Browsing by Author "Poudyal, AK"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Publication Breastfeeding practices in an indigenous minority community group in Nepal: a cross-sectional study(Institute of Medicine, 2016) Subedi, N; Poudel, S; Poudyal, AKAbstract Background: Promotion of breastfeeding has been identified as one of the effective evidence based interventions to improve health of infants and young children. Various factors play an important role in breastfeeding practices which are not sufficiently explored in communities like Chepang in Nepal. The objectives of the study were to identify the knowledge and practices of Chepang mothers on breastfeeding and its associated factors. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in which 203 Chepang mothers with child under one year of age were randomly selected and interviewed. Quantitative method was applied for data collection. Analysis of association was done using logistic regression. Results: Practice of mothers on breastfeeding was found better than knowledge. About one fourth (23%) of them knew the appropriate time for early initiation of breastfeeding, however, 36% had practiced it. Exclusive breastfeeding practice under 6 months was 88%, although 60% knew about the recommended duration. Literate mothers were more likely to initiate breastfeeding at appropriate time [AOR: 4.24 (95% CI: 2.20-8.19)] than illiterate. Conclusions: Breastfeeding practices like colostrum feeding and exclusive breastfeeding were found better in Chepang communities than national average, however, early initiation of breastfeeding needs to be improved which could be improved through counseling during antenatal and postnatal visits.Publication Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening and Associated Factors among Women in Bhaktapur, Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2022) Nepal, J; Poudyal, AK; Duwal, S; Gyawali, S; Basel, PABSTRACT Background Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Nepal causing highest cancer mortality among women of reproductive age. However, it can be prevented through early and regular screening. Objective To assess utilization of cervical cancer screening, its awareness and perception among women, and associated factors. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted where 360 women of age 30-60 years were randomly selected and interviewed from five administrative wards of Bhaktapur municipality. Result Utilization of cervical cancer screening through Pap test or Visual Inspection with Acetic acid was found in 32.2% women and 47.8% were aware of cervical cancer and its screening tests. 100% of them had high level of perceived benefits and facilitators. More than 80% of them had low level of perceived barriers and susceptibility. Women of age group 51-60 years were more likely to perform the screening test (AOR=13.14) whereas unemployed women were at higher odds of performing the test (AOR=3.29). Women who were aware of cervical cancer and its screening were more likely to perform the screening (AOR=53.65). Women having low level of perceived barriers (AOR=5.83) and high level of perceived seriousness (AOR=6.67) were more likely to perform the screening. Conclusion Only one third of women had performed Pap test/VIA and those who were aware of cervical cancer and had high level of perception were more likely to perform the screening. Thus, more rigorous and tailor-made awareness programs should be developed by health program planners to increase the screening rate among younger and working women. KEY WORDS Awareness, Cervical cancer screening, Perception, Utilization