Poster Presentations

Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Nurses in the Time of COVID-19

2024-04-03T06:26:38Z

Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Nurses in the Time of COVID-19 Manel, D.W.; Amarasekara, T.D. Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare system was overwhelmed leading to a great psychological pressure on nurses in the care of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Therefore, psychological well-being of nurses who provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic becomes an important issue that needs to be addressed. Objectives: To evaluate the level of stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses working at Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) during the COVID-19 pandemic Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected from the entire population as a sample (n=133) and excluded nurses who were pregnant and on leave (due to illness, maternity leave, quarantine, or lockdown) during that period. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of six sections was used to collect data on socio-demographic factors, anxiety and depression levels, work environment, interpersonal relations, and feelings related to COVID-19. Descriptive and inferential statistics, Chi-squared tests and Pearson correlation tests were used. Results: Participants age ranged from 21 and 30 years and over half of the participants were female. Among the participants, 41.8% were undergraduates, and 59.7% held the position of Grade III nurse. Additionally, 50.7% of the participants had one to five years of working experience. Nearly half ofthe participants (48.9%) experienced mild anxiety, and the majority (67.7%) reported minimal or no depressive symptoms. Those who were younger and had poor knowledge on COVID-19 disease, increase the workload and fewer years of experience of nursing affected higher level of stress, anxiety or depression. Conclusions: Providing psychological first-aid, and preventive and primitive interventions in mental well-being for nurses is important. Findings revealed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the participants. It reveals the presence of stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses during the pandemic and identifies age and average income as factors associated with these mental health issues.

Impact of an Educational Video on Knowledge and Attitudes on Snakebite among Community in the Viharagama Grama Niladhari Division, Kandy, Sri Lanka

2024-04-03T06:17:38Z

Impact of an Educational Video on Knowledge and Attitudes on Snakebite among Community in the Viharagama Grama Niladhari Division, Kandy, Sri Lanka Karunathilaka, K.G.M.S.; Dhanarisi, H.K.J.; Pathiraja, V.M. Background: Snakebite is a neglected tropical illness that primarily affects the rural areas of tropical countries followed by thousands of deaths and associated costs. Objective: To assess the impact of an educational video on knowledge and attitudes about snakebite among the community in Viharagama Grama Niladhari division, Kandy district in Sri Lanka Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 134 households (HHs) in Viharagama Grama Niladhari division in Sri Lanka using systematic random sampling method. A content and face validated, pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A voice doubed video on first aid treatment, antivenom therapy for snakebites, and snake identification was used as an educational intervention. In the first part of the questionnaire, a correct answer was given with one score and an incorrect answer was given with a zero score. For the 24 questions; we considered respondents as “good” if they scored >18, “fair” if they scored 13-18, and “poor” if they scored <12. In the second part, one score was given for each reported positive attitude in the 10 questions. Pre intervention and post intervention data on knowledge and attitudes were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 369 participants from 134 HHs were included in the study. The majority of participants were females (59.1%, n=218) and age ranged from 18-30 years (43.4%, n=160). The study sample showed a statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) in the knowledge at the post intervention (98.9%) compared to the pre-intervention (28.2 %). Participants in the study showed a statistically significant improvement in their attitudes (p<0.001), with a mean score of 7.7 at pre-intervention and a mean score of 9.4 at post-intervention. Conclusions: An educational video can be used to improve knowledge and attitude on first aid treatment, antivenom therapy for snakebites, and snake identification among the community.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Self-medication with Over-the-counter Medicines among Pregnant Women in Colombo, Sri Lanka

2024-04-03T06:12:18Z

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Self-medication with Over-the-counter Medicines among Pregnant Women in Colombo, Sri Lanka Nisansala, P.M.T.; Nirmani, P.K.K.; Danthanarayana, C.; Michael, J.; Shyamali, W.M.J.A.; Dunukara, J.; Goni, M.D.; Nisansala, G.G.T. Background: Self-medication during pregnancy is a crucial topic to discuss due to its effects on both the mother and the fetus. Most of the pregnant women rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for self-medication regarding pregnancy-related conditions. However, published data on self-medication among pregnant women in Sri Lanka is scarce. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication with OTC medicines Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending maternity clinics in six Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 399 participants (selected through a simple random sampling method), using a self administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: Among respondents, 63.4% were in the age group of 20-30 years, and 38.3% were Tamil. Moreover, 6.8% used self-medication and iron supplements were the most self-medicated (74.4%) by the participants. The mean(±SD) score for knowledge was 4.38(±0.873), and for attitude and practice, those were 27.56(±3.752) and 20.35(±4.325), respectively. Participants’ practices were significantly associated with ethnicity, educational level, and gestational stage (p=0.036, p≤0.001, p≤0.001), respectively. Significant and positive linear correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (r=0.375, p<0.001), attitude and practice (r=0.518, p<0.001), and knowledge and practice (r=0.224, p<0.001). However, the majority of the participants 87% had misconceptions that antibiotics can be used at any stage of pregnancy, and 93% believed that they can use any medicine at any stage of pregnancy. Additionally, most participants (96%) believed they can use old prescriptions to purchase medicines during pregnancy. Conclusions: The study elucidates a higher level of knowledge among participants regarding self medication during pregnancy. However, there is a need for improvements in attitudes and practices on the same aspect. Targeted awareness campaigns should focus on ensuring safer self medication practices

In-vitro α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. Extracts

2024-04-03T06:00:29Z

In-vitro α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. Extracts Ruberu, T.I.S.; Jayasuriya, W.J.A.B.N.; Arawwawala, L.D.A.M.; Liyanaarachchi, G.D.; Suresh, T.S.; Palliyagur, L.; Jayaweera, P.M. Background: Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. commonly known as ‘Nil Vishnukranthi’ is known for its dietary enzyme inhibitory activity. It is a widely used medicinal herb in ayurvedic preparations, and reported to be effective against neurodegeneration, gastroprotection and diabetes. The quantitative analysis of the plant phytoconstituents has reported the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins, tannins and flavonoids and aqueous extract possessed significant antacid potential. Objectives: To evaluate α-amylase enzyme inhibition of aqueous (AqE), ethanolic (EE) and hexane (HE) extracts of E. alsinoides Methods: AqE, EE and HE were obtained by reflux method using dried whole plant powder. Solutions of 100 mg/mL preliminary screening concentrations were prepared by dissolving concentrated E. alsinoides extracts in sodium acetate buffer separately. In a microplate, samples with 40μL of the 0.1% starch solution and 120μL of E. alsinoides extract (n=3) were pre incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes. To each well, 40μL of 500µg/mL α-amylase enzyme (from bacterial source) was added and incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes. A volume of 100μL di nitrosalysilic acid (DNS) reagent was added to the reaction mixture and heated in a water bath at 90°C. The absorbance was measured at 540nm. A blank with starch replaced by buffer and a control with plant extract replaced by buffer were carried out. Acarbose was used as the standard. Statistical analysis was carried out with one-way ANOVA using SPSS. Results: AqE, EE and HE extracts of E. alsinoides exhibited percentage inhibitions of 62.35(±6.1)%, 17.66(±8.7)%, 76.71(±1.8)%, respectively. The standard (Acarbose) exhibited 50% inhibition at 140.62(±2.4)µg/mL concentration. Conclusions: Aqueous and hexane extracts of E. alsinoides possessed significant (p<0.001) amylase enzyme inhibitory activity compared to deionized water. However, ethanolic extract did not exhibit significant activity (p<0.05).