Master in Public Health (MPH), 2019-2021 A.D.
Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IoM), Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal
Bachelor of Public Health (BPH), 2013-2017 A.D.
School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University (PU), Lekhnath, Kaski, Nepal
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Multidisciplinary, Psychiatry and Mental health, Health (social science)
Visual Identity, Social Branding, and Advocacy: Development of the PEN-Plus Logo for Severe Non-Communicable Disease Care in Nepal Dhurba Khatri, Shishir Paudel, Yamuna Chhetri, Bhakta Bahadur K. C., Rudra Prakash Hada, et al. Public Health Challenges, 2026 Non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, and sickle cell disease, impose significant health and social burdens in Nepal, particularly among children and young adults. To strengthen visibility, reduce NCD‐related stigma, and foster engagement with the PEN‐Plus program, a participatory design process was adopted to develop a national logo. This article outlines and critically reflects on the rationale, participatory development process, and symbolism behind the PEN‐Plus Nepal logo, situating it within the broader field of health communication and social branding. Drawing on behavioral science theories and participatory design principles, the PEN‐Plus logo was co‐created with patients, health workers, government representatives, and communication experts. Ministry of Health and Population, National Health Education, Information and Communication Center officially endorsed the PEN‐Plus logo, which now serves as a unifying symbol to raise awareness, foster community ownership, and support long‐term advocacy for equitable severe NCD care in Nepal.
Bringing severe non-communicable disease care to district-level hospitals in Nepal: PEN-Plus experience and regional policy implications Sandeepa Karki, Shishir Paudel, Dhurba Khatri, Yamuna Chhetri, Bhagawan Koirala BMJ Global Health, 2026 Severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), sickle cell disease (SCD), thalassaemia and congenital heart conditions are prevalent in low-resource settings but remain largely unaddressed in the primary care system. Nepal’s Package of Essential NCD Interventions-Plus (PEN-Plus) initiative demonstrates how peripheral provincial hospitals (former district hospitals) can effectively deliver decentralised, equitable care for childhood-originated NCDs such as T1DM, SCD, thalassaemia, rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, epilepsy and childhood asthma. Led by the Ministry of Health and Population, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division in partnership with key stakeholders, the programme has been implemented in six districts of Nepal, offering early diagnosis, treatment, social protection and follow-up care. Early implementation demonstrates feasibility, with 3278 patients receiving care through PEN-Plus clinics over 2 years using modest investments and existing district hospital resources. Scalability is supported by the expansion from two to six districts and by government policy commitments, including provincial budget allocations for further rollout. This paper presents an overview of the PEN-Plus programme in Nepal, its design, implementation and early outcomes, illustrating how this approach offers a scalable solution for severe NCD care in resource-constrained settings. The PEN-Plus model provides critical policy insights and valuable lessons for other South Asian countries and low- and middle-income countries seeking to strengthen equitable NCD care through decentralised health systems.
Factors Associated With Quality of Life and Treatment Practice Among Melasma Patients in Nepal Samiksha Pokhrel, Sabina Sankhi, Shishir Paudel, Anisha Chalise, Nirmal Raj Marasine Dermatology Research and Practice, 2026 Background Melasma is chronic, acquired hypermelanosis that commonly appears on sun‐exposed areas of the skin. Although it is asymptomatic, it can significantly affect patients’ psychosocial and emotional well‐being, ultimately reducing their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with quality of life and treatment practices among melasma patients in Nepal. Methods A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 174 melasma patients visiting Nepal Skin Hospital, Kathmandu, from March to August 2023. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score and the Melasma Quality of Life (MELASQoL) scale were used to evaluate melasma severity and quality of life, respectively. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t ‐tests, one‐way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression to identify factors associated with quality of life among women with melasma. Results The mean (±SD) MELASQoL score was 51.89. Most participants reported feeling frustrated (81.5%), embarrassed (78.8%), depressed (95.40%), and less productive (83.9%) due to melasma. Female gender, illiteracy, both current and previous OCP use, women with multiple pregnancies, lighter skin Types (III and IV), longer disease duration, and moderate MASI scores were significantly associated with higher MELASQoL values ( p < 0.05). Sunscreen (97.7%) was the most prescribed treatment, followed by tranexamic acid (78.7%), hydroquinone (76.4%), antioxidants (71.3%), and chemical peels (69.0%). Conclusion Melasma has a significant psychosocial impact on affected individuals in Nepal. Disease severity, use of oral contraceptive pills, number of pregnancies, disease duration, education, and skin type significantly influenced quality of life. The strong association between disease severity and MELASQoL underscores the importance of integrating psychosocial assessment into clinical management. Sunscreen followed by tranexamic acid, hydroquinone, antioxidants, chemical peels, multivitamins, and retinoids was the predominant treatment approaches.
Hypertension and Its Determinants Among White-Collar Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study Focusing on Lifestyle Risk Factors and Health Literacy Sandeepa Karki, Shyam Sundar Budhathoki, Shishir Paudel, Dhurba Khatri, Anup Ghimire, et al. Biomed Research International, 2026 Background Hypertension is a growing public health concern, particularly among white‐collar workers exposed to sedentary lifestyles and occupational stress. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among commercial bank employees in Sunsari, Nepal, with a focus on lifestyle risk factors and health literacy. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 240 bank employees using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS survey and clinical measurements of blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference. Hypertension was classified based on the JNC 8 guidelines. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and independent t tests were used for preliminary analysis. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of hypertension, controlling for potential confounders. Results The prevalence of hypertension was 62.1% (95% CI 58.6–65.6), with 47.5% in Stage I and 14.6% in Stage II. Males had significantly higher odds of hypertension than females (aOR 2.237, 95% CI 1.170–4.276). Behavioral risk factors such as alcohol consumption (aOR 4.732, 95% CI 1.386–16.160) and frequent processed food intake (aOR 2.640, 95% CI 1.024–7.096) were significantly associated with hypertension. Overweight (aOR 1.819) and obesity (aOR 1.575) were also found to be the major risk factors. Lower health literacy scores, particularly in healthcare engagement and self‐management, were associated with hypertension. Conclusion The high prevalence of hypertension among bank employees highlights the need for workplace interventions promoting healthy lifestyles, routine screenings, and health literacy programs to improve hypertension awareness and management.
Prevalence of hypertension in a community Pradeep Paudel, Samir Chalise, Dinesh Raj Neupane, Narayan Adhikari, Shishir Paudel, et al. Journal of the Nepal Medical Association, 2020
Visual Identity, Social Branding, and Advocacy: Development of the PEN‐Plus Logo for Severe Non‐Communicable Disease Care in Nepal D Khatri, S Paudel, Y Chhetri, BB KC, RP Hada, S Shrestha, L Khanal, ... Public Health Challenges 5 (2), e70242 , 2026 2026
Bringing severe non-communicable disease care to district-level hospitals in Nepal: PEN-Plus experience and regional policy implications S Karki, S Paudel, D Khatri, Y Chhetri, B Koirala BMJ Global Health 11 (4), e020872 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Body image dissatisfaction among adolescents residing in Kathmandu Metropolitan City: a community-based cross-sectional study S Tamrakar, S Paudel, D Khatri, A Chalise BMC psychology , 2026 2026
Invisible scars and trauma: The psychological cost of youth-led protests in Nepal and the global imperative for trauma‑responsive mental-health systems S Paudel, A Chalise, UN Yadav PLOS Mental Health 3 (1), e0000522 , 2026 2026
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) attending an infertility center in Nepal: a cross-sectional study NR Marasine, A Aryal, S Mahat, S Gc, SS Thakuri, N Pathak, S Paudel, ... BMC Women's Health , 2026 2026
Factors Associated With Quality of Life and Treatment Practice Among Melasma Patients in Nepal S Pokhrel, S Sankhi, S Paudel, A Chalise, NR Marasine Dermatology Research and Practice 2026 (1), 6380885 , 2026 2026
Hypertension and Its Determinants Among White‐Collar Workers: A Cross‐Sectional Study Focusing on Lifestyle Risk Factors and Health Literacy S Karki, SS Budhathoki, S Paudel, D Khatri, A Ghimire, DK Yadav, ... BioMed Research International 2026 (1), 3545756 , 2026 2026
Design and implementation of a theory of planned behavior-based nutrition education intervention for adolescent girls in rural Nepal: a school-based cluster-randomized … TR Bhandari, S Paudel, N Chapagain, YO Thapa, A Nagila, R Kawata, ... Trials , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Depressive symptoms among senior citizens in Baijanath Rural Municipality, Nepal: a community-based cross-sectional study L Darlami, S Poudel, D Khatri, S Paudel, NR Marasine, S Paudel BMC geriatrics , 2025 2025
Assessment of Abortion Methods, Management, and Patient Satisfaction Among Women Seeking Safe Abortion Services in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Nepal S Thapa, NR Marasine, S Paudel, S Thapa, S Sankhi, P Ghimire Health Services Insights 18, 11786329251406022 , 2025 2025
Measuring Children’s Knowledge of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: Development and Validation of RHD Knowledge Scale in Nepal S Karki, S Paudel, RP Hada, P Khadka, G Shetty, D Khatri, Y Chhetri, ... INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing … , 2025 2025
Screen time among preschool children in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, Nepal: a mixed-methods study on parental perspectives A Budhathoki, A Chalise, J Bhusal, D Khatri, S Paudel BMJ Paediatrics Open 9 (1), e003518 , 2025 2025
Prevalence and Predictors of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Anemia in Women of Reproductive Age Living in Nepal: A Scoping Review S Paudel, TR Bhandari, YO Thapa, A Nagila, A Chalise, N Chapagain, ... Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism 2025 (1), 8897249 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Psychological wellbeing and occupational stress among public secondary school teachers in Beni Municipality, Nepal: a cross-sectional study P Dhungana, A Joshi, A Chalise, S Paudel BMC Public Health 25 (1), 3372 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Health-related quality of life among COVID-19 survivors in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal: A cross-sectional study B Dhakal, D Khatri, S Paudel, DK Yadav, Y Chhetri, S Tripathee, BB Kc Journal of Public Health Research 14 (4), 22799036251390940 , 2025 2025
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality Among Stroke Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal: A Prospective Cohort Study S Panthi, S Sankhi, B Bhandari, S Paudel, NR Marasine INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing … , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Suicide literacy and stigma among undergraduate students in Pokhara, Nepal: A cross-sectional study D Khatri, DK Yadav, S Paudel, S Poudel, Y Chhetri, S Karki PLoS One 20 (9), e0325617 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Effectiveness of Youth-Led awareness and advocacy intervention in shaping adolescents’ attitudes toward tobacco products in Nepal: A quasi-experimental study S Karki, D Khatri, S Paudel, Y Chhetri, G Shetty, P Khadka, P Pandey, ... Journal of Public Health Research 14 (3), 22799036251380778 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Impact of pharmacist-led chemotherapy counseling on health-related quality of life and psychological outcomes of oncology patients in cancer hospital: A single center, open … B Poudel, S Sabkhi, N Pathak, B Basyal, S Paudel, NR Marasine Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy, 100649 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Impact of pharmaceutical care interventions on antidepressants adherence and clinical outcomes in depressed patients: A systematic review NR Marasine, S Sankhi, S Paudel, A Chalise, R Lamichhane Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy, 100644 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
The Coronavirus Pandemic: What Does the Evidence Show? S Paudel, G Dangal, A Chalise, TR Bhandari, D Ojash Journal of Nepal Health Research Council 18 (46), 1-9 , 2020 2020 Citations: 103
Depression, anxiety and stress among the undergraduate students of Pokhara metropolitan, Nepal S Paudel, H Gautam, C Adhikari, DK Yadav J Nepal Health Res Counc 18 (1), 27-34 , 2020 2020 Citations: 87
Prevalence and factors associated with depression among higher secondary school adolescents of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal: a cross-sectional study D Bhattarai, N Shrestha, S Paudel BMJ Open 10 (12) , 2020 2020 Citations: 81
Prevalence of hypertension in a community P Paudel, S Chalise, DR Neupane, N Adhikari, S Paudel, NB Dangi JNMA: Journal of the Nepal Medical Association 58 (232), 1011 , 2020 2020 Citations: 45
COVID-19 Pandemic: What can Nepal do to Curb the Potential Public Health Disaster? SB Marahatta, S Paudel, N Aryal Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences 3 (1), 1-14 , 2020 2020 Citations: 40
Internet addiction and its associated factors among undergraduate students in Kathmandu, Nepal S Acharya, L Adhikari, S Khadka, S Paudel, M Kaphle Journal of addiction 2023 (1), 8782527 , 2023 2023 Citations: 39
Anxiety and depression among people with type 2 diabetes visiting diabetes clinics of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal: a cross-sectional study S Paudel, SP Khanal, S Gautam, A Chalise, TN Koirala, SB Marahatta BMJ open 13 (1), e064490 , 2023 2023 Citations: 34
Antenatal depression and its associated factors among women of Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal: a cross-sectional study A Chalise, G Shrestha, S Paudel, AK Poudyal BMJ open 12 (11), e063513 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Enhancing the resilience of food production systems for food and nutritional security under climate change in Nepal N Neupane, S Paudel, R Sapkota, YP Joshi, Y Rijal, A Chalise Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 6, 968998 , 2022 2022 Citations: 25
Factors Associated with Self-Esteem among Undergraduate Students of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal: A Cross-sectional Study S Paudel, C Adhikari, A Chalise, H Gautam Europasian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2), 43-50 , 2020 2020 Citations: 19
Nepal’s mental health system from public health perspective: a thematic synthesis based on health system building blocks S Paudel, A Chalise, D Khatri, S Poudel, A Khanal The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia 36 , 2025 2025 Citations: 17
Social health insurance, family support, and chronic diseases as determinants of health service utilization among senior citizens in rural Nepal S Poudel, A Parajuli, N Duwadi, BK Bhatta, S Paudel, D Khatri, ... BMC Public Health 25 (1), 1512 , 2025 2025 Citations: 13
Cyberbullying victimisation and its association with depression, anxiety and stress among female adolescents in Deumai Municipality, Nepal: a cross-sectional survey S Khadka, A Limbu, A Chalise, S Pandey, S Paudel BMJ open 14 (10), e081797 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
Unpacking beauty norms and body image: Development and validation of the perceptions of beauty standards scale S Paudel, A Chalise, S Tamrakar, D Khatri SAGE Open Medicine 13, 20503121251324085 , 2025 2025 Citations: 12
Burden of Depressive and Anxiety Disorders in Nepal, 1990-2017: An Analysis of Global Burden of Disease Data DK Bhatta, K Budhathoki, K Paudel, S Paudel, SB Marhatta, A Banskota, ... Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences 5 (1) , 2022 2022 Citations: 10
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Undergraduates, Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal G Sharma, S Paudel, A Chalise, B Sapkota, NR Marasine BioMed Research International 2025 (1), 9928264 , 2025 2025 Citations: 9
Tackling COVID-19 in Nepal: Opportunities and Challenges SB Marahatta, S Paudel, SB Marahatta Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences 1 (2), 2020 , 2020 2020 Citations: 9
Exploring the association between sleep quality, internet addiction, and related factors among adolescents in Dakshinkali Municipality, Nepal S Acharya, A Chalise, NR Marasine, S Paudel PLoS One 20 (1), e0317747 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Menstruation experiences and its association with psychological distress among school-going adolescent girls of Nepal: A cross-sectional study S Niroula, S Paudel, A Chalise, S Acharya, NR Marasine The British journal of developmental psychology , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Prevalence and factors associated with occupational musculoskeletal disorders among the nurses of a tertiary care center of Nepal P Karki, YP Joshi, SP Khanal, S Gautam, S Paudel, R Karki, R Acharya International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health 13 (3), 375-385 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
