Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Advancements

Usage of Personal Protective Equipment by Patient Care Nurses to Reduce Occupational Health Risk: Challenges and Related Policy Measures in Nepal

2023-05-22T15:22:32+00:00

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in protecting healthcare workers from occupational hazards, including infectious diseases, chemical exposures, and physical injuries. In Nepal, patient care nurses face significant occupational health risks due to limited access to PPE and inadequate training on their proper use. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced by patient care nurses in Nepal in using PPE and to propose policy measures that can improve their occupational health and safety. Using systematic literature review, the study found that the availability and quality of PPE were major challenges faced by patient care nurses in Nepal. Inadequate training on the proper use of PPE and a lack of awareness about the risks of occupational hazards further increased the vulnerability of patient care nurses. To address these challenges, the paper proposes several policy measures, including improving access to high-quality PPE, providing comprehensive training on the proper use of PPE, and raising awareness about occupational health risks among healthcare workers and policymakers. These measures can significantly reduce the risks of occupational hazards faced by patient care nurses in Nepal and improve their overall occupational health and safety. The findings demonstrate the urgent need for policymakers and healthcare organizations to address the challenges faced by nurses in accessing and using appropriate PPE. By implementing the proposed policy measures, healthcare organizations and policymakers can ensure that patient care nurses are adequately protected from occupational health risks, enabling them to provide high-quality care while staying safe and healthy.

Integrated Solid Waste Management for the Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for Nepal

2023-05-22T15:30:12+00:00

The article emphasizes the importance of implementing Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) and circular economy principles for effective solid waste management, which prioritizes waste prevention, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal practices. The article provides an overview of how ISWM and circular economy principles have been successfully implemented in several countries worldwide and emphasizes the need for their adoption in Nepal, where proper solid waste management systems are often inadequate or non-existent. The article provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for Nepal in adopting such practices and recommends practical methods for improving waste management in the country. The researchers conducted a comprehensive search of the available literature on the topic of ISWM and circular economy in Nepal to draw conclusions and recommendations for the future direction of solid waste management in Nepal. Although, there is the formulation of new laws and policies related to solid waste management in Nepal, the country lacks active implementation of the laws by both governments and waste management companies.

Occupational Health and Safety Issues in the Construction Industry in South Asia: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Improvement

2023-05-22T15:36:58+00:00

This paper explores the occupational health and safety issues faced by construction workers in South Asia, where construction is primarily conducted informally via local contractors. The study involved a systematic review of existing literature on occupational health and safety in the construction industry, with Nepal, India, and Bangladesh chosen as the focus countries. Despite the implementation of regulations and safety measures, accidents and injuries on construction sites continue to be prevalent, and there is a lack of investment in training and education programs, as well as regulatory oversight. The study identifies a lack of awareness, inadequate training, and poor working conditions as key factors contributing to the occupational health and safety issues faced by construction workers in South Asia. The paper concludes by providing recommendations to improve occupational health and safety, including greater investment in training and education programs, improved regulatory oversight, and addressing cultural and social factors that contribute to unsafe working conditions for construction workers in the region. The findings highlight the need for improved implementation of existing laws and regulations, as well as greater attention to the health and safety of construction workers in South Asia.

Assessment of physico-chemical and bacteriological properties of Lake Lanao near Agus-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant in Marawi City, Philippines

2023-05-22T15:13:54+00:00

This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of Lake Lanao near the Agus-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant in Marawi City, Philippines. Water samples were collected from three locations in the vicinity of the power plant, and their pH, color, TDS, nitrate, turbidity, heterotrophic plate count, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms were measured. The results showed significant variations in both physicochemical and bacteriological parameters among the water samples. The water sample taken 500 meters from the power plant had the highest pH, turbidity, and nitrate values, while the sample taken 1 kilometer away had the lowest values for these parameters. The sample taken 200 meters away had the highest heterotrophic plate count and total coliforms, while the sample taken 1 kilometer away had the highest thermotolerant coliforms. These results suggest that the Agus-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant has contributed to the deterioration of water quality in Lake Lanao. Therefore, this study underscores the need for regular monitoring and assessment of water quality near industrial sites to identify potential environmental impacts and implement necessary interventions to protect public health and the environment. The results can inform the development of policies and regulations related to water quality management in the Philippines. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the water quality of Lake Lanao, highlighting the need to address gaps in research to better understand the complex interactions between the lake's physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics and the surrounding environment.

Assessing Knowledge of Acute Respiratory Infections among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Kageshwori Manahara, Nepal

2023-05-22T15:17:27+00:00

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of mothers with under-five children regarding acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Kageshwori Manahara 13. The study was conducted on 50 respondents, and a semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Results showed that 82% of respondents had heard about ARI, with most of them learning about it from themselves. However, only half of the respondents knew that ARI affects both the nose and lungs and is a communicable disease that mostly occurs in children under five years of age. More than half of the respondents believed that ARI occurs in the winter season but mainly due to dust and smoke. Interestingly, 90% of the respondents thought that antibiotics could treat ARI, and 38% believed that gargling with water was a home remedy. Despite the majority having knowledge of ARI, the study highlights the need for increased awareness campaigns and TV programs to educate people, particularly those in rural areas where basic health services are lacking. Ultimately, improving knowledge of ARI could contribute to reducing mortality rates in under-five children due to this common illness.