Browsing by Author "Tennakoon, V."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Road injuries among older people in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka – a comparative analysis
(College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2020) Tennakoon, V.; John, R.P.; Wickremasinghe, R.; Kool, B.; Ameratunga, S.
INTRODUCTION: With escalating incidence of road traffic crashes (RTCs), related injuries and deaths in Sri Lanka, understanding its burden on vulnerable road users such as older people and people with disability have important implications for traffic injury prevention and transport policy planning. OBJECTIVES: To determine crash characteristics and patterns of injuries sustained by victims of RTCs admitted to a tertiary-care hospital and investigate if these differ for older people. METHODS: Recorded data of all victims of RTCs admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital from 1 January to 31 March 2017 were systematically extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Of the 573 victims, 70 (12.2%) were older people aged 60 years and above. Pedestrians (46%) were the most common road user type injured among older people. In contrast, among younger victims, the motorcyclists dominated (54%). Older people were involved in RTC between 9.01 am and 12.00 noon more often than those who were younger (22% vs. 9.5%), and had significantly higher incidence of severe head injuries (13% vs. 3%), fractures (54% vs. 40%) and deaths (10% vs. 2%), and referrals to rehabilitation services at discharge (60% vs. 39%). CONCLUSIONS: Older road crash victims are at higher risk of head injuries, fractures, and deaths than younger people. Given the lack of documented data, the influence of pre-existing disability on road injury outcomes could not be investigated. Future injury surveillance, intervention and evaluative efforts should explicitly consider the needs of these vulnerable road users. KEYWORDS: Road traffic injuries, Hospital-based, Older-people, Sri Lanka
Transport equity in Sri Lanka: Experiences linked to disability and older age
(Elsevier Ltd, 2020) Tennakoon, V.; Wiles, J.; Peiris-John, R.; Wickremasinghe, R.; Kool, B.; Ameratunga, S.
INTRODUCTION: Transport, a well-recognised determinant of health, is particularly salient to well-being and equitable health outcomes amongst older people and people living with disabilities living in low-and middle-income countries. This study explored the facilitators and barriers for safe and accessible transportation from the perspectives of older people and those living with disabilities in Sri Lanka. METHODS: The community-based qualitative research study involved eight focus group discussions conducted among older people (60 years and above) and people living with disabilities (physical, sensory, learning impairment; aged 12 years and above) in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. RESULTS: The transport challenges perceived by participants were multi-faceted and often inter-related. Participants identified barriers embedded in the built environment and transport infrastructure, such as poorly designed road systems and public vehicles, unsatisfactory services, lack of representation in road development programs, reduced opportunities for meaningful participation in the society and negative attitudes of the general public, as limitations for safe and accessible transportation. Poverty exacerbated the transport inequities experienced by the participants, affecting their quality of life and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate the need for a national policy and legislative reforms that prioritise age- and disability-inclusive transport systems and infrastructure, and accessible and affordable transport modes in Sri Lanka. To ensure equitable opportunities and wellbeing, it is also imperative to foster meaningful relationships and positive societal attitudes towards older people and those living with disability. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd