Browsing by Author "Silva, D."

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Evaluation of cervical length by transabdominal and transvaginal scans during early pregnancy.
(Sri Lanka college of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 2021) Ruwanpura, L.; Wickramasinghe, J.B.; Marasinghe, P.; Ratnayake, G.M.; Dias, T.D.; Silva, D.
ABSTRACT: Objective To compare the measurements and the client-preferences of transabdominal scan (TAS) and transvaginal scan (TVS) in assessing cervical length. Method A validation study with a cross sectional component on patient-preferences was conducted among 568 pregnant women with a period-of-amenorrahea between 11+0 to 22+6 weeks. Pre- and post-void TAS and a post-void TVS measurements were taken. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were generated to assess the detection of short cervix using pre and post-void TAS at different lengths of the cervix. Results The mean (SD) age of the participants was 28.4(5.7) years with a mean gestation age of 14+1 weeks. The mean (SD) cervical lengths detected by the pre-void TAS, post-void TAS and TVS were 32.2 (5.8)mm, 28.9 (5.8) mm and 34.4 (5.3) mm respectively. Factors with significant association with a higher TVS cervical length were; increasing age (p<0.001), higher gravidity (p<0.001), higher parity (p<0.001) and higher number of vaginal deliveries (p<0.001). The TAS and TVS measurements significantly correlated with each other (p<0.001). Post-void TAS could not obtain measurement in 49.47% of attempts. The shortest cervical length can be detected by pre-void TAS was 26mm with an ideal cut-off of 33mm. For post-void TAS the shortest length was 28mm with an ideal cut-off of 28.16mm. Majority preferred TAS over TVS. Conclusion Pre-void TAS can predict a cervical length of 26mm or less with 87.5% sensitivity whereas the shortest length predicted by post-void is relatively longer. Nearly in half, a valid post-void TAS could not be recorded. Client preference was more favorable for TAS. KEYWORDS: Ultrasound, Cervical length, Screening, Preterm labour
Evaluation of web-based distance education of medicine for undergraduates in Sri Lanka (Brief Report )
(Sri Lanka college of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 2021) Silva, D.; Randombage, P.; Gankanda, W.; Abeysekara, N.; Edirisinghe, V.; Chandratilake, M.
INTRODUCTION Purpose: To evaluate distance education via the web facilitates teaching through problem-based learning and incorporating scientific evidence in the context of practical application to medical undergraduates. METHODS: Web-based distance teaching program based on the Zoom video conferencing software was developed and introduced into a selected group of medical students. Current knowledge about handling web-based resources, evaluation of learning activities, and self-evaluation of their involvement and participation of medical students were evaluated. RESULTS: The provision of lectures and relevant notes through the internet was emphasized during this study. A satisfactory response was observed regarding obtaining factual knowledge. This method was considered relatively ineffective with relevance to the application of knowledge, development of clinical skills, and improvement of professional attitudes. Students believed that it helped to improve the ability of critical thinking, refine reasoning skills, and enhance the capacity of mediating subject matter. Students had a general idea regarding using this method as a supplementary education strategy. The majority of the participants demonstrated considerable satisfaction towards this method, and most of them were prepared to recommend this method for another person. The students had disclosed that lectures showed significantly higher skills while teaching through this method, especially they believed that this distant learning method provided an additional benefit for face to face clinical teaching procedures. CONCLUSION: When generally considered, a satisfactory response was received regarding the learning outcomes of using this method, and the quality of participation of students was extremely positive. KEYWORDS: Distance education, Web-based learning, Undergraduates teaching
The Health and nutritional status of school children in two rural communities in Sri Lanka
(Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2000) Fernando, S.D.; Paranavitane, S.R.; Rajakaruna, J.; Weerasinghe, S.; Silva, D.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
There is growing evidence of considerable burden of morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases and undernutrition in school children. This study describes the nutritional status and parasitic infections of school children in two areas of rural Sri Lanka. All children in four primary schools in the Moneragala district of Sri Lanka were included in the study. The height and weight of children were measured and anthropometric indices calculated. Stool and blood samples were examined for evidence of intestinal helminthiasis, malaria and anaemia. A greater proportion of boys than girls were underweight, wasted and stunted. Over 80 percent of the children were anaemic but did not apparently have iron deficiency anaemia according to their blood picture. The prevalence of parasitic infections such as hookworm and Plasmodium spp that may contribute to anaemia was low.