BackgroundGlobally, knowledge of health sector options to respond to domestic violence during pregnancy is increasing, but this topic is under-investigated in Nepal. This gap affects the provision of adequate antenatal care services and understanding of factors that influence women’s willingness and ability to use available services. It is critical to know more about the social norms in a community that promote and prevent women experiencing domestic violence from seeking antenatal care.ObjectiveTo explore community perceptions of domestic violence against pregnant women.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in Dhulikhel municipality, involving 41 men and 76 women in 12 focus group discussions in different gender and family role separated groups. The interviews were recorded, transcribed in verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. A socio-ecological model was used as a theoretical framework to illustrate linkages between individual, relationship, community, and societal influences on perceptions of domestic violence during pregnancy.ResultsThe community recognized different forms of violence during pregnancy threatening women’s physical and psychological health and presenting obstacles to seeking antenatal care. Some types of culturally specific violence were considered particularly harmful, such as pressure to give birth to sons, denial of food, and forcing pregnant women to do hard physical work during pregnancy, which may leave daughters-in-law vulnerable to domestic violence in extended families. A culture where violence is normalized and endurance and family reconciliation are promoted above individual health was perceived to cause women to tolerate and accept the situation. Participants suggested actions and strategies to address continuing violence, which indicated a societal transition toward increased awareness and changing attitudes and practices.ConclusionsDomestic violence during pregnancy needs to be addressed at different levels in Nepal, where women are often dependent on others for access to health care. Social norms were perceived to be shifting toward reduced acceptance of violence against women, but restrictions on women’s life options, movement, and decision-making authority were still considered impediments to pregnant women’s health.

Background: Peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis is a common and signi¿ cant problem in clinical practice. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of peripheral intravenous catheter related phlebitis and to de¿ ne the possible factors associated to its development. Materials and methods: Prospective observational study was carried out on 230 clients who were under ¿ rst time peripheral infusion therapy during two months period: September -October, 2007. Peripheral infusion site was examined for signs of phlebitis once a day. Jackson Standard visual phlebitis scale was used to measure the severity of the phlebitis. SPSS software was used to enter, edit and analyze the data and t-test, chi-square test, binary logistic regression and ROC curve were used to draw the statistical inferences. Results: Phlebitis developed in 136/230 clients (59.1%). It was very mild in most cases. Increased incidence rates of infusion related phlebitis were associated with male sex, small catheter size (20 gauge), insertion at the sites of forearm, IV drug administration and blood product transfusions. The incidence rate of phlebitis rose sharply after 36 hours of catheter insertion. Conclusion: Peripheral Intravenous therapy related phlebitis at KUTH, Dhulikhel Hospital is a signi¿ cant problem. Related risk factors as found in the present study were insertion site (forearm), size of catheter (20G) and dwell time (>= 36 hours). There were higher incident of phlebitis among the client with Intra venous drug administration and especially between ages 21 -40 years. Therefore more attention and care are needed in these areas by the care provider.Key words: Phlebitis, Intravenous Therapy, Catheter, Risk Factors, KUTH, Nepal. I ntravascular devices are common and play very important role in modern day medical practice. One of the devices most used is the peripheral intravenous catheter (PIC) for IV À uids, IV medications, blood product administration, or blood sampling 1 . About 50% of hospital patients require intravenous (IV) access 2 . Although such catheter provides necessary intravascular access, their use puts client at risk for associated complications which may be local and systemic.One of the most common complications of PIC is phlebitis that may occur in up to75% of hospitalized patients 3 . It remains a signi¿ cant problem in clinical practice and causes patient discomfort, catheter replacement, prolong hospital stay and health care cost. Many factors have been implicated in the genesis of phlebitis namely (1) chemical factors such as irritant drugs and À uids, (2) mechanical factors: such as catheter material, size of cannula, site of insertion, duration of cannulation (dwell time) 4 etc. Many cases of PICs related phlebitis has been noted at KUTH, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital. A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the magnitude of the problem as well as to shed some light on possible contributing factors. Awareness of such factors may help to ...