International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC)

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/155

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Rural

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Nutritional status and factors associated with weight distribution among adults in Batticaloa district
    (Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mohanasundaram, L.; Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.; Joseph, J.; Sadeera, H.; Premachandra, W.M.C.M.; Priyangani, T.R.A.; Dahanaka, D.R.N.S.
    Poor nutritional status 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 nutritional status among adults in developing countries including the different regions are needed for primary prevention. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status among adults (above 18 years) in Batticaloa district and to examine the associated socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors with weight distribution. A Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adults aged above 18 years. Multi-stage sampling method was approached. 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. Under weight, normal weight, over weight and obesity were defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2, 18.5-23 kg/m2, > 23 kg/m2 and > 27.5 kg/m2 respectively; waist circumference > 90 cm for men and >80 cm for women considered as presence of abdominal obesity. Nutritional status of adults and distribution of BMI by socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were assessed. Among 400 adults 11.7 % were underweight, 40.5 % were normal weight 30.3 % overweight and 17.5% were obese in Batticaloa district. In urban areas among 80 adults 6.3% were underweight, 31.2% were normal weight, 35.0% were overweight and 27.5% were obese. In rural areas among 320 adults 13.1% were underweight, 42.8 % were normal weight, 29.1% overweight and 15.0% were obese. In the overall district, females were more overweight (17.3%) and obese (11.5%) than males. Adults belong to the age group of 35-44 years were more overweight and obese than others. Gender(p=0.03), age(p=0.000), marital status(p=0.01), ethnicity(p=0.02), occupation (p=0.026), smoking (p=0.005), alcohol intake (p=0.001), family history of overweight and obesity (p=0.009), sleeping habit after the meal in the evening (0.003), following weight reduction methods (p=0.000) were the significant factors (p<0.05) associated with nutritional status of adults. As overall, majority of adults were in normal weight. In urban areas nearly one third percentage of adults were overweight and in rural areas most of the adults were in normal weight.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A Study of The Social Role of “Omens” in Rural Cultural Sri Lankan Communities (With special reference to Mirigama secretariat division in Gampaha district)
    (Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayakody, J.A.N.A.
    Culture is a powerful human tool. Culture includes knowledge, beliefs, art, law, morals, customs, capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. Basically culture is divided into two categories. Those are material and non-material culture. ―Omens‖ are a part of non-material culture, inclusion Enigmatic beliefs. Rural Sri Lankan communities have their own special cultural features including magic, faiths and beliefs. Omens are viewed as a sign from the natural world that delivers a message of some sort. Typically this message is seen as an indicator of the approach good or evil events. Omens are represented by people, animals, trees, dreams, as well as astrology. This study was based on the social role of omens. The main objective of the study was to identify the social functions of omens. Whether the functions are good and bad or visible and invisible. The survey and functional methods were used to gather primary data. Data was collected through observation and interviews because qualitative data is very important fact for this research. The Sample was selected using random purposive method according to nonprobability sampling theory. The sample consists of 20% of people including age and gender based. Thalahena village in Giriullagama GN division in Mirigama secretariat division of Gampaha district was selected as the research area. The main finding is that many good social functions are fulfilled by omens in Rural Cultural Sri Lankan Communities. In this regard, omens have to helped to,  Develop co-operation in rural Sri Lankan communities.  Help to Bond with their own religion.  Understand about weather. These benefits of omens have also motivated people to love protect nature.