Browsing by Author "Suranjan, P. D. M."

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    Knowledge on iron deficiency and related health problems in a selected estate population in Kandy District, Sri Lanka
    (Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2018) Suranjan, P. D. M.; Thevarajah, R.; Madushani, W. N. M.; Suren, P. D. J.; Mettananda, S.
    INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Iron deficiency is a common nutritional problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Here we aim to describe the knowledge on iron deficiency and related health problems and its associations, in a selected estate population in Kandy district of Sri Lanka. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Meegamuwatte Estate, Gampola, Kandy district during August 2017. All consenting adult estate workers and family members were recruited. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire which contained questions to assess socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge regarding iron deficiency and related health problems. Knowledge regarding iron deficiency was graded using 12 items (0-4:Poor; 5-8:Average; 9-12:Good) and knowledge regarding associated health problems was graded using 15 items (0-5:Poor; 6-1O:Average; 11-15:Good). Ethical approval was obtained from Ethics Committee of University of Kelaniya and data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 314 participants, 187 (59.6%) were females and mean age was 4l(SD±ll.4) years. Majority (69.4%) were Tamils. Monthly family income was between Rs.10,000-25,000 in a majority (50.6%) and 247 (78.7%) were not educated beyond grade five. Knowledge on iron deficiency was poor among 190 (61.5%) and average in others. Major sources of information were family/neighbours (71.7%), newspapers (29.6%) and school (9.9%). Knowledge about related health problems was poor in 251(79.9%) and average in others. Education beyond grade 5 was associated with higher knowledge; 52.5% vs.12.5% (p<0.05). Age, gender and ethnicity were not significantly associated with knowledge.CONCLUSION: Knowledge on iron deficiency and related health problems among estate population was grossly inadequate. Higher level of education was associated with better knowledge.
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    Microcytic anaemia in children: Do we really know the cause?
    (Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2018) Paranamanna, S.; Fernando, V. R.; Suranjan, P. D. M.; Rodrigo, R.; Perera, L.; Vipulanayake, U. K. T.; Fernando, A. G. L. N. P.; Fernando, A.M.; Costa, Y.; Dayanath, D.K.T.P.; Premawardhena, A.; Mettananda, S.
    INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Microcytic anaemia is common among children and is often attributed to iron deficiency. Other causes are given less priority. We aimed to describe the aetiology of microcytic anaemia among children aged between 6-59 months.METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at Teaching Hospital, Ragama from March 2016 to February 2017. All newly diagnosed patients with microcytic anaemia (haemoglobin <11 g/dL and mean corpuscular volume <80 Fl) were recruited. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and 5ml of venous blood was obtained for full blood count, serum ferritin, capillary electrophoresis and alpha-globin genotype during a period free from any acute illness. A therapeutic trial with oral iron (6mg/kg/day) was given to all children and response was assessed after one month. Ethical approval was obtained from Ethics Committee of University of Kelaniya and data were analysed using SPSS. RESULTS: Sixty-six children (male-54.5%; mean age-20.5±13.9 months) were recruited. Severity of anaemia was mild-38%, moderate-61% and severe- I%. Reported clinical features were: irritability (26%), loss of appetite (6%), fatigue (5%), pica (3%), brittle hair (26%), dry skin (23%), angular stomatitis (2%) and glossitis (2%). Aetiologically, 28 (42.4%) had iron deficiency (ferritinlg/dl after 1 month) was observed in 27 (40 9%).CONCLUSION: Less than half of children with microcytic anaemia had low serum ferritin and only 41 % of children demonstrated a response to a trial of oral iron Thalassaemia trait, especially alpha-thalassaemia is an important cause for microcytic anaemia in asymptomatic children.