International Journal of Scientific Reports

Utilization of maternal health services among mothers with children under two years in Arjundhara municipality, Jhapa, Nepal

Sushant Luitel — 2026-01-21

Background: The government of Nepal has prioritized the National Safe Motherhood Program to improve maternal and neonatal health. Pregnant women who access quality maternal health services, such as focused prenatal care, delivery care, and early postpartum support, can prevent most maternal deaths and complications. This study aimed to evaluate the use of maternal health services among mothers with children under two years in Arjundhara Municipality, Jhapa, Nepal.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of children below two years using systematic random sampling. Verbal informed consent was obtained, and the Little Buddha College of Health Science granted ethical approval. Data analysis included bivariate analysis to identify factors associated with maternal health service utilization.

Results: Most women (87.8%) received antenatal care (ANC) services according to protocol, but less than a quarter (21.5%) received postnatal care (PNC) checkups as recommended. The findings showed positive links between PNC and certain socio-demographic factors. Similarly, mothers who were employed or involved in business were more likely to receive PNC than housewives. Additionally, families with a monthly income between NPR 50,000 and 150,000 were more likely to follow the recommended PNC practices compared to those earning less than NPR 50,000.

Conclusions: Findings showed that while ANC services were well-utilized, PNC services were underutilized. The cost was identified as a barrier, and suggestions were made to improve service availability and incentivize utilization. Overall, respondents expressed high satisfaction with the services received, despite facing challenges such as inadequate facilities and transportation.

Investigating the correlation between solar activity and human health outcomes

Dinesh Reddy Sagam — 2026-01-21

Background: Solar activity, characterized by sunspots and solar cycles, has been hypothesized to influence human health outcomes. This study investigates the correlation between solar activity and health outcomes, including cardiovascular, neurological, and heat-related mortality.

Methods: This observational ecological study analyzed solar activity data from 1950 to 2024, including sunspot numbers and geomagnetic indices (Kp). Health outcomes were obtained from the WHO mortality database, stratified by latitude. Statistical analysis included correlation, regression, and stratified analysis to assess the relationships while accounting for confounders such as temperature anomalies and air pollution.

Results: Geomagnetic activity (Kp Index) showed a significant correlation with cardiovascular (r=0.72, p<0.001) and neurological mortality (r=0.65, p<0.01). Sunspot numbers correlated with heat-related mortality (r=0.48, p=0.03). Regression analysis revealed that geomagnetic activity was the strongest predictor of cardiovascular outcomes, with a coefficient of 14.18 (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Geomagnetic activity significantly impacts cardiovascular and neurological health. Public health strategies should consider monitoring solar activity to mitigate risks during extreme geomagnetic events.

The use of serious games to develop social skills in children with autism: a literature review

Christine K. Syriopoulou-Delli — 2026-01-21

Purpose of this literature review is to explore the role of serious games in improving the social and emotional intelligence of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research included 38 studies examining the effectiveness of these games in enhancing skills such as social interaction, understanding social rules, cooperation, effective communication, expression, and management of emotions by offering interactive learning experiences. Serious games are an innovative, promising educational tool that can improve the overall well-being of individuals with autism. In conclusion, however, choosing the right game depends on many factors that require proper assessment of the children's individual characteristics, good knowledge of the game and take under consideration all of the available material and technical resources.

Anemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus: revisiting iron deficiency and the therapeutic role of ferrous bisglycinate

Debasis Basu — 2026-01-16

Anemia remains a major public health challenge in India and has important clinical implications for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this population, anemia is a significant comorbidity rather than an incidental finding, contributing to poorer glycemic control, increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications, reduced functional capacity, and overall diminished quality of life. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent in this patient population. These interconnected mechanisms contribute to both absolute and functional iron deficiency, yet anemia often remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in routine diabetes management. Conventional oral iron salts, though widely used, are frequently limited by gastrointestinal intolerance, interactions with dietary phytates, and poor long-term adherence, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness. Ferrous bisglycinate, a newer iron-amino acid chelate, has emerged as a promising alternative that addresses many of these limitations. Its chelated structure enhances bioavailability, minimizes gastrointestinal irritation, and allows more efficient absorption even in the presence of dietary inhibitors common in Indian diets. Clinical studies from India consistently demonstrate that ferrous bisglycinate can achieve significant improvements in Hb and ferritin levels at lower elemental iron doses compared with traditional iron salts, with better tolerability and higher adherence. This review consolidates current evidence on burden, mechanisms, and clinical relevance of anemia in T2DM and evaluates therapeutic advantages of ferrous bisglycinate. Together, these insights underscore the need for improved recognition of anemia in diabetes care and support the integration of newer, more tolerable iron formulations to enhance long-term clinical outcomes.

Vulvar lesions in females - exploring to management

Richa Garg — 2026-01-21

Vulvar lesions in females are not uncommon. They affect females of all age groups. The common infections at vulvar skin are fungal, viral and bacterial. They present with rash, itch, boils, fissures and scales. Many of these lesions mimic each-other. The patients with vulvar lesions present at late stage due to social stigma modifying the disease. This article highlights the salient features to diagnose and manage the vulvar lesions early and promptly before their modification at later stage.

Hydatiduria: a rare case of renal hydatidosis

Richa Garg — 2026-01-21

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic condition caused with prolong history of contact with dog by Echinococcus granulosus. It affects liver and lungs, but renal involvement is rare. We report a female patient who presented in the urology department with intense perineal itch and occasional flank pain. The patient was advised pathological and radiological investigations which revealed the presence of ruptured urinary hydatid cyst, an uncommon presentation of Echinococcus granulosus of the kidney. This case bears both clinical and laboratory importance required for early medical treatment of the patient to avoid surgical intervention. A diagnosis of renal hydatid cyst may be considered in patients presenting with perineal itch, flank pain and had a prolonged history of contact with a pet.

Minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of an Ideberg type III glenoid fracture: a case report

El M. Boumediane — 2026-01-21

Glenoid fractures are rare and represent a therapeutic challenge, especially when involving the superior portion of the articular surface. The case of a 24-year-old female patient with an Ideberg type III glenoid fracture successfully treated by a fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous technique. This reproducible and straightforward method uses standard orthopedic instrumentation and avoids the morbidity associated with open surgery. At six-month follow-up, both clinical and radiological outcomes were favorable, suggesting this technique is a reliable alternative in selected, non-comminuted fracture patterns.

Anal canal adenocarcinoma due to human papillomavirus: unusual report of a case

Camila Bras Harriott — 2026-01-21

Anal adenocarcinoma (AC) is a rare malignancy, accounting for only 5% of anal cancers, and presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its low incidence and limited data. The most common type of anal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, AC, particularly transitional type, has distinct clinical and biological profile. This case report discusses 66-year-old female with anal canal transitional adenocarcinoma associated with HPV, presenting with 2 cm tumor at anal verge. Diagnosis was confirmed through biopsy and imaging studies revealed no lymph node involvement. Patient underwent successful transanal resection with clear margins and post-op recovery was uneventful. Follow-up included regular clinical and imaging evaluations, with no signs of recurrence after 2 years. Treatment options for anal AC include local resection for small, well-differentiated tumors, and chemoradiotherapy for select cases. Prognostic factors such as age, tumor size and nodal involvement significantly influence survival outcomes. Continued research and case studies are necessary to refine treatment approaches and improve long-term patient care for AC.

Groove pancreatitis presenting as gastric outlet obstruction with phytobezoar: a diagnostic challenge

Nabeela Tazeen — 2026-01-21

A 61-year-old man presented with three months of persistent vomiting of undigested food, marked weight loss, and melena, with a history of long-standing dyspepsia. Initial imaging demonstrated a mass at the gastroduodenal junction, raising concern for malignancy, but further evaluation revealed features consistent with groove pancreatitis, including duodenal wall thickening, pancreatoduodenal groove changes, and a bulky pancreatic head. Endoscopy identified a large gastric phytobezoar complicating gastric outlet obstruction, which was removed endoscopically. Conservative management with pancreatic enzyme replacement, nutritional supplementation, and proton pump inhibitor therapy led to clinical improvement. This case underscores the diagnostic difficulty in differentiating groove pancreatitis from malignancy and highlights the value of non-surgical management in selected patients.