Browsing by Author "Shakya, Sujata"
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Publication Anxiety and Depression and their Predictors among School Adolescents of Kathmandu, Nepal(Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS), 2022) Bajracharya, Shanti; Shakya, Sujata; Nagarkoti, Liza; Ban, Rita Kumari; Regmi, KalpanaAbstract: Introduction: Adolescence is a vulnerable period in which different physical, psychological and behavioral changes occur contributing to mental health issues. Depression and anxiety occur more commonly than would be expected by chance in children and adolescents. Undetected and untreated mental disorders can impair one’s ability to perform at school or work place, cope with daily life activities and can lead to severe mental disorders and related consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of anxiety and depression and their predictors among the adolescents of Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different higher secondary schools of Kathmandu. Cluster random sampling method was used to select 482 students of Grade XI and XII. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II were used to assess the levels of anxiety and depression. Results: Among 482 students, 230 (47.7%) were females and 252 (52.3%) were males with mean age of 17.25 (± 1.01) years. Majority (38.6%) had minimal anxiety and 11.6% had severe anxiety. On the other side, 45.9% had no depression and 16.4% had severe depression. Grade, sex, health problem, use of gadget and academic performance are found to be the predictors of anxiety, while, the predictors of depression are age, sex, health problem and academic performance. Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are found prevalent among the adolescents, which need to be explored and addressed immediately through appropriate measures. Psychological counseling and support services should be available to vulnerable students.Publication Behavioral Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Adolescents in Mahalaxmi Municipality of Lalitpur District, Nepal: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study(Central Department of Public Health, 2024) Gurmaita, Aman; Shakya, SujataAbstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of global mortality, with high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. In Nepal, adolescents face rising NCD risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet. Objective To assess the prevalence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases and their association with socio-demographic characteristics among school-going adolescents of a municipality of Lalitpur District, Nepal. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among school adolescents in a municipality, Lalitpur District. We used stratified random sampling to select 316 students from grades 11 and 12. We used Global school-based student health survey (GSHS) tools to collect data. We estimated prevalence of NCD risk factors among school adolescents. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the factors associated with prevalence of NCDs risk factors. Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors related to major non-communicable diseases including unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco consumption are 99.4%, 94.3%, 7.9% and 6.6% respectively. The prevalence of at least two risk factors is 94.9%. The female school going adolescents were more likely to have prevalence of NCD risk factors (AOR: 6.12; 95% CI: 1.64, 22.80). Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among school adolescents, including unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity. Majority of the participants had at least two NCD risk factors, which tends to persist into adulthood. To address this, the study recommends holistic, evidence-based interventions targeting these risk factors. Schools and local authorities should implement health education regarding healthy diet and physical activity, promotion of extracurricular activities, and nutritional programs in schools, and enforcement of laws against selling alcohol and tobacco to adolescents. Keywords: Adolescents, Nepal, Non-communicable diseases, Risk factorsPublication Hypertension and its Determinants Among School Going Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study in Nepal(Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS), 2019) Shakya, Sujata; Bajracharya, ShantiAbstract: Introduction: Hypertension is a chronic life threatening non- communicable disease. It increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases even leading to premature death. Almost half of the adults with hypertension had elevated blood pressure during childhood. With globalisation and lifestyle changes, adolescents are exposed to various risk factors. However, diagnosis in this population is difficult due to absence of symptoms. Thus, regular blood pressure screening is essential in these groups. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of hypertension and its determinants among the school going adolescents of Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study which included five private secondary schools of Kathmandu, Nepal. The adolescent students studying in classes VIII, IX and X were the study subjects. Two stage cluster random sampling technique was used to select 356 participants. Data collection was done by doing anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurement and through self administered questionnaire. Results: The study depicted that the prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 12.4%, stage 1 hypertension 32.3% and stage 2 hypertension 9.8%. Similarly, 13.8% were overweight and 1.4% were obese. Bivariate analysis depicted significant association of prevalence of hypertension with gender, religion and obesity (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis shows that the significant predictors of elevated blood pressure and/or hypertension were gender and obesity. Males were six times more likely to have elevated blood pressure (AOR = 6.058, CI = 2.571 - 14.274) and 2.8 times more likely to be hypertensive (AOR = 2.838, CI = 1.688 - 4.773) compared to females. Similarly, compared to obese/ overweight students, thin and normally built ones have less likelihood of having elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Conclusions: Hypertension has been prevalent among adolescents, due to various behavioural risk factors. This is really challenging and of public health significance. Regular screening of adolescents is essential for early detection and management of hypertension.Publication Prevalence and Associated Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Students of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: A Web-based Cross-sectional Study(Central Department of Public Health, 2024) Bajracharya, Snehi; Bhandari, Prashamsa; Shakya, SujataAbstract Background: Computer Vision Syndrome is a collection of vision and eye-related problems like headache, blurred or double vision, eye strain, fatigue, and teary eyes, which can occur when using digital devices. It is one of the most significant public health concerns of the twenty-first century. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome, common symptoms experienced, and preferred preventive measures while identifying socio-demographic, knowledge, and practice-associated risk factors among undergraduate students of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 320 participants via an electronic survey. The factors associated with computer vision syndrome were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated at a 95% confidence interval, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome was found to be 65% (95% CI: 59.5%-70.2%). The most frequently reported symptoms were tired eyes, headache, and eye itchiness. Participants living in a nuclear family (p=0.033) showed a significant association with the prevalence of computer vision syndrome. Conclusion: Computer Vision Syndrome is a common health issue among undergraduate students. Therefore, it is important to make university students aware of the health implications and preventive measures. Keywords: Computer vision syndrome, Kathmandu, prevalence, students