Depression among Medical Students of a Medical College in Nepal during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Depression is a common mental disorder. Medical school is a stressful environment. The outbreak of COVID-19 has added to the plight of medical students. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of depression among medical students of a medical college in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of a medical college in Nepal from August 2020 to September 2020. The sample size of our study was 223. A convenient sampling method was adopted for the selection of respondents. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Committee (Reference no:321). The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. The study instrument consisted of the Patient Health Questionnaire and socio-demographic information. Results: Out of 223 participants, the prevalence of depression was seen among 52 (23.3%) (17.7%-28.9% at 95% Confidence Interval) students in our study. Among them, 25 (48.1%) females and 27 (51.9%) males were depressed. The prevalence of depression was higher in preclinical years (first and second year) than in clinical years (third, fourth and final year). Conclusions: The prevalence of depression among medical students in Nepal during the pandemic was less than the findings of similar studies conducted in Nepal before the pandemic. Further studies are required to get more knowledge about the factors associated with mental health of medical students.

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Pes Planus Foot among the First and Second Year Medical Students of a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.6020 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (236) ◽

Author(s):

Diwakar Kumar Shah ◽

Sanzida Khatun

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Binary Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pes Planus ◽

Medical College ◽

Second Year

Introduction: Foot is a complex segmented structure formed by the articulation of 26 different bones which are held together by multiple ligaments, extrinsic tendons and the intrinsic muscles of the feet. The assessment of median longitudinal arch serves as an important reference in determining the degree of pes planus or pes cavus. This study aims to find the prevalence of pes planus among the undergraduate medical students of a medical college. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the first- and second-year undergraduate medical students of a teaching hospital after taking ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee. The study was conducted from 15th November 2019 to 14th November 2020. Eighty-seven participants were involved in study using the random sampling technique. Foot prints were collected from the participants in the A4 size paper after applying ink over plantar surface of the foot. Measurements were done using the Autodesk Autocad software. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of the total subjects, 14 (8.04%) (5.14-10.94 at 95% Confidence Interval) presented with flat foot. Similarly, high arched foot was seen in 29 (16.67%) of subjects whereas normal arched foot was seen in 131 (75.29%) subjects. Conclusions: From the current study we conclude that the prevalence of pes planus was slightly higher than that compared with the similar studies.

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Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among First to Fourth Year Undergraduate Students of a Medical College in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.5297 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 58 (229) ◽

Author(s):

Kumar Roka ◽

Sabina Khadka ◽

Sanju Dahal ◽

Meenakshi Yadav ◽

Puja Thapa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness ◽

Daytime Sleepiness ◽

Binary Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a significant health problem among medical students worldwide which can impair their cognitive and academic performances. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among the first to fourth year undergraduate students of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences-College of Medicine. Methods: Following the ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee with registration no. 317, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the first to fourth year medical students of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences-College of Medicine from 4" to 10" August 2020. Two hundred and thirty-two students were selected for the study using the stratified random sampling technique. Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to obtain data on daytime sleepiness among the study participants. The data were entered into Google spreadsheets and later analyzed. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with the frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: The prevalence of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among the first to fourth year undergraduate students of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences-College of Medicine is found to be 67 (31.02%) at 95% Confidence Interval (24.85-37.19). It was found to be highly prevalent among the fourth year undergraduate medical students 20 (35.09%) and least prevalent among the first year students 13 (26.00%). Excessive Daytime Sleepiness was found to be slightly higher among females 23 (34.85%) than males 44 (29.33%). Conclusions: Excessive Daytime Sleepinessis highly prevalent among medical students in our study as suggested by various international studies.

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Childhood Overnutrition among School Going Children in a Municipality: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.5367 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (242) ◽

pp. 868-871

Author(s):

Alisha Thapa ◽

Susmita Nepal ◽

Garima Malla ◽

Sushma Pokhrel

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

School Children ◽

Binary Data ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Point Estimate ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Status

Introduction: Childhood obesity, caused due to excessive fat accumulation, is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths associated with several non-communicable diseases. In Nepal, there is limited data available on the status of overweight and obesity among school children. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of childhood overnutrition among school going children in a municipality. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to July 2019, in four schools of a municipality selected by simple random sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from Nepal Health Research Council (Registration number 380/2019). Data was collected using census sampling from children aged 5-18 years through self-administered questionnaires to the children’s parents. The data was entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for analysis. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of 379 school children, the prevalence of overnutrition was found to be 38 (10.03%) (95% Confidence Interval= 7.01-13.05). Prevalence of overnutrition was highest in children of age group 10-13 years 23 (60.5%), in females 27 (71.1%), those consuming junk food 4-6 times weekly 14 (36.8%) and those performing daily physical activity less than 60 minutes 24 (63.2%). Conclusions: The prevalence of childhood overnutrition is similar in comparison to other studies done in similar settings.

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Culture Positive Cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum in a Tertiary Care Centre of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.5044 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (236) ◽

Author(s):

Sabina Shrestha ◽

Sunil Raja Manandhar ◽

Om Krishna Malla

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Binary Data ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Point Estimate ◽

Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ophthalmia Neonatorum ◽

Culture Positive

Introduction: Ophthalmia neonatorum although runs a benign course mostly, sometimes may progress to sight threatening complications. The study was conducted to find the prevalence of culture positive cases of opthalmia neonatorum. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care center from January to December 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review committee of Kathmandu Medical College. Convenience sampling was done. All data were entered into excel and, then for analysis, exported to Statistal Package for Social Sciences version 21. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: The prevalence of culture positive cases of opthalmia neonaturum is 10 (55.55%) (32.61-78.49 at 95% Confidence Interval). The causative organisms were coagulase negative Staphylococcus 4 (40%), Staphylococcus aureus 3 (30%), Klebsiella 2 (20%) and Pseudomonas 1 (10%). Culture sensitivity of the isolated organisms were different according to the patient even in case of the same organism. Vancomycin 7 ( 70%) was the most sensitive antibiotic followed by Ciprofloxacin 6 (60%), Amikacin 5 (50%) and Cloxacillin 5 (50%) while Azithromycin 1 (10%), Cefixime 1 (10%) and Cotrimoxazole 1 (10%) were the least sensitive. Conclusions: Staphylococcus species was the most common organism isolated from neonates with ophthalmia neonatorum and vancomycin was the most sensitive antibiotic.

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Right External Carotid Artery Originated Right Superior Thyroid Artery in Cadavers of a Medical College in Western Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.6419 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (241) ◽

pp. 906-909

Author(s):

Nitasha Sharma ◽

Ruku Pandit ◽

Bhima Neupane ◽

Ram Prakash Sah ◽

Laxmi Bhattarai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carotid Artery ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

External Carotid Artery ◽

Point Estimate ◽

External Carotid ◽

Superior Thyroid Artery ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical College

Introduction: External carotid artery originated superior thyroid artery are frequently documented in classical anatomical, surgical and radiological textbooks. Knowledge of anatomical variations, proper identification of superior thyroid arteries is very important to avoid major complications during and after neck surgeries. The aim of the study is to find out the prevalence of right superior thyroid artery originating from right external carotid artery in cadavers of a Medical College in Western Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the department of anatomy in Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal from October 2020 to January 2021 after ethical clearance from the same institution (IRC UCMS, Ref: UCMS/IRC/078/20). Variations in origin of superior thyroid arteries were observed, recorded and photographed. Convenient sampling method was used. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016. Point estimate at 90% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage. Results: Out of 30 right superior thyroid arteries of 30 cadavers, 27 (90%) at 90% Confidence Interval (80.22-96.44) originates from right external carotid artery. Conclusions: In our study we observed that almost nine tenths of right superior thyroid arteries originated from the right external carotid artery which was relatively high in comparison to other studies. Thus, Extensive knowledge of variations in origin of superior thyroid artery is important for surgeons prior to various interventional surgeries.

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Type A Cubital Venous Pattern among Students of a Dental College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.6431 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (238) ◽

Author(s):

Bipana Manandhar ◽

Ritee Shrestha

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Binary Data ◽

Type A ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dental Students ◽

Point Estimate ◽

International Studies ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Venous Pattern

Introduction: Superficial veins in cubital fossa vary frequently in their anatomical pattern. The knowledge of variation of the cubital venous pattern is very essential for medical professionals for venous access during different medical procedures. This study aims to find the prevalence of Type A cubital venous pattern among students of a dental college. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 dental students of age 18 to 25 years in the department of anatomy of a dental college from November 2020 to February 2021. This study was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling used and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of 133 dental students, Type A cubital venous pattern was found in 96 (72.18%) (64.56-79.79 at 95% Confidence Interval). Type A cubital venous pattern was seen in the left arm in 116 (43.61%) and in the right arm of 76 (28.57%) students. This pattern was noticed in 30 (22.55%) male and 103 (77.44%) female students respectively. Conclusions: This study showed higher Type A cubital venous pattern among dental students than other international studies.

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Prevalence of Dyspnea among Patients Attending the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.4582 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 57 (219) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anmol Purna Shrestha ◽

Roshana Shrestha ◽

Sanu Krishna Shrestha ◽

Alok Pradhan ◽

Samjhana Basnet

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Binary Data ◽

Tertiary Care Hospital ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Point Estimate ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Dyspnea is a common presenting complaint in the emergency department worldwide and a diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians. Our study aims to find the prevalence of dyspnea among patients attending emergency department in our hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency department of Dhulikhel hospital from May 2019 to July 2019 after ethical approval from the institutional review committee. Total 1200 samples were collected by consecutive sampling method. All patients were triaged in the emergency department as a part of regular protocol. The participants were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent from the patient or caretaker (if the patient were not able to provide it). Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. The statistical analysis was done using R version 3.5.3 (2019-03-11). Results: The prevalence of dyspnea among patients attending emergency department of a tertiary care hospital was 107 (8.9%) (4.6%-13.2%) at 95% confidence interval. The patients triaged into red, orange and yellow categories were 14 (13.1%), 50 (46.7%) and 43 (40.2%) respectively. Median age was 64 years and 74 (69%) were ≥60 years. Sixty-seven (62.6%) were females and 40 (37.4%) were males. Forty-four (41.1%) arrived by ambulance. Most commonly associated symptoms were cough and fever 59 (51.1%) and 44 (41.1%) respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of dyspnea among patients attending emergency department of our hospital is higher compared to that of other studies. This warrants structured and prompt management of dyspnea for quality improvement.

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Health Co-morbidities and Early Marriage in Women of a Rural Area of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.5205 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 58 (230) ◽

Author(s):

Naresh Manandhar ◽

Sunil Kumar Joshi

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Rural Area ◽

Binary Data ◽

Economic Status ◽

Young Person ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Early Marriage ◽

Point Estimate ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Early marriage is defined as the marriage of a young person less than 18 years. Early marriage is more prevalent in South Asia as more than half of all child marriage occurs here. Thirtyseven percent of girls in Nepal marry before age 18 years. This study was done to find out the health consequences of early marriage in women of a rural area of Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 10th to 15th Feb 2020 February in 358 women from Panauti, Kavrepalchowk. The convenient sampling method was used. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee. Economic status was assessed by using Kuppuswamy’s socioeconomic scale. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: The prevalence of early marriage was 187 (52.2%) (47.03 to 57.37 at 95% confidence interval). One hundred sixteen (62%) early marriage women had gynecological problems followed by depression problem 85 (45.5%) and miscarriage 32 (17.1%). The mean age of marriage was 17.2 years. The majority, i.e. 167 (89.3%) of respondents who married earlier were Hindu by religion. Early marriage was observed in 104 (55.6 %) of illiterate women. Conclusions: The prevalence of early marriage was high. Early married women had a lower level of socio-economic status, lower level of education, which harmed the participants' health status.

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Benign Histopathologic Findings of Endometrium among Perimenopausal Women presenting with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.7146 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (243) ◽

pp. 1141-1145

Author(s):

Ramesh Dhakhwa ◽

Rashmi Bhattarai ◽

Jayanti Shah ◽

Archana Shakya ◽

Sailesh Pradhan

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Binary Data ◽

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Uterine Bleeding ◽

Point Estimate ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Histopathological Findings ◽

Perimenopausal Women

Introduction: Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common presenting complaint in the perimenopausal age group. Endometrial biopsy obtained by dilatation and curettage is the preferred modality of investigation to determine the causative pathology of abnormal uterine bleeding. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of the benign histopathological findings in perimenopausal women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients between 1st June 2020 to 30th September 2021. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College (reference number: 305202002). Using the convenience sampling method, 96 cases of endometrial biopsies were studied under light microscopy. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version23.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Among the 96 specimens, the prevalence of benign findings was 93 (96.9%) (93-100 at 95% Confidence Interval). Among them, the commonest benign histopathologic spectrum was hormonal imbalance pattern in 40 (41.7%) followed by normal menstrual pattern 35 (36.5%). Five (5.2%) cases showed chronic endometritis. Six (6.2%) cases of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia were identified. Three (3.1%) cases showed endometrial atrophy. Four (4.1%) cases showed endometrial polyp. Conclusions: The prevalence of benign histopathological findings among endometrial biopsies in the study was similar to other studies.

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Is depression a concern among medical students: a cross sectional study in different academic years of a private medical college in Bangladesh

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20203663 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. 3177

Author(s):

Farzana Hamid ◽

Syed Ahmad Moosa ◽

Syed Moosa M.A. Quaium ◽

A. K. Fazlul Haque

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Major Depression ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical College ◽

North East ◽

Moderate Depression ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

Background: Depression is not uncommon among medical students all over the world. Few studies have been conducted so far in Bangladesh to depict its actual prevalence and severity. So, the aim of this study was to assess the severity of depression and the level of difficulty faced by medical students in different academic years.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in North East medical college of Bangladesh from January 2018 to June 2018 involving 443 students from 1st year to 5th year. Students were instructed to fill up the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) which incorporates diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV) depression diagnostic criteria categorized as no, mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression and also evaluates their level of function.Results: The prevalence of depression was quite high (79.68%). 196 (44.24%) and 157 (35.44%) students had mild and major depression respectively, while 90 (20.32%) showed no depression. Students with major depression were scored as moderate depression 24.38%, moderately severe depression 8.35%, and severe depression 2.71%. Moderate depression was significantly higher in year 1 and year 2 students in comparison to year 3, 4 and 5. Students from year 1 to year 5 with mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression experienced varying degree of difficulty in their daily activities. Almost all the students in all years with severe depression found themselves very difficult or extremely difficult to cope.Conclusions: High prevalence of depression among medical students is really alarming and underlying factors need to be addressed.

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