P. Pushpakumara, W. Chandrakumara, A. Gunasekara, S. Agampodi
Background Knowledge of someone else's suicidal behaviour significantly increased the risk of similar acts. Though Sri Lanka has implemented a national policy and an action plan to prevent suicides and attempted suicides, in 1997, the number of deliberate self-harm (DSH) incidents is increasing. We conducted a case-control study to identify the precipitants and to assess the possible impact of a contact history for acute deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) in view of identifying possible interventions. Materials and Methods We interviewed two hundred DSP patients, admitted to the medical wards of Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura (THA), during June - August 2004. Patients were randomly selected from a block of two consecutively admitted consenting DSP patients and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed. Age and sex-matched patients, who had no history of attempted suicide, admitted to medical wards of THA were interviewed as controls. Results Majority of DSP occurred among adolescents and young adults. Conflicts within the family and simple conflicts with someone else were the triggers for the majority (n=123, 61.5%, 95% CI 58.1-64.9%) of DSP. Our study showed that DSP was common among people who had not completed primary education (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.5-7.9, p Conclusions DSP behaviour in rural Sri Lanka seems to be a learned response of vulnerable adolescents and young adults to deal with stressful situations. An in-depth exploration of this finding is needed in order to use it as a key factor in the identification of risk groups for DSP prevention.
了解他人的自杀行为会显著增加发生类似行为的风险。虽然斯里兰卡实施了一项国家政策和一项行动计划，以防止自杀和企图自杀，但在1997年，蓄意自残事件的数量正在增加。我们进行了一项病例对照研究，以确定沉淀剂，并评估接触史对急性故意自我中毒(DSP)的可能影响，以确定可能的干预措施。材料与方法我们访问了2004年6 - 8月在阿努拉德普勒教学医院(THA)病房住院的200例DSP患者。患者从两个连续入院的同意DSP患者中随机选择，并完成访谈者管理的问卷调查。年龄和性别相匹配的无自杀未遂史的住院患者作为对照。结果主要发生在青少年和青壮年。家庭内部冲突和与他人的简单冲突是大多数DSP的触发因素(n=123, 61.5%， 95% CI 58.1-64.9%)。我们的研究表明，DSP在未完成初等教育的人群中很常见(OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.5-7.9, p)。结论:斯里兰卡农村地区的DSP行为似乎是弱势青少年和年轻人应对压力情况的一种习得性反应。需要对这一发现进行深入探索，以便将其作为识别DSP预防风险群体的关键因素。
{"title":"Exploration of the association between contact history, socio-cultural factors and acute deliberate self-poisoning in North Central province of Sri Lanka: a case-control study","authors":"P. Pushpakumara, W. Chandrakumara, A. Gunasekara, S. Agampodi","doi":"10.4038/amj.v13i1.7660","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v13i1.7660","url":null,"abstract":"Background Knowledge of someone else's suicidal behaviour significantly increased the risk of similar acts. Though Sri Lanka has implemented a national policy and an action plan to prevent suicides and attempted suicides, in 1997, the number of deliberate self-harm (DSH) incidents is increasing. We conducted a case-control study to identify the precipitants and to assess the possible impact of a contact history for acute deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) in view of identifying possible interventions. Materials and Methods We interviewed two hundred DSP patients, admitted to the medical wards of Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura (THA), during June - August 2004. Patients were randomly selected from a block of two consecutively admitted consenting DSP patients and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed. Age and sex-matched patients, who had no history of attempted suicide, admitted to medical wards of THA were interviewed as controls. Results Majority of DSP occurred among adolescents and young adults. Conflicts within the family and simple conflicts with someone else were the triggers for the majority (n=123, 61.5%, 95% CI 58.1-64.9%) of DSP. Our study showed that DSP was common among people who had not completed primary education (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.5-7.9, p Conclusions DSP behaviour in rural Sri Lanka seems to be a learned response of vulnerable adolescents and young adults to deal with stressful situations. An in-depth exploration of this finding is needed in order to use it as a key factor in the identification of risk groups for DSP prevention.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45232003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. W. Seneviratne, M. Kumara, J. Kumarasinghe, R. P. Abeywicrama, P. D. Silva
Background FNAC is regarded as a accurate, safe, and economical technique in identifying thyroid cancer in Mulitnodular goiter (MNG). The aim of our study was to detect the accuracy of FNAC in detecting thyroid cancer among patients undergoing total thyroidectomy at Professorial surgical unit, Teaching Hospital-Galle (PSU-THK). Methods Indications for total thyroidectomy at PSU-THK include Thy 3-5 on FNAC, retrosternal goiters, those presenting with symptoms suggestive of obstruction or infiltration and cosmesis. However thy1-2 are also offered depending on the situation. Patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy for MNG with FNAC reporting Thy1-2, as well as those with Thy-3 FNAC, from 1st April 2014 to 31st march 2016 were analyzed. Results Three hundred and forty two patients completed selection criteria for the study and 299 of them were females. Forty five point six percent belonged to the 20-39 age group and 38.89% belonged to the 39-64 age group. Two hundred ad eighty-four had Thy1-2 FNAC while 58 had Thy-3. Of the Thy 1-2 group, 212 had colloid goiter on FNAC and 54 had thyroiditis. Histology revealed malignancy in 14 female patients, 9 papillary and 4 follicular. Among the 58 patients of Thy 3, 15 had confirmed malignancy with 10 papillary and 4 follicular. The policy practiced by PSU-UOR in offering total thyroidectomy to MNGs in Thy1- 2 group is justified as the study shows them to have 4.93% risk of ITC. A similarly policy of offering total thyroidectomy to all the cases with Thy3 MNGs is recommended as the requirement of a second operation is high. Conclusion Further research need to be carried out to identify thyroid cancer in MNGs with Thy 1-3 cytology, allowing clinicians to offer total thyroidectomy for more solid indications.
{"title":"Prevalence of incidental thyroid carcinoma (ITC) among total thyroidectomies performed by PSU-UOR on multinodular goiters; how accurate is the diagnosis and how rational is the treatment?","authors":"R. W. Seneviratne, M. Kumara, J. Kumarasinghe, R. P. Abeywicrama, P. D. Silva","doi":"10.4038/amj.v12i1.7612","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v12i1.7612","url":null,"abstract":"Background FNAC is regarded as a accurate, safe, and economical technique in identifying thyroid cancer in Mulitnodular goiter (MNG). The aim of our study was to detect the accuracy of FNAC in detecting thyroid cancer among patients undergoing total thyroidectomy at Professorial surgical unit, Teaching Hospital-Galle (PSU-THK). Methods Indications for total thyroidectomy at PSU-THK include Thy 3-5 on FNAC, retrosternal goiters, those presenting with symptoms suggestive of obstruction or infiltration and cosmesis. However thy1-2 are also offered depending on the situation. Patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy for MNG with FNAC reporting Thy1-2, as well as those with Thy-3 FNAC, from 1st April 2014 to 31st march 2016 were analyzed. Results Three hundred and forty two patients completed selection criteria for the study and 299 of them were females. Forty five point six percent belonged to the 20-39 age group and 38.89% belonged to the 39-64 age group. Two hundred ad eighty-four had Thy1-2 FNAC while 58 had Thy-3. Of the Thy 1-2 group, 212 had colloid goiter on FNAC and 54 had thyroiditis. Histology revealed malignancy in 14 female patients, 9 papillary and 4 follicular. Among the 58 patients of Thy 3, 15 had confirmed malignancy with 10 papillary and 4 follicular. The policy practiced by PSU-UOR in offering total thyroidectomy to MNGs in Thy1- 2 group is justified as the study shows them to have 4.93% risk of ITC. A similarly policy of offering total thyroidectomy to all the cases with Thy3 MNGs is recommended as the requirement of a second operation is high. Conclusion Further research need to be carried out to identify thyroid cancer in MNGs with Thy 1-3 cytology, allowing clinicians to offer total thyroidectomy for more solid indications.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44034357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Weerakoon, R. Ranawaka, J. Warnasekara, P. Bandara
Background The leishmaniasis is an emerging health problem in dry zone of Sri Lanka. The multiplicity of factors involved in the transmission of leishmaniasis constitutes a challenge to its control. Knowledge of such factors may contribute to identify the control strategies. Although Medical officers have been given training on leishmaniasis, still patients with leishmaniasis had been diagnosed incorrectly. Aim of the study was to analysis of the diagnosis pattern of leishmaniasis patients by the primary care medical officers and to identify potential socio demographic and environmental risk factors of leishmaniasis transmission. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study conducted among the leishmaniasis patients attending to the Dermatology clinic, Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura during November 2015 to November 2016 using interviewer administered questionnaire. Results The study sample was 300 leishmaniasis patients .Male to female ratio was 2:1.The commonest affected age group was 20 to 40 years .Lesser number (33%) had heard about leishmaniasis. Nearly one forth (23%) of patients had been diagnosed incorrectly at the primary health care level. Nearly 50%of patients got leishmaniasis due to occupation related activities. Most (75%) of patients had paddy fields, large number of Banana bushes, Manna bushes and large wild area near their residence. Nearly 50% of patients had water channel near their residence. All most all (96%) patients use bed nets. Conclusion Nearly one forth of patients missed diagnosis at the primary health care level. Paddy fields, Banana bushes, Manna bushes, large wild area and water channels close to residence may play role in leishmaniasis transmission.
{"title":"Analysis of gaps in the correct diagnosis of leishmaniasis at primary care level; socio-demographic and environmental risk factors of leishmaniasis transmission in Anuradhapura","authors":"H. Weerakoon, R. Ranawaka, J. Warnasekara, P. Bandara","doi":"10.4038/amj.v12i1.7638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v12i1.7638","url":null,"abstract":"Background The leishmaniasis is an emerging health problem in dry zone of Sri Lanka. The multiplicity of factors involved in the transmission of leishmaniasis constitutes a challenge to its control. Knowledge of such factors may contribute to identify the control strategies. Although Medical officers have been given training on leishmaniasis, still patients with leishmaniasis had been diagnosed incorrectly. Aim of the study was to analysis of the diagnosis pattern of leishmaniasis patients by the primary care medical officers and to identify potential socio demographic and environmental risk factors of leishmaniasis transmission. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study conducted among the leishmaniasis patients attending to the Dermatology clinic, Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura during November 2015 to November 2016 using interviewer administered questionnaire. Results The study sample was 300 leishmaniasis patients .Male to female ratio was 2:1.The commonest affected age group was 20 to 40 years .Lesser number (33%) had heard about leishmaniasis. Nearly one forth (23%) of patients had been diagnosed incorrectly at the primary health care level. Nearly 50%of patients got leishmaniasis due to occupation related activities. Most (75%) of patients had paddy fields, large number of Banana bushes, Manna bushes and large wild area near their residence. Nearly 50% of patients had water channel near their residence. All most all (96%) patients use bed nets. Conclusion Nearly one forth of patients missed diagnosis at the primary health care level. Paddy fields, Banana bushes, Manna bushes, large wild area and water channels close to residence may play role in leishmaniasis transmission.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43514412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thyrotoxicosis can present with a wide array of clinical manifestations, among which pancytopenia is a rare entity. The disease itself, as well the treatment, can result in pancytopenia which makes the diagnosis more difficult and crucial. The mechanisms underlying are poorly understood currently. Antithyroid drugs which are well known to produce cytopenias as a side effect can safely be implemented in the management. Pancytopenia of thyrotoxicosis should completely reverse with the establishment of euthyroid state. We report a rare case of thyrotoxicosis presenting with pancytopenia which completely resolved with antithyroid treatment.
{"title":"Thyrotoxicosis presenting with pancytopenia: a case report","authors":"P. Premathilake, W. Kularatne, S. D. N. Senadhira","doi":"10.4038/amj.v12i1.7633","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v12i1.7633","url":null,"abstract":"Thyrotoxicosis can present with a wide array of clinical manifestations, among which pancytopenia is a rare entity. The disease itself, as well the treatment, can result in pancytopenia which makes the diagnosis more difficult and crucial. The mechanisms underlying are poorly understood currently. Antithyroid drugs which are well known to produce cytopenias as a side effect can safely be implemented in the management. Pancytopenia of thyrotoxicosis should completely reverse with the establishment of euthyroid state. We report a rare case of thyrotoxicosis presenting with pancytopenia which completely resolved with antithyroid treatment.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45690940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a rare lymphoprofilerative disease and Its presentation in a young age population is unusual. Here, we report the case of a 28 year old Sri Lankan, male who was evaluated for lower limb edema and sensory type neuropathy along with skin thickening and pigmentation. He was found to have generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. His investigations revealed evidence of demyelinating type sensory- motor polyneuropathy, pulmonary hypertension, hypothyroidism. However studies conducted for HIV viruses and monoclonal gammopathy were negative. An excision biopsy of an Inguinal lymph node of his right side axila revealed changes supportive of a diagnosis of multicentric Castleman's disease. Despite being a rare disease and even rarer in a young population, diagnosis of MCD/POEMS syndrome should be suspected in patients' presenting with similar features described above. MCD is associated with many malignancies and has poor prognosis.
{"title":"Mutlicentric Castleman’s disease presenting in a young patient","authors":"M. Boralessa, A. H. N. Fernando","doi":"10.4038/amj.v12i1.7654","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v12i1.7654","url":null,"abstract":"Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a rare lymphoprofilerative disease and Its presentation in a young age population is unusual. Here, we report the case of a 28 year old Sri Lankan, male who was evaluated for lower limb edema and sensory type neuropathy along with skin thickening and pigmentation. He was found to have generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. His investigations revealed evidence of demyelinating type sensory- motor polyneuropathy, pulmonary hypertension, hypothyroidism. However studies conducted for HIV viruses and monoclonal gammopathy were negative. An excision biopsy of an Inguinal lymph node of his right side axila revealed changes supportive of a diagnosis of multicentric Castleman's disease. Despite being a rare disease and even rarer in a young population, diagnosis of MCD/POEMS syndrome should be suspected in patients' presenting with similar features described above. MCD is associated with many malignancies and has poor prognosis.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46827003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background Life skills prepare teenagers to face challenges in daily life. This study describes a novel art based life skills training programme that takes vulnerabilities and available opportunities for individual participant into account, to promote health of adolescents in resource poor settings. Methods A 2 hour session with two drawing activities followed by facilitated discussion was conducted for 42 students aging 13 to 16 years at a rural school. Drawings of the students were observed and themes were identified. Observation memos were documented during discussions and drawing activities. Anonymous written Feedback obtained at the end was analyzed thematically and triangulated with observations. Results Enthusiastic participation across all age groups was observed. The programme was described as interesting, clear and motivating. Students getting an understanding on applicability of life skills to overcome their personal challenges were observed during discussion and through feedback. Conclution The programme requires minimum resources and can provide an individualized active life skill learning opportunity to adolescents in low resource settings. Long term outcomes need to be assessed objectively.
{"title":"Teaching life skills through arts; an option for adolescent health promotion in resource poor settings","authors":"G. Amarasinghe","doi":"10.4038/amj.v12i1.7647","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v12i1.7647","url":null,"abstract":"Background Life skills prepare teenagers to face challenges in daily life. This study describes a novel art based life skills training programme that takes vulnerabilities and available opportunities for individual participant into account, to promote health of adolescents in resource poor settings. Methods A 2 hour session with two drawing activities followed by facilitated discussion was conducted for 42 students aging 13 to 16 years at a rural school. Drawings of the students were observed and themes were identified. Observation memos were documented during discussions and drawing activities. Anonymous written Feedback obtained at the end was analyzed thematically and triangulated with observations. Results Enthusiastic participation across all age groups was observed. The programme was described as interesting, clear and motivating. Students getting an understanding on applicability of life skills to overcome their personal challenges were observed during discussion and through feedback. Conclution The programme requires minimum resources and can provide an individualized active life skill learning opportunity to adolescents in low resource settings. Long term outcomes need to be assessed objectively.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48531531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background Sri Lankan government had a war against terrorism for thirty years in North and East of Sri Lanka. There were villages in the North-East border that the LTTE held territory and the community living in those villages faced frequent attacks during those three decades. The present study was conducted to compare the mental health of children in a war affected border village, with the mental health of same aged children from a village not directly affected by the war. Methods Grade 8 and 9 students (n=148) from a government school were selected as subjects and a self-administered questionnaire and the validated Sinhalese version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were completed. Age matched 138 students were selected as the comparison group, from an area which is socioeconomically similar but not affected by the war as a border village. Same questionnaires were completed by the comparison group. Results Subject group consisted of 76 (51%) males and 72 (49%) females. Age ranged from 12-16 years (median 14, IQR 13-14). Majority (n=85, 57.0%) of children living in the border village experienced some kind of an extremely terrifying incident related to the war. Nearly one fifth (n=26, 17.6%) living in the border village, had lost at least one immediate family member due to terrorist attacks. Majority of the border village children (n=94, 63.5%) believed that the war produced a significant negative impact on their lives. Children living in the border village showed 2.5 fold excess risk for a mental health problem (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.5. Living in a border village carried 3 times excess risk for conduct problems (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.0). Children living in the border village showed 2 fold excess risk for peer relationship problems (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.2). Living in a border village carried 2 fold excess risk for hyperactivity/inattention problems (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.2). Conclusions Majority of the children living in border village reported different exposures related to the civil war that can cause considerable and long-lasting psychological impact. Children from the border village had a significantly higher risk of showing borderline abnormal values on the SDQ, compared to children not from a border village. It is probable that this is due to the effect of war and its impact on the mental health of the children of the border village.
斯里兰卡政府在斯里兰卡北部和东部进行了长达30年的反恐战争。东北边界的一些村庄是猛虎组织控制的领土，在这三十年中，居住在这些村庄的社区经常受到攻击。本研究旨在比较受战争影响的边境村庄儿童的心理健康状况与未受战争直接影响的村庄同龄儿童的心理健康状况。方法选取某公办学校八、九年级学生148名，分别填写自填问卷和有效的僧伽罗语优势与困难问卷(SDQ)。年龄匹配的138名学生作为对照组，他们来自一个社会经济相似但未受战争影响的边境村庄。对照组也完成了同样的问卷调查。结果受试者组男性76例(51%)，女性72例(49%)。年龄12-16岁(中位14岁，IQR 13-14岁)。居住在边境村庄的大多数儿童(n=85, 57.0%)经历了某种与战争有关的极其可怕的事件。近五分之一(n=26, 17.6%)居住在边境村庄，因恐怖袭击失去了至少一名直系亲属。大多数边境村儿童(n=94, 63.5%)认为战争对他们的生活产生了显著的负面影响。生活在边境村庄的儿童出现精神健康问题的风险高出2.5倍(OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4至4.5)。生活在边境村庄的行为问题风险高出3倍(OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.6 - 6.0)。生活在边境村庄的儿童出现同伴关系问题的风险高出2倍(OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 - 3.2)。居住在边境村庄的儿童出现多动/注意力不集中问题的风险高出2倍(OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 - 4.2)。大多数生活在边境村庄的儿童报告了与内战有关的不同暴露，这些暴露可能造成相当大和长期的心理影响。来自边境村庄的儿童与非边境村庄的儿童相比，在SDQ上显示边缘性异常值的风险明显更高。这很可能是由于战争的影响及其对边境村庄儿童心理健康的影响。
{"title":"Mental health of children from a war affected border village: a cross sectional comparative study","authors":"P. Pushpakumara, W. Chandrakumara","doi":"10.4038/amj.v12i1.7646","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v12i1.7646","url":null,"abstract":"Background Sri Lankan government had a war against terrorism for thirty years in North and East of Sri Lanka. There were villages in the North-East border that the LTTE held territory and the community living in those villages faced frequent attacks during those three decades. The present study was conducted to compare the mental health of children in a war affected border village, with the mental health of same aged children from a village not directly affected by the war. Methods Grade 8 and 9 students (n=148) from a government school were selected as subjects and a self-administered questionnaire and the validated Sinhalese version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were completed. Age matched 138 students were selected as the comparison group, from an area which is socioeconomically similar but not affected by the war as a border village. Same questionnaires were completed by the comparison group. Results Subject group consisted of 76 (51%) males and 72 (49%) females. Age ranged from 12-16 years (median 14, IQR 13-14). Majority (n=85, 57.0%) of children living in the border village experienced some kind of an extremely terrifying incident related to the war. Nearly one fifth (n=26, 17.6%) living in the border village, had lost at least one immediate family member due to terrorist attacks. Majority of the border village children (n=94, 63.5%) believed that the war produced a significant negative impact on their lives. Children living in the border village showed 2.5 fold excess risk for a mental health problem (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.5. Living in a border village carried 3 times excess risk for conduct problems (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.0). Children living in the border village showed 2 fold excess risk for peer relationship problems (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.2). Living in a border village carried 2 fold excess risk for hyperactivity/inattention problems (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.2). Conclusions Majority of the children living in border village reported different exposures related to the civil war that can cause considerable and long-lasting psychological impact. Children from the border village had a significantly higher risk of showing borderline abnormal values on the SDQ, compared to children not from a border village. It is probable that this is due to the effect of war and its impact on the mental health of the children of the border village.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48093854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. Warnasekara, M. K. Gamakumbura, S. D. Konthota, L. Liyanage, Bad Lakpriya, S. Agampodi
We assessed the use of well women clinics (WWC) screening services for cervical and breast cancer prevention in a sample of females attending the largest religious festival in Sri Lanka. Of the 3,116 women studied, 2, 874(92.2%) were aware on breast cancer and 2, 609(83.7%) on cervical carcinoma. Of them only 1,895 (60.8%) were aware of the WWC services, but only 578 (18.5%) had ever used the services. Of the 217 professionals or associate professionals in the study sample, 190 (87.6%) were aware of the WWC compared to only 58.8% among the 2,899 women falling under the categories of other occupations and housewives. Clinic attendance was also significantly higher amongst professionals and associate professionals compared to women in other occupational categories and housewives (40.1% versus 16.9%). Use of cancer screening services are low and new strategies needed to improve the secondary prevention of these cancers in Sri Lanka.
{"title":"Is Cancer Screening a Priority among Adult Females in Sri Lanka?","authors":"Y. Warnasekara, M. K. Gamakumbura, S. D. Konthota, L. Liyanage, Bad Lakpriya, S. Agampodi","doi":"10.4038/AMJ.V11I1.7639","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/AMJ.V11I1.7639","url":null,"abstract":"We assessed the use of well women clinics (WWC) screening services for cervical and breast cancer prevention in a sample of females attending the largest religious festival in Sri Lanka. Of the 3,116 women studied, 2, 874(92.2%) were aware on breast cancer and 2, 609(83.7%) on cervical carcinoma. Of them only 1,895 (60.8%) were aware of the WWC services, but only 578 (18.5%) had ever used the services. Of the 217 professionals or associate professionals in the study sample, 190 (87.6%) were aware of the WWC compared to only 58.8% among the 2,899 women falling under the categories of other occupations and housewives. Clinic attendance was also significantly higher amongst professionals and associate professionals compared to women in other occupational categories and housewives (40.1% versus 16.9%). Use of cancer screening services are low and new strategies needed to improve the secondary prevention of these cancers in Sri Lanka.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42266936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guillain-Barre syndrome is characterized by acute onset symmetrical , generalized, ascending weakness with areflexia. It has wide variety of subtypes according to the involvement of muscle and nerve groups. We describe a case of 70 year old lady developing a rare form of GBS, the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of the disease.
{"title":"A rare presentation of Guillain -Barre syndrome: Pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant","authors":"Mohamed Nadheem","doi":"10.4038/amj.v11i1.7626","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v11i1.7626","url":null,"abstract":"Guillain-Barre syndrome is characterized by acute onset symmetrical , generalized, ascending weakness with areflexia. It has wide variety of subtypes according to the involvement of muscle and nerve groups. We describe a case of 70 year old lady developing a rare form of GBS, the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of the disease.","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47718776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective lung function assessment in preschool children is a challenge; the mechanics of the lungs are changing rapidly with advancing age and maturation, the population is too old to ethically justify routine sedation prior to lung function assessment, as in infants, and also, they are too young to be able to focus sufficiently and perform elaborate respiratory manoeuvers required by commonly used lung function tests in older children and adults. But, clinically, a clear evidence based demarcation between isolated non-significant episodes of respiratory symptoms and pathognomonic symptoms is vital for the management. Even though many different lung function techniques are commonly used in the assessment of preschool children, the purpose of this review is to evaluate three commonly used pulmonary function tests, viz. basic spirometry, interrupter technique and forced oscillation technique in order to assess their usefulness in preschool children. We conclude that contrary to common misbelief, ample evidence exists that preschool children are capable of performing lung function tests. Basic spirometry, which stood the test of time, remains one of the most commonly used lung function tests. The interrupter technique and the forced oscillation techniques are quickly gathering reputation as reliable alternatives for lung function assessment in preschool children, especially due to the minimal co-operation required from the subject and the versatility of the test. These techniques will enable definitive diagnosis, assessment of severity and the therapeutic response of multiple, complex and often challenging clinical respiratory conditions to enable efficient management
{"title":"Lung function assessment in preschool children; a review of the utility of basic spirometry, interrupter technique and forced oscillation technique","authors":"S. Rajapakse, D. Yasaratne, L. Amarasiri","doi":"10.4038/AMJ.V11I1.7641","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/AMJ.V11I1.7641","url":null,"abstract":"Objective lung function assessment in preschool children is a challenge; the mechanics of the lungs are changing rapidly with advancing age and maturation, the population is too old to ethically justify routine sedation prior to lung function assessment, as in infants, and also, they are too young to be able to focus sufficiently and perform elaborate respiratory manoeuvers required by commonly used lung function tests in older children and adults. But, clinically, a clear evidence based demarcation between isolated non-significant episodes of respiratory symptoms and pathognomonic symptoms is vital for the management. Even though many different lung function techniques are commonly used in the assessment of preschool children, the purpose of this review is to evaluate three commonly used pulmonary function tests, viz. basic spirometry, interrupter technique and forced oscillation technique in order to assess their usefulness in preschool children. We conclude that contrary to common misbelief, ample evidence exists that preschool children are capable of performing lung function tests. Basic spirometry, which stood the test of time, remains one of the most commonly used lung function tests. The interrupter technique and the forced oscillation techniques are quickly gathering reputation as reliable alternatives for lung function assessment in preschool children, especially due to the minimal co-operation required from the subject and the versatility of the test. These techniques will enable definitive diagnosis, assessment of severity and the therapeutic response of multiple, complex and often challenging clinical respiratory conditions to enable efficient management","PeriodicalId":30600,"journal":{"name":"Anuradhapura Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43366350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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