Journal Issue: Volume: 23, No 3, Issue 91 (JULY-SEPTEMBER), 2025
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1812-2027
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Articles
The Disconnect Era: Revitalizing Physiology Education in Nepal for the 21st Century
(Kathmandu University, 2025) Agrawal, K
NA
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding Non-Scalpel Vasectomy among Male Outpatients at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Eastern India
(Kathmandu University, 2025) Richa, R; Biswas, B; Jahnavi, G; Boratne, AV; Venugopal, V; Gautam, A; Gupta, P; Varshney, S
ABSTRACT
Background
Despite being a safe and effective permanent contraceptive method, acceptance
of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy remains low in India due to poor awareness and
misconceptions.
Objective
To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Non-Scalpel Vasectomy
among male outpatients at a tertiary healthcare facility in Eastern India.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare facility in Deoghar,
Jharkhand, involving 346 married male outpatients with partners aged 15-44 years.
Participants were selected through systematic random sampling, and data were
collected using a pretested questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics,
knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Result
Of the participants, 61.0% demonstrated substantial knowledge of Non-Scalpel
Vasectomy and 52.0% had a favourable attitude, yet only 1.7% had undergone the
procedure. Major barriers to acceptance included lack of awareness (34.4%), fear of
side effects (17.3%), and social stigma (9.0%). Greater knowledge was significantly
associated with higher educational attainment [Adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.19, 95%
Confidence Interval: 1.08-1.31] and a favourable attitude [Adjusted Odds Ratio: 2.95,
95% Confidence Interval: 1.77-4.91]. A favourable attitude was similarly linked to
higher knowledge [Adjusted Odds Ratio: 2.96, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.78-4.91]
but inversely related to increasing partner age [Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.91, 95%
Confidence Interval: 0.84-0.99]. Willingness to undergo the procedure was higher
among those with greater knowledge (71.1%, p=0.001) and favourable attitudes
(59.9%, p=0.007).
Conclusion
Awareness of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy was moderate, but notable gaps in knowledge
and attitudes persisted, highlighting the need for targeted education, counselling,
and community engagement to enhance acceptance and uptake.
KEY WORDS
Health knowledge, Male, Outpatients, Reproductive, Sterilization, Vasectomy
Association of Allergic Biomarkers in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis With or Without Asthma
(Kathmandu University, 2025) Pangeni, RP; Pokharel, M; Vaidya, N; Sapkota, P; Karki, S; Bhusal, M; Basnet, D; Dhakal, A; Sapkota, B; Madhup, S
ABSTRACT
Background
Chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma are considered under unified airway diseases
which describes the shared epidemiologic and pathophysiologic relationship among
the chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower airways
Objective
To assess the asthma in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and determine the
relationship of allergic biomarkers, tissue eosinophilia and radiological bone changes
in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without asthma.
Method
Prospective study involving 74 adult patients attending the Department of
Otorhinolaryngology and Pulmonology at the Kathmandu University Dhulikhel
Hospital for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and / or asthma and for functional
endoscopic sinus surgery between May 2023 and May 2024. Absolute eosinophil
count, total serum IgE and spirometry tests were performed. Radiological evidence
of osteitis and tissue eosinophilia from surgical samples was evaluated. Correlations
between allergic biomarkers,spirometry values, tissue eosinophilia, and radiological
bone changes were determined in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with or without
asthma using the Mann Whitney U test, Student t test and the chi square test.
Result
A positive association was observed between the radiological bone score with tissue
eosinophilia (p=.018), and smoking (p < 0.001) in between the two groups. Chronic
eosinophilic rhinosinusitis was observed in 39 (52.7%) patients. 15 patients with
Chronic rhinosinusitis had asthma ,and among these asthmatic patients 11 had
eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Mild osteitis was evident in 34 (45.9%) ,moderate
osteitis in 39 (52.7%) and severe in 1 (1.4%). Among 15 asthmatic patients, 10 had
moderate osteitis and 5 had mild osteitis.
Conclusion
A rigorous exentration of osteitic bony nidus appears necessary for successful
treatment outcomes in all chronic rhinosinusitis patients and to prevent acute
exacerbation in the asthmatic group of chronic rhinosinusitis patients.
KEY WORDS
Asthma, Chronic rhinosinusitis, Osteitis
Clinical Profile and Management of Paederus Dermatitis: Insights from Teledermatology in a Tertiary Care Setting in Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2025) Shrestha, E; Basukala, MS; Mishra, A; Basnet, A; Karn, D; Tamang, A
ABSTRACT
Background
Paederus dermatitis is a cutaneous reaction caused by the contact of rove beetles
(Paederus species) on the skin. Common in tropical regions, including Nepal, this
dermatitis poses a diagnostic challenge in remote areas where dermatological care is
limited. Teledermatology, employing telecommunications for remote consultations,
has shown promise in addressing these limitations, yet its effectiveness in diagnosing
and managing Paederus dermatitis in Nepal has yet to be thoroughly explored.
Objective
To analyze the clinical profile and management outcomes of Paederus dermatitis
through teledermatology at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.
Method
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 patients diagnosed with
Paederus dermatitis through teledermatology at Dhulikhel Hospital between June
2024 and August 2024. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations
with demographic and clinical factors.
Result
The study comprised 54 patients (59.26% males and 40.74% females) with a mean
age of 28.4 ± 6.6 years. The most frequent symptoms included itching with a burning
sensation (35.2%) and pain (24.1%). Linear erythematous plaques were observed
in 42.6% of cases. Only 20.4% reported direct insect contact. Correlation analysis
showed weak relationships between age, symptom duration, and lesion count.
Multivariate regression indicated a baseline symptom duration of 2.7 days, with no
significant association between age or lesion count and symptom duration.
Conclusion
Teledermatology is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing Paederus dermatitis
in rural Nepal, where direct access to dermatological care is limited. Future research
should focus on expanding teledermatology’s role in other dermatological conditions.
KEY WORDS
Dermatology, Paederus dermatitis, Pederin, Rural health, Teledermatology
Profile of Pediatric patients with Foreign Body Aspiration requiring Bronchoscopy in a Tertiary Care Center
(Kathmandu University, 2025) Paneru, M; Nepal, A; Yadav, D; Dangol, B; Shrestha, N; Maharjan, L; Maharjan, R
ABSTRACT
Background
Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common pediatric emergency, particularly in
children under five, due to immature airway protection reflexes and their tendency
to explore objects orally. It is the fourth leading cause of accidental death in children
under three, making early diagnosis and prompt management crucial.
Objective
To assess the profile of pediatric patients requiring bronchoscopy, identify associated
clinical presentations, evaluate complications, identify the types of foreign bodies,
and the most frequent site of lodgment.
Method
Clinical data of three years, from April 2021 to April 2024, were retrospectively
collected from medical records. The study included children below 14 years of age
who underwent rigid bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration at a tertiary
care center. Their clinical profiles and various presenting symptoms were analyzed.
Result
Among 37 cases, the highest incidence (43.2%) was in children aged 1-3 years, with
males comprising 73%. Cough and wheezing were the most common symptoms (19
cases). Organic foreign bodies, mainly peanuts and beans, were found in 22 cases,
while metallic sharp objects (pins) were present in 5 cases. The right main bronchus
was the most affected site (22 cases), and post-procedural pneumonia developed in
5 cases.
Conclusion
Foreign body Aspiration predominantly affects young children, with organic objects
being the most common. Rigid bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis
and treatment, emphasizing the need for early intervention to prevent complications.
KEY WORDS
Airway obstruction, Bronchoscopy, Foreign bodies, Pediatrics, Respiratory aspiration