Browsing by Author "Jayawardana, P."

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Assessment of foetal growth retardation: small for gestational age
(College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2010) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.
Growth retardation cannot be described by a single weight measure because, birth weight is dependant on both duration of gestation and intrauterine growth rate. It has also been shown that foetal weight is dependant on constitutional as well as pathological factors. Constitutional factors include maternal height, weight, parity, ethnicity and foetal sex. When assessing foetal growth retardation, it is important to consider constitutional factors as well. Of the different assessments developed small for gestational age defined based on the customised birth weight standards assess foetal growth retardation more accurately.
Attitudes toward prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for genetic disorders among healthcare workers in a selected setting in Sri Lanka
(Wiley, 2008) de Silva, D.C.; Jayawardana, P.; Hapangama, A.; Suraweera, E.G.D.N.; Ranjani, D.; Fernando, S.; Karunasena, C.; Jinadasa, S.
Body mass index and gestational weight gain in two selected Medical Officer of Health areas in the Gampaha District.
(College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2011) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.
OBJECTIVE: To describe gestational weight gain pattern according to the body mass index (BMI) categories. METHODS: This is a descriptive study conducted in two Medical Officer of Health areas of the Gampaha District. Pregnant women were recruited on or before 16 weeks of gestation and followed up until delivery. Maternal weight was measured at the booking visit, during the second trimester and at delivery. Inadequate and excessive weight gain were defined as weight gain below and above the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 recommendations for the BMI categories as well as Ministry of Health (MoH) recommendations. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty seven (30%) of the women were underweight, 432(52%) were normal weight and 131(18%) overweight and obese. According to the Asian BMI classification, 338(41 %) were normal weight and 225(29%) were overweight and obese. Total mean weight gain for the sample was 10.6(SD 3.3) kg and mean rate of gestational weight gain was 0.27(SD 0.08) kg/week. Mean weight gain during second trimester was 6.7(SD 2.7) kg and during third trimester 3.9(SD 2.2) kg. Mean gestational weight gain and rate of weight gain per week was higher among underweight women. Of the 710, 404(57%) women gained less and 62(8.7%) more weight, than recommended by the IOM, whereas 108(15%) gained more weight by MoH standards. CONCLUSIONS: One third of the women were underweight and mean gestational weight gain and rate of weight gain per week were higher amongst them. More than half of the women gained less weight than recommended.
Cause of death of Sri Lankan migrant workers employed in the Middle East
(British Medical Association, 2006) Samarakkody, D.M.P.; Jayawardana, P.; Abeysena, C.
No Abstract Available
Colombo north teaching hospital: how complete is recording of data in the hospital admission from (Bed Head Ticket)?
(University of Kelaniya, 2009) Jayawardana, P.; Abaysena, K.
Comparison of selected occupational health problems among coir industry and coconut estate workers in the Puttalam District
(College of the Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2007) Mohotti, S.; Jayawardana, P.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of selected occupational health problems among coir industry (SG) and coconut estate (CG) workers in Puttalam District. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the MOH areas of Dankotuwa, Marawila and Chilaw, in the Puttalam district. Sample size computed was 190 for each group. Sample was selected using Simple random sampling method. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence of selected occupational health problems among the two groups. RESULTS: The mean duration of service was 12.3 (50:86) years for SG and 13.7(SD=9.9) years for CG. Musculoskeletal symptoms - prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (OR =2.8; 95 %Cl: 1.2-6.5) was higher among SG while knee joint pain was higher among CG (OR=O.5; 95% Cl: 0.3 - 0.7). Dermatological conditions - prevalence of fingertip wastage (OR=1.25; 95%Cl: 8.1-53.1), oedema of terminal phalanges (OR=5.5; 95%Cl: 2.9 -10.6) and paronychia (OR=5.4; 95%Cl: 3.2-9.0) were higher among SG, while the CG showed a higher prevalence of callosities (OR=undefined). Occupational injuries - prevalence of abrasions (OR=0.06; 95%Cl: 0.03-0.13), lacerations (OR=0.09; 95%Cl: 0.04-0.18), contusions (OR=0.07; 95%Cl: 0.03-0.15) and cut injuries (OR=0.13; 95%Cl: 0.06-0.27) were higher among the CG. Varicose veins - prevalence of varicose veins was higher among 8G (OR=1.87; 95%Cl: 1.12-3.13). Respiratory conditions - prevalence of sneezing (OR=1.74; 95%Cl: 1.11-2.79) and common cold (OR=2.28; 95%Cl: 1.46-3.57) were significantly higher among SG while nasal Obstruction (OR=0.21; 95%Cl: 0.10 - 0.45), breathlessness (OR=0.26; 95%Cl: 0.12 - 0.53) and asthma were significantly higher among CG (OR=0.34; 95%Cl: 0.18 - 0.62). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Prevalence of individual musculoskeletal, skin and respiratory conditions differed among coir workers and coconut estate workers. However, varicose veins were more among coir workers while occupational injuries were more among coconut estate workers. Recommend use of protective gear.
Concurrent validity of the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT)
(Oxford University Press, 2008) de Silva, P.; Jayawardana, P.; Pathmeswaran, A.
AIMS: To determine cut-offs for the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) 10-item questionnaire, differentiating hazardous drinking (HZD) and alcohol use disorders (AUD) from low risk drinking (LRD), and AUD from HZD and LRD among married men in a Sri Lankan sample. METHODS: Using 62 low risk drinkers and 88 each from hazardous drinkers and AUD, the AUDIT instrument was compared with adapted and translated versions of a beverage-specific, quantity-frequency questionnaire, and the alcohol use module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), and two receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curves to differentiate HZD + AUD from LRD and AUD from HZD + LRD were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94-0.99) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99) respectively. The cut-off values of 7 and 16 were observed to have the best trade-offs between sensitivity, specificity, the ratio of positive likelihood to negative likelihood ratios, and positive predictive values. CONCLUSION: The AUDIT could be used to screen for LRD, HZD, and AUD among Sinhalese married men in Sri Lanka.
Disability in medical officer of health area, Ragama: prevalence and extent of handicap
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Wijerathne, L.
Educational intervention on breast cancer early detection: effectiveness among target group women in the district of Gampaha, Sri Lanka
(Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, 2015) Vithana, P.C.; Ariyaratne, M.; Jayawardana, P.
PURPOSE: The present study concerns the effectiveness of an educational intervention for improving knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of breast cancer early detection among target group women (TGW) in the district of Gampaha, Sri Lanka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a community-based intervention. Two medical officer of health areas in Gampaha district were selected using random sampling as intervention (IA) and control (CA). Public health midwives (PHMs) in the IA were exposed to the educational intervention first, conducted the same among the TGW through PHMs. KAP was assessed using an interviewer- administrated questionnaire among 260 TGW from each area selected using cluster sampling before and six months after the intervention. RESULTS: The overall median scores for KAP among TGW in IG increased significantly from pre intervention level of 54% (IQR: 46-59%), 50% (IQR: 41-59%), and 0% (IQR: 0-20%) to post intervention level of 77% (IQR: 72-82%), 68% (IQR: 59- 76 %) and 40% (IQR: 20-60%) respectively. In CG, overall median scores for KAP remained almost the same at pre intervention 54% (IQR:44-59%), 50% (IQR:36-59%) and 0% (IQR: 0-20%) and post intervention 54% (IQR:46-59%), 50% (IQR:36-64%) and 0% (IQR: 0-20%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention was found to be effective.
Effect of energy expenditure on pregnancy outcome: a cohort study
(College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2008) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Senevirathne, R. de A.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the trimester specific effect of energy expenditure on pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: A population based prospective cohort study was carried out in two Medical Officer of Health areas in the Gampaha District from May 2001 to April 2002. Eight hundred and seventy five pregnant women were recruited on or before 16 weeks of gestation. Daily energy expenditure was assessed based on the activities re-sorted at home by housewives and both at home and at work by working mothers indicated in the three day activity record on two occasions during second (n=371) and third (n=271) trimesters. Information on potential confounding factors was gathered on average at 12th 28th and 36th weeks of gestation. There were no statistically significant difference between responders and non-responders in terms of socio-economic characteris-tics. Multiple logistic regression was applied and the results are expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Energy expenditure >2550 kcal/day during second trimester was a risk factor for maternal complications [OR 6.30; 95%CI: 1.8, 21.9]. During third trimester it was a protective factor [OR 0.29; 95%CI: 0.09, 0.96] for small for gestational age defined as <5 centile. Energy expenditure had no association with low birth weight or preterm birth either in second or third trimesters. CONCLUSION: High energy expenditure was a risk factor for maternal complications and a protective factor against the birth of a small for gestational age infant in uncomplicated pregnancies.
Effect of psychosocial stress and physical activity on low birth weight: a cohort study
(Wiley-Blackwell Pub. Asia, 2010) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Senevirathne, R. de A.
AIM: To determine the effect of physical activity and psychosocial stress on low birthweight (LBW). METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in a district of Sri Lanka between May 2001 and April 2002. A total of 885 pregnant mothers were recruited at < or = 16 weeks of gestation and followed up until partus. Trimester-specific exposure statuses along with potential confounding factors were gathered on average at the 12th, 28th, and 36th weeks of gestation. Physical activities were assessed by inquiring about the duration of specific postures adopted per day by housewives during each trimester at home and both at home and during working hours for those who were engaged in paid employment. Psychosocial stress was assessed using the Modified Life Events Inventory and the General Health Questionnaire 30. LBW was defined as a birthweight of less than 2500 g. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for controlling confounders and the results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Standing > 2.5 h/day (OR 2.26; 95%CI 1.10, 4.69) during the second trimester and sleeping 8 h or less/day (OR 2.84; 95%CI 1.49, 5.40) either during the second, third or both trimesters together, an increase in maternal age in years (OR 0.92; 95%CI 0.87, 0.98), and body mass index < 19.8 kg/m(2) (OR 2.2; 95%CI 1.17, 4.22) had a statistically significant association with LBW. Psychosocial stress was not associated with LBW.CONCLUSIONS: Standing > 2.5 h/day and sleeping < or = 8 h/day were risk factors for LBW, whereas psychosocial stress was not
Effect of psychosocial stress and physical activity on preterm birth: a cohort study
(Wiley-Blackwell Pub. Asia, 2010) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Senevirathne, R. de A.
AIM: To determine trimester-specific effects of risk factors for preterm birth (PTB). METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in a district of Sri Lanka. A total of 885 pregnant mothers were recruited at equal to or less than 16 weeks of gestation and followed up until partus. Trimester-specific exposure statuses and potential confounding factors were gathered on average at the 12th, 28th, and 36th weeks of gestation. Physical activities were assessed by obtaining information about the duration of specific postures adopted per day by housewives during each trimester at home and both at home and during working hours for those who were engaged in paid employment. Psychosocial stress was assessed using the Modified Life Events Inventory and the General Health Questionnaire 30. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied and the results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Standing equal to or less than 2.5 h/day during the first or second or both trimesters (OR 1.83, 95%CI 1.03, 3.25), maternal age of <25 years (OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.02, 2.95), education up to primary school level (OR 3.30, 95%CI 1.3, 8.36) and past history of low birthweight (OR 2.52, 95%CI 1.16, 5.48) were risk factors for PTB. Psychosocial stress was not found to be a risk factor for PTB. CONCLUSIONS: Standing equal to or less than 2.5 h/day during the early trimesters was a risk factor for PTB among uncomplicated pregnancies. Further studies are recommended to assess the trimester-specific effect of psychosocial stress on PTB.
Effect of psychosocial stress on maternal complications during pregnancy: A cohort study
(DRUNPP Sarajevo, 2010) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.
AIM: To determine the effect of psychosocial stress on maternal complications during pregnancy . METHODS: A population based prospective cohort study was carried out in Sri Lanka from May 2001 to April 2002. Pregnant women were recruited on or before 16 weeks of gestation and followed up until delivery. The sample size was 774. The relevant exposure data were collected on average during the 12th and 28th week of gestation. Psychosocial stress was assessed using the Modified Life Events Inventory and the General Health Questionnaire 30 (GHQ 30). Maternal complications were defined as the presence of pregnancy induced hypertension or gestational diabetes or ante partum hemorrhage. Multiple logistic regression was applied and the results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: On multiple logistic regression analysis, experience of ³2 life events during the second trimester [OR 3.0, 95%CI: 1.19, 7.64], GHQ score >5 during the second trimester [OR 3.24, 95%CI: 1.32, 7.93], body mass index >26.0 kg/m2 [OR 1.25, 95%CI: 1.31, 9.27], pre pregnancy weight >51 kg [OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.25, 9.33] and educational level up to grade 5 [OR 1.93, 95%CI: 2.0, 23.41] were risk factors for maternal complications during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial stress during the second trimester, BMI >26 kg/m2, pre pregnancy weight >51kg and low educational level were risk factors for maternal complications during pregnancy.
Effectiveness of an educational and technical skill development intervention on improving menstrual hygiene management among grade ten school girls in the district of Kalutara, Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2015) Fernando, W.M.P.A.; Jayawardana, P.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine effectiveness of an educational and technical skill development intervention, to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices towards menstruation and menstrual hygiene (MH) among adolescent school girls in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka. Method: Quasi experimental study was conducted with non-randomfy selected Intervention (IG) and Control (CG) groups. Six schools in each arm were selected purposively based on presence of supportive environments. Computed sample size was 300 from twenty clusters (classes). Each cluster comprised 15 purposively selected students. Those in IG were trained on four modules regarding knowledge and one on preparation of detachable sanitary towel holder (DSTH) by 20 trained teachers. A 'hand book' on MH and preparation of DSTH -was also given. Effectiveness was assessed five months later, by administering a self administered questionnaire at pre and post intervention stages. Chi square test/ Mann Whitney's U test for independent and Me Nemar's test/Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for within group comparisons were used. RESULTS: When comparing IG and CG at post intervention, significant improvement in knowledge on all four sub components, overall knowledge (P<0.001), overall attitudes (P<0.001), 10 among 16 variables on practices (P<0.05) and all eight under activities affected during menstruation (P<0.0001) were observed. When comparing IG between pre and post intervention stages significant (P<0.001) improvement in all above and 11 among 16 variables on practices (P<0.05) were observed. Ninety three percent (n=275) of IG students had prepared DSTH. CONCLUSION: Intervention to promote MH was proven effective with a significant positive impact on knowledge, attitudes, practices and activities affected during menstruation.
Energy expenditure and pregnancy outcome
(Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2005) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Seneviratne, R.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of energy expenditure on pregnancy outcome. Methodology: A prospective cohort study was carried out at Ragama and Ja-ela MOH areas. Eight hundred and seventy five pregnant mothers were recruited at 16 weeks of gestation (POA). Daily energy expenditure was assessed based on the activities indicated by the pregnant mothers in the Activity Record1 on two occasions during 20 (371 subjects) and 32weeks of POA (271 subjects) at home by housewives and both at home and at work by working mothers. On each occasion activities related to 3 different days were recorded. Average energy expenditure was calculated and >2550 kcal/day was considered as the cut off. Information on potential confounding factors was gathered on average at 12th, 28s11 and 36 POA. Pregnancy outcome was assessed in terms of maternal complications (MC) such as pre-eclampsia, ante-partum haemorrhage and gestational diabetes, pre-term birth , low birth weight (LEW), small for gestational age <10dl (SGA<1O) and <5th (SGA<5) centiles. Logistic regression analysis was applied and the results are expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Univarite analysis revealed that >2550 kcal/day energy expenditure during 20 weeks of POA was significantly associated with subsequent development of MC (OR6.86, 95% CP=2.38-19.76) and with MC (OR=1 1.03, 95%CFI.36-89.24), LBW (OR=O.05, 95% CI-O.006-0.36) and SGA<5 (OR=O.29, 95% CIO.10-0.87) during 32" xveek of POA. On multivariate analysis subsequent development of MC (OR=6.305 95% CI 21.94} and SGA<5 (OR=0.29, 95% CI = 0.09-O.96), remained significantly associated with high energy expenditure during 20 ' week of POA and 32"d week of POA respectively. CONCLUSION: High energy expenditure was a risk factor for maternal complications and a protective factor against the birth of a small for gestational age infant.
Evidence-based medicine : knowledge, attitudes, and practices among doctors in Sri Lanka
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2010) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Wickremasinghe, R.; Wickramasinghe, U.
OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on evidence-based medicine (EBM) among doctors in selected hospitals in Sri Lanka. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 315 doctors in five government hospitals in Sri Lanka between December 2007 and January 2008. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. RESULTS: Of the 407 invited, 315 doctors participated, among whom, 87% (271) had heard the term EBM, 30% (n= 94) were aware of the Cochrane Library, and 8.5% (n= 27) were current users of it. Forty-seven per cent (n= 148) claimed to understand the terms systematic review and 37% (n= 115) meta-analysis. Twenty-four per cent (n= 77) had been exposed to some form of EBM training. All three components of EBM were known by 18% (n= 56) of participants. Attitudes toward EBM were positive among 76% (n= 239), 80% (n= 251) believed the practice of EBM would lead to improved patient care, and 77% (n= 243) considered EBM to be fundamental to professional practice. Just 3% (n= 13) considered it unimportant. EBM was used in clinical practice by 54% (n= 169) of participants. Thirty-six per cent (n= 114) referred to EBM sources when relevant. Available clinical guidelines were referred to by 56% (n= 176), and 34% (n= 107) thought that available guidelines provide sufficient support for the practice of EBM. The main barriers to practicing EBM were insufficient resources, overwork, lack of exposure to EBM, and lack of time and lack of endorsement of the need to practice EBM. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge and practices of EBM among Sri Lanka doctors were poor. However, attitudes toward EBM were relatively good.
Factor structure and reliability of the 12-item Sinhala version of General Health Questionnaire
(DRUNPP Sarajevo, 2012) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Peiris, U.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the factor structure and the reliability of the Sinhala version of GHQ 12. METHODS: This was a descriptive study including 385 patients with in the age range of 18 to 75 years, attending the Out Patient Department of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka, between June 2009 to September 2010. Sinhala version of GHQ312 was completed by the participants. Each item of the GHQ was rated on a four 3 point scale (0313233). Factor analyses were performed by applying Generalized Least Squares method using oblimin rotation. The internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s α coefficient. RESULTS: Median age of the study population was 32.5 years (IQR= 21years) and the median GHQ score was 9 (IQR=7). The GHQ 12 yielded two factor solutions. Factor I (Depression and Anxiety) accounted for 88% of the total explained variance and Factor II (Social dysfunction) 12%. Forty five percent (45%) of the total variance could be explained by the two extracted factors. There was a clear distinction between the items that loaded on the two factors. The correlation coe fficient between the factors I and II was 0.65. The Cronbach's alpha of GHQ 12 was 0.88, which indicated satisfactory internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: GHQ 12 displays adequate reliability and validity f or use in the Sinhala speaking primary care attendees of Colombo North Teaching Hospital for assessing psychiatric disorders.
Factor structure and reliability of the 12-item Sinhala version of general health questionnaires
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Peiris, U.
The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) is widely used to detect psychiatric disorders. There are advantages of using GHQ 12 over other versions of GHQ, of which the former is brief, simple and less time consuming to administer. Therefore, it is easily used for both research purposes and in a busy clinical setting to screen patients. Even though GHQ 12 has been validated for many countries, psychometric properties in relation to the Sinhala speaking Sri Lankan population lack conclusive evidence. The objective of this study is to determine the factor structure and the reliability of the Sinhala version of GHQ 12. This was a descriptive study including 386 patients within the age range of 18 to 75 years, attending the Out Patient Department of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital during the period between June 2009 and September 2010. The Sinhala version of GHQ-12 was given to be completed by the participants. Each item of the GHQ was rated on a four-point scale (0-1-2-3). Factor analyses were performed by applying Generalized Least Squares method using oblimin rotation. The internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach‟s  coefficient. The median age of the study population was 32.5 years (IQR= 21years) and the median GHQ score was 9 (IQR 7). GHQ 12 yielded two factor solutions. Factor I (Depression and Anxiety) accounts for 88% of the total explained variance and Factor II (Social dysfunction) 12%. Forty five percent (45 %) of the total variance can be explained by two extracted factors. There was a clear distinction between the items that loaded on the two factors. The correlation coefficient between factor I and II was 0.65. Cronbach's alpha of GHQ 12 was found to be 0.88, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. The conclusions of the study show that GHQ 12 displays adequate reliability and validity for use in the Sinhala speaking Sri Lankan population for assessing psychiatric disorders.
Factor structure and reliability of the 30-item Sinhala version of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)
(Elsevier, 2012) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Peiris, U.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the factor structure and the reliability of the Sinhala version of the General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30). METHODS: This was a descriptive study including 368 patients with in the age range of 18-75 years, attending the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka during the period between June 2009 and September 2010. Sinhala version of GHQ-30 was given to be completed by the participants. Each item of the GHQ was rated on a four-point scale (0-1-2-3). Factor analyses were performed by applying Generalized Least Squares method using oblimin rotation. The internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach's α coefficient. RESULTS: Median age of the study population was 32.5 years (Inter quartile range [IQR]=21 years) and the median GHQ score was 9 (IQR 7). GHQ-30 produced a five factor solution which accounted for 51.6% of the total variance (TV). Factor I (Depression) accounted for 38% of TV, Factor II (Loss of confidence) 5%, Factor III (Insomnia) 4%, Factor IV (Social dysfunction) 2.7% and Factor V (Anxiety) 2%. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of GHQ-30 was 0.94 indicating satisfactory internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: GHQ-30 comprises five factors/sub scales and it displayed adequate reliability for assessment of psychiatric disorders among Sinhala speaking primary care attendees in Sri Lanka.
Incidence, types and associated factors of occupational injuries among sewing machine operators in selected garment factories at the Export Processing Zone, Awissawella
(College of the Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2013) Fernando, E.H.K.; Jayawardana, P.
INTRODUCTION: Occupational injuries are a major entity which is on the rise in the whole world. For timery interventions it is necessary to identify the reasons for the injuries to reduce the burden. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, types and associated factors of occupational injuries among sewing machine operators in selected garment factories at the Export Processing Zone. Awissawella. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between August to September 2012 to determine the incidence during the three month period immediately prior to the survey. Sample size computed was 423. Sample was selected randomly from each of the four selected factories. Total number included from individual factory was based on probability proportionate to size of total number of sewing machine operators in each factory. A pre tested self administered Sinhala questionnaire was administered, Chi square test was used to test for associations and a probability of less than 0.05 was selected as the significant level. Bivariate analysis was done and the results were expressed as Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). RESULTS: Response rate was 99.8% (n=422). The incidence of occupational injuries was 52.1 (95% CI: 33.0 - 77.9) per 1000 workers for the three month period with an estimate of 208.4 (95% CI: 170.7 - 250.5) per 1000 workers per year. The commonest mode of injuries was needle pricks (40.9%; n=9J. Fingers (72.7%; n=16J were commonly affected resulting in cut injuries or puncture wounds (36.4%; n=8J. Being a male (OR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2 - 6.1, p = 0.04J, being ever married (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.05 - 8.3, p = 0.04) and having experience in the garment field (OR 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2 – 12.5, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with sustenance of injuries. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Incidence observed is considered high despite probable under reporting. The associated factors were non modifiable. Therefore recommend appropriate preventive measures with emphasis on regular in service training sessions. Future research should focus on conducting prospective studies.