Pokhara

Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of a School-based Substance Abuse Prevention Programme (SSPP) among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years in selected public schools of Pokhara, Nepal. The study aims to explore perceptions of teachers, parents, and students about substance abuse prevention and to assess the impact of the SSPP on awareness, attitudes, peer pressure, and life skills related to preventing substance abuse. This research includes both qualitative and cluster randomized trial phases to evaluate the programme's effects. The SSPP is a bilingual, multicomponent training programme that uses psychoeducation, video-assisted teaching, role-play, case-based scenarios, storytelling, and demonstrations to improve substance abuse awareness and prevention skills. The programme is divided into four modules covering orientation, positive attitude development, peer pressure resistance, drug refusal techniques, and life skills such as problem solving, emotion management, communication, decision making, creative thinking, and stress management. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months for changes in awareness, attitude, peer pressure resistance, and life skills towards substance abuse prevention. Data collection involves focus group discussions and thematic analysis for qualitative data, and various questionnaires and observations for the trial. The study monitors the effectiveness of the SSPP in enhancing knowledge and skills to reduce substance abuse behavior among adolescents over the study period.

This research evaluates whether a new modular training package improves the skills and knowledge of skilled birth attendants in Nepal. It aims to find out if this enhanced training leads to better maternal and newborn health outcomes and if it is a cost-effective approach compared to standard training. The study focuses on birth attendants like Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and Nurses who provide maternal and neonatal care. Participants will receive a specialized skill birth attendant training designed to build their capacity and improve competencies in knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to maternal and newborn health. The training is compared against the standard training group to assess improvements. This intervention targets health workers in birthing centers with a history of managing at least 10 births in the past year. During the study, participants' knowledge, attitude, and skills will be regularly assessed to measure the effectiveness of the training over one year. Researchers will monitor and compare outcomes related to maternal and neonatal health as well as cost benefits. The total participation period involves evaluation of competencies and health outcomes following the training to ensure comprehensive assessment.

Researchers are evaluating a community-based approach to improve the health of adults aged 40 to 75 in Pokhara, Nepal, who have hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or tobacco smoking habits. The study aims to see if home visits by female community health volunteers (FCHVs), combined with regular mobile phone messages, can lower systolic blood pressure, reduce fasting blood glucose, and increase smoking cessation rates compared to usual care without these supports. The intervention includes FCHV home visits every three months where blood pressure or fasting blood glucose is measured, lifestyle counseling is provided, and referrals are made if conditions are uncontrolled. For smokers, counseling and referrals for nicotine replacement therapy are offered if requested. Mobile phone messages, either voice or text depending on preference, support lifestyle modification and disease management. The control group receives usual care without these visits or messages. Participants will be involved for at least six months with assessments of systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and smoking status at six months after randomization. Researchers will monitor health outcomes and adherence through home visits and mobile messaging. The study also tracks safety by excluding those with very high blood pressure, extreme blood glucose levels, acute symptoms, terminal illness, or pregnancy. This comprehensive approach aims to find effective, sustainable ways to manage chronic conditions in this community.