ABSTRACT
In biostatistics, for each of the specific situation, statistical methods are available for analysis and interpretation of the data. To select the appropriate statistical method, one need to know the assumption and conditions of the statistical methods, so that proper statistical method can be selected for data analysis. Two main statistical methods are used in data analysis: descriptive statistics, which summarizes data using indexes such as mean and median and another is inferential statistics, which draw conclusions from data using statistical tests such as student's t-test. Selection of appropriate statistical method depends on the following three things: Aim and objective of the study, Type and distribution of the data used, and Nature of the observations (paired/unpaired). All type of statistical methods that are used to compare the means are called parametric while statistical methods used to compare other than means (ex-median/mean ranks/proportions) are called nonparametric methods. In the present article, we have discussed the parametric and non-parametric methods, their assumptions, and how to select appropriate statistical methods for analysis and interpretation of the biomedical data.
ABSTRACT
Background: NMR contributes to two-third of infant mortality and proper newborn care is essential for achieving the target of reduction in IMR. The present study was conducted to find the newborn care practices in a rural community and to explore the associated factors.Methods: The present community based cross sectional study was conducted upon children born in the study area within past three months. Mothers were interviewed using pretested proforma.Results: It was seen that 87.3% children were cared by their mothers, rooming-in was universal, 82.1% children were kept warm, early bathing was avoided by 45.8% mothers, 96.2% of children were given vaccine at birth and umbilical stump hygiene was maintained in 61.3% cases.Conclusions: The newborn care practices are far from ideal. Community based interventions can be helpful to improve the same
ABSTRACT
Aims: Despite well developed guidelines in the management of ST elevation myocardial infarction with low left ventricular ejection fraction, β-blockers remain an underutilized therapy. We aim to assess the adherence of β-blocker use during the discharge in Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. Study Design: Retrospective, Observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. Between January 2012 to December 2012. Methodology: Medical records of 160ST elevation myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% and discharged from our centre were retrospectively reviewed regarding the use of β-blocker. Results: Among the 160 patients, 112 (70%) were males and 48 (30%) were females, mean age was 59.1±13.4 years. Anterior wall myocardial infarction followed by extensive anterior wall was the common in patient with low left ventricular ejection fraction after ST elevation myocardial infarction. Only in 67.5% patients β-blockers were prescribed. Metoprolol tartrate was the most commonly used β-blocker. Conclusion: β-blocker use in patients ST elevation myocardial infarction patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction in our study is comparable to international studies. We still need some more effort to improve our prescription rate.