Journal of Health and Social Welfare

Public Health Model by Ashok Pandey

Sumiran Koirala — 2025-11-13

Nepal, a small country surrounded by the Himalayas, is known for its beautiful mountains and diverse landscapes. Beneath its beauty, Nepal faces the harsh impact of disasters each year. From earthquakes to floods, every challenge has taught its people to adapt and rebuild. These experiences have inspired changemakers to create new solutions that fit Nepal’s needs. One such changemaker is Ashok Pandey, a public health professional and policy researcher who believes in practical, community-based innovation. His work connects technology, education, and local action to make Nepal stronger and more self-reliant. The following three models are focused on disaster safety, volunteer development, and academic independence, which reflect his vision of a resilient Nepal where local ideas drive lasting change.

History of diabetes screening: from tasting urine to continuous glucose monitoring

Elisha Shah — 2025-11-24

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas or ineffective use of produced insulin by the body. In 2024, there were 589 million people have diabetes in the world, and 107 million people in the SEA Region; by 2050, this will rise to 185 million. In Nepal, 7.7% adults were found to have diabetes. There is a sharp increase in diabetic adults. The ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, a medical text, mentions a condition similar to diabetes around 1550 BC. This described the condition as “Too great emptying of the urine”. After that, around 600 BC-500BC (i.e., 5^th/6^th Century), an Ancient Indian physician noticed a similar condition and called as “Madhumeha”. 10th-11th century, Avicenna, a Persian physician, described diabetes in “The Canon of Medicine” as abnormal appetite, decline in sexual function, sweet urine, and diabetic gangrene. ‘Dextrometer’ was developed for monitoring blood glucose at home. The haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) was developed in the late 1960s and It was first used for monitoring glycaemic control in the 1970s and is now a standard tool for both diagnosing diabetes and monitoring long-term control. (CGM) The system was developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Self-medication: do it yourself (DIY) medicine

Jyoti Acharya Acharya — 2025-11-24

Self-medication is not a new phenomenon in the history of humankind. The earliest forms of self-medication were based on traditional and herbal medicines. Ayurveda (India, ~1500 BCE) and Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasized balance in the body through herbs and minerals. Hippocrates (460–370 BCE). Self-medication refers to the practice of using medicinal products to treat self-diagnosed symptoms or conditions without professional guidance. It has increased since the medicine has been readily available in the pharmacy. While self-medication can be convenient and cost-effective, especially for minor health issues, it carries serious risks when done irresponsibly. Europe (Eastern) had the highest incidence rate of self-medication, and in Asia, it ranged from 7.3 % to 85.59 % with an average of 42.64%.. ‘In Nepal, the common reasons for the practice of self-medication were mild illness (64.1%), and the main source of self-medication was the chemist (73.6%). Self-medication sometimes results in fatal consequences; therefore, people should abstain from self-medication.

Risk factors of cervical cancer

Priyanka Yadav — 2025-11-13

Cervical cancer is the propagation of cells that are out of control in the cervix; it affects the entire reproductive system of the body, such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. There is a long history of devising a proper method for screening cervical cancer status. As early as 400 BCE, Hippocrates recognized cervical cancer as incurable. In Nepal, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. According to the Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers Fact Sheet by the ICO/IARC HPV Information Centre (2023), cervical cancer accounts for approximately 20% of all female cancers in the country. The government should put in an effort to screen the cervical cancer and treat it where possible.

A article on Cardiovascular risk factors: from model development to clinical application

swastika kuikel — 2025-11-24

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. Early identification of individuals at risk is a priority in global health.This paper reviews key cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models and their application in clinical practice for primary prevention. The models discussed include the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE), SCORE2/SCORE2-OP, and QRISK. These tools are essential for risk stratification (e.g., low, intermediate, high) to guide clinical decisions, such as initiating statin therapy, and to enhance patient-provider communication. The adoption of these sophisticated models, supported by international guidelines, is a critical component of modern preventive medicine.

Poor sleep quality and its associated factors among adolescents

Niti Sharma Ghimire — 2025-11-13

Sleep helps relax both the body and mind while unconscious of the surroundings. People experience different sleep qualities and measure them in two ways: quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative aspect refers to how long someone sleeps, while the qualitative aspect is about how restful they feel when they wake up. This study looks to identify the factors linked to poor sleep quality. It uses secondary data and focuses on qualitative analysis. Several theories explain why we need sleep, including the Repair and Restoration Theory, Evolutionary Theory, Information Consolidation Theory, and the Clean-Up Theory. The findings indicate a strong connection between sleep quality and poor academic performance in adolescents. In Nepal, several studies have shown that many students experience sleep disturbances, with reports of poor sleep quality between 31% and 60.9%. These sleep disorders lead to health issues and ultimately result in poor academic performance.

Guarding against HPV: The science and significance of the vaccine

Susmita Bista — 2025-11-24

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide and a leading cause of several cancers, including cervical, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. With HPV16 and HPV18 responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases globally, vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure. This study presents a comprehensive review of the scientific foundation, historical development, and public health significance of HPV vaccines. Through literature analysis from credible sources such as WHO, CDC, and PubMed, the paper traces key milestones—from the discovery of HPV’s link to cervical cancer to the creation and global rollout of virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines. In alignment with WHO’s 90-70-90 targets, strengthening vaccination efforts is essential to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030.

Model Initiation of Hypertension in the context of Nepal

Anjali Yadav — 2025-11-24

Hypertension is based on above the borderline of the blood pressure and it is associated with the blood vessels. If the blood pushed by the force against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart creates blood pressure. The study focused on the key model initiation BP. There is no single pioneer of hypertension in Nepal, even though Dr. Bhagwan Koirala promoted heart health and established Shahid Gangalal Heart Centre. Dr. Buddha Basnyat contributed through research on high blood pressure. Institutions like Nepal Heart Foundation, BPKIHS, and the Institute of Medicine helped in awareness, screening, and studies. WHO Nepal also supported national surveys and policies related to hypertension. A multisector approach is required to make people aware of blood pressure and control it with the proper lifestyle as well.

Module Development of Electronic Cigarettes: A Historical and Technical Viewpoint

Aasik Shrestha — 2025-11-10

Cigarette smoking is old tradition in Nepal but Electronic cigarettes is recent trend and powered by battery. It has also contains nicotine, WHO coined the word to it ‘electronic nicotine’. There has been advocacy as a harm reduction method for smokers who prefer an alternative to smoke-free tobacco but it has also contains nicotine, that’s why it has become public health concern. The study is based on secondary data published in research journals such as PubMed, Google scholar and others. The e-cigarette became modern with its invention in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik. There are indications of it being of use to smokers interested in harm reduction, but the spread of its use among young people and lack of information regarding long-term health outcomes clearly indicate the need to continue surveillance, control and independent studies.

Development of Z-score For Nutritional Assessment

Rita Budhathoki — 2025-11-24

The Z-score is a vital statistical tool used to assess the nutritional status and growth patterns of children. It standardizes individual measurements against population-based reference data, allowing comparison across different ages, sexes, and populations. This paper discusses the evolution of the Z-score concept, its development through the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS), and its application in identifying stunting, wasting, and underweight among children. By comparing height, weight, and age with WHO Child Growth Standards, Z-scores provide a consistent and accurate method for evaluating malnutrition and promoting global child health monitoring.

Historical journey of alcohol production

Smriti Gurung — 2025-11-24

Alcohol has played a significant role in human civilization for thousands of years, serving cultural, religious, medicinal, and recreational purposes. Chemically known as ethanol, alcohol is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts, a process that dates back to around 7000 BCE in ancient China. Over time, fermentation techniques evolved across civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, where beer and wine became central to social and ceremonial life. The invention of distillation by Arab scholars in the 8th–9th centuries CE marked a major advancement, allowing for the production of stronger spirits like whiskey, rum, and vodka. Scientifically, alcohol production is rooted in biochemical processes where microorganisms convert sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. With the rise of industrialization and global trade, alcohol manufacturing expanded and diversified, shaping economic and cultural development worldwide. This study highlights the historical, cultural, and scientific evolution of alcohol, emphasizing its enduring influence on human society and its transformation from ancient fermented beverages to modern industrial products.

Frequent Protests on the Mental Health Effects on Early Childhood Development

Ashok Pandey — 2025-11-13

Nearly 8% of children worldwide experience mental disorders, yet few receive professional support, an issue more acute in Nepal, where mental health remains stigmatized and underfunded. Frequent strikes and protests, often organized by political groups and teachers’ unions, have become a persistent feature of Nepal’s socio-political landscape, disrupting children’s education and emotional stability. This qualitative study explores the impact of such political unrest on early childhood development (ECD) and mental well-being. Drawing on literature reviews, field observations, and interviews with parents and caregivers in Kathmandu, the research reveals how repeated school closures and community tensions create chronic stress for children. Many lose access to safe learning spaces, regular routines, and emotional security factors vital for cognitive and socio-emotional growth. Parents report heightened anxiety, restlessness, and behavioral changes in their children during prolonged disruptions. The findings emphasize that early instability can have long-term effects on brain development, learning capacity, and emotional regulation. Addressing these challenges requires integrating psychosocial support into education systems, promoting teacher-parent cooperation, and ensuring policy responses that minimize disruption. Protecting young minds from the ripple effects of political instability is essential not only for child well-being but also for Nepal’s sustainable social and educational development.

The Silent Epidemic: Understanding the History of Sexual Violence and Bullying

Utsana Adhikari — 2025-11-24

Violence and bullying are significant, pervasive challenges to individual welfare and social harmony, though they are distinct forms of aggression. The article begins by defining violence broadly as the intentional use of force resulting in physical or psychological harm, contrasting it with bullying, which is a systematic, repeated pattern of negative action characterized by a core imbalance of power between the perpetrator and the victim. Recognizing that bullying can manifest physically, verbally, socially, or via digital means (cyberbullying), the authors emphasize that understanding the deep historical roots and evolving definitions of these behaviors is critical. The paper aims to provide this foundational knowledge to inform and enhance effective public health strategies for prevention and intervention, fostering environments of safety and mutual respect.

Roots of the idea of the Quality of Life

Parbati Budha — 2025-11-10

This historical, philosophical, and theoretical literature review is dedicated to the concept of Quality of Life (QoL) and its changing definitions and application in contemporary development discourse. Based on academic sources, and international policy frameworks, the review notes how QoL has been transformed into its philosophical roots (including the theory of eudaimonia by Aristotle) to the modern models that include the subjective well-being, personal abilities, and the socio-cultural settings. Such major theoretical standpoints as hedonic, rational preference, and human flourishing theories are explored on the contribution to the conceptualization of QoL. The integration of QoL in global development agendas, as discussed in the review, takes place through such indicators, as Human Development Index (HDI), and the recent efforts, such as the UN-Habitat Quality of Life Initiative. The results highlight the multidimensional and context-related character of QoL, as one of the key objectives of the public health, education, labor, and sustainable development.

From Humors to Psychiatry: The Evolving Story of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

Shreya Pandey — 2025-11-13

Some of the most prevalent mental health problems among individuals in the modern world are anxiety, depression, and stress. The understanding of these conditions has evolved from ancient theories of humors to the contemporary field of psychiatry. This paper has relied on secondary data based on the databases such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar, supplemented by
reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies. In the past, some diseases such as melancholia were attributed to the lack of balance of body fluids but their causes were later found to be biological and psychological. Most diagnostic instruments used in the modern science like Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Hamilton Scales of Depression and Anxiety, assisted in normal assessment and treatment. Despite the development of knowledge and diagnosis processes, anxiety, depression and stress remain one of the most significant health issues worldwide particularly in the nations facing resource scarcity and stigmatization on mental health. Thus, prompt diagnosis, prevention and delivering of mental health services as a part of primary care is still necessary.

Article on History of Condoms

Babita Ghimire — 2025-11-13

The population grew exponentially, and since there were not enough resources to support a larger population, population management became difficult. To Control population and STDs, condoms were designed and practiced. As early as 1564, Italian anatomist Gabriello Fallopio penned what is considered the ‘a linen sheath fastened with a ribbon, offering protection against syphilis’. Now these are extensively available for men and women and extensively used. The condoms used even in ancient times were made of different materials, mostly from animal intestine. During the Renaissance period, scientific and medical knowledge developed, alongside with-it, condoms were also developed with their sophistication, with more pleasure.

From Tradition to Transformation: Ending Child Marriage in Nepal

Swostika Neupane — 2025-11-24

Early marriage of people under 18 years old continues to be a major human rights problem which produces enduring effects on their health and social life and economic stability. The world has made progress but 640 million girls and women entered into child marriage and South Asia including Nepal demonstrates the highest rates of this practice. The practice of early marriage affects one-third of Nepalese women and 10% of Nepalese boys because they face poverty and lack education and follow cultural and religious traditions. Early marriage results in premature childbearing and school abandonment and physical abuse against women. The Nepalese law prohibits marriage before age 20 but poor enforcement along with traditional beliefs prevent the country from making progress. The Preferences–Options–Beliefs model together with Social Norms Theory and Nepal's 2016 national plan demonstrate effective methods to stop child marriage. The achievement of SDG 5.3 depends on enhanced policy implementation together with educational programs and community-based initiatives to eliminate child marriage.

Body Image Dissatisfaction among Adolescents

Supriya Raut — 2025-11-13

Body image dissatisfaction (BID) refers to a negative perception or attitude towards one’s own body, often stemming from a perceived mismatch between actual appearance and societal ideals. This issue is especially prevalent among adolescents, a group undergoing significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Research indicates that both boys and girls experience body dissatisfaction, though girls are often more affected, associating appearance with self-worth. The increasing influence of Western beauty standards, media portrayals, and social media exposure has intensified body dissatisfaction globally, including in Asian countries like Nepal. Historical and theoretical contributions—from Paul Schilder’s concept of body image to Festinger’s social comparison theory and Fredrickson & Roberts’ objectification theory—have deepened the understanding of this phenomenon. This paper, based on secondary data from journals and articles, highlights the risk factors, historical context, and measurement tools of BID, and calls for continued research and intervention strategies to address its growing impact on adolescent health and well-being.

Enrollment in health insurance in Nepal and its associated factors

Ankita Timilsina — 2025-11-24

Health Insurance facilitates access to health facilities for all. Nepal also embarked on providing health insurance to the people. Social health insurance scheme aiming to cover the entire population. Health insurance started in 2016 in Nepal, and the Health Insurance Board. The study focused on the enrollment situation in Nepal. A family of up to five members covered under the Health Insurance Scheme is entitled to a contribution of Rs. 3500 and an additional cost of Rs. 700 for each additional member. It covers one lakh per year for everyone in the family, up to five members. 39.15 percent of households have enrolled the households in the insurance system. Still, 81.15 percent need to be attracted to the insurance.