Acute pesticide poisoning is a significant public health concern in developing countries, including Nepal, where agriculture remains a major occupation. The easy accessibility and improper handling of pesticides contribute to both intentional and accidental poisonings. This study is intended to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and patterns of acute pesticide poisoning among patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care center in Eastern Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the emergency department of a tertiary care center in Eastern Nepal during a defined study period. Data were collected using a structured proforma, including demographic details, type and route of poisoning, clinical presentation, management provided, and patient outcomes. Descriptive statistical techniques were employed to interpret the data. A total of 688 cases of acute pesticide poisoning were included. The majority of patients were young adults aged 15–30 years, with a higher prevalence among females. Organophosphates were the most commonly implicated agents (44.2%) followed by rodenticides and organochlorine. Most cases were intentional ingestion. Common symptoms included vomiting, altered sensorium, and respiratory distress. Supportive management, along with atropine and pralidoxime for organophosphate poisoning, was provided. The majority recovered with timely intervention, though 19.6% experienced complications and 6.3% mortality was recorded. Acute pesticide poisoning remains a prevalent and preventable health issue in Eastern Nepal, particularly among young individuals. Early recognition and prompt management are essential to improving outcomes. Strengthening regulation on pesticide sales, public awareness, and mental health interventions are critical to reducing the incidence of such poisonings.
Pregnancy is a period of great joy, also great stress to women both physically and mentally. Even in healthy women pregnancy may give rise to much anxiety because of anticipated uncertainty associated with it. The study aimed to assess the stress and anxiety among pregnant women. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. The study population consists of pregnant women who were 12-38wks pregnant and attending to Gynae/Obs OPD for regular checkup at Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre. Data were collected from Falgun 6 to Chaitra 25, 2080. A purposive sampling technique was used. Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS) and Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) was used to collect the data. Collected data were entered, coded and edited into SPSS (16) and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Of total 33.9% moderate, 32.6% had severe and 33.4% Eustress (normal stress) level of stress. There were no any statistically significant association between level of stress and selected variables. Similarly, 74.2% had minimal, 23.4% mild to moderate and 2.4% respondents have severe level of anxiety. Family support was statistically significant with level of anxiety during pregnancy (p=0.05). There was statistically significant of average positive correlation between stress and anxiety (r=0.605, p=0.001) among pregnant women. In majority of pregnant women have higher stress which reflect the higher anxiety.
Identification refers to the determination of individuality of a person based on certain physical characteristics. It has been proved by researchers that a strong co-relation exists between one’s stature and footprint/ foot outline measurements. Estimation of stature forms a basic domain during the investigation of unknown/ comingled human remains. The dimensions measured in the lower extremities of the body have greater association with the stature of the individual than those from the upper extremities. This study was conducted from May 2024 to October 2024 AD in 153 medical students of Nepal Medical College, Kathmandu. The height of each person of the study was measured using height scale and right and left foot length was measured using vernier calipers. Linear regression formula (a+bx) for estimating the stature of male and females and of total subjects, was obtained from the data entered in SPSS version 16. Based on the data, the mean height of males was 170.41 ± 6.12, that of females was 158.28 ± 6.21. The right and left foot length of males was 24.41 ± 1.24 and 24.64 ± 1.26 and for females was 22.36 ± 1.17 and 22.39 ± 1.19 respectively. Significant associationwas obtained between the height and foot lengths of males and females of the study.Regression formulae were obtained from the respective heights and foot lengths of total sample, males and females which showed significant co-relation (P <0.0005). Based on the results obtained from the data, it is evident that there is significant co-relation between stature and foot length and foot length measurement. This study has limitations regarding small study population and intra-observer and inter-observer bias.
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) pose a major public health issue worldwide, resulting in over 3,000 fatalities each day across the globe. Low- and middle-income nations account for roughly 85% of these deaths and 90% of the annual disability-adjusted life years lost. Nepal is ranked 79th in the world for RTA-related fatalities, making it the 11th leading cause of death in the nation. Factors such as difficult terrain, adverse weather, insufficient infrastructure, and poor traffic management significantly contribute to the elevated accident rates. The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiological features of road traffic accidents in Kathmandu, with an emphasis on demographic trends, temporal distribution, types of vehicles involved, and patterns of injury. A retrospective hospital-based study was carried out at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. All cases of RTA in Kathmandu who presented to our hospital were included in this study. All complete RTA cases within the city of Kathmandu were included in the analysis. Data were gathered concerning age, sex, injury locations, time of occurrence, and day of the week. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21. During the study period, a total of 296 RTA cases were documented. Males accounted for 219 cases (73.99%) compared to 77 females (26.01%), resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 2.84:1. The age group most affected was 20-29 years (217 cases, 73.31%). Friday had the highest number of accidents (113 cases, 38.18%), with peak occurrences during daytime hours (143 cases, 48.31%). Two-wheelers were involved in 244 cases (82.43%), making them the most prevalent type of vehicle. Extremity injuries were the most common (290 cases, 97.97%), followed by head injuries (113 cases, 38.18%). Young males aged 20-29 years using two-wheelers are at highest risk for RTAs. The predominance of extremity and head injuries emphasizes the critical need for helmet use and improved road safety measures. Targeted interventions including strict traffic law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness campaigns are essential to reduce RTA incidence and severity.
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is preferred surgery to treat patients with Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction(PUJO). The main objective of the study was to assess outcome of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in our university hospital. This was retrospective descriptive observational study which included 36 patients diagnosed with PUJO by CT IVU (intravenous urography) and diuretic DTPA (Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic acid) renogram presented to Dhulikhel hospital from 1st January 2023 to 30th January 2025. Patient were reviewed in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and radiological findings. Statistical correlation with the presence of crossing vessels was analyzed using student’s t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Mean age was 30.03±10.66 years, 17(47.22%) female and 19(52.78%) male patient. Most of the patient were asymptomatic 38.89% followed by pain 33.33%. crossing vessel compression was noted in 10 patient(27.78%). Mean operative duration was 174.17±18.80 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 2.67±0.48 days. A statistically significant correlation was noted between the presence of crossing vessels and gender, as well as kidney stones. Recurrence noted in 1 patient (2.78%) managed with redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is safe, effective option for treatment of PUJO with comparable success rate, less post operative pain, short hospital stay however operative duration is prolonged.
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy significantly impacts fetal health in the long term. Inadequate nutrient intake can lead to maternal anemia, which increases the risk of other complications and maternal mortality. It can also result in fetal growth retardation and low birth weight. Both the quality and quantity of nutrition are crucial during this critical period. The current study aimed to analyze the relation between maternal dietary patterns and infant birth outcome among Nepalese mother. This study was hospital-based birth cohort prospective study. Ethical approval was taken from Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital (Ref no: 63/1180). It was conducted from March 2023 to December 2024 at Paropakar Maternity and women’s Hospital. A total of 367 participants were recruited for the study. The pregnant women who attended ANC OPD at 20 to 26 weeks of gestation were selected. Convenience sampling method was used. Dietary intake assessment was done and the pregnancy outcomes was recorded after delivery. Descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ2) test, and Manova Test was applied. Dietary assessments showed higher adequate consumption of pulses, green leafy vegetables, and dairy products, with a significant relationship (p = 0.001) between dietary adequacy and fetal macrosomia, despite only 4.3% of neonates being macrosomic. Maternal age and occupation had no significant impact on delivery outcomes, and neither did smoking, alcohol, or chronic diseases. Adequate dietary diversity was associated with better mode of delivery outcomes, though it did not significantly affect other neonatal outcomes. Maternal nutrition, particularly dietary diversity, is crucial for neonatal outcomes, with significant associations found for adequate food consumption and delivery outcomes, while other maternal factors showed no significant effects.
Occurrence of cardiovascular accidents inside a dental office is not a surprising event given the stress many patients associate with dental care. Upon graduating from dental school as a dental practitioner, students must be prepared to deliver appropriate measures promptly for successful management of cardiac emergencies occurring in dental clinic. However, there are no documented studies on such preparedness in Nepal yet. Thus, an institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from June-August 2025 among dental students in Kathmandu, Nepal to assess their level of knowledge, attitude and practice on management of cardiovascular medical emergencies plus it's variation based on age, gender and different academic levels of study. A pre-validated close-ended questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was used to assess the study parameters. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test and binomial regression. Regarding knowledge assessment, significant gaps were identified in several topics. Out of 138 participants, over half (53.6%) were still confused regarding the CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) procedure, only 21.7% knew the common cause of cardiac arrest in children and 25.4% understood the functional capacity assessment using metabolic equivalent tasks (METs). About half of the students (52.2%) favored cardio-cerebral resuscitation (CCR) over traditional CPR procedure, with 4th year students showing significantly more positive attitudes (66.7%) compared to interns (41.3%) (p=0.015). Age group and gender were not significant predictors of attitude towards CCR. Only, 44.2% of the students expressed willingness to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on unconscious patients. The practice assessment revealed concerning gaps in emergency preparedness and experience. Only 5.8% of students had encountered cardiac emergencies in clinical settings and merely 11.6% had participated in mock emergency drills. A minority (14.5%) felt capable of managing code blue situations, with interns showing higher confidence (28.3%) compared to 4th year students (2.6%) (p=0.008). However, there was significant variation in continuing education participation, with 4th year students showing higher engagement (66.7%) compared to postgraduate students (29.4%) (p=0.028). Expertise in management of cardiovascular medical emergencies is essential for dental students who will eventually become dental health-care professionals. They have a critical need for clinical exposure and training in managing such situations.
Appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain, and misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of acute appendicitis leads to perforation, postoperative complications, and an increased length of hospital stay. A retrospective study was performed at the Department of Surgery, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Gokarneshwor Municipality-8, Kathmandu, from Jan 2020 to Dec 2022, involving 235 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In our 3-year study, 235 patients (139 males and 96 females) underwent emergency appendectomy. Pain was present in all patients, with a mean duration of 24.89 ± 6.835 hours and a WBC ranging from 9,600 to 18,400 cells/mm3. The average luminal diameter was 9.362 ± 1.3 mm. A total of 22 patients (9.4%) had a perforated appendix. Perforation was more common among males. Similarly, perforated patients presented with pain for 24.5 ± 7.7 hours and a WBC of 15,454 ± 1818.044 cells/mm3. Imaging revealed the luminal diameter of 10.7 ± 1.069 mm. The prevalence of perforation among patients with appendicitis was relatively low with higher male-to-female ratio and a substantial portion of patients occurring in the 18-23 years age group.
Properly completed Computed Tomography (CT) requisition forms are essential for accurate imaging, timely diagnosis, and patient safety. Incomplete documentation may lead to delays, errors, and potential harm. This audit evaluated the completeness of CT requisition forms at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional audit of 267 CT requisition forms was performed. Data on patient demographics, clinical information, and administrative details were collected and analyzed against established standards. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify completeness. Patient name and age were recorded in 99.3% and 98.9% of forms, respectively, while 97.4% documented patient sex. Hospital numbers were missing in 50.2%, provisional diagnosis in 59.6%, and the referring department in 77.9%. Doctor signatures were absent in 29.2%, and allergy history was omitted in 92.5%. Only 7.5% of the forms were fully complete. The audit revealed considerable gaps in the completion of CT requisition forms. Targeted interventions, staff training, and periodic re-audits are recommended to enhance documentation quality and patient safety.
The knee joint is the bicondylar variety of synovial joint of the human body formed by the articulation of lower end of femur with the tibia and patella. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an intra-articular, extra synovial ligament which is most frequently damaged ligament and also requires reconstructive surgery. As there are variation among the age, gender and different populations, the morphometric understanding of ACL is essential. This study aimed to assess the morphometric analysis of ACL in a cadaver. A descriptive observational study was carried out in the Department of Human Anatomy, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital from August 2024 to July 2025 in 26 cadavers including both right and left knees. The formalin preserved cadaveric knees were dissected, exposing the knee joint following the standard procedures. The length and breadth of the ACL were measured by Digital Vernier Caliper. The mean and standard deviation was calculated applying SPSS version 16. All the 52 knees were measured and the mean length of ACL was 38.5 ± 0.49 mm and mean breadth of ACL was 10.00 ± 0.19 mm. The mean length of right and left side ACL was 38.60 ± 0.47 mm. and 38.40 ± 0.52 mm respectively. Similarly, the mean breadth of right and left side of ACL was 9.70 ± 0.16 mm and 10.31 ± 0.22 mm respectively. The present study concluded that the variation in both length and breadth of right and left ACL exists. A thorough understanding of ACL is mandatory during surgical intervention and reconstructive procedure of anterior cruciate ligament.
Pediatric constipation is one of the common gastrointestinal conditions in children presenting with varying complains which are easy to detect from history, but the condition is often under diagnosed. It has significant impact on daily life troubling the children and their parents with complains like hard and painful defecation, abdominal pain, voluntary stool retention and blood in stool. Prevalence of constipation has been found in wide variation among studies from multiple western as well as Asian countries, but there are no studies from Nepal. This cross-sectional study was conducted at our center including children from 2-14 years of age presenting to pediatric OPD. Children were diagnosed by using ROME IV criteria for constipation and analyzed for demographic profile, presenting symptoms, socio-economic conditions, psychological aspects and dietary habits. Out of total 400 children, 127 (31.8%) had constipation with slight male predominance (M:F=1.2:1). Most constipated children had Bristol type I and type II stool with frequency ≤3 episodes per week. Most common complaint was passage of hard stool (88.2%) and painful defecation (52.8%). Outdoor toilet facility was one of the predisposing factors and aversion to use school toilet was the most common precipitating psychological factor. Increased fruits and vegetables intake reduced its incidence and predominant cow’s milk intake increased it. Thus constipation is not an uncommon condition among Nepali children and it is associated with different feeding habits and psychosocial factors. The increased intake of high fiber diet along with availability of indoor toilets reduces the risk of constipation in children.
The brachial plexus is a major nerve network that supplies upper limb. Musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) and median nerve (MN) are two of the branches of cords of brachial plexus which may communicate resulting in the most common variation of the plexus. Recognition and knowledge of such possible anatomical variation will be helpful in the field of neurology, anesthesia and surgery. This study aims to determine the incidence of communication pattern between MCN and MN. Formalin fixed, 50 cadaveric upper limbs of both sides available in the Department of Anatomy were dissected over a period of one year from August 2024 – July 2025. The brachial plexus, MCN and MN were exposed carefully. If Communication was present between MCN and MN, it was classified with reference to Le Minor classification. Variation that does not relate with Le Minor classification was presented as other pattern. The communication between MCN and MN were found in 13 upper limbs (26.0%) and in remaining 37 upper limbs (74.0%) it was absent. Regarding classification of the communication patterns, distribution were found to be; Type I in 37 (74.0%), Type II in 8 (16.0%), Type V in two (4.0%) and other types in three (6.0%) upper limbs (Le Minor classification). MCN communicates with MN after piercing through the coracobrachialis muscle in eight of the upper limbs (Type II). While in two specimen, the communication was present before piercing the coracobrachialis muscle, grouped as other type. MCN was completely absent in two of the upper limbs (Type V).
Menstruation is a natural biological process in females. It is often associated with stigmas and misconceptions, particularly among the males. Understanding male perception towards menstruation is crucial for promoting awareness and reducing gender-based biases. Despite its significance, men's perceptions on menstruation are generally poorly understood, which can impact societal views and relationships. This study aimed to find the perception and knowledge of menstruation among male undergraduate students in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City, Nepal. The rationale was to address the gap in understanding male perception, which significantly influence societal views on menstruation. A cross-sectional survey of 350 students was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions, knowledge, and experiences related to menstruation. The study revealed that 52.3% of students held negative perception, while 47.7% had positive views. A significant proportion (56.3%) lacked adequate knowledge about menstruation. Socio-demographic factors like ethnicity, family type, and educational level were significantly associated with the perception. The study highlights the need for awareness programs to improve menstrual health literacy and reduce stigma. Significance: The findings underscore the importance of involving the males in menstrual health awareness to combat societal stigma and promote men’s involvement in women’s sexual and reproductive health.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen with increasing antimicrobial resistance, creating significant treatment challenges in hospital settings. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of P. aeruginosa and screen for the blaKPC gene among meropenem-resistant isolates. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022, yielding 75 non-duplicate isolates identified through standard microbiological methods; antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby- Bauer technique, and 17 meropenem-resistant isolates underwent PCR for blaKPC detection. Sputum (33.33%) and pus (29.33%) were the most common specimen sources, and multidrug resistance was observed in 54.7% of isolates, particularly among inpatients and ICU cases. High-rate resistance to ceftazidime and piperacillin was noted, while carbapenem resistance remained moderate (21-23%). None of the meropenem-resistant isolates carried the blaKPC gene, indicating alternative carbapenem resistance mechanisms. These findings highlight a substantial burden of MDR P. aeruginosa and underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and strengthened infection control practices.
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, with a particularly high burden in South Asia due to increasing prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to assess the association of risk factors and clinical profiles of ischemic and hemorrhagic CVA in a tertiary care center in Western Nepal. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the emergency department of Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital from August 2021 to July 2022. A total of 478 CVA patients were included through convenience sampling. Data on risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Among 478 patients, 238 (49.8%) had ischemic CVA and 240 (50.2%) had hemorrhagic CVA. Hypertension (68.0% vs. 76.0%; p=0.047) and alcohol consumption (33.0% vs. 58.0%; p<0.001) were significantly associated with hemorrhagic CVA, while smoking (73.0% vs. 51.0%; p<0.001) and dyslipidemia (51.0% vs. 40.0%; p=0.017) were more common in ischemic CVA. Common clinical features included arm weakness (70.3%), slurred speech (23.6%), and facial drooping (23.0%). Hemorrhagic CVA was significantly associated with loss of consciousness (p<0.001), higher median systolic blood pressure (160 vs. 140 mmHg; p<0.001), and lower mean GCS (10 vs. 13; p<0.001). Mortality was higher in hemorrhagic CVA (N=59; p<0.001), while 97.0% of ischemic stroke patients were discharged. Significant associations between specific risk factors and stroke subtypes were observed. Early identification and management of modifiable risk factors are crucial to reducing the burden and severity of CVA in Nepal.
Burn injury has high incidence in Nepal and the outcome is generally poor. Besides physical health, burn also impacts many other aspects of life, including quality of life. This study aimed to study health-related life quality among burn patients in Nepal and explore associated sociodemographic and burn-related factors. A descriptive study was conducted in two burn specialty hospitals of Kathmandu. Burn patients 18 years or older, after acute burn management, and admitted or attending the hospitals' out-patient clinic were studied. Data were collected through face-to-face interview and patients’ hospital records, using the Burn Specific Health Scale Brief - Nepali version, consisting 40 items under three main domains (physical, burn-specific, and social-emotinal). Among 337 burn patients, 154 were males (45.7%) and 183 females (54.3%); mean age was 39.7 years (±16.9). The median score was 115 (IQR 97-146) and overall, 72.4% patients had poor health related quality of life. Poor health-related quality of life was found in 92.3% for physical function domain, 86.6% for burn specific domain and 70.3% for social-emotional function domain. Active age group, nuclear family type, higher education, deeper burn injury, larger affected skin area, presence of complication were significantly associated with poor health-related quality of life.
As non communicable diseases (NCDs) have now become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality with its burden rising more in the low income countries like Nepal, community based management of NCDs by mobilizing health workers from basic health service centers may give good results as well as reduce the load for the tertiary centers. For this generating data related to NCD in a particular locality is very important and this is scarce in Nepal which mainly relies on the data provided by the central government. A survey was done in 2 wards of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality of Kathmandu District, Nepal which is undergoing rapid urbanization, in the year 2023 and 2024 AD. This survey which included 2,900 adult participants in which around 1/4th had NCD. The prevalence of hypertension was 13% and diabetes 6.5% with diabetes more prevalent in Brahmin and Chettri caste. These locally generated data along with its use in managing the disease can also be used in raising health awareness in the local settings.
The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) is a vital aspect of dental care, influencing long-term tooth survival and overall oral health. This descriptive, cross-sectional survey assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 201 dental practitioners in Kathmandu Valley regarding post-endodontic restoration. Results showed that most participants demonstrated strong theoretical knowledge, with 63.2% favoring post and core restorations and 87.5% recognizing the importance of a ferrule. While positive attitudes was showed by a large percentage 87.4% which agreed on the significance of restoring ETT, while practical implementation was inconsistent. Notably, only 19.8% consistently used a rubber dam despite 90.5% acknowledging its necessity. Most participants, 97.5% adapted techniques based on clinical conditions, and 96.5% engaged in continuing education. The study highlights a knowledge-practice gap, especially in infection control and post utilization of technique. These findings underscore the need for targeted clinical training and standardized protocols to ensure evidence-based, consistent restoration practices for improved patient outcomes.
Knee joint is a bicondylar variety of synovial joint formed by articulations among lower end of femur, upper end of tibia and patella. It is stabilized by numbers of ligaments, anterolateral ligament (ALL) being one of them. Recently, ALL is gaining researcher’s attention because of its discovery as a new ligament of knee joint which has a potential role in the anterolateral rotational stability. However, there is still persistence of different anatomical description of the ALL, including its prevalence, femoral origin, and tibial insertion. This study aimed to determine prevalence and detail anatomy of ALL in human knee joint. The study included 30 cadaveric lower limb of both side with intact knee joint available in Nepal Medical College, Department of Human Anatomy. ALL was identified in 26 knee joint (86.7%) where mean length of the ALL measured at extension and 90º flexion was 31.12± 8.06 mm and 32.59±7.71 mm respectively. The femoral attachment of ALL was variable; the most common one 42.31% being attached just posteroinferior to the lateral femoral epicondyle (LFE) followed by 38.46% attached to posterosuperior aspect of LFE and 19.23% of ALL attached just anteroinferior to LFE. The attachment of ALL on tibia was quantified relative to bony landmark; Gerdy’s tubercle (GT). The average distance between the GT and ALL attachment was found to be 21.82±4.89 mm. There is a need for detailed understanding of the ALL anatomy to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of knee joint pathology.
According to the WHO, pesticides are chemical compounds that are used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, and unwanted plants (weeds) or it is any substance, or mixture of substances of chemical or biological ingredients intended for repelling, destroying, or controlling any pest, or regulating plant growth. Persistent organic pollutants circulate globally as a set of toxic chemicals that are persistent in the environment and can last for several years before breaking down. This study aims to find out the knowledge of consumers on effects of pesticide used in vegetables and fruits on health and environment. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among visitors of patients, students, and staff at tertiary center after getting ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee. Individuals who know effects of pesticides on health were included in the study and those who did not give consent for study were excluded. Convenience sampling method was used. Out of 324 participants, 146 (45.10%) of participants reside in urban areas, followed by semi-urban 107 (33.0%) and rural 71 (21.90%). Organophosphates are the most common pesticides used on fruits and vegetables, 167 (51.54%). The risk of pesticide residues to health was known by 295 (91.0%) of respondents. According to the majority, 291 (89.80%) pesticides used are bad for the environment, and only 33 (10.20%) think that pesticide use is not bad for the environment. This descriptive cross-sectional study concludes diverse levels of knowledge among consumers regarding the effect of pesticide use in vegetables and fruits, as well as knowledge level influenced by education, income, and geographic location. There is an urgent need for accessible, clear communication through labelling and public education to bridge these gaps and to promote sustainable consumer practice.
