Volume 01 - Issue I - 2025

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Disability among Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study

2025-11-11T05:29:06Z

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Disability among Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study Viranga, J.K.; Erandi, S.M.I.; Silva, K.H.S.D.; Preethimali, W.M.A.; Samarakoon, H.M.K.S.; Rathnakumari, K.N.; Sandakumari, H.S. Older adults with chronic illnesses are at high risk of developing depression, cognitive impairment, and disability. However, limited research has examined the interrelationships between these conditions in post-conflict regions such as Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. This study aimed to assess prevalence and associated factors of depression, cognitive impairment, and disability among older adults with chronic illnesses in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 older adults (≥60 years) with chronic illnesses attending follow-up clinics at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. Validated assessment tools were used, including the Geriatric Depression Scale, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Pearson’s correlation was applied to assess the associations between depression, cognitive impairment, and disability. Depression was prevalent in 69% of participants, with 22% experiencing severe symptoms. Cognitive impairment and disability were observed in 68% and 86% of participants, respectively. Depression was significantly correlated with disability (r=0.418, p<0.001), while cognitive impairment was negatively correlated with both depression (r=-0.216, p<0.001) and disability (r=-0.305, p<0.001). This study found that depression, cognitive impairment, and disability are highly prevalent among older adults with chronic illnesses in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Depression was closely linked to higher levels of disability, while cognitive impairment showed weaker associations with both conditions. The findings point to an urgent need for comprehensive geriatric assessments, community-based rehabilitation programs, and caregiver support mechanisms in Sri Lanka and similar settings.

Harm Reduction in Controlling the Burden of Alcohol Use in Sri Lanka: Implications and Future Prospects

2025-11-11T05:23:01Z

Harm Reduction in Controlling the Burden of Alcohol Use in Sri Lanka: Implications and Future Prospects Perera, B.

Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Health Literacy and Emerging Diagnostic Approaches of Breast Cancer in Sri Lanka: A Systematic Review

2025-11-11T05:46:52Z

Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Health Literacy and Emerging Diagnostic Approaches of Breast Cancer in Sri Lanka: A Systematic Review Wanasinghe, M.H.B.S.M.; Wijesuriya, P.A.S.L.; Jayewardene, K.L.T.D. A thorough grasp of epidemiology and screening techniques is required due to the increasing incidence of breast cancer in Sri Lanka. This review aims to study breast cancer epidemiology, health literacy and screening methods in Sri Lanka. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, PUBMED, and AMED databases with studies conducted in Sri Lanka up to 2024. Two independent researchers identified 149 studies, from which data were extracted from 27 eligible studies by the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the quality assessment tools in the National Institute of Health. The available epidemiological data on breast cancer in Sri Lanka are limited. Contributing factors to the high mortality rate include low health literacy, barriers to care, and delays in diagnosis and treatment. The awareness about breast cancer is low, especially regarding diagnosis and breast self-examination (BSE). The practice of BSE is rare. Health education appears to improve health literacy. Notable breast cancer risk factors are menopause, abortions, passive smoking, age (>45), early menarche (<12 years), late menopause (>55 years), no children, oral contraceptives, alcohol and tobacco use, diabetes, family history, radiation, obesity, and prolonged breastfeeding. The screening and diagnosis tests are mammography, breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, molecular detection, and histology. The limited resources allocated for screening and diagnostic services in Sri Lanka present a significant challenge for early detection and management of diseases. The future paths for the diagnosis are considering genetic variations with advanced molecular methods. Considering the high incidence and limited awareness, the adoption of highly accurate screening and diagnosis techniques, with nationally accessible educational programs about breast cancer awareness is necessary.

Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life among Family Caregivers of the Elderly in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study

2025-11-11T05:46:24Z

Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life among Family Caregivers of the Elderly in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study Galisapitiya, I.S.K.; Wijekoon, W.M.I.T.; Sirisena, M.S.R.; Herath, W.G.H.M.C.D.; Jayawardana, C.B.M.K.K.K.; Rathnakumari, K.N.; Sandakumari, H.S. Family caregivers, often lacking financial, social, and psychological support, bear the primary responsibility for elderly care. Rapidly aging population of Sri Lanka has intensified the demand for family caregivers in eldercare, particularly in rural areas where institutional support is limited. This study aimed to assess the caregiver burden and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers in the Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in two selected Medical Officer of Health areas in Nuwara Eliya. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. The sample included 166 caregivers selected via convenient sampling. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic characteristics, caregiver burden assessed using the Sinhala translated Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and QoL measured with the Sinhala-translated Adult Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0, applying descriptive and inferential statistics to identify associations between caregiver burden and sociodemographic factors. The mean (±SD) age of caregivers was 51±11 years, with 69% being female. The caregiver burden was negatively correlated with QoL (p<0.01). Moderate to severe caregiver burden was reported by 58%, while 68% reported a mid-level QoL. Higher QoL was linked to Sense of Value (41%) and Support for Caring (35%), whereas financial strain and caregiving stress were major concerns. The caregiver burden was significantly associated with caring choice (p<0.01), caring stress (p<0.01), money matters (p<0.05) and sense of value (p<0.05). Quality of life was significantly associated with support for caring (p<0.01), caring choice (p<0.01), caring stress (p<0.01), financial matters (p<0.01), sense of value (p<0.01). Caregivers in rural Sri Lanka experienced moderate to severe burden, with most reporting a mid-level quality of life. The caregiver burden was negatively associated with QoL. Higher QoL was associated with social support and a sense of value, while financial strain and caregiving stress were major concerns. These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally appropriate interventions that offer emotional, financial, and practical support to caregivers. Original Research