevalence of hypertension was seen positively associated with non vegetarian eating habits, alcohol consumption, and > 25 Body max index. Taking green leafy vegetable at least once a week was negatively associated with the prevalence of the hypertension. Conclusion These findings provide important information on the prevalence, associated factors of hypertension in Banepa Municipality. Effective public health measures and strategies are needed to improve prevention, diagnosis and access to treatment of these 50 years and above population. KEY WORDS Associated risk factors, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, prevalence