Non-communicable Diseases In Nepal Research Articles

Dietary practices, physical activity and social determinants of non-communicable diseases in Nepal: A systemic analysis.

Unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity are major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. The objective of this paper was to describe the role of dietary practices and physical activity in the interaction of the social determinants of NCDs in Nepal, a developing economy. The study was a qualitative study design involving two districts in Nepal, whereby data was collected via key informant interviews (n = 63) and focus group discussions (n = 12). Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was performed, and a causal loop diagram was built to illustrate the dynamic interactions of the social determinants of NCDs based on the themes. The study also involved sense-making sessions with policy level and local stakeholders. Four key interacting themes emerged from the study describing current dietary and physical activity practices, influence of junk food, role of health system and socio-economic factors as root causes. While the current dietary and physical activity-related practices within communities were unhealthy, the broader determinants such as socio-economic circumstances and gender further fuelled such practices. The health system has potential to play a more effective role in the prevention of the behavioural and social determinants of NCDs.

Non-communicable Diseases in Nepal: A Big Hurdle for Achieving SDGs

Non-communicable Diseases in Nepal: A Big Hurdle for Achieving SDGs

Albuminuria in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Single Center Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the commonest non-communicable diseases in Nepal and is associated with long term microvascular and macro vascular complications. Detection of albumin in urine is the earliest recognizable feature in the development of proteinuric diabetic nephropathy. This study aims to study the prevalence as well the determinants of albuminuria in patient with Type 2 diabetes mellitus visiting the medical OPD of College of Medical Sciences-Teaching hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done from January to June 2022 among Type 2 diabetes patients presenting to medical OPD for the comprehensive diabetes management. Relevant epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Urine dipstick test was done to screen for albuminuria. The prevalence and determinants of albuminuria were studied. Results: Study among 360 patients with mean age of 58.5 + 10.9 years and the mean duration since the diagnosis of diabetes of 6.8 + 5.5 years, showed that the prevalence of albuminuria was 33.3%. Albuminuria in these patients was found to have significant association with age (P<0.001), duration since diagnosis of diabetes (<0.001) and HbA1c (P<0.001). No significant association of albuminuria was found with gender (P=0.087), hypertension (P=0.063) and previous use of Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/ Angiotensin II receptor blockers. (P=0.217) Conclusions: Albuminuria is highly prevalent among our cohort of diabetic patients. Increasing age, longer duration since diagnosis of diabetes and higher HbA1c are the factors significantly associated with it.

Analyzing the Implementation of Policies and Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes at Primary Health Care Level in Nepal.

BackgroundNepal, in recent years, is witnessing an increasing problem of type 2 diabetes that has resulted significant premature deaths and disability. Prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes have been prioritized in the national policies and guidelines of the Nepal Government. However, research looking at the overview of the implementation of the existing policies and guidelines for diabetes prevention and control is scarce. Hence, this study reviewed diabetes related existing policies and its implementation process at the primary health care level in Nepal.MethodsThis study involved two phases: Phase I: situation analyses through review of documents and Phase II: qualitative exploratory study. In phase I, four databases (Medline, Web of Science, Embase and PubMed) were systematically searched using key search terms related to diabetes care and policies between January 2000 and June 2021. Also, relevant gray literature was reviewed to understand the trajectory of policy development and its translation with regards to diabetes prevention and management at primary health care level in Nepal. Following the phase I, we conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) and key informant interviews (KII) with health care providers, policy makers, and managers (IDI = 13, and KII = 7) at peripheral and central levels in Kavrepalanchowk and Nuwakot districts of Nepal. The in-depth interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded. The triangulation of data from document review and interviews was done and presented in themes.ResultsFour key themes were identified through triangulating findings from the document review and interviews including (i) limited implementation of policies into practices; (ii) lack of coordination among the different levels of service providers; (iii) lack of trained human resources for health and inadequate quality services at the primary health care level, and (iv) inadequate access and utilization of diabetes care services at primary health care level. Specifically, this study identified some key pertinent challenges to the implementation of policies and programs including inadequate resources, limited engagement of stakeholders in service design and delivery, lack of trained health care providers, lack of financial resources to strengthen peripheral health services, fragmented health governance, and weak reporting and monitoring systems.ConclusionThis study revealed that the policies, plans, and strategies for prevention and management of NCDs in Nepal recognized the importance of diabetes prevention and control. However, a major gap remains with adequate and lack of clarity in terms of implementation of available policies, plans, strategies, and programs to address the problem of diabetes. We suggest the need for multisectoral approach (engaging both health and non-health sectors) at central as well as peripheral levels to strengthen the policies implementation process, building capacity of health care providers, ensuring adequate financial and non-financial resources, and improving quality of services at primary health care levels.

PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN NAWALPUR DISTRICT, NEPAL

Background: Tobacco and alcohol use are major behavioral risk that contributes to the rapid increase in non communicable diseases in Nepal. This study aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the multi-stage probability sampling method. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information among school going adolescent. Data was entered on Epi-data and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption was 11.6% and 16.3% respectively. Male(AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.0-11.5), older adolescents (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.6-7.2), pocket money of more than Rs. 350 (AOR 4.7, 95% CI 1.6-13.8) and living with other than family members (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7-8.5) had higher odds of tobacco consumption whereas, male (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.5-11.5), late adolescents (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.3-5.0), pocket money of more than Rs. 350 (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.2-13.2) had higher odds of alcohol consumption. Conclusions: The study found that significant proportion of adolescents was involved in the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Efforts are needed to find regulating and educational interventions to mitigate the risky behaviors and their health impacts on the adolescents.

Stroke patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Stroke is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. It is the 3rd most common cause of death worldwide. In Nepal Non-communicable diseases in Nepal(NCDs) states that stroke accounts for 42% of all deaths and is estimated to reach about 66.3% of all deaths by 2030. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study of all stroke patients seen in Patan Hospital Emergency Department for a period of 1 y. Demographic data, presenting complaint, time of onset of symptoms, time presenting to the Emergency, patient’s risk factors for stroke, head CT findings (hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke) were analyzed descriptively. Ethical approval was taken. Result: Total 170 patients (96 males i.e.56.5% and 74 females i.e. 43.5%) were analyzed. 130(76.5%) were ischemic CVA and 40 (23.5%) were hemorrhagic CVA. The most common presenting symptoms was hemiparesis and speech changes. Conclusion: Stroke is a common disease seen in Nepal, with higher percentages of hemorrhagic stroke.

Individual and community experience of rising burden of non-communicable diseases in two case districts of Nepal: a qualitative exploration.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a rapidly emerging global health challenge with multi-level determinants popularly known as social determinants. The objective of this paper is to describe the individual and community experiences of NCDs in the two case districts of Nepal from a social determinants of health perspective. This study adopted qualitative study design to identify the experiences of NCDs. Sixty-three interviews were conducted with key informants from different sectors pertinent to NCD prevention at two case districts and at the policy level in Nepal. Twelve focus group discussions were conducted in the selected communities within those case districts. Data collection and analysis were informed by the adapted Social Determinants of Health Framework. The research team utilised the framework approach to carry out the thematic analysis. The study also involved three sense-making workshops with policy level and local stakeholders. Three key themes emerged during the analysis. The first theme highlighted that individuals and communities were experiencing the rising burden of NCDs and metabolic risks in both urban and rural areas. The other two themes elaborated on the participant's experiences based on their socio-economic background and gender. Disadvantaged populations were more vulnerable to the risk of NCDs. Further, being female put one into an even more disadvantaged position in experiencing NCD risks and accessing health services. The findings indicated that key social determinants such as age, geographical location, socio-economic status and gender were driving the NCD epidemic. There is an urgent need to take action on social determinants of health through multi-sectoral action, thus also translating the spirit of the recommendations made a decade ago by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health in addressing a complex challenge like NCDs in Nepal.

Community health workers for non-communicable disease prevention and control in Nepal: a qualitative study

Background/objectiveThe increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nepal underscores the importance of strengthening primary healthcare systems to deliver efficient care. In this study, we examined the barriers and facilitators...

Psychiatric Morbidities in Patients with Non-communicable Diseases among Inpatients of Medicine Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Psychiatric morbidities are common among patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. These diseases have high morbidity, mortality, and higher health costs. However, psychiatric conditions are often underdiagnosed and undertreated in our country. This study aimed to find out the psychiatric morbidities among patients with non-communicable diseases admitted in inpatients units of the medicine department. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the inpatients of the medicine department of a tertiary care hospital among 926 patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. Ethical approval was obtained from the Chitwan Medical College Institutional Review Committee (Ref.No.IRC:2074/75:38). A convenient sampling technique was used. Patients were interviewed using the Patients Health Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Among 926 non-communicable disease patients, psychiatric morbidities observed were somatization 612 (66.1%) anxiety 319 (34.4%), and depression 379 (40.9%). Patients with multiple non-communicable diseases had higher psychiatric morbidities compared to patients with a single disease. Psychiatric morbidities are common among admitted patients suffering from non-communicable diseases in Nepal. Hence, regular screening services are needed in all levels of health care centers to identify and treat the risk groups on time.

Building Strong Primary Health Care to Tackle the Growing Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nepal

ABSTRACT Nepal is currently facing a double burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases, with rising trends of NCDs. This situation will add great pressure to already fragile health systems and pose a major challenge to the country’s development unless urgent action is taken. While the primary health care approach offers a common platform to effectively address NCDs through preventive and curative interventions, yet its potential is not fully tapped in Nepal. In line with the Alma Ata and Astana Declarations, we propose an integrated approach for Nepal, and other low-and middle-income countries, including six key reforms to enhance the primary care response to the increasing burdens of NCDs.

Mean dietary salt intake in Nepal: A population survey with 24‐hour urine collections

High salt (sodium chloride) intake raises blood pressure and increases the risk of developing hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Little is known about salt intake in Nepal, and no study has estimated salt consumption from 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Participants (n=451) were recruited from the Community-Based Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nepal(COBIN) cohort in 2018. Salt intake was estimated by analyzing 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate differences in salt intake. The mean (±SD) age and salt intake were 49.6 (±9.8)years and 13.3 (±4.7)g/person/d, respectively. Higher salt intake was significantly associated with male gender (β for female=-2.4; 95% CI: -3.3, -1.4) and younger age (β10years =-1.4; 95% CI: -1.4, -0.5) and higher BMI (β=0.1; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.2). A significant association was also found between increase in systolic blood pressure and higher salt intake (β=0.3; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.7). While 55% reported that they consumed just the right amount of salt, 98% were consuming more than the WHO recommended salt amount (<5g/person/d). Daily salt intake in this population was over twice the limit recommended by the WHO, suggesting a substantial need to reduce salt intake in this population. It also supports the need of global initiatives such as WHO's Global Hearts Initiative SHAKE technical package and Resolves to Save Lives for sodium reduction in low- and middle-income countries like Nepal.

Study, Design, and Rationale of Noncommunicable Diseases in Nepal (NCD Nepal) Study: A Community-Based Prospective Epidemiological and Implementation Study in Rural Nepal.

BackgroundNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of deaths globally. Currently, there are limited high-quality data on the epidemiology and usefulness of community-based screening and treatment of NCDs in low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC), like Nepal. We describe the protocol of a community-based, longitudinal epidemiological study of screening and management of NCDs in rural Nepal.MethodsWe organize monthly mobile health clinics to screen NCDs among 40- to 75-year-old residents from municipal subdivision wards 3, 4, 6, and 7 of Ghorahi submetropolitan city, Dang, Nepal (approximately 406 km west of the capital, Kathmandu). We estimate a total of 7052 eligible participants. After obtaining informed consent, trained personnel will collect sociodemographic and lifestyle data, medical, medication, and family history using validated questionnaires, plus anthropometric measures and capillary glucose levels. We will screen for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, tobacco and alcohol use, self-reported physical activity, dietary habits, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. We will also check hemoglobin A1C, lipid panel, serum creatinine, sodium, potassium, urine dipstick, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio in high-risk participants. We will offer lifestyle counseling, pharmacotherapy or refer to higher level care, where appropriate; routinely follow participants with NCDs for continuity of care; and follow individuals without NCDs but with elevated glucose, prehypertension or other risk factors every year, and those without risk factors every 2 years. We will monitor participants in the community to reduce attrition and to track all-cause and disease-specific mortality.DiscussionUnderstanding the community burden of NCDs in resource-limited setting and testing effectiveness of community-based screening and management of NCDs will provide insights to develop national policy to address NCD burden in LMIC like Nepal.

Prevalence of Selected Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Nepal.

The burden of non-communicable diseases has increased in the last few decades in low-and middle-income countries including in Nepal.There is limited data on population based prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Hence, this study aims to determine the nationwide prevalence of selected chronic non-communicable diseases in Nepal. A nationwide cross-sectional population-based study was conducted from 2016 to 2018. Data was collected electronically on android device inbuilt with research and monitoring software from 13200 eligible participants aged 20 years and above. Data was cleaned in SPSS version 20.0 and analyzed using Stata version 13.1. The overall prevalence of selected non-communicable diseases was found to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 11.7% (95% CI: 10.5-12.9), diabetes mellitus 8.5% (95% CI: 7.8-9.3), chronic kidney disease 6.0% (95% CI: 5.5-6.6) and coronary artery disease 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4-3.4) in Nepal. Prevalence of non-communicable diseases varied across provinces. Higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25.1%, 95% CI: 18.1-33.8) in Karnali Province, diabetes (11.5%, 95% CI: 9.8-13.4) in Province 3, chronic kidney disease (6.8%, 95% CI: 5.6-8.1) in Gandaki Province and coronary artery disease in Gandaki (3.6%, 95% CI: 2.2-5.7) and Sudurpaschim Province (3.6%, 95% CI: 2.1-6.1) was observed. The study reported substantial proportion of adult population was found to have chronic non-communicable diseases in Nepal. The findings of this study may be useful for revising/updating multi-sectoral action plans on prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Nepal.

Prevalence, patterns, and correlates of physical activity in Nepal: findings from a nationally representative study using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)

BackgroundThe promotion of a physically active lifestyle might help address the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in Nepal. However, there is a lack of nationally representative estimates of physical activity (PA) prevalence in Nepal. The aim of this nationwide cross-sectional study was to determine domain-specific PA levels and the association of socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics with total PA among Nepalese adults aged 15–69 years.MethodsThe data were collected using self-administered questionnaires in a nationally representative sample of 4143 adults (66.5% females), comprised of both rural and urban populations in Nepal. PA levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).ResultsBased on self-reported estimates, around 97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96–98%) of men and 98% (95% CI: 98–99%) of women were found to meet the recommended levels of PA. Both men and women reported high occupational PA, whilst most participants of both sexes did not report engaging in any leisure-time PA. A multiple regression analysis showed that less self-reported total PA was associated with older age, higher level of education, urban place of residence, never been married, being underweight, and smoking in both sexes and with overweight and obesity in males (p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionAccording to self-reported estimates, majority of Nepalese men and women are meeting the recommended levels of PA. The total self-reported PA in Nepalese adults is high, because many of them have labour intensive jobs. Although older age, higher level of education, urban place of residence, never been married, being underweight, and smoking in both sexes, as well as overweight and obesity in males were inversely associated with self-reported PA, the overall level of PA in all these groups was very high. Given the high overall self-reported PA found in the current study, promoting more PA in Nepal may not be as important as in some other countries; not even in the population groups for which we found a negative association with PA. Nevertheless, future studies should examine whether a more balanced distribution of occupational and leisure-time PA would promote better health among Nepalese adults.

Estimation of Salt Consumption from 24-hour Urine Collection in a Nepalese Population (P18-084-19)

ObjectivesHigh salt (sodium chloride) intake is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Current consumption of salt in Nepal is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate average salt intake in a Nepalese population from 24-hr urine collection in a population-based survey. MethodsParticipants (n = 499) were recruited from the Community-Based Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nepal (COBIN) cohort in the peri-urban area of Pokhara municipality from July to December 2018. The modified version of STEPS survey of non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors was administered. Salt intake was estimated from a single 24-hr urine collection. Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate differences in salt intake (g) associated with a variety of factors including demographics, lifestyle, health care, and health literacy. ResultsMean (SD) age was 50.0 (9.7) years; mean salt intake was 13.0 (4.8) g/person/d. Male gender, younger age, and higher body mass index were significantly associated with higher salt intake (Table). Although 55% of respondents thought that they consumed just the right amount of salt, 96% were consuming more than the WHO-recommended level of less than 5 g/d. Almost half of the respondents reported that they consumed processed food containing high amounts of salt. In multivariate analyses, systolic blood pressure was 0.4 mmHg (95% CI: 0.05, 0.7) higher per 1-gram increase in salt intake. ConclusionsDaily intake of salt in this Napalese population was over twice the WHO recommended upper limit, indicating a substantial need to reduce salt across the entire population. Community-based interventions for behavior modification through health education and dietary counseling may be effective in this population where salt is added during cooking. Still, interventions targeting the marketing, availability, and labeling of processed foods is also important, as intake of processed foods was also commonplace in Nepal. Funding SourcesPHI through financial support from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA; Jayanti Memorial Trust (JMT), Nepal; Nepal Development Society (NEDS), Nepal. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪

Non-communicable disease prevention in Nepal: systemic challenges and future directions.

Developing countries such as Nepal are experiencing a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) resulting in social and economic losses. In Nepal, more than half of the disease burden is due to NCDs. The major NCDs in Nepal are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Behavioural factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are driving the epidemic of NCDs, which are further influenced by social, economic and environmental determinants. The health system of Nepal has not been able to address the ever-increasing burden of NCDs. With the formulation of the Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of NCDs 2014-2020, there has been some hope for tackling the NCDs and their social determinants in Nepal through a primary prevention approach. This paper discusses the systemic challenges and recommends two key actions for the prevention and control of NCDs in Nepal.

Use of Healthcare Services by Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases in Nepal: A Qualitative Study with Healthcare Providers.

The healthcare systems in many Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Nepal have long focused on preventing and treating infectious diseases. Little is known about their preparedness to address the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to investigate the use of healthcare services by patients with NCDs in Nepal. Nine healthcare providers (including health assistants, pharmacy assistants, nurse, specialised nurse, practicing pharmacists, chief hospital pharmacist, doctors and specialised doctor) from Pokhara, Nepal, were recruited using purposive sampling. In depth interviews about the magnitude of NCDs, first point of care, screening and diagnosis, prevention and management, follow-up, and healthcare system responses to NCD burden were conducted. Data were thematically analysed with a deductive approach. Although the healthcare system in Nepal is still primarily focused on communicable infectious diseases, healthcare providers are aware of the increasing burden of NCDs and NCD risk factors. The first points of care for patients with NCDs are government primary healthcare facilities and private pharmacies. NCDs are often diagnosed late and opportunistically. NCD prevention and treatment is unaffordable for many people. There are no government sponsored NCD screening programs. There are problems associated with screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with NCDs in Nepal. Healthcare providers believe that the current healthcare system in Nepal is inadequate to address the growing problem of NCDs. The health system of Nepal will face challenges to incorporate programs to prevent and treat NCDs in addition to the pre-existing communicable diseases.

Burgeoning burden of non-communicable diseases in Nepal: a scoping review.

In the last decades, prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has escalated in Nepal. This study reviews existing evidence on the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nepal using the framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley for scoping reviews. A total of 110 articles were identified from database searches, and four from additional searches. The titles and abstracts were reviewed using predetermined screening criteria. We limited our search to existing literature in English language and included all studies regardless of year of study. Both observational and interventional studies were included. Studies conducted outside Nepal and studies not reporting prevalence of NCDs were excluded. Additionally, we searched reference lists of included publications. All previous reports of Step Wise Surveillance to NCDs (STEPS Surveys) were included in the review. Finally, a total of 60 articles were included in this review. Limited studies on population-based prevalence of mental illness, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and road traffic accidents were found. There were limitations in the studies related to generalizability due to small sample sizes, non-random sampling and lack of studies from certain region of country. Nevertheless, high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was found. Similarly, hospital-based studies reported high burden of cardiovascular diseases among outpatient contacts. Population-based cancer registries do not exist in Nepal. However, existing studies report 8,000-10,000 cancer deaths annually in Nepal. The most common cancer site in males was the lung, followed by the oral cavity and gastric, while the first three in females were cervix uteri, breast and lung. Prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was also high. Despite alarming burden of NCDs, the country’s response is weak. Nepal needs to build non-communicable disease programmes with focus on disease prevention and management as well as awareness activities in urban and rural settings at community level.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12992-015-0119-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

State of non-communicable diseases in Nepal.

BackgroundThe prevalence of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is still unknown in Nepal. The Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal has not yet formulated policy regarding NCDs in the absence of evidence based finding. The study aims to find out the hospital based prevalence of NCDs in Nepal, thus directing the concerned authorities at policy level.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted to identify the hospital based prevalence of 4 NCDs (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), wherein 400 indoor patients admitted during 2009 were randomly selected from each of the 31 selected health institutions which included all non-specialist tertiary level hospitals outside the Kathmandu valley (n = 25), all specialist tertiary level hospitals in the country (n = 3) and 3 non-specialist tertiary level hospitals inside the Kathmandu valley. In case of Kathmandu valley, 3 non-specialist health institutions- one central hospital, one medical college and one private hospital were randomly selected. The main analyses are based on the 28 non-specialist hospitals. Univariate (frequency and percentage) and bivariate (cross-tabulation) analysis were used.ResultsIn non-specialist institutions, the hospital based NCD prevalence was 31%. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43%) was the most common NCD followed by cardiovascular disease (40%), diabetes mellitus (12%) and cancer (5%). Ovarian (14%), stomach (14%) and lung cancer (10%) were the main cancers accounting for 38% of distribution. Majority of CVD cases were hypertension (47%) followed by cerebrovascular accident (16%), congestive cardiac failure (11%), ischemic heart disease (7%), rheumatic heart disease (5%) and myocardial infarction (2%). CVD was common in younger age groups while COPD in older age groups. Majority among males (42%) and females (45%) were suffering from COPD.ConclusionsThe study was able to reveal that Nepal is also facing the surging burden of NCDs similar to other developing nations in South East Asia. Furthermore, the study has provided a background data on NCDs in Nepal which should prove useful for the concerned organizations to focus and contribute towards the prevention, control and reduction of NCD burden and its risk factors.