Journal of Nepal Health Research Council最新文献

{"title":"Community Perception of Abortions in Different Districts of Nepal.","authors":"Suruchi Shahi, Sanju Maharjan, Manish Gautam, Kriti Lamichhane, Parash Prasad Phuyal, Bhogendra Dotel, Sujan Karki","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4846","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Abortion remains a significant public health concern in Nepal, contributing to maternal mortality and posing a complex challenge to women's reproductive health. This study explores the complex nature of community perceptions regarding attitudes and perceptions on abortion, perceived factors influencing abortion, perceived consequences of abortion, and existing modern and traditional practices of abortion in Nepal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study was conducted across 12 districts in Nepal, involving 228 community members, including community healers, Female Community Health Volunteers, women leaders, in-laws, and men. Data was analyzed by applying a thematic analysis approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings highlighted a dichotomy in knowledge of abortion, encompassing both progressive views (considering it a women's right) and regressive notions (viewing it as a sin). Participants also recognized the positive aspects of abortion, such as its role in reducing maternal mortality ratios and improving child health. The study identified factors influencing abortion decisions like the desire to limit family size, entrenched gender dynamics with strong son preference, and pregnancies resulting from relationships outside marriage. Furthermore, abortion was also perceived as a solution for pregnancies arising from rape, incest, or with fetal disabilities. Participants shared a range of consequences associated with abortion, including prevalent misconceptions. They indicated that modern abortion practices like the use of abortion pills were on the rise compared to traditional methods. Nevertheless, unsafe self-medication remained a concern, particularly among rural women.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>To address these challenges effectively, it is imperative to understand the underlying reasons behind these perceptions and develop targeted interventions that enhance women's access to safe abortion in Nepal.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"704-709"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shock Index and Modified Shock Index as Predictors of Adverse Maternal Outcomes in Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage.","authors":"Sapana Amatya Vaidya, Madhu Shakya, Anita Maharjan, Shree Ram Khadka, Manisha Yadav, Jwala Thapa, Tripti Shrestha, Aswini Kumar Sah, Soni Newa, Ganesh Dangal","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4927","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. Early identification of women at risk is vital but traditional methods are sometimes subjective. Simple objective tools are of high importance in times of need. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the predictive performance of the Shock Index and Modified Shock Index for adverse maternal outcomes after primary postpartum hemorrhage.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at a tertiary maternity hospital in Nepal. The study included 281 women diagnosed with primary postpartum hemorrhage. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were recorded at 1 and 2 hours postpartum. Shock Index and MSI were calculated. The adverse maternal outcomes such as including blood transfusion, surgical interventions or intensive care unit admissions were analyzed. The predictive ability of Shock Index and Modified Shock Index was analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both Shock Index and Modified Shock Index were significant predictors of adverse maternal outcomes. The single best predictor was identified as Shock Index as measured at 1 hour in women who underwent cesarean delivery, with an Area Under the Curve of 0.811 (95% CI: 0.754-0.868). For vaginal deliveries at 1 hour, Shock Index and Modified Shock Index performed similarly (Area Under Curve 0.777 and 0.776, respectively). Predictive ability decreased at the 2 hour mark, especially for patients post-cesarean delivery. Logistic regression confirmed that cesarean delivery and Shock Index at 1 hour were strong and independent predictors of the adverse outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Shock Index is a simple and effective tool for the early detection of increased risk of adverse outcomes from postpartum hemorrhage. Modified Shock Index in particular showed greater overall predictability. Its routine implementation in postpartum monitoring, primarily in low-resource settings can significantly aid the triage and facilitate early life saving interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"744-752"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Outcome of Patients Admitted to Critical Care Unit in Karnali Province.","authors":"Khechar Nath Paudel, Mahesh Kumar Khanal, Subarna Bhandari","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Life-threatening illnesses are rising globally, disproportionately affecting patients from developing countries. The outcome of such illness depends on the critical care services provided to the patients. Constrained resources may impact the quality and outcome of critical care. This study aims to assess the outcomes of critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in remote Karnali Province of Nepal Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed data of ICU patients admitted from July 2021 to July 2022 in Province Hospital, Karnali, Nepal. Analysis included data on socio-demographic information, clinical diagnosis, duration of stay in ICU, use of mechanical ventilator, and outcomes of patient admitted to the ICU.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 745 patients were admitted within the specified time period. The most common diagnoses were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), poisoning, and acute coronary syndrome(ACS). Non-communicable diseases accounted for 60% of admissions. Overall, 17% of patients received support via mechanical ventilation. 50% of patients admitted in the ICU were recovered. The ICU mortality rate was 22 %, whereas 23% left the ICU against the medical advice. Age (p<0.001), ventilator use (p<0.001), and source of admission(p<0.001) were significantly associated with death in the ICU. Though the mortality rate varied significantly across diagnoses, septic shock and COPD attributed to the highest mortality.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Non-communicable diseases were the most common cause of admission to the ICU of the hospital. Half of the ICU patients had poor outcomes, with one out of four succumbing to death. Factors like suboptimal speciality services and equipments, poor infrastructure development, and poor human resources might have contributed to poor outcomes in such settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"610-618"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge and Attitude on Sexual and Reproductive Health among Migrant and Non-Migrant Adolescent Girls.","authors":"Shraddha Bajracharya, Stephen Jay Atwood, Uma Langkulsen","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4949","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4949","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adolescent girls in Nepal, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, face barriers in accessing accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Migration status may influence SRH knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; however, comparative data within urban school settings are limited. To assess and compare SRH knowledge and attitudes among migrant and non-migrant adolescent girls in high schools of Biratnagar, Nepal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 participants (100 migrants, 100 non-migrants) using stratified quota sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS v25 with descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant disparities were found between the two groups. Migrant girls demonstrated markedly lower awareness of contraceptive methods (e.g., 0% knew about implants and IUDs), STI symptoms (27.5%), and menstrual hygiene practices. They also reported lower comfort in discussing SRH topics with peers, parents, and health professionals. In contrast, non-migrant girls exhibited higher knowledge levels and more positive attitudes toward SRH services and education.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study highlights a critical gap in SRH awareness and attitude between migrant and non-migrant adolescent girls in Biratnagar. Tailored interventions, including inclusive school-based education, culturally sensitive outreach, and peer-led initiatives, are recommended to address these inequities and promote SRH equity among vulnerable adolescent populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"753-760"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Salt Taste Sensitivity Threshold with Blood Pressure and Obesity Indicators among Healthy Young Adults.","authors":"Sonam Chaudhary, Sabita Kandel, Lava Shrestha, Narayan Mahotra, Munna Alam","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4727","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Salt preference in diet can vary according to the salt taste sensitivity threshold among the individuals. This study aims to know the salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST) among healthy Nepalese adults and its association with blood pressure and anthropometric measures like Body Mass Index, waist Circumference and waist by hip ratio.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was carried out among 104 healthy Nepalese volunteers between 20-30 years of age in the department of Clinical Physiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus. The ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee was taken in From June to October, 2024. The salt taste sensitivity threshold was elicited with different concentrations of salt solutions. The blood pressure, and anthropometric measures like body mass index, waist circumference and waist by hip ratio were measured. All inferential statistics were calculated at a 5% level of significance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the study participants, 86.5% were in normal STST category. The mean body mass index (21.60 ± 2.82 kg/m2), waist circumference (78.03±11.10 cm) and waist by hip ratio 0.74±0.052) in high STST participants was comparatively more with statistically significant difference (P: 0.04; P <0.001, P<0.001). The association of systolic blood pressure was significant with STST (P:0.004). Also, the association of waist circumference and waist by hip ratio with STST was significant among female (P: 0.005; P:0.006).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The healthy participants had mostly normal STST. The elevated systolic blood was associated with high STST which suggests of reducing salt intake for minimizing such risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"677-683"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Blood Lactate Clearance as a Predictor of Mortality in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass.","authors":"Smriti Mahaju Bajracharaya, Ushna Shrestha, Ashish Govinda Amatya","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4652","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Pediatric cardiac surgery is still a high-risk procedure, with mortality being a significant concern. Lactate clearance has been demonstrated to enhance outcomes in critically ill adult populations; however, data regarding its significance in the context of pediatric cardiac surgery has been limited, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nepal. The aim of this study was to evaluate lactate clearance as a predictor of mortality in children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center (SGNHC) involving 129 pediatric patients (?14 years) undergoing elective cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. Lactate levels were measured at several time points: T0 (post-induction), T1 (ICU admission), and T6, T12, T18, and T24 hours postoperatively. Patients were classified into two groups based on their lactate clearance rates: high (?10%) and low (<10%).The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; secondary outcomes included duration of mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, and ICU stay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Non-survivors (n=20) had significantly lower lactate clearance at all time points compared to survivors (n=109) (p<0.001). High lactate clearance was associated with reduced mortality (1.9% vs. 22%, p=0.03), shorter mechanical ventilation (11.29±4.73 vs. 14.56±6.73 hours, p<0.001), and shorter ICU stay (48.85±7.26 vs. 66.64±25.46 hours, p=0.004).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong> Lactate clearance is a significant prognostic marker of mortality in pediatric patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects. The ongoing monitoring of lactate clearance may facilitate the early identification of high-risk patients in the early postoperative period and guide interventions that could potentially improve postoperative outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"638-645"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions of MBBS Interns Regarding Internship Training in Nepal.","authors":"Ajaya Kumar Dhakal, Devendra Shrestha, Nisha Jha, Moon Thapa, Raju Kafle, Daman Raj Poudel, Shanti Regmi, Anand Kumar Jha, Namrata Kc, Divya Kc","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4850","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4850","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Internship, an integral part of the MBBS course, includes mandatory clinical rotations during which interns apply knowledge, develop patient management skills, build competencies, and mould themselves into competent medical professionals. However, perceptions of competency achievement and overall internship experience may vary. This study assessed the perceptions of MBBS interns in Nepal regarding their internship training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted between 20 November 2022 and 20 January 2023 among MBBS interns from various medical schools who had recently completed or were completing their internships. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire in English was distributed to the eligible interns using Google Forms. The questionnaire included a five-point Likert scale and closed- and open-ended questions on clinical skills, teamwork, conflict and stress management, postgraduate plans, internship satisfaction, and recommendations for improvement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 280 interns (male: 61.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Most interns (92%) reported enjoying their internships, while 57.5% felt that the MBBS curriculum adequately prepared them for training. High self-reported proficiency was observed in medical history-taking (86.5%), patient communication (75%), managing common health problems (67.5%), triaging (66.4%), and physical examinations (65.3%). Excessive duties or workload (55%) were the most common challenge, while learning professional skills was viewed as the most valuable aspect of the internship. Additionally, 59% believed that interns should be treated respectfully by medical teams, patients, and their relatives. Collaborative discussions (34%) were the primary conflict resolution strategy, while support from friends and family was the most common stress management method.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MBBS interns reported positive perceptions of their internship experiences and expressed confidence in their professional competencies across most domains of their internship.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"718-728"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Level of Coping Skills among Psychology and Non-Psychology Students in Colleges of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.","authors":"Kishan Ghimire, Bindila Gautam","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4648","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4648","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Coping skills play a vital role in managing stress and adversity, influencing psychological well-being, particularly among university students. Students of psychology are expected to possess better coping mechanisms due to their academic training. This study aimed to assess the level of coping skills among psychology and non-psychology students and to examine the association of coping skills with selected demographic variables.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 271 undergraduate and graduate students (126 psychology and 145 non-psychology) from selected colleges in Kathmandu. Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure representation from both groups. Data were collected using the Coping Scale developed by Hamby, Grych, and Banyard. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests to compare coping skills between groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among participants, 51.3% had medium-level coping skills, followed by high (25.8%) and low (22.9%). Psychology students scored significantly higher in coping skills than non-psychology students (mean = 37.33 vs. 34.74, p < .001). Males reported higher coping levels than females (p = .018). Residence, mobility preference, and employment status were not significantly associated with coping skills.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Psychology students exhibited significantly better coping skills compared to their non-psychology counterparts. Gender differences were also observed, with males demonstrating stronger coping mechanisms. The findings underscore the need for targeted coping interventions, especially for non-psychology students.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"633-637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective Multifacility Evaluation of the Rural Obstetric Ultrasound Program's Impact on Antenatal Care.","authors":"Seema Sharma, Ritsuko Wakabayashi","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4976","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4976","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rural women in Nepal continue to face challenges accessing antenatal care (ANC). To address these challenges, the rural obstetric ultrasound program (ROUSG) was introduced to bring basic ultrasound services to rural health facilities, enabling earlier detection of complications and timely referral. This study assessed whether ROUSG improved ANC attendance, complication detection, and perinatal outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective comparative study was conducted at seven health facilities in Kailari Rural Municipality, Kailali District. ANC records of women aged 20-49 were compared across two 12-month periods: before and after ROUSG implementation. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests, with significance set at p ? 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After implementation of ROUSG, the distribution of delivery methods differed significantly (p = 0.032), with fewer vaginal deliveries and more assisted deliveries. A higher proportion of complications was identified, including malpresentation (1.1% vs. 1.9%), hypertension (1.1% vs. 2.3%), and abortion-related complications (1.6% vs. 2.1%). In contrast, early ANC attendance (first and second visits) and facility-based deliveries remained largely unchanged. Maternal mortality was zero in both periods, and neonatal mortality remained low at 0.3% (2 cases) in the pre-ROUSG group and 0.2% (1 case) in the post-ROUSG group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The ROUSG program was associated with greater identification of pregnancy-related complications and changes in delivery management, but no increase in ANC attendance or facility deliveries. These findings suggest that while ultrasound strengthens diagnostic capacity, persistent barriers such as cultural norms, transportation challenges, and limited counselling must also be addressed to improve maternal care-seeking behaviours in rural Nepal.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"761-767"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Safe Abortion Knowledge and Contraceptive Use among Ever-Married Women of Reproductive Age.","authors":"Kritee Lamichhane, Sujan Karki, Amit Timilsina, Jivan Devkota, Khusbu Poudel, Jagadishwor Ghimire","doi":"10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4847","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A considerable number of pregnancies end in unsafe abortions after two decades of abortion legalization. Over half of pregnancies resulting in abortions are unplanned, and a significant number of married women have unmet family planning requirements. To minimize unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, the study intends to weigh the impact of the knowledge about the legality and restrictions surrounding abortion among women and the use of contraceptives.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Nepal using multistage sampling. The study focused on 1976 ever-married women and utilized sampling weights to ensure representative results. It investigated the relationship between awareness of legal knowledge of abortion and conditions and the use of contraception by women.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women who are aware of the legality of abortion and legal conditions for abortion were more likely to have utilized contraception. Fewer women from Madhesi and Muslim communities used contraception. Contraception use was inversely correlated with education. Adolescent girls were less likely to utilize contraception. When compared to the skilled service group, the non-working group's odds of choosing to use contraception were significantly lower (aOR,0.503). The likelihood of ever using contraception did not significantly differ between the wealth quintiles, urban and rural people, or residents of provincial settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Knowledge of the legal status and indications for abortion is associated with increased use of contraception. Empowering women and girls with knowledge and access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health services can ensure improved reproductive health and rights.</p>","PeriodicalId":16380,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nepal Health Research Council","volume":"23 4","pages":"710-717"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}