scholarly journals Prevalence of Headaches Among Undergraduates in Sri Lanka: Cross-Sectional Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.B.C.M Premarathna ◽  
J.S. Madushani ◽  
T.M.I.U.K Tennakoon ◽  
Thilini Sudeshika
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Computer Work ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Trigger Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sleep Behavior ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Headache is one of the common health problems in the world which can be frequently seen among undergraduates. The current research was mainly focused to explore the prevalence of headaches among undergraduates in Sri Lanka.Method: This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among undergraduates of five Sri Lankan universities including various disciplines from science to non- science. A purposive sample of undergraduates was recruited to complete a self-administered questionnaire after obtaining their consent. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v25 IBM, New York, USA) and the significant differences among variables were assessed by using Chi-square test. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review committee of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.Results: The majority of respondents were males (51%, n=146) and who were following science courses (55%, n=158). Undergraduates (76%, n=218) had experienced headache. Common trigger factors were stress related to work (72%, n=171), mental fatigue (54%, n=129), and sleeplessness (33%, n=79). Undergraduates 43% (n=123) who perceived the experience of headache sought the treatments. Usage of non-prescribed medication was significantly high (73, n=90) among them. There was a statistically significant difference between the occurrence of headache for non-science students with the participation for lectures (p=0.021); health status with the academic year (p=0.00); perceived current headache problem with gender (p=0.03) and the avoidance in participating lectures with academic years (p=0.006). Conclusions: It can be concluded that most undergraduates in Sri Lankan universities have been affected by headaches. Stress-related to work, Irregular sleep behavior, mental fatigue and prolonged computer work were the most common trigger factors for headaches among undergraduates in Sri Lanka.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Stress among Estate Rubber Tappers in Southern Sri Lanka

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-7
Author(s):  
Hemajith Tharindra ◽  
Gregory Daniel Brown ◽  
Kayla Stankevitz ◽  
Ashley Schoenfisch ◽  
Sarath Amarasinghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Rubber Tappers

Background: Rubber production is an important component of the Sri Lankan economy. Prior reports have raised concerns about poverty and poor physical and social living conditions among rubber tappers.Objective: To assess rubber tappers’ psychological health and distress.Methods and Material: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 rubber tappers in two large rubber plantations in southern Sri Lanka from September to November 2014. Structured questionnaires including the Peradeniya Depression Scale (PDS) and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were administered. The prevalences of depression and stress were calculated, including across sociodemographic and work history variables of interest.Results: Each plantation contributed 150 of the 300 participants. The majority were women (n = 183, 61%) with a median age of 47 years (range 21 to 89). Based on the PDS, 9% of the rubber tappers screened positive for depression. While on the PSS-10, 10% demonstrated a high level of perceived stress. On log-binomial regression, persons who were widowed, divorced, or separated compared to being married had a higher prevalence of depression and high stress. A higher prevalence of stress was found in Tamil versus Sinhalese as well as Christian versus Buddhist participants. A higher prevalence of depression was seen in workers with over 30 years of experience compared to less experienced counterparts.Conclusions: Depression was more common in rubber tappers in this study than among other non-plantation Sri Lankan populations. Further research is needed to elucidate factors associated with psychological distress and to foster support mechanisms for the rubber tappers.

Assessment of Agility in Elderly Population of Islamabad

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-163
Author(s):  
Maheen Khan ◽  
Sana Bashir ◽  
Humaira Hussain ◽  
Tayyaba Saman ◽  
Rida Fatima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Missing Data Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean

Background: Agility is considered as one of the important components of physical fitness. In older adults, it is of utmost importance in response to any stimulus. The objective of this study was to determine normative values of agility in elderly population of Islamabad. Methods: A Cross-Sectional Survey was conducted in community settings of Islamabad from February–July 2019 after approval by the Ethical Review Committee of Foundation University Islamabad.  The calculated sample size was found to be 267, but due to missing data, analysis was done on 250(100 females and 150 males).   Participants were selected by convenient sampling. Physically independent participants were included and diseased population (severe musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders), decreased functional status affecting hearing, vision, memory recall was excluded from the study. PAR-Q was utilized in uncovering any possible health risks linked to exercise. For evaluation of agility, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) Agility Test was performed. Agility scoring is based on time in seconds, with higher score representing less agility, and agility score of less than 62 represents good agility. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age, BMI and agility score of participants were 60.7±5.81 years, 26±4.30 kg/m² and 22.42±5.2 respectively. There was significant difference (P<0.001) in agility between males and females, with the mean agility score higher in females as compared to males. Similarly, Agility score was significantly high in females as compared to males in BMI range of 18.5 to >30 and all age categories. Conclusion: Elderly population of Pakistan has good agility score

AWARENESS ABOUT INDOOR AIR POLLUTION IN GENERAL POPULATION OF RAWALPINDI AND ISLAMABAD

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-83
Author(s):  
Nadia Tariq ◽  
Tamkeen Jaffry ◽  
Rahma Fiaz ◽  
Abdul Majid Rajput ◽  
Sadaf Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
General Population ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Indoor air pollutants are increasingly being associated with respiratory illnesses leading to high degree of morbidity and mortality. There are not sufficient epidemiological studies from Pakistan which assess level of awareness of indoor air pollution resulting in respiratory diseases in population. Methods: This cross sectional survey was carried out on general population of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Sample size was 223 study subjects selected by non-probability convenient sampling. Knowledge of the study subjects was determined with regard to indoor air pollution, its effects on health and different sources of indoor air pollution with the help of a questionnaire. The influence of age, gender, educational status and socio economic status on the level of awareness was also analyzed. Results: Out of total 223 participants, 115 were males and108 females. Participants aware of indoor air pollution were 91.5% and adequate awareness about its sources was 80.7%. Those who knew indoor air pollution is detrimental to health were 95.1%. Awareness about building construction dust as source of indoor air pollution was maximum (84.8%). There was significant difference in awareness among participants with different monthly incomes and educational status and also between males and females. Conclusion: This study concludes that general population of Rawalpindi/Islamabad has fairly good awareness about sources of indoor air pollution. Use of harmful material causing indoor air pollution should be limited or substituted with better ones where possible.

scholarly journals Oxidative status in the β-thalassemia syndromes in Sri Lanka; a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Allen ◽  
Shiromi Perera ◽  
Sachith Mettananda ◽  
Rexan Rodrigo ◽  
Lakshman Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Oxidative Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Yunfei Zhang ◽  
Jiahong Sun ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Costan G. Magnussen ◽  
Xi Bo
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Shigatse city of Tibet municipality, with an average altitude of more than 4000 m. Subjects: Study participants included 2,642 adolescents aged 12-17 years selected from 6 schools using a convenient cluster sampling method. Results: The prevalence of thinness/overweight/obesity among Tibetan adolescents was 9.4%/5.4%/1.4% (China definition), 14.7%/4.4%/0.7% (IOTF definition), and 2.8%/5.7%/0.9% (WHO definition). The prevalence of thinness and overweight was significantly different between both sexes based on each of three BMI classification criteria (P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between both sexes according to each of three BMI criteria. There was no clear trend in the prevalence of thinness across ages according to the China or IOTF definition (both P >0.05), whereas an upward trend was observed for thinness in boys according to the IOTF definition (P for trend <0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of thinness tended to decrease with increasing age in girls according to the IOTF definition, and in total sample according to the WHO definition (P for trend <0.05). Conclusions: Among Tibetan adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively low, while the prevalence of thinness is high, especially in boys. These data suggest urgent attention is needed to control adolescent thinness in Tibet.

scholarly journals Does a Comparison View Improve the Reliability of Staging Wrist Osteoarthritis?

Hand ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 439-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. L. ten Berg ◽  
Tessa Drijkoningen ◽  
Thierry G. Guitton ◽  
David Ring
Keyword(s):  
Survey Study ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Scaphoid Nonunion ◽  
Educational Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Improve Reliability ◽  
Comparison View

Background: Radiological grading of wrist osteoarthritis associated with scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) can be difficult. A comparison radiograph of the contralateral healthy wrist and an educational training in the various SNAC stages may improve reliability. Our purposes were to evaluate the difference in the reliability: (1) between observers who rate SNAC wrists with and without a comparison radiograph; and (2) between observers who receive training prior to ratings and those who do not. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey study, 82 fully trained orthopedic or hand surgeons rated anteroposterior radiographs of 19 patient wrists following a scaphoid nonunion based on SNAC stages 0 to 4. Observers were randomized online in 4 groups: one group rated unilateral views without training, a second group unilateral views with training, a third group bilateral views without training, and a fourth group bilateral views with training. Training included a 1-page clarification of the SNAC stages. Interobserver agreement was calculated using kappa statistics. Results: There was no significant difference between agreement between observers who rated unilateral radiographs (κ = 0.55) and who rated bilateral radiographs (κ = 0.58) ( P = .14), nor between agreement between observers who received training (κ = 0.59) and who did not (κ = 0.54) ( P = .058). Conclusions: The use of an additional comparison view and/or training does not seem to be clinically relevant in SNAC staging. There is room for improvement in the way we assess patients with SNAC wrists.

scholarly journals Cost awareness of radiological studies among doctors at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanyisa N. Mrwetyana ◽  
Jacques Janse van Rensburg ◽  
Gina Joubert
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Academic Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Education Training ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cost Awareness ◽  
Radiological Studies

Background: South Africa has high healthcare expenses. Improving cost-consciousness could decrease government expenditure on healthcare.Objectives: To determine cost awareness of radiological studies among doctors at a tertiary hospital. The objective was met by assessing the accuracy of cost estimation according to the level of training and speciality, whether participants had received prior education/training related to cost awareness and if they had a desire to learn more about the cost of radiological imaging.Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six clinical departments at Universitas Academic Hospital using an anonymous questionnaire that determined doctors’ cost awareness of five radiological studies. Each radiological study was answered using six different cost ranges, with one correct option. Costs were based on the Department of Health’s 2019 Uniform Patients Fee Schedule (UPFS).Results: In total, 131 (67.2%) of 195 questionnaires distributed to registrars and consultants were returned. Overall, low accuracy of cost estimation was observed, with 45.2% of the participants choosing only incorrect options. No participant estimated all five costs correctly. Only the Internal Medicine clinicians demonstrated a significant difference between registrars and consultants for the number of correct answers (median 0 and 1, respectively) (p = 0.04). No significant differences were found between specialities stratified by registrars/consultants. Most participants (88.6%) would like to learn about imaging costs. Only 2.3% of the participants had received prior education/training related to cost awareness of radiological studies.Conclusion: Doctors were consistently inaccurate in estimating the cost of radiological studies. Educating doctors about the cost of radiological imaging could have a positive effect on healthcare expenditure.

scholarly journals Assessment of Attitudes and Practices Related to Social Media Usage among Dental Practitioners in their Dental Practice in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad City: A Cross-sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 264-269
Author(s):  
Tanushri Dalvi ◽  
Shrivardhan Kalghatgi ◽  
Samruddhi Metha ◽  
Amol Karagir ◽  
Madhuri Sale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Information And Communication

Background: In the last few decades, information and communication technology in social media has brought tremendous changes in the whole business, educational and political system; Dentistry is not an exception. The rise of social media has transformed how health professionals interact with their patients and deliver different types of health care services. Aim: To assess the attitudes and practices related to social media usage among dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted among all dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city, Maharashtra, India. The questionnaire consisted of first part with socio-demographic variables like age, gender, years of experience and area of expertise and second part to assess attitudes and practices towards social media usage. Results: Among total of 138 dental practitioners, majority (68.1%) were belonging to age of 36-44 years followed by those above 45 years of age (17.4%). Around 49.3% dental practitioners were practicing dentistry since less than 5 years. Gender wise comparison showed no significant difference between attitudes and practices for social media usage. Although significant difference was found for question 3, 6 and 11 for P < 0.05. Conclusion: There has been wide adoption of social media among dental practitioners and shows no significant difference with different genders for both attitudes and practices.

scholarly journals A Study on Emotional Intelligence among School Going Adolescents in Kolkata

2021 ◽  
pp. 47-58
Author(s):  
Bikash Chandra Ghorai ◽  
Samayita Kundu ◽  
Sunil Santra
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Understanding Emotions

The aim of the present study is to determine the level of emotional intelligence of school going adolescents; and to compare the emotional intelligence and its four dimensions/sub-factors i.e., understanding emotions, understanding motivation, empathy and handling relation of school going adolescents with respect to their gender, grade and board pattern of education. The present study was carried out on 288 higher secondary school students selected as sample from six schools of three different boards of education (viz. two WBCHSE, two CBSE and two ICSE) of Kolkata district in West Bengal using convenient sampling technique. This research is cross-sectional survey type study. The measuring tool in this research originally was of two-point emotional intelligence scale entitled as ‘Emotional Intelligence Scale (ESI – SANS) of Dr. A. K. Singh and Dr. S. Narain [1] which was translated in Bengali version by B. C. Ghorai and L. L. Mohakud [2]. After the initial exploratory analysis of the data, different statistical (descriptive and inferential) techniques are used to analyze the data set via SPSS 20. Results of the study revealed that there is no statistically significant difference in emotional intelligence and it’s sub-factors of school going adolescent with respect to their gender grade and board pattern of education. The findings provide a further need on how to more improve upon the emotional intelligence of school going adolescent. Implications and recommendations for developing emotional intelligence school going adolescent are discussed.

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