Browsing by Author "Ediriweera, D.S."

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Addressing the global snakebite crisis with geo-spatial analyses - Recent advances and future direction
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Pintor, A.F.V.; Ray, N.; Longbottom, J.; Bravo-Vega, C.A.; Yousefi, M.; Murray, K.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Diggle, P.J.
ABSTRACT: Venomous snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that annually leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths or long-term physical and mental ailments across the developing world. Insufficient data on spatial variation in snakebite risk, incidence, human vulnerability, and accessibility of medical treatment contribute substantially to ineffective on-ground management. There is an urgent need to collect data, fill knowledge gaps and address on-ground management problems. The use of novel, and transdisciplinary approaches that take advantage of recent advances in spatio-temporal models, 'big data', high performance computing, and fine-scale spatial information can add value to snakebite management by strategically improving our understanding and mitigation capacity of snakebite. We review the background and recent advances on the topic of snakebite related geospatial analyses and suggest avenues for priority research that will have practical on-ground applications for snakebite management and mitigation. These include streamlined, targeted data collection on snake distributions, snakebites, envenomings, venom composition, health infrastructure, and antivenom accessibility along with fine-scale models of spatio-temporal variation in snakebite risk and incidence, intraspecific venom variation, and environmental change modifying human exposure. These measures could improve and 'future-proof' antivenom production methods, antivenom distribution and stockpiling systems, and human-wildlife conflict management practices, while simultaneously feeding into research on venom evolution, snake taxonomy, ecology, biogeography, and conservation. KEYWORDS: Envenomings; Medically relevant snakes; Neglected tropical diseases; Snakebite incidence; Spatio-temporal epidemiology; Species distribution models.
Adjusting for spatial variation when assessing individual-level risk: A case-study in the epidemiology of snake-bite in Sri Lanka
(Public Library of Science, 2019) Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Jayamanne, S.F.; Murray, K.; Iwamura, T.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.; Diggle, P.J.
BACKGROUND:Health outcomes and causality are usually assessed with individual level sociodemographic variables. Studies that consider only individual-level variables can suffer from residual confounding. This can result in individual variables that are unrelated to risk behaving as proxies for uncaptured information. There is a scarcity of literature on risk factors for snakebite. In this study, we evaluate the individual-level risk factors of snakebite in Sri Lanka and highlight the impact of spatial confounding on determining the individual-level risk effects.METHODS:Data was obtained from the National Snakebite Survey of Sri Lanka. This was an Island-wide community-based survey. The survey sampled 165,665 individuals from all 25 districts of the country. We used generalized linear models to identify individual-level factors that contribute to an individual's risk of experiencing a snakebite event. We fitted separate models to assess risk factors with and without considering spatial variation in snakebite incidence in the country.RESULTS:Both spatially adjusted and non-adjusted models revealed that middle-aged people, males, field workers and individuals with low level of education have high risk of snakebites. The model without spatial adjustment showed an interaction between ethnicity and income levels. When the model included a spatial adjustment for the overall snakebite incidence, this interaction disappeared and income level appeared as an independent risk factor. Both models showed similar effect sizes for gender and age. HEmployment and education showed lower effect sizes in the spatially adjusted model.CONCLUSIONS:Both individual-level characteristics and local snakebite incidence are important to determine snakebite risk at a given location. Individual level variables could act as proxies for underling residual spatial variation when environmental information is not considered. This can lead to misinterpretation of risk factors and biased estimates of effect sizes. Both individual-level and environmental variables are important in assessing causality in epidemiological studies.
Antibiotic sensitivity pattern for non-beta lactam antibiotics and carbapenems in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing uropathogens versus non-ESBL producing uropathogens
(Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology, 2017) Wijesooriya, W.R.P.L.I.; Herath, Y.B.; Sugandhi, R.A.I.; Weerawardhana, A.; Ediriweera, D.S.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent and predominantly caused by coliforms. ESBL producers are increasing in number limiting therapeutic options. It is therefore vital to institute precise, empiric antibiotic guidelines in order to prevent life-threatening urosepsis. The objective of this study was to compare antibiotic sensitivity (ABST) pattern of ESBL producers and non-ESBL producers against selected non-beta lactams and carbapenem antibiotics. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective analysis of ABST of significant urinary coliform isolates was done. STUDY SETTING: Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and Base Hospital, Wathupitiwala, Sri Lanka. STUDY PERIOD: 01.01.2012 - 01.01.2016. STUDY GROUPS: ESBL producers and non-ESBL producers, 63 in each group. Sensitivity profiles of amikacin, gentamicin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem and meropenem were analyzed. Statistical analysis: R programming language. Level of significance P<0.05. RESULTS: ESBL producers were present in 63 patients, 36 (57.1%) of whom were females and 39 were inpatients (61.9%). Non-ESBL producers were isolated from urine of 63 patients, of whom 49 (77.8%) were females and 17 (26.9%) inpatients. Antibiotic sensitivity of ESBL producers ranged from 82.2% to 100% for netilmicin, amikacin, meropenem and imipenem, 65% for nitrofurantoin and from 14.8% to 32.1% for nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and gentamicin. Antibiotic sensitivity of the non-ESBL producers ranged from 56.7% for nalidixic acid and from 76.8% to 85.1% for ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin and gentamicin. CONCLUSION: A female predominance was noted in both non ESBL and ESBL producers but there was a significant dominance of ESBL producers in male patients. ESBL producers were significantly common amongst inpatients than outpatients. ESBL-producers had significantly high resistance against nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and gentamicin compared to non-ESBL producers. However, more than 2/3rd of isolates in both groups were sensitive to nitrofurantoin.
Aspirin is associated with low oral pH levels and antacid helps to increase oral pH
(Biomed Central, 2018) Ediriweera, D.S.; Dilina, N.; Saparamadu, V.; Fernando, I.; Kurukulasuriya, B.; Fernando, D.; Kurera, J.
OBJECTIVE: Aspirin is a commonly used medicine for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It is an acidic medicine associated with gastric irritation and acid reflux, which in turn can lead to low oral pH levels. Therefore, it is important to understand the association between aspirin and oral pH levels in order to achieve an optimum oral health condition among patients who take aspirin on prescription. RESULTS: Out of 373 patients, 162 (44%) were males and 245 (66%) were on aspirin. 71% of aspirin taking patients and 29% of non-aspirin taking patients had oral pH less than 6.5 (P < 0.01). Aspirin showed a significant association with low oral pH levels (odds ratio = 1.91, 95% CI 1.23-2.99, P < 0.01). 78 patients were given antacids and followed up for 4 weeks, 63 of them (81%) showed an improvement in oral pH and the improvement was marked in the group who had oral pH between 5.5-6.0 compared to the group who had oral pH between 6.0-6.5 (P = 0.03). The results show that aspirin therapy is associated with low oral pH and administration of an antacid with aspirin helps to increase the oral pH level.
Assessment of the capacity to work with data: a cross-sectional study done in first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Spreadsheets and programming languages (PL) facilitate data storage, organization, retrieval and analysis. Experience in the above builds critical thinking capabilities that are supportive to discerning in students. METHODS: A Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to collect data from new entrants in 2017. RESULTS: Among 155 students, 57% were females. 85% of students [54 (82%) in males vs 77 (87 %) in females, p=0.57] had prior experience in Excel. 20% of students [11 (18%) in males vs 18 (23 %) in females, p=0.27] indicated that they were good in using Excel. 27% students [16 (24%) in males vs 26 (29%) in females, p=0.61] had prior experience in PL. 6% of students [2 (5%) in males vs 4 (8%) females, p=0.61] indicated that they were good in using PL. There were no significant associations between the grade five scholarship results and Z score with Excel use (p=0.98 and p=0.16 respectively) as well as with PL use (p=0.19 and p=0.45 respectively). Spreadsheet usage in students from the Western province was not differerent from the rest of the provinces (83% vs 89% respectively, p=0.46), or PL usage in students from the Western province from the rest (32% vs 22%, p=0.25). CONCLUSION: Majority of students have used spreadsheets but were not competent. One fourth have used PL and only 6% were competent. There were no gender differences in the usage of spreadsheets and PL.
Budget impact and cost-effectiveness analyses of the COBRA-BPS multicomponent hypertension management programme in rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
(Elsevier, 2021) Finkelstein, E.A.; Krishnan, A.; Naheed, A.; Jehan, I.; de Silva, H.A.; Gandhi, M.; Lim, C.W.; Chakma, N.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Khan, J.; Kasturiratne, A.; Hirani, S.; Solayman, A.K.M.; Jafar, T.H.; COBRA-BPS study group.
BACKGROUND: COBRA-BPS (Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation-Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), a multi-component hypertension management programme that is led by community health workers, has been shown to be efficacious at reducing systolic blood pressure in rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In this study, we aimed to assess the budget required to scale up the programme and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. METHODS: In a cluster-randomised trial of COBRA-BPS, individuals aged 40 years or older with hypertension who lived in 30 rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were deemed eligible for inclusion. Costs were quantified prospectively at baseline and during 2 years of the trial. All costs, including labour, rental, materials and supplies, and contracted services were recorded, stratified by programme activity. Incremental costs of scaling up COBRA-BPS to all eligible adults in areas covered by community health workers were estimated from the health ministry (public payer) perspective. FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2016, and Feb 28, 2017, 11 510 individuals were screened and 2645 were enrolled and included in the study. Participants were examined between May 8, 2016, and March 31, 2019. The first-year per-participant costs for COBRA-BPS were US$10•65 for Bangladesh, $10•25 for Pakistan, and $6•42 for Sri Lanka. Per-capita costs were $0•63 for Bangladesh, $0•29 for Pakistan, and $1•03 for Sri Lanka. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $3430 for Bangladesh, $2270 for Pakistan, and $4080 for Sri Lanka, per cardiovascular disability-adjusted life year averted, which showed COBRA-BPS to be cost-effective in all three countries relative to the WHO-CHOICE threshold of three times gross domestic product per capita in each country. Using this threshold, the cost-effectiveness acceptability curves predicted that the probability of COBRA-BPS being cost-effective is 79•3% in Bangladesh, 85•2% in Pakistan, and 99•8% in Sri Lanka. INTERPRETATION: The low cost of scale-up and the cost-effectiveness of COBRA-BPS suggest that this programme is a viable strategy for responding to the growing cardiovascular disease epidemic in rural communities in low-income and middle-income countries where community health workers are present, and that it should qualify as a priority intervention across rural settings in south Asia and in other countries with similar demographics and health systems to those examined in this study. FUNDING: The UK Department of Health and Social Care, the UK Department for International Development, the Global Challenges Research Fund, the UK Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust.
Climate change maladaptation for health: Agricultural practice against shifting seasonal rainfall affects snakebite risk for farmers in the tropics
(Cell Press, 2023) Goldstein, E.; Erinjery, J.J.; Martin, G.; Kasturiratne, A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Somaweera, R.; de Silva, H.J.; Diggle, P.; Lalloo, D.G.; Murray, K.A.; Iwamura, T.
Snakebite affects more than 1.8 million people annually. Factors explaining snakebite variability include farmers' behaviors, snake ecology and climate. One unstudied issue is how farmers' adaptation to novel climates affect their health. Here we examined potential impacts of adaptation on snakebite using individual-based simulations, focusing on strategies meant to counteract major crop yield decline because of changing rainfall in Sri Lanka. For rubber cropping, adaptation led to a 33% increase in snakebite incidence per farmer work hour because of work during risky months, but a 17% decrease in total annual snakebites because of decreased labor in plantations overall. Rice farming adaptation decreased snakebites by 16%, because of shifting labor towards safer months, whereas tea adaptation led to a general increase. These results indicate that adaptation could have both a positive and negative effect, potentially intensified by ENSO. Our research highlights the need for assessing adaptation strategies for potential health maladaptations.
The clinical utility of accurate NAFLD ultrasound grading: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study
(Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd, 2021) Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Gunasekara, D.; de Silva, S.T.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Kato, N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; de Silva, H.J.
OBJECTIVES: Despite its widespread use there is no consensus on ultrasound criteria to diagnose fatty liver. METHOD: In an ongoing, cohort-study, participants were initially screened in 2007 and reassessed in 2014 by interview, anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasonography, and blood tests. We evaluated utility of increased hepatic echogenicity alone (intermediate) compared to using additional criteria which included signal attenuation and/or vascular blunting along with increase of hepatic echogenicity (moderate-severe), to diagnose fatty liver in NAFLD. We made a comparison of the two radiologically defined groups, in order to choose a classification method for NAFLD, which may better predict baseline adverse metabolic traits (MT), and adverse metabolic and cardiovascular events (CVE) after 7-year of follow-up. RESULTS: Of 2985 recruited in 2007, 940 (31.5 %) had moderate-severe NAFLD, 595 (19.9 %) intermediate NAFLD, and 957 (32.1 %) were controls (no fatty liver). 2148 (71.9 %) attended follow-up in 2014; they included 708 who had moderate-severe NAFLD, 446 intermediate NAFLD and 674 controls, at baseline (in 2007). At baseline, adverse anthropometric indices and MTs were significantly higher in both moderate-severe NAFLD and intermediate NAFLD compared to controls, except for low HDL. They were commoner in moderate-severe NAFLD than in intermediate NAFLD. After seven years, the odds of developing new-onset metabolic traits and CVEs were significantly higher compared to controls only in moderate-severe NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Only moderate-severe NAFLD predicted risk of incident adverse MTs and CVEs. However, both moderate-severe and intermediate NAFLD were associated with higher prevalence of adverse anthropometric and metabolic traits, thereby identifying individuals who need medical intervention even among those with milder degrees of fatty liver. We therefore recommend using increased hepatic echogenicity, and not only the more stringent criteria (which include signal attenuation and/or vascular blunting), for the diagnosis of fatty liver in individuals with NAFLD. KEYWORDS: Cardiovascular events; Fatty liver; NAFLD; Outcomes; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound criteria.
Cluster randomized trial on integrated primary care strategies to reduce high blood pressure in rural communities in Sri Lanka: Report from the feasibility study
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) de Silva, H.A.; Kasturiratne, A.; Luke, W.A.N.V.; Ediriweera, D.S.
INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation (COBRA) trial conducted in Pakistan, demonstrated that the combined intervention of home health education (HHE) plus training general practitioners (GPs)was more effective for lowering blood pressure (BP) compared to usual care. OBJECTIVES: A feasibility study was conducted to adapt and integrate evidence-based strategies to control hypertension in the primary healthcare system in rural Sri Lanka. METHOD: Public Health Midwives (PHMs) in three Medical Officer of Health areas in Kurunegala district were trained on digital BP measurement and health education of hypertensive patients and their families PHMs screened household members above 40 years of age to identify individuals with hypertension. Socio-demographic data was collected and HHE was delivered as per training manual.PHMs referred probable patients to trained medical officers in the closest divisional hospital for further care and regular follow up. A referral loop was maintained by tracking the referred patients at the rural hospital by supervising PHM and medical officers. RESULTS: 142 hypertensive individuals were recruited and 129(90.8%) of them presented to the health care facility for follow up. At the end of follow up mean systolic blood pressure reduction of 13.8 mmHg (p-0.001) in those with poorly controlled BP (SBP≥160or DBP≥100 ) was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to implement this community-based strategy integrated to routine care for improving the management of hypertension in rural communities. Findings of this feasibility study will be fully evaluated in a large randomized controlled trial.
Colorectal cancer burden and trends in a South Asian cohort: experience from a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka
(Biomed Central, 2017) Chandrasinghe, P.C.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Kumarage, S.K.; Fernando, F.R.; Deen, K.I.
OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasing in the south Asian region due to the changing socio-economic landscape and population demographics. There is a lack of robust high quality data from this region in order to evaluate the disease pattern and comparison. Using generalized linear models assuming Poisson distribution and model fitting, authors describe the variation in the landscape of CRC burden along time since 1997 at a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: Analyzing 679 patients, it is observed that both colon and rectal cancers have significantly increased over time (pre 2000-61, 2000 to 2004-178, 2005 to 2009-190, 2010 to 2014-250; P < 0.05). Majority of the cancers were left sided (82%) while 77% were rectosigmoid. Over 25% of all CRC were diagnosed in patients less than 50 years and the median age at diagnosis is < 62 years. Increasing trend is seen in the stage at presentation while 33% of the rectal cancers received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Left sided preponderance, younger age at presentation and advanced stage at presentation was observed. CRC disease pattern in the South Asian population may vary from that observed in the western population which has implications on disease surveillance and treatment.
Community incidence of snakebite and envenoming in Sri Lanka; results of a national survey
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2014) Pathmeswaran, A.; Kasturiratne, A.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Wijayawickrama, B.A.; Jayamanne, S.F.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Isbister, G.; Dawson, A.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We undertook the first ever country-wide community-based survey to determine the incidence of snakebite in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Data were collected through household interviews by trained data collectors.125 clusters were allocated to each of the 9 provinces of the country. Within each province the clusters were divided among the districts in proportion to their population. A Grama Niladhari (GN) division was defined as a cluster for data collection. The clusters were selected using simple random sampling, and in each cluster 40 households were sampled consecutively from a random starting point. RESULTS: Data relating to 165,665 individuals (0.8% of the population of Sri Lanka) living in 44,136 households in 1,118 clusters was collected from June 2012 to May 2013. 695 (males 418) snakebites and 323 (males!93) significant envenomings (local tissue necrosis or systemic envenoming) were reported during the 12 months preceding the interview. The overall community incidence of snakebites and significant envenoming were 398 and 151 per 100,000 population, respectively. 446 (64.2%) bites and 208 (64.4%) envenomings were in people aged 30 to 59 years. There was wide variation between districts, the worst affected being Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, and Poionnaruwa, ali in the dry zone, mainly agricultural areas of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Sri Lanka has a high community incidence of snakebite and envenoming with a marked geographical variation.This variation underlines both the inaccuracy of extrapolating data of localised surveys to national or regional levels and the need to prioritise distribution of resources for treatment of snakebite even in small countries.
Computed tomography-based evaluation of segmental variation of liver density and Its implications.
(Indian Society of Gastroenterology, 2020) Siriwardana, R.C.; Sivasundaram, T.; Paranaheva, L.; Ediriweera, D.S.
BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major health concern. Focal fat deposition frequently seems to involve segment IV b. This indicates a consistent pattern of fat deposition in the liver. The present study evaluates the pattern of fat distribution in the liver using computed tomogram (CT) attenuation index. METHODS: Two radiologists evaluated 517 non-contrast CT scan images of the abdomen and pelvis. Two 40-mm2 regions of interest (ROIs) were selected from each segment. The hepatic segmental densities (HSDs) were obtained by calculating the mean densities of areas of corresponding liver segments. The mean hepatic attenuation (MHA) was quantified by obtaining the mean segmental densities. Densities were compared between the segments and with the MHA. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) of the patients was 55.5 year (15.6), and 276 (53.4%) were males. The overall mean hepatic density was 53.05 (95% CI, 52.95-53.15) Hounsfield units (HU). The lowest mean HSD was observed in segment IV b and the highest mean HSD was observed in segment V. Segments I, IV a and IV b showed significantly lower mean HSDs and segments V, VI and VIII showed significantly higher mean HSDs compared with the overall mean MHA/mean hepatic density (MHD), whereas mean HSDs of segments II, III and VII were not significantly different from the overall mean MHA/MHD. CONCLUSIONS: Segment IV b seems to be the most vulnerable site for fat deposition; focal lesions here should be carefully evaluated. Segments II, III and VII seem to closely represent MHD. KEYWORDS: Cirrhosis; Diagnostic imaging; Fatty liver; Non-alcholic fatty liver disease.
‘Connective alignment’ as the educational approach for higher education in the digital age
(Commonwealth of Learning, 2024) Senadheera, V.V.; Rupasinghe, T.P.; Ediriweera, D.S.
Most students in higher education at present are ‘digital natives.’ They use technology in every facet of their life, including their education. They learn from formally organised courses as well as from informal learning. Hence, informal learning has been identified as crucial for the sustainability of higher education in the current global context. Technology facilitates informal learning and, thus, has made substantial changes in how learning occurs in modern age learners. These changes that occurred in the learning process due to the influence of technology should be addressed by the educational approaches used in higher education to achieve the best outcomes in relation to the academic performance of students and students’ satisfaction. This commentary presents an educational approach: ‘Connective Alignment’ for higher education in the digital age, which can fulfil the learning needs of the learners in this digital age.
“Connectivism” as a theoretical framework underpinning social media usage for higher education in the digital age – A scoping review
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2023) Senadheera, V.V.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Rupasinghe, T.P.
The objectives of this scoping review were to examine how connectivism has been to incorporate social media into higher education and understand the impact of social media usage, with connectivism as the theoretical framework on the success of student learning
Dengue and leptospirosis infection during the coronavirus 2019 outbreak in Sri Lanka
(Oxford University Press, 2021) Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Premaratna, B.A.H.R.; Jayasinghe, S.; de Silva, H.J.
ABSTRACT: A significant decrease in dengue fever cases and a contrasting increase in leptospirosis cases were reported for the second quarter of 2020 compared with 2019 in Sri Lanka. In the absence of significant environmental and weather-related differences to account for these changes in incidence, we investigated the possibility that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health, social behaviour and the restrictions imposed during the lockdown influenced the fluctuations in dengue and leptospirosis infections. KEYWORDS: COVID-19; dengue fever; leptospirosis; pandemic; tropical infections.
Design and development of a web based histopathology reporting system
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Ediriweera, D.S.; Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Mahendra, B.A.G.G.; Liyanage, S.K.; Ratnayake, R.M.U.S.; Hewavisenthi, S.J.de.S.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: The current histopathology reporting system in the unit has only basic features including report generation and limited data retrieval. Thus a newer system was required to address the issues faced in histopathology reporting, chiefly a prolonged turnaround time caused by lack of clinical data, inability to track delays in sample processing, delays in data entry and report dispatch. More efficient data retrieval for research purposes and monitoring of postgraduate training were also considered important. The aim of the study was to design and develop a generic histopathology reporting system that facilitates the generation of timely reports and helps in research and postgraduate training. METHODS: A software framework was designed and developed into a functional web based histopathology reporting system (WBHPRS) which can be easily customizable to different settings. This was designed using MySQL and PHP. Data entry was facilitated by using drop down menus and prompts. Standard templates for reports with the option to edit were uploaded enabling quick report generation. RESULTS: A WBHPRS has the ability to capture data throughout the process of generating a report, thus enabling the tracking of the specimen from surgery to dispatch of the report. The system also provides facilities for more efficient data retrieval due to a modified coding system. It facilitates postgraduate supervision enabling the trainer to determine the time taken, quality and quantity of work done by the trainees. CONCLUSION: This system has vastly enhanced features that will improve the timeliness of reporting and provide additional features useful in research and postgraduate training.
Development of a Snakebite risk map for Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Wijayawickrama, B.A.; Jayamanne, S.F.; Isbister, G.K.; Dawson, A.; Giorgi, E.; Diggle, P.J.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Snakebite is a public health problem in Sri Lanka and about 37,000 patients are treated in government hospitals annually. At present, health care resources which are required to manage snakebite are distributed based on the administrative boundaries, rather than based on scientific risk assessment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to develop a snakebite risk map for Sri Lanka. METHOD: Epidemiological data was obtained from a community-based island-wide survey. The sample was distributed equally among the nine provinces. 165,665 participants (0.8%of the country’s population) living in 1118 Grama Niladhari divisions were surveyed. Generalized linear and generalized additive models were used for exploratory data analysis. Model-based geostatistics was used to determine the geographical distribution of snakebites. Monte Carlo maximum likelihood method was used to obtain parameter estimates and plug-in spatial predictions were obtained. Probability contour maps (PCM) were developed to demonstrate the spatial variation in the probability that local incidence does or does not exceed national snakebite incidence. RESULTS: Individual point estimate snakebite incidence map and PCM were developed to demonstrate the national incidence of snakebite in Sri Lanka. Snakebite hotspots and cold spots were identified in relation to the national snakebite incidence rate. Risk maps showed a within-country spatial variation in snakebites. CONCLUSIONS: The developed risk maps provide useful information for healthcare decision makers to allocate resources to manage snakebite in Sri Lanka.
E-readiness among first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Maduwanthi, A.A.H.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: E-readiness refers to the measurement of the degree of preparedness and willingness of a country to participate in the electronic world. In Sri Lanka there is a lack of research to measure the e-readiness among higher educational students. This study is done to assess the level of e-readiness among first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was given to all first year students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya in 2017. RESULTS: Among 155 students, 42.6% were males. All have used computers previously and 72% owned a personal laptop. 68% have been using computers more than once a week and another 21% at least once a month. Students’ perceptions on their ability to use computers were as follows: 21% as good, 68% as average and 10% as poor. 68% had formal computer training and 54% had at least some paper qualifications related to the training which they had undergone, where 41% had learnt Information Technology (IT) as a subject during O/Ls, 22% had followed a certificate level course and 5% had diplomas. All could search the web and had e-mail accounts. 96.8% had used the office package. 38.7% and 20.6% could edit videos and images respectively. CONCLUSION: All had used computers and e-mail accounts. Majority had a formal training and were capable of handling the office package.
An epidemiological model to aid decision-making for COVID-19 control in Sri Lanka
(Public Library of Science, 2020) Ediriweera, D.S.; de Silva, N.R.; Malavige, G.N.; de Silva, H.J.
BACKGROUND: Sri Lanka diagnosed its first local case of COVID-19 on 11 March 2020. The government acted swiftly to contain transmission, with extensive public health measures. At the end of 30 days, Sri Lanka had 197 cases, 54 recovered and 7 deaths; a staged relaxing of the lockdown is now underway. This paper proposes a theoretical basis for estimating the limits within which transmission should be constrained in order to ensure that the case load remains within the capacity of Sri Lanka's health system. METHODS: We used the Susceptible, Infected, Recovered (SIR) model to explore the number of new infections and estimate ICU bed requirement at different levels of R0 values after lifting lockdown restrictions. We developed a web-based application that enables visualization of cases and ICU bed requirements with time, with adjustable parameters that include: population at risk; number of identified and recovered cases; percentage identified; infectious period; R0 or doubling time; percentage critically ill; available ICU beds; duration of ICU stay; and uncertainty of projection. RESULTS: The three-day moving average of the caseload suggested two waves of transmission from Day 0 to 17 (R0 = 3.32, 95% CI 1.85-5.41) and from Day 18-30 (R = 1.25, 95%CI: 0.93-1.63). We estimate that if there are 156 active cases with 91 recovered at the time of lifting lockdown restrictions, and R increases to 1.5 (doubling time 19 days), under the standard parameters for Sri Lanka, the ICU bed capacity of 300 is likely to be saturated by about 100 days, signaled by 18 new infections (95% CI 15-22) on Day 14 after lifting lockdown restrictions. CONCLUSION: Our model suggests that to ensure that the case load remains within the available capacity of the health system after lifting lockdown restrictions, transmission should not exceed R = 1.5. This model and the web-based application may be useful in other low and middle income countries which have similar constraints on health resources.
Evaluating spatiotemporal dynamics of snakebite in Sri Lanka: Monthly incidence mapping from a national representative survey sample
(Public Library of Science, 2021) Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Jayamanne, S.F.; Murray, K.; Iwamura, T.; Isbister, G.; Dawson, A.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.; Diggle, P.J.
BACKGROUND: Snakebite incidence shows both spatial and temporal variation. However, no study has evaluated spatiotemporal patterns of snakebites across a country or region in detail. We used a nationally representative population sample to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of snakebite in Sri Lanka. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey representing all nine provinces of Sri Lanka. We interviewed 165 665 people (0.8% of the national population), and snakebite events reported by the respondents were recorded. Sri Lanka is an agricultural country; its central, southern and western parts receive rain mainly from Southwest monsoon (May to September) and northern and eastern parts receive rain mainly from Northeast monsoon (November to February). We developed spatiotemporal models using multivariate Poisson process modelling to explain monthly snakebite and envenoming incidences in the country. These models were developed at the provincial level to explain local spatiotemporal patterns. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Snakebites and envenomings showed clear spatiotemporal patterns. Snakebite hotspots were found in North-Central, North-West, South-West and Eastern Sri Lanka. They exhibited biannual seasonal patterns except in South-Western inlands, which showed triannual seasonality. Envenoming hotspots were confined to North-Central, East and South-West parts of the country. Hotspots in North-Central regions showed triannual seasonal patterns and South-West regions had annual patterns. Hotspots remained persistent throughout the year in Eastern regions. The overall monthly snakebite and envenoming incidences in Sri Lanka were 39 (95%CI: 38-40) and 19 (95%CI: 13-30) per 100 000, respectively, translating into 110 000 (95%CI: 107 500-112 500) snakebites and 45 000 (95%CI: 32 000-73 000) envenomings in a calendar year. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides information on community-based monthly incidence of snakebites and envenomings over the whole country. Thus, it provides useful insights into healthcare decision-making, such as, prioritizing locations to establish specialized centres for snakebite management and allocating resources based on risk assessments which take into account both location and season.