Effects of a dietary intervention on cardiometabolic risk and food consumption in a workplace.

BACKGROUND: Worksite-based health programs have shown positive impacts on employee health and have led to significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factor profiles. We aimed to determine the effect of cafeteria intervention on cardio-metabolic risk factors diet in a worksite setting (Dhulikhel Hospital) in Nepal. METHODS: In this one-arm pre-post intervention study, we recruited 277 non-pregnant hospital employees aged 18-60 with prediabetes or pre-hypertension. The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03447340; 2018/02/27). All four cafeterias in the hospital premises received cafeteria intervention encouraging healthy foods and discouraging unhealthy foods for six months. We measured blood pressure, fasting glucose level, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol in the laboratory, and diet intake (in servings per week) using 24-hour recall before and six months after the intervention. The before and after measures were compared using paired-t tests. RESULTS: After six months of cafeteria intervention, the median consumption of whole grains, mono/polyunsaturated fat, fruits, vegetable and nuts servings per week increased by 2.24(p<0.001), 2.88(p<0.001), 0.84(p<0.001) 2.25(p<0.001) and nuts 0.55 (p<0.001) servings per week respectively. The median consumption of refined grains decreased by 5.07 servings per week (p<0.001). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2 mmHg (SE = 0.6; p = 0.003) and 0.1 mmHg (SE = 0.6; p = 0.008), respectively. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly reduced by 6 mg/dL (SE = 1.4; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, we found a decrease in consumption of refined grains and an increase in consumption of whole grains, unsaturated fats, fruits, and nuts observed a modest reduction in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol following a 6-month cafeteria-based worksite intervention incorporating access to healthy foods.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among construction workers in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: The construction industry in Nepal, which employs a significant proportion of the population, ranks as one of the largest industries in the country. Construction work is physically demanding and can be risky due to the use of heavy machinery and the presence of intense physical labor. However, the physical and mental health of construction workers in Nepal is often neglected. This study aimed to assess psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) and its association with socio-demographic, lifestyle, and occupational factors among construction workers in Kavre district, Nepal. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from 1st October 2019 to 15th January 2020 among 402 construction workers in Banepa, and Panauti municipalities of Kavre district, Nepal. We collected data with face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire consisting of a) socio-demographic characteristics; b) lifestyle and occupational characteristics; and c) depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. We collected data using electronic forms in KoboToolbox and imported them into R version 3.6.2 for statistical analysis. We present parametric numerical variables as mean and standard deviation, and categorical variables as percentage and frequency. The confidence interval around proportion was estimated with the Clopper-Pearson method. We applied univariate and multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress. The result of logistic regression was presented as crude odds ratio, adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and their 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were 17.1% (95%CI: 13.6-21.2), 19.2% (95%CI: 15.5-23.4) and 16.4% (95%CI: 12.9-20.4), respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, depression symptom was positively associated with poor sleep quality (AOR = 3.51; 95%CI: 1.5-8.19; p-value: 0.004); stress symptom was positively associated with Brahmin ethnicity (AOR = 3.76; 95%CI:1.34-10.58; p-value: 0.012) and current smoking (AOR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.11-3.82 p-value: 0.022). But anxiety symptoms were not associated with any of the variables. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were high among construction workers. Developing evidence-based and appropriate community-based mental health prevention programs among laborers and construction workers is recommended.

Supraventricular tachycardia and deep vein thrombosis following Moderna vaccination: A case series.

There have been reports of deep vein thrombosis and supraventricular tachycardia following the Moderna vaccination. The timing of SVT and DVT just after vaccination in our case series could suggest possible temporal relationships to the vaccination. But further studies are needed to establish such evidence.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among home isolated COVID-19 patients in Western Nepal.

Introduction: Globally, COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on mental health. In Nepal, COVID-19 positive cases have to self-isolate at home in multi-generational and multi-family households. This could be strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress-related health outcomes. Additionally, COVID-19 related stigma and fear of transmission may intensify depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This study determined the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and their association with presence of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbid conditions among home isolated COVID-19 positives in the Karnali province, Nepal. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among 402 home isolated COVID-19 patients of Karnali province from January to May 2021 using "Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)". We interviewed patients to collect socio-demographic, DASS-21, COVID-19 symptoms, comorbid conditions, and self-treatment. We conducted a telephonic interview using a standardized questionnaire using Kobotoolbox. We calculated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. We utilized univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine their association with the presence of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbid conditions. In multivariate logistic regression, we adjusted sociodemographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, monthly family income, education level), smoking status and history of self-treatment. We reported adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals. All analyses were conducted in R (version: 4.0.3). Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among home isolated COVID-19 patients were 8.0% (95% CI: 5.5 to 11.1), 11.2% (95% CI: 8.3 to 14.7), and 4.0% (95% CI: 2.3 to 6.4) respectively. Higher odds of depression symptoms (aOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.10-7.44, p = 0.03), anxiety symptoms (aOR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.62 to 8.93; p = <0.01) and stress symptoms (aOR: 7.78; 95% CI: 1.43 to 42.28; p = 0.02) were associated significantly with presence of COVID-19 symptoms in past week. Higher odds of anxiety symptoms were associated with the presence of comorbid conditions (aOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.09 to 7.80; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were present in a significant proportion of home isolated COVID-19 patients in western Nepal and positively associated with the presence of COVID-19 symptoms. In this global COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to provide timely counseling to high-risk groups like those with comorbidities and COVID-19 symptoms to maintain a high level of mental health among home isolated COVID-19 patients.

Traumatic gastric laceration with injury of splenic and celiac vessel following intentional self-harm by crashing of motor vehicle: A case report.

Intra-abdominal injury due to blunt trauma accounts for 5-10% of all traumatic cases. It usually occurs secondary to motor vehicle collision, pedestrian injury, and falls. Typically these result in injury to solid abdominal organs-liver and spleen, hollow visceral organs, and rarely the abdominal vasculature. Blunt abdominal trauma causing concurrent injury to the hepatic branch of the celiac artery and the associated vein along with gastric laceration is a rare presentation and has a high mortality rate, thereby warranting prompt evaluation. While the initial stabilization should follow Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines, the adherence to nonoperative management or operative care depends upon the severity of the injury and the patient's clinical status. Here, we present an unusual case of gastric and splenic laceration with damage to the hepatic branch of celiac artery, splenic artery, and the associated vein following blunt abdominal trauma in a 12-year-old child following intentional self-harm by crashing a self-inflicted motor vehicle. Despite the negative preoperative radiological finding, the case was managed successfully with the laparotomic correction of the damaged stomach segment, splenectomy, and repair of the damaged artery, and ligation of the transected vein to control hemorrhage.

Consumer acceptance and preference for brown rice-A mixed-method qualitative study from Nepal.

Background: Brown rice consumption reduces the risk of diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Nepal; however, dietary preference remains for white rice. This study aimed to understand the perception, enablers, barriers, and facilitators of acceptance brown rice at a worksite cafeteria. Methods: We conducted a mixed-method qualitative research among 42 employees of a hospital in central Nepal. The participants tasted and rated the qualities of five different combinations of brown and white rice on a hedonic scale. We conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs)-four before and four after tasting rice combinations. FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and coded verbatim and analyzed manually using inductive-deductive thematic method. Results: Before tasting, the participants perceived brown rice as poor in quality. After tasting, the participants found that brown rice had better quality and were willing to switch gradually starting with a 25B ratio. Eighty-three percent of participants liked a combination of 25B. Major barriers were poor perception of its quality, tradition, unavailability, lack of awareness of health benefits, and high price. Major facilitators were availability, self and family awareness about the health benefits, knowledge, the brown rice cooking process, serving with side dishes, prior tasting, and gradual substitution of brown rice. Conclusion: We found that brown rice should be promoted stepwise, first as a mixture with white rice and gradually increasing the proportion of brown rice. Brown rice acceptance can be increased by improved knowledge of its nutrition and health benefits, increasing availability, and affordability.

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: Case series from a university hospital of Nepal.

Introduction: Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital malformation with capillary and venous malformations and soft tissue/bony overgrowth with or without lymphatic malformation. Cutaneous vascular stain, varicosities and tissue hypertrophy represent its main clinical features. Besides, the patient can develop thromboembolic pathologies, recurrent bouts of infection, stasis eczema, limb length discrepancy and intolerable pain typical of intraosseous involvement. Methods: Here, we report a case series of seven patients aged 10-45 who presented to our centre with clinical features suggestive of KTS. Out of them, six patients had involvement of unilateral lower limb, while only one had involvement of bilateral lower limb. They all had typical cutaneous vascular stains and underlying venous malformation, while one patient had developed complications with multiple ulcer formation. Outcomes: An interdisciplinary team of vascular surgeons, dermatologists, interventional radiologists, orthopaedics, and physiotherapists managed the cases. We performed an individualized treatment as per the patient's presentation, which included a combination of supportive, medical, interventional radiologic, and surgical interventions. The follow-up outcomes of all the patients revealed significant resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Patients with KTS can have diverse presentations. Therefore, clinicians should ensure an individualized treatment with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team for proper management and prevention of complications.

Placement of cuffed tunnelled permanent hemodialysis catheter in patients with end stage renal disease: A cross sectional study.

Background: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a significantly increasing condition warranting renal replacement therapy. Gaining vascular access for catheter placement for this procedure is of paramount importance. These can be done by temporary and permanent cuffed tunnelled catheters. The present study aims to analyze the outcome of permanent hemodialysis catheters and their efficacy in the case of patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 32 patients who underwent permanent tunnelled catheter intervention along with details of follow-up from January 1st, 2021 till December 31st, 2021. Results: Among 32 patients, the mean age of the patient was 50.25 ± 18.10 years with 62.5% females. The site of insertion was right 27(84.37%) and left internal jugular vein in 4 (12.50%) and 1 patient (3.12%) in the left common femoral vein. Bleeding the peri-catheter site was observed in 4 (12.5%), infection was found among 2 patients (6.25%), thrombosis in the catheter in 7 (21.87%) patients. Indication for the procedure was due to failure of arteriovenous fistula in 21 (65.62%), lack of maturation of the AVF in 9 (28.12%) and patients awaiting transplantation in 2 (6.25%). The mean months of follow-up of the patients were 5.9 months (SD 4.4 months, range 1 month-12 months). Total 25 (78.1%) of the catheters were patent till the time of follow-up. Seven (21.9%) of the patients required manipulation once after which they also had functioning permanent catheters. The mean month on which manipulation was required was 4.1 months (SD 2.3months, range one month to seven months). Conclusion: Permanent cuffed tunnelled catheter has good patency and can be an alternative to an arteriovenous fistula.

Peripheral Vascular Trauma among Vascular Surgery Cases Operated in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral vascular trauma can result in limb or life-threatening injuries. Early surgical intervention leads to a better outcome. Diagnosis is made clinically, by non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities. Our aim in this study is to find out the prevalence of peripheral vascular trauma among vascular surgery cases operated in a tertiary care centre of Nepal. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of peripheral vascular injuries that underwent operative management in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal from January 2018 to May 2020. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (Registration Number 79/20). Convenience sampling technique was used. Data for the study was retrieved from operation records of the patients along with their treatment summaries and entered and analyzed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. All cases with complete records were included. Conservatively managed cases and cases that underwent primary amputation were not included in the study. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: Among 624 vascular surgery patients, 40 (6.41%) (4.48-8.33 at 95% Confidence Interval) patients had presented with peripheral vascular trauma during the study period. There were 26 (65%) cases where the upper limb was involved. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vascular surgery for peripheral vascular trauma among vascular surgeries operated in our study was similar to other studies done in similar settings. Vascular injury needs urgent intervention and appropriate management will result in a high chance of limb salvage and survival.

Child Sexual Abuse among School Children of a Municipality: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual abuse remains a hidden and underreported form of violence against children and a serious public health concern. Although it results in severe mental, physical, and psychological risks with consequences such as depression, fear, and low self-esteem, it is still an unexplored and less prioritized area in Nepal. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse among school children of a municipality. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among 405 students, aged below 18 of Mandan-Deupur Municipality, Kavrepalanchowk from April to May 2018. Ethical clearance was taken from Nepal Health Research Council (Ref no 2506). A simple random sampling technique was used to select the schools. Collected data were then entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage. RESULTS: In overall, 64 (15.8%) (12.4-19.7 at 95% Confidence Interval) were found to be sexually abused, where a high prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse was reported for boys 46 (73.43%). CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, child sexual abuse is seen as a significant issue in the place studied. Awareness programs on child sexual abuse should be organized targeting children along with parents and community people.

Factors associated with low back pain among construction workers in Nepal: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is the commonest cause of disability throughout the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with LBP among the construction workers in Nepal. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the construction workers working in Banepa and Panauti municipalities of Kavre district, from September 2019 to February 2020. Data was collected purposively by face-to-face interview from 402 eligible participants from the both municipalities using semi-structured questionnaire. Mobile-based data collection was done using KoboCollect. Data were exported to and analysed using R-programming software (R-3.6.2). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. All tests were two tailed and performed at 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULT: One-year prevalence of LBP among construction workers were 52.0% (95%CI: 47.0-57.0). The higher odds of LBP was reported among females [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.42; 95%CI: 1.12-5.23], those living below poverty-line (aOR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.32-4.19), participants with more than five years of work experience (aOR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.01-2.73) and those with intermediate sleep quality (aOR = 2.06; CI: 1.03-4.11). About 80.0% of construction workers with LBP never seek healthcare services due to: a) time constraints (90.9%), b) financial constraints (18.1%) and c) fear of losing wages on seeking healthcare services (40.9%). The majority of the participants (94.8% among those without LBP and 72.3% among those with LBP) did nothing to prevent or manage LBP. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LBP in the past one year was high among construction workers where majority of workers never did anything to prevent or manage LBP. Therefore, the public health professionals should set up the health promotion, education, and interventions aimed at increasing awareness on preventive techniques and predisposing factors of LBP.

Patient literacy on varicose veins in cases presenting at university hospital of Nepal subjected for surgical management of varicose veins.

Varicose veins are prominent dilated veins usually present in the lower limbs leading to complications if not managed well. Knowledge regarding varicose vein among the patients in Nepal is not yet known. We aim to examine the knowledge regarding varicose vein diagnosis and treatment among patients to better understand the barriers to care. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study adopting census sampling method. We collected data from the surgical ward where patients were admitted for surgery of varicose veins. Self-developed tool "Dhulikhel Hospital Patient Perception Questionnaire on Varicose Vein" was used for data collection after validation (Kuder-Richardson Reliability Coefficient was 0.75). Collected data were analyzed using software SPSS 23.0. Descriptive statistics was performed to present sociodemographic variables and varicose veins literacy scores. Independent sample t-test was performed for dichotomous variables and one-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis were performed for variables with multiple groups. Total 80 participants were included in the study of which 60% were men. The mean age was 45.66 years with SD 13.27. Varicose veins literacy score was high among 52.4% (more than 50% score) and low (less than 50% score) among 47.6%. There was significant mean difference (P < .01) among male and female sex, different educational groups, and different occupational groups. Patients admitted for varicose vein surgery had less than 50% knowledge in different components of varicose vein. Regular educational intervention is recommended to ensure better care of these patients.

Study of Arteriovenous Fistula Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistulas are a preferred choice for hemodialysis access in chronic kidney disease patients. There is increased adoption of arteriovenous fistula creation in Nepal. Our objective is to study various arteriovenous fistulas that have been created in our center. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital including all cases of arteriovenous fistula creation from January 2018 to December 2019. We obtained the ethical clearance from the institutional review committee of Kathmandu University School of Medical sciences. Convenient sampling method was used. Detailed vascular mapping and color doppler ultrasonography was done in the bilateral upper limb as preoperative preparation and to choose a site for arteriovenous fistula creation. Data were entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. RESULTS: Among 50 patients, the most common location was brachiobasilic 20 (40%) patients followed by brachiocephalic 18 (36%), radiocephalic 11 (22%), and arteriovenous graft between the brachial artery and axillary vein 1 (2%). The mean duration of hospital stay was 1.44 days. Three (6%) patients required re-intervention, all within 24 hours. Two (4%) patients had a failure of arteriovenous fistula requiring the creation of a new arteriovenous fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Brachiobasilic was the most common location for arteriovenous fistula creation. Reintervention was not common.

Efficacy and safety of inhaled budesonide on prevention of acute mountain sickness during emergent ascent: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a pathophysiologic process that occurs in non-acclimated susceptible individuals rapidly ascending to high-altitude. Barometric pressure falls at high altitude and it translates to a decreased partial pressure of alveolar oxygen (PAO2) and arterial oxygen (PaO2). A gradual staged ascent with sufficient acclimatization can prevent AMS but emergent circumstances requiring exposure to rapid atmospheric pressure changes - such as for climbers, disaster or rescue team procedures, and military operations - establishes a need for effective prophylactic medications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the incidence of AMS during emergent ascent of non-acclimatized individuals receiving inhaled budesonide compared to placebo. METHODS: This current meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase for relevant studies. The efficacy of budesonide in reducing incidence of AMS was evaluated by calculating the pooled ORs and 95% CIs. The efficacy of budesonide in maintaining hemoglobin-oxygen saturation was evaluated by calculating standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: We found that at high altitude, inhaled budesonide was effective in reducing the incidence of mild AMS [OR: 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.9, p = 0.042] but was ineffective in reducing the incidence of severe AMS [OR: 0.46; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.41, p = 0.17]. Inhaled budesonide was also effective in maintaining SpO2 (SMD: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.84, p = 0.014) at high altitude. However, it was not effective in maintaining or improving pulmonary function at high altitude. Systematic-review found no adverse effects of budesoide in the dose used for prophylaxis of AMS. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review showed that prophylactic inhaled budesonide is effective in preventing mild AMS during emergency ascent but not effective in preventing severe AMS. Though statistically significant, authors recommend caution in interpretation of data and questions for further well designed randomized studies to evaluate the role of budesonide in prophylaxis of AMS during an emergent ascent.

Amlodipine-Induced Pedal Edema and Its Relation to Other Variables in Patients at a Tertiary Level Hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Background: Vasodilatory edema is a frequently encountered side effect among hypertensive patients using antihypertensive drugs. This dose-dependent adverse effect is seen more commonly with amlodipine, so low-dose combination therapy is often used and preferred in practice. Pedal edema following use of amlodipine is scarcely studied in Nepalese population so far. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of amlodipine-associated pedal edema and its relation with other variables among patients presenting to a tertiary care center of Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among hypertensive patients using amlodipine in combination with or without other antihypertensive medications under regular follow-up in an outpatient department of internal medicine of Shree Birendra Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, during the 7-month period from September 2017 to March 2018. The prevalence of pedal edema and its relation with amlodipine dose, duration, and other factors were studied using χ2 test and logistic regression using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 505 patients were observed during the study period, with the mean age of the population being 61.5 ± 13.4 years. Among the cases studied, edema was present in 79 (15.6%) cases. Use of amlodipine longer than 5 years was 21.65 (confidence interval [CI] = 9.575-48.970, P ˂ .001) times more likely to exhibit pedal edema; similarly, there was 2.149 (CI = 1.209-3.820, P = .009) times higher risk of having pedal edema in hypertensive individuals with other comorbidities. Increasing the dose of amlodipine has increased the likelihood of having pedal edema, but it is not statistically significant (odds ratio = 2.804, CI = 0.423-18.584, P = .285). Conclusion and Relevance: Significant number of hypertensive patients using amlodipine developed pedal edema. Likelihood of vasodilatory edema increases with the presence of comorbidities, higher dose, along with longer duration of amlodipine use.