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Recent Submissions

Attention deficit disorder among Sri Lankan university students: have we turned a blind eye to a treatable condition?
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2025-07) Weerasinghe, D. A.; Tennakoon, M. R. L.; Perera, M. S. P.; Vidyatilake, P.; Caldera, R. K. D. D. S.; Udayangani, T. H.; Bandara, A. M. D. A.; Chandradasa, M.
No abstract available.
When the bite is not the threat: non-venomous snakebites and their impact on rural child health
(London : BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-07) Dayasiri, K.; Ranasinghe, A.; Suraweera, N.; Burhan P.
BACKGROUND: While the clinical management of venomous snakebites has been widely studied, little attention has been paid to paediatric bites from non-venomous or mildly venomous snakes in Sri Lanka. Although medically less severe, these bites frequently lead to healthcare visits and even hospital admissions, primarily due to caregiver anxiety and concern, and may result in minor complications. METHODS: A multicentre descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across four referral hospitals in Sri Lanka. Children aged 0-17 years with confirmed bites from snakes of low or no medical significance were included. Data were collected through medical records and caregiver interviews. A matched control group was used to explore environmental and behavioural risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of snakebites. RESULTS: Among 183 children, the mean age was 10.5 years (SD=4.1), with 68.3% being male. Most lived in rural areas (86.9%), and rat snakes and water snakes were the most frequently implicated species. Bites primarily affected the feet (71%) and occurred during outdoor activities at home. Most children presented to healthcare facilities within 1 hour of the bite. Multivariate analysis showed that regular use of a torchlight (OR: 0.38, p<0.001) and home garden cleaning (OR: 0.35, p<0.001) were protective, while the presence of rats (OR: 2.01, p<0.001) and proximity to water bodies (OR: 1.92, p=0.04) were associated with increased risk. CONCLUSION: Non-venomous and mildly venomous snakebites in children are common in rural Sri Lanka and are influenced by modifiable behavioural and environmental factors. Targeted community education and preventive measures could reduce unnecessary health system burdens.
Behavioral and demographic associations of optimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sri Lanka: a multicenter study
(London : BioMed Central, 2025-07) De Zoysa, W.; Weerarathna, T. P.; Darshana, I. L. A. N.; Egodage, U. K.; Jayasekara, P.; Sujanitha, V.; Silva, S.; Mettananda, C.; Pathirage, M.; Ramadasa, U.; Palangasinghe, D. R.; Wasana, K. G. P.; Mendis S.
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an escalating global public health concern. Effective management of T2DM needs a holistic approach, considering not only the medical interventions but also demographic and behavioral factors. This multicenter study aims to investigate the association between optimal glycemic control and demographic and behavioral factors among patients with T2DM followed up in outpatient clinics of tertiary care hospitals across Sri Lanka. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving T2DM patients (n = 2013) visiting outpatient clinics at seven tertiary care facilities across five provinces in Sri Lanka. Information related to sociodemographic and behavioral factors was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. HbA1C < 7% was considered as optimal glycemic control. Predictors for glycemic control were identified using multiple logistic regression at a 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: Out of the total sample, 99.1% were on pharmacological treatment for T2DM while the minority were solely on dietary management. The optimal glycemic control had been achieved by 43.4%. Female gender (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.18-2.05), younger age group (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.06-1.82), non-Sinhalese ethnicities (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.77), inadequate adherence to antidiabetic medication (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.31-2.24), longer disease duration (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.13-2.02), being treated with insulin (aOR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.77-4.41), and daily alcohol use (aOR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.19-4.32) were identified as risk factors for inadequate glycemic control in multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Over 50% of individuals demonstrated suboptimal glycemic control. It is recommended to implement targeted interventions for specific subgroups to address distinct demographic and behavioral factors to achieve optimal glycemic control and clinical outcomes for diabetes patients in Sri Lanka.
Impact of clinical pharmacy services on medication adherence and quality of life in pre-dialysis patients with CKDu: a randomized controlled trial from Sri Lanka
(London : BioMed Central, 2025-07) Wickramasinghe, D.; Lynch, C.; Coombes, J.; Jayamanne, S.; De Silva, S.
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is chronic kidney disease (CKD) where etiology is uncertain. CKDu is predominant among farmers in North Central Province (NCP), Sri Lanka. CKD remains asymptomatic until advanced stages. As disease progresses, patients experience comorbidities (anemia, bone mineral disorder, cardiovascular complications). Increasing medication burden contributes to challenges in medication adherence. Several factors cause impairments and reduce quality of life (QOL). Studies assessing clinical pharmacy services on medication adherence and QOL among CKDu patients are scarce. This study evaluated impact of clinical pharmacy services on medication adherence and QOL among CKDu outpatients at a tertiary hospital in NCP, Sri Lanka. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in pre-dialysis renal clinics, enrolling patients diagnosed with CKDu stages 4 or 5. Sealed envelope technique was used to randomize participants to control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). IG received standard care plus four counselling sessions by the clinical pharmacist. Medication name, dose, frequency, and side effects were counselled over 12 months (at recruitment, two, six and ten months). CG received standard care. Demographics were collected at recruitment. Self-reported medication adherence and QOL were assessed at baseline and after 12 months using Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) [Median, Inter Quartile Range (IQR)] and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF), [Mean, Standard Deviation (SD)] respectively. Three summary QOL scores were calculated: Kidney Disease Component Summary (KDCS), Physical Component Summary (PCS), and Mental Component Summary (MCS). Mann-Whitney U test and independent samples t-test were used in analysis. RESULTS: Of 252 participants, 196 completed study (CG = 99,IG = 97). Total BMQ scores were significantly lower in IG (3 [2-4]) compared to CG (5 [4-5])(p < 0.001), indicating better medication adherence. Three QOL scores were higher in IG: KDCS 79.35(± 9.20) vs. 70.90 (± 12.60)(p < 0.001), PCS 67.92(± 18.42) vs. 47.39(± 19.73)(p < 0.001), and MCS 88.52 (± 16.67) vs. 80.07(± 16.77)(p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention significantly enhanced medication adherence and QOL among pre-dialysis patients with CKDu, demonstrating the positive impact of added clinical pharmacy services to existing healthcare team in managing CKD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered in the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry on 16th of December 2015. Trial registration number was SLCTR/2015/030. ( https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2015-030 ).
Drawings: A window to children’s soul
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2025-07) Vidyatilake, P.; Chandradasa, M.; Wijetunge, G. S.
No abstract available