Journal Issue: Volume: 24, No. 01, Issue 70, (2026): Jan-March
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Volume
Number
Issue Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1999-6217
Journal Volume
Articles
Transforming the Nepal Health Research Council for Health Research and Innovation
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2026) Dhimal, Meghnath; Ghimire, Namita; Subedi, Madhusudan; Dangal, Ganesh
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Ethical Issues in Establishing a Registry in Nepal: Experiences from the Population Based Cancer Registry
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2026) Ghimire, Namita; KC, Dilip; Marasini, Bishnu P.; Dhakal, Hari; Joshi, Pramod; Dhimal, Meghnath; Devkota, Bikash; Shah, Aarati
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Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia among Adolescent Girls in Rural Nepal
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2026) Bhandari, Tulsi Ram; Chapagain, Nawaraj; Paudel, Shishir; Nagila, Amar; Panta, Sushil; Ojha, Jenny; Thapa, Yoko Oda; Sakai, Hiroko
Abstract:
Background: Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and increased nutritional requirements, making girls in low- and middle-income countries, such as Nepal, vulnerable to iron deficiency anemia. In rural areas of Nepal, menstrual blood loss, poor diet, and socio-cultural barriers all increase this risk. Despite national programs, anemia remains a major public health concern, affecting cognition, immunity, and future reproductive health. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of nutritional status, including anemia, in adolescent girls.
Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted from July to August 2024, with 501 adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years, using a census method in Annapurna Rural Municipality, Kaski, Nepal. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews, anthropometric assessments, and blood tests. BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) were computed using WHO Anthro-Plus, and anemia was categorized based on laboratory-established ferritin guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the ????2 test, and logistic regression (p < 0.05).
Results: Considering ferritin (< 40.7 ng/mL) and hemoglobin (?12 g/dL), the prevalence of anemia was found to be 67.6% and (?12 g/dL), respectively. Maternal education, family type, and parental marital status were found to be significantly associated with anemia (p<0.05). Similarly, ethnicity, maternal education, and family type were found statistically associated with nutritional status (p <0.05).
Conclusions: The study highlighted a concerning magnitude of anemia among adolescent girls in rural Nepal, with two-thirds being anaemic. The findings underscore that nutritional deficiencies are not merely biological issues but are deeply rooted in social and educational determinants such as maternal education, family structure, and ethnicity. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach such as strengthening nutrition education, promoting iron-rich diets, ensuring regular screening, and enhancing maternal awareness through community and school-based programs to effectively reduce anemia and improve adolescent health outcomes.
Keywords: Adolescent girls; adolescent health; anemia; obesity; overweight.
Emotional Intelligence among Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2026) Joshi, Deepak; Dhakal, Smriti; Ghimire, Bipin
Abstract:
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to use emotional awareness to guide thoughts and actions. In students, particularly in medicine and physiotherapy, higher EI enhances academic performance, self-awareness, social connectedness, and the ability to form meaningful patient relationships. Higher EI in healthcare professionals is associated with better clinical performance, empathetic patient care, and greater job satisfaction. This study aimed to determine EI in undergraduate physiotherapy students and identify its association with academic performance and year of study.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences among undergraduate physiotherapy students. EI was measured using the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test. EI scores were categorized as low (33-110), average (111-137), and high (138-165). The Pearson test was used to assess the correlation between EI scores and academic performance, while ANOVA was used to assess the association between EI scores and year of study.
Results: A total of 102 students were included, of which 86% were female. The mean EI score was 125.63 indicating average status. The majority of students (80%) demonstrated average EI, while 15% had high EI, and 5% had low EI. There was no statistically significant relationship of EI with year of study and academic performance.
Conclusions: The findings revealed that most students demonstrated an average level of EI, suggesting that they were reasonably competent in recognizing their own and others’ emotions, regulating their emotions, and engaging positively with others. Exploring various factors influencing students’ EI presents a promising avenue for future research.
Keywords: Cross-sectional study; emotional intelligence; medical education; physical therapy.
Modified Shanfield Ureteric Reimplantation with or Without Ureteric Tailoring in Primary Obstructive Megaureter
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2026) Adhikari, Suman Bikram; Adhikari, Surendra Bikram; Joshi, Mridul Prasad; Basnet, Bal Mukunda; Sah, Priyanka; Rupakheti, Amar; Yadav, Kajal Singh; Upreti, Susan; Nepal, Bipin
Abstract:
Background: Obstructive megaureter is one of the leading cause of renal failure. If not resolve on time, surgical correction is necessary. Excision of stricture part and ureteric reimplantation is procedure of choice. Modified shanfield technique is one of the surgical procedures for ureteric reimplantation with good outcome. Those with huge megaureter, excisional tapering of distal ureter to facilitate ureteric reimplantation is mandatory. The objective of this study was to evaluate and assess the outcome of modified shanfield procedure in children with obstructive megaureter.
Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with obstructive megaureter who underwent modified shanfield ureteric reimplantation with or without ureteric tailoring between April 2022 to March 2024 was done. The following were recorded for each patient: age, sex, laterality, ureteral diameter, operative time, hospital stay, outcome and complications.
Results: This study consisted of 16 paediatric patients (6 boys and 10 girls) who underwent modified shanfield ureteric reimplantation with or without ureteric tailoring with a mean age of 47 months(12 months to 132 months). Left side repair was performed in 10 patients (62.5%). Mean operative time was 118 minutes. The mean length of hospital was 6.65 days (5- 9 days). None of the patients developed major complications including vesicoureteric reflux or stricture but three cases had febrile urinary tract infection. Follow up ultrasound and Di-ethylene triamine-penta-acetic acid (DTPA) scan was obtained after 6 months postoperatively, which showed improved renal function in DTPA in 14 patients (93.4%).
Conclusions: Modified shanfield ureteric reimplantation is also an alternative procedure for ureteric reimplantation because of its easiness, quick and good outcome. Its implication in paediatric age group is also safe. For better outcome, patient selection and refinement technique should be pursued.
Keywords: Modified shanfield; obstructed megaureter; ureteral tailoring; ureteric reimplantation.