Village health and sanitary profile from eastern hilly region, Nepal

A report on the health and sanitary status from Boya Village Development Committee (VDC) is presented as studied by a team of Nepali and Japanese investigators in 1996 and 1997. The purpose of this study was to find out the health and sanitary status in a remote hilly village in eastern Nepal. Data were collected from questionnaire and from a temporary field clinic. The number of households having latrine increased significantly (P < 0.05) in one year period but without significant impact on the reduction of intestinal helminth infection (P > 0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides was the commonest intestinal parasite followed by hookworm and others. Public piped water was accessible to 32.6% households while remaining 48.4% and 19.0% were using Dhara (natural tap) and Kuwa (sallow well) water, respectively. No association between the type of water source and gastro-enteritis was observed. The overall hygienic condition was poor. More than half of the residents first consult Dhami-Jhankri and Bijuwa (traditional/faith/shamanic healer) and believe on Devi-Deuta (local deities/divine spirit) and Bhut-Pret and/or Bayu (devils) and Boksi (witch) instead of visiting Health Post. Approximately one quarter of residents were smoker while two-third had habit of drinking alcohol. Medical complaint rate significantly increased from 59.6% in the year 1996 to 71.2% in 1997 (P < 0.01) and was attributed to conjunctivitis epidemic during second visit. Majority of complaints were gastrointestinal. People belonging to Tibeto-Burman ethnic group were found to consume meat relatively more frequently than Indo-Aryan.