Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Health Science Students of Pokhara Univ., Gandaki Province, Nepal

( Bishnu Raj Tiwari ),( Suresh Jaiswal ),( Sanju Bastola ),( Bimala Sharma ) 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is public health problem in Nepal. The prevalence of HBV was found to be below 1% (0.9%), however some subgroup of population showed high prevalence by various studies. The study aimed to determine the knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection among health science students of Pokhara University, Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done among 200 students of health and allied science of Pokhara University using a structured self-administered questionnaire method. The questionnaire was prepared based on the previous studies. Students from public health, laboratory science, pharmacy and nursing disciplines were enrolled in the study. The information was collected from January to February, 2020. Mean knowledge score of HBV was measured based on 28 related questions as it was done in previous study, in which each correct answer was coded 1 and incorrect answer as 0, resulting the maximum score of 28 for all right answers. Descriptive statistics, and chisquare test, independent sample t test and one -way ANOVA test were applied. Results: Of the total, 74.5% of the respondents were females; and mean age of the respondents was 20.6 (SD ±1.48) years. Mean knowledge score of HBV was 19.48 (SD±2.72) out of 28. The mean knowledge score was 19.90 (SD± 2.67) among females and 18.33 (SD±2.53) among males; there was significant difference in the mean knowledge score between males and females (p value <0.05). Similarly, there was also significant difference in the mean knowledge score among the students of different disciplines of health science (p value <0.05); the highest mean was observed among nursing students which was 21.22 (SD+2.64). Regarding the individual questions, 98% respondents agreed that hepatitis B infection is caused by a virus. Among all, 16.5% respondents agreed that hepatitis B infection can be spread by mosquitoes; the statement was significantly different by sex (P<0.05). Of the total, 41.9% agreed that hepatitis B can be spread through close personal contact such as kissing or talking, 29.5% agreed that sharing dishes with HBV positive patients can cause the spread of virus; 97% reported that hepatitis B is spread through blood-to-blood contact; and 86.5% respondents mentioned that sexual transmission is a common way hepatitis B is spread. Of total, 91% students agreed that there is a vaccine for HBV. Among all, 84% students agreed that HBV is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer and 87.5% mentioned that HBV can lead to liver cirrhosis. Of the total, 58.5% agreed that having a medical and/or dental procedure increases a person’s chances of contracting HBV; 69.5% students believed that symptoms appear soon after the entrance of HBV into the body; 55.8% agreed that symptoms always appear after the entrance of HBV to the body; 38.5% students agreed that people with HBV should be restricted from working in the food industry; and 64.5% students reported that there is a pharmaceutical treatment available for hepatitis B; and the agreement with all the above statements had statistically significant association with sex (p value <0.05). Conclusions: The mean knowledge score of HBV infection was found satisfactory among health science students of Pokhara University, Gandaki province, Nepal. Significant differences were observed in the mean knowledge score of HBV by sex and different disciplines of health science. The curriculum of all health science disciplines should be comprehensive to cover all aspect of HBV infection

Seroprevalence and Risk Perception of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among Healthy-Looking Adults in Nepal

( Bishnu Raj Tiwari ),( Gyanendra Bikram Shah ),( Krishna Gurung ),( Mamita Khaling Rai ) 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are rapidly spreading in the developing countries. The study assessed seroprevalence and risk perception of HBV and HCV among healthylooking adults in Western Region, Nepal Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among voluntary blood donors in collaboration with Regional Blood Transfusion Service, Kaski. A total of 1878 adults (18-58 years) attending for voluntary blood donation from November, 2016 to February, 2017 at Pokhara valley was enrolled in the study. Background characteristics and risk perception was assessed by interview. Risk perception was measured by Likert-type scale: ‘no risk’, ‘little’, moderate, high and very high risk, ranging from 1 to 5. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of HCV antibodies and HBsAg by ELISA. Proportion of seropositive status was computed, and t-test was applied to find out the mean difference. Results: Of total, 86.9% were male, 62.7% were 20-34 years old, 62.6% married, 5% had multiple sex partners, and 9.2% made tattoo piercing. Seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies was 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 0.7% in male and 0.8% in female; 0.9% in married; 1.1% in subjects with multiple sex partners; and 0.9% in ≥35 years old. Seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 0.5% in male and 0.0% in female, 0.6% in married, 0.9% in ≥ 35 years old, and 1.2% in tattoo piercing group. Mean risk perception of HBVand HCV was 2.73 and 2.67 in total (P<0.05); 2.69 and 2.64 in male, and 2.93 and 2.84 in female, respectively, both were significantly higher in female (p<0.05). Conclusions: This indicates intermediate level of endemicity of HBV and lower seroprevalnce of HCV infection in Nepal. Higher seroprevalence of HBsAg was found among married, having multiple sex partners and older; and of anti-HCV antibodies among male, married, older and tattoo piercing individuals. However, risk perception of both HBV and HCV was higher among females.

Seroprevalence and Risk Perception of TransfusionTransmissible Hepatitis among Voluntary Blood Donors in Western Nepal

( Bimala Sharma ),( Bishnu Raj Tiwari ),( Gyanendra Bikram Shah ),( Krishna Gurung ),( Mamita Khaling Rai ) 대한간학회 2018 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2018 No.1

Aims: The study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and risk perception of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among voluntary blood donors in the Western Region of Nepal. Methods: A total of 13,079 voluntary blood donors aged 18- 60 years attending from July, 2016 to June, 2017 were enrolled in the study. Perceived risk of HBV and HCV was measured by Likert-type scale: ‘no risk’, ‘little’, ‘moderate’, ‘high’ and ‘very high’ risk, ranging from 1 to 5. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of HBsAg and HCV antibodies by ELISA at Western Regional Blood Transfusion Service Center. Proportion, mean, chi-square test and independent samples t-test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: Of the total, 83.8% participants were males; 88.2% were married; and mean age of the participants was 30.0 years. Seroprevalece of HBV was 0.3% in the total samples; 0.3% among males and 0.2% among females; and 0.5% among unmarried donors. Seroprevalece of HCV was 0.1% in the total; 0.1% among males and one case among females; 0.2% among unmarried; and 0.2% among those who ever pierced tattoo. No significant difference was observed in the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among those who reported having multiple sexual partners and single sexual partner; and among Tattoo piercing and non-piercing respondents (P>0.05). Mean risk perception of HBV was slightly greater (x¯, 2.75; SD, ±1.24) than that of HCV (x¯, 2.68; SD, ±1.22). The mean risk perception of both types did not differ significantly across gender, age, marital status; and having multiple sexual partners and tattoo piercing practices (P>0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed low seroprevalence and low risk perception of HBV and HCV among voluntary blood donors in Western Nepal. Although the seroprevalence is low among voluntary blood donors, there might be higher prevalence of HBV and HCV in the community.

A Cross Sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Hepatitis B and C among Adolescents in Chitwan, Nepal

( Mani Neupane ),( Bishnu Raj Tiwari ) 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Adolescence age is a period of challenges and opportunities for understanding oneself within social context. Adolescents are more exposed to infectious diseases, like hepatitis B and C. Knowledge of hepatitis B and C has been reported to be low among respondents in different studies. We conducted cross-sectional study among adolescents of Chitwan, Nepal to ascertain their knowledge, Attitude, and practices regarding hepatitis B and C. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire consisting of questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding hepatitis B and C infection, was duly filled by 150 adolescents. The data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. Results: Of the total 150 respondents, 63.3% were males. Only 65.3% of adolescents had knowledge on causative agent, 62.0% and 65.3% have knowledge on prevention from vaccination. Minority, had knowledge about transmission through unsterilized needle, mother to child during pregnancy and through blood and blood product I.e. 30.7%, 38.7% and 62% respectively. Only 17.3% respondent that, case can remain asymptomatic .More than 50% of adolescent had proper knowledge about Hepatitis B and C could be prevented by proper disposal of needle and sharp instruments, can be prevented by avoiding multi sexual partnership. Likewise, 54.7%, 62.0% adolescent respond that Hepatitis B can be severe and fatal, and can persist in body lifelong. Most of the adolescents reported they do not used globes while handling different body fluids and did not proper disposal of needle and sharps. Of total, 25.3% had history of needle stick injury but only 8.7% reported for the injury. Of total, 22.7% adolescents had been ever screened for hepatitis B or hepatitis C; 38% of the total had ask for new needle during piercing/tattooing. Of total, only 15.3% asked barber for new blade, 25.3% asked for new syringe to medical staffs, 23.3% ask dentist for sterilized instrument. Likewise, majority 90% and 80% respectively had used other used tooth brush/ razor, earrings and nail clippers. Conclusions: : Most of the adolescents were not aware about the hepatitis B and C. Attitude and Practice on mode of transmission and preventive measures were lacking.

In Situ Generation of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Polycaprolactone Nanofibers: Effects on Crystallinity, Mechanical Strength, Biocompatibility, and Biomimetic Mineralization

Joshi, Mahesh Kumar,Tiwari, Arjun Prasad,Pant, Hem Raj,Shrestha, Bishnu Kumar,Kim, Han Joo,Park, Chan Hee,Kim, Cheol Sang American Chemical Society 2015 ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Vol.7 No.35

<P>Post-electrospinning treatment is a facile process to improve the properties of electrospun nanofibers for various applications. This technique is commonly used when direct electrospinning is not a suitable option to fabricate a nonwoven membrane of the desired polymer in a preferred morphology. In this study, a representative natural-synthetic hybrid of cellulose acetate (CA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) in different ratios was fabricated using an electrospinning process, and CA in the hybrid fiber was transformed into cellulose (CL) by post-electrospinning treatment via alkaline saponification. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to study the effects of polymer composition and subsequent saponification on the morphology of the nanofibers. Increasing the PCL content in the PCL/CA blend solution caused a gradual decrease in viscosity, resulting in smoother and more uniform fibers. The saponification of fibers lead to pronounced changes in the physicochemical properties. The crystallinity of the PCL in the composite fiber was varied according to the composition of the component polymers. The water contact angle was considerably decreased (from 124° to less than 20°), and the mechanical properties were greatly enhanced (Young’s Modulus was improved by ≈20–30 fold, tensile strength by 3–4 fold, and tensile stress by ≈2–4 fold) compared to those of PCL and PCL/CA membranes. Regeneration of cellulose chains in the nanofibers increased the number of hydroxyl groups, which increased the hydrogen bonding, thereby improving the mechanical properties and wettability of the composite nanofibers. The improved wettability and presence of surface functional groups enhanced the ability to nucleate bioactive calcium phosphate crystals throughout the matrix when exposed to a simulated body fluid solution. Experimental results of cell viability assay, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy imaging showed that the fabricated nanofibrous membranes have excellent ability for MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and growth. Given the versatility and widespread use of cellulose–synthetic hybrid systems in the construction of tissue-engineered scaffolds, this work provides a novel strategy to fabricate the biopolymer-based materials for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/aamick/2015/aamick.2015.7.issue-35/acsami.5b04682/production/images/medium/am-2015-04682d_0014.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/am5b04682'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

Public Health

( Bimala Sharma ),( Nirmala Shrestha ),( Nisha Gurung ),( Suresh Jaiswal ),( Bishnu Raj Tiwari ) 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health problem in Nepal. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of hepatitis C virus infection among health science students of Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among health science students of Pokhara University in Pokhara, Nepal. A self-administered structured questionnaire was prepared and administered among students to collect information on socio-demographic and HCV infection. Two hundred students from Laboratory science, Pharmacy, Public health and Nursing disciplines were enrolled in the study. The data was collected from January to February, 2020. Mean knowledge score of HCV was measured from 29 questions related to it, in which each correct answer was coded 1 and incorrect answer as 0, resulting the maximum of 29, as it was measured in previous studies. Frequency, mean, chi-square test, and independent sample t test, one- way ANOVA were computed. Level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Of the total 200 students, 25.5% respondents were males; and median age of the participants was 21 years ranging from 17 to 26 years; 95% respondents were unmarried. Of them, 12.5% had ever made tattoo piercing and 25.5% had ever donated blood in their lives. Mean knowledge score of HCV was 19.28 (SD±3.00) out of 29 maximum, as measured from 29 questions. The mean knowledge score of HCV was 19.34 (SD ± 2.95) among females and 19.10 (SD ±3.18) among males; there was no significant difference in the mean knowledge score between males and females (p value >0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean knowledge score among the students of different programs of health science (p value >0.05). Regarding the individual questions, 93.5% respondents reported that hepatitis C is caused by a virus. Among all, 16.0% respondents agreed that HCV can be spread by mosquitoes; 37.5% believed that it can be spread through close personal contact such as kissing or talking; 89% respondents agreed that hepatitis C can be spread through sharing injecting equipment, such as needles and operation tools; and 74% respondents mentioned that sexual transmission is a common way of HCV transmission. Of the total, 53.5% agreed that having a medical and/or dental procedure increases a person’s chances of contracting hepatitis C; 41.7% students believed that symptoms appear soon after the entrance of HCV into the body; 55.5% agreed that symptoms always appear after the entrance of HCV to the body. Of total, 82% agreed that hepatitis C virus is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer; 83% mentioned hepatitis C can lead to liver cirrhosis; and 62.5% agreed that HCV is a mutant virus. Among total, 35.5% agreed that people with HCV infection should be restricted from working in the food industry; 65.5% agreed that special diet is recommended for patients with HCV; and 63% respondents mentioned that there is a vaccine for the prevention of HCV infection. Conclusions: The overall mean knowledge score of HCV infection was found satisfactory; however knowledge on some specific items/questions, especially on prevention and treatment related questions seemed impaired. Comprehensive information about all aspects of HCV infection should be provided to all students of health science.