JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Feb 2024
Reflection on Five Months Rural District Hospital Posting of Final Year MBBS Students.
Patan Academy of Health Sciences has been sending its undergraduate medical students to rural postings aligning with the national health system of Nepal to produce competent and empathetic healthcare professionals as a part of its social accountability. One such rural posting is a 20-week long district posting where students are posted at district hospital and district health office. ⋯ We also learned to use the district health information system and different qualitative tools in drafting district health reports and strategic planning under the guidance of the District Health Office. Such exposure of medical students is essential to develop competent and empathetic health professionals and similar provisions should be included in the undergraduate curriculum of other universities.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Feb 2024
Case ReportsTuberculosis presenting as Anterior Mediastinal Mass: A Case Report.
The mediastinum, located between the pleural sacs, has three compartments. The anterior mediastinum spans anteriorly from the sternum to the pericardium and brachiocephalic vessels posteriorly. Common lesions in this area include thymomas, lymphomas, teratomatous neoplasms, and thyroid masses. ⋯ Tuberculosis can manifest uniquely, and an isolated mediastinal mass, especially in an immunocompetent individual, is unusual. Treatment typically involves a combination of antimicrobial medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address complications or persistent masses. This case emphasizes the importance of considering tuberculosis as a diagnosis when a patient presents with a mass in the anterior mediastinum.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Feb 2024
Hepatocellular Carcinoma among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer. Viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune hepatitis are the common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma. Usually patients present at advanced stages where curative treatment is no longer possible. This study aimed to find the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with chronic liver disease in a tertiary care centre. ⋯ Hepatocellular carcinoma is a notable concern. Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis is the most frequent condition encountered in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in our setting.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Feb 2024
Exploring the Sociodemographic Factors and Consequences related to Alcohol Consumption among Older Indigenous Community of a District in Nepal: A Qualitative Study.
Alcoholism is a major global public health concern associated with numerous health conditions. Alcohol use has been a cultural part of several ethnic groups in Nepal. This study aimed to explore the qualitative dimension of alcohol use, its promoting factors, and consequences in Nepalese communities. ⋯ A conflicting perception was observed, where some of the participants expressed the need to promote alcohol use as a part of their culture while some shared the view that the use of alcohol as a cultural practice should be limited. This study highlights the need for culturally appropriate interventions to address alcohol misuse among indigenous communities. Interventions should focus on addressing traditional beliefs and cultural practices that normalize alcohol consumption and the social and economic problems associated with alcohol misuse.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Feb 2024
Birth Asphyxia among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital.
Birth asphyxia causes significant morbidity and mortality among neonates, especially in low-income and middle-income countries like Nepal. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its burden. This study aimed to find the prevalence of birth asphyxia among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. ⋯ hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; neonates; prevalence.