Taking Stock – What Is Known About Suicide in Sri Lanka

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Pearson ◽  
Anthony B. Zwi ◽  
Amanda K. Rouse ◽  
Ravindra Fernando ◽  
Nicholas A. Buckley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Suicidal Intention ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Broad Understanding

Background: Suicide is and has been a major public health problem in Sri Lanka and has generated a wide range of literature. Aims: This review aimed to systematically appraise what is known about suicide in Sri Lanka. The patterns and content of articles were examined and recommendations for further research proposed. Method: The paper describes the systematic search, retrieval, and quality assessment of studies. Thematic analysis techniques were applied to the full text of the articles to explore the range and extent of issues covered. Results: Local authors generated a large body of evidence of the problem in early studies. The importance of the method of suicide, suicidal intention, and the high incidence of suicide were identified as key foci for publications. Neglected areas have been policy and health service research, gender analysis, and contextual issues. Conclusion: The literature reviewed has produced a broad understanding of the clinical factors, size of the problem, and social aspects. However, there remains limited evidence of prevention, risk factors, health services, and policy. A wide range of solutions have been proposed, but only regulation of pesticides and improved medical management proved to be effective to date.

scholarly journals Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelia A Pavlatou
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Synthetic Methods ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Biogenic Synthesis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

The transmission of a wide range of diseases, related to the infection by pathogenic microorganisms is a major public health problem that daily endangers the safety of human population. Silver has been thoroughly studied and used against bacteria due to its antimicrobial properties. Nanostructured silver gathers all the advantages of the silver itself, as well as the advanced performance of the nanomaterials. Thus, currently, silver nanoparticles constitute the most widely used kind of nanoparticles in biomedicine, due to their attractive antimicrobial properties. A variety of physical and chemical methods are employed for the AgNPs synthesis. However, many of them include the use of toxic reagents or require large amounts of energy, during the synthesis process. For this reason, many eco-friendly methods are proposed in order to synthesize AgNPs. Hence, biogenic synthesis of AgNPs, utilizing biological resources opens a novel route for the development of alternative production processes.These methods seem to have significant advantages, as the extracts contribute positively to the formation and enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs, also acting as protective agents of the produced particles. In this review an integrated approach of AgNPs bio-synthetic methods using microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, plants and plant extracts, as well as several templates, like DNA and viruses is discussed, shedding light on the comparative advantages of them.

scholarly journals Understanding the social determinants of TB and HIV in South Asia

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishwajit Ghose ◽  
Cheng Zhaohui ◽  
He Zhifei
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
South Asian Population ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mdr Tb

South Asian population suffer a particularly wide range of infectious diseases among which TB and HIV appear to produce most profound influence across various dimensions of social life, healthcare and the economy. Although the countries in this region have a relatively lower prevalence of HIV/AIDS compared to other developing regions until now, the future looks rather bleak in terms of preparedness for emerging healthcare realities. Tuberculosis on the other hand, has always been a major public health problem plaguing the healthcare system and the economy for decades. Moreover, the emergence of the drug resistant (MDR-TB & XDR-TB) strains are making the existing intervention and prevention strategies less effective and posing ever-growing threats to the underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure. Understanding the underlying social-determinants of these diseases can prove crucial to design more comprehensive intervention approaches. This article aims to clarify why the healthcare system in South Asia needs to adopt a social-determinants-of-health (SDOH) approach as a long-term strategy for more efficient prevention and control of TB and HIV infection.

A Study on Correlation Between Serum Cholinesterase Level and Clinical Severity Based on Pop Scale in Organophosphorus Poisoning

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-58
Author(s):  
Anil Shrestha ◽  
Aasim Kidwai ◽  
Richa Shrestha ◽  
Suman KC
Keyword(s):  
Organophosphorus Pesticides ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Initial Presentation ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Serum Cholinesterase ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Suicidal Intention ◽  
Organophosphorus Poisoning

Introduction: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are the most commonly used pesticides worldwide and Organophosphorus poisoning has become the major public health problem especially in developing countries.The case fatality rate following ingestion of Organophosphorus pesticides in developing countries in Asia is 5-20%.Due to limited availability of facilities and resources in Nepal, it is important to prioritize treatment based on severity of poisoning as all patients can’t be managed in Intensive Care Unit. Aims: To study the correlation between serum cholinesterase level and clinical severity based on Peradenya organophosphorus poisoning scale in Organophosphorus poisoning. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Medicine, Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Banke from November 2019 to November 2020. It is based on the descriptive study of 66 patients with Organophosphorus poisoning attending to the emergency department. All patients with history of exposure to Organophosphorus poisoning were included in the study. Peradenya Organophosphorus Poisoning scale was used to assess the clinical severity as mild, moderate and severe. At the same time venous blood samples were collected for serum cholinesterase level. Results: Age group ranged from 16-60 years and majority of patients were in the age group of 20-29 years (34.85%). 53% were females. 74.2% of the patients were from lower socioeconomic status. 83.3% of the patients consumed poison with suicidal intention. Majority of the patients were from tharu ethinicity (40.9%) and were farmers (30.3%). It was observed that there is significant correlation between serum cholinesterase level and severity of poisoning based on Peradenya Organophosphorus Poisoning scale at initial presentation (p value <0.001). Conclusion: There is significant correlation between severity of poisoning and degree of derangement of serum cholinesterase level at the initial presentation. As the facility for the estimation of serum cholinesterase level is not available in all regions of Nepal.

scholarly journals Serious non-fatal unintentional injuries among in-school adolescents in Sri Lanka: results from the 2016 Sri Lankan Global School-Based Health Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sashimali Wickramasinghe ◽  
Nalika Gunawardena ◽  
Dhanusha Punyadasa ◽  
Shanthi Gunawardena ◽  
Champika Wickramasinghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Unintentional Injuries ◽  
School Based ◽  
The World

Abstract Background Unintentional injuries among adolescents is a major public health problem the world over. A great majority of the annual deaths among adolescents is due to unintentional injuries; it is also the leading cause of death among adolescents in the world. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of injuries and their associated factors among school going adolescents aged 13-17 years using data from the most recent Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in Sri Lanka. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, among 3,262 adolescents attending government schools. The sample was selected through a two-staged cluster sampling technique. In the first stage, 40 schools were selected using probabilities proportional to school enrollment size, from all schools in the country that have classes in grades 8-12 . Then, from the selected schools, classes were selected using systematic equal probability sampling with a random start. The weighted prevalence was calculated, and logistic regression analysis was conducted in order to determine the correlates. Results During the 12 months before the survey, 35.8% (95% CI-30.7 - 41.1) of the students reported being seriously injured one or more times. The injuries were more common among males, but were equally common among the two different age groups (13-15 age group vs 16-17 age group). The most common type of injury was cut or stab wounds (5.5%), followed by broken bones/dislocated joints (5.3%). Multivariable analysis revealed that only a few factors were associated with injury, such as being of the male sex, being bullied, being physically attacked, and/or being in a physical fight. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the prevalence of serious unintentional injuries among school going adolescents is a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. This timely and comprehensive survey would help policy makers and researchers identify the unmet needs related to adolescent injuries. Furthermore, evidence generated form the study should be given due consideration when designing school-based interventions to prevent adolescent injuries.

scholarly journals Physical Inactivity, and Its Association with Hypertension Among Employees in the District of Colombo

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuji Upekshika Gamage ◽  
Rohini de Alwis Seneviratne
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Total Transport ◽  
Commuting Distance

Abstract Background: Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and is a major public health problem. Insufficient activity is responsible for a large proportion of non-communicable diseases such as hypertensionObjectives: The purpose of this study was to assess socio-economic variations in physical activity and to measure the association between physical-inactivity and hypertension among government officials in Sri Lanka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 275 senior-officers(SOs) and 760 managerial-assistants(MAs) aged 30-60 years and attached to Public Administration institutions in Colombo District in Sri Lanka. Physical-activity(PA) was gathered using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) adopted and validated to the Sri Lankan context. Blood pressure(measured and classified using JNC-7 guidelines), and anthropometric indices were recorded. Energy utilization of all vigorous and moderated PA and walking was expressed as metabolic-equivalent-of-task(MET) min per week. A total MET score was calculated and categorized based on IPAQ guidelines. Results: Socio-economic variations in PA levels were observed as 58.1%(n=158) SOs and 30.6%(n=226) MAs were involved in inadequate PA. Of the diagnosed hypertensives, 44.7%(n=106), and 49.4%(n=117) reported a low and moderate PA and considering non-hypertensives, 35.9%(n=278), 57.5%(n=445) reported a low and moderate activity levels respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors being physically inactive was associated with a higher risk of hypertension[Odds rate ratio(OR) 1.33[95% CI 1.07, 1,65], indicating that physical-inactivity increased the risk of hypertension by 30%. The main modality of commuting to work for SOs(59%) was private transport, and MAs(64%) public transport Commuting distance was positively correlated(p<0.05) with total transport MET among SOs and MAs. After adjusting, commuting distance of >20 km was associated with lower odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs(OR=0.713; 95% CI 0.4 to1.3; and OR=0.63; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.87).Conclusion: Despite the current knowledge that being physically active promotes health, the practice was different. Physical inactivity was associated with hypertension and prevalent among both SOs and MAs. Higher commuting distance is positively correlated with total transport MET and associated with lower odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs. Longitudinal studies are required to provide a causative association between physical inactivity and hypertension among these employees.

scholarly journals Binding and neutralization of C. difficile toxins A and B by purified clinoptilolite-tuff

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0252211
Author(s):  
Carmen Ranftler ◽  
Dietmar Nagl ◽  
Andreas Sparer ◽  
Andreas Röhrich ◽  
Michael Freissmuth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Toxin Binding ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Natural Clinoptilolite ◽  
Clinoptilolite Tuff

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. The current treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhea relies on the use of antibacterial agents. However, recurrences are frequent. The main virulence factors of C. difficile are two secreted cytotoxic proteins toxin A and toxin B. Alternative research exploring toxin binding by resins found a reduced rate of recurrence by administration of tolevamer. Hence, binding of exotoxins may be useful in preventing a relapse provided that the adsorbent is innocuous. Here, we examined the toxin binding capacity of G-PUR®, a purified version of natural clinoptilolite-tuff. Our observations showed that the purified clinoptilolite-tuff adsorbed clinically relevant amounts of C. difficile toxins A and B in vitro and neutralized their action in a Caco-2 intestinal model. This conclusion is based on four independent sets of findings: G-PUR® abrogated toxin-induced (i) RAC1 glucosylation, (ii) redistribution of occludin, (iii) rarefaction of the brush border as visualized by scanning electron microscopy and (iv) breakdown of the epithelial barrier recorded by transepithelial electrical resistance monitoring. Finally, we confirmed that the epithelial monolayer tolerated G-PUR® over a wide range of particle densities. Our findings justify the further exploration of purified clinoptilolite-tuff as a safe agent in the treatment and/or prevention of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

scholarly journals A study on clinical profile of typhoid fever in children

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1067
Author(s):  
Ranganatha A. Devaranavadagi ◽  
Srinivasa S.
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Sensitivity Pattern ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi. It is a major public health problem in India. Typhoid fever is endemic in many developing countries. Wide variations in the clinical manifestations of typhoid fever make its diagnosis a challenging task. This study was conducted to understand the wide range of clinical manifestations, complications and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of typhoid fever in children.Methods:Prospectively, 113 children admitted in pediatric unit with confirmed Typhoid fever from September 2015 to December 2016 at KIMS hospital, Bangalore were included. In each case, age, sex, presenting complaint, laboratory investigations and antibiotic sensitivity pattern are collected and analysed.Results: Out of 113 cases, 72 cases (63.8.1%) were males, 41 cases (36.2%) were females. The most common age group was 5-10 years. The most common symptom was fever, seen in 100% cases, followed by anorexia (61%), vomiting (44%) and abdominal pain (18%). The most common sign observed was toxic look in 68% of the cases, followed by coated tongue in 49% and hepatomegaly in 44%. Leucocytopenia was found in 34% of cases. Eosinopenia was found in 39% of cases. Anaemia was found in 16% of cases. Thrombocytopenia was found in 15% of cases. Blood culture was positive in 20% of cases. Use of municipal water for drinking was found in 65% of cases. Outside eating was found in 40% of cases. Unhygienic practices were found in 64% of cases. Duration of hospital stay varied from 3-10 days. No mortality reported.Conclusions:Typhoid fever is most commonly observed with unhygienic practices and eating of unhealthy outside food. This major public health issue can be tackled by bringing awareness among people regarding disease transmission and its various preventive measures. 

Understanding the immune responses involved in mediating protection or immunopathology during leishmaniasis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez ◽  
Greta Volpedo ◽  
Chaitenya Verma ◽  
Abhay R. Satoskar
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Host Immune Response ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Leishmania Infection ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Leishmania Parasites

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) transmitted by the sand fly and is a major public health problem worldwide. Infections caused by Leishmania clinically manifest as a wide range of diseases, such as cutaneous (CL), diffuse cutaneous (DCL), mucosal (MCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The host innate and adaptative immune responses play critical roles in the defense against leishmaniasis. However, Leishmania parasites also manipulate the host immune response for their survival and replication. In addition, other factors such as sand fly salivary proteins and microbiota also promote disease susceptibility and parasite spread by modulating local immune response. Thus, a complex interplay between parasite, sand fly and the host immunity governs disease severity and outcome. In this review, we discuss the host immune response during Leishmania infection and highlight the factors associated with resistance or susceptibility.

scholarly journals Physical inactivity, and its association with hypertension among employees in the district of Colombo

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. U. Gamage ◽  
R. de A. Seneviratne
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Total Transport ◽  
Commuting Distance ◽  
Physically Inactive

Abstract Background Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and is a major public health problem. Insufficient activity is responsible for a large proportion of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess socioeconomic variations in physical activity and to measure the association between physical inactivity and hypertension among government officials in Sri Lanka. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 275 senior-officers(SOs) and 760 managerial-assistants(MAs) aged 30–60 years and attached to Public Administration institutions in Colombo District in Sri Lanka. Physical-activity(PA) was gathered using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) adopted and validated to the Sri Lankan context. Blood pressure(measured and classified using JNC-7 guidelines) and anthropometric indices were recorded. Energy utilization of all vigorous and moderated PA and walking was expressed as metabolic-equivalent-of-task(MET) min per week. A total-MET-score was calculated and categorized based on IPAQ guidelines. Results Socioeconomic variations in PA levels were observed as 58.1%(n = 158) SOs and 30.6%(n = 226) MAs were involved in inadequate PA. Among the SOs diagnosed with hypertension, more half(59.1%; n = 52) were physically inactive, while among MAs, 65.9%(n = 143) with hypertension were physically inactive. After adjusting for potential confounding factors being physically inactive was associated with a higher risk of hypertension among SOs[OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.07, 4.6] and MAs[OR 2.8 [95% CI 1.8, 4.6]. The main modality of commuting to work for SOs(59%) was private transport, and MAs(64%) public transport Commuting distance was positively correlated(p < 0.05) with total transport MET among SOs and MAs. After adjusting for confounders, commuting distance of > 20 km was found to lower the odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs(OR = 0.713; 95% CI 0.4 to1.3; and OR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.87). Conclusion Despite the current knowledge that being physically active promotes health, the practice was different. Physical inactivity was associated with hypertension and prevalent among both SOs and MAs. Higher commuting distance is positively correlated with total transport MET and associated with lower odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs. Longitudinal studies are required to provide a causative association between physical inactivity and hypertension among these employees.

scholarly journals Gender Differential in the Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus among the Patients in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 34-43
Author(s):  
Bernice N. Chukwu ◽  
Veronica O. Ezebuiro ◽  
E.S. Samuel ◽  
Keyna C. Nwachukwu
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Blood Sugar ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Fasting Blood Sugar ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Design Data ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Enugu State ◽  
Gender Differential

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It is a major public health problem and disease burden worldwide, and especially in Nigeria. This study determined the gender differential in the incidence of Diabetes mellitus among the patients in Udi L.G.A of Enugu State. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was employed. A sample of 343 diabetes mellitus patients were randomly selected and used for the study. Researchers design data documentary profoma was used to collect the data from selected health facilities in respect to the patients’ gender and their fasting sugar level as contained in their folder or hospital record/register. Frequency and percentages was used to answer research question while the null hypothesis was tested using Chi- square at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the result revealed a high incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in 2012, females recorded a high incidence of DM from 2008-2012 and high percentage of fasting blood sugar level than male. The finding also revealed no difference in the fasting blood sugar based on gender. It is recommended among others that diagnostic investigation on human placental lactose is advocated to reduce or stop its opposition to insulin secretion during pregnancy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document