Browsing by Author "Jayasinghe, C."

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Adherence to infection control practices in relation to neonatal care in major hospitals in a district of Sri Lanka
(College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2019) Jayasinghe, C.; Abeysena, C.
INTRODUCTION: Adherence to infection control practices are crucial for neonatal care. OBJECTIVES: To describe the adherence to clean birth and postnatal care practices by healthcare workers in selected procedures in major hospitals in a district of Sri Lanka METHODS: This was a qualitative observational study. The study sample comprised healthcare workers (doctors, nurses and midwives) attached to the labour room (LR), postnatal ward (PNW), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and operating theatre (OT). A total of 70 healthcare workers from the LR, 90 from the PNW, 50 from the NICU and 60 from the OT were assessed in relation to each procedure they carried out. Four checklists were used to record the observations on infection control standards. The performance of each healthcare worker for each specific procedure was observed only once. RESULTS: Hand washing practices among the healthcare workers in LR, NICU, PNW and OT varied, with better practices seen in NICU and PNW. Recapping of the needles was done by 18.6%, 18.0% and 31.2% in LR, NICU and PNW, respectively. Disposal of sharps to the bin was done by almost all healthcare workers in the LR, NICU and PNW, respectively. All the healthcare workers used 70% alcohol to disinfect the skin, of whom the majority used povidone iodine when drawing blood samples for blood culture in the NICU. Changing or washing gloves before cutting the umbilical cord was observed in the majority of healthcare workers in LR and the minority in OT. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to infection control standards by healthcare workers in observed procedures was not up to the standard. KEYWORDS: Birth, Infection, Hand washing, Postnatal, Neonates, Sepsis
The Conceptual Evolution of Numismatic Research in Sri Lanka: A Retrospect
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Jayasinghe, C.
The history of numismatic research in Sri Lanka can be described under four developmental phases. 1. Phase of antiquarian interest; 2. Early classificatory phase; 3. Histographical and classificatory phase and 4. Scientific and classificatory phase. The interfaces of those phases are not implicit, but some of their characteristics could be explicitly elaborated. British colonial scholars of the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century were the pioneers who initiated the study of ancient coins in Sri Lanka. Their interest of collecting and recording ancient coins was not more than the curiosity and enthusiasm fed by so-called orientalistic ideology. Their activities mark the phase 1 of the development of the numismatic studies in Sri Lanka and it was a remarkable beginning. The work that can be ascribed to the early classificatory phase appeared in the 1920s. The objectives of the work conducted during this phase were somewhat different from the previously held antiquarianism. Systematic classification based on historical phases and visible physical features on the coins was carried out. The insights developed through the basic classifications in phase 2 were incorporated to historical interpretations in phase 3. The significance of studying coins in historical analysis was emphasized and the importance of them was evaluated as supplementary to the historical texts. The work of this historical and classificatory phase appeared during 1950s. More rigorous scientific approach towards studying ancient coins in Sri Lanka emerged in the 1980s. The previous nomenclature of classificatory scheme of coins has been challenged and alternative approaches have been suggested. Orientation towards scientific analysis of materials of coins and the socio-political analysis of their cultural context was encountered. This paper seeks to analyse the conceptual and methodological development of numismatic studies in Sri Lanka with reference to its wider social context.
Determining the Violation of section 31(1) of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act: Regarding Alcohol Products
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Pallewaththa, P.W.P.W.K.; Niwarthana, H.P.G.; Jayasinghe, M.; Jayasinghe, C.; Abesinghe, C.; Nanayakkara, S.
Introduction: Sri Lanka was the fifth country in the South East Asian Region to sign the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC). National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act No. 27 of 2006 is one of cost effective measures that Sri Lanka apply to prevent issues regarding alcohol and tobacco use since 2006 under the FCTC. Objectives of the Act, is identifying the policies on protecting Public Health, eliminating of tobacco and alcohol related harm through the assessment and monitoring and make provision discouraging persons especially children from smoking or consuming alcohol. This study is considered only section 31 (1) of the NATA Act, which included ―A person not sell, offer for sale, or permit or promote the sale of any tobacco product or alcohol product to any person under twenty one years of age‖. Objective: To determine the violation of section 31(1) of the NATA Act, regards to Alcohol products. Methodology: Cross sectional study design was used for the study. Observation method was the data collection method. Data were collected in nine districts (n=45 registered alcohol selling points) in Sri Lanka. Multistage sampling method was used to select sample from registered alcohol selling points. An observation check list was applied as data collection tool and volunteers between the ages of 18 to 21 were assisted (as decoy) to purchase alcohol from selling points. Results: Results indicated that 93.3% registered alcohol selling points were violated the section 31(1) of the NATA Act. Conclusion: Based on the study results, it is clear that implementation of section 31(1) of the NATA Act, was less successful. Implementation of this legal provision of the NATA Act, would be an enormous intervention to address alcohol initiation of adolescence in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is essential to take actions for implementing section 31(1) by responsible bodies and authorized officers immediately.
Developing a tool to screen for disability among pre-school children: preliminary results
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2014) Perera, K.M.N.; Wijerathne, L.; Jayasinghe, C.; Kasturiratne, A.; Hettiarachchi, S.; Fonseka, R.; Jayasena, B.N.; Siriwardhena, D.; Godamunne, P.; Dahanayake, W.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a tool that can be used by pre-school teachers to identify disabilities in the pre-school age group. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was formed and the initial tool was developed^ Consensual validity was achieved by using nominal group technique and the tool was pre-tested in the Ragama MOH area. To assure criterion validity, the tool was used to screen all the children in the pre-school age group (2-5 years) in an MOH area randomly selected from the Anuradhapura District. The screened positives .were referred to an expert panel for confirmation of diagnosis and follow-up if required. RESULTS: Thousand nine hundred children were invited for screening and 1536 participated (478 2-3 years, 495 3-years, 560 > 4 years of age) and 267 (17.4%) were referred to the expert panel. Out of the referrals, majority (38.9%) had multiple disabilities. Hearing and speech difficulties were seen in (29.6%). Psycho social problems (11.6%), disabilities and other diseases (19.8%) accounted for the rest. The response rate for confirmation by experts was 64%. The predictive value of a positive test was 79.5%. The prevalence of disabilities among the screened pre-school age group was 88 per 1000 (95% Cl= 74 to 103). CONCLUSIONS: This tool can be used to screen children in the pre-school age for disabilities.
The Effect of Push Factors on Migration Intention of University Students in Sri Lanka
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Jayanika, K. A. S.; Jayasinghe, C.
University student migration is a growing phenomenon in Sri Lanka, with implications for the country's higher education industry and future labor force. Many economic and non-economic factors impact migration choices, and recent contributions have seen migration choice as a step-by-step process that distinguishes between "aspiration" and "ability" to migrate. Migration of university students, which is defined as the act of leaving one's home country with the goal of residing abroad, is one of the main challenges in Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, research on young migration is particularly pertinent. Thus, the goal of this research project is to access the impact of push factors on migration intention of university students in Sri Lanka. This study explores the push factors driving this trend, with a particular emphasis on the reasons behind students' decision to leave Sri Lanka after graduation. The study is based on final year management undergraduates of University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Out of 500 management final year undergraduates, the sample size of 217 students in the population was chosen using a simple random sampling method. A variety of literature on determinants of migration intention was gathered with the view of identifying the key factors having an impact on migration intention. In this study, migration intention of university students is the dependent variable and poor economic condition, political instability, lack of opportunities for career development and low salary are the independent variables. The data relating to the research were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Based on key findings the research showed poor economic condition, economic instability and low salary variables have strongly positive relationship and lack of opportunities for career development variable has negative relationship to migration intention of university students. Thereby conclusion of the study and recommendations focused on address economic and political problems in Sri Lanka to retain knowledgeable people in Sri Lanka.
IMPACT OF COGNITIVE SKILLS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FINAL YEAR UNDERGRADUATES WITH THE MODERATING EFFECT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UNIVERSITIES IN THE WESTERN PROVINCE
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Livera, W. M. I.; Jayasinghe, C.
The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of cognitive skills on the academic performance of undergraduates in Sri Lanka and examine the moderating effect of university extracurricular activities on the relationship between cognitive skills and academic performance of undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Cognitive skills were conceptualized in terms of creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Management Faculty undergraduates from state universities in the Western Province make up the population. In this study, out of the target population, 342 undergraduates were selected as the sample. This study used quantitative research methods, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to final-year undergraduates in the Western Province. The findings of this study indicate that there is a significant impact of undergraduates’ cognitive skills on academic performance, and that higher levels of extracurricular activities strengthen the relationship between cognitive skills and academic performance. This study's findings provide better guidance for university undergraduates to become more productive and effective through national universities in Sri Lanka. The results of the study could guide the creation of curricula by highlighting the value of encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking in management undergraduates. It is recommended that state universities take necessary action to develop undergraduates’ cognitive skills in an appropriate manner.
IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE WITH THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF CREATIVITY: A STUDY OF EXECUTIVE LEVEL EMPLOYEES IN ABC (PVT) LTD IN TIRE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN SRI LANKA
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Gunarathne, R.B.I.R.; Jayasinghe, C.
This research aims to examines the impact of emotional intelligence on employee performance in executive level employee category in ABC Pvt Ltd, a tire manufacturing company in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the mediation role of creativity. Emotional intelligence, which comprises empathy as well as self-awareness, is increasingly taken to be one of the key determinants of performance, not least in fast-changing organizational environments that are now common. Such relationship can further be empowered toward innovation and problem-solving with creativity. For this using a quantitative cross sectional survey design, 300 executive staff members were the population and a sample of 169 employees were taken. A structured questionnaire measuring emotional intelligence, creativity, and employee performance using a 5-point Likert scale was used to collect data. Statistical analysis performed included correlation and regression through SPSS for establishing relationship and hypotheses testing. Findings of the research demonstrated that emotional intelligence is a significant positive contributor to employee performance levels. This also favors creativity, which influences employee performance. Creativity served as a key mediator in strengthening the relationship between emotional intelligence and its performance outcomes. These results underline the importance of emotional intelligence and creativity in enhancing organizational efficiencies and innovations. This study has identified as crucial emotional intelligence and creativity in enhancing employee performance in the manufacturing sector. Organizations should then consider the necessity of emotional intelligence and creativity development through training and leadership development programs for better productivity and innovation.
IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT WITH THE MODERATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE: A STUDY OF ABC TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Kumara, R.S.K.R.N.; Jayasinghe, C.
Previous scholars have identified organizational commitment as an essential tool that can increase retention and reduce turnover rates and improve other overall employment factors. However, the biggest problem facing the industry today is the high employee turnover rate, but significantly, managerial level employees have higher commitment than the other level. This study aims to explore the impact of emotional intelligence on organizational commitment and the moderator role of perceived organizational justice in the above relationship, considering management level employees in ABC Telecommunications Company in Sri Lanka. Although the relationship between organizational commitment and emotional intelligence has been confirmed in the Western literature, it has been relatively difficult to find investigated of this relationship in the Sri Lankan context, especially in the telecommunications sector. The present study investigated how these factors are related to each other and how they affect employees. Deductive approach was applied using an online survey research method and a quantitative research methodology. The population of the study was the managerial level employees of ABC Telecommunication Company, and the sample size was 214 Correlation and regression analyses were performed using SPSS. According to the findings of the study, it is concluded that emotional intelligence has a statistically positive effect on organizational commitment. Furthermore, it was found that perceived organizational justice has a moderating role on emotional intelligence and organizational commitment. A relationship was found between the three variables and both hypotheses were accepted.
IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE BRAND ENGAGEMENT ON SERVICE PERFORMANCE WITH THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF JOB SATISFACTION OF FRONTLINE EMPLOYEES IN SUPERMARKET SECTOR IN COLOMBO DISTRICT SRI LANKA
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Srilali, A. M. N. K.; Jayasinghe, C.
The purpose of this research is to identify the impact of employee brand engagement on service performance with the mediating effect of job satisfaction of frontline employees in the supermarket sector in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Although there is sufficient literature on employee brand engagement, service performance, and job satisfaction in the Western region, there is less research in the context of Sri Lanka to test the relationship between employee brand engagement and service performance, especially in the supermarket sector. This research is deductive and was conducted using a survey research strategy and a quantitative research method. Frontline employees in supermarkets were chosen as the population of the study, and the sample size was 196. Data collection was done through a standardized questionnaire, and a stratified sampling technique was applied to select the participants. A Google Form was created and distributed to collect data. The number of employees who responded was 196 out of 230 employees. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 23.0, was used. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between employee brand engagement and service performance. Furthermore, it was found that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between employee brand engagement and service performance. This means that higher levels of employee brand engagement lead to higher job satisfaction, which in turn positively impacts service performance.
IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE MINDFULNESS ON WORK ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ABC COMPANY IN IT INDUSTRY IN SRI LANKA
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Dissanayake, D.A.T.D.; Jayasinghe, C.
This study investigates how employee mindfulness impacts employee work engagement, with a specific focus on the mediating role of employee well-being in the context of the Sri Lankan IT industry, using IT professionals of ABC Company as a case study. Generally, the IT industry deals with high demands and consequently a high level of stress. As a result, the IT industry highly suffers from issues related to employee burnout and turnover. Therefore, organizations stepping into exploring new strategies for effective employee engagement is critically important. As one of the strategies, employee mindfulness has been identified as a proposition for improving employee well-being and work engagement, and this study aims to validate these claims by examining how employee mindfulness affects employee well-being and, in turn, improves work engagement among IT professionals. This study used quantitative research methods and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to IT professionals at ABC Company. According to the analysis, employee mindfulness positively affects work engagement, and this relationship significantly mediates the employee’s well-being. These findings suggest that employee mindfulness not only directly improves employee work engagement but also indirectly improves employee well-being. This dual effect highlights the importance of fostering a holistic approach to a mindfulness-oriented workforce. Further, the findings of this study provide actionable insights for organizational leaders in the IT industry and HR professionals and provide a route map for implementing mindfulness practices to enhance employee well-being and employee work engagement.
Impact of High-performance Work Systems on Employees’ Innovative Work Behavior; Mediating effect of Job Embeddedness with Special Reference to the Private Healthcare Sector
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Karunarathne, J.D.W.S.; Jayasinghe, C.
High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) are the combination of operationalize HR Practices and ensure efficiency. Employees’ innovative work behavior is the creation of useful concepts, and their incorporation into enhanced or new goods or services. In recent years organizations have faced threats of global competition, increasing customer expectations, technological changes, and an uncertain economic environment. To cope with these challenges, organizations have to encourage their employees to do innovations. A noticeable shift in innovativeness becomes apparent among executive and above level employees within the private healthcare sector. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine how High-performance work systems affect the Employees’ innovative work behavior with Job Embeddedness acting as a mediator. According to the AMO model Ability, Motivation and Opportunity- enhancing HRM practices were used as independent variables. The stratified random sampling technique was used to select 210 respondents from the leading three hospitals in western province. Structured questionnaire was distributed to collect data and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Mean Score and Standard Deviation were used for all the variables for univariate analysis and correlation coefficient was used for bivariate analysis. The hypotheses were tested using the Correlation and regression analysis and Bootstrapping. Ability, Motivation and Opportunity enhancing HRM practices was found to have a significant impact on Employees’ Innovative Work Behavior independently, and Job Embeddedness does not mediate only the relationship between Motivation enhancing HRM practices and Employees’ Innovative Work Behavior. Accordingly, some of the authors suggested to do additional research concentrate on creating models that include moderator variables in the motivation-on-employee performance role, in which job embeddedness does not function as a mediator, or search for other variables that are assumed to be mediators in the motivation-onemployee performance role.
Impact of Mindfulness on Employee Performance: A Study of the Executive Level Employees in a Tire Manufacturing Company in Sri Lanka
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Kapugedara, D. S. M.; Jayasinghe, C.
The purpose of this research is to identify the Impact of Mindfulness on Employee Performance on Executive Level Employees in a Tire Manufacturing Company in Sri Lanka. The study is conducted within the context of a one of the leading tire manufacturing company in Ekala, Sri Lanka. This study intends to contribute to filling the knowledge gap by looking into the impact of mindfulness on Employee performance of Executive Level Employees. There is less research context in Sri Lanka to test mindfulness on Executive Level Employee performance of local Tire manufacturing company. This research is deductive (theory–testing) research. This research was conducted using a survey research strategy and quantitative research method. Executive Level Employees in a Tire Manufacturing Company as the population of the study. The sample size was 283, data collection was done through a self-administered questionnaire and simple random sample technique. A Google form was created and distributed to collect data. The number of employees who responded was 187 among 283 employees. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 23.0 was used as a tool for data analysis descriptive statistics, namely correlation and regression were used to analyze data. The results indicate that Work life balance is mediated between the employee mindfulness and employee performance. The results of the study show that there is a significant positive impact of mindfulness on employee performance through Employee work life balance.
Impact of Work from Home on Employee Productivity with moderating effect of Family Support with special reference to a leading Retail Sector Company in Sri Lanka
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Jayasingha, I. D. S. N. S.; Jayasinghe, C.
Organizations around the world are embracing flexible work arrangements at an increasing rate as the global landscape of work undergoes revolutionary shifts driven by unforeseeable occurrences like the COVID-19 epidemic and technology improvements. This study looks at how the work-from-home (WFH) paradigm affects worker productivity in the dynamic retail industry in Sri Lanka. Additionally, it investigates how family support influences the link between productivity and remote work in a moderating way. The research uses a deductive approach in conjunction with quantitative surveys to obtain in-depth information from managers and staff in Sri Lanka's leading retail sector company. This current research has used 315 of retail sector employees as the study population. A Google form was created and distributed to collect data. The number of employees who responded was 175. By presenting actual data on the effects of WFH in the particular context of Sri Lanka's retail industry, the study adds to the body of existing studies. Businesses in the retail industry in Sri Lanka may create strategies that improve remote work effectiveness, encourage employee contentment, and guarantee a healthy work-life balance by knowing how WFH, employee productivity, and family support interact. The findings of this research add to the growing body of knowledge about the dynamics of remote work in developing nations, shows the positive relationship between the impact of WFH concept and employee productivity and offer guidance to stakeholders who try to make sense of the changing retail work environment. The results provide insightful information for companies looking to maximize remote work agreements and raise worker output. The study also clarifies the significance of family support as a possible enabler or impediment to the success of projects using remote employment.
Impact of Workload and Toxic Work Environment on Perceived Quality of Care of Nurses in ABC Hospital: Work Satisfaction as a Mediator
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Jayawardhana, K. J. A. D. U.; Jayasinghe, C.
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the wellbeing of the nurses plays a critical role in ensuring quality of patient care. Nurses’ shortage is in a serious discussion among most of the countries and it has a significant affect to the national health care industry and the overall society. Currently, as could see there are less research studies in this area in Sri Lankan Context. Identifying the impact of organizational factors on perceived quality of care may enhance the ability to implement preventive actions for serious issues. The current study assess the workload and toxic work environment on perceived quality of care with the mediating effect of work satisfaction. The current study was carried out for a sample of 181 nurses who are working in ABC Hospital (Pvt) Ltd. The sample was selected randomly and primary data was collected through two standard questionnaires as google forms via online mode through a google survey. The collected data were analyzed using correlation, regression and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that there is a significant negative impact of workload, toxic work environment and perceived quality of care and work satisfaction mediates the relationship between two each variables. The current study may develop an inspiration to further researches and may lead to concentrate on the better results in Hospital contexts.
Impact of Workplace Bullying on Work Stress with the Moderating Effect of Emotional Intelligence in Private Sector Healthcare Industry
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Kanchana, I. M. T.; Jayasinghe, C.
The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of workplace bullying on work stress with the moderating effect of emotional intelligence in the private sector healthcare industry. Job Stress is described as increased tension that arises when a worker is unable to balance the demands of their job and workplace bullying is now recognized by society as a very serious issue that has an impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. The study was conducted as a quantitative and cross-sectional research study. The data were collected through a standard questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The population of the current study comprises all the nursing staff working in private hospitals in Sri Lanka. Primary data was collected from two private hospitals in the healthcare industry in the western province of Sri Lanka. According to that 157 nursing staff were selected as the sample size and used a standard questionnaire as a Google form to collect primary data from them. The collected data were analyzed with the support of the SPSS employing correlation analysis, regression, and descriptive statistics. Simple regression analysis and correlation were used to test the study hypotheses. The independent variable is workplace bullying, while the dependent variable is job stress and the moderator is emotional intelligence. Analyzed results showed a positive impact on workplace bullying and job stress. Moreover, the researcher was able to find emotional intelligence moderates the relationship between workplace Bullying and work stress of employees, such that the relationship is weaker when emotional intelligence is higher than low.
Levamisole induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome: A case report
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Prasangika, T.G.C.; Warnasuriya, W.; Mendis, W.J.S.; Fernando, M.; Jayasinghe, C.
INTRODUCTION: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening muco-cutaneous condition, which may occur as an adverse reaction (Type IV hypersensitivity) to a number of drugs. It is characterized by variable degrees of epidermal necrosis and detachment leading to increase morbidity and mortality. We describe the case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome who developed TEN, presumably induced by Levamisole. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TEN arising during levamisole treatment. CASE REPORT: A 11 year old girl, who has steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome, was started on levamisole. She developed skin and mucosal lesions suggestive of TEN 3 weeks after taking levamisole. The diagnosis of TEN in our patient was made clinically and confirmed histologically. Based on the temporal relationship of levamisole therapy and the development of her adverse cutaneous reaction, we concluded that levamisole was the offending agent. CONCLUSION: We report this case to increase awareness of this potential life-threatening complication of levamisole.
Maternal satisfaction on postnatal and neonatal care of babies treated for neonatal sepsis in secondary and tertiary care hospitals of a district in Sri Lanka
(College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2020) Jayasinghe, C.; Abeysena, C.
INTRODUCTION: Patient satisfaction is considered to be a vital component in the evaluation of the quality of care. OBJECTIVES: To describe the maternal satisfaction on care received by the neonates and mothers during their stay in the secondary and tertiary care hospitals in a district of Sri Lanka. METHODS: This was a descriptive study conducted among 235 postpartum mothers of neonates who were treated for sepsis in the neonatal intensive care units. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess maternal satisfaction regarding the care received by the mothers (20 items) and neonates (20 items). The mothers were also requested to make suggestions for improvement. The questionnaire was administered on the day of discharge from the hospital. Overall satisfaction scores for maternal care and neonatal care were calculated separately and was considered satisfactory if it was more than 75% of the total score. RESULTS: The overall mean satisfaction score for maternal care was 84.2 (range 49-100) and for neonatal care, it was 94.0 (range 52-98). Majority of the mothers were satisfied with the maternal care (n=208; 88.5%) and neonatal care (n=220; 93.6%). The majority were satisfied regarding the breastfeeding counselling (n=224; 93.3%), information on the treatment their neonates received (n=227; 94.6%) and investigations of the neonates (n=196; 81.7%). A higher percentage also recommended the obstetric unit to others as a favourable place (n=224; 93.3%) and preferred to return to the same unit for neonatal care for any future episode of illness (n=227; 94.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall maternal satisfaction regarding the neonatal and maternity care was high. There was a gap between the needs and provision of healthcare. KEYWORDS: Intensive care, Neonatal care, Postnatal care, quality of care satisfaction,
Neonatal sepsis for postpartum depression
(College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka., 2019) Jayasinghe, C.; Abeysena, C.
INTRODUCTION: The postpartum period is generally a time of happiness and bonding between mother and the newborn, but complicated pregnancies can alter this. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication of childbirth. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of neonatal sepsis on PPD of mothers METHODS: This was a descriptive study conducted in secondary and tertiary care hospitals in the district of Gampaha. The study population comprised postpartum mothers of neonates who were diagnosed with sepsis (n=236) and those who were not (n=240). Neonatal sepsis was defined by the presence of one of the clinical signs according to the IMCI strategy or culture positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid. The validated Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and an interviewer-administrated questionnaire were used. Multiple logistic regression was applied and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The study revealed that among the mothers of sepsis neonates, 185 (78.4%) were depressed. There were 51 (21.2%) mothers also depressed among the mother of non-sepsis babies. The association between PPD and neonatal sepsis was statistically significant (aOR=13.44; 95% CI=8.68, 20.83). The socio-demographic factors, obstetric and neonatal factors were not independently associated with PPD. CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum depression among mothers of sepic neonates was higher than in mothers of apparently healthy neonates. It is essential to arrange a screening programme and counselling sessions while in the hospital for all the mothers. KEYWORDS: Counselling, Neonates, Prevention, Risk factors, Sepsis
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its associations among adolescents in an urban, Sri Lankan community
(BioMed Central, 2017) Rajindrajith, S.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Jayasinghe, C.; Kottahachchi, D.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, S.T.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; de Silva, H.J.
BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common problem across the world. We aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and its associations in Sri Lankan adolescents living in an urban Sri Lankan community. METHOD: The study population consisted of the birth cohort of the year 2000, residing in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data [anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and total body fat distribution] of these adolescents were collected by trained data collectors. Fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, fasting serum lipids and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured and an abdominal ultrasound was performed. NAFLD was diagnosed on established ultrasound criteria for fatty liver and absent alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 499 adolescents [263 (51.8%) girls]. Forty two (8.4%) had NAFLD. NAFLD was significantly associated with being breast fed for less than 4 months (33.3% vs. 17.1 in controls, p = 0.02), higher waist circumference (prevalence risk ratio 83.3/20.3, 4.1, p < 0.0001), higher body mass index (prevalence risk ratio 40.5/4.8, 8.4, p < 0/0001),higher HOMA-IR (3.7 vs. 1.9, p < 0.0001) and high triglycerides (prevalence risk ratio 14.3/5.8, 2.5, p = 0.033). Adolescents with NAFLD also had a higher amount of total body fat (p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat (p < 0.001) than those without NAFLD. The number of children with metabolic derangements was higher among adolescents with NAFLD than those without (85.8 vs 26.3 in controls, p < 0.0001), but a family history of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction or dyslipidaemia were not. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of NAFLD was high in Sri Lankan adolescents, and was associated with metabolic derangements, especially obesity, insulin resistance and early cessation of breast feeding.
Prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome among aging adults in an urban Sri Lankan population
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2015) Kasturiratne, K.T.A.A.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, S.T.; Perera, K.R.; Subasinghe, S.K.C.E.; Kodisinghe, S.K.; Piyaratna, T.A.C.L.; Vithiya, K.; Kottachchi, D.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Jayasinghe, C.; Rajindrajith, S.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is assumed to be of high prevalence in the Asian region. However, its community prevalence and risk factors in South Asia is poorly studied. We determined the prevalence and risk factors for MetS among adults in an urban Sri Lankan population. METHOD: The study population consisted of 42-71 year old adults, selected by stratified random sampling from the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area. MetS was defined by the International Diabetic Federation criteria with ethnic specific cutoffs. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure (BP) and body fat distribution estimates were made. Glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting serum lipids, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum creatinine (SCr) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were determined. CKD was defined as GFR<60ml/min/1.72m2 (KDIGO/KDOQI classification), USS abdomen was performed to detect fatty liver and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was diagnosed on safe alcohol consumption (< 14 units/week for men, < 7 units/week for females) and absence of hepatitis B and C markers. RESULTS: 2155 (1244 [57.7%] women, mean age 59.2 years [SD, 7.7]) participated. 1014 (47.1%) [mean age 59.2 years (SD, 7.7), 256 (28.1%) men; 758 (60.9%) women] had MetS. On multivariate analysis female gender, abnormal total body fat and abnormal visceral fat level (>10%) and presence of NAFLD were independently associated with MetS. Age 65 or more, raised ALT and CKD were not associated with MetS. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS among adults in this aging urban Sri Lankan community was high and is independently associated with female gender, abnormal body fat distribution and presence NAFLD.