Journal Issue: Volume: 18, No 4, Issue 72, OCT.-DEC, 2020
Loading...
Volume
Number
Issue Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1812-2027
Journal Volume
Articles
Age and Gender Differences in COVID 19 Morbidity and Mortality in Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2020) Dhimal, ML; Rana, N; Aryal, B; Adhikari, SK; Shrestha, R; Gyanwali, P; Dhimal, M
ABSTRACT
Background
The global health community has emphasized the importance of reporting
epidemiological data by age and sex groups in the COVID-19 pandemic. However,
age and sex disaggregated data of COVID-19 cases and deaths are rarely reported.
Such data are very crucial for public to make truly informed choices about their own
diseases risk and also for governments for public policy response.
Objective
To assess age and gender difference among COVID-19 cases and deaths in Nepal.
Method
This is a retrospective study which uses public data on COVID-19 cases and deaths
released by Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal from January to
November, 2020. The data analysis was carried out using SPPS software version 26.
Result
Nepal reported 233,452 confirmed cases and 1,566 deaths of COVID-19 from 23
January 2020 to 30 November 2020. We found statistically significant differences on
COVID-19 cases by age and gender in Nepal with higher number of cases among
males of economically active age groups (20-60 years). Similarly, we found significant
difference in COVID-19 mortality with more death occurred among male group
compared to female group and with highest number of deaths among the people
of above 60 years. Furthermore, we found differences in cases and deaths among
provinces.
Conclusion
The age and gender differences in COVID cases and deaths in Nepal indicates
needs of considering age and sex groups seriously while planning for testing, case
management and vaccination against COVID-19 infections in Nepal.
KEY WORDS
Age, COVID-19, Gender, Nepal
Anxiety and Depression during COVID-19 Pandemic among Medical Students in Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2020) Risal, A; Shikhrakar, S; Mishra, S; Kunwar, D; Karki, E; Shrestha, B; Khadka, S; Holen, A
ABSTRACT
Background
Medical students’ psychological response to societal lockdown during the COVID-19
pandemic has not been studied much.
Objective
To assess levels of anxiety and depression among medical students during initial
stages of COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal and relate their distress to relevant variables.
Method
A cross-sectional study with online questionnaire was conducted among medical
students at different colleges in Nepal. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
(HADS) detected ‘anxiety’ and ‘depression’. The covariates were explored by logistic
regression analyses.
Result
A total 416 medical students [mean age: 22.2 (2.1); males 57.7%, females 42.3%]
participated. HADS-anxiety scores [mean: 7.1(4.3)] were significantly and positively
correlated with HADS-depression [mean: 5.9 (4.1)] (r=0.695; p < 0.001). Point
prevalence of total HADS caseness (HADS-T) was 26.7%. Specific HADS-defined
caseness were: anxiety (HADS-A) 11.8%, depression (HADS-D) 5.5%, and comorbid
anxiety and depression (HADS-cAD) 9.4%. All four types of caseness were significantly
more prevalent among students with a history of mental problems (AOR=4.7, 3.2, 2.6,
and 3.2 respectively). HADS-T was higher among those with a concurrent physical
illness (AOR=2.4). HADS-T, HADS-A and HADS-D scores were higher among the age
group > 22 years (AOR= 2.2, 2.5 and 4.4 respectively). HADS-cAD was almost three-
times higher among those with a possible COVID-19 exposure (AOR=2.8).
Conclusion
A significant number of medical students in Nepal suffered from high levels of anxiety
and depression during the COVID-19 shut-down. The students in the higher (> 22
years) age group, those with past mental disorders, possible COVID-19 exposure, and
concurrent physical illness showed elevated levels of anxiety and/or depression.
KEY WORDS
COVID-19, Medical students, Pandemic, Psychological distress, Self-quarantine
A South Indian Cadaveric Study on the Prevalence of Gallstones
(Kathmandu University, 2020) Nayak, Satheesha B; KV, Soumya
ABSTRACT
Background
Gallstone disease (GSD) is one among the most prevalent diseases that affects
approximately 10-15% of the population. It is associated with many other diseases
like gallbladder cancer, renal stones, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and
stroke.
Objective
Objective of this study is to document the prevalence of gallstones among south
Indian cadavers.
Method
One hundred and twenty three South Indian cadaveric livers/gallbladders were
observed for the presence of gallstones. The age range was 40 to 70 years. The
gallbladders were palpated to know the presence of stones. They were then dissected
and the stones were classified based on appearance. Gall bladder walls were also
observed to know the associated fibrosis.
Result
Among the cadavers studied, 0.81% possessed cholesterol stones and 4.06% had
pigment stones. Among the stones, 83.33% were pigment stones and 16.66% were
cholesterol stones.
Conclusion
Compared to the western countries and north Indian studies, the prevalence of
gallstone diseaseis low in the south Indian population (4.87%). The low prevalence
was probably due to the low socioeconomic status and the diet and lifestyle.
KEY WORDS
Cholelithiasis, Gall bladder, Gallstones, Hepatobiliary, Liver
Monitoring Iodine Deficiency in a District Hospital, Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2020) Singh, VK; Joshi, AB; Gurung, CK; Pant, KR; Banjara, MR
ABSTRACT
Background
Iodine deficiency possesses serious threat to pregnant women and infants. During
pregnancy, iodine deficiency can result in stillbirth while in infants it can lead to
impaired brain development.
Objective
This study was conducted to assess the status of iodine deficiency among pregnant
women and infants.
Method
Ninety seven pregnant women seeking antenatal check-up (ANC) from Chautara
Hospital Sindhupalchowk were included to analyze urine iodine. Thirty one mothers
and their children were followed-up for their clinical status. Additionally, the infants
were assessed for their urine iodine excretion and the mothers were assessed for
their awareness about iodine and iodine deficiency disorder (IDD).
Result
Urinary iodine excretion revealed 25.2% of pregnant women and 20% children below
one year of age had insufficient iodine intake while 42.9% of pregnant women and
24% children had iodine level above normal. Almost all households were found using
iodized salt, 80% respondents had heard about iodized salt, 13% mothers were
aware of benefits of iodized salt, 41.9% had knowledge of iodine deficiency diseases
and 38.4% cognized the source of iodine.
Conclusion
Though awareness about iodine and iodine deficiency disorder was satisfactory,
pregnant women and children were at risk of iodine deficiency and excessive
iodine disorder. Therefore, to improve health of pregnant women and newborn,
their nutrition must be prioritized which ultimately will help reduce morbidity and
mortality.
KEY WORDS
Infant, Iodine deficiency, Pregnant women, Urine iodine