Reasons for non- use of condoms and self-efficacy among female sex workers: A qualitative study in Nepal

Background Heterosexual contact is the most common mode of transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Nepal and it is largely linked to sex work. We assessed the non-use of condoms in sex work with intimate sex partners by female sex workers (FSWs) and the associated self-efficacy to inform the planning of STI/HIV prevention programmes in the general population. Methods This paper is based on a qualitative study of Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Nepal. In-depth interviews and extended field observation were conducted with 15 FSWs in order to explore issues of safe sex and risk management in relation to their work place, health and individual behaviours. Results The main risk factor identified for the non-use of condoms with intimate partners and regular clients was low self efficacy. Non-use of condoms with husband and boyfriends placed them at risk of STIs including HIV. In addition to intimidation and violence from the police, clients and intimate partners, clients’ resistance and lack of negotiation capacity were identified as barriers in using condoms by the FSWs. Conclusion This study sheds light on the live and work of FSWs in Nepal. This information is relevant for both the Government of Nepal and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) to help improve the position of FSWs in the community, their general well-being and to reduce their risks at work

X‐ray and Synchrotron FTIR Studies of Partially Decomposed Magnesium Borohydride

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Assessment of Drug-Related Problems among Inpatients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern Nepal

Background: Drug-related Problems are major safety concerns in hospitalized patients; failure to prevent those medications related errors may lead to therapeutic failure, adverse effects, and poor therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to assess drug-related problems in the medicine ward of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern Nepal. Methodology: Prospective observational study was conducted from March to August 2019. Descriptive analysis was performed, and Bivariate analysis using chi-square was used to test the association between demographic characteristics and drug-related problems. Results: 365 patients were selected, of which 96 patients had drug-related problems. A total of 127 drug-related problems were documented. The most common drug-related problems were drug and therapeutic duplication 31(24.4%), a drug prescribed but no clear indication 22(17.3%), potential ineffective therapy 16(12.6%), inappropriate duration 11(8.7%), and adverse drug reaction 10(7.8%). The majority of recommendations provided by the pharmacist were drug discontinuation 57(44.9%), followed by drug change 16(12.6%), and the need for antibiotic susceptibility testing 14(11%). Antimicrobials 75(59.1%) was the most frequent drug class involved in drug-related problems followed by Corticosteroids 12(9.4%), and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 8(6.3%). A significant association with drug-related problems occurrences was found between age groups, length of hospital stay, and polypharmacy which was significant at p<0.05 Conclusion:  Nearly one-fourth of hospitalized inpatients had drug-related problems. Drug and therapeutic duplication were the most common drug-related problems followed by a drug prescribed without clear indication, potential ineffective therapy, and inappropriate duration. The pharmacist plays a crucial role in identifying and resolving drug-related problems during inpatients care

X-ray Studies on partially decomposed γ- Mg(BH4)2

Master's thesis in Mathematics and PhysicsHydrogen is the energy that fuels the sun and the stars. Having the potential to be zero-carbon during production, when produced by renewable resources, it is an attractive carrier of the pollution-free renewable energy. In this context, magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH4)2) is recognized as an attractive potential hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen content and low H2 release temperature. Hydrogenation of completely decomposed Mg(BH4)2 requires high-temperature, high H2 pressure, and very long reaction time. Studies show that the partially decomposed Mg(BH4)2 can be hydrogenated in comparatively lower temperatures, pressure, and short reaction time but up to date, the reversible reaction shows only 2.5 wt% of H2 production which is not sufficient for its practical use. To achieve higher wt% of H2 it is important to understand the kinetics of the dehydrogenation and rehydrogenation of Mg(BH4)2 reactions and the nature of the reaction intermediates. The latter has been debated for more than 10 years. [...

Predictors of Improvement in Risk Reduction Skills among HIV Infected Drug Users

Background and Objective: Unsafe needle use and unprotected sex are behaviors that have been associated with HIV transmission. Evidence-based behavioral intervention approaches are widely available for preventing HIV transmission, but neurocognitive impairment (NCI) may impede many intervention participants’ capacity to fully benefit from such interventions, leaving them vulnerable to HIV transmission risk. This study examines the impact of NCI on specific intervention outcomes expected to be enhanced through intervention participation. Methods: Participants were 74 HIV+ opioid-dependent persons participating in methadone maintenance drug treatment and who reported drug- or sex- related HIV risk behavior. Using regression analyses, NCI, HIV knowledge (information), motivation, and intervention group assignment were used to predict changes in needle cleaning skills, male condom application skills, and female condom application skills. Results:Intervention group assignment significantly predicted improvement in demonstrated needle cleaning skills and female condom application skills. HIV knowledge (Information) significantly predicted improvement in needle cleaning skills (p Conclusion: Because the assigned intervention group significantly influenced needle cleaning skills and female condom application skills, our results indicate that the 3H+ intervention was related to greater levels of improvement in these areas. Because HIV knowledge (Information) significantly predicted improvements in needle cleaning skills and female condom application skills, continuing to target participants’ specific knowledge about HIV is indicated. Though NCI and motivation were not found to be significant predictors of outcomes, some of the patterns were in the predicted direction, and were likely impacted by relatively low statistical power