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U n i v e r s i t y of P e r a d e n i y a

The Institutional Repository of the University of Peradeniya is the University's digital gateway to scholarly knowledge and research excellence. Established as the next phase of the Digital Library initiative launched by the University Library in 2011, it preserves, showcases, and provides open access to the intellectual output of the University community.

Through a rich collection of research articles, conference proceedings, theses, dissertations, and other scholarly works, the repository enhances the visibility, accessibility, and long-term preservation of knowledge, extending the global reach and impact of the University of Peradeniya’s academic and research contributions.

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Prevalence and perceived factors for lower back pain among nursing officers at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Dharamarathna, H.H.N.D.; Perera, A.C.H.; Ranjani, S.H.S.; Sanjeewani, M.D.N.; Vithana, V.K.G.; Wijerathna, W.S.V.M.C.N.K.; Wijesinghe, M.A.C.
Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most serious work-related health problems among healthcare professionals around the world. This problem is associated with major consequences, including disability, activity limitation and frequent sick leave. Nurses are at a higher risk for developing LBP compared to other health professionals. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and perceived factors for LBP among nursing officers at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 nursing officers at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. A pretested self-administered questionnaire which was developed by the researchers was used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of three parts profiling demographic data, assessing LBP and perceived factors for LBP. The severity of LBP was assessed by using a numeric pain scale (0-10). A systematic random sampling method was applied to select the study sample. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and SPSS version 25.0 was used as an analytical tool. Of 218 nurses, the majority of nurses (95%) were females and belonged to the age range of 24-55 years. Only 40% of nurses were within the range of normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m²). It was reported as a rare practice among nurses (14%), to use a sliding board to transfer patients. The prevalence of LBP over the last twelve months was 59% and 54% of the nurses have reported this pain with moderate severity. The majority of the nurses (86%) who suffered from LBP used pain medications. The most-reported perceived factors for LBP were long-standing hours (44%), not having enough rest (42%), and heavy lifting (37%). Prevalence of LBP among nurses is high. Therefore, an effective management strategy for LBP should be implemented.
Effects of risk factors on prognostic determinants of female breast cancer patients at National Cancer Institute, Maharagama: a retrospective study
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Uyanahewa, T.W.; Chathuranga, D.D.D.; Ranaweera, R.D.D.S.; Kamburapolage, S.R.; Jayasekara, J.K.M.B.
A gradual increase of breast cancer incidences among female population was observed in Sri Lanka and several features have been identified as risk factors for breast cancer. Prognostic determinants as Estragon Receptors (ER), Progesterone Receptors (PR), Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor2 (HER2), Ki67, lymphovascular invasion, sites of metastasis and Nottingham grading are exploited to estimate the growth fraction of the breast cancer mass. The aim of our study is to determine the effects of breast cancer risk factors on predetermined prognostic characteristics of female breast cancer patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 406 female breast cancer patients, registered from year 2016 to 2018, at National Cancer Institute, Maharagama. The correlations and association among risk factors as age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA), clinical history, family history and menopausal status and prognostic determinants of patients were evaluated. Age was positively correlated with ER expression (r=0.186, P<0.01) and PR (P<0.01), while over-expression of HER2 was associated with the menopausal status (P<0.05) of patients. BMI and BSA did not show any correlation with prognostic determinants. Compared with the year 2016, the distribution of Diabetic Mellitus (21.8% to 33.3%) and hypertension (30.4% to 38.3%) was increased. Post-menopausal category among breast cancer patients have been increased to 66.9% in the year 2018. Research based on Sri Lankan population in 2017 and 2018 have revealed that majority of breast cancer patients were found among 40–50 ages and post-menopausal category. The results of the current study indicated that female breast cancer patients at higher ages tended to express more ER and PR than young, aged patients and pre-menopausal breast cancer patients could be more aggressive in prognosis due to high expression of HER2 and low expression of ER and PR as they are in younger ages.
Awareness regarding sports first aid among newly appointed sports coaches in schools in Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Ranasinghe, U.G.L.G.; Perera, D.S.L.; Weerarathna, L.R.N.D.
The present study is directed to identify the awareness of sports first aid among newly appointed sports coaches in schools in Sabaragamuwa province. The association of chronological age, educational level, district and sex were investigated to measure the awareness of sports first aid. Under the survey research design, a questionnaire consisting of two parts was distributed to collect demographic information and awareness of sports first aid. Sample of 207 was selected using a stratified random sampling method. Minitab version 17 and Microsoft Excel 2013 were used for statistical analysis. One-way ANOVA test used to investigate the mean differences of chronological age with awareness of first aid. Two sample t-test used to investigate mean differences of sex and districts with respect to the awareness of first aid. The mean score of overall awareness of sports first aid was 48.4%. Male coaches mean score was 49.2% and female coaches mean score was 46.7% for awareness of sports first aid and it was not statistically significant (P=0.058). Coaches in Kegalle scored a mean of 49% and coaches in Ratnapura scored a mean of 47.8% respectively for the awareness with respect to the districts and the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.303). Regards to awareness of chronological age groups, coaches who were age 23 or below, 24 to 33 and over 33 scored 46%, 49.1% and 49% respectively and it was not significantly different (P=0.111). Coaches qualified in O/L were scored 47.5% and coaches qualified in A/L scored 48.6% respectively and it was not significantly different (P=0.056). In a conclusion, it was evident the awareness of coaches of sports first aid was not sufficient (<50%). The researcher recommends respective authorities to conduct programs to improve awareness of sports first aid of newly appointed coaches in Sabaragamuwa Province which is crucial in coaching athletes.
Knowledge about and attitude towards breast cancer and screening practices among female school teachers in selected schools in Batticaloa Educational Zone
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) De Silva, K.G.D.; Dahanayake, S.K.; Karshath, N.; Fayas, M.B.; Joseph, J.; Alahakoon, A.M.S.S.
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer of women worldwide as well as in Sri Lanka. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the occurrence of breast cancer is increasing. Breast cancer is often curable, if detected early. However, Sri Lankan females are not aware of the state or tend to suffer from this. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude of breast cancer and screening practices among female schoolteachers in selected schools in Batticaloa educational zone. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 174 female teachers in selected schools in Batticaloa educational zone, including 3 divisions: Manmunai North, Eravur Pattu-1 and Manmunai Pattu. Simple random sampling method was used and self – administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. Frequencies and percentages were obtained through data analysis using SPSS version 19.A total of 174 participants were recruited for this study. Only 1.7% of participants had high knowledge on risk factors, signs and symptoms and treatment of breast cancer. Regarding knowledge on breast cancer screening, respectively breast self-examination 39%, clinical breast examination 25% and mammography 9% could identify correctly. The attitude of breast cancer occurrence was positive in the study population while attitudes about barriers for participation of breast cancer screening practices were poor. The knowledge on breast cancer and its screening were poor among the female teachers and it is recommended a greater focus on related education programs to improve the knowledge and to change misconceptions about breast cancer and to avoid barriers related screening practice of breast cancer as attitude regarding breast cancer screening is a major lacking part and should be attended and intervened.
Health-related quality of life among individuals receiving treatment at a selected drug rehabilitation center, Sri Lanka: a preliminary study
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Jayamaha, A.R.; Ranadeva, N.D.K.; Dharmarathna, H.N.N.D.; Nawarathne, L.C.; Herath, H.M.N.D.M.; Buddhini, D.G.H.; Samarakoon, D.N.A.W.; Arachchi, A.M.P.S.; Senerath, S.N.; Samarasinghe, K.L.; Fernando, S.S.N.; Perera, S.S.S.; Priyadarshani, U.G.N.
It has been revealed that the quality of life (QOL) of the individuals with substance use disorders decreases as substance use progresses in the absence of appropriate treatment or rehabilitation. The current study aimed to fill the paucity of evidence in Sri Lanka and to further assess the health related QOL among individuals receiving therapeutic Community treatment at a drug rehabilitation center. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out as a preliminary study among 50 individuals who are enrolled in residential treatment. Health-related quality of life was measured using pre-tested EQ- 5D-5L questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t test were carried out using IBM SPSS version 26. All participants were male poly drug users. The age of the participants ranged from 19-40 years. The mean treatment duration was 8±5 months. All the QOL dimensions: Mobility (t=2.07, p=0.043), Self-care (t=3.28, p=0.002), Usual activities (t=3.85, p=<0.001), Pain/discomfort (t=4.29, p=<0.001) and Anxiety/ depression (t=4.31, p=<0.001) were significantly improved with the residential rehabilitation treatment when comparing baseline data before enrollment to the treatment. The self-reported mean EQ visual analogue scale score during rehabilitation was 83.56±14.20. As the QOL of the rehabilitees improved, "Therapeutic Community" residential rehabilitation can be recommended as a treatment intervention for individuals in Sri Lanka suffering from drug abuse disorders.