A community-based cross-sectional survey with cluster sampling method (probability proportionate to size) was carried out to estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Nepalese women in Dharan town to assess the pattern of use and to identify the factors associated with this habit. A representative sample of 2340 women, aged 15 years and above was interviewed in 2002. The estimated prevalence of alcohol consumption was nearly 17%. Alcohol use is prevalent among females of hill ethnic groups. Nearly half of the divorced (formal or informal) women consumed alcohol. The women, aged 50 years and above, were at risk to become addicted to its use. Most popular drink in this area is a homemade product (Local Raksi). The alcohol users are more likely to smoke as well. More than 9% of pregnant women are found to consume alcohol during their pregnancy. Effective awareness programs are required to discourage the excessive use of alcohol among women and encourage those seeking regular health care services.Key Words: Prevalence, pattern, factors, women, alcohol, Dharan, Nepal.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. More than 2 billion people are infected with TB bacilli worldwide. It is a leading public health problem particularly in the developing countries. The HIV epidemic has increased the global tuberculosis burden. TB is the commonest opportunistic infection and leading cause of mortality of People living with HIV (PLHA). Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in Nepal. The objective of the study is to determine prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis among HIV positives attending HIV clinics in Eastern Nepal, and to assess the socio-demographic factors associated with TB and HIV/AIDS. Methodology: Cross-sectional prospective study was carried out among HIV positive attending different VCT and HIV clinics from Sunsari Morang and Jhapa district of Eastern Nepal. Face to face interview was performed and sputum sample were collected using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected from PLHA on related information on Socio-demographic profi le, risk taking behavior with the help of pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Univariate and bivariate analysis were performed using SPSS 15.0. Chi-squire test was performed to establish statistical signifi cance between dependent and independent variables. Results: Out of total 242 PLHA, 75.2% were males and 24.8% females; around half of them (48.8%) were in the age group of (30-39) yrs, 23% in (25-29) yrs, and 15.7% in (20-24) years. Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was found to be 27.3% (n=66). PTB was high among IDU’s (48.6%), followed by clients of CSWs (21%), housewife (13.6%), highway truck drivers (10.6%) and CSWs (6%). Conclusion: Prevalence of PTB is very high among PLHA attending VCT & HIV clinics of Eastern Nepal. This study reveals that PTB is signifi cantly associated with increasing age, risk taking behavior and place of residence. There is urgent need of active case fi nding as well as periodic screening among people living with HIV/AIDS of this region to address HIV-associated TB morbidity and mortality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v8i1.5885 SAARCTB 2011; 8(1): 1-8

Introduction: Gender equality has been a priority area of demographic research. One of the major reasons for high fertility and low acceptance of family planning is the prevalence of gender preference among couples. The objectives of this study were to identify the determinants and examine the extent of gender preference on fertility. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried from June 2008 to July 2009 in Duhavi VDC of Sunsari district of Nepal. Three hundred and fi ve randomly selected ever-married women of 15 - 49 years, who had at least one child were the subjects of the study. A questionnaire covering the areas on gender and fertility preference and methods and use of contraception was given and fi lled up. Results: The study showed that 42.6 % of the ever-married women belonged to the 25 - 29 years age group. Around 92 % of women whose last child was a male were using family planning methods whereas only 40 % of women whose last child was a female were using family planning methods. This difference was statistically signifi cant (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The contraception use among the women having a female child was low, showing a desire for a male child which is one of the factors in the increase of family size in our society. Due to the patrilineal society, women are discouraged in the practice of contraception. Effective intervention programs need to be planned and conducted to rectify this situation.  Keywords: Determinants, Duhavi VDC, gender preference, impact, Nepal.

Inadequate sanitation has direct effect on health of individual, family, communitiesand nation as a whole. This study was conducted to identify the knowledge and practice regarding sanitation application among the residents of Rangeli Municipality of Morang District and to measure the association between sociodemographic characteristics and disease pattern with sanitation practices of the study population.A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from 27 th November-10 th December 2016 in Rangeli Municipality where 300 households were taken as subjects. Simple random sampling method was applied. Semi-structured questionnaire was used and face to face interview was conducted. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between sociodemographic characteristics and disease pattern with sanitation practices of the study population.Only 28% of residents were treat water before drinking. Most of the study population (98.7%) had latrines less than 50 feet away from the water source.Majority of respondents dispose of stool of children in toilet (54%) followed by left in open field (27%), Put/ rinsed in drain or ditch (14.3%) and throw with waste materials (4.6%) respectively.Majority of respondents manage solid wastes by burning (68%) followedby preparecompost (27.3%) and bury (4.7%) respectively.Almost58% of the study population had good sanitary conditions. The study population who studied SLC and above(89.9%), business in occupation(74.6%), above the poverty line (78.3%) and the study population who treat diarrhea using modern medicine had significantly more sanitary practices (p<0.05). We conclude that majority of respondents had average knowledge and practice regarding sanitation. Middle age and old age group, high education level, business in occupation, higher economic condition and study population who treat diarrhea using modern medicine was found significantly more sanitation practices.

Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 47-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i1.7602