Introduction: Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a conduction abnormality well-described in adults, but its prevalence and clinical significance in children remain poorly understood, particularly in Nepal. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of RBBB among school children in Kathmandu and assess associated structural cardiac abnormalities by echocardiography. Methods: A school-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 students (grades 6–10) in Kathmandu, Nepal, from July to December 2025. Participants underwent clinical examination and 12-lead electrocardiography. Children with RBBB underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Data were analyzed using PSPP version 2.1.1, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: RBBB was identified in 10 children (6.25%), predominantly incomplete (n=9, 5.63%), while complete RBBB was rare (n=1, 0.62%). There were no significant differences in age, gender distribution, or electrocardiographic parameters (PR interval, QTc interval, QRS duration) between children with and without RBBB. Echocardiography was normal in seven children (70%). Structural abnormalities were observed in three children (30%): mild mitral regurgitation with mitral valve prolapse in two (20%, both with incomplete RBBB) and a large secundum atrial septal defect with right ventricular dilatation in one (10%, the child with complete RBBB). Conclusions: RBBB was uncommon among school children, with incomplete RBBB predominating. Although most children with RBBB had normal echocardiograms, structural abnormalities were identified in a small number of cases. These echocardiographic findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating, requiring confirmation in larger, adequately powered studies.
Introduction: Delirium tremens (DT) is the most severe complication of alcohol withdrawal and can be fatal if not recognized early. Identifying at-risk patients is challenging, especially in those presenting with seizures who are often too unwell to give a clear history. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study at the Department of Psychiatry, Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital. We included 124 patients—62 cases who developed DT and 62 age- and sex-matched controls with uncomplicated withdrawal. Data on demographics, clinical history, laboratory parameters, and vital signs were extracted from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using PSPP 2.1.1. Results: A history of complicated withdrawal was strongly associated with DT (OR = 12.27, 95% CI: 2.72–55.35, p = 0.001). Patients with DT had significantly higher MCV (95.45 vs. 91.92 fL, p = 0.004), SGOT (200.61 vs. 102.50 U/L, p = 0.002), systolic BP (138.00 vs. 128.50 mmHg, p < 0.001), and diastolic BP (84.00 vs. 78.00 mmHg, p = 0.001). Platelet count (167,590.16 vs. 179,800.00 ×10³/μL, p = 0.01) and potassium (3.78 vs. 3.93 mEq/L, p = 0.049) were significantly lower among cases. No significant differences were observed for hemoglobin, bilirubin, SGPT, ALP, sodium, creatinine, urea, or pulse rate. Conclusions: A history of complicated withdrawal, elevated MCV and SGOT, higher blood pressure, lower platelets, and lower potassium were significantly associated with DT. These readily available parameters can help clinicians identify high-risk patients early and initiate timely preventive measures.
Introduction: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is widely used for chronic rhinosinusitis and other sinonasal disorders. This study evaluated the clinico-epidemiological profile and complications of patients undergoing FESS at a tertiary hospital in Nepal. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, from July 2025 to March 2026. Adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing elective functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis and related sinonasal diseases were enrolled using total enumeration with consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using PSPP 2.1.1 and summarized using descriptive statistics. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Committee of Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital (IRC-37-2081/82). Results: A total of 60 patients underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The mean age was 37.83 ± 5.91 years, and 55.00% were male. Chronic rhinosinusitis was the most common diagnosis (38.33%), followed by chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (35.00%) and allergic fungal sinusitis (26.67%). Allergies (68.33%) and deviated nasal septum (51.67%) were the most common comorbidity and anatomical variation, respectively. Chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical therapy was the leading indication for FESS (53.33%). Unilateral surgery was performed in 66.67% of patients, with a mean operative duration of 150.08 ± 31.57 minutes. Immediate postoperative pain occurred in all patients, and all demonstrated symptomatic improvement during the 1–4-week follow-up. Conclusions: FESS was mainly performed for chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis, with favorable short-term outcomes. Despite common minor postoperative pain, all patients showed symptomatic improvement during follow-up.
Introduction: The WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification is an important tool for monitoring antibiotic stewardship and curbing antibiotic resistance. This study described the prevalence of antibiotic use based on WHO AWaRe classification at a tertiary care center. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in internal medicine department from 24 December 2025 to 23 March 2026 for a duration of three months after approval from Institutional Review Committee, Protocol No: 16/25/V1.R0. Patients who were prescribed at least one antibiotic in outpatient prescription forms or inpatient medication charts were included. Convenience sampling method was used. Data of patients, including socio-demographic profile, clinical characteristics, and antibiotic use patterns, were collected. The WHO AWaRe classification was used to assess patterns of antibiotic use. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation, frequency and percentage using PSPP 2.1.1. Results: Of the total 218 patients, 139 (63.76%) were female. A total of 410 antibiotics were used. Average number of antibiotics prescribed per patient was 1.88±0.90. From watch group, 292 (71.21%) antibiotics were used. Of the total antibiotics used from watch group, 238 (58.04%) were prescribed to those above 50 years of age, and 166 (40.46%) to females. Moreover, 363 (88.53%) antibiotics were prescribed from National List of Essential Medicines Nepal 2021 (Sixth Revision). Conclusions: Majority of drugs used belonged to watch group of the WHO AWaRe classification. The study suggests a coordinated effort for antibiotic stewardship and scope for improvement of antibiotic use from access group.
Introduction: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, or TEN, is a rare but very dangerous skin condition that is usually caused by medicines. In South Asia, including Nepal, we do not have much information about it. So we did this study to understand how TEN shows up in patients who come to our big hospital in Western Nepal. Methods: We looked back at the records of all TEN patients who came to our skin department from June 2010 to October 2025. We collected their age, sex, what medicines they took, what treatment they got, and how they did. Results: We found 70 patients with full records. Their average age was about 40 years, and more of them were women than men. Most were in their thirties. The medicines that caused the problem most often were anticonvulsants and antibiotics. All 70 patients got steroid injections and good wound care, and every one of them got better and went home. But we also found that 12 other TEN patients were sent to other hospitals because they were getting worse. We could not follow them, so we did not include them in our study. Conclusion: While all 70 patients in our cohort showed clinical improvement with corticosteroids and supportive care, the referral of 12 deteriorating patients to other centers suggests that the "0% mortality" figure reflects referral bias rather than true treatment success. we need better systems to track patients who get referred.
PART I: WHY WE PUBLISHMedical journals have been around since the 1600s. They are not just places to store facts. They are the foundation of modern medicine. For doctors and researchers, publishing is not about ego. It shows honesty in your work. It is a gift to the medical community. It saves lives. Publishing separates those who just read from those who create. In our hospitals and universities, publications decide who gets promoted, who gets research money, who gets recognized as a specialist, and even the global reputation of our schools. To publish is to join the world’s conversation about healing. But here is the strange thing. The very tools that carry this conversation - our own medical journals - are often the weakest and most ignored parts of our institutions. We treat them like decorations, not necessities. We assume they run by themselves. But they depend entirely on the unpaid, unseen, and exhausting work of a few dedicated people. This is the first and biggest problem we must face.........
Unsafe abortion is one of the major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. It is defined as a procedure for terminating an unwanted pregnancy either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment lacking minimal medical standards or both. According to the WHO, between 2010 and 2014, 25% of pregnancies ended in induced abortion and among them approximately 25 million were unsafe. Here, we present a case of 26-year-old female who presented to emergency department with complaints of vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain after dilatation and curettage followed by incomplete expulsion of fetus. Surgical abortion was attempted by an unqualified provider resulting in uterine rupture along with displacement of decapitated fetal head into the abdominal cavity. This case report highlights the grave complications that may arise during the abortion if done by untrained hands. It also warns about the prevailing unethical medical practices and aids to prevent such medical mishaps.
Introduction: Endotracheal tubes act as reservoir for pathogens by providing a surface for adherence and forming biofilms. Most ventilator-associated pneumonia is due to the dissemination of these biofilms into the mechanically ventilated lung. So this study will provide an idea about different bacteria that remained within the endotracheal tube and provide a reference for the selection of empirical antibiotic therapy. Methods: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Microbiology laboratory of Lumbini Medical College. A total of 114 endotracheal tubes, sent from different ICU departments of Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital, during one year from May 2022 to April 2023, were collected. Thus, the collected specimens were processed in the Microbiology lab for isolation of colonized bacteria. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed for all isolates by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Among the total 114 endotracheal tubes, 97 (85.05%) showed growth and 17 (14.91%) showed no growth. Seventeen specimens showed growth of two different bacteria, whereas 80 showed growth of only one. Among these isolates, 89 were Gram-negative bacilli and only 14 were Gram-positive cocci. Pseudomonas spp. 24(21.05%) was the most frequently isolated bacterium, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 23(20.17%) and Acinetobacter spp. 22(19.2%). Most Gram-negative bacilli were sensitive to Piperacillin Tazobactam, Imipenem, and Meropenem. Among 12 isolated Staphylococcus aureus, six were MRSA positive. MRSA showed sensitivity towards vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusions: Pseudomonas spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter spp were the most common isolates with high resistance to most antibiotics.
Introduction: The dorsalis pedis artery is the continuation of the anterior tibial artery from the midpoint of the two malleoli and passes medially along the dorsum to the proximal end of the first intermetatarsal space. It then turns into the sole between the first dorsal interosseous muscle to complete the plantar arch. Tarsal, arcuate, and first dorsal metatarsal arteries are branches of the dorsalis pedis artery. The study aimed to determine variations in the origin, termination, branches, length, and diameter of the dorsalis pedis artery compared with normal anatomy. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in the dissection hall of the Anatomy Department in Lumbini Medical College. Thirty-one lower limbs from cadavers were dissected to expose the dorsalis pedis artery, and the required data were documented for the study. Arteries were colored, and variation was recorded in a photograph. Results: In the 31 lower limbs, the study found the mean diameter of the dorsalis pedis artery at origin to be 4.13±0.88 mm, at termination it was 3.47±0.84 mm, and the mean length was 66.83±12.45 mm. The variation was observed in the arcuate artery and its branches, as well as in the origin and number of dorsal metatarsal arteries and the lateral tarsal artery. Conclusions: The dorsalis pedis artery is a major artery of the foot, so normal and variations of the artery are very important for radiologists, orthopaedics, and vascular surgeons to prevent risk during surgical intervention.
Introduction: One of the most prioritized programs of Government of Nepal is maternal health. Optimum utilization of maternal health services during pregnancy, delivery and post-natal period is an effective approache to reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality that helps us achieve the sustainable development goals target. This study aimed to assess the utilization of maternal health services including antenatal, intranatal and postnatal services among women in the Palpa district of Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 168 mothers in their reproductive age using a convenient sampling method. The study included those mothers who had a delivered a child in the past two years, in Palpa district. The data collection commenced from March to September 2023. The data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (v 21.0). Results: A remarkable finding in the present study was 88.1% of mothers had utilized a minimum of four antenatal check-ups, as recommended by the Government of Nepal. Out of 168 mothers included in the present study 89.9% had institutional delivery while the remainder had home delivery. Post-natal check-ups following delivery was surprisingly uncommon as it was observed that only 28% mothers sought such care. Adequate utilization of maternal health services is influenced by factors such as proximity of health facilities, education level, and knowledge of maternal incentives. Conclusion: While service utilization for pregnancy and delivery in Palpa district aligns with national standard, further research is needed to identify factors contributing to underutilization of postnatal services.
Introduction: Assessment of drug utilization pattern of conjunctivitis is an important activity that promotes the rationale use of drugs. Thus, the aim of the study is to understand the drug use pattern for conjunctivitis in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the out-patient department of Ophthalmology of Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital from October 2021 to September 2022. Patients diagnosed with conjunctivitis irrespective of age and gender were included in the study. A structured proforma was designed that contained the demographic profile of participants, types of conjunctivitis and different drugs used in conjunctivitis. Data were expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: A total of 385 patients were enrolled in the study. Conjunctivitis was more common in male (55.8%). Viral conjunctivitis was the most common (49.8%). A total of 745 drugs were used. Average number of drugs per prescription was 1.9. The most commonly prescribed drugs were topical antibiotics (40.9%) followed by tear drops (27.5%). Ciprofloxacin (36.1%) was the most commonly prescribed topical antibiotic. Conclusions: Topical antibiotics were commonly used in most cases of conjunctivitis. Among topical antibiotics, ciprofloxacin was commonly prescribed.
Introduction: Overweight and obesity are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to show that neck circumference is a simple tool to identify the overweight and obesity as a new anthropometric index and association with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 246 participants, 123 of whom had diabetes mellitus, and the same numbers were non-diabetics, adjusted for weight and height in both groups. Means with standard deviation were used for neck and waist circumferences, body mass index, and blood sugar, and the Pearson correlation test was applied to identify the association. A comparison of means was done by the student ‘t' test in parametric data within the two groups. Results: The mean neck circumference, body mass index of diabetes and non-diabetes participants were 38.0±3.0 cm, 28.5±2.6 and 36.6±3.2 kg/m2, 27.4±3.1 kg/m2 respectively. In diabetic patients, mean neck and waist circumference, blood sugar were higher than in nondiabetic patients and was significantly correlated with body mass index (r=0.747, p<0.001), waist circumference (r=0.635, p<0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.740, p<0.001 and r=0.619, p<0.001 respectively), fasting and post prandial blood sugar (r=0.275, p=0.002 and r=0.307, p<0.001respectively) and glycated hemoglobin (r=0.220, p=0.014, n=123). In nondiabetic patients, glycated hemoglobin was negatively correlated. Conclusion: This study suggested that neck circumference is a simple, reliable, and appropriate new anthropometric tool to evaluate obesity, overweight, and the risk of metabolic disorders.
Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, has become an alarmingly major health issue worldwide. This study aimed to assess the burden imposed by diabetes mellitus on elderly patients visiting Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted purposively among 178 diabetic elderly patients visiting medicine out-patient department of Lumbini Medical College. The Elderly Diabetes Burden Scale was used to assess the burden imposed by diabetes. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 67.38 (6.92) years, more than half (52.2%) were male, 46.6% were Janajati and 77.5% were from Palpa district. Most (84.3%) had diabetes for duration of one to 10 years, 45.6% had normal body mass index, 47.2% had good glycemic control (HbA1C <7%), and 74.2% were on oral hypo-glycemic agents. Dietary restrictions (10.32±2.97) and worry about diabetes (10.30±2.85) had imposed high burden level and burden by tablets/insulin (7.02±2.12) as lower burden amongst the six domains. Age, education and body mass index were found to be statistically significant with the treatment dissatisfaction domain (p=<0.001). Likewise, duration of diabetes (p=<0.001) was statistically significant with burden by tablets/insulin and symptom burden domain. Conclusion: Dietary restrictions and worry about diabetes were found to have dominant burden whereas, burden by tablets or insulin was the least. Duration of diabetes and body mass index were found to have association with the overall burden. Likewise, age, education and body mass index had high influence on the perceived burden due to treatment dissatisfaction.
Introduction: Globally, hysterectomy is the most common major gynecological procedure. Patients opting for hysterectomy for benign non-prolapse cases may be offered non-descent vaginal hysterectomy with quicker recovery, shorter hospital stay, and less intra- and post-operative morbidity compared to the abdominal route. Vaginal approach for hysterectomy is desirable in Nepal due to limited health resources. This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and post-operative complications of non-descent vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH). Methods: A prospective study was conducted at College of Medical Sciences over one-year period. A total of 50 cases were selected for NDVH on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data regarding age, parity, uterine size, estimated blood loss, length of operation, complication and hospital stay were recorded. Results: The majority of women were in the age group of 41-45 years (mean age: 44.7±5.6 years) and multiparous (38%). The common indications for NDVH were fibroid uterus (66%) and adenomyosis (14%). The mean volume of blood loss was 121.5ml±110.94 and 3% required blood transfusion. The mean drop in hemoglobin level was statistically significant post surgery [1.05gm/dl]. The mean surgical time was 69.54±19.32 minutes. In the post-operative period, 10% women had UTI and 2% had fever. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.06±0.24 days. Conclusion: Non-descent vaginal hysterectomy is a major surgery suitable in low-and middle income countries like Nepal with good outcomes and low complication rates.
Introduction: Cadaveric dissection has been used as a traditional method of teaching and learning for many years. With time, changes in the medical curriculum have reduced the time for anatomy learning and seeking alternative methodologies moving away from traditional learning. With the introduction of new methodology and technology, the question arises whether it is still effective enough to follow the old traditional mode of teaching and learning. With ever-changing medical education, it is important to recognize students' perceptive and attitudes toward learning different methods. Therefore, this study aimed to determine students’ perception towards prosection and dissection in learning anatomy. Methods: The first-year medical students were included in the study. The study was carried out after a series of lectures as per the curriculum. The students were divided into four groups. Each group dissected the cadaver followed by observation of the prosected cadaver explained by the faculty. Questionnaires were prepared related to dissection and prosection and sent to the students using google form. The students' perception towards dissection and prosection was recorded. The results were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. The percentage of students opting for dissection and prosection was calculated. Results: The majority of students (82.5%) preferred dissection over prosection, 2.6% opted for prosection over dissection and 14.9% were still not sure which method of teaching and learning is favorable. Conclusion: The study reflected the traditional method of dissection was more favorable to students while alternative methods can also provide better insight to learning.
Introduction : The study was done to find out the ocular manifestation in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis visiting a tertiary eye centre. Methods: A hospital based descriptive observational study was done among newly diagnosed extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases after approval from the institutional review board. After a detailed ocular evaluation, findings including patient demographics, presenting complaints, best corrected visual acuity, colour vision, contrast sensitivity, Goldman visual field and Optical Coherence tomography Retinal nerve fibre layer analysis of the optic nerve head were recorded in a semi-structured proforma. Data were expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: Out of 50 eyes of 25 patients included in the study, the mean age was 26.92±14.2 years (11-73 years). Sixty four percent were female. Two cases had ocular findings at the time of diagnosis. One case of tuberculous lymphadenitis had phlyctenular conjunctivitis and one case of tubercular meningitis had diplopia with right lateral rectus muscle paresis secondary to raised intracranial pressure. All the patients had best corrected visual acuity better than 6/12 at presentation. Color vision was normal in 72% cases in both eyes. Goldman visual field done at presentation were normal in both eyes in 88% cases while retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and contrast sensitivity were normal in all cases. Conclusion: The prevalence of ocular findings in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis was 8% in this study. Ocular examination is important in cases with extrapulmonary tuberculosis since a significant number of cases have ocular findings.
Introduction: Frozen shoulder is one of the common musculoskeletal disorders characterized by pain and restriction of motion of the shoulder joint. It is also considered a common self-limiting regional skeletal problem. This study aimed to evaluate related risk factors for frozen shoulders. Methods: This was a hospital-based comparative study involving 60 patients with a diagnosed frozen shoulder in the out-patient department as cases and 60 patients hospitalized during the same period with non-shoulder-related complaints as controls. A face-to-face interview was taken. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 120 consecutive subjects (60 patients with frozen shoulders and 60 controls) were taken. The mean age of cases was 54.7±3.21 years and that of controls was 42.08±2.74 years. Among the frozen shoulder patients, 33.3% had diabetes and 15% had a history of thyroid disorder. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid dysfunction as independent risk factors for frozen shoulder (p<0.05). The frozen shoulder patients also had a higher prevalence of cardiac diseases and cervical spondylosis than the controls. No significant difference was found in body mass index, cholecystitis, history of surgical intervention, and uric acid level between the frozen shoulder group and the control group. Conclusions: The study findings indicated that diabetes, thyroid disease, and advanced age have been significantly associated with increased frozen shoulders.
Introduction: Cervical carcinoma is the third most common malignancy worldwide. The World Health Organization in 2014 reported the crude incidence rate of cervical cancer in Nepal as 24.2 per 100,000 women per year. This study was carried out with the aim of finding out the prevalence of cervical smear abnormality in pregnancy. Methods: An observational study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary center for a period of one year from May 2021 to April 2022. All pregnant women up to 28 weeks of gestation who had National Health Insurance coming for antenatal check-ups underwent PAP smear test. The cytological results were reported based on the Bethesda classification system 2001. Results: Of 200 pregnant women enrolled in the study, the Pap smear report revealed that 32% of the study subjects had inflammatory smear showing candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis with reactive inflammatory changes. However, 66.5% of the subjects showed negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy and only 0.5% of subjects had signs related to carcinoma cervix in which the subject had a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. No satisfactory sample was reported in 1% of the subjects. Conclusion: Pap smear during pregnancy not only gives the opportunity to screen but also helps to create awareness.
Introduction: Peripheral neuropathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Foot care is an important part of diabetes management. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and foot care practices among diabetic patients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 178 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and attending out-patient and in-patient departments of Internal Medicine at Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel. The participants were conveniently selected. Face-to-face interviews and a foot examination were used to collect data. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Foot Care were used to determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and to assess foot care practices. Results: The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 41% among the participants, and it was associated with increasing age. The majority (75.8%) of the participants had good foot care practices. Male gender was significantly associated with good foot care practices [AOR = 5.973, 95% CI (2.037-17.515)], whereas past smokers [AOR = 0.296, 95% CI (0.111-0.791)] and not receiving diabetes education [AOR = 0.367, 95% CI (0.151-0.892)] were significantly associated with poor foot care practices. Conclusion: The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was found to be high, and it was linked to an increased age group. The majority of the participants had good foot care practices. However, in comparison, females were found less likely to practice foot care than males.
Introduction: Assessing antihypertensive drug use pattern always plays an important role to mitigate the burden of hypertension and also helps doctors to prescribe the drugs rationally. This study was conducted to assess antihypertensive drug use pattern in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Internal Medicine department of Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital from July 2021 to December 2021 for the duration of five months after ethics approval. Hypertensive patients who were prescribed one or more antihypertensive drugs irrespective of age and gender were included. Socio-demographic profiles, clinical characteristics, and antihypertensive drug use-related data were collected. A convenience sampling technique was used. Categorical variables were expressed as frequency and percentage while continuous variables were reported as mean ± standard deviation. Results: A total of 224 patients were included. The average number of antihypertensive drugs per patient was 1.7 ± 0.8. Combination drug therapy (54.5%) was commonly used. Calcium channel blockers (Amlodipine) were commonly prescribed (66.5%). Moreover, 98.7% and 41.5% patients were prescribed drugs from Essential Drug List of Nepal (Revised 2016) and in Fixed Dose Combination respectively. Use of combination drug therapy was higher among male patients (p = 0.003) and patients with stage II hypertension (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Calcium channel blockers were commonly used as monotherapy and in combination therapy as well. In approximately all of the patients, antihypertensive drugs were used from the essential drug list of Nepal which is an essential component of rational use of medicine.
