Papers by Toya N . Pahadi
Journal of health promotion, Dec 31, 2022
Despite the long-running targeted communication programs, the concentrated HIV epidemic in key po... more Despite the long-running targeted communication programs, the concentrated HIV epidemic in key populations has not declined as expectedin Nepal.In this context, the present descriptive phenomenological study was carried out in Nepalgunj Submetropolitan City to explore the experiences of key populations in getting and sharing HIV and AIDS-related information. In-depth interviews were carried out with nine participants selected through snowball sampling from sexual minority people, and female sex workers. Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological analysis method was adopted in data analysis. Participants were increasingly using digital means of communication. Peer approach was experienced as more confidential and training in drop-in-center a friendly mode of communication. Experiences of embarrassment, stigma, and discrimination were also prevalent. The findings of this study indicate HIV communication needs to be easily accessible, confidential, and friendly.
Journal of Health Promotion
Despite the long-running targeted communication programs, the concentrated HIV epidemic in key po... more Despite the long-running targeted communication programs, the concentrated HIV epidemic in key populations has not declined as expectedin Nepal.In this context, the present descriptive phenomenological study was carried out in Nepalgunj Submetropolitan City to explore the experiences of key populations in getting and sharing HIV and AIDS-related information. In-depth interviews were carried out with nine participants selected through snowball sampling from sexual minority people, and female sex workers. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological analysis method was adopted in data analysis. Participants were increasingly using digital means of communication. Peer approach was experienced as more confidential and training in drop-in-center a friendly mode of communication. Experiences of embarrassment, stigma, and discrimination were also prevalent. The findings of this study indicate HIV communication needs to be easily accessible, confidential, and friendly.
The voice of ESA, 2013
Although college teachers have been confronting many health threats or challenges in their work s... more Although college teachers have been confronting many health threats or challenges in their work settings, these are relatively unknown in most countries including Nepal. This descriptive study aimed to investigate the perceived occupational health problems among college teachers in Banke. A questionnaire consisting of Subjective Health Complaints (SHC) Inventory was provided to the 96 teachers of the two colleges in this survey who were selected through cluster sampling and a total of 80 usable questionnaires were returned by them. The results showed that most of the college teachers (71.25%) were not experiencing good health and 93.75 percent (n = 75) of respondents suffered at least one type of the 37 subjective health problems on the total SHC scale within the past 30 days period. The 10 most frequently reported work-related subjective health complaints among them were voice disorder, tiredness, leg pain, eyestrain, headache, shoulder pain, neck pain, arm pain, anxiety, and sadness/depression. Development of healthy and teacher friendly work environment in colleges is essential for the preservation and promotion of teachers health.
Key words: Complaint, health, occupational, inventory, subjective, teacher
Saugat, 2011
About 21.6 million unsafe abortions occur annually and 47,000 women die due to unsafe abortions i... more About 21.6 million unsafe abortions occur annually and 47,000 women die due to unsafe abortions in the world. Approximately 7% of maternal deaths were due to abortion in Nepal. Abortion was legalized under specified conditions in 2002 and CAC services were introduced in 2004 in Nepal. But still a large proportion of population are unaware of the legalization and the conditions under which it is permitted. This study was undertaken with the main objectives to document the socio-demographic characteristics of women receiving CAC services and to assess the level of awareness about legalization of abortion among these women. Total 85 women out of 225, attending at Bheri Zonal Hospital for CAC services, participated in the study and interview schedule was applied for data collection. Out of 85 respondent clients, 88 percent were aborted by Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and 12 percent had utilized Medical Abortion (MA) services. The median age of the respondent women was 17 years. Almost all (96.47%) of the women were married and majority (58.82%) of them were from 20-29 years. It reveals that proportion of safe abortion or CAC services utilization is not satisfactory among women other than Hindus, women from rural areas and women of Dalit and Muslim communities. Nearly one third (29.41%) of the respondents were illiterate. More than half (53.04%) of women were not aware of legalization of abortion. Rural women, Dalits and illiterate were less aware about legalization of abortion, whereas women of urban area, Brahmin/ Kshetri caste and higher education were more aware about it. Majority (68.0%) of the women received information from the family member and their highly preferred sources of information were health care providers, radio and television. Only one in ten (10.59%) women informed they decide individually for safe abortion, while four women out of five decide jointly for it. The main reason for abortion was found to be desire to limit the family size. Public education and advocacy campaigns are crucial to create awareness about the new legislation and availability of services.
Voice, 2013
Indepth interviews were carried out from 23 sampled respondent, selected through snowball samplin... more Indepth interviews were carried out from 23 sampled respondent, selected through snowball sampling to explore the stigma, discrimination and related health consequences experienced by sexual minorities in Banke district of Nepal. Socio-ecological explanatory model was used to describe stigma and discrimination at multiple layers. It was found that the respondents were the target of verbal, non-verbal and physical stigma and discrimination where negative labels, stereotypes, insults and physical attacks were perpetrated against them to deny their dignity, respect and basic human rights. Depression, fear, frustration and anger were some major health consequences experienced by these people. It is suggested that they should have full access to comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health services and a friendly environment should be created in all spheres of their life.
Key Words: stigma and discrimination, socio-ecological model, sexual minority, LGBTI, health problems
Voice, 2013
Introduction: Different types of traditional medical practices have been developed for the restor... more Introduction: Different types of traditional medical practices have been developed for the restoration and promotion of health based on traditions and cultures of local communities for centuries. In Nepal, Amchi medical practice is also prevalent in the Northern 14 districts. Amchi are the government neglected indigenous medical practitioners and are trying to professionalize this medical tradition with their own effort. Since very few people of other regions of the country and abroad know about this medical tradition, it is important to explore people's perception and utilization of this health care practice and expose it for all people and concerned authorities. Objectives: To find out the people's perception and utilization of health care provided by Amchi. Methods: Total of 94 households from Dho and Phoksundo VDC of Dolpa district were selected with systematic random sampling method. Six key informants Amchi were purposively selected and 104 patients treated by Amchi were selected by simple random sampling from the study area. Findings: Majority of the respondents perceived Amchi health care positively. One Amchi is available for each 127 people within 30 minutes of walking distance. They are full time free of charge health care provider available every time and everywhere if called for. Each Amchi spent Rs. 15,000 to 75,000 for health care from their own pocket. There were two well-established and wellfunctioning Traditional Health Care Centres, one in each VDC with trained and paid professional Amchi, where training for the novice Amchi had also been ongoing. About 81.37 percent of people had never visited health posts because of unavailability, ignorance and scepticism about modern health care. Amchi were the first choice of health care for most (90%) of the people. More than 50 percent of the people prefer it. About 94 percent of people were satisfied with Amchi health care. About 90 percent patients treated by Amchi were satisfied with treatment and 70 percent of them perceived complete recovery followed by partial improvement (27%). Conclusion: This is a highly accessible and accepted medical practice based on local cultural tradition and locally available resources and is on the crossroad of professionalization with critical challenges ahead. They need recognition, economic support, formalized standard curriculum and training.
Voice, 2012
Due to a widespread failure to respond adequately to key social drivers of HIV: stigma and discri... more Due to a widespread failure to respond adequately to key social drivers of HIV: stigma and discrimination, the epidemic is growing rapidly among marginalized groups, including sex workers, injecting drug users, men who have sex with men, and transgender communities and there is still much denial, discrimination, fear and stigma all over the world. Since study on HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination reduction interventions remain relatively rare, this study was carried out to identify the HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination reduction programmes in selected countries. Based on descriptive and qualitative study design this study was carried out in 12 purposively selected countries through literature search in Internet websites. Types, target audience, key activities by objective and outcomes of the programmes were analysed. From the study, it was found that in most countries legal assistance for the stakeholders to build human rights and legal capacity was carried out. Stigma and discrimination reduction in institutional settings including health care settings is among the most priority programmes in many countries. Training and mobilization of religious and faith based community leaders, political leaders, youths and people living with HIV/AIDS were other effectively implemented interventions. Although the effective outcomes were found to be achieved, multipronged strategies are needed with strong political and community support to challenge stigma and discrimination in all spheres of life and institutional settings.
Voice, 2014
Teacher targeted bullying; a globally widespread violence in educational institutions characteriz... more Teacher targeted bullying; a globally widespread violence in educational institutions characterized by aggressive behaviour intentionally and repeatedly targeted at a teacher to intimidate or humiliate them, has been understudied and has received limited media and policy attention in Nepal. This study aimed to investigate the school teachers' experience of workplace bullying where primary data were collected through questionnaire survey from randomly selected 117 school teachers from Banke. Each four in five teachers had ever experienced bullying in their teaching career whereas nearly one-fifth of them had experienced severe bullying. Headmaster or principal in secondary schools and students in higher secondary schools were found as the principal bullies. Most of the teachers were found victimized by nonverbal and verbal bullying. About each three in four had experienced mental stress after being bullied whereas 11.22 percent had experienced post traumatic stress disorders. Almost all of the respondents experienced the need of strict maintenance of codes of conduct in school for the prevention of such bullying. The research suggests that effective strategies need to be developed not only to prevent and manage bullying, but also to create safer and friendly schools for teachers.
Voice, 2013
Despite of great efforts and huge expenses in HIV and AIDS prevention programme, HIV transmission... more Despite of great efforts and huge expenses in HIV and AIDS prevention programme, HIV transmission is not geared down significantly as expected but also fuelled by HIV and AIDS- related stigma and discrimination. In Nepal, HIV and AIDS- related stigma and discrimination exist in all level of the society. So, this mainly literature review based descriptive and qualitative study was conducted to describe and analyze the manifestations and consequences of HIV and AIDS- related stigma and discrimination in Nepal. Questionnaire and key informant interview guide were also utilized for care givers/ counsellors, their HIV positive clients and clients’ spouses.
It was found that HIV-related stigma is multi-layered, tending to build on and reinforce negative connotations through the association of HIV and AIDS with immoral behaviours and bad deeds such as prostitution, illicit drug-use, and homosexual. Stigma leads to discrimination and HIV-related stigma and discrimination both may occur at various levels such as the interpersonal one, the family, the community, the work place, the health care sector and media. Verbal abuse, rejection, isolation, avoidance, denial, participation restrictions are common manifestations in all these levels. Derogatory words and phrases in media, mistreating in health care institutions and gender discrimination also leads serious consequences for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). It was found that exclusion from family, school, community, worksite and health care setting has created devastating psycho-social and public health consequences for PLWHAs and this has ultimately lead to failure of existing HIV and AIDS prevention programmes. Stigma and discrimination inhibit the people living with HIV/AIDS from disclosing their HIV status, not to seek medical assistances or advices and remain in shadows, passing the infection to others. It is recommended that Nepal should respond to stigma and discrimination in integrated approaches.
Key words: HIV, AIDS, Stigma, Discrimination, Nepal
The Voice of ESA, 2013
Although college teachers have been confronting many health threats or challenges in their work s... more Although college teachers have been confronting many health threats or challenges in their work settings, these are relatively unknown in most countries including Nepal. This descriptive study aimed to investigate the perceived occupational health problems among college teachers in Banke. A questionnaire consisting of Subjective Health Complaints (SHC) Inventory was provided to the 96 teachers of the two colleges in this survey who were selected through cluster sampling and a total of 80 usable questionnaires were returned by them. The results showed that most of the college teachers (71.25%) were not experiencing good health and 93.75 percent (n = 75) of respondents suffered at least one type of the 37 subjective health problems on the total SHC scale within the past 30 days period. The 10 most frequently reported work-related subjective health complaints among them were voice disorder, tiredness, leg pain, eyestrain, headache, shoulder pain, neck pain, arm pain, anxiety, and sadness/depression. Development of healthy and teacher friendly work environment in colleges is essential for the preservation and promotion of teachers health.
Key words: Complaint, health, occupational, inventory, subjective, teacher
Journal of BMPC, 2019
This study reports on the findings of a qualitative evaluation of a yoga intervention program for... more This study reports on the findings of a qualitative evaluation of a yoga intervention program for a public high school students in Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, Banke. Four focus group discussions were conducted with students who participated in two month-long yoga practice program to determine their perceptions of mental and physical benefits as well as barriers and challenges. Results show that students perceived the benefits of yoga as increased self-regulation, mindfulness, self-esteem, physical conditioning, academic performance and stress reduction. Barriers and challenges for a yoga practice include lack of time and space. The extent to which the benefits experienced are interrelated to one another is discussed. Suggestions for future research and school-based programming are also offered.
BMC Research Journal, 2013
Background: Road Traffic Accident is one among the top five causes of morbidity and mortality in ... more Background: Road Traffic Accident is one among the top five causes of morbidity and mortality in SouthEast Asian countries. In Nepal as per estimates of morbidity and mortality for 1998-1999, injury contributed 9% to total mortality and was the third leading cause, with road accidents occupying the eighth position in the overall ranking. Its socioeconomic repercussions are a matter of great concern. Efficient addressing of the issue requires quality information on its distribution and different causative factors. Methods: The descriptive research design was applied in two hospitals and in one traffic police office for the study of RTA victims recorded from May 2010 to April 2011. Document analysis forms were applied to collect recorded data and semi-structured interview schedules were applied to the key informant hospital personnel and traffic polices. All the recorded 228 victims of RTA were analyzed on percentage basis. Results: It was observed that 59.6 percent of victims were in the age group of 20 to 49 years. The male/female ratio observed in this study was 3.65:1. Employees constituted the largest group (28.95%) involved in RTAs, followed by students (24.12%). Motorcycle accidents were recorded as the highest percentage (38.88). The passengers constituted 42.1 percent of the main road users involved in RTA, followed by driver (25.88%). The highest percentage (14.1%) of RTA victims was recorded in the month of June followed by September (13.0%) and October (13.0%). The highest number of reported accident cases occurred on Fridays (29.3%) and Sundays (21.7%) respectively. High speed (44.6%) was the major cause of accident followed by careless and drunken driving (34.8%). Majority of the victims (58%) had got minor treatment. There was no proper rescue mechanism and victims' management provision in the district. Conclusion: Most of the factors responsible for RTA and its fatal consequences are preventable. A comprehensive multipronged approach can mitigate most of them. Safer people or safer road users, safer roads, safer vehicles and safety management are the sectors to be addressed to save lives and injuries by reducing road accidents.
The Mirror, 2017
Amchi are the indigenous medical practitioners in the Northern borderland of Nepal from centuries... more Amchi are the indigenous medical practitioners in the Northern borderland of Nepal from centuries and have been trying to professionalise their medical tradition with their own efforts. The study was carried out to explore people's perception and utilization of this little known health care practice. Total of 94 households from Dho and Phoksundo VDC of Dolpa district were selected with systematic random sampling. Six key informant Amchi and 104 patients treated by Amchi were purposively selected from the study area. Amchi were full time free of charge health care provider available every time and everywhere if called for. There were two well-established and well-functioning Traditional Health Care Centres, one in each VDC with trained and paid professional Amchi, where training for the novice Amchi had also been ongoing. Amchi were the first choice of health care for most (90%) of the people. About 94 percent of people were satisfied with Amchi health care. This medical practice, based on local cultural tradition and locally available resources, is on the crossroad of professionalization with critical challenges ahead. They need recognition, economic support, formalized standard curriculum and training.
Voice, 2012
Different communities have different cultural practices during postnatal period. Cultural practic... more Different communities have different cultural practices during postnatal period. Cultural practices during postnatal period in Tamang community have not been studied adequately. The research was conducted in Valwajor Village Development Community (VDC) Ward No. 4 and 7 of Ramechhap district of Nepal in 2010. This is a qualitative study. Purposive sample of 50 participants of that Tamang community was taken. Mother and newborn are considered birth polluted and kept separately for 3 days after delivery. Sundi Khole and chicken meat are the special foods given to the mother. Mothers are warmly dressed up and daily oil massage is done both to mother and neonate. Mother breastfeeds her neonate within 30-60 minutes of delivery. Most of the mothers take rest for 7 days to 1 month. Postnatal period is considered for about 20 days to three months. After Nawaran (purification) the neonate’s ear is pierced by unsterile needle and thread. Buff, pork, fish, potato, millet bread, wheat bread green leafy vegetables, cold water are restricted and rice, chicken, Sundi Khole are special food during postnatal period. Usually they usd alcohol made by millet believing that millet alcohol is very good for health and it reduces the pain due to contraction of uterus. There are both healthful and risky practices in Tamang community during postnatal period. Healthful practices should be promoted and unscientific and risky practices need to be changed through carefully planned health education and promotion interventions.
Key Words: Belief, Cultural practices, Postnatal period, Ramechhap district, Special food, Tamang community
Journal of BMPC, 2017
In recent years cyberbullying has become widespread throughout high schools around the world, res... more In recent years cyberbullying has become widespread throughout high schools around the world, resulting in high numbers of adolescents affected by cyberbullying. The objective of the present study was to examine the prevalence, nature and impact of cyberbullying among secondary school students in Nepalgunj, Banke. A total 102 students of 11 th and 12 th grade from five secondary schools were selected through simple random sampling. More than twothird (78.57%) of the respondents had ever experienced cyberbullying. Phone calls, SMSs and Facebook were the most common media used for bullying in and out of the school. Harassment, flaming and denigration were the most common forms of cyberbullying experienced by respondents. Lack of concentration, educational withdrawal, learning disability, anxiety, depression, nervousness and low self-esteem were the most common impacts of cyberbullying experienced. Majority of the respondents (55.2%) were unknown to perpetrator, while most of them (48%) ignored after victimization. A comprehensive policy is needed that directly addresses the safety of young people from cyberbullying
Journal of BMPC, 2021
This phenomenological study was conducted to explore the manifestations of stigma and discriminat... more This phenomenological study was conducted to explore the manifestations of stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City. Seven PLWHAs, selected through snowball sampling, were interviewed through a semi-structured interview guide. HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination experienced by PLWHA at individual, family, community, healthcare setting, and workplace levels were uncovered in this study. Verbal abuse, rejection, isolation, exclusion, avoidance, denial, participation restrictions are common manifestations in all these levels. Stigma and discrimination inhibit the PLWHA from disclosing their HIV status, not seeking medical assistance or advice, and remaining in shadows, passing the infection to others. It is recommended that Nepal should respond to stigma and discrimination in integrated approaches.
Keywords: HIV and AIDS, Stigma, Discrimination, Manifestations
Voice, 2014
Teacher targeted bullying; a globally widespread violence in educational institutions characteriz... more Teacher targeted bullying; a globally widespread violence in educational institutions characterized by aggressive behaviour intentionally and repeatedly targeted at a teacher to intimidate or humiliate them, has been understudied and has received limited media and policy attention in Nepal. This study aimed to investigate the school teachers' experience of workplace bullying where primary data were collected through questionnaire survey from randomly selected 117 school teachers from Banke. Each four in five teachers had ever experienced bullying in their teaching career whereas nearly one-fifth of them had experienced severe bullying. Headmaster or principal in secondary schools and students in higher secondary schools were found as the principal bullies. Most of the teachers were found victimized by nonverbal and verbal bullying. About each three in four had experienced mental stress after being bullied whereas 11.22 percent had experienced post traumatic stress disorders. Almost all of the respondents experienced the need of strict maintenance of codes of conduct in school for the prevention of such bullying. The research suggests that effective strategies need to be developed not only to prevent and manage bullying, but also to create safer and friendly schools for teachers.
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Papers by Toya N . Pahadi
Key words: Complaint, health, occupational, inventory, subjective, teacher
Key Words: stigma and discrimination, socio-ecological model, sexual minority, LGBTI, health problems
It was found that HIV-related stigma is multi-layered, tending to build on and reinforce negative connotations through the association of HIV and AIDS with immoral behaviours and bad deeds such as prostitution, illicit drug-use, and homosexual. Stigma leads to discrimination and HIV-related stigma and discrimination both may occur at various levels such as the interpersonal one, the family, the community, the work place, the health care sector and media. Verbal abuse, rejection, isolation, avoidance, denial, participation restrictions are common manifestations in all these levels. Derogatory words and phrases in media, mistreating in health care institutions and gender discrimination also leads serious consequences for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). It was found that exclusion from family, school, community, worksite and health care setting has created devastating psycho-social and public health consequences for PLWHAs and this has ultimately lead to failure of existing HIV and AIDS prevention programmes. Stigma and discrimination inhibit the people living with HIV/AIDS from disclosing their HIV status, not to seek medical assistances or advices and remain in shadows, passing the infection to others. It is recommended that Nepal should respond to stigma and discrimination in integrated approaches.
Key words: HIV, AIDS, Stigma, Discrimination, Nepal
Key words: Complaint, health, occupational, inventory, subjective, teacher
Key Words: Belief, Cultural practices, Postnatal period, Ramechhap district, Special food, Tamang community
Keywords: HIV and AIDS, Stigma, Discrimination, Manifestations
Key words: Complaint, health, occupational, inventory, subjective, teacher
Key Words: stigma and discrimination, socio-ecological model, sexual minority, LGBTI, health problems
It was found that HIV-related stigma is multi-layered, tending to build on and reinforce negative connotations through the association of HIV and AIDS with immoral behaviours and bad deeds such as prostitution, illicit drug-use, and homosexual. Stigma leads to discrimination and HIV-related stigma and discrimination both may occur at various levels such as the interpersonal one, the family, the community, the work place, the health care sector and media. Verbal abuse, rejection, isolation, avoidance, denial, participation restrictions are common manifestations in all these levels. Derogatory words and phrases in media, mistreating in health care institutions and gender discrimination also leads serious consequences for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). It was found that exclusion from family, school, community, worksite and health care setting has created devastating psycho-social and public health consequences for PLWHAs and this has ultimately lead to failure of existing HIV and AIDS prevention programmes. Stigma and discrimination inhibit the people living with HIV/AIDS from disclosing their HIV status, not to seek medical assistances or advices and remain in shadows, passing the infection to others. It is recommended that Nepal should respond to stigma and discrimination in integrated approaches.
Key words: HIV, AIDS, Stigma, Discrimination, Nepal
Key words: Complaint, health, occupational, inventory, subjective, teacher
Key Words: Belief, Cultural practices, Postnatal period, Ramechhap district, Special food, Tamang community
Keywords: HIV and AIDS, Stigma, Discrimination, Manifestations