Browsing by Author "Karthijekan, K."

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Association between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure among Hypertensive Patients Attending Medical Clinics Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.
Overweight and obesity are known to be risk factors of hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index and blood pressure among HT patients who attending medical clinics, Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa. Descriptive cross sectional study carried out among 212 HT patients by using Simple random sampling. Data were collected with structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were measured by using appropriate measuring scales. Patient’s blood pressure readings were recorded manually using mercury sphygmomanometers. Patients who had the blood pressure more than 140/90 mmHg in last six consecutive readings were defined as Cases and the blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg in last six consecutive reading defined as Controls. Among the 212 patients’ controls and cases were 35.8% and 64.2% respectively. 37.7 % of them were male and 62.3 % were female. 63.7 % of them were Tamil, 26.8%, 9.0% and 0.5% were Muslims, Burgers and Sinhalese respectively. Among them uneducated, family history of HT, currently smoking and drinking habits were 18.9%, 44.3%, 9.0% and 16.5% respectively. Mean values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 136.95 ± 10.84 mmHg, 85.82 mmHg ± 07.87 mmHg respectively. Majority (70%) of the patients aged were more than 50 years. Among them underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity were 9.4%, 39.2%, 34.9% and 16.5% respectively. Overweight and obesity among the cases were 37.5%, 19.1%, and among controls 30.3% and 11.8% respectively. Central obesity among cases and controls were 35.3% and 31.6% respectively. Chi-square test was used to find out the association for selected variables. There was a significant association between hypertension and body mass index (P =0.019, X2=9.98) but not with central obesity (P =0.584, X2=0.3). In conclusion, among patients attending the hypertensive clinic, increased body mass index was positively associated with blood pressure.
Factors Influence on Knowledge of Aids/HIV Among First Year Students of Eastern University, Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2017) Karthijekan, K.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has a great impact on society, both as an illness and as a source of discrimination. Numerous social and behavioral factors are involved in the spread of HIV/AIDS such as prostitution, broken homes, sexual disharmony, easy money, emotional immaturity, urbanization and industrialization, changing behavioral patterns, social stigma and alcoholism. Most of the infected people are not aware about their HIV status. Social stigma and discrimination towards HIV infected people adversely affect voluntary testing for HIV. Lack of information about the causes and risk factors of AIDS can place a large number of young people at the risk of acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV). Therefore, knowledge regarding AIDS is an essential precursor of sexual risk reduction. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of socio demographic and educational related factors in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among first year students of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 300 first year students of the Eastern University. Stratified random sampling method was used to select sample. Self- administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Among the 300 participants, 36.3 % were male and 63.7 % were female. 46.7 % of them were Tamil, 30 %, 20.7% and 2.7% were Sinhalese, Muslims and Burgers respectively. The mean knowledge score regarding HIV/AIDS among first year students of the Eastern University was 43.7%. Female students had higher knowledge than male students. Health care students had higher knowledge than other faculties’ students. All male and female participants were aware that AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease. There was a significant association between mean knowledge scores of HIV/AIDS and gender, ethnicity, faculty, stream of A/L study, and source of information obtained (p <0.05). The knowledge regarding AIDS was average among majority of first year students of the Eastern University. Knowledge about transmission methods, signs and symptoms and preventive measures of AIDS was good among all student’s exception in some response.
Knowledge Regarding Childhood Diarrhoea among Mothers Having Children Under the Age of Five Years in Batticaloa District
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Begam, A.G.W.; Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.; Genoosha, N.; Mythreye, T.; Kajananthan, K.; Costha, L.A.M.U.; Hasanthika, M.A.W.; Priyadarshan, N.W.P.I.
Diarrhoea is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among Children under the age of five in all over the world, special in developing countries. The main aim of this study was to assess the mothers’ knowledge regarding childhood diarrhea. A community based Cross- Sectional study was conducted among 252 mothers by structured interview administer questionnaire from January to October 2015. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study areas and units. Among the 252 mothers Hindus, Housewives, Senior Secondary education, Mothers had 1-3 children were 76.6%, 83.7%, 51.2% and 95.2% respectively. The health care workers (83.7%) and community (67.7%) were the main sources of information. Majority (77%) of mothers had heard about diarrhoea as a disease. 87.3% knew the correct meaning of diarrhea. Just above half (53.6%) of the mothers had very good knowledge regarding the causes and risk factors of diarrhea such as contaminated food and drink (93.7%), unhygienic environment (84.5%), Contact the patient with diarrhoeal disease (71.4%) and Worm infestation (51.2%). Less than half of mothers (44.8%) had very good knowledge about important signs and symptoms of diarrhea such as frequent Watery stool (97.6%), Thirsty (88.1%), Dry skin (66.1%) and Oliguria (46.4%). Out of total respondents, 62.7% had very good knowledge about consequences of diarrhea such as Lethargy (97.2), weight loss (92.5%) and Dehydration (80.6%). Majority of mothers (96.4%) had very good knowledge regarding prevention of diarrhea such as use of clean water (98%), proper hand washing (98%) and proper feces disposal (97.6%). The knowledge of the mothers had significant relationship with their age, educational level, and number of children, occupation, family income and sources of knowledge. Although mothers had good awareness regarding causes, signs and symptoms and prevention of diarrhoea, they were less in some specific areas.
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.
Prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among adults in urban areas in Batticaloa district
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Laavanya, M.; Sadeera, S.D.H.; Premachandra, W.M.C.M.; Priyangani, T.R.A.; Dahanaka, D.R.N.S.; Josepha, J.; Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.
Obesity 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 prevalence and determinants of obesity in developing countries including the different regions are needed for primary prevention. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults (above 18 years) in urban areas in Batticaloa district and to examine the associations of overweight and obesity with socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors. A Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 adults aged above 18 years. Multistage sampling method was applied. 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. Obesity was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) > 27.5 kg/m2 and overweight as BMI > 23 kg/m2; waist circumference > 90 cm for men and >80 cm for women considered as not-normal. Prevalence of overweight and obesity and distribution of BMI by socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics was assessed. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 21.4% and 16.8 % respectively. Prevalence of overweight was high in males (19.4%) and in the age group of 45- 54 years (7.5%); obesity prevalence was high in females (19.3%) as well as in the age group of 35-44 years (7.2%). Alcoholism, family history of overweight and obesity, occupation, following weight reduction methods were the significant factors (p<0.05) associated with overweight and obesity. Prevalence of overweight was higher than obesity. Females were more obese than males. Awareness programs should be carried out in the community regarding weight reduction measures and primary prevention of overweight and obesity by eliminating risk factors. Health education programs have to be done for public regarding the consequences of overweight and obesity
Risk factors for poor blood pressure control among hypertensive patients attending medical clinics teaching hospital, Batticaloa
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.
High Blood Pressure is one of the major risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease. It is estimated that one quarter of all the adults in the world have hypertension (HT). HT is responsible for at least 45% of deaths due to heart disease, and 51% of deaths due to stroke. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for poor blood pressure control among HT patients who attending medical clinics Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. This was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out among 168 HT patients. Simple random sampling method was used to select sample. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and life style practices and anthropometrics measurement were taken by the investigator. Patient’s clinical record was used to assess the lipid profile and blood pressure measurement. Among the 168 patients 33.3% were controlling their blood pressure in normal level. 39.3 % of them were male and 60.7 % were female. 64.9 % of them were Tamil, 26.8% and 8.3% were Muslims and Burgers respectively. Among them 17.9% had no formal education, 40.5%, 28.6%, 20.8%, 8.9% and 19% had family history of HT, overweight and obese, currently smoking and drinking habits were respectively. Mean value of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and cholesterol level among patients were 137.57 ± 10.54 mmHg, 92.23 mmHg ± 04.63 mmHg, 148.28 ± 18.04 mg/dl, 51.96 ± 08.78 mg/dl, 88.06 ± 18.41 mg/dl and 193.51 ± 28.19 mg/dl respectively. 72.6% patients were aware that HT can cause complications. There was a significant association between control of hypertension and education (P =0.000), occupation (P =0.000), income P =0.000), exercise (P =0.04), meal type (P =0.04), and body mass index (P =0.043). Health education programs have to be done for public regarding the primary prevention and consequences of HT, especially adults of 51-70 years age group, who were more vulnerable.