Journal/Magazine Articles

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This collection contains original research articles, review articles and case reports published in local and international peer reviewed journals by the staff members of the Faculty of Medicine

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    Policy implementation and recommended actions to create healthy food environments using the healthy food environment policy index (Food-EPI): a comparative analysis in South Asia
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Pineda, E.; Atanasova, P.; Wellappuli, N.T.; Kusuma, D.; Herath, H.; Segal, A.B.; Vandevijvere, S.; Anjana, R.M.; Shamim, A.A.; Afzal, S.; Akter, F.; Aziz, F.; Gupta, A.; Hanif, A.A.; Hasan, M.; Jayatissa, R.; Jha, S.; Jha, V.; Katulanda, P.; Khawaja, K.I.; Kumarendran, B.; Loomba, M.; Mahmood, S.; Mridha, M.K.; Pradeepa, R.; Aarthi, G.R.; Tyagi, A.; Kasturiratne, A.; Sassi, F.; Miraldo, M.
    BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Asia is concerning, with type 2 diabetes projected to rise to 68%, compared to the global increase of 44%. Encouraging healthy diets requires stronger policies for healthier food environments.METHODS This study reviewed and assessed food environment policies in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka from 2020 to 2022 using the Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) and compared them with global best practices. Seven policy domains and six infrastructure support domains were considered, employing 47 good practice indicators to prevent NCDs. Stakeholders from government and non-governmental sectors in South Asia (n = 148) were invited to assess policy and infrastructure support implementation using the Delphi method.FINDINGS Implementation of food environment policies and infrastructure support in these countries was predominantly weak. Labelling, monitoring, and leadership policies received a moderate rating, with a focus on food safety, hygiene, and quality rather than obesity prevention. Key policy gaps prioritized for attention included front-of-pack labelling, healthy food subsidies, unhealthy food taxation, restrictions on unhealthy food promotion, and improvements in school nutrition standards to combat NCDs.INTERPRETATION Urgent action is required to expand food policies beyond hygiene and food security measures. Comprehensive strategies targeting NCD prevention are crucial to combat the escalating burden of NCDs in the region.
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    Cardiovascular risk stratification in primary prevention of non-communicable diseases
    (Ceylon College of Physicians, 2022) Mettananda, C.
    No abstract available
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    Selected non-communicable diseases and risk conditions among fishermen in Divisional Secretariat Division of Kalpitiya
    (College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2016) Harshani, S.R.A.P.; Abeysena, C.
    Introduction: Fishermen are special group of people who are more vulnerable to non-communicable diseases due to occupation specific conditions. Objective: To determine the prevalence of accidental injuries, hypertension, malnutrition, smoking and alcohol consumption among fishermen in Divisional Secretariat Division of Kalpitiya. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted during the period of August to October 2011. The sample consisted of 465 fishermen with ≥6 months experience in fishing and selected by applying the cluster sampling technique. The study instruments were the interviewer-administered questionnaire and the record sheet. Prevalence of the above conditions and diseases with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: The prevalence of accidental injuries was 19.6%(95%CI:16%-23.2%). The prevalence of hypertension was 24.3%(95% CI:20.4%-28.2%) and it was significantly higher among those who have >10 years of service experience in the fishing sector (p<0.01) and history of smoking >10 years duration (p<0.001). The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 6.2%(95%CI:4%-8.4%), 20.6%(95%CI:16.9%-24.3%) and 2.6%(95%CI:1.2%-4%) respectively. The prevalence of current smokers and current alcohol consumers were 54.6%(95% CI: 50.2%-59%) and 60.2%(95% CI: 55.8%-64.6%) respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension, smoking and alcohol consumption were higher and obesity was lower among fishermen than general population. Improve the knowledge on prevention and screening are recommended.