Browsing by Author "Joseph, J."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Knowledge on hypertension and consequences of its poor control among hypertensive patients at medical clinics, Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kisokanth, G.; Ilankoon, I.M.P.S.; Arulanandem, K.; Goonewardena, C.S.E.; Sundaresan, K.T.; Joseph, J.
Background: Hypertension is one of the major non communicable diseases worldwide and isa major risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease and chronic kidney failure/ disease. Lack of knowledge on the benefits of controlling and seriousness of untreated hypertension is the barrier for hypertensive care. Objective: To assess knowledge on hypertension and the consequences of poor control. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 424 patients diagnosed with ‘Essential hypertension’ attending medical clinics at Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa. Systematic sampling technique was used with pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire for data collection and descriptive, inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: The study consisted of 174 (41%) males and 250 (59%) females. The mean age was 60.4 (SD± 9.6) years. Knowledge score was inadequate (<50%) among 92% (n=391) with mean of 30.8% (SD ± 15.5) ranging from 4.4 – 89.1%. Nearly half of the participants believed that the heart is affected by poor controlled hypertension and about 26% mentioned that kidney, nervous system and eyes could be affected too. A statistical significant relationship was observed between knowledge score and marital status (p = 0.03), family history of chronic disease (P< 0.001), educational level (P<0.001) and monthly income (P<0.001). Conclusions: This study revealed inadequate patient knowledge on hypertension and consequences of poor control. Targeted health education strategies are needed urgently to improve patients’ knowledge level in order to prevent consequences of poorly controlled hypertension.
Nutritional status and factors associated with weight distribution among adults in Batticaloa district
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mohanasundaram, L.; Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.; Joseph, J.; Sadeera, H.; Premachandra, W.M.C.M.; Priyangani, T.R.A.; Dahanaka, D.R.N.S.
Poor nutritional status is a chronic condition and the prevalence of adult obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide due to environmental and behavioral changes such as urbanization and modernization. Data on nutritional status among adults in developing countries including the different regions are needed for primary prevention. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status among adults (above 18 years) in Batticaloa district and to examine the associated socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors with weight distribution. A Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adults aged above 18 years. Multi-stage sampling method was approached. Data on socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors were collected with structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were measured by using appropriate measuring scales. Under weight, normal weight, over weight and obesity were defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2, 18.5-23 kg/m2, > 23 kg/m2 and > 27.5 kg/m2 respectively; waist circumference > 90 cm for men and >80 cm for women considered as presence of abdominal obesity. Nutritional status of adults and distribution of BMI by socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were assessed. Among 400 adults 11.7 % were underweight, 40.5 % were normal weight 30.3 % overweight and 17.5% were obese in Batticaloa district. In urban areas among 80 adults 6.3% were underweight, 31.2% were normal weight, 35.0% were overweight and 27.5% were obese. In rural areas among 320 adults 13.1% were underweight, 42.8 % were normal weight, 29.1% overweight and 15.0% were obese. In the overall district, females were more overweight (17.3%) and obese (11.5%) than males. Adults belong to the age group of 35-44 years were more overweight and obese than others. Gender(p=0.03), age(p=0.000), marital status(p=0.01), ethnicity(p=0.02), occupation (p=0.026), smoking (p=0.005), alcohol intake (p=0.001), family history of overweight and obesity (p=0.009), sleeping habit after the meal in the evening (0.003), following weight reduction methods (p=0.000) were the significant factors (p<0.05) associated with nutritional status of adults. As overall, majority of adults were in normal weight. In urban areas nearly one third percentage of adults were overweight and in rural areas most of the adults were in normal weight.