Ugyen Tshering - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ugyen Tshering
Environmental health insights., 2024
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
Background: Airway management is a critical skill required in the Emergency Department (ED). We c... more Background: Airway management is a critical skill required in the Emergency Department (ED). We conducted an observational airway registry-based study to report the practice and outcome of endotracheal intubations in the ED at a national hospital in Thimphu. Methods: All patients who were intubated in the ED and recorded on the registry data form between May 2020 to November 2022 were studied. Variables such as indications, type of physician performing intubations, success rate, complications, medications, and disposition were captured. Descriptive analysis was presented in frequency and proportions. Results: There were a total of 336 intubations during the study period. First pass success rate was 87.80% and complication rate was 19.64%. 40 patients (11.90%) needed a second attempt and only 1 patient required a third attempt. Most intubations were performed by emergency medicine (EM) residents (54.17%), followed by medical officers (37.8%). Emergency Physician (EP) performed the le...
Species
The Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) in Bhutan, which is the country's only "Strict Nat... more The Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) in Bhutan, which is the country's only "Strict Nature Reserve" category of protected area, is home to the endangered Meconopsis superba, also known as Papaver superbum, a beautiful Superb Poppy that is endemic to Haa district and therefore of great importance. In this study in the Reserve, M. superba was found to occur between elevations of 3903masl to 4366masl, primarily in wet rocky outcrops and moist stream beds in 32 out of 33 surveyed plots, 10 x 10 m. Preliminary threat research revealed grazing by locals in most of the plots (80%), while fire (30%) and trampling (50%) were also recorded. However, there were no attempts to harvest the species by locals, contrary to expectations. The mean height of full-grown M. superba individuals was approximately 123.15cm, with most individuals (97.7%) being healthy and in the flowering stage (51.5%). Profuse regeneration was found on east and southeast facing slopes (100° to 250° aspect). We identified 77 species of shrubs and 55 species of herbs. Rhododendron species were the most frequently observed, while in the herbaceous layer, Potentilla species were the most commonly counted. While there were no immediate threats to M. superba or its shrub and herb associates, anthropocentric activities were visibly present in the study area. The study recommends ongoing protection efforts in the Reserve, with a special focus on fire incidence as regenerations were reduced in fire burnt areas across the survey plots. Regular monitoring and habitat assessment are suggested as important conservation measures to ensure the perpetuity of this species.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Non-pharmacological measures, such as hand hygiene and face mask use, continue to play an importa... more Non-pharmacological measures, such as hand hygiene and face mask use, continue to play an important role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a paucity of studies on the adherence to these measures among students in Bhutan. Therefore, we aimed to investigate hand hygiene and face mask-wearing behaviours, as well as their associated factors, among the students of Mongar Higher Secondary School, Bhutan. We conducted a cross-sectional study amongst the students of Mongar Higher Secondary School in Bhutan. The students self-answered the questionnaire on web-based Google Forms. Multivariable logistic regression for good hand washing and face mask use was conducted in order to identify statistically significant socio-demographic covariates. The correlation between hand hygiene and mask use was investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A total of 533 students completed the survey questionnaire, 52.9% (282) of whom were female students. Facebook (44.3%, ...
Background Trauma and related injuries are one of the top ten causes of disability in the world. ... more Background Trauma and related injuries are one of the top ten causes of disability in the world. With the lack of proper baseline data, this study was conducted to improve the understanding of types, modes and outcomes related to trauma visiting the emergency department of national referral hospital in Bhutan. Methods An observational study of all the trauma cases admitted to the Emergency Department over a one year period detailing the mechanism of injury, types of injuries sustained and patient outcomes was carried out. Case record form was used for data collection and Epidata analysis was done for descriptive analysis. Results A total of 820 participants were included during the study period. The sample consisted of 71.6% males and 28.4% females. The median age was 32 years with more than half of the patients (51.4%) belonging to the age range from 26 to 60 years. The top three occupations that experienced trauma were farmers (23.2%), followed by office workers (20.7%) and studen...
International Journal of Emergency Medicine
Background In Bhutan, where the Emergency Medical System is forming and evolving, the number of a... more Background In Bhutan, where the Emergency Medical System is forming and evolving, the number of acutely ill patients requiring critical care, both in the emergency departments and intensive care units, is steadily increasing. Given the lack of baseline data and the ever-increasing number of critical care patients, this study was aimed at describing the characteristics and outcomes of patients triaged as critically ill in the emergency department. Methods An observational study was conducted over a yearlong period in the emergency department where all patients triaged as critically ill were approached for inclusion in the study. A case record form was used for the purpose of data collection. Epidata analysis was used for descriptive analysis and SPSS was used for binary logistic regression. Results A total of 657 critically ill patients of all age groups visited the emergency department over the 1-year study period, with adults constituting the majority (81%). The majority (67%) of t...
Background:The Postgraduate Medical Education globally has transited from traditional cognitive b... more Background:The Postgraduate Medical Education globally has transited from traditional cognitive based to more competency-based learning. Bhutan’s only medical university, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) introduced Competency Based curriculum (CBC) through implementation of workplace-based assessment (WPBA) in June 2018. The proposed competency-based curriculum (CBC) was aimed at developing appropriate competencies in the learners through workplace-based assessment. A programmatic evaluation of the trainees and trainer’s perception on implementation of workplace-based assessment for three years at KGUMSB was conducted in July-Sept 2021. Methods: The evaluation was conducted in July-Sept, 2021. The mixed methods design was utilized such as survey, review of student portfolios and focus group discussion. A total of 62 participants (46 residents in clinical training and 16 faculty members) participated in this evaluation. Results: After three years of imp...
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
Background: An efficient ambulance service is a vital component of emergency medical services. We... more Background: An efficient ambulance service is a vital component of emergency medical services. We determined the emergency ambulance response and transport times and ambulance exit outcomes in Bhutan. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving real-time monitoring of emergency ambulance deployments managed by a central toll-free (112) hotline (20 October 2021 to 20 January 2022) was carried out. Results: Of 5092 ambulance deployments, 4291 (84%) were inter-facility transfers, and 801 (16%) were for emergencies. Of the latter, 703 (88%) were for non-pregnancy-related emergencies (i.e., medical, surgical, and accidents), while 98 (12%) were for pregnancy-related emergencies. The median ambulance response and patient transport times were 42 (IQR 3–271) and 41 (IQR 2–272) minutes, respectively. The median round-trip distance travelled by ambulances was 18 km (range 1–186 km). For ambulance exit outcomes that were pregnancy-related (n = 98), 89 (91%) reached the health facility successfu...
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open, 2022
International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 2017
Conservation of ungulates is vital to protect the viable population of tiger, leopard and dhole a... more Conservation of ungulates is vital to protect the viable population of tiger, leopard and dhole as ungulates are the principal prey species of carnivores of conservation importance. The objective of this study is to determine the distribution and habitat utilization by ungulates in Royal Manas National Park in southern Bhutan. The study area was stratified into four habitat types and a total of 53 sample plots of 20 x 20 m were surveyed to enumerate pellet groups and habitat variables such as canopy cover, ground cover, elevation, slope and aspect. A total of 80 pellet groups were recorded in 53 plots with a mean pellet of 1.51 per plot with a detection probability of 0.8. Among ungulates, Sambar pellet showed highest relative abundance (23.8%) and mostly ungulates detection probability is high in elevation zone less than 1000masl. The study concludes that RMNP could be one of the hotspot areas for tiger conservation through forest habitat conservation and protecting ungulates habitat.
Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2014
This study was carried out in Manas range of Royal Manas National Park for the period of three mo... more This study was carried out in Manas range of Royal Manas National Park for the period of three months in 2014. The aim of this research was to study taxon diversity of butterflies. The modified line transect of 1000 meters with five meters width on either side was used to record the butterfly communities. During the study 91 species belonging to five major families were recorded of which one species was new record for Bhutan. Nymphalidae was the most common (33%, n = 30), and the lowest was Hesperidae (12%, n = 11). Shannon’s diversity index (Hʹ = 3.162) and Pielou’s evenness index (Jʹ = 0.85) indicated high butterfly diversity and Margalef’s richness index (Dmg = 45.97) indicated rich species diversity in the study area. Study area hosts a unique diversity of butterflies, therefore underlining the importance for maintaining biodiversity within and outside the park area as a landscape conservation programme.
A BILL To promote the development and deployment of lighting products to save lives, improve live... more A BILL To promote the development and deployment of lighting products to save lives, improve livelihoods, protect children, empower women, and combat climate change by creating a thriving global market for clean, affordable, and efficient indoor lighting solutions, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the "Development and Dissemination of Clean Lighting Act of [year]." Effective Date. This Act becomes effective on [date]. § 2. Findings [Legislative organ] finds that: (1) [Name of country] is a member of the community of nations that has accepted well-recognized principles of international law and policy establishing -(A) the right of developing countries to sustainable development; (B) the common but differentiated legal and moral rights of [name of country] and other developed nations to institutionally, financially, and technologically support sustainable development among developing countries by alleviating energy poverty and providing access to safe and sustainable lighting products; and (C) that there is an urgent and pressing need to promote the use of renewable energy resources and technologies to supply energy needs, including lighting. (2) [Name of country] seeks to support sustainable and renewable development and carry out its common but differentiated legal and moral
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused critical shortages of health human resources and medical supplie... more The COVID-19 pandemic has caused critical shortages of health human resources and medical supplies globally. These shortages probably resulted into inadequate management of COVID-19 cases and increased the risk of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers. Bhutan being a small developing country, the existing health workforce deployed in various hospitals throughout the country are insufficient even for the routine health services. The Ministry of Health realizing the limitations of healthcare workers and medical supplies, decided that all COVID-19 positive cases in Bhutan be managed in the four regionalized National COVID-19 centers instead of all hospitals in the country managing their own cases. This strategy was mainly aimed at rationalizing the deployment of the limited healthcare workers and also optimize the utilization of medical supplies. Through this clustering strategy, Bhutan has not only managed to utilize its limited healthcare workers effectively without burnout b...
Bhutan Journal of Natural Resources and Development, 2020
Natural saltlicks are used by mammal species mainly to supplement mineral deficiency playing crit... more Natural saltlicks are used by mammal species mainly to supplement mineral deficiency playing critical role in animal ecology. There is information gap on the use of natural saltlicks by mammals in Bhutan. Nine natural saltlicks from Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary were purposively selected to fill this gap of information. The study aimed to assess mineral composition and ecological behaviour of mammals at natural saltlicks. Nine composite soil samples were randomly collected and nine camera traps were set up at nine saltlicks for a duration of 56 days from 2 January to 28 February, 2019. Data management and analysis were carried out using camerabase and R software. Potassium, phosphorus and sodium elements were found in the saltlicks. Camera traps yielded 419 independent events of 12 species under 10 families. Herbivores were most common (n = 390) and non-herbivores the least (n = 12). Wild dog was also captured licking salts (n = 1) which is least reported across the world. Mineral...
Bhutan Health Journal, 2017
This article attempts to describe sexual diversity among people in Bhutan. We investigate ways in... more This article attempts to describe sexual diversity among people in Bhutan. We investigate ways in which Bhutan addresses sexual diversity in sex education and the law. We also review existing data to assess health issues affecting sexually diverse populations in Bhutan. Although limited, the available evidence indicates a higher likelihood of committing suicide, abusing substances, and facing barriers to accessing health care services and programs. The review finds the need for more representative researches for understanding sexually diverse people in Bhutan. The paper highlights the need for research with these populations with equal focus in ensuring active participation by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, inter sex & questioning (LGBTI&Q) community. The judiciary, education, and health system are crucial agencies that can facilitate and create accepting environments for the sexually diverse population in Bhutan.
Bhutan Health Journal, 2018
Aconite is widely used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medications and therefore often used within ... more Aconite is widely used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medications and therefore often used within the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Despite its use in traditional medicine, because of its narrow therapeutic index, significant cardiotoxic and neurotoxic events are documented due to both intentional and unintentional ingestion. In this case series we present 2 cases of bradycardia, hypotension and reversible conduction defects caused by prescribed aconite-based Bhutanese traditional medicines, for different therapeutic goals, who suffered cardiac dysrhythmias.
Bhutan Health Journal, 2015
Introduction: The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effectiveness of a... more Introduction: The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effectiveness of a behavioral change program in reducing house index of mosquito in Village Baan-Wangpong, Lomsak district in Phetcabun province, Thailand. Methods: The sample size of experimental and control group was 42 representatives of household in each group. Representatives of each sampled household were tested for knowledge, perception and behavioral practice in prevention of dengue fever before and after the program intervention. The program included training on dengue fever prevention by health personnel, demonstration of making mosquito repellents from local product, organising an awareness contest, broadcasting health messages through media and surveying households for mosquitoes’ larvae. Results: The study found that most households in village Baan-Wangpong had low knowledge (60.4%), perceived risk (60.4%), perceived severity (64.6%) and behavioral practice (77.1%) in the prevention of dengue...
Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020
We report first country record of Boiga quincunciata (Wall, 1908) (Squamata: Colubridae) from Bhu... more We report first country record of Boiga quincunciata (Wall, 1908) (Squamata: Colubridae) from Bhutan. This addition increases the ophidian fauna of Bhutan to 70 species and adds the seventh species of snake within the genus Boiga.
Environmental health insights., 2024
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
Background: Airway management is a critical skill required in the Emergency Department (ED). We c... more Background: Airway management is a critical skill required in the Emergency Department (ED). We conducted an observational airway registry-based study to report the practice and outcome of endotracheal intubations in the ED at a national hospital in Thimphu. Methods: All patients who were intubated in the ED and recorded on the registry data form between May 2020 to November 2022 were studied. Variables such as indications, type of physician performing intubations, success rate, complications, medications, and disposition were captured. Descriptive analysis was presented in frequency and proportions. Results: There were a total of 336 intubations during the study period. First pass success rate was 87.80% and complication rate was 19.64%. 40 patients (11.90%) needed a second attempt and only 1 patient required a third attempt. Most intubations were performed by emergency medicine (EM) residents (54.17%), followed by medical officers (37.8%). Emergency Physician (EP) performed the le...
Species
The Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) in Bhutan, which is the country's only "Strict Nat... more The Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) in Bhutan, which is the country's only "Strict Nature Reserve" category of protected area, is home to the endangered Meconopsis superba, also known as Papaver superbum, a beautiful Superb Poppy that is endemic to Haa district and therefore of great importance. In this study in the Reserve, M. superba was found to occur between elevations of 3903masl to 4366masl, primarily in wet rocky outcrops and moist stream beds in 32 out of 33 surveyed plots, 10 x 10 m. Preliminary threat research revealed grazing by locals in most of the plots (80%), while fire (30%) and trampling (50%) were also recorded. However, there were no attempts to harvest the species by locals, contrary to expectations. The mean height of full-grown M. superba individuals was approximately 123.15cm, with most individuals (97.7%) being healthy and in the flowering stage (51.5%). Profuse regeneration was found on east and southeast facing slopes (100° to 250° aspect). We identified 77 species of shrubs and 55 species of herbs. Rhododendron species were the most frequently observed, while in the herbaceous layer, Potentilla species were the most commonly counted. While there were no immediate threats to M. superba or its shrub and herb associates, anthropocentric activities were visibly present in the study area. The study recommends ongoing protection efforts in the Reserve, with a special focus on fire incidence as regenerations were reduced in fire burnt areas across the survey plots. Regular monitoring and habitat assessment are suggested as important conservation measures to ensure the perpetuity of this species.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Non-pharmacological measures, such as hand hygiene and face mask use, continue to play an importa... more Non-pharmacological measures, such as hand hygiene and face mask use, continue to play an important role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a paucity of studies on the adherence to these measures among students in Bhutan. Therefore, we aimed to investigate hand hygiene and face mask-wearing behaviours, as well as their associated factors, among the students of Mongar Higher Secondary School, Bhutan. We conducted a cross-sectional study amongst the students of Mongar Higher Secondary School in Bhutan. The students self-answered the questionnaire on web-based Google Forms. Multivariable logistic regression for good hand washing and face mask use was conducted in order to identify statistically significant socio-demographic covariates. The correlation between hand hygiene and mask use was investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A total of 533 students completed the survey questionnaire, 52.9% (282) of whom were female students. Facebook (44.3%, ...
Background Trauma and related injuries are one of the top ten causes of disability in the world. ... more Background Trauma and related injuries are one of the top ten causes of disability in the world. With the lack of proper baseline data, this study was conducted to improve the understanding of types, modes and outcomes related to trauma visiting the emergency department of national referral hospital in Bhutan. Methods An observational study of all the trauma cases admitted to the Emergency Department over a one year period detailing the mechanism of injury, types of injuries sustained and patient outcomes was carried out. Case record form was used for data collection and Epidata analysis was done for descriptive analysis. Results A total of 820 participants were included during the study period. The sample consisted of 71.6% males and 28.4% females. The median age was 32 years with more than half of the patients (51.4%) belonging to the age range from 26 to 60 years. The top three occupations that experienced trauma were farmers (23.2%), followed by office workers (20.7%) and studen...
International Journal of Emergency Medicine
Background In Bhutan, where the Emergency Medical System is forming and evolving, the number of a... more Background In Bhutan, where the Emergency Medical System is forming and evolving, the number of acutely ill patients requiring critical care, both in the emergency departments and intensive care units, is steadily increasing. Given the lack of baseline data and the ever-increasing number of critical care patients, this study was aimed at describing the characteristics and outcomes of patients triaged as critically ill in the emergency department. Methods An observational study was conducted over a yearlong period in the emergency department where all patients triaged as critically ill were approached for inclusion in the study. A case record form was used for the purpose of data collection. Epidata analysis was used for descriptive analysis and SPSS was used for binary logistic regression. Results A total of 657 critically ill patients of all age groups visited the emergency department over the 1-year study period, with adults constituting the majority (81%). The majority (67%) of t...
Background:The Postgraduate Medical Education globally has transited from traditional cognitive b... more Background:The Postgraduate Medical Education globally has transited from traditional cognitive based to more competency-based learning. Bhutan’s only medical university, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) introduced Competency Based curriculum (CBC) through implementation of workplace-based assessment (WPBA) in June 2018. The proposed competency-based curriculum (CBC) was aimed at developing appropriate competencies in the learners through workplace-based assessment. A programmatic evaluation of the trainees and trainer’s perception on implementation of workplace-based assessment for three years at KGUMSB was conducted in July-Sept 2021. Methods: The evaluation was conducted in July-Sept, 2021. The mixed methods design was utilized such as survey, review of student portfolios and focus group discussion. A total of 62 participants (46 residents in clinical training and 16 faculty members) participated in this evaluation. Results: After three years of imp...
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
Background: An efficient ambulance service is a vital component of emergency medical services. We... more Background: An efficient ambulance service is a vital component of emergency medical services. We determined the emergency ambulance response and transport times and ambulance exit outcomes in Bhutan. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving real-time monitoring of emergency ambulance deployments managed by a central toll-free (112) hotline (20 October 2021 to 20 January 2022) was carried out. Results: Of 5092 ambulance deployments, 4291 (84%) were inter-facility transfers, and 801 (16%) were for emergencies. Of the latter, 703 (88%) were for non-pregnancy-related emergencies (i.e., medical, surgical, and accidents), while 98 (12%) were for pregnancy-related emergencies. The median ambulance response and patient transport times were 42 (IQR 3–271) and 41 (IQR 2–272) minutes, respectively. The median round-trip distance travelled by ambulances was 18 km (range 1–186 km). For ambulance exit outcomes that were pregnancy-related (n = 98), 89 (91%) reached the health facility successfu...
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open, 2022
International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 2017
Conservation of ungulates is vital to protect the viable population of tiger, leopard and dhole a... more Conservation of ungulates is vital to protect the viable population of tiger, leopard and dhole as ungulates are the principal prey species of carnivores of conservation importance. The objective of this study is to determine the distribution and habitat utilization by ungulates in Royal Manas National Park in southern Bhutan. The study area was stratified into four habitat types and a total of 53 sample plots of 20 x 20 m were surveyed to enumerate pellet groups and habitat variables such as canopy cover, ground cover, elevation, slope and aspect. A total of 80 pellet groups were recorded in 53 plots with a mean pellet of 1.51 per plot with a detection probability of 0.8. Among ungulates, Sambar pellet showed highest relative abundance (23.8%) and mostly ungulates detection probability is high in elevation zone less than 1000masl. The study concludes that RMNP could be one of the hotspot areas for tiger conservation through forest habitat conservation and protecting ungulates habitat.
Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2014
This study was carried out in Manas range of Royal Manas National Park for the period of three mo... more This study was carried out in Manas range of Royal Manas National Park for the period of three months in 2014. The aim of this research was to study taxon diversity of butterflies. The modified line transect of 1000 meters with five meters width on either side was used to record the butterfly communities. During the study 91 species belonging to five major families were recorded of which one species was new record for Bhutan. Nymphalidae was the most common (33%, n = 30), and the lowest was Hesperidae (12%, n = 11). Shannon’s diversity index (Hʹ = 3.162) and Pielou’s evenness index (Jʹ = 0.85) indicated high butterfly diversity and Margalef’s richness index (Dmg = 45.97) indicated rich species diversity in the study area. Study area hosts a unique diversity of butterflies, therefore underlining the importance for maintaining biodiversity within and outside the park area as a landscape conservation programme.
A BILL To promote the development and deployment of lighting products to save lives, improve live... more A BILL To promote the development and deployment of lighting products to save lives, improve livelihoods, protect children, empower women, and combat climate change by creating a thriving global market for clean, affordable, and efficient indoor lighting solutions, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the "Development and Dissemination of Clean Lighting Act of [year]." Effective Date. This Act becomes effective on [date]. § 2. Findings [Legislative organ] finds that: (1) [Name of country] is a member of the community of nations that has accepted well-recognized principles of international law and policy establishing -(A) the right of developing countries to sustainable development; (B) the common but differentiated legal and moral rights of [name of country] and other developed nations to institutionally, financially, and technologically support sustainable development among developing countries by alleviating energy poverty and providing access to safe and sustainable lighting products; and (C) that there is an urgent and pressing need to promote the use of renewable energy resources and technologies to supply energy needs, including lighting. (2) [Name of country] seeks to support sustainable and renewable development and carry out its common but differentiated legal and moral
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused critical shortages of health human resources and medical supplie... more The COVID-19 pandemic has caused critical shortages of health human resources and medical supplies globally. These shortages probably resulted into inadequate management of COVID-19 cases and increased the risk of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers. Bhutan being a small developing country, the existing health workforce deployed in various hospitals throughout the country are insufficient even for the routine health services. The Ministry of Health realizing the limitations of healthcare workers and medical supplies, decided that all COVID-19 positive cases in Bhutan be managed in the four regionalized National COVID-19 centers instead of all hospitals in the country managing their own cases. This strategy was mainly aimed at rationalizing the deployment of the limited healthcare workers and also optimize the utilization of medical supplies. Through this clustering strategy, Bhutan has not only managed to utilize its limited healthcare workers effectively without burnout b...
Bhutan Journal of Natural Resources and Development, 2020
Natural saltlicks are used by mammal species mainly to supplement mineral deficiency playing crit... more Natural saltlicks are used by mammal species mainly to supplement mineral deficiency playing critical role in animal ecology. There is information gap on the use of natural saltlicks by mammals in Bhutan. Nine natural saltlicks from Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary were purposively selected to fill this gap of information. The study aimed to assess mineral composition and ecological behaviour of mammals at natural saltlicks. Nine composite soil samples were randomly collected and nine camera traps were set up at nine saltlicks for a duration of 56 days from 2 January to 28 February, 2019. Data management and analysis were carried out using camerabase and R software. Potassium, phosphorus and sodium elements were found in the saltlicks. Camera traps yielded 419 independent events of 12 species under 10 families. Herbivores were most common (n = 390) and non-herbivores the least (n = 12). Wild dog was also captured licking salts (n = 1) which is least reported across the world. Mineral...
Bhutan Health Journal, 2017
This article attempts to describe sexual diversity among people in Bhutan. We investigate ways in... more This article attempts to describe sexual diversity among people in Bhutan. We investigate ways in which Bhutan addresses sexual diversity in sex education and the law. We also review existing data to assess health issues affecting sexually diverse populations in Bhutan. Although limited, the available evidence indicates a higher likelihood of committing suicide, abusing substances, and facing barriers to accessing health care services and programs. The review finds the need for more representative researches for understanding sexually diverse people in Bhutan. The paper highlights the need for research with these populations with equal focus in ensuring active participation by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, inter sex & questioning (LGBTI&Q) community. The judiciary, education, and health system are crucial agencies that can facilitate and create accepting environments for the sexually diverse population in Bhutan.
Bhutan Health Journal, 2018
Aconite is widely used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medications and therefore often used within ... more Aconite is widely used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medications and therefore often used within the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Despite its use in traditional medicine, because of its narrow therapeutic index, significant cardiotoxic and neurotoxic events are documented due to both intentional and unintentional ingestion. In this case series we present 2 cases of bradycardia, hypotension and reversible conduction defects caused by prescribed aconite-based Bhutanese traditional medicines, for different therapeutic goals, who suffered cardiac dysrhythmias.
Bhutan Health Journal, 2015
Introduction: The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effectiveness of a... more Introduction: The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effectiveness of a behavioral change program in reducing house index of mosquito in Village Baan-Wangpong, Lomsak district in Phetcabun province, Thailand. Methods: The sample size of experimental and control group was 42 representatives of household in each group. Representatives of each sampled household were tested for knowledge, perception and behavioral practice in prevention of dengue fever before and after the program intervention. The program included training on dengue fever prevention by health personnel, demonstration of making mosquito repellents from local product, organising an awareness contest, broadcasting health messages through media and surveying households for mosquitoes’ larvae. Results: The study found that most households in village Baan-Wangpong had low knowledge (60.4%), perceived risk (60.4%), perceived severity (64.6%) and behavioral practice (77.1%) in the prevention of dengue...
Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020
We report first country record of Boiga quincunciata (Wall, 1908) (Squamata: Colubridae) from Bhu... more We report first country record of Boiga quincunciata (Wall, 1908) (Squamata: Colubridae) from Bhutan. This addition increases the ophidian fauna of Bhutan to 70 species and adds the seventh species of snake within the genus Boiga.