Chrishantha Abeysena

Maternal sleep deprivation is a risk factor for small for gestational age: A cohort study

Aims: To determine trimester‐specific risk factors for small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants.

How have we been managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Australia

Aim: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a main cause of disability, hospital admissions and premature deaths in Australia, little is known about the community management of COPD in relation to recently published guidelines. The aim of the article was to report on COPD management in a community based cohort.

Maternal haemoglobin level at booking visit and its effect on adverse pregnancy outcome

Aims:  To determine the effect of maternal haemoglobin levels at booking visit on pregnancy outcome.

Effect of psychosocial stress and physical activity on preterm birth: A cohort study

Aim:  To determine trimester‐specific effects of risk factors for preterm birth (PTB).

Effect of psychosocial stress and physical activity on low birthweight: a cohort study.

Aim:  To determine the effect of physical activity and psychosocial stress on low birthweight (LBW).

Sleep deprivation physical activity and low income are risk factors for inadequate weight gain during pregnancy: a cohort study.

Aim:  To determine the possible risk factors for inadequate gestational weight gain.

Maternal sleep deprivation, sedentary lifestyle and cooking smoke: Risk factors for miscarriage: A case control study

Aims:  To determine risk factors for miscarriage.

Micronutrient Status and Its Relationship with Nutritional Status in Preschool Children in Urban Sri Lanka

OBJECTIVE To assess the micronutrient status and its relationship with nutritional status in preschool children. METHODS In a cross sectional study, anthropometric data and fasting blood samples were obtained from 340 children attending preschool in urban Sri Lanka. Serum concentrations of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, vitamin A, zinc and haemoglobin were measured. Z-scores of anthropometric indices of height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-height were computed to evaluate the nutritional status. RESULTS Prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting and anaemia among children were 7.1%, 16.9%, 21.2% and 7.4%, respectively. Deficiencies of zinc and vitamin A occurred among 67% and 38% of children, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) and insufficiency (10-20 ng/mL) occurred in 5.0% and 29.1% of children, respectively, and12% had parathyroid hormone levels indicative of hypocalcaemia. Nutritional status was significantly correlated (p<0.05) with vitamin D status [height-for-age (r=0.10), weight-for-age (r=-0.18), weight-for-height (r=-0.12)], and with haemoglobin status [weight-for-age (r=0.11)]. Zinc and vitamin A levels were lower in severe stunting compared with normal height (p<0.05). Significant correlations (p<0.05) were observed between vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (r=-0.12) and between haemoglobin and vitamin A (r=0.01), zinc (r=0.02) and vitamin D (r=0.02) levels. CONCLUSIONS In the surveyed population, zinc deficiency was high and to a lesser degree vitamin A deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency prevailed. The nutritional status of the children was related to vitamin D status and with haemoglobin status. Zinc and vitamin A levels were low in children with severe stunting. Vitamins A, D and zinc levels were associated with haemoglobin status.

Respiratory health of welders in a container yard, Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND The fumes and gases released during welding can lead to respiratory ill-health. AIMS To assess prevalence of respiratory symptoms (RS) and respiratory function (RF) of welders in comparison to a control group (CG). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among welders and controls selected from office support staff of a medical faculty. RS were determined by administering a questionnaire and RF with the use of an electronic spirometer. RESULTS Forty-one welders and 41 controls participated. Chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among welders (27%; n = 11) than in controls (7%; n = 3) with an odds ratio of 4.6 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-23.3]. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second of forced vital capacity (FEV(1.0)), forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF(25-75%)) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were slightly higher among welders (2.97 l, 2.6 l, 3.4 l/s and 339 l/min, respectively) than in the CG (2.79 l, 2.4 l, 3.38 l/s and 323 l/min, respectively), the differences of which were not statistically significant. On comparison of the observed values of welders with the predicted normal values, the observed FVC (2.97 versus 3.35 l, respectively) and PEFR (339 versus 538 l/min) had significantly lower values. CONCLUSIONS Welders are at a higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis with non-impairment of lung function in comparison to the CG.

Evidence-based medicine knowledge, attitudes, and practices among doctors in Sri Lanka

Objective To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on evidence‐based medicine (EBM) among doctors in selected hospitals in Sri Lanka.