Conference Papers
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This collection contains abstracts of conference papers, presented at local and international conferences by the staff of the Faculty of Medicine
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Item Lifestyle correlates of cardiovascular risk factors in a Sri Lankan population(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008) Pinidiyapathirage, M.J.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, B.A.; Perera, D.M.; Ramanayake, R.P.J.C.; Sumathipala, W.L.A.H.; Mizoue, T.; Makaya, M.OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between selected lifestyle risk behaviours (physical activity-PA, smoking and fruit, vegetable and alcohol consumption) and cardiovascular risk factors in an urban Sri Lankan population. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: A random sample of 3650 individuals between 35-64 years resident in the Ragama MOH area were selected from the electoral list. A validated, interviewer-administered, food frequency questionnaire and a physical activity questionnaire were used to collect data. Blood samples were analysed for serum lipid and fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations. RESULTS: Of the 2602 participants (males:46%), 47% reported low physical activity (PA), 51% sub-optimal fruit consumption, 13% sub-optimal vegetable consumption, 6% excess alcohol consumption and 16% were current smokers. A significantly higher percentage of males reported moderate to high physical activity, had a lower BMI, consumed more alcohol, smoked currently and consumed less fruits. Vegetable consumption was similar between sexes. In females, risk behaviours were not associated with serum lipid and FBG concentrations. Among males, those reporting a low PA had a significantly higher percentage with serum triglyceride concentrations >150mg/dl and FBG >110mg/dl. A significantly higher percentage of male smokers had a serum total cholesterol concentration >200mg/dl and serum LDL concentration >100mg/dl. Excessive alcohol consumption in males was associated with high triglyceride concentrations (>150mg/dl). Serum lipid and FBG levels were similar among those with different fruit and vegetable consumption patterns, CONCLUSION: Low physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption were associated with serum lipid and FBG concentrations in males. Fruit and vegetable consumption was not correlated with risk factors.Item Structured Referral Form: is it a solution for problems of referral communication in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2014) Ramanayake, R.P.J.C.; Sumanasekera, R.D.N.; de Silva, A.H.W.; Perera, D.P.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Referral letters convey information required for continuity of care when patients are referred to a hospital or a specialist. In Sri Lanka conventional, hand written letters are used for patient referrals and there is no standard format or widely accepted guidelines. This study was conducted to explore the acceptability, advantages and limitations of a structured referral form for General Practitioners. METHODS: A referral form was designed based on literature review and guidelines. Printed referral forms were provided to 20 general practices representing different background. Telephone interviews were conducted at the end of 3 months to obtain their views on the format. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and themes identified. RESULTS: It has improved the comprehensiveness of letters and saved time. Overall quality of letters improved and participants were of the view that it could be used in any instance, language competency was immaterial and retrieval of information would be easier. Inadequate space under a few subheadings was a limitation. There was no increase in reply letters after introducing this letter. Participants were willing to use the format in the future as well. CONCLUSIONS: This is a useful and acceptable tool to improve information transfer and it will also be a reminder and guide for doctors to include all information. It could be a solution to the problems of communication in patient relevant in Sri Lanka.Item Views of Specialists and General Practitioners regarding referral process in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2014) Ramanayake, R.P.J.C.; Sumanasekera, R.D.N.; de Silva, A.H.W.; Perera, D.P.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sri Lanka has an impressive healthcare system, despite the lack of a system for registering patients under healthcare providers and no established referral and back referral system. In referring patients in Sri Lanka, communication between General Practitioners (GPs) and specialists take place mostly via letters. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaires explored views of specialists and GPs on the referral process. RESULTS: Island wide, 20% of 1100 specialists representing 28 specialties invited to participate responded According to specialists, referral letters were few in number and poor in quality. Specialists expected comprehensive referrals describing the problem, patient and administrative details. Few replied to referrals and reasons stated were; time constrains, lack of secretarial support, perceptions such as the letter will not reach the GP, no benefit to GP or patient. Response rate from general practitioners was 28.7%. Less than-60% always wrote a referral letter. Reasons for not writing referral letters were; lack of ownership to non-regular patients, no feedback from specialists and patients insistence on referral without an indication. GPs stated that reply rate was poor irrespective of referral destination and main items of information expected following a referral were a reply letter with diagnosis, plan of management and instructions to the GP. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups agree that there should be better communication and coordination between GPs and specialists/hospital doctors. Ways to improve communication should be explored and rectifying measures should be undertaken.Item Perceptions regarding obesity amongst obese females attending an urban primary healthcare center(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2014) Sumanasekera, R.D.N.; Ramanayake, R.P.J.C.; Pathmeswaran, A.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sri Lanka is seeing a rise in the obesity epidemic. Middle class females living in urban areas are one of the affected groups. To explore the beliefs and expectations regarding bodyweight of middle class females attending an urban primary healthcare centre in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Baseline data from an intervention study was used for this analysis. Fifty participants were selected randomly from obese females (BMI between 27.5 -40 kg/iVi2) registered with the University Family Medicine Clinic in Ragama and volunteered to participate in a lifestyle modification programme for weight reduction. Their demographic data.and baseline anthropometric measurements were obtained and a focus group discussion conducted on perceptions regarding obesity. RESULTS: Participants were aged 21 -58 years, majority were married housewives with 2 or more children, Weights ranged from 55-92.9 kg, BMIs 27.6-39.7 kg/m2 and waist circumference 90-112 cm. On average the participants wished to lose 11 kg (ranging from 2-30 kg) over a 6 month period. Focus group discussion revealed that participants accepted the norm of putting on weight after childbirth and as part of aging. Knowledge regarding food values was poor and myths regarding diet and exercise were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Unrealistically high targets for weight loss were common among participants. Putting on weight after childbirth with aging was perceived as the norm. Many mistakenly perceived that they had put on weight in spite of sensible eating and adequate levels of physical activity.