Journal Issue: Volume: 23, No. 04, Issue 69 (2025): Oct-Dec
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Volume
23
Number
Issue Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1999-6217
Journal Volume
Volume: 23 (2025)
(23)
Articles
Physical Activity in Nepal at a Crossroads
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2025) Subedi, Narayan; Shrestha, Rajan; Puudel, Susan
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Post Operative Pain During and After Root Canal Treatment in a Government Hospital Setting in Nepal
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2025) Tripathi, Rupam; Dahal, Sirjana; Acharya, Nisha; Nepal, Manisha; Khanduri, Nitin; Lamichhane, Samita
Abstract:
Background: Postoperative pain is a most common symptom of endodontic patients after root canal treatments (RCTs). The aim of this study was to evaluate Postoperative pain during and after root canal treatment (RCT) among patients at a government hospital of Nepal.
Methods: Maxillary and mandibular teeth with necrotic pulp or irreversibly inflamed pulp, with or without preoperative pain, were included in this study. Subject’s age and gender, as well as pulp status and preoperative pain status, were recorded. Root canal treatment was done using a standard protocol. Visual analog scale (VAS) and facial rating scale were used to record the level of pain felt.
Results: A total of 400 patients were enrolled in the study. The VAS score for pain decreased from 6(4-8) recorded before RCT, to 0 (0-4) during and 0 (0-0) after RCT and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Similarly, in Facial rating scale, the scores decreased significantly from 2(2-5) before RCT to 0(0-0) during and 0(0-0) after RCT (P<0.001). There was significant difference in facial rating scores during root canal treatment between males and females (P=0.014).
Conclusions: Postoperative pain significantly decreases after the initiation of root canal treatment. No significant difference was found in VAS score between male and female whereas significant difference was found in facial rating scores during root canal treatment between males and females. These findings of facial rating score emphasize that biological and psychosocial factors make females more susceptible to experiencing pain.
Keywords: Facial rating scale; necrotic pulp; post-operative pain; RCT; visual analog score.
Evaluating the Effect of Expressed Breast Milk and 10% Dextrose in Procedural Pain Relief in Neonates
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2025) Baniya, Richa; Dangol, Shraddha; Manandhar, Sagun; Tripathee, Samprada; Upadhyaya, Ashram Poudel; Shrestha, Sabina
Abstract:
Background: In neonates painful procedures are performed with minimum to no regard for pain relief. Even if neonates are unable to communicate pain, it doesn’t negate their ability to experience it. This study observed the effect of expressed breast milk (EBM) and 10% dextrose (10%D) during venipuncture in neonates.
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional comparative study was conducted from November 2021 to October 2022. Purposive sampling of 110 neonates who received expressed breast milk and 10% dextrose were assessed via Premature Infant Pain Profile - Revised (PIPP-R) pain assessment tool along with heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and duration of cry. Data was collected and analyzed via independent t test using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation of heart rate and oxygen saturation in expressed breast milk group was 168.57 ± 8.9 per minutes (min) and 95.31 ± 1.42% and in 10% dextrose group was 174.27 ± 9.02 per min and 93.80 ± 1.15% respectively. Mean duration of cry in expressed breast milk group was 51.89 ± 16.66 seconds (sec) and 10% dextrose group was 73.55 ± 24.05 sec with a significant difference (p=0.001). The premature infant pain profile revised score was recorded at 30 sec, 1 min and 3 min and 5 min and a significant difference was noted at 30 sec (p=0.000) and 1 min (p=0.047) after venipuncture.
Conclusions: Expressed breast milk have better analgesic effect than 10% dextrose.
Keywords: Expressed breast milk; neonate; neonatal pain; oral dextrose; PIPP
Clinical Outcome of Patients Admitted to Critical Care Unit in Karnali Province
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2025) Paudel, Khechar Nath; Khanal, Mahesh Kumar; Bhandari, Subarna
Abstract:
Background: Life-threatening illnesses are rising globally, disproportionately affecting patients from developing countries. The outcome of such illness depends on the critical care services provided to the patients. Constrained resources may impact the quality and outcome of critical care. This study aims to assess the outcomes of critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in remote Karnali Province of Nepal
Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed data of ICU patients admitted from July 2021 to July 2022 in Province Hospital, Karnali, Nepal. Analysis included data on socio-demographic information, clinical diagnosis, duration of stay in ICU, use of mechanical ventilator, and outcomes of patient admitted to the ICU.
Results: A total of 745 patients were admitted within the specified time period. The most common diagnoses were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), poisoning, and acute coronary syndrome(ACS). Non-communicable diseases accounted for 60% of admissions. Overall, 17% of patients received support via mechanical ventilation. 50% of patients admitted in the ICU were recovered. The ICU mortality rate was 22 %, whereas 23% left the ICU against the medical advice. Age (p<0.001), ventilator use (p<0.001), and source of admission(p<0.001) were significantly associated with death in the ICU. Though the mortality rate varied significantly across diagnoses, septic shock and COPD attributed to the highest mortality.
Conclusions: Non-communicable diseases were the most common cause of admission to the ICU of the hospital. Half of the ICU patients had poor outcomes, with one out of four succumbing to death. Factors like suboptimal speciality services and equipments, poor infrastructure development, and poor human resources might have contributed to poor outcomes in such settings.
Keywords: Critical care; intensive care; mortality; prognosis; pulmonary disease chronic obstructive.
Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Infant Feeding and Immunization among Pregnant Women Visiting Antenatal Clinics
(Nepal Health Research Council, 2025) Adhikari, Santosh; Bhattarai, Tribhuwan; Karki, Prakriti; Kunwar, Kshitij; Dhakal, Ramesh; Bhatta, Lok Raj; Rimal, Sabin; Gaire, Manisha; Nepal, Raj Kumar; Bhattarai, Srijana; Suthar, Praveen
Abstract:
Background: Deficits in maternal knowledge and perceptions can lead to suboptimal infant feeding and incomplete immunization, impacting child health. Given a lack of recent data in culturally diverse Eastern Kathmandu, this study explores pregnant women’s knowledge and attitudes regarding infant feeding and immunization.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women at antenatal clinics in Eastern Kathmandu (Feb-Mar 2025). Data were collected via a validated, self-administered questionnaire after informed consent. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of knowledge and attitudes on infant feeding and immunization. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 371 pregnant women participated. There was high knowledge gap in infant feeding practice 208 (56.1%) and high knowledge in immunization 277 (74.7%). Positive attitudes were observed in 341 (93.2%) intending to exclusively breastfeed and 369 (98.4%) believing immunization is safe. Lower knowledge was linked to younger age (<21 years; AOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.07–0.78) and lack of formal education (AOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.03–0.97 for feeding; AOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03–0.39 for immunization). Positive attitudes were more common among homemakers (AOR 4.86, 95% CI 2.44–9.93) and women with higher parity (AOR 6.14, 95% CI 2.60–15.61 for third or higher).
Conclusions: The study reveals a significant gap in knowledge regarding infant feeding practices, especially among younger and less educated pregnant women in Eastern Kathmandu. Although attitudes are positive, targeted interventions are needed to address knowledge gaps, especially regarding exclusive breastfeeding.