iPURSE 2021

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/35

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Impact of stuttering related emotions on participation in educational activities among adolescents with stuttering in Western Province
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Kudaarachchi, K.A.W.M.; Wijesinghe, T.; Perera, B.M.R.K.
The nature of stuttering has the potential to elicit embarrassment, frustration, and/or pity from the listener; therefore, it is inevitable that it is associated with some degree of fear, anxiety, and/or frustration in the person who stutters. The main aim of the study was to determine the influence of stuttering-related emotions on participation in educational activities and to specifically identify the types of emotions (negative/positive) of adolescents with stuttering, to determine thoughts associated with activities related to education of adolescents with stuttering and to identify the impact of stuttering related emotions and thoughts on the participation in the activities related to education. The study included 20 adolescents in the age range 11 – 17 with stuttering who are attending mainstream schools and have accessed speech and language therapy clinics in general hospitals in the Western Province but still received only the assessments. 75% were male and 25% were female. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed study (with quantitative and qualitative components) was used for this study and two different tasks were used for collecting data: self-administered questionnaire (Likert scale) and Semi-structured interview. The content validity was done with 5 SLTs with 5 years‘ clinical experience. The continuous variable was used in obtaining the mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values, while the descriptive analysis of the discrete variables was used to calculate the absolute and relative frequency. Phenomenological qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. The present study indicates that adolescents with stuttering have more negative feelings and thoughts toward their stuttering; the majority of the participants had to experience negativity in school, classroom and private class situations. These negative emotions and thoughts related to stuttering mainly negatively affected their participation in educational activities. Therefore, the current study concludes that most adolescents with stuttering impact their participation in educational activities due to negative emotions and thoughts related to stuttering. However, supportiveness from friends, teachers and other educational professions can encourage positive feelings and thoughts which may then transform this to a positive output.
Factors affecting overall quality of life of the elderly living in informal caregiving settings in Colombo District, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Wijesiri, H.S.M.S.K.; De Silva, Weliange, S.H.; Wasalathanthri, S.; Wijeyaratne, C.N.
Quality of life (QOL) explains the aspects of health, functional status and well-being of the people. This community-based cross-sectional study examined the factors affecting the overall QOL of the elderly living in informal caregiving settings in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. A representative sample (n=723) of elderly people aged >65 years was obtained by multi-stage cluster sampling. Sociodemographic variables were recorded and overall QOL was assessed using a validated Sinhala version of WHOQOL BREF Questionnaire. Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were assessed using validated Sinhala versions of 10-item Barthel Index and Lawton IADL scales respectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to find the associations between overall QOL and the sociodemographic data, activity limitations and morbidity data. Mean ± SD age of the elderly was 72.236.3 years and mean ± SD score of the overall QOL was 56.73±12.57 out of 100. Overall QOL was negatively associated with ADL (beta coefficient [β]=-6.44, p<0.001) and IADL limitations (β=-4.82, p<0.001), and having arthritis (β=-3.01, p<0.01) and heart disease (β=-2.84, p<0.05) in adjusted models. Significant positive associations were observed between the overall QOL and the educational status (secondary education β=3.29, p<0.01; tertiary education β=8.91, p<0.001), living conditions (living with spouse β=6.43, p<0.01; living with spouse and children β=5.05, p<0.01), participation in religious activities (β=7.01, p<0.001), frequently visited by relatives or friends (β=3.13, p<0.001) and financial independence (β=3.52, p<0.001) in adjusted models. Presence of activity limitations and chronic diseases, especially arthritis and heart disease tend to reduce the QOL while having higher educational status, living with family members, participating in religious activities, having regular social interactions with friends and relatives and financial independence tend to improve the QOL of elderly living in informal caregiving settings.
Developing a culturally sensitive parenting style measure
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Ekanayake, E.H.M.R.K.; Mudiyanse, R.M.; Wickramasinghe, V.P.
The significance of parenting on child development has been recognized as early as the 17ᵗʰ century. Baumrind recognized authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles in 1971. After the recognition of responsiveness and demanding dimensions of parenting, a 4ᵗʰ entity called neglectful parenting also emerged. The implications of parenting style on child development have been well documented. Developing tools to assess parenting style is a challenge due to the socio-economic and cultural influences on it. The instruments developed taking these facts into consideration would help educators and researchers to assess parenting style. The objective of this study was to explore items available in the literature to determine parenting style and to evaluate their suitability to be used among Sinhala speaking parents of preschool-aged children in Sri Lanka considering expert opinion. Out of 54 instruments published from 1941 to 2017, 19 were parent-reported questionnaires and 35 were child-reported questionnaires. Out of them, Parenting practices questionnaire, Parent as Social Context Questionnaire, Preschool Parenting Measure and Parenting Style Four Factor Questionnaire were selected because of their reported validity as parent-report questionnaires. These instruments consisted of 134 items and they have been recognized either as parenting styles or as core features of parenting. After the elimination of duplicates, there were 74 items that could possibly be adopted to develop a parenting style survey tool. These items were submitted to a 4- member panel of experts in the field of pediatrics and education with the request to comment on the suitability of those items to assess parenting style in Sri Lanka. However, the panel stressed the need to develop authentic and culturally sensitive items suitable for Sri Lanka. In conclusion, in spite of the availability of internationally recognized tools for the assessment of parenting style, the consensus was to develop a culturally sensitive locally validated tool. Available literature could be used in developing a guide for Focus Group Discussions and In-depth interviews.
Development of a screening tool to identify psychological morbidity of new entrants of University of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Herath, H.M.C.L.; Rajapakse, T.; Edussuriya, D.; Karunannayake, D.D.K.S.; Chandrasena, W.D.
Mental well-being is very important to become an effective and efficient member of the society. The mental health and behavior of a person is influenced by individual and environmental factors experienced during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. Although many studies have been conducted with the general public, there are only a very few studies conducted to identify risk factors for development of psychological morbidities among university students. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a screening tool to identify those at risk of developing psychological morbidity among new entrants to the University of Peradeniya. This study adopted a mixed methods approach. In phase I, the preparation of a preliminary questionnaire was accomplished with developing a Semi-Structured Interview Guide (SSIG) through literature review. To identify risk factors for development of psychological morbidity among new entrants, in- depth interviews were conducted using the SSIG among key informants and a list of risk factors was identified through thematic analysis. In the phase II, refining the preliminary questionnaire and the reduction of items were carried out through discussion with an expert group and after conducting two Delphi rounds among experts consisting of administrative staff and service staff of the university and teaching hospitals in Peradeniya and Kandy. The data was collected in the above two phases from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Wardens, Sub-Wardens, Heath Center staff, Staff of the Career Guidance Unit, Senior Student Counsellors, Consultant Psychiatrists, and Psychologists. The pilot test of the prepared tool was conducted with 50 first year students. The final tool was constructed with 28 items and the reliability of the factors was greater than .6 in the Cronbach alpha scale. The prepared tool is ready to use with the new entrants of University of Peradeniya to screen and extend support to vulnerable students to help them overcome their psychological issues.
Factors related to substance abuse among students in Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Milroy, J.A.
The gradual increase of substance abuse among educated youth has become a critical issue in Sri Lanka. Due to absence of systematic efforts, reasons as to why educated youth tend to use such illicit drugs remain unexplored. The present study explores the factors underlying the substance abuse of educated youth by taking a risk sample of young undergraduates from a Sri Lankan State University. This qualitative study employed in-depth interviews to gather data. Sample selection was conducted utilizing the snowball method, to include the undergraduate students who engage in substance abuse. Data was gathered from 10 key informants and the analysis began with coding. Coding was done in two rounds; first to identify the broad categories and then to identify the themes in each category. Accordingly, the first round of coding divided the responses into five categories as usage stage, usage pattern of drug varieties and the consequences experienced, in addition to the factors affecting the usage of drugs. The responses reveal that many of the young students use varieties of drugs, namely, cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, hash, heroin, crystal meth, tablets, pills, stamps and LSD. Factors that lead to substance abuse appear in three main themes: personal factors, social factors, and economic factors. It is curiosity, relaxation and happiness-expectations, biological factors, and psychological factors that appear as personal reasons. Peer influence, freedom of the environment, and undisturbed access to the drug network were found at the social level. Having a personal source of income and adequate external financial support appeared to be the economic factors for students‘ engagement in drug usage. Accordingly, the findings of this study offer a basis to take necessary measures to avoid the potential threats and negative consequences created by this hidden problem, while establishing the vital importance of engaging in serious discussion on the matter.
Enduring death and bereavement: an analysis of sinhala buddhist funerary practices and worden's "four tasks of mourning"
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Gunawardana. G.M.V.P.S.
Cultures around the world practice different funerary rites to cope with death and bereavement. Similarly, Sri Lankan Sinhala Buddhist funerary practices have their inherent way of managing the negative emotions and feelings of people who suffer at their loved ones‘ death. It is an aid to the immediate family members of the deceased to move on with life. Western psychologists also have developed treatment models to manage negative consequences concerning human behaviour in utmost needy situations. This study comparatively analyzed Sinhala Buddhist funerary practices and the psychologist J. W. Worden‘s model of "four tasks of mourning" to endure death and bereavement. His model is flexible for healthy grieving as well as adjusting to life without any enforcement. Participatory observation was used to collect primary data on Sinhala Buddhist funerary practices while psychological treatments were used as secondary data. The study analyzed the two modes under accepting death, working through the pain, adjusting life, and moving on with life. Worden‘s model is scientific and a gradual process while Sinhala Buddhist funerary practices incorporate the same but as a ritualistic process. Sinhala funerary practices are mostly influenced by the Buddhist philosophical concepts "kamma" and impermanence. For example, funeral banners carry the Buddhist principle All 'compounded things are impermanent‘ (anicca vata sankhara). The social support system also helps the enduement process of the family. These support systems aid in adjusting to the new reality of living in the absence of loved ones. Worden‘s framework of four tasks manipulates the inner spiritual peace and the support of society. Hence, features of Worden‘s flexible model can be identified in the Sinhala Buddhist funerary practices of Sri Lanka. Methodical processes aid a person to cope with death and bereavement through psychological support while Sinhala- Buddhist funerary practices provide the same aid as a cultural practice.
Relationship between childhood maltreatment and alcohol addiction in middle adulthood
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Abhayarathna, H.C.; Bulathwatta, A.
Childhood trauma and maltreatment have been frequently identified in the life histories of patients in treatment for substance use disorders. This paper examines the relationships between the childhood profiles who reported to have undergone childhood maltreatment and alcohol addiction characteristics. In this regard, the methodology adopted was the following: twenty- five alcohol addicted male patients between the age of forty to sixty years from Mampitiya rehabilitation hospital were recruited. Childhood maltreatment/trauma was assessed using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ),( Bernstein & Fink, 1998) and by a semi structured interview questionnaire consisting of questions relevant to childhood and alcohol consumption. Content and narrative analysis methods were used with predetermined themes (The socio-economic background and the educational level of the participants were also considered). It was found that the mean age of subjects was 45.2 yrs. The majority were raised in low socio-economic backgrounds (88%) and were poly drug users. On the CTQ 56% reported physical neglect, 60% emotional neglect, 72% emotional abuse and 84% for physical abuse. Overall, 74% of participants reported experiencing at least one type of abuse. Subjects who scored high on CTQ are heavy users of alcohol with an early age onset (< 15 yrs) compared with the subjects with low to moderate scores. The findings of the study portray that a majority of alcohol addicted patients has undergone at least one form of childhood maltreatment in their childhood. The results suggest childhood maltreatment and trauma occur due to many factors, with socio-economic problems, poverty, inadequate love, and care serving as risk factors for alcohol addiction in later life.
Who pays for healthcare in Sri Lanka?: a progressivity analysis in healthcare financing
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Fernando, A.N.
Often, government healthcare policies are aimed at safeguarding the most vulnerable groups by ensuring pro-poor financing of human development services. Furthermore, ensuring affordable and equitable healthcare and financial protection is an important policy objective accepted universally. The healthcare financing mix of Sri Lanka consists mainly of public spending, out of pocket expenditure (OOP) and private health insurance. However, the key research problem is to identify the extent to which the financing mix is able to address the equity goals of Sri Lanka. The main objective of the study was to investigate who among the rich and poor contribute to healthcare financing by reviewing the behaviour of the sources of healthcare financing. The Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) of 2016 was used in the study. The methodology was sharpened to assess progressivity of healthcare payments by deriving the Concentration Curve and computing the Concentration Index (CI) and Kakwani Index for each health financing source. The results indicate that the total health expenditure of Sri Lanka was mainly financed by direct payments done by households, sources of government revenue and private insurance premiums. The analysis revealed a positive CI and Kakwani index for direct and indirect taxes, OOP, and private insurance premiums. This implies that in all health financing sources of Sri Lanka, the rich not only pay more in absolute terms but also in relation to ability to pay. The negative Kakwani index recorded for taxes for tobacco and liquor consumption implies that the poor pay more taxes in this regard than the rich. The paradox of the progressive healthcare financing mix is reflected through the strong contribution of OOP spending and the growth of the private sector where households are compelled to finance health through their own funds. This would cause households to incur catastrophic expenditures, especially among the lower income spectrum of the society.
Impact of organizational culture on employee motivation: a study on managerial nurses in children’s hospitals of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Bandara, S.Y.; Athukorala, W.; Gannoruwa, A.; Kulathunga, S.; Hewageegana, N.
Organizational culture is a common set of values and norms followed by individuals or groups within an organization. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the impact of organizational culture on employee motivation in two children's hospitals of Sri Lanka. The level of perception of managerial nurses (matrons, sisters, and in-charge nurses) on how organizational culture (values, norms, and leadership styles) influence in motivating employees was investigated. 71 nurses working at the managerial level from the two Hospitals participated in the study. There was a positive correlation between employee motivation and organizational culture. The results of the linear regression model implied that a meaningful impact of organizational culture exists on employee motivation. Further, the responses from the two respective hospitals showed no difference in two means. These findings were consistent with existing literature and a positive correlation between organizational culture and employee motivation was observed in this study. The results will be useful to measure and adjust organizational culture to motivate employees in order to achieve successful pediatric patient care in Sri Lanka.
Patterns and practices of food consumption according to ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medicine among school children
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Diloopa, N.V.Y.; Ediriweera, E.R.H.S.S.
Nonhealthy patterns and practices of food consumption are proven as a major health determinant in increasing of noncommunicable diseases. Modern scientific findings provide evidence for benefits of some food consumption methods mentioned in Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medicine. Hence, implementing healthy food consumption practices per Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medicine are important. This was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine the prevalence of these practices among the school children. Consented 147 volunteer students from a selected school in Bandaragama, Kaluthara district within the age of 14-15 years were given an interviewer administered questionnaire based on the recommended and non recommended patterns and practices of food consumption mentioned in Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medical texts. Prevalence of certain food consumption patterns and practices were calculated as a percentage. Prevalence of non-healthy food patterns of skipping meals (48.29%), suppressing hunger (54.2%) and thirst (4.89%), natural milk consumption substituted by formulated milk and artificial drinks (88.43%), consumption of tea (6.85%) and coffee (10.28%) within short gaps from main meals, inadequate liquid consumption (74.56%), disregarding the relationship between seasonal changes and food consumption (94.56%), ignoring post-consumptive etiquettes based on different facts (4.09%- 98.76%) and paying less attention to food while consuming meals (36.05%) were major contradictory patterns and practices that came in to light. Almost all the participants were unaware about the Guru (hardly digestible) and Laghu (easily digestible) properties of the food. The survey concluded that there exist a considerable range of non healthy food consumption patterns and practices in relation to Ayurveda medicine among the sample. Further, studies with a wider scale of population within different socio demographic status are important to find reasons behind these unhealthy practices. It will help to improve the health status by applying appropriate lifestyle modifications and healthy practices for the prevention of higher incidences of noncommunicable diseases.
Knowledge, attitude, motivational factors and barriers for donating blood voluntarily among people aged between 18-55 years living in Manmunaipattu, Batticaloa
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Kajenthini, K.; Madhuwanthi, L.D.M; Chandrika, J.P.M; Jayarathna, A.P.G.S.M
According to global data, there is a gradual decline in voluntary blood donations throughout the past decade. Increase in the life expectancy, rates of accidents and specialized surgeries have increased the rate of blood usage. It has become a global need to study on blood donation to obtain safe blood from the donors. The statistics available in the blood bank, Batticaloa number of voluntary blood donors are very less in all divisions. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted by using an interviewed administered questionnaire, anonymous questionnaire to determine the knowledge, attitude, motivational factors and barriers among people in selected Grama Niladhari Divisions in Manmunaipattu. Simple random sampling method was used to select the sample. Validity of the study instrument was done by primary supervisor of our study, medical officer and nursing-in-charge attached to the blood bank. The ethical clearance was obtained from Ethical Review Committee, Faculty of Health care sciences, Eastern University. Data was entered, analyzed and interpreted using SPSS version 19. This study included 405 randomly selected participants with age range from 18-55 years with the mean age of 30(SD 7.8). Majority of them were females (52.1%), married (48.9%), Tamils Hindu (89.4%) and had secondary education (92.9%).33.1% of them had previous experience on voluntary blood donation. 51.36% had adequate knowledge on eligible criteria for blood donors.92.3% of them answered positively as blood donation is a healthy habit. Altruism, peer pressure was significant motivational factors, in which the majority accepted donating blood as social responsibility. 55% of them responded that fear of seeing blood, fear of needle pain and fear of gaining weight were major barriers for not to donate blood voluntarily. Motivating the individuals from the society for voluntary blood donation through conducting series of well-planned awareness programme is a novel finding of this study.
Effectiveness of yoga exercises to improve attention and concentration of athletes in Holy Angels Girls College, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Piyumika, T.; Gunasekara, K.C.; Weerasinghe, S.
This study was conducted to explore the effect of yoga exercises to maintain attention and concentration of the school athletes during sports training. A sample of 60 athletes (netball/athletics/cricket) aged 13-15 years were selected using stratified random sampling and randomly assigned to control and treatment groups (n=30 per group). Participants of both the groups engaged in their respective sports training as usual. The treatment group underwent three yoga sessions per week for 03 months. All participants completed the Test of Attention and Concentration (TACL) before and after a training programme. TACL focuses on broad external attention (BET), broad internal attention (BIT), narrow effective focus (NAR), external overload attention (OET), internal overload attention (OIT), and errors of under-inclusion (RED). Paired t-test was used to compare between attention and concentration of athletes before and after training. According to results, pre- and post-test scores of the treatment group were significantly different (P<0.05) with respect to OIT (P=0.000), NAR (P=0.000), BIT (P=0.008) and RED (P=0.001) whereas no differences existed between scores for BET and OET. In contrast, pre- and post-scores of all tested traits did not differ (P>0.05) in control group. Thus, the proposed yoga session improved athletes‘ ability to concentrate on more than one task and effectively narrowed the attention/concentration focus, while reducing the difficulty of broadening attention focus and diminishing the tendency for internal overloading. In conclusion, the yoga training programme had a positive effect on concentration and attention of the sample.
Effect of cycling on albuminuria
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Kodagoda, K.I.U.; Wickramarachchi, W.K.D.S.A.; Weerarathne, L.R.N.D.; Senarathne, U.D.
Albuminuria is a presence of abnormal amounts of albumin in urine that is considered as a sign of defective glomerular membrane. It can also be benign when present due to physical exercise; called ̳exercise induced albuminuria‘ which is reversible. Prime aim of this study was to identify the effect of cycling on urine albumin excretion. A quasi experimental research design was used for the study with an interventional approach. 12 –professional cyclists from Naval-base, Welisara were selected using total population sampling. Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (ACR) was used to assess albuminuria before and after training sessions. Workout intensity was measured by calculations done using post training pulse rate. Hydration level was measured using the body weight loss, water intake and the urine volume passed. Paired t-test was used to analyze data from pre and post-test ACR levels. Pearson correlation test was used to identify the relationship between hydration level measured by sweating rate, and ACR increase, between intensity and ACR increase and between pre-test ACR level and post-test ACR level. There was a significant difference between pre session urine ACR and post session ACR (P=0.026). There was a positive correlation between the ACR difference and the intensity (p=0.002, r=0.793). There was no significant relationship between hydration level measured by sweating rate and the ACR difference (p=0.353, r=0.295)). There was a positive relationship between pre-session ACR and post-session ACR levels (p=0.000, r=0.987). The post exercise urine ACR was calculated to be 1.305 mg/mmol which was within the normal range according to the NICE Guidelines (2008) – UK though the amount had been increased. It was increased up to micro-albuminuria level. Testing urine albumin excretion 24-48 hours after training would be better to confirm recovery of athletes to ensure whether there is no negative effect of training on renal function.
Relationship between gym training and albuminuria among female gym trainees
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Kodagoda, K.I.U.; Wickramarachchi, W.K.D.S.A.; Weerarathne, L.R.N.D.; Senarathne, U.D.
Albuminuria is presence of abnormal amounts of albumin in urine that is considered as a sign of defective glomerular membrane. It can also be benign when present due to physical exercise; 'called exercise induced albuminuria‘ which is reversible. Prime aim of this study was to identify the effect of gym training on urine-albumin excretion. A quasi-experimental research design was used for the study with an interventional approach. 30 female gym trainees in Gampaha divisional secretariat division were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (ACR) was used to assess albuminuria before and after training sessions. Workout intensity was measured by calculations done using post-training pulse rate. Hydration level was measured using body weight loss, water intake and urine volume passed. Pearson correlation was used to identify the relationship between hydration level measured by sweating rate, and ACR increase, between intensity and ACR increase and between pre-session ACR level and post-session ACR level. There was a significant difference between pre-session urine ACR and post-session ACR (P=0.002). There was a positive correlation between ACR difference and intensity (p=0.003, r=0.521). There was no significant relationship between sweating rate and ACR difference (p=0.379, r=- 0.182)). There was a positive relationship between pre-session ACR and post-session ACR levels (p=0.010, r=0.473). According to the statistical analysis, the mean value of pre-exercise albumin level of the gym trainees was 1.147 mg/mmol indicating that their average urinary albumin excretion is within the accepted normal range. The post- exercise urine ACR was found as 3.293 mg/mmol indicating that urinary albumin excretion has increased to the range of micro-albuminuria following exercise according to the NICE Guidelines (2008) – UK. Testing urine albumin excretion 24-48 hours after training would be better to confirm recovery of athletes to ensure whether there is no negative effect of training on renal function.
Importance of radiographic measurements in diagnosis of megaesophagus in dogs and their association with hypothyroidism
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021-11-11) Dharmaratne, G.K.; Gunathilaka, G.A.D.K.K.; Ranasinghe, R.A.V.S. J.; Abeykoon, C.; De Silva, D.D.N.
Megaoesophagus is a disorder of the oesophagus in human and other mammals, in which the oesophagus is enlarged abnormally. Lack of normal peristaltic movements, paralysis of oesophageal musculature or obstructions are the causes of this condition. Megaoesophagus could arise secondary to underline conditions such as hypothyroidism, immune mediated diseases, and congenital conditions etc. Plain thoracic radiography is useful in the diagnosis of megaoesophagus in dogs as the delineation of the oesophageal wall is well visualized. The objective of the current study is to find the association between the Relative Oesophageal Diameters (ROD) with proven cases of hypothyroidism. ROD is the ratio between Thoracic Inlet Diameter and average oesophageal diameter (OD). Medical records of twenty dogs with megaoesophagus admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Peradeniya from 2020 to 2021 February, were reviewed. The OD was measured in each left lateral radiograph using the image processing software (FCR PRIMA V Console). The measurements were taken in parallel with a line drawn perpendicular to the midpoint of the body of each thoracic vertebra (T1-T10). Also, four radiographic findings, the triangular air column in cervical oesophagus, trachea-oesophageal stripe sign, diffuse oesophageal dilatation and aspiration pneumonia were assessed. In comparison, 6 cases of proven hypothyroidism (T4 levels < 1.0 μg/dL) showed severe oesophageal dilatation as evident in the radiographs. Two sample t test (α = 5%), showed there is a significant difference between the mean ROD values of hypothyroidism cases and non-hypothyroidism cases (P=0.0452). In addition, the radiographic findings, the triangular air column in cervical oesophagus and trachea-oesophageal stripe sign were also prominent. It is concluded that ROD could be used to confirm that megaoesophagus is caused by hypothyroidism.

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