Browsing by Author "Poudel, Roshani"
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Publication Exploring Concepts and Debates Surrounding Nutraceuticals in Nepal: A Scoping Review Article(Central Department of Public Health, 2024) Pyakurel, Chetan Karki; Basnet, Rojina; Poudel, RoshaniAbstract Background: Nutraceuticals are the products derived from herbs, dietary supplements, specific diets, and processed foods, offering health benefits beyond basic nutrition and even the potential to prevent or treat diseases. The global surge in nutraceutical usage has brought attention to both their potential benefits and scientific enquiry regarding their safety and efficacy. This article aims to explore the concepts and debates surrounding nutraceuticals in Nepal. Methods: The study reviewed 17 articles sourced from Google Scholar, Google, and PubMed between December 25, 2023, and January 25, 2024. It included a diverse array of sources such as cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, qualitative research, reviews, and other types of publications. Articles were managed using Zotero for de-duplication and assessment. All authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts, with discrepancies resolved through discussion and additional studies identified from reference lists. Results: In Nepal, the nutraceutical sector is growing rapidly, driven by increased health consciousness, traditional herbal knowledge, and a rising demand for natural products. However, challenges such as adulteration, contamination, and mislabeling of products highlight the need for stringent regulations and robust quality control measures. The country’s regulatory framework, guided by the Dietary Supplement Guideline and the Drug Act, aims to ensure consumer safety and product integrity. Despite these measures, implementation and enforcement issues persist, including limited resources, inadequate market surveillance, and the prevalence of unregistered products. Controversies regarding the scientific support for health claims, the integration of traditional knowledge, and the ethical implications of nutraceutical marketing persist. Conclusion: This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies and regulatory improvements to validate the safety and efficacy of nutraceuticals in Nepal. By fostering collaboration among researchers, academia, and industry, and by enhancing consumer awareness and education, Nepal can effectively harness the potential of nutraceuticals to improve public health and well-being. Keywords: Concepts, controversies, debate, nutraceuticals, NepalPublication Prevalence and Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Working Mothers of Infants Aged 6 to 12 months: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Kathmandu, Nepal(Central Department of Public Health, 2024) Basnet, Rojina; Karki, Rajesh; Poudel, RoshaniAbstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding, a vital infant feeding practice, may be influenced by workplace factors and women’s labor force participation. This study aims to identify the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices and associated factors among working mothers with infants aged 6 to 12 months. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study took place from February 2016 to April 2016, involving 250 working mothers at Kanti Children’s Hospital, Kathmandu. Mothers were purposively selected and underwent face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, mean, median, and standard deviation, presented study findings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant factors associated with exclusive feeding (p < 0.05). Results: In the total sample, the majority of mothers (49.0%) were aged 30-35 years, with a mean age of 29.93 (± 2.79) years. Approximately one-third (33.0%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding, and the majority (52.0%) were employed in academic sectors. While all mothers had access to maternity leave, only 1.6% took a 6-month leave. More than half of the mothers (56%) exhibited poor knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, and 76% expressed a positive attitude towards workplace breastfeeding. Factors associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding included good knowledge, longer maternity leave, a complete history of postnatal checkups, and the availability of breastfeeding facilities in the workplace. Conclusion: Our data indicate a low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. We recommend the effective implementation of government policies regarding maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities in the workplace. This includes advocating for exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring that both public and private organizations comply with maternity leave provisions, providing adequate breastfeeding facilities at workplaces, and enhancing awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the health of both mother and child.