Browsing by Author "Shakya, Dhana Ratna"
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Publication Cannabis Use and Abuse in Nepal: A Review of Studies(Nepal Medical Association, 2021) Shakya, Dhana Ratna; Upadhaya, Sandesh Raj; Thapa, MilanAbstract: Nepal is a geographically, ecologically, bio-culturally and ethnically diverse country. Cannabis has been a flora, used in various forms and ways and its effect has been variably a matter of concern in Nepal. Perception to its use has also been changing with time with the dynamics of various factors and trends around and in the world. The views of its proponents at times appear with relatively more powerful influence among people though the views of the opponents seem less, and relatively less influential. Proponents advocate for its legalization with highlights of its different uses and benefits whereas opponents, mainly mental health professionals point out sporadically its adverse consequences, mainly in psychological health. The purpose of this review is to explore the existing literature regarding cannabis use and abuse in Nepal. Search for articles for this review was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Nepal Journal Online. We summarize and discuss about cannabis in various aspects in the Nepalese context. The overarching objective is to reflect upon the ongoing debate regarding its harm and benefits, thereby upon the issue of its legalization in Nepal.Publication Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Media Reporting on Suicide among Media Persons of a Province(Nepal Medical Association, 2024) Basnet, Madhur; Thapa, Prekshya; Shakya, Dhana Ratna; Nepal, Suraj; Rai, Neena; Shrestha, Kailash KhakiAbstract Introduction: Suicide is a global public health problem. Sensible media reporting on suicide could be useful in suicide prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding media reporting on suicide among media persons of a province. Methods: A qualitative study was done among media persons of the province after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Data was collected through online platform using Google form from 15 April 2022 and 15 January 2023. A convenience sampling method was used. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis. Results: Among 165 media persons, 54 (32%) of the participants either agreed to or were neutral about prominently reporting suicide news, and 47 (28.48%) were undecided or agreed about mentioning the details of the event. Only 50 (30.30%) thought that it is always possible to help a person with suicidal thoughts. A total of 48 (29.09%) always reported providing information about where to seek help in case one is suicidal. Conclusions: Media personnel were found to possess better knowledge about suicide reporting but exhibited inadequate practice in terms of providing method and site details and promoting support services, alongside maintaining an unfavorable attitude towards suicide. There is an urgent need to focus on coordination, standardisation, evidence generation and capacity building of media persons on suicide.