Journal of Health and Social Welfare

Gen Z: Their Worldviews and Characteristics in the context of Nepal

2025-09-11T13:33:01+00:00

Gen-Zers made up 34.97 percent of the population. The majority of them are proficient with modern digital technologies, have international friendships, and are aware of the various cultures and behaviors of their age groups. They can handle multiple screens at once, which allows them to work, communicate, listen, watch, and play all at once. They are goal-oriented. These traits are also present in Nepal's Gen-Z population; they are not populists by nature and prefer democracy and decentralization with social justice.

The Role of Buddhist Philosophy in Traditional and Digital Media for South Asian Public Diplomacy

2025-09-09T11:36:44+00:00

The Buddhist philosophy has always been directed towards peace and stability in the countries in South Asia, which originated from the land of Nepal. This study discovers that traditional and digital media are the strategic tools for diffusing and communicating knowledge-based Buddhist philosophy. Whereas, public diplomacy can be effective for making broader knowledge for maintaining peace and stability within South Asian Countries. The knowledge has originated in Nepal, the teachings methodology of Buddhism grounded in compassion, non-violence, mindfulness, and interdependence, which have become instrumental in shaping moral messaging and soft power strategies among the countries in South Asia like Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Using a qualitative method, the research examines the role of cultural storytelling, tourism campaigns, academic diplomacy, and digital platforms in promoting Buddhist ideals on regional and global stages. The findings reveal that Buddhist-informed public diplomacy contributes to peacebuilding, which enhances the worldwide image and promotes intercultural understanding. However, the instrumentalization of religious narratives for political reasons encounters attitudes. In spite of this, the incorporation of Buddhist beliefs in public diplomacy has exposed potential in making a peaceful narrative for South Asia for promoting international relations.

Development Without Inclusion? Investigating Social Exclusion in Bangladesh’s Rural Transformation

2025-09-17T12:19:13+00:00

Although Bangladesh has made a great progress in rural development, women belonging to marginalized groups are systematically locked out of the opportunities of participating in rural development initiatives. The qualitative case study examines the experience of rural women in the Moulvibazar district in social exclusion due to state-led and NGO-based development programs. The study uses the thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 15 women who have been identified using purposive sampling to investigate perceptions, barriers, and gendered nature of participation. The results indicate three themes that are interconnected: a low level of awareness and a deficiency of agency; tokenism in terms of attending the community meetings; and the structural impediments that are based on the patriarchal norms, domestic work requirements, and stigmatization. Although women tend to be updated on development activities, they are treated as peripheral and performative participants in the process, which discredits the ideals of participatory governance. The paper uses social exclusion and intersectionality theories to discuss how the combination of gender, marital status and economic marginalization increases the disempowerment of women. It is recommended that inclusive communication strategies, women-centered consultation places, and intersectional training of development practitioners are needed. This evidence highlights the importance of structural change and the centralization of the voices and agency of the historically marginalized people in the context of equitable rural development as opposed to mere service delivery. This study adds to the debate on gender justice, rural change and inclusive policy making in South Asia.

Prevalence and Determinants of Depression among Secondary Level Students in Kathmandu, Nepal

2025-09-17T11:54:26+00:00

Background: Depression has been a common public health concern among school-going adolescents and youths. However, the status of depression is less studied among school students in Nepal. This study aims to address the research gap by assessing the prevalence and contributing factors among secondary-level students at public schools in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 secondary-level students of four government schools of Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu. The depression level was assessed using the Nepali version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, which was further supplemented by participants' demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Data were collected face-to-face using a self-administered questionnaire. Simple and multiple linear regression were carried out to identify factors associated with depression. A p-value and 95% confidence interval were used for statistical significance.

Findings: Out of 292 participants, the majority of respondents were female (57.2%) and belonged to the age group equal to or above 18 years. The prevalence of depression was found to be 25.3% where mild depression was relatively higher, accounting for almost half among the depressive respondents (11%). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that religion (β=3.39, 95% CI: 1.71; 5.06), worrying about the future (β=0.12, 95% CI: -2.24; 2.49), and being harassed in school/ college (β=3.8, 95% CI: 1.24; 6.35) were found to be associated with higher depression scores. Furthermore, living with family (β=-1.57, 95% CI: -3.08; -0.06) and problems sharing with friends (β=-2.26, 95% CI: -4.22; -0.29) were found to be associated with a lower depression score.

Conclusion: The study showed a substantial burden of depression among school-going adolescents. These findings highlight the need for further research on school-based programs that address mental health challenges.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Menstrual Hygiene Management among Deaf Adolescents of Dhaulagiri Deaf Residential Secondary School, Baglung, Nepal

2025-09-17T10:41:07+00:00

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains an under-addressed component of adolescent health, with deaf adolescents facing distinct challenges due to their marginalized status. This study explores the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices and challenges of MHM among deaf adolescents at Dhaulagiri Deaf Residential Secondary School in Baglung, Nepal. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with 81 adolescents from grades 6 to 10 participating. The research utilized a de facto census method. Data was collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with 15 adolescents across various grades. The major findings revealed that 83% of respondents recognized menstruation as a natural process, while 20% had poor knowledge, including 12% who believed it to be a disease. Attitudinally, 69% considered menstrual blood impure, reflecting deep-rooted cultural beliefs, and 40% faced restrictions from religious spaces and kitchens during menstruation. In terms of hygiene practices, 100% washed their hands after changing pads, and 97% cleaned their genitals frequently. Furthermore, 67% struggled to access menstrual hygiene information in sign language, and 74% reported school absenteeism during menstruation at least once, showcasing the depth of the issue. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of inclusive menstrual health education, enhanced infrastructure, and targeted policy interventions to support deaf adolescents in managing menstruation with dignity and ease.

Gender Quotas and Women's Political Representation in Nepal

2025-09-09T11:45:23+00:00

The study investigates the substantive representation of women in Nepali politics, focusing on the challenges faced by women parliamentarians despite the implementation of gender quotas. While quotas have increased descriptive representation at national and local levels, this numerical growth has not always led to substantial political influence. The study highlights obstacles such as patriarchal norms, political party dynamics, and traditional gender roles that prevent women from effectively advancing feminist policies. Key issues like the Citizenship Bill and the Domestic Violence Act illustrate how, despite having women in parliament, gender equality concerns often remain sidelined. Drawing on critical mass theory, the research suggests that while women’s collective presence has fostered greater political activism, entrenched male dominance still limits their ability to shape policy. The findings stress the importance of moving beyond numerical representation and addressing deeper structural challenges to enhance the substantive representation of women’s interests in Nepalese politics.