scholarly journals Evaluating spatiotemporal dynamics of snakebite in Sri Lanka: Monthly incidence mapping from a national representative survey sample

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. e0009447
Author(s):  
Dileepa Senajith Ediriweera ◽  
Anuradhani Kasthuriratne ◽  
Arunasalam Pathmeswaran ◽  
Nipul Kithsiri Gunawardene ◽  
Shaluka Francis Jayamanne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Spatiotemporal Patterns ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Northeast Monsoon ◽  
Community Based ◽  
North Central ◽  
South West ◽  
Monthly Incidence

Background Snakebite incidence shows both spatial and temporal variation. However, no study has evaluated spatiotemporal patterns of snakebites across a country or region in detail. We used a nationally representative population sample to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of snakebite in Sri Lanka. Methodology We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey representing all nine provinces of Sri Lanka. We interviewed 165 665 people (0.8% of the national population), and snakebite events reported by the respondents were recorded. Sri Lanka is an agricultural country; its central, southern and western parts receive rain mainly from Southwest monsoon (May to September) and northern and eastern parts receive rain mainly from Northeast monsoon (November to February). We developed spatiotemporal models using multivariate Poisson process modelling to explain monthly snakebite and envenoming incidences in the country. These models were developed at the provincial level to explain local spatiotemporal patterns. Principal findings Snakebites and envenomings showed clear spatiotemporal patterns. Snakebite hotspots were found in North-Central, North-West, South-West and Eastern Sri Lanka. They exhibited biannual seasonal patterns except in South-Western inlands, which showed triannual seasonality. Envenoming hotspots were confined to North-Central, East and South-West parts of the country. Hotspots in North-Central regions showed triannual seasonal patterns and South-West regions had annual patterns. Hotspots remained persistent throughout the year in Eastern regions. The overall monthly snakebite and envenoming incidences in Sri Lanka were 39 (95%CI: 38–40) and 19 (95%CI: 13–30) per 100 000, respectively, translating into 110 000 (95%CI: 107 500–112 500) snakebites and 45 000 (95%CI: 32 000–73 000) envenomings in a calendar year. Conclusions/significance This study provides information on community-based monthly incidence of snakebites and envenomings over the whole country. Thus, it provides useful insights into healthcare decision-making, such as, prioritizing locations to establish specialized centres for snakebite management and allocating resources based on risk assessments which take into account both location and season.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal Variability of Lightning Flash Distribution over Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
U.G.Dilaj Maduranga ◽  
Mahesh Edirisinghe ◽  
L. Vimukthi Gamage
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variability ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Lightning Flash ◽  
Northeast Monsoon ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Total Lightning ◽  
Imaging Sensor

The variation of the lightning activities over Sri Lanka and surrounded costal belt (5.750N-10.000N and 79.50E-89.000E) is studied using lightning flash data of Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) which was launched in November 1997 for NASA’s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). The LIS data for the period of 1998 to 2014 are considered for this study. The spatial and temporal variation of lightning activities is investigated and respective results are presented. The diurnal variation over the studied area presents that maximum and minimum flash count recorded at 1530-1630 Local Time (10-11UTC) and 0530-0630LT (00-01UTC) respectively. Maximum lightning activities over the observed area have occurred after the 1330LT (08UTC) in every year during the considered time period. The seasonal variation of the lightning activities shows that the maximum lightning activities happened in First inter monsoon season (March to April) with 30.90% total lightning flashes and minimum lightning activities recorded in Northeast monsoon season (December to February) with 8.51% of total lightning flashes. Maximum flash density of 14.37fl km-2year-1 was observed at 6.980N/80.160E in First inter monsoon season. These seasonal lighting activities are agree with seasonal convective activities and temperature variation base on propagation of Intra-Tropical Convection Zone over the studied particular area. Mean monthly flash count presents a maximum in the month of April with 29.12% of lightning flashes. Variation pattern of number of lightning activities in month of April shows a tiny increment during the time period of 1998 to 2014. Maximum annual flash density of 28.09fl km-2yr-1 was observed at 6.980N/80.170E. The latitudinal variation of the lightning flash density is depicted that extreme lightning activities have happened at the southern part of the county and results show that there is a noticeable lack of lightning activities over the surrounded costal belt relatively landmass.

scholarly journals Healthcare utilisation, cancer screening and potential barriers to accessing cancer care in rural South West Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e040352
Author(s):  
Avinash Sharma ◽  
Olusegun Isaac Alatise ◽  
Kelli O'Connell ◽  
Samson Gbenga Ogunleye ◽  
Adewale Abdulwasiu Aderounmu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Healthcare Utilisation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personal Income ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
South West

Background/aimsCancer burden is predicted to double by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa; access to healthcare services for cancer management is a priority in the region. In Nigeria, National Cancer Control Plan aims to ensure >50% cancer screening of eligible populations by 2022 for all Nigerians. We describe healthcare utilisation, cancer screening activities and potential barriers to accessing cancer care within an understudied rural community-based adult population in South West Nigeria.MethodsIn April 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study of community-based adults (>18 years) ~130 km east of Ibadan, 250 km from Lagos in Osun State, South West Nigeria. Participants completed a face-to-face survey in local dialect. We used a questionnaire to assess demographics, health status, income, medical expenditures, doctor visits and cancer screening history.ResultsWe enrolled 346 individuals: with median age of 52 years and 75% women. Of the entire cohort, 4% had medical insurance. 46% reported a major medical cost in the last year. Cancer screening activities were infrequent in eligible participants: 1.5% reported having had cervical cancer screening, 3.3% mammogram and 5% colonoscopy screening. Cancer screening assessment was less frequent in those with less income and lower education levels. Using a multivariable logistic regression model including personal income, insurance status and education, higher personal income was associated with more cancer screening activity (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.7, p<0.01). Despite this, most individuals had contact with a primary healthcare doctor (52% in the last year), and over 70% access to radio and TV suggesting the opportunity to expand community-based screening interventions and awareness exists.ConclusionsDespite national increases in cancer cases, we highlight a deficiency in cancer screening and universal healthcare coverage within a community-based adult Nigerian population. Subject to availability of governmental resources, increasing financial risk protection, awareness and targeted resource allocation may help expand access in Nigeria.

Sri Lanka

1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (S1) ◽  
pp. 62-64
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
South West

Following the opening of its delegation in Colombo in October 1989, the ICRC concentrated on protection work in the centre and south-west of the country for detainees suspected of belonging to the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP).

Cordyceps dipterigena. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

1979 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. K. Brady
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
South America ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
North Central ◽  
Tropical Countries

Abstract A description is provided for Cordyceps dipterigena. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Diptera (Muscidae). GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical countries; Sri Lanka, Indonesia, New Guinea, North, Central and South America, Japan, Ghana.

scholarly journals Sensitivity Study of WRF Numerical Modeling for Forecasting Heavy Rainfall in Sri Lanka

Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Channa Rodrigo ◽  
Sangil Kim ◽  
Il Jung
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Heavy Rain ◽  
Heavy Precipitation ◽  
Sensitivity Study ◽  
Southwest Monsoon ◽  
Northeast Monsoon ◽  
Pressure System

This study aimed to determine the predictability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with different model physics options to identify the best set of physics parameters for predicting heavy rainfall events during the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons. Two case studies were used for the evaluation: heavy precipitation during the southwest monsoon associated with the simultaneous onset of the monsoon, and a low pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal that produced heavy rain over most of the country, with heavy precipitation associated with the northeast monsoon associated with monsoon flow and easterly disturbances. The modeling results showed large variation in the rainfall estimated by the model using the various model physics schemes, but several corresponding rainfall simulations were produced with spatial distribution aligned with rainfall station data, although the amount was not estimated accurately. Moreover, the WRF model was able to capture the rainfall patterns of these events in Sri Lanka, suggesting that the model has potential for operational use in numerical weather prediction in Sri Lanka.

scholarly journals Cataract among elderly in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.A. Nilanga Nishad ◽  
S.A. Hewage ◽  
K. Arulmoly ◽  
M.S. Amaratunge ◽  
J de Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Screening Programme ◽  
National Level ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Younger Age

AbstractOut of 39 billion people who are blind around the world, 20 billion (51.3%) is due to cataract, which is preventable. This study intended to assess the prevalence and factors associated with cataract among elderly in a divisional secretariat area in Sri Lanka. This community based cross sectional study assessed randomly selected470 adults over 60 years of age. Diagnosis of cataract was made by a slit lamp examination by medical officers, and classified according to Oxford Lens Opacity Classification system (LOCS III). Majority was between 60-69 age groups and 71% was females. The prevalence of cataract was estimated to be 80.6% including operated eye and 73.6% excluding the operated eye, with a female preponderance in lower age categories. Commonest type of cataract was the nuclear type (n=422; 44.9%), with a majority in grade 2 (218; 23.2%). The prevalence of cataract surgery in the diseased population was as low as 7%. Cataract leading to blindness is very prevalent among adults over 60 years of age in the studied area. Females tend to develop the disease at an early age than males. These findings warrant screening programme for elderly at community level, targeting females at a younger age than males. Future studies are recommended to assess the coverage and barriers for cataract surgeries at national level, which would be immensely useful in planning and improving health services.

scholarly journals Regional Differences in Postnatal Care Service Utilisation and Child Morbidity in Nigeria: Evidence from 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Endurance Uzobo ◽  
Aboluwaji D. Ayinmoro
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Factors ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Postnatal Care ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
The South ◽  
North Central ◽  
North West ◽  
North East ◽  
South West ◽  
Child Morbidity

Abstract Introduction: Modern Postnatal Care Services (PNC) in Nigeria is vital tool for providing quality health for mothers and newborns. Nonetheless, many regions in Nigeria are still struggling to achieve optimum utilisation of modern PNC services due to variation in associated socioeconomic factors of mothers based on their regions. This study aims at assessing regional socioeconomic factors associated with PNC services utilisation and its relationship with child morbidity in Nigeria. Methods Data for this study was extracted from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 birth recoded file dataset, with a sample size of 30713 women (aged 15–49). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square Test and logistic regression. The main predictor variable was the region, while others included the type of PNC service utilised and various demographic variables of the respondents – age, education, type of residence, religion, ethnicity among others. Results The average age of the respondents was 29.5 ± 6.8. The use of modern PNC services ranged from South-West (20.3%), South-South (10.9%), South-East (23.0%), North-Central (22.0%), North-East (13.0%) to North-West (10.9%). The prevalence of child morbidity ranged from South-West (8.5%), South-South (9.8%), South-East (11.4%), North-Central (15.3%), North-East (26.3%) to North-West (28.7%). Child morbidity is significantly higher in the South-South (OR = 1.46), South-East (OR = 1.50), North-Central (OR = 1.13), North-East (OR = 2.31) and North-West (OR = 1.35) compared to the South-West. Conclusion Majority of women in Nigeria are not using modern PNC services. Regional variations in the use of PNC services and socio-demographic characteristics of mothers influence child morbidity in Nigeria. There is need for regional-specific context sensitisation for mothers in the use of modern PNC services.

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