Medicine
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This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
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Item Examining depression and quality of life in patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2019) Patel, P.; Beamish, P.; da Silva, T.L.; Kaushalya, D.; Premawardhena, A.; Williams, S.; Ravindran, A.V.BACKGROUND: With more effective treatments and improved outcomes in thalassemia, there is increasing focus on its psychological sequelae. Most published data on this topic are from high income countries and much less so from low and middle income countries, where thalassemia is more prevalent. AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the psychiatric morbidity and quality of life in relation to demographic and illness related variables among Sri Lankan patients with thalassemia. METHODS: This cross sectional investigation was conducted at the University of Kelaniya Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Patients with all forms of thalassemia, over 12 years of age, and in stable medical condition (n = 120) were recruited. Assessment tools included a general demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure–Brief. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear regressions, Chi squares, and analyses of variance. RESULTS: Lack of family support, longer duration of inpatient admission, and female gender were associated with higher depression scores and reduced quality of life. Environmental and social quality of life were positively correlated with levels of peer support in males, while increased support from religion correlated with lower depression scores and higher satisfaction with environmental and psychological quality of life in women. There was no association between the type of thalassemia and either depression or quality of life measures. CONCLUSION: Several factors may influence the psychological state and well being of patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka. Specific service innovations (some gender specific) may help to address these factors to improve treatment outcome and well being.Item Acceptability of a web-based character strengths module for early adolescent school children(Postgraduate Institute of Medicine University of Colombo, 2023) Chandradasa, M.; Williams, S.; Sumanasiri, S.; Selliah, S.; Gunarathne, P.; Paric, A.; Ravindran, N.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A; Ravindran, A.BACKGROUND: Frequent socio-political conflicts in the past decades have adversely affected the well-being of youth in Sri Lanka. There is a need to support youth development, mitigate past trauma, and promote social harmony. School-based interventions to improve character development, emotional regulation, and tolerance have good evidence and may benefit adolescents in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to develop a novel character strength program in Sinhala to promote Leadership, Empathy, Altruism, Personal Growth, and Social Responsibility (LEAPS). This program consists of ten web-based modules and is facilitated by teachers. This initial evaluation focuses on the first module and its acceptability among students and teachers. METHOD: Program modules were developed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist with the support of mental health and educational experts. The first module was piloted among grade 8 students (12-14 years) and teachers of two schools in the Gampaha District. It was designed to be interactive and contains various cultural activities and questions. On completion, participants gave feedback online via Likert scales. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. RESULTS: A total of 115 students and 66 teachers participated. Overall, more than 95% of students and teachers found the module appropriate and suitable. The students had more favourable ratings for the module compared to the teachers on aspects of understanding the content (p<0.001), ability to complete by self (p<0.001), suitability to age (p<0.001), shorter time for completion (p<0.001) and suitability of the design (p<0.001). Both groups suggested that the pictures and activities be increased. CONCLUSIONS: Teaching character strengths using a web-based intervention was well accepted by adolescent students and teachers in Sri Lanka.