Traditional Healers and Mental Health in Nepal: A Scoping Review.

Despite extensive ethnographic and qualitative research on traditional healers in Nepal, the role of traditional healers in relation to mental health has not been synthesized. We focused on the following clinically based research question, "What are the processes by which Nepali traditional healers address mental well-being?" We adopted a scoping review methodology to maximize the available literature base and conducted a modified thematic analysis rooted in grounded theory, ethnography, and phenomenology. We searched five databases using terms related to traditional healers and mental health. We contacted key authors and reviewed references for additional literature. Our scoping review yielded 86 eligible studies, 65 of which relied solely on classical qualitative study designs. The reviewed literature suggests that traditional healers use a wide range of interventions that utilize magico-religious explanatory models to invoke symbolic transference, manipulation of local illness narratives, roles, and relationships, cognitive restructuring, meaning-making, and catharsis. Traditional healers' perceived impact appears greatest for mild to moderate forms of psychological distress. However, the methodological and sample heterogeneity preclude uniform conclusions about traditional healing. Further research should employ methods which are both empirically sound and culturally adapted to explore the role of traditional healers in mental health

GENERALIZED ESTIMATING EQUATION IN PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY

Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) deals with such data that do not have normal distribution in case of repeated experiment and has better properties as compared to rANOVA. With the objective to describe the use of GEE in pharmacological study this endeavour started. GEE described hereby using rat data. Four correlation structured were taken in GEE. It was found Independent/Exchangeable structure best suited with data. The model fit on data was assessed graphically as well. The trend line of repeated data for all cases (rats) were fallen in 95 % bound of predicted model. The model gave the average weight of rat 226.51 gram with start of experiment and it increases 8.67gram per week after feeding high fat diet

Feasibility study of a family- and school-based intervention for child behavior problems in Nepal.

Background: This study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of a combined school- and family-based intervention, delivered by psychosocial counselors, for children with behavior problems in rural Nepal. Methods: Forty-one children participated at baseline. Two students moved to another district, meaning 39 children, ages 6-15, participated at both baseline and follow-up. Pre-post evaluation was used to assess behavioral changes over a 4-month follow-up period (n = 39). The primary outcome measure was the Disruptive Behavior International Scale-Nepal version (DBIS-N). The secondary outcome scales included the Child Functional Impairment Scale and the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI). Twelve key informant interviews were conducted with community stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and community members, to assess stakeholders\u27 perceptions of the intervention. Results: The study found that children\u27s behavior problems as assessed on the DBIS-N were significantly lower at follow-up (M = 13.0, SD = 6.4) than at baseline (M = 20.5, SD = 3.8), p \u3c 0.001, CI [5.57, 9.35]. Similarly, children\u27s ECBI Intensity scores were significantly lower at follow-up (M = 9.9, SD = 8.5) than at baseline (M = 14.8, SD = 7.7), p \u3c 0.005, 95% CI [1.76, 8.14]. The intervention also significantly improved children\u27s daily functioning. Parents and teachers involved in the intervention found it acceptable and feasible for delivery to their children and students. Parents and teachers reported improved behaviors among children and the implementation of new behavior management techniques both at home and in the classroom. Conclusions: Significant change in child outcome measures in this uncontrolled evaluation, alongside qualitative findings suggesting feasibility and acceptability, support moving toward a controlled trial to determine effectiveness

Resilience of refugees displaced in the developing world: a qualitative analysis of strengths and struggles of urban refugees in Nepal

BACKGROUND: Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing are key concerns in displaced populations. Despite urban refugees constituting more than half of the world's refugees, minimal attention has been paid to their psychosocial wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to assess coping behaviour and aspects of resilience amongst refugees in Kathmandu, Nepal. METHODS: This study examined the experiences of 16 Pakistani and 8 Somali urban refugees in Kathmandu, Nepal through in-depth individual interviews, focus groups, and Photovoice methodology. Such qualitative approaches enabled us to broadly discuss themes such as personal experiences of being a refugee in Kathmandu, perceived causes of psychosocial distress, and strategies and resources for coping. Thematic network analysis was used in this study to systematically interpret and code the data. RESULTS: Our findings highlight that urban refugees' active coping efforts, notwithstanding significant adversity and resulting distress, are most frequently through primary relationships. Informed by Axel Honneth's theory on the struggle for recognition, findings suggest that coping is a function beyond the individual and involves the ability to negotiate recognition. This negotiation involves not only primary relationships, but also the legal order and other social networks such as family and friends. Honneth's work was used because of its emphasis on the importance of legal recognition and larger structural factors in facilitating daily coping. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding how urban refugees cope by negotiating access to various forms of recognition in the absence of legal-recognition will enable organisations working with them to leverage such strengths and develop relevant programmes. In particular, building on these existing resources will lead to culturally compelling and sustainable care for these populations

Soilborne Diseases and their Control

Seed and seedling diseases, root rots, and wilts are caused by a number of soilborne fungi, all of which are facultative saprophytes and can survive in soil for long periods in the absence of a susceptible host. In general, these diseases are serious yield constraints where short rotations or monoculture of legume crops are the rule. Seedling diseases and root rots are enhanced by poor seed vigor, poor seedbed preparation, and other biotic and abiotic stresses which predispose the host plant. Control of these diseases requires an integrated approach of genetic resistance/tolerance, cultural practices, appropriate seed treatments, and high seed vigor. The most economical and durable control of Fusarium wilt is to grow resistant varieties. New races of a wilt pathogen have arisen due to increased selection pressure from growing resistant varieties in short rotations but have not outpaced the development of resistant cultivars