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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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Item type: Item , CBCT aided pre-assessment of mandibular and maxillary bone quality for dental implants(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Subaviththiran, S.; Sudam, H.A.; Wathsala, S.P.C.; Gunathilake, P.; Hettiarachchi, P.V.K.S.Dental implants play a major role in permanent tooth replacement. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can be used to acquire detailed volumetric image data of the maxillofacial region for diagnostic and pre-surgical planning of dental implants. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate a decision-making algorithm to quantitatively assess the alveolar bone density of the maxilla and mandible as a pre- implant assessment. CBCT images with edentulous maxillary and mandibular bone areas of 50 patients who have undergone CBCT scans in the University Dental Hospital, Peradeniya were selected. Those CBCT images were imported to the developed algorithm to calculate the Hounsfield values (HU) derived from Grey Values (GV) and categorized into types of alveolar bone density as stated in the Misch bone density classification. Moreover, same set of images were independently analyzed by two experts, and a manual assessment was performed on alveolar bone density according to Misch classification. The algorithm was more effective at locating the edentulous bone areas selected by the examiner and analyzing the bone density. Both experts were biased only on 40 cases with each other (80%) out of 50 cases. The correlation between CBCT, GV and CT numbers should be calculated when converting GV into HU. Even in our study, it was assumed that there is a linear relationship regardless of the kV due to the shortfall of proper calibration in the CBCT machine. Besides the two-expert biased optical assessment and lack of proper calibration of CBCT machine, the algorithm was competent to achieve overall reliability of 77.5% following the comparison of manual and algorithm assessed results.Item type: Item , Validation and cross cultural adaptation of Sinhala version of psychosocial impact of dental aesthetic questionnaire (PIDAQ) among adolescents seeking orthodontic treatment(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Weerasekera, W.B.M.C.R.D.; Pathirage, S.L.; Mellawa, M.M.S.L.Use of a psychosocial index is essential for the assessment of the impact of malocclusion on the quality of life of the orthodontic patients. Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetic Questionnaire (PIDAQ) developed for young adults seeking orthodontic treatment is a multi item psychometric instrument which investigates on four domains:dental self confidence, social impact, psychological impact and aesthetic concern. PIDAQ comprises of 23 items. The objective of the present study was to determine the construct validity and reliability of Sinhala version of PIDAQ.This was a cross sectional descriptive validation study and translation of the original English version of PIDAQ into Sinhala was done by a team of professionals adhering to translation and cross cultural adaptation and validation guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were checked and in a convenient sampling method 11-17 year old adolescents were recruited from University Dental hospital, Peradeniya and Teaching Hospital Karapitiya. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and evaluated for reliability and validity. A total of 479 adolescents (51% of males and 49% of females) participated and mean age was 13.1 years. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.870. A principal component analysis was conducted on the 23 items with varimax rotation and revealed 05 components with 57.88% variance. The internal consistency measured with Crohnbach alpha value was 0.8 (p<0.001). The internal consistency for subdomains were 0.8, 0.8, 0.6 and 0.8.The mean PIDAQ total score and the score of the Dental Esthetic Component of the Index of the Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) showed significant correlation. PIDAQ Sinhala version has good internal consistency and construct validity.The Sinhala version of the PIDAQ is a reliable and valid tool to assess the psychological impact of the dental esthetics of the Sinhala speaking adolescent orthodontic patients.Item type: Item , A survey on orthodontic retention practices among consultant orthodontists in Sri Lanka(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Weerasekera, W.B.M.C.R.D.; Wimalarathna, A.A.A.K.; Herath, E.M.U.C.K.Orthodontic retention phase is mandatory following active treatment. New developments in the orthodontic retention strategies have created a wide variation and hence a personal preference exits. This study aimed to survey the retention practices of the consultant orthodontists in Sri Lanka. Consultant orthodontists (n=34) who fulfilled inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. A survey questionnaire was modified according to Sri Lankan perspective, pre tested and self-administered via online Google forms. Questionnaire comprised 04 parts; 1. socio-demographic information of the orthodontist 2. clinician’s preference on different retainer types, wearing duration, number of retention check-ups 3. type and size of wires used for permanent bonded retainers and 4. information on unintentionally active fixed retainers. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21 and descriptive statistics were obtained. A total of 29 (85.29%) orthodontists responded (27% of males and 73% of females). Most of the orthodontists (44.7%) belonged to 46-55-year age range and 69% were attached to government hospitals. The most preferred maxillary appliance was the Hawley retainer (62%) and bonded retainer (41.3%) for the mandible. 96% of Hawley retainers were fabricated by technicians and 96% of bonded retainers by orthodontists. Functional appliance (51.7%) was the most common adjunctive retention appliance used. An initial full time wearing of removable retainers was prescribed by all orthodontists for maxilla and 86.2% for mandible with check-ups performed every 2-4 months by 83% of orthodontists. Stainless steel triple strand round wire (41%) was the most commonly used wire type for bonded retainer. Hawley retainers for the maxilla and bonded retainers for the mandible were the most commonly prescribed retainers by Consultant Orthodontists in Sri Lanka.Item type: Item , A preliminary study on factors affecting betel quid chewing, smoking and alcohol use, following diagnosis of potentially malignant oral disorders and oral cancer(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Sumithrarachchi, S.R.; Pemasiri, W.A.U.C.; Pathiranage, D.; Jayasooriya, P.R.Betel quid (BQ) chewing, smoking and alcohol use are known risk factors of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer. This study aimed to determine key factors for quitting or continuing these habits after diagnosis of such oral lesions. A cross sectional study was conducted among 50 participants who had risk habits diagnosed with OPMDs or oral cancer. A questionnaire validated in Sinhalese was used to gather information on dependence to risk habits. The sample consisted of a majority (82%) of males and >90% were from a low socio-economic background. A nearly equal age distribution of ≤60 years (44%) and >60 years (56%) were observed. 34% of them had all risk habits and when analyzed separately 82%, 58% and 56% had BQ, smoking and alcohol use respectively. Majority of BQ (93%) and alcohol users (79%) were dependent while only 14% of smokers were dependent on the habit. 34% of the sample had developed OPMDs while 66% were diagnosed with oral cancer. It revealed that after diagnosis of oral lesions, a significant (p<0.05) majority quit their habits; BQ (75%), smoking (79%), alcohol (68%) mainly due to factors like fear of death (BQ-35%; smoking-10%; alcohol-21%), pain and discomfort (BQ-29%; smoking-24%; alcohol- 26%), medical interventions (BQ-10%; smoking-22%; alcohol-11%) and presence of other co-morbidities (BQ-13%; smoking-14%; alcohol-16%). However, out of 10, 6 and 9 persons who continued BQ, smoking and alcohol use, 20% (2), 34% (2) and 78% (7) of BQ, smoking and alcohol users respectively were occasional users while the rest were extremely addicted daily users. Key factors for habit cessation after diagnosis of OPMDs or oral cancer include fear of death and pain/discomfort which can be emphasized through prevention programs, even prior to development of such oral lesions in those with risk habits.Item type: Item , Social factors affecting health seeking behaviour (HSB) of elders with physical disabilities (EWPD)(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Thilanka, W.A.S.; Gunasena, K.A.K.I.C.Since ageing has become an alarming issue in the Sri Lankan population, elders‘ wellbeing is being challenged in many domains. Among them, physical disability increases the degree of elders‘ vulnerability. In this milieu, this study identified HSB of EWPD as a significant research area. Study attempted to identify the availability of supportive services and individual determinants that impact the HSB of EWPD. Primary qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews from purposively selected 20 EWPDs. Study was conducted in 205-A GN division of Ja-ela DS division located in the industrial zone. Data was analysed using thematic analysis method. The elected area had the necessary public and private infrastructural facilities. It was found that EWPD prefer private facilities over public ones due to unspecific reasons. Considering individual determinants, it was revealed that financial capacity has a great impact on individual‘s HSB. Those who have savings, receive pensions, or possess other financial capacity are independent in making decisions with regards to their health expenses. When caregiving is performed by family, it becomes an influencing factor of HSB. Intimate relationships are a push factor to be self-conscious about the wellbeing of EWPD. Conflictual primary relationships discourage the HSB further increasing health vulnerability. In addition, cultural beliefs and practices play a significant role in governing HSB. Specially, disability is interpreted in terms of religious beliefs. Instead of professional medical support, they mostly seek complementary or alternative medical support. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the financial self-sufficiency leading to affordability of health and other supportive facilities empowers EWPD to make decisions on HSB Despite physical impairments. The nature of their primary relationships plays a decisive role in HSB of EWPD. Finally, socio-cultural constructions on ageing and disability too determine HSB although other factors contribute positively. Overall, HSB of EWPD is primarily influenced by individual factors, not socio-economic factors such as the availability and accessibility of health services.