Tobacco use and its associated factors among students of medical college at tertiary care center of Eastern Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Despite declining smoking prevalence globally, South Asia faces a rising burden. In Nepal, existing tobacco control laws haven't curbed use, with 28.9% of young adults engaging in tobacco use. This study investigates tobacco use and associated factors among medical, dental, and nursing students at a Nepalese tertiary care center. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess tobacco use prevalence and identify factors associated with it among future healthcare professionals, considering their distinct roles in tobacco control. Medical students can contribute through clinical counseling and public health advocacy, dental students through oral health education, and nursing students through patient education and community outreach. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 427 medical, dental, and nursing students was conducted. Data was collected using online questionnaires distributed via email and social media. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: The study found that 45% of participants were aged 22-25, with females comprising the majority (53.2%). Nearly half (49.2%) belonged to the medical faculty, and 24.4% were in their first year. Furthermore, among those who smoke, 53% reported smoking less than 5 cigarettes daily. The analysis revealed significant associations between smoking with age (p = 0.01), year of study (p = 0.001), parental smoking history (p = 0.001), and having friends who smoke (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the moderate prevalence of cigarette smoking among medical students, with family and friends emerging as major influences. Stress relief was a common reason, particularly among young females and first-year students. These results emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control programs within medical institutions to equip future healthcare professionals to effectively address smoking issues.

Subclavian steal syndrome.

Early recognition and diagnosis of subclavian steal syndrome are vital to avoid unnecessary investigations and ensure appropriate management. This case highlights the significance of comprehensive evaluation, including bilateral blood pressure measurement, in patients with unilateral symptoms.

A case report of anaphylaxis induced by topical use of extract of Cynoglossum wallichii var. golchidiatum.

Introduction: Cyanoglossum wallichii var. golchidiatum is a perennial plant that contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids of many types and used as traditional medicine for wounds, burns, and infections. Case presentation: We report the first diagnosed case of 50 years old male who presented with anaphylaxis after the use of local herbal remedies ( Cyanoglossum wallichii var. golchidiatum ) in his cut injury. Discussion: Without seeing a doctor, individuals in our region of the world administer herbal plants for conditions like burn healing, infections, and wound healing. As a result, there is a delay in the course of treatment, and the herbal therapies have a number of negative side effects. Numerous academic studies have demonstrated the numerous advantages of herbal plants, but despite these advantages, there is a lack of sufficient scientific evidence and knowledge regarding their use and potential drawbacks. Conclusion: Non-judicial use of Cyanoglossum wallichii var. golchidiatum may lead to potentially life-threatening condition like anaphylaxis.