DSpace Collection: Papers presented at local and international conferences by the Staff of the Faculty of MedicinePapers presented at local and international conferences by the Staff of the Faculty of Medicinehttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/65612024-03-29T10:32:29Z2024-03-29T10:32:29ZSpatial distribution of COVID-19 patients in Sri LankaGalgamuwa, Lahiru SandaruwanLiyanawahunge, Nishan MadhushankaRatnayake, Chamilka GayashiniHakmanage, Navodi MekalaAslam, FahimDharmaratne, Samath D.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/270502023-11-20T04:44:34Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Spatial distribution of COVID-19 patients in Sri Lanka
Authors: Galgamuwa, Lahiru Sandaruwan; Liyanawahunge, Nishan Madhushanka; Ratnayake, Chamilka Gayashini; Hakmanage, Navodi Mekala; Aslam, Fahim; Dharmaratne, Samath D.
Abstract: The research paper comprehensively and consistently addresses all relevant theoretical areas related to the topic and includes an extensive empirical analysis of the absorption of EU funds and their impact on the sustainable development of Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Poland. The analysis aims to investigate the efficiency of the absorption of funds from the EU, the impact of these funds on regional development of countries, and the reasons for such impacts. The “Regional Development Model Based on EU Funds” was tested with the aim of applying the model to the Republic of Croatia, countries in the region, and other European countries, to achieve a higher level of absorption of financial resources from the available EU funds. Data for the empirical analysis were collected using a highly structured survey questionnaire completed by a sample of 244 respondents involved in the preparation and implementation of EU-funded projects. The contribution of economic science in theoretical terms arises from the development of scientific knowledge and ideas about the importance of increasing the number of development projects that will increase the absorption of funds from the European Union, thereby increasing economic activities in Croatia and the region. The expected contribution of economic science in the applied sense is based on the formulation of the “Regional Development Model Based on EU Funds”, which is based on the application of knowledge, good practices, and stakeholder experiences, considering relevant indicators from available sources. The greatest contribution is demonstrated through testing the “Regional Development Model Based on EU Funds”, which is applicable to the Republic of Croatia, countries in the region, and other European countries over a longer period. Finally, research into the impact of EU funds on the regional development of recipient countries is considerably less represented and very modest, and is only in the “upswing” of systematic scientific research. The research aims to fill the gaps in research and to encourage the thinking of key stakeholders responsible for regional development, who should eventually realize the importance of defining a regional policy aimed at EU funds as a key to regional development and reducing regional disparities within countries.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAssessing motivation to lose weight: the psychometric properties of the Sinhala version of University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scaleNiriella, M.A.de Silva, S.T.Hapangama, A.Baminiwatta, A.Fernando, R.Ediriweera, D.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/268062023-11-03T08:58:56Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Assessing motivation to lose weight: the psychometric properties of the Sinhala version of University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale
Authors: Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, S.T.; Hapangama, A.; Baminiwatta, A.; Fernando, R.; Ediriweera, D.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Weight reduction through lifestyle modifications is an important component in the management of various chronic diseases. The degree of motivation to change has been shown to predict outcomes in weight reduction interventions. Thus, the availability of a validated self-report tool assessing the degree of motivation for weight management would be useful for both clinical and research purposes in Sri Lanka. OBJECTIVES: To examine the structural validity and internal consistency of the URICA for weight management in a sample of Sri Lankan adults with chronic medical conditions. METHODS: Standard procedures for cross-cultural adaptation of a questionnaire were followed in translating the 32-item URICA into Sinhala. The Sinhala version was administered to 208 patients aged 18-60 years attending outpatient clinical services for non-disabling chronic medical diseases. Psychometric testing included confirmatory factor analysis and the assessment of internal consistency (Cronbach α). RESULTS: The commonly accepted four-factor structure of URICA reflecting Prochaska and Di Clemente’s transtheoretical model (pre-contemplation, contemplation, action and maintenance) showed good model fit, after the removal of four items from the pre-contemplation subscale due to inadequate factor loadings (<0.4). In line with theory, factor correlations indicated that the pre-contemplation factor was inversely correlated with the other three factors, while the other three factors were positively correlated with one another. All four subscales showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α ranging from 0.73 to 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: The Sinhala version of a modified 28-item URICA was found to have sound psychometric properties as a measure of motivation for weight management among Sinhala-speaking adult patient.
Description: Poster Presentation Abstract (PP 178), 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association, 25th-28th July 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka2023-01-01T00:00:00ZKnowledge, attitudes, and practices about first aid given for childhood injuries among mothers of preschool children in Ragama MOH area, Sri LankaWickramasinghe, P.M.T.B.Jayasena, A.K.O.M.Jayathilake, J.M.P.S.Jayathissa, J.T.M.Jayathissa, A.V.A.P.Jayawardena, M.A.T.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/268052023-10-27T06:43:34Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about first aid given for childhood injuries among mothers of preschool children in Ragama MOH area, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe, P.M.T.B.; Jayasena, A.K.O.M.; Jayathilake, J.M.P.S.; Jayathissa, J.T.M.; Jayathissa, A.V.A.P.; Jayawardena, M.A.T.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Children under 5 are the most vulnerable group for unintentional injuries and mothers as the main prehospital caregivers it is vital to have first aid knowledge for common childhood injuries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the existing knowledge about first aid given for unintentional injuries such as burns, cut injuries, poisoning, choking, drowning & fractures and their attitudes, and practices in providing first aid and to find associated factors with knowledge. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ragama MOH area, in 2022. 343 mothers were recruited from 12 preschools, using the cluster sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed, data were analysed using SPSS software and associations were analysed using the Chi-Square test, (p<0.05 -significant) RESULTS: Most of the mothers were young housewives and their knowledge was overall inadequate at first aid. (54.2%) The highest median score was obtained for questions on fractures 3.732 (SD ± 1.454) and the lowest for cut injury 2.752 (SD ± 1.2187). The majority (89.5%) knew the ambulance contact number. Only 47.2% of the mothers had given first aid in an emergency and out of them 67.9% had felt tense while doing so. Most had provided first aid for burn injuries (18.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants’ knowledge of first aid was inadequate. Most of them had a positive attitude towards first aid and were willing to learn further. The factors associated with their knowledge were education level and their perception of their own knowledge. Most preferred a hands-on training program for knowledge acquisition.
Description: Poster Presentation Abstract (PP 176), 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association, 25th-28th July 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka2023-01-01T00:00:00ZKnowledge on common snakes of Sri Lanka, bite prevention, first aid and associated factors among the adults of Ragama medical officer of health areaJayasinghe, A.G.Hettiarachchi, I.U.Ilukpitiya, I.S.L.Imanji, R.P.C.Huzair, M.M.M.Jayatissa, R.N.U.Kurukulasuriya, S.A.F.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/268042023-10-27T06:25:45Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Knowledge on common snakes of Sri Lanka, bite prevention, first aid and associated factors among the adults of Ragama medical officer of health area
Authors: Jayasinghe, A.G.; Hettiarachchi, I.U.; Ilukpitiya, I.S.L.; Imanji, R.P.C.; Huzair, M.M.M.; Jayatissa, R.N.U.; Kurukulasuriya, S.A.F.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Snakes, being keystone species in maintaining the existence of ecosystems, always have had a unique influence on humans throughout history. Poor public understanding of snakes has contributed to an increase in disease burden from snakebites. World Health Organisation identifies snake bites as a neglected tropical disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge on common snakes of Sri Lanka and snakebites among the adults of Ragama Medical Officer of Health area. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using cluster sampling with a sample population of 637 residents (323 females, 314 males, mean age of the population 41.31, SD of 15.59). Interviewer administered questionnaire was used. A unified score was calculated for each participant considering ability to identify of common snakes, knowledge on venom status, bite prevention measures and first aid for snake bites. Participants who achieved 50% or above were attributed with 'good knowledge'. SPSS (version 22) was used. Statistically significant associations were identified by performing the Chi-square test. RESULTS: 59% of the total population had a 'good knowledge'. Of the highly venomous snakes, 98% identified Naja naja, 57% identified Daboia russelii, 44% identified Hypnale Spp and Craspedocephalus sp, 36% identified Bungaurus ceylonicus and 28% identified Bungarus caeruleus. Statistically significant associations regarding knowledge were recognised with sex, previous education on snakes and occupation. CONCLUSIONS: The population had a satisfactory knowledge and awareness on the domains examined. Statistically significant associations were noted between knowledge and sex, participants' occupation and previous education on snakes.
Description: Poster Presentation Abstract (PP 155), 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association, 25th-28th July 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka2023-01-01T00:00:00Z