Browsing by Author "Mudvari, A"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Publication A Point Prevalence Study of the Use of Antibiotics in Six Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2022) Jha, N; Thapa, B; Pathak, SB; Pandey, A; Pokhrel, S; Shankar, PR; Bhandary, S; Mudvari, A; Dangal, GABSTRACT Background Point prevalence survey (PPS) on antibiotic use developed by the WHO has already been used in many hospitals globally. Objective To obtain information on antibiotic prescribtion using point prevalence survey methodology in six private hospitals in the Kathmandu valley. Method This descriptive cross-sectional study was completed during 20th July to 28th July 2021 using point prevalence survey methodology. The study was conducted among inpatients admitted at or before 8:00 AM on the day of survey in various wards. Data was presented as frequencies and percentages. Result Maximum number of patients were above 60 years [34 (18.7%)]. Number of male and female participants were equal [91 (50%)]. Only one antibiotic was used in 81 patients (44.5%) followed by two antibiotics in 71 (39%) patients. Duration of prophylactic antibiotic use was one day in 66 (63.7%) patients. Blood, urine, sputum, and wound swabs were the common samples for culture. Cultures were positive for 17 (24.7%) samples. The common organisms isolated were E. Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Ceftriaxone was the most used antibiotic. Drug and therapeutics, infection control committee and pharmacovigilance activities were present in 3/6 (50%) study sites. Antimicrobial stewardship was present in 3/6 (50%) and microbiological services was present in all hospitals. Antibiotic formulary and antibiotic guideline were present in 4/6 sites and facilities to audit or review surgical antibiotic prophylaxis choice in 2/6 (33.3%) sites, facility to monitor antibiotic use in 4/6 (66.6%) and cumulative antibiotic susceptibility reports in 2/6 (33.3%) study sites. Conclusion Ceftriaxone was the most used antibiotic. E. Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia were the commonly isolated organisms. Not all parameters for infrastructure, policy and practice and monitoring and feedback were present at the study sites. KEY WORDS Antibiotics, Point prevalence survey, Private hospitals, Tertiary care centersPublication Public Awareness and Attitude towards COVID-19 Infection and Vaccines: A cross-sectional national survey in Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2023) Pant, S; Bhattarai, S; Ranabhat, K; Dumre, SP; Rajbhandari, B; Mudvari, A; Bista, B; Bhandari, R; Adhikari, SK; Dhimal, M; Gyanwali, PABSTRACT Background To combat COVID-19, high vaccination rates are essential. However, challenges such as vaccine denial, lack of knowledge, and negative attitudes hinder progress. Assessing public understanding of vaccination is crucial to promote acceptance and reducing reluctance. Objective To understand people’s awareness and attitude regarding COVID-19 infection and vaccines in Nepal. Method A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the Nepali population of age 18 years and above in April 2021 during the early phase of vaccination deployment. A structured questionnaire was used to collect awareness data, and a five-point Likert scale was employed to assess participants’ attitudes. The survey categorized participants into two groups based on whether their awareness level or attitude score was above or below the mean. The secondary outcome was the association between socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 awareness or attitude. Result Of 475 eligible participants, 46% had a low level of awareness on COVID-19 infection whereas 56% had low awareness on COVID-19 vaccines. Every six out of ten participants had a positive attitude towards the national COVID-19 vaccination program. Most of the participants had high awareness of COVID-19 symptoms and preventive measures (hand hygiene, physical distancing, mask), but two-thirds had a false perception of vaccine safety and contraindications. People’s education status, occupation, province, and current/prior COVID-19 infection status were found to be significantly associated with their awareness regarding COVID-19 disease or vaccines. Conclusion The study revealed limited COVID-19 awareness among the Nepali population but a positive attitude toward the national vaccination program. Regular updates on COVID-19 and vaccines are important as new variants and vaccines emerge. KEY WORDS Attitude, COVID-19 virus, Public awareness, Vaccination