Browsing by Author "Kaushalya, D."

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    Examining depression and quality of life in patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka
    (Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2019) Patel, P.; Beamish, P.; da Silva, T.L.; Kaushalya, D.; Premawardhena, A.; Williams, S.; Ravindran, A.V.
    BACKGROUND: With more effective treatments and improved outcomes in thalassemia, there is increasing focus on its psychological sequelae. Most published data on this topic are from high income countries and much less so from low and middle income countries, where thalassemia is more prevalent. AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the psychiatric morbidity and quality of life in relation to demographic and illness related variables among Sri Lankan patients with thalassemia. METHODS: This cross sectional investigation was conducted at the University of Kelaniya Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Patients with all forms of thalassemia, over 12 years of age, and in stable medical condition (n = 120) were recruited. Assessment tools included a general demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure–Brief. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear regressions, Chi squares, and analyses of variance. RESULTS: Lack of family support, longer duration of inpatient admission, and female gender were associated with higher depression scores and reduced quality of life. Environmental and social quality of life were positively correlated with levels of peer support in males, while increased support from religion correlated with lower depression scores and higher satisfaction with environmental and psychological quality of life in women. There was no association between the type of thalassemia and either depression or quality of life measures. CONCLUSION: Several factors may influence the psychological state and well being of patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka. Specific service innovations (some gender specific) may help to address these factors to improve treatment outcome and well being.
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    Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of frontline and non-frontline healthcare workers in Sri Lanka
    (The Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2021) Baminiwatta, A.; de Silva, S.; Hapangama, A.; Basnayake, K.; Abayaweera, C.; Kulasinghe, D.; Kaushalya, D.; Williams, S.
    INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of mental health problems during a pandemic. Being stationed at the frontline or not may have implications on their mental health. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs, to explore differences between frontline and non-frontline workers, and to investigate associated factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, frontline and non-frontline HCWs were recruited from a COVID-19 screening hospital in Sri Lanka. Mental health impact was assessed using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Sociodemographic data and perceptions of social and occupational circumstances were gathered. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi square and logistic regression. Odds ratios were calculated for the effect of different perceptions on psychological morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 467 HCWs participated, comprising 244 (52.2%) frontline and 223 (47.8%) non-frontline workers, with female preponderance (n=341, 77%). Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs were 19.5%, 20.6%, 11.8%, respectively. Non-frontline group showed a higher prevalence of depression (27% vs. 11%, p<0.001), anxiety (27% vs. 14%, p=0.001) and stress (15% vs. 8%, p=0.026). Being married, having children, living with family and higher income were associated with better psychological outcomes. Perceived lack of personal protective equipment, inadequate support from hospital authorities, greater discrimination, and lack of training to cope with the situation predicted poor mental health outcomes, and non-frontline HCWs were more likely to hold such perceptions. CONCLUSION: Addressing factors leading to negative psychological outcomes in HCWs should be a key concern during this pandemic. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Mental health, Hhealthcare workers, Frontline, Depression, Anxiety, Stress