Social Sciences
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Item Factors Influence on Knowledge of Aids/HIV Among First Year Students of Eastern University, Sri Lanka(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2017) Karthijekan, K.Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has a great impact on society, both as an illness and as a source of discrimination. Numerous social and behavioral factors are involved in the spread of HIV/AIDS such as prostitution, broken homes, sexual disharmony, easy money, emotional immaturity, urbanization and industrialization, changing behavioral patterns, social stigma and alcoholism. Most of the infected people are not aware about their HIV status. Social stigma and discrimination towards HIV infected people adversely affect voluntary testing for HIV. Lack of information about the causes and risk factors of AIDS can place a large number of young people at the risk of acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV). Therefore, knowledge regarding AIDS is an essential precursor of sexual risk reduction. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of socio demographic and educational related factors in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among first year students of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 300 first year students of the Eastern University. Stratified random sampling method was used to select sample. Self- administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Among the 300 participants, 36.3 % were male and 63.7 % were female. 46.7 % of them were Tamil, 30 %, 20.7% and 2.7% were Sinhalese, Muslims and Burgers respectively. The mean knowledge score regarding HIV/AIDS among first year students of the Eastern University was 43.7%. Female students had higher knowledge than male students. Health care students had higher knowledge than other faculties’ students. All male and female participants were aware that AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease. There was a significant association between mean knowledge scores of HIV/AIDS and gender, ethnicity, faculty, stream of A/L study, and source of information obtained (p <0.05). The knowledge regarding AIDS was average among majority of first year students of the Eastern University. Knowledge about transmission methods, signs and symptoms and preventive measures of AIDS was good among all student’s exception in some response.Item Risk factors for poor blood pressure control among hypertensive patients attending medical clinics teaching hospital, Batticaloa(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.High Blood Pressure is one of the major risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease. It is estimated that one quarter of all the adults in the world have hypertension (HT). HT is responsible for at least 45% of deaths due to heart disease, and 51% of deaths due to stroke. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for poor blood pressure control among HT patients who attending medical clinics Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. This was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out among 168 HT patients. Simple random sampling method was used to select sample. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and life style practices and anthropometrics measurement were taken by the investigator. Patient’s clinical record was used to assess the lipid profile and blood pressure measurement. Among the 168 patients 33.3% were controlling their blood pressure in normal level. 39.3 % of them were male and 60.7 % were female. 64.9 % of them were Tamil, 26.8% and 8.3% were Muslims and Burgers respectively. Among them 17.9% had no formal education, 40.5%, 28.6%, 20.8%, 8.9% and 19% had family history of HT, overweight and obese, currently smoking and drinking habits were respectively. Mean value of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and cholesterol level among patients were 137.57 ± 10.54 mmHg, 92.23 mmHg ± 04.63 mmHg, 148.28 ± 18.04 mg/dl, 51.96 ± 08.78 mg/dl, 88.06 ± 18.41 mg/dl and 193.51 ± 28.19 mg/dl respectively. 72.6% patients were aware that HT can cause complications. There was a significant association between control of hypertension and education (P =0.000), occupation (P =0.000), income P =0.000), exercise (P =0.04), meal type (P =0.04), and body mass index (P =0.043). Health education programs have to be done for public regarding the primary prevention and consequences of HT, especially adults of 51-70 years age group, who were more vulnerable.Item Prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among adults in urban areas in Batticaloa district(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Laavanya, M.; Sadeera, S.D.H.; Premachandra, W.M.C.M.; Priyangani, T.R.A.; Dahanaka, D.R.N.S.; Josepha, J.; Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.Obesity is a chronic condition and the prevalence of adult obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide due to environmental and behavioral changes such as urbanization and modernization. Data on prevalence and determinants of obesity in developing countries including the different regions are needed for primary prevention. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults (above 18 years) in urban areas in Batticaloa district and to examine the associations of overweight and obesity with socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors. A Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 adults aged above 18 years. Multistage sampling method was applied. Data on socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors were collected with structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were measured by using appropriate measuring scales. Obesity was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) > 27.5 kg/m2 and overweight as BMI > 23 kg/m2; waist circumference > 90 cm for men and >80 cm for women considered as not-normal. Prevalence of overweight and obesity and distribution of BMI by socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics was assessed. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 21.4% and 16.8 % respectively. Prevalence of overweight was high in males (19.4%) and in the age group of 45- 54 years (7.5%); obesity prevalence was high in females (19.3%) as well as in the age group of 35-44 years (7.2%). Alcoholism, family history of overweight and obesity, occupation, following weight reduction methods were the significant factors (p<0.05) associated with overweight and obesity. Prevalence of overweight was higher than obesity. Females were more obese than males. Awareness programs should be carried out in the community regarding weight reduction measures and primary prevention of overweight and obesity by eliminating risk factors. Health education programs have to be done for public regarding the consequences of overweight and obesity