G6PD deficiency in malaria endemic areas of Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is currently a threat to malaria elimination due to risk of primaquine-induced haemolysis in G6PD deficient individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends G6PD screening before providing primaquine as a radical treatment against vivax malaria. However, evidence regarding the prevalence and causing mutations of G6PD deficiency in Nepal is scarce. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based, prevalence study was carried out from May to October 2016 in 12 malaria-endemic districts of Nepal. The screening survey included 4067 participants whose G6PD status was determined by G6PD Care Start™ rapid diagnostic test and genotyping. RESULTS: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency at the national level was 3.5% (4.1% among males and 2.1% among females). When analysed according to ethnic groups, G6PD deficiency was highest among the Janajati (6.2% overall, 17.6% in Mahatto, 7.7% in Chaudhary and 7.5% in Tharu) and low among Brahman and Chhetri (1.3%). District-wise, prevalence was highest in Banke (7.6%) and Chitwan (6.6%). Coimbra mutation (592 C>T) was found among 75.5% of the G6PD-deficient samples analysed and Mahidol (487 G>A) and Mediterranean (563 C>T) mutations were found in equal proportions in the remaining 24.5%. There was no specific geographic or ethnic distribution for the three mutations. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified populations with moderate to high prevalence of G6PD deficiency which provides strong evidence supporting the WHO recommendations to screen G6PD deficiency at health facility level before the use of primaquine-based radical curative regimen for Plasmodium vivax.

Mental health disorders and substance use among people living with HIV in Nepal: their influence on non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy.

People living with HIV often experience mental health disorders and engage in substance use. Evidence, however, is limited about the influence of mental health disorders and substance use on non-adherence to ART. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 682 HIV-positive people on ART in Nepal. We measured their depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress levels, substance use, and non-adherence to ART. We developed logistic regression models to examine the association of mental health disorders and substance use with non-adherence to ART. Experiencing depressive symptoms was positively associated with ART non-adherence among HIV-positive people (men: AOR = 2.77, p = .001; women: AOR = 3.69, p = .001). Additionally, both men and women were more likely to have non-adherence to ART when they had anxiety (men: AOR = 2.19, p = .022; women AOR = 2.83, p = .001) and higher stress scores (men: AOR = 1.11, p = .001; women: AOR = 1.08, p = .001). While substance use was associated with non-adherence only in HIV-positive men (AOR = 3.12, p < .001). Depressive symptoms, anxiety, and high level of stress had negative roles on adherence in HIV-positive men and women. While substance use had a negative role on ART adherence among men only. Results highlight that the HIV-positive people should be screened and provided treatment and psychosocial support while providing ART services to improve their medication adherence.

Investigating the impact of a community home-based care on mental health and anti-retroviral therapy adherence in people living with HIV in Nepal: a community intervention study.

BACKGROUND: HIV-positive people often experience mental health disorders and engage in substance use when the disease progresses. In resource limited settings, mental health services are not integrated into HIV services. In Nepal, HIV-positive people do receive psychosocial support and other basic health care services from a community home-based care intervention; however, the effects of the intervention on health outcomes is not yet known. Therefore, we examined the impact of the intervention on mental health and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. METHODS: We conducted an intervention study to identify the effects of a community home-based care intervention on mental health disorders, substance use, and non-adherence to ART among HIV-positive people in Nepal from March to August 2015. In total, 344 participated in the intervention and another 338 were in the control group. The intervention was comprised of home-based psychosocial support and peer counseling, adherence support, basic health care, and referral services. We measured the participants' depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, and non-adherence to ART. We applied a generalized estimating equation to examine the effects of intervention on health outcomes. RESULTS: The intervention had positive effects in reducing depressive symptoms [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.44, p < 0.001)], anxiety (AOR = 0.54, p = 0.014), stress (ß = - 3.98, p < 0.001), substance use (AOR = 0.51, p = 0.005), and non-adherence to ART (AOR = 0.62, p = 0.025) among its participants at six-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was effective in reducing mental health disorders, substance use, and non-adherence to ART among HIV-positive people. Community home-based care intervention can be applied in resource limited setting to improve the mental health of the HIV-positive people. Such intervention should be targeted to include more HIV-positive people in order to improve their ART adherence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03505866 , Released Date: April 20, 2018.

Biofilm and metallo beta-lactamase production among the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. are found to be associated with biofilm and metallo-ß-lactamase production and are the common causes of serious infections mainly in hospitalized patients. So, the main aims of this study were to determine the rates of biofilm production and metallo beta-lactamase production (MBL) among the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. isolated from hospitalized patients. METHODS: A total of 85 P. aeruginosa isolates and 50 Acinetobacter spp. isolates isolated from different clinical specimens from patients admitted to Shree Birendra Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal from July 2013 to May 2014 were included in this study. The bacterial isolates were identified with the help of biochemical tests. Modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Combined disc diffusion technique was used for the detection of MBL production, while Congo red agar method and tube adherence method were used for detection of biofilm production. RESULTS: Around 16.4% of P. aeruginosa isolates and 22% of the strains of Acinetobacter spp. were metallo ß-lactamase producers. Out of 85 P. aeruginosa isolates, 23 (27.05%) were biofilm producers according to tube adherence test while, only 13 (15.29%) were biofilm producers as per Congo red agar method. Similarly, out of 50 Acinetobacter spp. 7 (14%) isolates were biofilm producers on the basis of tube adherence test, while only 5 (10%) were positive for biofilm production by Congo red agar method. Highest rates of susceptibility of P. aeruginosa as well as Acinetobacter spp. were seen toward colistin. CONCLUSION: In our study, biofilm production and metallo beta-lactamase production were observed among Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. However, no statistically significant association could be established between biofilm production and metallo beta-lactamase production.

Detection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Vancomycin for Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Pus/Wound Swab Samples of the Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of cefoxitin disc diffusion method and oxacillin broth microdilution method for detection of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), taking presence of mecA gene as reference. In addition, inducible clindamycin resistance and beta-lactamase production were studied and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin for S. aureus isolates was determined. A total of 711 nonrepeated pus/wound swab samples from different anatomic locations were included in the study. The Staphylococcus aureus was identified on the basis of colony morphology, Gram's stain, and biochemical tests. A total of 110 (15.47%) S. aureus isolates were recovered, of which 39 (35.50%) isolates were identified as MRSA by cefoxitin disc diffusion method. By oxacillin broth microdilution method, 31.82% of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates were found to be MRSA. However, mecA gene was present in only 29.1% of the isolates. Further, beta-lactamase production was observed in 71.82% of the isolates, while inducible clindamycin resistance was found in 10% of S. aureus isolates. The MIC value of vancomycin for S. aureus ranged from 0.016 µg/mL to 1 µg/mL. On the basis of the absolute sensitivity (100%), both phenotypic methods could be employed for routine diagnosis of MRSA in clinical microbiology laboratory; however cefoxitin disc diffusion could be preferred over MIC method considering time and labour factor.

Socio-demographic correlates of injection drug use among male drug users: a cross sectional study in Nepal.

Drug abuse is one of the major public health problems in Nepal. The objective of this study is to explore the factors responsible for the injecting drug use in Nepal. A cross sectional study was conducted among drug users in Pokhara sub metropolitan city in Nepal. Taking prevalence of 20% at 95% confidence interval and 20% non-response rate, 448 samples were calculated for face to face interviews. Most of the study participants were >24 year's age. Sixty-one percentage of the participants were unemployed. The largest percentage belonged to Gurung/Rai/Pun (37%) ethnic groups, and had completed secondary level of education (47.5%). In the logistic regression analysis occupation, motivating factors for drug use, ever been to custody, age at first drug use, age at first sex, money spent on drugs, ever been rehabilitated and age of the respondents showed a statistically significant association with injecting drug use status. The respondents having business [Adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) 4.506, 95% CI (1.677-12.104)], service [aOR 2.698, 95% CI (a1.146-6.355], having tragedy/turmoil [aOR 3.867, 95% CI (1.596-9.367)], family problem [aOR 2.010, 95% CI (2.010-53.496)], had sex at >19 years [aOR 1.683, 95% CI (1.017-2.785)], rehabilitated >2 times [aOR 4.699, 95% CI (1.401-15.763)], >24 years age group [aOR 1.741, 95% CI (1.025-2.957)] had higher odds of having injecting habits. Having money spent on drugs >3,000 NRs (300 USD) [aOR 0.489, 95%CI (0.274-0.870), not been to custody (aOR 0.330, 95%CI (0.203-0.537)] and having curiosity for drug use [aOR 0.147, 95% CI (0.029-0.737)] were found to be protective for injecting drug use. This study recommends the harm reduction program specifically focused on drug users of occupational groups like business, service and the youths through public health actions to stop transiting them to injecting drug use.

Why do people purchase antibiotics over-the-counter? A qualitative study with patients, clinicians and dispensers in central, eastern and western Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Over-the-counter (OTC) use of antibiotics contributes to the burgeoning rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Drawing on qualitative research methods, this article explores the characteristics of OTC sales of antibiotic in Nepal, its drivers and implications for policy. METHODS: Data were collected in and around three tertiary hospitals in eastern, western and central Nepal. Using pre-defined guides, a mix of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with dispensers at drug stores, patients attending a hospital and clinicians. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated and transcribed into English and coded using a combination of an inductive and deductive approach. RESULTS: Drug shops were the primary location where patients engaged with health services. Interactions were brief and transactional: symptoms were described or explicit requests for specific medicine made, and money was exchanged. There were economic incentives for clients and drug stores: patients were able to save money by bypassing the formal healthcare services. Clinicians described antibiotics as easily available OTC at drug shops. Dispensing included the empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, often combining multiple antibiotics, without laboratory diagnostic and drug susceptibility testing. Inappropriately short regimens (2-3 days) were also offered without follow-up. Respondents viewed OTC antibiotic as a convenient alternative to formal healthcare, the access to which was influenced by distance, time and money. Respondents also described the complexities of navigating various departments in hospitals and little confidence in the quality of formal healthcare. Clinicians and a few dispensers expressed concerns about AMR and referred to evadable policies around antibiotics use and poor enforcement of regulation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings point to the need for clear policy guidance and rigorous implementation of prescription-only antibiotics.

Hormone use among Nepali transgender women: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: There is a dearth of information on transgender individuals in Nepal, particularly studies exploring their use of hormone therapies. The objectives of this study therefore were to explore (1) how hormones are used, (2) types of hormones used and (3) side effects experienced by transgender women after hormone use. This is the first study of its kind in Nepal addressing this important public health issue. SETTING: The study was conducted in four districts of Nepal: Kathmandu, Sunsai, Banke and Kaski. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: This qualitative study comprises eight focus group discussions (FGDs) and nine interviews. FGDs and three face-to-face interviews were held with transgender women aged 18 years and older and six interviews with stakeholders working with and advocating on behalf of this population. The study was conducted between September 2016 and March 2017. RESULTS: Our participants were young. The majority of FGD participants had completed school-level education and 40% had been using hormones for 1 to 3 years. Five overlapping themes were identified: (1) reasons and motivations for hormone use; (2) accessibility and use of hormones; (3) side effects; (4) utilisation of healthcare services and (5) discontinuation of hormone use. CONCLUSION: Hormone use was common in our sample. Most received information on hormone therapy online and through their peer networks. A few study participants sought doctors' prescriptions for hormone therapy, but hormones were more likely to be bought from local private pharmacies or abroad through friends. This kind of self-medication is associated with a range of risks to the physical and mental health of transgender individuals. Incorporating information, education and communication about hormone therapy into existing health promotion interventions targeted to this population may help transgender people to make better informed choices.

Harmful alcohol drinking among HIV-positive people in Nepal: an overlooked threat to anti-retroviral therapy adherence and health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) often suffer from alcohol-use disorders resulting in their poor health and treatment outcomes. Little is known about the association of harmful alcohol drinking with their adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and health-related quality of life (QOL) in low-resource settings. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate associations between harmful alcohol drinking, adherence to ART and health-related QOL in HIV-positive people, stratified by gender, in Nepal. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 682 HIV-positive people on ART to measure their self-reported harmful alcohol drinking and non-adherence to ART in the previous month of data collection. We also measured health-related QOL using a WHOQOL-HIV BREF scale. The association between harmful alcohol drinking and non-adherence to ART was examined using multiple logistic regressions. Additionally, multiple linear regressions examined association between harmful alcohol drinking and QOL. RESULTS: Harmful alcohol drinking was associated with non-adherence to ART among men (AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.50, 4.11, p < 0.001) and women (AOR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.32, 4.80, p = 0.005). Men were more likely to have lower score for the psychological (ß = -0.55, p = 0.021) and level of independence (ß = -0.68, p = 0.018) domains when they had harmful alcohol drinking. Moreover, women were more likely to have lower scores for the physical (ß = -1.01, p = 0.015), social relations (ß = -0.82, p = 0.033), environmental (ß = -0.88, p = 0.011), and spiritual (ß = -1.30, p = 0.005) domains of QOL when they had harmful alcohol drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Harmful alcohol drinking had a negative association with ART adherence and QOL in both HIV-positive men and women in Nepal. Screening for alcohol-use disorders and community-based counseling services should be provided while delivering ART services to improve treatment adherence and QOL.

Use of Genotype MTBDRplus Assay for Diagnosis of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Nepal.

The main aims of this study were to study the patterns of mutations in rpoB, katG, and inhA genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from patients from Nepal and to evaluate the performance of genotype MTBDRplus assay, taking conventional drug susceptibility testing as gold standard for diagnosis of MDR-TB. A total of 69 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from 73 smear positive sputum samples from patients suspected of suffering from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis were used in our study. The drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from these sputum specimens was determined by using genotype MTBDRplus assay taking conventional drug susceptibility testing as reference. The sensitivity and specificity of the genotype MTBDRplus assay for the detection of MDR-TB were found to be 88.7% and 100%, respectively. 88.7% of the rifampicin resistant isolates had mutations in rpoB gene. Similarly, 79.7% and 9.4% of isoniazid resistant isolates had mutations in katG and inhA genes, respectively. Genotype MTBDRplus assay was found to be very rapid and highly sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of MDR-TB and will be very helpful for early diagnosis of MDR-TB in high tuberculosis burden countries.

Correlation between biofilm formation and resistance toward different commonly used antibiotics along with extended spectrum beta lactamase production in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from the patients suspected of urinary tract infections visiting Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli is the most predominant causative agent of urinary tract infection (UTI). Recently, increase in drug resistance among the uropathogenic bacteria has caused great problem in treatment of UTI. The main objective of this research is to determine the correlation between biofilm formation and resistance toward different commonly used antibiotics along with extended spectrum beta lactamase production in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. METHODS: The urine samples collected from the patients suspected of urinary tract infections (visiting Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal between July to December 2013) were cultured in cystine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar by using semi quantitative culture technique. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production was detected by combined disc diffusion technique and biofilm formation was detected by Congo red agar method. Chi-square test was applied and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 1480 urine samples, E. Coli was isolated from 208 (14.1 %) samples. Of total 69 (33.2 %) ESBL producing uropathogenic strains of E. coli, 20 (29 %) were strong biofilm producers, 22 (31.9 %) were moderate biofilm producers, 11 (15.9 %) were weak biofilm producers and 16 (23.2 %) were biofilm non producers. Whereas among 139 ESBL non producing E. coli, 22 (15.8 %) were strong biofilm producers, 20 (14.4 %) were moderate biofilm producers, 13 (9.4 %) were weak biofilm producers and 84 (60.4 %) were biofilm non producers. Among total 108 biofilm producing E. coli, maximum resistance was observed toward cephalexin followed by amoxicillin and highest susceptibility was seen toward amikacin. CONCLUSION: The ability of biofilm formation was found to be significantly higher in ESBL producing strains of E. coli than that in ESBL non producing strains (p < 0.05). There was higher resistance rate to antimicrobial agents among biofilm producing strains of E. coli than that in biofilm non producing strains. According to our antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for E. coli, to start preliminary treatment for UTI in Nepal, we recommend to use amikacin or nitrofurantoin. Further, for the treatment of the UTI, the antibiotics should be selected on the basis of the urine culture and sensitivity report.

Prevalence of enteropathogens in children under 15 years of age with special reference to parasites in Kathmandu, Nepal; a cross sectional study.

In developing countries like Nepal, gastrointestinal infections due to various parasites are common causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Present study was carried out from June 2013 to December 2013, among the children (<15 years of age) of Kathmandu Valley. Stool samples were collected from total 600 children (350 from four public schools and slum areas of Kathmandu valley and 250 from pediatric department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital). The main objectives of this study were to investigate the intestinal parasitic infections in children below 15 years of age and their risk factors. However, some bacterial pathogens were also investigated. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 29.5 %. The rate of parasitic infections in children from community (39.43 %) was higher than that from hospital (15.6 %; p < 0.05). Giardia lamblia was the most common protozoan found to be causing infections in children and among helminths Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common worm isolated. Higher rates of parasitic infections were found in children of illiterate parents (38.17 %), children using untreated drinking water (49.77 %) and children having habit of consuming raw vegetables (31.50 %; p < 0.05). The present study indicated that the rate of infections due to enteropathogenic parasites was high among children of Nepal.

Differentiated Typology of Sex Work and Implication for HIV Prevention Programs among Female Sex Workers in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Sex work in exchange for kind and cash has long been practiced in Nepal. The HIV prevention program in Nepal is focused mainly on these two typologies of sex work. There might be more typologies of sex work beyond streets and establishments seeking research and programmatic attention. The objective of the study is to explore the differentiated typologies of sex work. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted using a qualitative technique. Researchers carried out eight Focus Group Discussions with female sex workers (FSWs) (n = 50) in different places of Tanahu district. Data were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: We identified a more differentiated typology of sex work. Private contact-based sex work and the covert sex work on the cruising areas along the major highways were common. Sex work has become easier to operate with the advent of new technologies such as cell phone. With limited role of facilitation by brokers and pimps, now FSWs are better off and have longer duration of relationship with clients. Soft prostitution was common, as FSWs complemented their income through sex work. CONCLUSION: The conventional mode of peer and outreach educational approach needs to be further strengthened and modified according to the changing typology of sex work. HIV testing sites need to be further expanded to cruising areas along the highways.

Knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus infection and sexual behavior among drug users: a cross sectional study in Pokhara submetropolitan city, Nepal.

Drug abuse is one of the public health problems in Nepal. Only limited research has been done to explore knowledge and sexual behaviors of injection drug users in Nepal. The objective of this research was to explore knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and sexual behavior among drug users in Nepal. More than 90% of participants had heard of HIV. Almost all participants who had heard of HIV knew that HIV is transmitted through unsafe sexual intercourse and through syringe use. In comparison to that, a small percentage of participants knew of infected blood and mother to child as modes of transmission of HIV. Injection drug users were less likely to use condoms during sexual intercourse with their wives. Awareness programs and behavior-change communication to alert drug users to the risks of sharing syringes need to be conducted, in addition to promoting the use of condoms during sexual intercourse with other women as well as with their wives.