Browsing by Author "Perera, K.C."

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Acceptability, simplicity, and relevance of the new human papillomavirus/DNA test among 35-year-old ever-married women in a district of Sri Lanka: focus group discussions
(BioMed Central, London, 2022) Perera, K.C.; Mapitigama, K.N.; Abeysena, T.C.
Background: Two major drawbacks of the present cervical cancer screening programme in Sri Lanka are, the suboptimal sensitivity of the pap smear and the low coverage. The sensitivity of the HPV/DNA screening test is high. The objective of the study was to explore the acceptability relevance and simplicity of the new HPV/DNA screening implementation among ever-married women in a district of Sri Lanka. Methods: Focus group discussions (FGD) (n = 3) in the public health divisions of the Kalutara district were used to collect data during December 2018. The study population comprised of ever-married women 35 years old, who, carried out an HPV/DNA test at a community Well Woman Clinics (WWCs) (n = 89). A list of WWCs was prepared according to an alphabetical order under urban, rural, and estate sector categories and allocated a number. One WWC was selected from each sector randomly for the three FGDs representing the estate, rural, and urban clinics. A convenient sampling technique was used to select participants for each FGD (n = 8). The information collected at each interview was summarized at the end of each interview. The analysis was done with manual content. Results: Most of the participants were Sinhalese (n = 17, 70.9%), Buddhist (n = 18, n = 75%), and non-working (n = 18, n = 75%). The community awareness of HPV/DNA screening and field staff performance were highly appreciated by most of the participants. Most were aware of the high sensitivity of the HPV/DNA test, therefore the early detection rate of cervical cancer precursors is high. Most of the participants expressed the HPV/DNA test as a convenient and neutral test. Most were mentioned the necessity of repeated clinic visits for the pap test and colposcopy in HPV/DNA screened positive follow-up but there was marked acceptability (n = 23, 95.8%) for HPV/DNA test. Conclusions: Acceptability of the new HPV/DNA screening test was high. Most of the participants perceived the HPV/DNA test to be simple and also relevant. Therefore, the HPV/DNA screening test can be recommended to be incorporated into the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme as its suitability was well explored in the Sri Lankan setting.
Impact of Sales Force Automation on Product Optimization through SelfEfficacy and Techno-stress of Sales Employees in the Pharmaceutical Industry
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2021) Perera, K.C.; Samarasinghe, G.D.; Abeysekera, R.
The aims of this review is to assess the impact of Sales force automation on product optimization through self-efficacy of sales employees in the pharmaceutical industry and explore mediating effect of technostress on the main relationship. In order to achieve the aims, a systematic review of literature was undertaken. Both theoretical and empirical literature was extracted from key data bases up to 2021 and systematically content-analyzed exploring the key words of relevance to the present aims. The key findings of the review emphasized the relevance of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for explaining sales force automation, Social Cognitive Theory for sales efficacy and Transactional Theory for technostress in an increasingly automated context including sales force Management. The empirical literature review emphasized that technology adoption is a significant aspect of sales performance. Sales force automation was also inferred as a significant factor of technology adoption to improve the sales performance. Further it was emphasized that technostress as a potential mediator negatively affects the link between sales force automation and product optimization whilst the self-efficacy as a potential moderator positively affects the link between sales force automation and product optimization. Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical industry point of view, the product optimization can be explained in two different dimensions such as product development and marketing perspective. As per the review, it is possible to represent these relationships in an integrated conceptual framework and empirically validate impact of sales force automation on product optimization through self-efficacy and techno stress of sales employees in the pharmaceutical industry.
Musta powder and practice of Yoga in the management of Hyperlipidemia (Medoroga)
(Department of Shalya Shalakya,Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute,University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka, 2017) Karunaratne, H.K.B.M.S.; Perera, K.C.
Hyperlipidemia can be referred to the elevated levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, triglycerides and low high density lipoprotein in blood. Hyperlipidemia is a major health problem at present. It is an independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. According to Ayurveda, hyperlipidemia is caused by imbalance of Agni and increase of Kapha and Medo Dhatu. Musta (Cyperus rotundus) has the effect of increasing Agni and Kapha Medaghna action. (Cha.Su.21/21-28). Toxicological studies of Musta have not shown any evidence of its' toxicity. Many studies have been carried out to nd out the hypolipidemic action of Musta using animals. However, up to date there is no any clinical evaluation undertaken to identify the effect of Musta powder on hyperlipidemia. Mental stress found to be a risk factor for hyperlipidemia. Shawasana and Anuloma Viloma Pranayama are said to be effective in reducing stress. Considering all the above facts Musta powder and Yoga were selected as an effective treatment in the management of Hyperlipidemia. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Mustapowder and Yoga in the management of Hyperlipidemia. It was a randomized, comparative clinical study with 50 selected hyperlipidemic patients from Swasthavritta clinic at Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella.The patients were randomly divided in to two groups; A and B. In group A , 25 patients were treated with Musta powder and yoga practice for a period of two months with 01 month follow up period. In group B,25 patients were treated only with Musta powder. Group A was moderately effective (P<0.01) in reducing total cholesterol levels and effective in reducing LDL levels (P< 0.05). There was no any statistically signicant parameter in group B (P value > 0.05) on Lipid Prole. Comparative effect of this study was insignicant at P value > 0.05.