Workplace Violence against Nurses Working at Private Teaching Hospitals of Kathmandu: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Workplace violence in hospitals is a global concern and is considered as a major occupational hazard for all health care providers including the nurses. The aim of this study was to assess the status of workplace violence against nurses at hospitals in Kathmandu and determine the actions taken to investigate its cause. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 100 registered nurses employed in Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, and Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital. All eligible nurses who were willing to participate irrespective of their academic fulfilment, from all different shifts and of age below 45 years were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS software. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC) of Nepal Medical College and Kathmandu Medical College. RESULTS: Among 100 participants, the prevalence of workplace violence was 72 (72%) (62.13-80.52, 95% Confidence Interval). Verbal abuse accounted to 50 (69.44%), followed by physical violence accounting 17 (23.61%). Action was taken to investigate the causes of both physical violence 5 (29.41%) and verbal abuse 2 (4%) by the hospital administration 3 (60%) in physical violence and 2 (100%) in verbal abuse and police 2 (40%) in physical violence. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals a troubling reality, as the vast majority of nurses reported experiencing various forms of violence in their workplace. So, addressing this issue immediately could protect nurses' well-being and ensure quality care which benefits both healthcare professionals and patients.

Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factors among Inmates.

BACKGROUND: Depression can cause suicidal attempts among prisoners and it is intimidating to speculate the deteriorating mental status of them. Since, there is very limited research on the depression of prisoners in Nepal and as prisoners have rights to health care without any discrimination, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among inmates. METHODS: An institute-based cross-sectional study was employed on 352 inmates selected by a systematic random sampling method from July 15 to August 15 2022. Face-to-face interview was conducted using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Data were entered into Epi - data version 3.1 and analysed using SPSS version 17. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression among the inmates was 54.3%. About 4.3% reported suicidal ideation during imprisonment. Depression was significantly associated with previous occupation, drug use, duration of incarceration, number of prisoners per cell, family support, social support and suicidal thought during imprisonment. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the prisoners have depressive symptoms & thus recommended for the confirmatory diagnosis and treatment of mental issues drawing the attention of concerned authorities toward prisoner's mental health.

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes Risk Among Young Adult Students in the Health Sciences from Kathmandu, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: The widespread dissemination of unhealthy dietary habits, childhood-teenage obesity, and sedentary lifestyle in young adults has paved the way for public health burden metabolic syndrome and early onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome and diabetes among young adult students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of age group (18 to 25 years) studying at Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences and Central Institute of Science and Technology. The diabetes risk score of each individual was calculated by the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC tool). Independent risk factors for diabetes and metabolic syndrome were measured by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant in this study. RESULTS: A total of 825 students were recruited and 739 (89.6%) students completed the study with all the fulfilled criteria. The metabolic syndrome (Harmonized Joint Scientific Statement (HJSS) criteria) was present in 7.1%, and the most prevalent defining component was low HDL-C (78%); 74.8% of students were under low risk, 22.18% were at slightly elevated risk, 2.02% were at moderate risk, and 1.01% were at high risk of diabetes. The cardiometabolic risk factors like BMI, TC, and LDL-C were higher at a significant level (p<0.001) with an increased diabetes risk score. Independent lifestyle risk factor for metabolic syndrome was current smoking (AOR, 4.49, 95% CI 1.38-14.62) whereas, an independent lifestyle risk factor for diabetes was low adherence to physical exercise (AOR, 4.81, 95% CI, 2.90-7.99). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome is present, although in low numbers in young adults putting them at risk to develop diabetes in the near future. Early assessment of metabolic syndrome and diabetes risk in young may provide insights for preventive and control plans for risk population.