Annual Research Symposium (ARS)
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Item Prevalence of Anopheline species in Ampara district, Sri Lanka(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Fernando, M.A.S.T.; Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Hapugoda, M.D.; de Silva, B.G.D.N.K.; Wijeyerathne, P.; Abeyewickreme, W.Introduction: Investigating the presence of primary and secondary vectors of malaria in the selected areas where no entomological surveillance was carried out for about 30 years due to ethnic conflict. Objective: To study prevalence of malaria vector in Ampara District and to assess the risk of malaria in the area. Method: Surveillance was preformed from January 2011 to June 2012 in 4 selected areas (i.e. Panama, Thirukkovil, Mahaoya and Dehiattakandiya) in Ampara District. From each area 4 localities (total 16 localities) were selected for the sample collection in order to ensure full coverage of the District. Cattle Baited Hut Collection (CBHC) and Cattle Baited Net Collection (CBNC) were performed as sample collecting methods on monthly basis throughout the surveillance period. Results: Mosquito densities for each collected Anopheles species were calculated as density per hut or net for CBHT and CBNT respectively. 14 Anopheles species were recorded from CBHC with high prevalence for An. subpictus (68.58%), An. nigerrimus (14.02%) and An. vagus (6.73%). 16 Anopheles species were recorded from CBNC with high prevelance of An. nigerrimus (50.07%), An. peditaeniatus (16.12%), An. pseudojemesi (9.21%) and An. subpictus (7.68%). An. culicifacies (primary malaria vector in Sri Lanka) recorded with lesser densities but An. subpictus, the secondary vector for malaria in Sri Lanka was predominant thorough out this study. Conclusions: The presence of primary and secondary malaria vectors in the area may cause a malaria epidemic in these areas. Hence, it is essential to study the seasonal prevalence of Anopheles species in order to initiate timely controlling measures in Ampara District.Item Prevalence of atopic diseases among school children in Western Province(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Amarasekera, N.D.D.M.; Gunawardena, N.K.; de Silva, N.R.; Weerasinghe, A.Background : Atopic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis and eczema in children are major public health problems in developed, industrialized countries as well as in some developing countries. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of atopic diseases in schoolchildren in grade 5 in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Method : Schoolchildren in grade 5 were selected by stratified - random sampling frbm 17 schools in the Western Province. Internationally validated ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire, filled by the parent or guardian was used to collect details regarding atopic diseases. Results : A total of 640 schoolchildren were recruited. Five hundred ~nd eleven (79.8%) returned the completed questionnaire. The mean age was I 0 years (SD ± 0.3) and 55.9% of the study population was boys. Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema was 17%, 21.4% and 5% respectively, while 33.7% had one or more diseases, Thirty three (21.4%) of the children with an atopic disease was on long term treatment. Only the prevalence of allergic rhinitis showed a statistically significant difference between the two sexes, being more common in boys. Less than 30% of affected children's parents recognized that their child had either asthma or rhinitis, whereas a higher number of parents (54.2%) recognized that their child had eczema. Among children with asthma, 44.4% had rhinitis and wheezing was severe enough to disturb their sleep in 52.4% of children. Conclusion: One in 3 children in grade 5 had either asthma or rhinitis or eczema, but parental recognition of these conditions was poor. Atopic diseases are a significant health problem among schoolchildren in the Western Province.