Non-Communicable Diseases among Women of Reproductive Age Visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases are a significant cause of mortality worldwide, posing a substantial risk to women's health, as stated by the World Health Organization. In Nepal, a survey revealed that 10.5% of the population suffers from hypertension. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among women of reproductive age visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology among women of reproductive age presented from 6 November 2023 to 6 January 2024. The data was retrieved from the medical record during 1 November 2023 to 1 December 2023. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases was 608 (39.02%) (36.60-41.45, Confidence Interval). The mean age was 29.26±3.46 years. The most common non-communicable disease reported was hypertension 204 (33.55%) followed by chronic respiratory diseases 200 (32.89%) and diabetes mellitus 154 (25.34%). Conclusions: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases among women of reproductive age group was higher as compared to other studies done in similar setting. The study underscores the urgency for stakeholders to implement health education, early detection, and preventive strategies, emphasizing the necessity of targeted interventions and broader public health initiatives to address non-communicable diseases. Keywords: chronic disease; non-communicable disease; prevalence; risk factors.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency among Metformin Treated Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Patients Visiting the Department of Medicine of a Tertiary Care Centre.

Introduction: About 424.9 million people worldwide are affected by Diabetes mellitus. Prevalence among people 20-79 years old in Nepal was 4% in 2017. It is associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications such as peripheral neuropathy leading to risk of foot ulcers and amputation, and impaired sensation in their feet. The study aimed to find the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among metformin-treated type 2 diabetic patients visiting the Department of Medicine of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre between 24 May 2021 to 24 May 2022 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Patients who visited the Department of Medicine and gave informed consent were included in the study. Patients with underlying comorbidities were excluded from the study. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 330 patients, vitamin B12 deficiency was seen in 33 (10%) (6.76-13.24, 95% Confidence Interval). Among them, 27 (81.82%) were male and 6 (18.18%) were female. Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was found to be higher than other studies done in similar settings. Keywords: diabetic neuropathy; metformin; type 2 diabetes; vitamin B12.

Obstetric Cholestasis among Pregnant Women Visiting a Tertiary Care Centre.

Introduction: Obstetric cholestasis is one of the most frequent hepatic disorders specific to pregnancy. It occurs commonly during the latter half of pregnancy. The data regarding this issue is rare in our settings. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of obstetric cholestasis among pregnant women visiting a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women, who attended a tertiary care centre from 24 July 2022 to 24 January 2023. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of the same institute. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 99% Confidence Interval. Results: The prevalence of obstetric cholestasis was 80 (1.38%) (1-1.80, 99% Confidence Interval). A total of 40 (50%) were in the age group 21-30 years, with a mean age of 28.06±6.39 years. A total of 48 (60%) were multigravida and 73 (91.30%) had singleton pregnancies. Pruritus of the whole body was complained of by 56 (70%) patients. Previous history of obstetric cholestasis was present in 21 (26.30%). Conclusions: The prevalence of obstetric cholestasis among pregnant women is lower than other studies done in similar settings. Keywords: Nepal; obstetric cholestasis; pregnancy.

Induction of Labour among Pregnant Women in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a Tertiary Care Centre.

Introduction: Induction of labour is the artificial initiation of uterine contraction by various means such as medical, surgical or mechanical with the aim of achieving vaginal delivery. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analogue is used popularly for the induction of labour in resource-limited health centres. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of induction of labour among pregnant women in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women in a tertiary care centre from 3 February 2022 to 31 July 2022. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee. The women with a singleton pregnancy, reactive non-stress test, and adequate pelvis were included. Women with malpresentation, previous cesarean section, placenta previa, and cephalopelvic disproportion were excluded. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 1355 pregnant women, the prevalence of induction of labour was found to be 135 (9.96%) (8.37-11.55, 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: The prevalence of induction of labour among pregnant women was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings. Keywords: induction of labour; misoprostol; pregnancy.