Conferences and Symposia
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Conference papers presented at Conferences and Symposia organized by the Faculty of Medicine are collected under this subcommunity
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Item An evaluation of tele therapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic at a university-clinic in Sri Lanka; a preliminary study(University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2022) Parththeepan, V.; Bakmeewewa, D.A.Background: Tele therapy is really the delivery of a large variety of therapeutic interventions through the use of telecommunications technology to connect clinicians and clients. Tele therapy typically employs webcams, audio headsets, and videoconferencing software to enable synchronous interaction among clinicians and clients. The primary outcome of this study was describing a tele therapy program at a university clinic and an evaluation of patient satisfaction of speech and language therapy services. The study also aimed to document challenges faced by patients and their families in accessing SLT tele services at Ayati. Methods: The study methodology employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Due to health-related restrictions in face-to-face direct meetings because of government regulations related to Covid 19, data were collected through self-administered online questionnaires and translated to Tamil and Sinhala. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. The data were collected in three languages (English, Sinhala, Tamil). The study included 100 participants who had registered for continuous paediatric or adult SLT services via tele therapy at the Ayati centre or had participated in at least one session of tele therapy and could complete a questionnaire with or without the assistance of a proxy. The quantitative data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, while the qualitative data were analyzed with the Ritchie Spencer (1994) framework analysis. Results: During the COVID -19 outbreak in Sri Lanka, the major purpose of this study was to assess the quality of teletherapy services and patient satisfaction at a university-based clinic. The overall satisfaction with teletherapy was positive, with a high level of satisfaction in using telehealth to get speech and language teletherapy services, a majority (n=82) noting to use telehealth services for SLT in the future. However, teletherapy patients confront difficulties such as insufficient internet connectivity, which was reported. Conclusion: Future research may focus on the specific issues described here in order to truly comprehend how to solve them. Future research could include physician experiences to better understand the current state of telehealth services for Speech and Language Therapy.Item Knowledge and lifestyle adaptations to COVID-19 among tea plantation owners in Balangoda, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Dharmalingam, L.; Chandrasekera, C.; Pramodya, S.; Gamage, P.; Fernando, C.; Prathapan, S.Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic is the current global health crisis with a socioeconomic impact around the world. Tea plantation owners need adequate knowledge of COVID-19 to prevent its spread in tea estates and sustain their economy during the pandemic. Objectives: The objective was to describe the knowledge and lifestyle adaptations to COVID-19 among tea plantation owners in Balangoda, Sri Lanka Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, was conducted among 85 tea plantation owners of a Tea Estate Development Society in Sri Lanka. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprising of participant’s sociodemographic data, effect of COVID-19 on estate economy (during March to August 2020 compared to 2019), knowledge, lifestyle adaptations to COVID-19 and chronic diseases among the participants. Data was analysed using SPSS software. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Most of the participants had poor knowledge and lifestyle adaptations to COVID- 19 (50.6%). No significant association was found between knowledge of CO VID-19 and sociodemographic data such as age (p=0.579), gender (p=0.263), education level (p=0.941) and monthly income (p=0.082). Majority (56.0%) had a positive effect on estate economy during March to August 2020 compared to 2019. No significant association was found between poor knowledge of COVID-19 and poor effect on estate economy due to COV ID- 19 (p= 0.365). Statistical significance was observed between the presence of diabetes and poor knowledge of COVID-19 (p=0.049). Conclusions: Majority of the tea plantation owners lack adequate knowledge and lifestyle adaptations to COVID-19. Thus, it is essential to improve the knowledge among them.Item Influence of preventive measures, awareness and attitudes regarding COVID 19 on the spread of respiratory infections among school children aged 15-19 years in the Western Province(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Gamachchige, K.; Galhena, H.; Paranavithana, T.; Randeniya, T.; Rajendran, T.Introduction: COVID 19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Since social distancing plays a major role in controlling the transmission, it is worthwhile to assess the influence of long-term practice of these preventive measures on the incidence of other respiratory infections. Objectives: To determine the influence of protective measures, awareness and attitudes regarding COVID 19 on spread of Influenza like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections among school children aged 15-19 years in Western Province. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 participants via an online self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics on SPSS software. Results: A significant female predominance (71.6%) was observed. Majority of the study population had a good knowledge about COVID 19 (72%), ILI (59.4%) and preventive measures (60.2%). Majority (73.6%) were willing to get vaccinated for COVID 19 if it is provided free while uncertainty about the effectiveness and side effects were the main reasons for the reluctance among the rest. Incidence of symptoms of ILI in 2020 was significantly less compared to 2019. Majority among females (58.5%) had good knowledge on COVID 19 when compared to males (39.1%) and this was statistically significant. Conclusions: Majority of the participants had a good overall knowledge on COVID 19 and ILI. While majority were willing to take a vaccine for CO VID 19. Incidence of symptoms of ILI in 2020 was significantly less compared to 2019. There is a statistically significant association between the gender and the knowledge on COVID 19 and ILI.Item Knowledge regarding preventive measures of COVID- 19 and associated factors among employees of selected companies in Colombo area, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Weerasinghe, T.; Goonewardene, C.S.E.Introduction: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the demand for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) increased. In order to have a continuous supply of goods, employees’ knowledge on preventive methods of COVID 19 is important. Objectives: To describe the knowledge regarding preventive measures of COVID 19 and their associated factors among employees of selected companies in Colombo area. Methods: This study was carried as a web based descriptive cross-sectional study. Employees of selected companies located in 2A and 2B administrative districts of Colombo municipality area was selected using snowballing sampling method. 105 participants filled the online google form. Descriptive statistics was analyzed by using SPSS version 26.0 and Chi square test was used to determine the relationship between the variables. Statistical significance was taken as p<0.05. Results: Mean age of the participants was 37.05 (SD±12.78). Majority were male (75.2%). Almost half 49.5% (N=52) of participants showed overall good knowledge. Majority knew about the causative agent and the origin of CO VID 19. Regarding treatment of COVID 19, majority knew there is no cure for COVID 19 but believed antibiotics are used as first line treatment. Majority believed drinking tea, exposure to higher temperatures more than 25 0C prevents the disease. Interestingly, 53.3% thought asymptomatic person cannot transmit the disease. Being female, age under 35 years and having higher education was associated with higher knowledge scores, however these were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: Only half 49.5% (N=52) had good knowledge regarding CO VID 19. Correct knowledge should be disseminated to the employees regarding COVID 19.Item The effects of personal protective equipment on the mental wellbeing of health care workers(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Martin, T.; Wickramaarachchi, H.; Samarathunga, P.; Medagoda, R.; Jayamanne, S.; Medagoda, K.Introduction: Personal protective equipment (PPE) has become the key method to prevent the spread of the current SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic among health care workers (HCWs). PPE varies from the face mask to complete overall suit with a hood. Objectives: To determine the effects of PPE on the mental wellbeing of HCWs. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at Colombo North Teaching Hospital and, three private hospitals around Ragama. Data were collected from the medical, nursing, laboratory, and supporting staff using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Out of 263 HCWs, 82% were females. The average age was 35 years. 71% were nursing officers. 60.8% of the participants wore either a face mask or a complete overall suit with a hood for 8-16 hours and, 35 % did not change the PPE during that period. 66.5% had difficulty in concentrating on routine work. 50% behaved at least with mild arrogance. Claustrophobia was seen in 15.8% and 21.7% had anxiety. 44.9% wanted to remove PPE as soon as possible. Following their shift, increased tiredness, low mood, and short temper were reported in 61%, 34.7% and 36.4% respectively. In 89.8% these effects lasted 2-6 hours. Conclusions: Wearing PPE has adversely affected the mental well-being of the HCWs during the shift and thereafter. The main mental effects were difficulty in concentration, arrogance, increased tiredness, low mood and, a short temper. Designing user-friendly PPE and reduction of the working shift may help to uplift the mental wellbeing of the HCWsItem Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the number of invasive procedures in Institute of Cardiology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka -A descriptive longitudinal study(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Kuruppu, C.; Gunawardena, R.; Dunuwille, A.; Ranasinghe, G.; Fernando, N.; Mendis, S.; Fernando, M.; Wijewardena, A.; Prabath, I.H.D.S.Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected healthcare services worldwide with a similar impact on invasive procedures, in Institute of Cardiology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL). Objectives: To analyse the impact of Covid-19 outbreak on therapeutic cardiology interventions, both elective and emergency, by comparing frequencies of procedures done during the initial affected year and immediate previous year. Methods: A Retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was carried out on frequencies of invasive therapeutic cardiology procedures during the period of 2019 March to 2021 February, at Cardiology Unit, NHSL. Pre-formed data collection sheets were filled using hospital registries. Final analysis was done by Microsoft-Excel 365. Results: Total number of procedures done in affected year was 4690 compared to 6096 in previous year. In April 2020, which was the most affected month, 52 cumulative procedures have been done in comparison to 427 procedures in April 2019. By August 2020 number of procedures has increased to 668 in compared to 486 in August 2019. Total of elective procedures were 3751 and 5061 in affected and non-affected years respectively. Similarly, the number of emergency procedures was 1035 in immediate previous year and 939 during Covid pandemic. Conclusions: Study has highlighted a significant impact on invasive therapeutic cardiology procedures, especially on electives, by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially during the period of lockdown. However, there has been a compensatory increase in procedures once lockdown was over, partially compensating for the numbers. There has been less impact on emergency procedures, the numbers of which have remained relatively constant.Item Psychological distress and factors associated with psychological distress among preventive health care workers involved in COVID-19 prevention work in selected districts of Sri Lanka(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Dissanayake, D.M.S.Y.; Rathnayaka, R.M.S.M.; Perera, K.R.; Gamage, D.H.P.; Fernando, W.A.R.S.; Nazeer, I.; Palihawadana, V.Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has gravely affected the mental health of preventive healthcare workers (HCW) in Sri Lanka. Objectives: The study aimed to describe psychological distress, its associated factors and coping mechanisms among preventive HCW involved in COVID-19 prevention in Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 preventive HCW [Medical Officers of Health (MOH), Assistant MOH, Public Health Inspector (PHI) and Supervising PHI] at MOH offices in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Matara and Badulla districts from November 2020 to March 2021. Data collection utilized convenience sampling. Psychological distress level was determined by Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale 10. Results: Among the respondents 57.6% were psychologically distressed. The significant associations were, age above 40 years (p=0.019), having pregnant women at home (p=0.032), work experience less than 15 years (p = 0.007), unavailability of sufficient PPE (p=0.024), stressful work environment (p=0.013), dissatisfaction on control and prevention strategies (p = 0.029). Distress between PHIs (Mean= 22.0) and Medical Officers (Mean= 21.2) was not significant (t=0.580, p=0.563). Commonest coping mechanism of distress was maintaining a positive attitude (77.7%). Negative coping mechanisms included resorting to alcohol (8.2%), smoking (5.1%) and drugs (0.6%). Conclusions: Over half of the participants were psychologically distressed. Participant’s age, presence of children and pregnant women at home, work experience, unavailability of sufficient PPE, dissatisfaction on current prevention and control strategies and stress at workstation were reported to have a significant association with psychological stress. Commonest positive coping strategy of stress was maintaining a positive attitude towards the pandemic.Item Supportive facilities and challenges for education during covid-19 pandemic among orphaned children in child development centres in Gampaha district(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Jayarathne, M.; Jayasooriya, Y.; Jayasooriya, N.; Jayasundara, P.; Jayalath, B.; Perera, M.Introduction: Children living in Child Development Centers (CDCs) are critically underprivileged in receiving and accessing positive learning experiences in general. This may have worsened during a global pandemic with movement restrictions. Objectives: To describe the supportive facilities and challenges for education before and during Covid-19 pandemic in CDCs in Gampaha District. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study targeted all wardens of CDCs in Gampaha District compatible with the inclusion criteria (N=46) using a telephone interview in February, 2021. Results: The response rate was 56.5% (26/46) as others declined participation due to legal and administrative issues. Sixteen CDCs (61.5%) accommodated fewer than 20 children. Majority could not state a cost for education. However, 80.7%(n=21) stated they “managed”. Essentials for schooling and stationeries were adequately available. Only 10(38.5%) had a separate chair and a table for each child and only 23(88.5%) had libraries. Twenty-four (92.3%) reported that they sent their children to extra tuition classes. Only 16 CDCs had computers and 15 had internet connections before the pandemic. During COVID-19, roughly equal proportions used printed material sent from school (n=24;34%), online learning platforms (n=23;32%) and television (n=21 ;30%) to continue education. Only 18(69.2%) was able to provide equal e-leaming facilities for all children and only 17(65.3%) could continue education without any interruption. The majority (n=21;80.7%) claimed that cost increased during pandemic which was covered mainly through private organizations (n=14;53.8%) and individual donations (n= 10;38.4%). Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on children’s education in the studied institutions due to inadequate facilities.Item Internet Gaming Disorder: Prevalence and Associated Gaming Motivations among an Advanced Level Student Population from the Colombo Educational Zone(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Manchanayake, M.; Malsirini, M.; Vithanage, M.; Jayawardene, D.Introduction: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is on the rise among adolescents owing to increasing technology usage amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It is linked to anxiety, depression, disordered sleep, and poor academic performance. Understanding the motivations that drive gaming addiction can enable early identification of at-risk individuals. Objective: We aimed to identify the gaming motives underpinning IGD among an urban Advanced Level student population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 students aged 16-18 years, selected via random cluster sampling from four Type-1 AB schools in the Colombo Educational Zone. The validated Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short-Form was used to assess IGD, and cases were diagnosed if >5 items in the scale were scored 4/5 or more. Seven gaming motives, namely Social, Escape, Competition, Coping, Skill Development, Fantasy and Recreation were explored via the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire. Results: Most of the students (81.5%, n=322) identified themselves as gamers. Among them, the prevalence of IGD was 6.21% (95% CI=3.58-8.85) which was significantly higher (p<0.05) among males and those who played games for >6h daily during weekdays. All the motives correlated significantly (p<0.001) with IGD although Escape showed the strongest correlation (Spearman’s Rs=0.616). Escape and Fantasy were associated with higher odds and Competition was associated with lower odds of having IGD in binary logic regression analysis. Conclusion: IGD is an emerging public health challenge which predominantly affects male gamers. Escapism and Fantasy is higher while competitiveness is lower among disordered gamers. These motivations should be considered in the psychological screening of potential cases.