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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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Physical activity level of the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending diabetes clinic at a General Hospital, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Alwis, W.E.I.; Amarasekara, A.A.T.D.
Physical activity, diet, and medication are the major treatment strategies in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objectives of this study were to determine the level of physical activity among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes clinic in General hospital Kalutara, Sri Lanka and identifying the sociodemographic factors associated with the inactive lifestyle. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using a systematic random sampling method from 1ˢᵗ October 2020 to 31ˢᵗ December 2020. The study instrument was a pretested (n=10) interviewer-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect data. Chi-square test, descriptive statistics and independence t-test using SPSS (version 26) were used to analyze the data. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The total number of participants were 134. Among the participants, majority were females [76.1% (n=102)] and 36.6% (n=49) were between 51-61years. The mean total physical activity level was 5076 MET min/week. Seventy-nine participants (59%) had higher physical activity level. The means of total physical activity were nearly similar for both men (5277 MET minutes/week) and women (5013 MET minutes/week). Females gained their physical activity mostly from domestic activities while males engaged in job-related activities. There were associations between physical activity level and ethnicity (p=0.013), occupation (p=0.037) and duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (p= 0.027). In all statistical analyses, p<0.05 were considered significant. According to study results, the patients attending to the diabetes clinic in General hospital Kalutara during the study period had a sufficient physical activity level. Regularly educating patients about the importance of physical activity and establishment of a continuous monitoring program would be of benefit in the control of diabetes. A longitudinal study on the physical activity level of the patients is recommended for future study.
Assessment of knowledge about and attitude towards sexual and reproductive health among advanced level school students in Kurunegala Municipal Council area
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Wijesinghe, W.M.A.U.K.; Tennakoon, S.
Adolescence is a transitional period in life in which an individual attains sexual maturity. Adolescent‘s knowledge and attitude on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) can have many implications. If wrongly informed, they can suffer adverse consequences. The objective was to assess SRH knowledge and attitudes among Advanced Level school students in municipal council area in Kurunegala. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Students who answered ≥50% questions in the knowledge assessing section of the questionnaire were considered as having sufficient knowledge. The schools were chosen by selecting sixth of each boys', girls', and mixed schools. The sample included 377 students. Sixty eight percent had sufficient knowledge (70% of girls and 66% boys). The percentages of sufficient knowledge among girls', boys' and mixed schools were 77%, 69%, and 58% respectively. Also, 88% of biology, 63% of mathematics, 61% of commerce, and 59% of art students showed sufficient knowledge, and 99% of total students demonstrated good attitudes on sexual and reproductive health. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between knowledge regarding SRH and school type as well as subject streams, respectively. The most common intimate person with whom students shared their personal issues, was the mother (50.8%). The other prevalent confiding people were friends (32%), father (9.3%), siblings (6.6%), and teachers (1.3%). Same age groups (55.1%) were the most common source of knowledge on SRH. This study concluded that knowledge regarding SRH was moderately satisfactory while it‘s relatively low among boys compared to girls. Students in girls' schools are more knowledgeable than boys' and mixed schools. Also, a substantial gap was seen in the knowledge of SRH between biology students and other students. This study suggests conducting special awareness projects, improvement of library facilities and educational materials on SRH in schools as necessary strategies.
Associated parental risk factors among epileptic patients attending teaching hospital Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: a case control study
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Randika, L.N.S.; Ruwanthi, W.V.; Ruwanthika, D.G.H.; Safnas, M.S.M.; Samarakoon, A.S.M.U.D.B.; Samarakoon, S.M.I.S.; Kumari, M.V.
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder of the brain, affecting around 65 million of people worldwide. Reported risk factors associated with epilepsy are family history, head trauma, brain infection, prenatal injuries, and newborn distress. However, paucity of data is found regarding associated parental risk factors of epilepsy especially in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Objective was to determine the association between epilepsy and parental risk factors among the epileptic patients attending to Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This was an unmatched case control study. Two hundred diagnosed epileptic patients [male (52%), age 12-45 years] were recruited from neurology clinic at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka as the case group. Patients with cerebral palsy, mental retardation and psychiatric disorders were excluded. Only the first identified cases in each sibling were included while affected siblings were excluded. Two hundred controls [male (30%), age 12-45 years] were recruited from the Out Patient Department (OPD), excluding those having any neurological disorders. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to identify associated parental risk factors among epileptic patients. Parental risk factors associated with epilepsy were consanguinity [18.8% in epileptics vs 8% in controls, odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-4.9, p=0.002] and family history (18.3% vs 5.5%, OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.9-7.7, p=0.0001). However, maternal age at child birth, parental age gap and mode of delivery were not associated with epilepsy. Parental factors such as consanguinity and family history increase the risk of epilepsy among offspring. Hence, it is advisable to increase awareness in the community, about the possible medical problems associated with consanguineous marriage in Sri Lanka.
Knowledge about stroke and its management among hypertensive patients attending medical clinic at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Krishana, S.; Sujendran, S.; Vathanraj, A.S.
Stroke is a worldwide health problem and a major contributor to mortality and disability in both developing and developed countries. It is the third commonest cause of death worldwide and the single largest cause of adult disability. Awareness of stroke is a major part of preventing the prevalence and complications of stroke. The recognition of stroke symptoms by the public and activation of the Emergency Medical Services are the most important factors in initiating pre-hospital stroke care. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding stroke among hypertensive patients who were attending the medical clinic at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted for one year among 269 hypertensive patients who were attending medical clinic. After obtaining written consent, data were collected according to systematic sampling through a pre-designed and pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Statistical Package of Social Science 19 was used for analyzing the data. The descriptive analysis was employed and the association of knowledge with demographical factors was assessed through Chi square test. Only 5.6 % hypertensive patients (n=15) had good knowledge, while many of them (n=151) 56.1% had adequate knowledge regarding stroke. The most common risk factors identified were hypertension (79.2%) and hyperlipidemia (40.1%). Sudden numbness (85.1%) and weakness or paralysis of face, arms, and limbs (67.3%) were the commonly identified signs and symptoms. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between the knowledge of stroke and the following background characteristics; place of living, education, occupation, income, duration of hypertensive clinic follow ups and family history of stroke. In conclusion, knowledge on stroke among the patients was satisfactory in many aspects.
Dietary knowledge and practice in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Dasanayake, D.R.T.S.; Pathiranage, A.M.S.D.; Erandika, H.G.N.; Nayanamali, M.A.A.; Samarasekara, S.D.B.P.P.; Nanayakkara, N.
Adhering to multiple dietary recommendations may be difficult to follow but crucial in maintaining optimal nutritional status in patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD). Adherence to these recommendations require patients to have a clear knowledge on type, quality, and quantity of food they consume. Objectives were to assess the participants‘ dietary practices and dietary knowledge on foods they consume. This cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 102 CAPD patients at National Hospital, Kandy. An interviewer-administrated questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire were used to collect dietary data. Daily dietary intake was compared with European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guideline recommendations. Knowledge on food sources were assessed in relation to protein, calories, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. The mean age of the participants was 54.91±12.57 years and 35.3% (n=36) were females. Percentage of participants who had a poor knowledge on nutrients were; protein (44.11%), phosphorus (95.09%), calorie (98.03%), sodium (67.64%), potassium-fruits (51.9%) and potassium-vegetables (60.78%). Dietary practice was described in relation to adherence to guideline recommendations. A minority who had a good knowledge on nutrient components in consuming foods also did not always follow good practices. Dietary practice was significantly associated with monthly income (p=0.007), age (p=0.01) and treatment duration (p=0.046). Majority of the participants had a poor awareness of deciding daily amount of food allowances predominantly for protein (96.1%), phosphorus (85.3%) and potassium (81.4%) resulting in unsatisfactory dietary practices. Majority [80.4% (n=82)] had a poor knowledge on nutrient composition in foods they consume. The participants whose knowledge was good also had unsatisfactory dietary practices proving that good knowledge does not always translate to better practice. Therefore, dissemination of proper knowledge is important. An effective education model on nutrition could be easily implemented through nursing officers, with the support of multidisciplinary team involving nutritionists, medical doctors, and counselors.