Prevalence of low vitamin D status in an urban district in Sri Lanka: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is conventionally associated with inadequate sunlight exposure. Ironically, recent evidence suggests a rising prevalence in urban areas of tropical regions like Sri Lanka, where comprehensive data are unavailable. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of low vitamin D status in urban adults and its impact on serum calcium. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1260 adults aged 35-74 years, living in Colombo, the most urban district in Sri Lanka. They were recruited from 63 administrative divisions, using multi-stage, probability-proportionate-to-size, cluster sampling. Non-fasting venous blood was collected without tourniquet. Low vitamin D (< 30.0 ng/mL), VDD (< 20 ng/mL) and vitamin D insufficiency (20.0-29.9 ng/mL) were determined using chemiluminescence assay method, and serum calcium using Calcium Gen2 reagent. RESULTS: Among the population (53.3% females; mean age = 51.8 years), the prevalence of low vitamin D was 93.9% (95% CI: 92.5-95.2). This was primarily due to VDD (67.5%; 95% CI: 64.9.0-70.1%), with some insufficiency (26.4%; 95% CI: 24.0-28.9%). Most VDD cases (53.9.0%) were 'mild' (10.0- < 20.0 ng/mL) in severity, with fewer 'moderate' (12.8%) and 'severe' (0.8%) cases. Prevalence of VDD was highest in females, aged 35-44-years, living in 'highly urban' areas and of Tamil ethnicity. Further, VDD showed a decreasing trend with older age groups, while it was significantly more prevalent in females than males (72.6% vs. 61.7%; p < 0.01), across all age groups. Low serum calcium levels were observed in 9.8% of adults with low vitamin D, compared to 22.4% with normal vitamin D, implying that there could be factors other than vitamin D in maintaining serum calcium levels. CONCLUSIONS: Colombo District, representing urban settings in Sri Lanka faces a high prevalence of low vitamin D, primarily VDD, with higher rates in females, younger individuals and highly urban areas. These findings challenge assumptions about tropical regions being guaranteed of optimal vitamin D levels; and underscore the need for national vitamin D supplementation and food fortification programs, especially in high-risk urban settings in South Asian countries like Sri Lanka.

Characteristics, management and outcome of stroke: Observations from the Sri Lanka Stroke Clinical Registry.

BACKGROUND: Stroke registries are pivotal to the monitoring and improvement of the quality of stroke care. We report data from the initial phase of a nationally representative hospital-based stroke registry in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Based on an observational cohort design, all consecutive patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) presenting to six tertiary-care hospitals in the Western, Eastern, Southern, Northern and Central provinces of Sri Lanka within 14 days of onset were recruited. RESULTS: During a period of 14 months, 5893 patients with a stroke/TIA (58.8% men; mean age 65.22 years, SD=13.28) were entered into the database; 69.8% (n=4111) had an ischaemic stroke (IS); 20.9% (n=1233) had a haemorrhagic stroke (HS); 7.2% (424) had a TIA; and 2.1% (125) had a venous stroke. While IS were more common among women (71.7% vs 68.4%; p=0.006), HS were more common among men (22.3% vs 19.0%; p=0.003). Hemiparesis (86.2% vs 83.2%; p=0.011), headache (29% vs 11.6%; p<0.001), seizures (5.9% vs 4.2%; p=0.013), sphincter dysfunction (11.8% vs 7.7%; p<0.001) and hypertension (72% vs 67.3%, p=0.002) were more common in HS while dysphasia (63.2% vs 50.0%; p<0.001), ataxia (9.6% vs 7.3%; p=0.014), sensory disturbances (10.8% vs 6.0%; p<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (37.9% vs 28.1%; p<0.001) were more common in IS. Thrombolysis was administered in only 2.1% while only 14.6% had access to stroke units. The mean door-to-needle time was 100.2 (SD=46.0) minutes. The hospital mortality rate was 8.3%. Recurrent strokes within three months were more common in HS than IS (3.2% vs 1.6%; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: While stroke characteristics in Sri Lanka are similar to that of other populations, the rate of thrombolysis and access to stroke units are inadequate. The stroke registry provides useful data for the appraisal and improvement of stroke services.

Patient and caregiver perspectives on quality of life in dementia: Evidence from a South Asian population.

Dementia has become a public health priority along with population ageing worldwide. Owing to its chronic progressive nature in the absence of a cure, maintaining the best possible quality of life (QOL) has become the desired outcome for people with dementia. The aim of this study was to compare the Quality of Life (QOL) of patients with dementia in Sri Lanka when assessed based on the patient's and caregiver's perspectives. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 272 pairs of patients with dementia and their primary caregivers recruited systematically from the psychiatry outpatient clinics of tertiary care state hospitals in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The QOL was assessed using the 28-item DEMQOL among patients and the 31-item DEMQOL-proxy among primary caregivers. The total QOL ratings and subscale scores obtained by patients and caregivers were compared and assessed for the significance of the mean scores using the independent t-test and of the mean difference in ratings using the Wilcoxon test. Agreement between patients and their caregivers on the ratings for QOL was also assessed using the Bland Altman plot. The mean overall QOL score according to patient ratings (mean = 79.7; SD = 12.0) was significantly higher than the caregiver ratings (mean = 70.6; SD = 12.3) (p< 0.001). Mean scores for the four subscales (positive emotion, negative emotion, memory, and daily life) were also significantly higher according to the patient's ratings (p<0.001). Total scores obtained by patients and their caregivers showed a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.385; p<0.001). Bland Altman plot demonstrated acceptable agreement between their ratings. The study confirms the ability of dementia patients with mild to moderate severity to successfully rate their own QOL. Furthermore, the caregiver's ratings cannot be substituted for the patient's ratings and vice versa.

Determinants of quality of life among people with dementia: evidence from a South Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Dementia has become a public health priority along with population aging worldwide. Owing to its chronic progressive nature in the absence of a cure, maintaining the best possible quality of life (QOL) has become the desired outcome for people with dementia (PWD). AIM: The current study aimed to determine the factors associated with 'good QOL' in people with dementia in the Sri Lankan setting. METHODS: An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify the factors associated with 'good QoL. Cases in the study included dementia patients having 'good' QOL, whereas controls were those having 'poor' or 'average' QOL. Both cases and controls were selected from the same patient base at a premier tertiary care state hospital in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. They were identified using the validated DEMQOL (Dementia Specific Quality of Life) tool, adhering to strict eligibility criteria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess the associated factors. Bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression modelling determined the associated factors for 'good QOL' adjusted for confounders using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 64 cases and 208 controls. After adjusting for confounders, education up to GCE O/Level and above (OR = 4.02; 95% CI = 2.97, 12.0), ever employed (OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.59, 11.06), good social functioning (OR = 4.14; 95% CI = 3.39, 16.46), mild functional impairment (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.13, 9.67), little or no caregiver burden (OR = 2.96; 95% CI = 1.86, 10.94), absence of apathy (OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.27, 12.48) and absence of irritability (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.72, 10.34) were found to be significantly associated with 'good QOL'. 60% of the variance of 'good' QOL among PWD was explained by the factors in the final model. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The identified determinants of 'good QOL' clearly show how the QOL improvement interventions need to be planned. Accordingly, such programmes should be primarily focused on strategies to improve PWDs' ADL (Activities of Daily living), reduce and manage neuropsychiatric symptoms effectively and to promote activities enhancing social functioning, and plan programmes to address caregiver burden.

Assessment of resilience levels among Sri Lankan nurses: Is there room for improvement?

BACKGROUND: Developing resilience at work is an effective primary preventive measure for occupational stress. The study aimed to adopt a tool and measure current resilience levels and determine the association of work-related characteristics on resilience among Sri Lankan nurses. METHODS: Translated, culturally adapted and validated Resilience at Work Scale- Sinhala version (RAW-S) was used to measure resilience levels in a sample of 855 government nurses from a health district. The mean RAW-S scores were calculated and appropriate cut off points were used to determine the prevalence of 'high', 'moderate' and 'low' resilience. Chi square test was used to determine the associations. RESULTS: The overall mean RAW-S score was 69.6 (95% CI = 68.9-70.3) and the scores ranged from 28.5 to 90.3. Only 28.4% (95% CI = 25.4-31.6) of nurses showed 'high' level of resilience at work, while 55.6% (95% CI = 52.1-58.9) & 16.0% (95% CI = 13.7-18.7) had shown 'moderate' and 'low' levels of resilience respectively. The resilience levels differed significantly (p < 0.05) by type of ward that they work and by work experience. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study that examined the resilience levels in any health care worker category in Sri Lanka. The need of targeted, well-designed resilience building programme for ever burdened government sector nurses is clearly shown from the results, as more than two thirds of nurses had 'moderate' or 'low' level of resilience, which may not be good enough to combat the constant work stress they face on daily basis.

Perceived barriers and facilitators of physical activity in adults living in activity-friendly urban environments: A qualitative study in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: Despite reforming health policies to create more enabling environments, insufficient physical activity in Sri Lanka remains a major public health issue. Socio-culture specific determinants underlying the physical activity of adults living in such environments need to be identified. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators for physical activity, as perceived by adult urban dwellers in activity-friendly environments in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. METHODS: A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted among adults aged 20-60 years living in an urban area which has been recently re-designed for recreational and rejuvenating purposes in Sri Lanka. Recruitment targeted varying socio-economic status and risk of non-communicable diseases; and was continued until the data saturation point was reached. Interviews were conducted in homes, primary healthcare units and fitness centres, and were transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS: A total of 31 eligible and consenting adults were interviewed. Of the reported barriers to physical activity, lack of time was very common. Other frequently reported barriers included unpleasant experiences following exercise and misconceptions about exercise, whereas physical environmental factors, weather and road safety were reported less frequently. All participants reported at least one facilitator for engaging in exercise. Expectations of preventing diseases, improving health, physical fitness, psycho-social wellbeing, optimising body functions and increasing lifespan were frequently cited as reasons to be active, while social factors such as positive attitudes of family members and the influence of peers were found to be motivating. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that while participants valued the health benefits of physical activity and refurbished activity-friendly urban environments, these were not sufficient to support them to overcome key perceived barriers to being physically active.

Validation of the Sri Lankan Health-Related Quality-of-Life Index for pre-schoolers (SLHQL-P) and school age (SLHQL-S) children with epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children and adolescents remains an underappreciated problem in Asian region, due to lack of culturally sound HRQL measures. This paper describes the validation process of two age-specific, proxy-rated HRQL indexes namely Sri Lankan Health-Related Quality-of-Life Index for preschoolers (SLHQL-P) and school age children (SLHQL-S) with epilepsy. METHODS: Primary caregivers of children and adolescents with epilepsy aged 1-18 years from three districts in Sri Lanka were invited to fill the SLHQL-P (for 1-5 years) and SLHQLS (for 6-18 years). It was re-administered to a subset of consenting primary caregivers after an interval of two weeks. Scientific soundness of SLHQL-P and SLHQL-S were established based on causal indicator model. RESULTS: Total of 98 and 169 primary caregivers responded to SLHQL-P, SLHQL-S respectively. Final questionnaires of SLHQL-P and SLHQL-S consists of 26, 57 items respectively in three multi-item domains measuring the child's physical functioning (6, 9 items), psychological functioning (6, 31 items) and social functioning (14, 17 items) with higher scores reflecting better HRQL. Construct validity was established by several methods including strong relationship with seizure severity. Good test-retest reliability was also demonstrated for both SLHQL-P and SLHQL-S (r = 0.77, 0.938) CONCLUSIONS: Both SLHQL-P and SLHQL-S are feasible, reliable and valid instruments to measure HRQL in children and adolescents with epilepsy in clinical as well as research settings in Sri Lanka.

Knowledge on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of snakebite envenoming among doctors in snakebite-dense regions in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: Sri Lanka is one of the highest envenoming reporting countries globally with >80 000 snakebites per year. Among other factors, knowledge of snakebite among doctors predominantly determines patient outcomes. METHODS: Using a pretested 72-item self-administered questionnaire, we assessed knowledge on identifying common snake species, signs of envenoming and management of venomous snakebites among 280 doctors working in eight state hospitals in regions where snakebite prevalence is highest in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: Visually, 92.1% correctly identified a cobra and 74.3% identified a Russell's viper, but only 30% could identify a hump-nosed viper (HNV). Syndromic identification of snakes was best for the krait (71.8%) followed by the cobra (59.6%), but poor for the HNV (30%). The median knowledge scores of pictorial and syndromic snake identification, indoor preventive measures and indications of antivenom were <75% of the maximum score. Apart from 62.5% who expected the victim to bring the snake along to the hospital, most doctors selected the correct options of pre-hospital care. The duration of work experience did not influence the competency of syndromic identification. Utilisation of local guidelines was associated with better knowledge in antivenom usage (odds ratio 2.22 [95% confidence interval 1.04 to 5.36]; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Specific deficiencies of core knowledge in snakebite management exist among doctors working in snakebite prevalent regions.

Sri Lanka's early success in the containment of COVID-19 through its rapid response: Clinical & epidemiological evidence from the initial case series.

BACKGROUND: Despite the rising global burden, Sri Lanka reported a relatively low caseload and mortality (13 deaths as of 20 October 2020) for COVID-19. This warrants exploration of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the case series during the initial passive case detection phase in Sri Lanka, in order to understand the success in containment of the disease for more than nine months in the country through its initial early and rapid pandemic response. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using secondary data (hospital records and investigation reports) extracted from all laboratory-confirmed patients admitted to the three main state-sector hospitals in Sri Lanka from 11 March to 7 April 2020. Clinical outcomes were categorized as mild, severe and critical, as per the international classification. Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests compared differences between the variables. RESULTS: The case series comprised 146 live discharges and six deaths. Majority were males (63.2%); mean age of 40.9 (SD = 17.9); and symptomatic (72.4%). Sixty-one (40.1%) had co-morbidities, the commonest being diabetes (20.4%) and hypertension (17.8%). Mild (93.4%), severe (2.6%) and critical (4.0%) disease outcomes were noted. Disease severity was significantly higher with older age (p = 0.037), co-morbidities (p = 0.026); and higher white-cell (p = 0.045) and lymphocyte (p = 0.043) counts; but not with being symptomatic (p = 0.683). The commonest symptoms were fever (62.5%), dry cough (48.0%) and sore throat (26.9%). The median duration (IQR) was 3.0 (1.0-5.0) and 18.0 (15.0-29.5) days, respectively before and during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to high-risk countries, the younger age, milder disease and low mortality observed in local patients during the initial phase of the pandemic, reflect the early success in containment of the pandemic in Sri Lanka. However, once the disease becomes severe, the factors determining disease fatality remain the same as in other countries. This highlights the value of establishing strong public health systems and disease surveillance in a country, which could provide long-term effects on disease control.

Knowledge and attitudes about end-of-life decisions, good death and principles of medical ethics among doctors in tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Competent end-of-life care is an essential component of total health care provision, but evidence suggests that it is often deficient. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes about key end-of-life issues and principles of good death among doctors in clinical settings. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among allopathic medical doctors working in in-ward clinical settings of tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka using a self-administered questionnaire with open- and close-ended questions as well as hypothetical clinical scenarios. Univariate and logistic regression analysis were used to identify the independent factors associated with knowledge and attitudes. RESULTS: Of the responders who had not been a caregiver for a terminally ill relative (n = 390), 57.9% were men with a mean age of 36.5 years (SD = 8.2). Compared to undergraduate (65.6%; n = 256), only 27.4% (n = 107) had received end-of-life care training at postgraduate level. Only 65.9% of doctors favoured disclosing terminal prognosis to patients; 27.7% of doctors were aware of advance directives; 14.6% were aware of the correct time of death when certifying brain death; 70.3% felt more comfortable in withholding than withdrawing life-sustaining treatment; 61.3% were aware of do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions while 26.7% felt reluctant to administer it; 15.1% thought that all life-sustaining therapy should be withdrawn with a DNACPR decision; and only17.9% were able to name the four principles of medical ethics while 57.9% could not name a single. Participants scored a mean of 9.2 (SD = 3.9) of a maximum 14 points when tested on principles of a 'good death'. Doctors who had pursued postgraduate studies were more likely to be aware of breaking bad news (adjusted-Odds-Ratio:1.99; 95%CI = 1.19-3.32), advance directives (adjusted-OR: 4.15; 95%CI = 2.49-6.94), aware of certifying the correct time of death (adjusted-OR:2.37; 95%CI = 1.33-4.2) and less reluctant to make DNACPR decisions (adjusted-OR:1.74; 95%CI = 1.13-2.68). Doctors who had worked in ICU were more comfortable withholding than withdrawing treatment (adjusted-OR:1.99; 95%CI = 1.2-3.31). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge and attitudes about end-of-life care, good death and principles of medical ethics among doctors in Sri Lanka were suboptimal. Structured training of end-of-life care needs to be integrated within curricula and in-service training.

Quality of life at 6 years in children treated for West syndrome with hormonal therapy.

INTRODUCTION: West syndrome is a severe epileptic encephalopathy occurring in infancy. Majority of affected children suffer from poor epilepsy control in later life and are dependent on care-givers for daily living. There is no previous study evaluating the Quality of Life (QOL) in children suffered from WS. METHOD: A prospective cohort study was performed at six years in a group of children with West syndrome, followed up in the Sri Lanka Infantile Spasm Study (SLISS). The quality of life was evaluated using Sri Lankan Health-Related Quality-of-Life Index for school children (SLHRQ-S), an age-specific, primary caregiver proxy-rated, validated questionnaire for Sri Lankan children with epilepsy. Information on epilepsy, medication, and daily activities was obtained from the parents. RESULTS: Fifty parents of initial 97 children treated for WS participated. The majority had no ongoing epilepsy (56%) at time of evaluation. The mean QOL was 67.22 (SD 15.68). Mean QOL scores for individual domains showed that physical domain was the worst affected (58.51 (SD = 22.11)). Psychological and social function domains were 68.73 (SD = 17.74) and 75.2 (SD = 14.87), respectively. Male sex (0.02), using multiple anti-seizure medications (0.00) and lower ILAE epilepsy control scale (0.02) were significantly associated with a poor quality of life. Age at onset, delay in treatment, and early spasm control were among the factors that did not influence quality of life. CONCLUSION: Despite having control of their epilepsy in the majority, these children suffered from poor quality of life. The greater impact on the physical domain possibly is related to the effect of underlying pathologies.

The understanding, acceptability, and relevance of personalised multidimensional physical activity feedback among urban adults: evidence from a qualitative feasibility study in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: Wearable technologies are being used to provide personalised feedback across multiple physical activity dimensions in countries such as the UK, but their feasibility has not been tested in South Asia, where physical inactivity is increasing. This study assessed the understanding, acceptability, and relevance of personalised multidimensional physical activity feedback in urban dwellers in Colombo, Sri Lanka. METHODS: A qualitative feasibility study was conducted among 35 adults to assess a community-based approach to provide multidimensional physical activity feedback. Healthy adults, adults at risk of non-communicable diseases and community-based primary healthcare professionals wore a physical activity monitor for 7 days and were then guided through their personalised multidimensional physical activity feedback. One-to-one interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were generated: understanding of personalised physical activity feedback, perceived novelty of the feedback, motivation, and consideration of the multidimensional nature of physical activity. A majority of participants required guidance initially to understand the feedback, following which most were quickly able to interpret the data shown, and were willing to use the feedback as a basis for identifying goals to improve physical activity. Participants perceived the feedback and its delivery as novel because it provided new knowledge about physical activity guidelines and awareness on their own behaviour through graphics. Comparisons of personal performance against recommended physical activity levels and information on sedentary time were the most commonly motivating aspects of the feedback, prompting talk about behaviour change. All three groups showed poor planning on goal achievement, with some noticeable differences between those with and without health risk of non-communicable diseases. Following the feedback, most participants understood that physical activity is composed of several dimensions, while around half could recognise more suitable options to change behaviour. Of the physical activity dimensions, calorie burn received more attention than others. CONCLUSIONS: Multidimensional physical activity feedback was considered understandable and acceptable and has the potential to support behaviour change among urban Sri Lankans with or without identified health risk. These findings highlight the feasibility of this technology-enabled approach as a personalised intervention to improve knowledge and motivation for physical activity behaviour.

Epilepsy Outcome at Four Years in a Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Oral Prednisolone and Intramuscular ACTH in West Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This article explores the role of initial treatment on control of spasms and other epilepsies at four years in children previously treated for West syndrome. METHODS: The Sri Lanka Infantile Spasm Study is a prospective clinical trial evaluating response to intra-muscular adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) versus oral prednisolone. A previous report documented response through age 12 months. This article provides four-year follow-up data. RESULTS: At age four years, 65 of the original 97 were available for follow-up; another 13 had died, and 19 moved and could not be contacted. Of the 65 children, 37 (57%) continued to have seizures and 28 were seizure free. In the 37 children with ongoing epilepsy, 32.4% continued to have spasms, either alone or in combination with other seizure types. The epilepsy types seen in these children were focal epilepsy (59.4%), mixed focal and generalized epilepsy (24%), generalized epilepsy only (10.8%), and uncertain (5%). The majority of those still having epilepsy (66.7%) were controlled on medication. There was no significant difference in the rate of epilepsy or spasms or their control by medication between those treated with ACTH or oral prednisolone. Spasm control at day 14 did not influence the four-year spasm or epilepsy outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of children diagnosed with West syndrome continued to have seizures at age four years, although most were controlled on antiseizure medication. The long-term risk of developing epilepsy or its control was the same, regardless of whether ACTH or prednisolone was initially used as treatment.

Effect of intramuscular ACTH versus oral prednisolone on the developmental trajectories of children with West syndrome over 24 months: A randomised control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the developmental progression and compare the developmental attainments of children treated with two hormonal therapies for infantile spasms (IS) over two years (seizure and EEG outcomes of this RCT published previously). METHODS: Newly diagnosed infants with IS were randomised to receive adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) or prednisolone for 14 days. All underwent Bayley III Infant and Toddler Assessments in cognitive (Cog), receptive (RC) and expressive (EC) communication, fine (FM) and gross (GM) motor developmental subsets at baseline (T0), one-year (T1) and two-years (T2). RESULTS: 95 infants randomised to prednisolone (n = 48) and ACTH (n = 47) groups were eligible for developmental assessments. Mean age at initial assessment was 8.75 months (SD = 6.37, range 1.46-34.4 months). 48 children presented for all three assessments. Mean composite scores of each developmental domain improved across the three time points; but the progression was significant only in relation to motor development (p = 0.04). When comparing the treatment outcomes at 2-years, mean composite scores of children treated with ACTH were significantly lower in motor domain (p = 0.023). As for developmental delay, the ACTH group (n = 32) showed significant delay in expressive communication (adjusted OR 5.46, 95% CI: 1.1, 28.57; p = 0.04) and fine motor (adjusted OR 9.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 83.3; p = 0.04) at T2 compared to the prednisolone (n = 30) in a regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The number of children with delay at the 2 year follow up were significantly higher in two domains in the ACTH group compared to the prednisolone group. Overall results do not show a significant advantage of ACTH over prednisolone for developmental outcomes at two years, but further comparative studies over longer periods are required for more definitive conclusions.

Baseline iron and low-grade inflammation modulate the effectiveness of iron supplementation: evidence from follow-up of pregnant Sri Lankan women.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effectiveness of iron supplementation in relation to baseline iron and inflammatory status of pregnant women and their offspring in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Apparently healthy women aged 18-36 years at < 12 weeks of gestation prior to receiving any supplementation were randomly recruited at the antenatal clinics. They received 60 mg of elemental iron in combined iron-folic acid pills from 12 weeks of gestation until delivery via the National Maternal Supplementation Programme. Serum ferritins (SF), hemoglobin and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed. The women were grouped as iron sufficient-inflammation (+), iron sufficient-inflammation (-), iron deficient-inflammation (+) and iron deficient-inflammation (-) based on their baseline iron stores and low-grade inflammation (hs-CRP > 5 < 10 mg/L) at baseline and late pregnancy. RESULTS: Despite supplementation, SF in the iron sufficient-inflammation (+) women reduced significantly (p = 0.037) to deficiency state (SF < 30 µg/L) at mid-pregnancy. Whereas no significant changes were noted in the SF in iron sufficient-inflammation (-) women (p > 0.05). They maintained their stores at sufficient state until delivery. The cord SF was higher (p < 0.001) in iron sufficient-inflammation (-) than the inflammation (+) women. 96.4% of the iron deficient women remained deficient until delivery regardless of their inflammatory state. Low-grade inflammation was higher (p < 0.001) in women with baseline BMI > 25 kg/m2. Whereas inflammation at late pregnancy was higher (p < 0.001) in women who gained weight in excess of the recommended, regardless of their baseline BMI. CONCLUSION: Iron status prior to supplementation and low-grade inflammation associated with BMI > 25 kg/m2 and excess weight gain during pregnancy appear to modulate the effectiveness of iron supplementation.

Prevalence, vulnerability and epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in agricultural settings in rural Sri Lanka: A population-based study from South Asia.

BACKGROUND: The burden of snakebite remains poorly characterised because of the paucity of population-based data. Further, factors determining the vulnerability of individuals within rural communities to snakebite have been rarely investigated. We undertook a population-based study to determine the prevalence, vulnerability and epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in rural Sri Lanka. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 8707 current residents in the district of Ampara, representing typical rural Sri Lanka. The sample was recruited using multi-stage cluster sampling with probability proportionate-to-size. Snakebite victims were identified using the WHO criteria. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Each household had on average 3.8 persons; mean age 28.3 years (SD = 18.2); 51.3% males. The one-year point prevalence of snakebites was 17.6 per 1000 residents (95% CI: 15-20.6) and 6.12 per 100 households (95% CI: 5.25-7.13), while the lifetime prevalence was 9.4 per 100 residents (95% CI: 8.8-10.0) and 30.5 per 100 households (95% CI: 28.6-32.2) with a case fatality ratio of 0.033. Venomous snakebites accounted for 28.1%; snakes were unidentified among 30.1%. Compared to the non-snakebite victims, being single, males, of Sinhala ethnicity, aged >19 years, low education and socioeconomic status, engaging in farming or unskilled outdoor occupations denoted vulnerability to snakebites. Outdoor bites (77.8%) were more common among males; during daytime; mostly while walking; within the rural terrains and home gardens; on lower limbs; mostly by hump-nosed and Russell viper. Indoor bites were more common among females; during night-time; while sleeping and barefooted; on lower limbs; mostly by hump-nosed vipers, kraits and non-venomous snakes. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of snakebite is considerably high among rural populations. The concept of vulnerability can be useful in healthcare decision-making and resource allocation.

Anemia as a Predictor of Functional Disability in the Early Stage of Ischemic Stroke in a South Asian Population.

BACKGROUND: Reduced hemoglobin concentration has an adverse impact on the ischemic penumbra in patients with ischemic stroke as it causes reduced oxygen delivery to neuronal tissue and predisposes to infarct expansion. There is a paucity of data on the impact of anemia on early functional outcomes. AIMS: To determine the association of anemia on early functional outcomes in a cohort of patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted among 190 participants with acute ischemic stroke presenting to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Data were collected on socio-demographic determinants, clinical presentation, co-morbidities, subtype of stroke, and stroke severity (NIHSS score). Early functional outcomes were assessed by the Modified-Rankin-Score (mRS) and Barthel index (BI) within 48 h of the onset. Anemia was defined as Hb <13 g/dl in males and <12 g/dl in females. RESULTS: The mean age of the population was 62.4 years (SD = 11.8). Most participants (75.8%) were males. Anemia was noted in 56.4% of the total study population (59.0% males; 56.5% females) with a mean Hb of 11.7 g/dl. A total of 20% of patients had moderate to severe stroke severity as defined by an NIHSS of ≥16. Functional status assessment revealed that 67.9% had mRS <3 and 85.8% had BI <75. Furthermore, 85.8% had a composite MRS <3 and/or BI 75. Univariate analysis revealed that anemia was significantly associated with "moderate-severe" functional disability. On logistic regression analyses, this retained significance when the functional disability was assessed by mRS >3 (adjusted OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.1-5.1). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves indicated a Hb% of 10.65 g/dl as the cut-off that would predict stroke-related disability assessed by mRS >3 [sensitivity = 86.7%; specificity = 34.2%; and AUC = 0.659 (P < 0.0001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia is an independent determinant of poor functional disability in early acute ischemic stroke.

Correlation between immunity from BCG and the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between parameters indicating immunity from BCG at country level (presence of BCG vaccination policy, BCG coverage, age-specific incidence of tuberculosis (TB)) and the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. METHODS: Country-specific data for COVID-19 cases and deaths, demographic details, BCG coverage and policy, age-specific TB incidence and income level were obtained. The crude COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 population were calculated and assessed against the parameters indicating immunity from BCG using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis identified higher income level of a country to be significantly associated with COVID-19 cases (p < 0.0001) and deaths (p < 0.0001) but not with its case fatality rate. The association between COVID-19 and TB was strongest for TB incidence in patients > 65-years (Cases (rs = - 0.785,p = 0.0001)) and deaths (rs = - 0.647,p = 0.0001).Multivariate analysis identified the higher income level of a country and not having a universal BCG vaccination policy to affect the COVID-19 cases. The deaths were inversely affected by the presence of BCG vaccination policy and coverage; and positively by the TB incidence in patients > 65-years. CONCLUSION: Significant inverse correlations observed between cases and deaths of COVID-19 and BCG related parameters highlights immunity from BCG as a likely explanation for the variation in COVID-19 across countries.

Quality of life and its determinants among community re-integrated soldiers with permanent disabilities following traumatic limb injuries.

PURPOSE: To assess health-related-quality of life (HRQOL) after the end of war and its associated factors among soldiers with permanent limb disabilities in Sri Lanka METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 rehabilitated and socially re-integrated Army soldiers having permanent disability following traumatic limb injuries during the last year of ethnic conflict of Sri Lanka. Females, soldiers with no updated data, and soldiers having permanent deafness/total blindness/total brain or spinal cord injury were excluded. The sample was randomly selected from updated 'Disabled Category Registries'. Personal and injury data were collected through postal questionnaire. HRQOL was assessed using SF-36 tool validated for Sri Lankan soldiers. RESULTS: SF-36 scores obtained on HRQOL related to overall physical health (mean = 57.1; SD = 19) and mental health (mean = 58.8; SD = 17.2) were comparable. HRQOL was best in social functioning (mean = 73.4; SD = 24) and worst in vitality (mean = 48.4; SD = 15.5). Factors significantly associated with better HRQOL related to the overall physical and mental health were aged over 35 years, being married, being assigned duties, having only upper/lower limbs affected and absence of co-disability. Having duties assigned demonstrated better QOL in almost all domains. None were associated with income or education. CONCLUSIONS: Physical and mental health components contribute equally to the HRQOL of rehabilitated soldiers with permanent limb disabilty. Their poorer HRQOL was determined by certain person- and injury-related factors. These need to be addressed during re-integration and post-rehabilitation services.

Knowledge of Stroke, Its Warning Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment among the General Public and General Practitioners in a South Asian Population.

BACKGROUND: An adequate stroke literacy among the general public and first-contact physicians is an essential prerequisite to ensure timely treatment and prevention of stroke. Knowledge on stroke pathophysiology, warning symptoms, risk factors and treatment, and its determinants was assessed among general public and general practitioners (GPs) in a South Asian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among relatives of nonstroke patients admitted to the apex tertiary-care hospital in Sri Lanka. Trained doctors administered pretested, structured, open- and close-ended questionnaires. A postal survey using self-administered questionnaires was conducted among all registered GPs in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: The sample of general public (51.7% males; mean age = 40.7 years) from 21 of 25 districts of Sri Lanka was 840 (response-rate = 97.4%) while the sample of GPs (77.6% males; mean age = 59.63 years) was 98 (response-rate = 30%). Of the general public, 83.2% were aware of a vascular aetiology of stroke, but only 46.8% were aware that the affected organ was the brain while 67.5% believed that either the heart or limb muscles die as sequalae of stroke. Over 50% correctly identified stroke warning symptoms while 84.7% would seek immediate Western medical treatment. Approximately, 32%-46% were not aware of the major stroke risk factors. Lower education (adj. OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3-2.3), absence of stroke risk factors (2.6; 1.9-3.7) and nonutility of information sources (1.5; 1.0-2.0) determined poor knowledge on risk factors. Only about 1 in 8 GPs accurately defined stroke and TIA while only 43.9% correctly classified stroke subtypes. Only 1 in 10 GPs were aware of the recommended therapeutic window for thrombolysis. Older age (P = 0.01) and longer service (P = 0.04) of GPs were associated with not requesting brain imaging in stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to educate both the public and first-contact physicians to improve stroke literacy need to be an integral part of programmes that aim to reduce the burden of stroke in any population.