Browsing by Author "de Silva, R.E.E."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

A Descriptive study of knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis among female medical school entrants in Sri Lanka
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2014) de Silva, R.E.E.; Haniffa, M.R.; Gunathillaka, K.D.K.; Atukorala, I.; Fernando, E.D.P.S.; Perera, W.L.S.P.
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a significant problem in rapidly ageing populations in Asian regions. It causes significant personal and societal impact and increases the burden on health care services. OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis amon young females entering medical schools in Sri Lanka. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted amongst 186 female medical school entrants of th Faculties of Medicine, Universities of Colombo and Kelaniya from September to December 2010. A self administere questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, beliefs and practices on osteoporosis, including a food frequenc chart to assess the calcium intake. RESULTS: The mean age was 20.7 +/? 2.1 years. Majority of the participants (51.6%, n = 96) had an average scor (40? 60) on the knowledge test, while 40.8% (n = 76) had a poor score (<40). However, in depth knowledge o risk factors, and protective factors was lacking. Perceived susceptibility for osteoporosis was low with only 13.9 (n = 26) of women agreeing that their chances of getting osteoporosis are high. The mean calcium intake wa 528 mg/day and only 18.8% (n = 35) of the participants achieved the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) fo Calcium. Exercise was grossly inadequate in the majority and only 13.6%( n = 23) engaged in the recommende exercises. Only 3.8% (n =7) of the participants currently engaged in specific behaviours to improve bone healt while 10.8% (n = 20) had thought of routinely engaging in such behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Although majority of participants had a modest level of knowledge on osteoporosis, there wer gaps in their knowledge in relation to risk factors, protective factors and on the insidious nature of osteoporosis Perceived susceptibility for osteoporosis was low. Practices towards preventing Osteoporosis were inadequate. © 2014 Ediriweera de Silva et al.
Knowledge of diabetes among type 2 diabetes patients attending a primary health care clinic in Sri Lanka
(Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization, 2013) Perera, D.P.; de Silva, R.E.E.; Perera, W.L.S.P.
Patients’ knowledge about their illness is considered important in controlling diabetes and preventing complications. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the diabetes clinic of a primary care level hospital in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. During a 1-month period in 2009 all consenting patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who had been attending the clinic for more than 3 months were included in the study. Using an interviewer administered, structured questionnaire 150 patients (135 females, 15 males) answered 25 questions about diabetes knowledge (scored ×4 to give score range 0–100). A majority of patients (70.0%) had a good score (> 65) on the knowledge test but critical gaps in knowledge were revealed, especially regarding knowledge about symptoms of poor control and importance of regular follow-up. Although patients with longer duration of diabetes had higher mean knowledge scores, they also had higher fasting blood glucose levels. Education programmes are needed to address critical gaps in patients’ knowledge.
Student perceptions of an online post graduate course in family medicine in Sri Lanka
(Health Informatics Society of Sri Lanka, 2010) de Silva, R.E.E.; Fernando, J.; Sumanasekera, R.D.N.; Liyanagama, S.D.; de Silva, D.P.
BACKGROUND: The online Diploma course in Family Medicine (DFM) of the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) of the University of Colombo is one of the pioneering online post graduate medical courses in Sri Lanka.OBJECTIVES : To describe student perceptions on the online DFM course.METHODS : The study population comprised of all the students (19) of the first batch of the course. Pre- tested self administered questionnaires were administered to all students. A Likert scale was used to assess the domains of teaching, learning, levels of understanding, and technical problems. The scale ranged from 1= ["poor / not useful/did not understand"] to 5= ["excellent/ very useful/ understood very well"]. A focus group discussion was carried out to strengthen the student perceptions, based on the themes which emerged.RESULTS : Response rate was 98.4%. Levels of understanding the lessons were perceived to be high with an average of 4.8. Students were of the opinion that discussions and assignments helped them to engage in active learning. Online discussions were found to be the most useful form of learning. 88% commented that they are able to link clinical work to their online course work.CONCLUSIONS : This online course has been useful in improving student knowledge and the levels of understanding of individual lessons are satisfactory. The most useful form of learning appeared to be online discussions