ABSTRACT
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder is increasing day by day around the world. Recent finding of CDC shows that this problem occurs 1 in 110 populations. This problem is such a disorder, which not only affects to the individuals but also the families, society and nation as a whole if not managed properly. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and management practices of Paediatricians about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Methods: The study design was descriptive and cross sectional. A census was used to select the study unit and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Out of 54 Paediatricians, 64.8 percent had inadequet knowledge and 59.3 percent had inadequet practice related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Majority of them (79.6%) knew that Autism Spectrum Disorder is a Developmental Disorder but they (24.1%) also mentioned it to be mental retardation and 13 percent thought that it as a form of psychosis. Most of Paediatricians, (72.2%) knew that Autism Spectrum Disorder could be due to genetic reason. However, a significant number of respondents 22.2 percent also believed that Autism Spectrum Disorder could occur due to the neglect of children. Almost fifty percent of Paediatricians had rarely handled the Autistic child and a majority of the Paediatricians, (90.7%) found it difficult to diagnose this disease. Conclusion: Most of the Paediatricians in Nepal have inadequet knowledge and practice related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although some of the practice was good, they also had misconceptions as to managing the children with Autistic disorders. Most of the Paediatricians need to improve their knowledge and practice related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
ABSTRACT
Diabetic retinopathy is the one of the leading cause of visual impairment in world including Nepal. The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with Diabetic Retinopathy among diabetics in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre, Nepal. A hospital-based, cross sectional study, was conducted at Tilganga Eye Centre, Nepal. 371 consecutive subjects were recruited during a period of study. Ophthalmologist performed comprehensive eye examinations, which were reconfirmed by senior ophthalmologist. Diabetic Retinopathy was graded using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. Total 371 consecutive diabetics were examined, mean of 57.4 years (SD 12.0) having the sex ratio of 0.72 male per female. The prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy was 44.7% (166) with non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy presented 85.5% (142) and 14.5% (24) were proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Clinically significant macular edema was found in 19.2% (32). The age at onset of diabetes, duration of diabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with Diabetic Retinopathy (p = < 0.05) whereas ethnicity, sex and cataract surgery were not associated with it (p = > 0.05). The prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy was within the range of previous studies with a high rate of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Factors associated with diabetic retinopathy were similar to other developed countries. To prevent this condition of Diabetic Retinopathy, the coordination between physician and ophthalmologist needs to be strengthened.