Browsing by Author "Karunasekera, W."

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An Intervention study to monitor weight gain in infants using a home based complementary food recipe and a hand blender
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2007) de Silva, D.G.H.; Rajindrajith, S.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Karunasekera, W.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a home made energy dense weaning food, containing 110-130 kcal (26-30kJ) per 100 ml on prevention of growth faltering during infancy. METHODOLOGY: Infants attending four child health welfare clinics in the Medical Officer of Health (Ragama) area were recruited at the age of 4 months. The intervention group received a specially designed hand blender, recipe and advice to prepare a weaning food. The control group received weaning foods without any intervention. They were followed up monthly up to the age of 12 months. RESULTS: 152 infants completed the study (83 from intervention group). The infants in the intervention group gained significantly more weight than the control group (intervention group 2.43 +/- 0.72 kg, control group 2.02 +/-0.62 kg, p = 0.0002). Both groups showed a drop in the Z score for meanweight for age during the study period but this was less marked in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: A high energy density home made complementary food was effective in improving the weight gain of infants during the weaning period.
Juvenile victimisation in a group of young Sri Lankan adults
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2009) Fernando, A.D.; Karunasekera, W.
OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of juvenile victimisation in a group of young adults. METHOD: A juvenile victimisation questionnaire was distributed among 1322 Sri Lankan undergraduates. The questionnaire consisted of different modules (child maltreatment, conventional crime, peer-sibling victimisation, indirect victimisation, introduction to substances and parental deprivation). RESULTS :The response rate was 90%. The mean age of the cohort was 21.8 years. 59% were females. 44% and 36% had experienced sexual and physical maltreatment respectively. In both categories males were affected more than females (p < 0.001). Physical abuse had commonly taken place at school (51%) and home (40%). Witnessing violence at home was the highest form of indirect victimisation (66%). 10% were introduced to substances in childhood. Usage of substances (cigarettes, alcohol and drugs) was significantly higher in children whose fathers used substances compared to children whose fathers did not (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Many children in Sri Lanka are exposed to victimisation. They seem to suffer these in the very environments that should be nurturing and protecting them.
Profile of paediatric respiratory diseases requiring hospital admission
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Subasinghe, V.; Karunasekera, W.; Fernando, A.D.; Lakmini, C.; Weerasooriya, L.; Hathagoda, W.
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory tract disorders cause significant mortality and morbidity in children worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To study the pattern of respiratory diseases and its seasonal variation among children. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at University Paediatric Unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital in 2010 and 2011. All children below 12 years admitted with respiratory tract diseases (ICD-10 classification) were recruited into the study. Data collection forms were filled by medical officers using patient records. RESULTS: Total of 2651 (1370 in 2010; 1281 in 2011) were admitted with respiratory diseases. In respective years, 53% (2010) and 55%(2011) were males. Highest number of admissions was during infancy (27.2%). During consecutive years 2010 and 2011, 43.0% and 45.2% had unspecified lower respiratory tract infections (LRT1); 29.9% and 29.4% had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI); 10.7% and 12.4% had bronchial asthma; 1.8% and 2.2% had pneumonia; 5.9% and 8.9% had bronchiolitis. Stabilization at ETU was needed in 8.5%. Median duration of hospital stay was 3 (range 1-60) days. No follow-up was required in a majority (82.5%). Admissions due to respiratory diseases peaked in June (2010-20.1% and 2011-16.0%) and were mainly due to LRTI-52.0%, URTI-28.4%. Admissions with bronchial asthma were higher during the first half of the year (2010-86.3% and 2011-80.5%). Deaths were 18 (1.3%) in 2010 and 6 (0.5%) in 2011. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory tract infections peak in June whereas asthma is precipitated in early months of the year. Over one-fourth of patients had URTI and was unnecessarily admitted.