Browsing by Author "Singh, S"
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Publication A National Equity Initiative to Address Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries: Findings and Recommendation from the Nepal NCDI Poverty Commission(Kathmandu University, 2022) Koirala, B; Adhikari, SR; Shrestha, A; Vaidya, A; Aryal, KK; Kalaunee, SP; Shrestha, A; Mishra, SR; Sharma SK; Karki, A; Maharjan, B; Singh, S; Schwarz, D; Gupta, N; Bukhman, G; Karmacharya, BMABSTRACT We aimed to assess the burden of NCDIs across socioeconomic groups, their economic impact, existing health service readiness and availability, current policy frameworks and national investment, and planned programmatic initiatives in Nepal through a comprehensive literature review. Secondary data from Global Burden of Disease estimates from GBD 2015 and National Living Standard Survey 2011 were used to estimate the burden of NCDI and present the relationship of NCDI burden with socioeconomic status. The Commission used these data to define priority NCDI conditions and recommend potential cost-effective, poverty-averting, and equity-promoting health system interventions. NCDIs disproportionately affect the health and well-being of poorer populations in Nepal and cause significant impoverishment. The Commission found a high diversity of NCDIs in Nepal, with approximately 60% of the morbidity and mortality caused by NCDIs without primary quantified behavioral or metabolic risk factors, and nearly half of all NCDI-related DALYs occurring in Nepalese younger than 40 years. The Commission prioritized an expanded set of twenty-five NCDI conditions and recommended introduction or scale-up of twenty-three evidence-based health sector interventions. Implementation of these interventions would avert an estimated 9680 premature deaths per annum by 2030 and would cost approximately $8.76 per capita. The Commission modelled potential financing mechanisms, including increased excise taxation on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages, which would provide significant revenue for NCDI-related expenditures. Overall, the Commission’s conclusions are expected to be a valuable contribution to equitable NCDI planning in Nepal and similar resource-constrained settings globally. KEY WORDS NCDI Poverty Commission, Noncommunicable diseases and injuriesPublication A Prospective Study on Exchange Transfusion in Neonatal Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia – in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2015) Malla, T; Singh, S; Poudyal, P; Sathian, B; BK, G; Malla, KKABSTRACT Background An exchange transfusion involves replacing patient’s blood with donor blood in order to remove abnormal blood components and circulating toxins while maintaining adequate circulating blood volume. Objective To observe the incidence, causes of jaundice requiring Exchange and any adverse event of exchange transfusion in newborns with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Method Prospective study undertaken at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal from March 2014 to April 2015. For both mothers and neonates blood group and Rh typing and for all newborns pre and post exchange complete blood count with peripheral smear, serum bilirubin, hemoglobin, calcium, potassium, random blood sugar, C-reactive protein and blood culture and where ever required Direct Coombs test, reticulocyte count, G6PD activity and thyroid function test were done. The incidence, indications, positive outcome, complications and mortality were noted. Result Out of 481 cases of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia 29(6%) required exchange transfusion. 55.2% Pathological Jaundice [13.8% ABO incompatibility, sepsis and hypothyroidism was commonest causes] and 44.8% exaggerated physiological jaundice [27.6% with no underlying pathology, 10.3% preterms 3.4% cephalhematoma] required exchange transfusion. Post transfusion, bilirubin level decreased significantly (p<0.001). The commonest adverse events noted were anemia (89.7% / p<0.018), hyperglycemia(51.7% / p<0.001), hypocalcaemia (48.3% /p<0.001)), sepsis(10.3%), hypernatremia (13.8%), hyperkalaemia, bradycardia, apnea and feed intolerance (6.9%). None of them had kernicterus and there was no mortalities. Conclusion Exchange transfusion is an effective procedure to decrease bilirubin levels but is associated with many complications. Hypothyroidism was one of the commonest cause of jaundice requiring Exchange transfusion. KEY WORDS Exchange transfusion, hyperbilirubinemia, kernicterus, neonate.Publication Awareness of Thyroid Disorders among Nepalese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study(Kathmandu University, 2019) Singh, DR; Bista, B; Yadav, BK; Karki, K; Ghimire, S; Singh, SABSTRACT Background Thyroid disorders are emerging public health issues. Clients’ awareness is crucial for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of the thyroid disorders. Studies, assessing knowledge on thyroid disorders among Nepalese population, is lacking. Objective To assess the awareness of thyroid disorders among women, a susceptible subgroup, and find the correlates of poor knowledge. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 women at the gynecological outpatient department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Eighteen-item scale, with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.913, was developed to assess participant’s knowledge on various constructs of thyroid disorder. A linear regression model with Bootstrap approach was used to identify the predictors of the total knowledge score. Result The mean (±SD) age of the participant was 29.2 ± 7.0 years. About 49% of the women had inadequate knowledge, defined at or below the mean cumulative knowledge score. In linear regression, the total knowledge score was significantly lower among participants who were Janajati (β=-2.87, BCa 95%CI=-4.61, -1.11), illiterate (β=- 6.37, BCa 95%CI =-9.14, -3.21), and low income (β=-3.76, BCa 95%CI=-5.68, -1.83). Likewise, a university education (β=5.94, BCa 95%CI=3.50, 8.26), working status (β=4.04, BCa 95%CI=2.19, 5.81), urban residence (β=2.06, BCa 95%CI=0.02, 3.96) and family history (β=2.20, BCa 95%CI=0.71, 3.63) of thyroid disorder predicted higher knowledge score. Conclusion This study identified a poor level of knowledge on thyroid disorders among Nepali women and thus proposes them to be an important subgroup for an intervention or policy aimed at promoting awarenessof thyroid disorders. The findings also warrant increased awareness among these population through hospital and community- based behavior change communication campaigns. KEY WORDS Awareness, Thyroid disorders, WomenPublication Congenital Bilateral Coloboma of Upper Eyelid(Kathmandu University, 2016) Singh, S; Bilodi, AKS; Panigrahi, AKABSTRACT Congenital coloboma of eyelid is a rare anomaly. There is partial or total absence of eyelid structures. A seven year male child had coloboma of both the upper lids lateral to lacrimal puctum affecting the medial half of lid symmetrically with symblepharon in region of defect bilaterally. The study was carried out at Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajpati Medical College Berhampur, Odisha in year 2010. Both eyebrows were abnormal. He presented on and off diminution of vision, burning sensation, redness and watering from both the eyes on and off. On examination high refractive error was detected (visual aquity was 6/18 in righteye and 6/24 in left eye). Cornea was dry and opacities were present in both the eyes. There was limitation of ocular movement in both sides due to symblepharon. Nystagmus was present. The subject did not have any other associated anomaly. The birth and family history was normal. This case can be surgically treated and earliest management can give good fuctional as well as cosmetic results. KEY WORDS Congenital coloboma, eyelid, frontonasal process, symblepharonPublication Evaluation of Antinociceptive Activity of Ficus Religiosa Root Extract in Swiss Albino Mice(Kathmandu University, 2022) Singh, S; Sangraula, H; Singh, PK; Sarraf, DPABSTRACT Background Ficus religiosa, commonly known as peepal, is widely distributed in Indian subcontinent. It has been used as an antiepileptic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, anti- inflammatory and laxative in traditional medicine. Objective To explore the analgesic effect of aqueous root extract of Ficus religiosa using thermal and chemical models of pain in swiss albino mice. Method The aqueous aerial root extract of Ficus religiosa was prepared using soxhlet apparatus. The anti-nociceptive effect of the extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was evaluated using peripheral (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing), spinal (tail flick) and supra-spinal (hot plate) behavioral models of pain. All data were presented as Mean ± SEM. Statistical differences between Ficus religiosa (50 and 100 mg/kg) and standard control groups were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U test. Result There was significant dose dependent increase in the mean reaction time compared to the vehicle control in hot plate and tail- flick test. In acetic acid induced writhing test, mice treated with Ficus religiosa (50 and 100 mg/kg) exhibited significant dose-dependent decrease in the mean number of writhes (57.45% and 79.20% respectively) compared to the vehicle control. The activity of Ficus religiosa extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was equipotent to Standard control (Morphine and Indomethacin) used in different test models. Conclusion The extract of Ficus religiosa possesses both central and peripheral analgesic activity thus validating the traditional use of this plant in the management of pain. KEY WORDS Antinociceptive, Acetic acid induced writhing, Ficus religiosa, Hot plate method, Tail-flick methodPublication Oral Health Care Practice and Circumstances during Covid-19 among Dental Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2022) Prajapati, D; Hada, B; Ghimire, G; KC, S; Singh, S; Makaju, S; Mahanta, SKABSTRACT Background Patients are hesitant to enter a dental hospital because of the significant danger of cross infection and illness transmission due to rapid spread of corona virus. Objective To assess knowledge regarding Covid-19, oral health practices and circumstances on dental treatment during a pandemic. Method Cross sectional study was conducted among patients visiting dental department of Dhulikhel hospital from September to October 2020. Questionnaires were interviewed following safety protocols regarding the pandemic and descriptive analysis was performed. Both verbal and written consent as well as ethical approval was taken before the study. Result A total 411 patients aged 14 to 75 years old from 14 different districts across Nepal participated in the study. All of the patient were free of Covid-19 symptoms and had strong knowledge and awareness about disease transmission. During the crisis 96% of the people maintain good oral hygiene while 25.8% acquire new dental problems where majority experienced oral discomfort and swelling, 93.2% of them did not attend a dental clinic or hospital in the interim owing to fear and inaccessibility. Majority of the participants were impressed by the safety precautions and preparations during treatment and 99.3% strongly suggest or pledge to visit dental department if necessary during the pandemic. Conclusion Dental patient visiting Dhulikhel hospital is highly aware of current health crisis, possible transmission and preventive measures. Proper safe hospital setup can encourage them to seek dental treatment during crisis. Dental pain and swelling in Endodontic department recorded most common dental emergency during this pandemic. KEY WORDS Circumstances, Covid-19, Dental patients, Knowledge, Nepal, Practice, Tertiary hospitalPublication Prevalence of Refractive Error and Spectacle Compliance in Children of Tokha Municipality(Kathmandu University, 2024) Kaiti, R; Shyangbo, R; Singh, S; Pandey, C; Shah, P; Bogati, B; Poudel, B; Mishra, AABSTRACT Background Refractive error is considered as an important component of the priority disease “childhood blindness” within the Vision 2020’ initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness. The large majority of vision impairment in school aged children is due to uncorrected refractive error. Hence, refractive errors are considered as a public health challenge. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of refractive error and spectacle compliance among children in Tokha municipality, Kathmandu. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of refractive error and spectacle compliance among children from Tokha municipality, Kathmandu. Method A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling 1366 children from Tokha municipality from 1st to 3rd week of April 2022 after obtaining the Institutional Review Board (Reference number:60/2079/80). Assent was taken from all children and informed consent was signed by the legal guardians of the children. All the samples underwent a comprehensive ocular history taking, visual acuity and refraction and ocular health assessments. The inclusion criteria was school going children within age group 5-16 years. Result Out of a total of 1366 samples, 10.91% (149) of the school children were identified to have refractive error. The primary type of refractive error observed was compound myopic astigmatism, which accounted for 52.3% (78) of the cases. A spectacle compliance rate of 72.15% was found. Conclusion Refractive error prevalence in this study is consistent with findings from other part of Nepal. The most common type of refractive error was compound myopic astigmatism. The frequency of refractive errors was notably higher among individuals who frequently use electronic devices, attend private schools, and reside in densely populated areas. It is recommended to organize regular community eye camps and conduct vision screenings to identify and promptly address refractive errors in children. KEY WORDS Ametropia, Prevalence, Refractive error, Visual impairment, Vision screening