http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/17461 2026-04-27T07:05:33Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/18346 Prevalence of Obesity and Its Relationship with Lifestyle Patterns among Community Dwellers in North Mudukatuwa Grama Niladari Division of Puttalam District in Sri Lanka. Perera, D.; Ariyarathna, P.; Bandara, C.; Perera, T.; Dilangi, S.; Jayalath, D. Background: Non-communicable diseases pose a significant health challenge globally, often stemming from unhealthy lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions, notably leading to overweight and obesity. This aspect is not adequately studied in rural settings in Sri Lanka. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of obesity and its relationship with lifestyle patterns especially physical activity (PA) and dietary intake among community-dwellers of the North Mudukatuwa Grama Niladhari division in Puttalam district Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 290 (calculated considering previously identified prevalence of obesity in a Sri Lankan cohort) randomly selected community-dwellers aged 18-65 years excluding the mentally incapacitated, seriously ill, pregnant, and lactating. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was measured. Overweight (23-24.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥25 kg/m2) were identified using accepted BMI cut-offs for Asians. Locally validated brief dietary survey and International PA Questionnaire short version (IPAQ-SF) were administered. Levels of PA identified were as minimally active; <600MET/week, moderately active; 600MET-3000MET/week and Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA active); >3000MET/week). Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) was used as the cut-off for dietary intake. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The majority was female (68.6%) and aged between 40-60 years (45.9%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 58.3% and 16.6%, respectively. Most of them, consumed carbohydrates (93.8%) and fats (98.6%) more than the RDA and majority (86.9%) consumed fruits and vegetables less than RDA. The majority consume an adequate amount of protein. There was no association between BMI and intake of various food groups (p>0.05). Those who eat more carbohydrates and fats belong to overweight and obese groups. Of the sample, 48.3% were minimally active, 39% were moderately active, and 12.8% were HEPA active. A weak correlation was observed only between BMI and walking pattern (r=-0.14, p=0.01). Those who were minimally active were mostly seen in the category of overweight and obese. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the studied sample was either overweight or obese. Physical activity patterns and dietary intake among the study group were beyond the acceptable cutoffs. The BMI was weakly correlated with walking pattern. 2024-07-05T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/18345 Exploring the Impact of Inflation on Psychosocial Well-being among Low Income Families in the Context of Sri Lanka: Narrative Review. Charuni, T.M.J.; Sadunil, K.M.S.; Dhanawansha, P.C.K.U.; Kaluarachchi, A.D.; Jesudasan, A. Background: Inflation, as a pervasive economic phenomenon, poses significant challenges for low-income families, particularly in developing countries like Sri Lanka. This study aims to elucidate the multifaceted impact of inflation on the psychosocial well-being of low-income households in Sri Lanka, focusing on consumer behavior, education, poverty, and overall well being. Objectives: To determine the impact of inflation on psychosocial well-being among low income families in the context of Sri Lanka Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, encompassing more than 25 scholarly articles, government reports, and empirical studies examining the nexus between inflation and psychosocial well-being among low-income families in Sri Lanka. Key databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ERIC were utilized to identify relevant publications. Results: Results revealed that inflationary pressures significantly impact the psychosocial well being of low-income families in Sri Lanka. Consumer behavior has been influenced by rising prices, leading to adjustments in spending patterns and heightened financial stress. Inflationary pressures also affect the affordability and accessibility of education, contributing to barriers in educational attainment among economically disadvantaged populations. Furthermore, inflation caused to exacerbate poverty levels, marginalizing vulnerable communities and increasing feelings of financial insecurity. As per the psychological consequences, inflation has been affected to increase stress, anxiety, and overall diminished well-being among low-income households. Conclusion: Inflation has directly affected individuals’ psychosocial well-being in many ways. Hence, by recognizing the complex interplay between inflation and psychosocial well-being, policymakers and stakeholders should work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all Sri Lankans. 2024-07-05T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/18344 Neurobiological Aspect of Cognitive Impairment in Substance Addiction Charuni, T.M.J. Background: Despite its negative consequences, substance addiction is a persistent, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behaviour. Substance use and addiction have been rapidly increasing public health problems all over the world. According to empirical evidence, substances directly affect individuals' memory, attention, decision-making, and executive functions, impacting various regions of the brain. Neural circuitry and neurotransmitter changes associated with substance addiction are leading causes of cognitive impairment. Objective: To reveal the specific neural mechanisms associated with cognitive deficits in the human brain Methods: Scientific evidence was gathered by referring to more than 20 articles that are included in Google Scholar, PubMed, and ELSEVIER databases. This study was mainly conducted by referring to scientific articles that have been published within 10 years. Results: Results revealed that the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens internalize the reward stimuli regulating the dopaminergic system that can be induced by psychoactive substances. Then, long-term substance use associated with serotonergic and GABA activity leads to changes in the executive functions in the prefrontal cortex and the inhibitory control. Conclusion: Considering the empirical evidence, prolonged usage of substances is capable of deteriorating individuals’ cognitive functions drastically. Hence, a multidisciplinary approach including neurology, genetics, public health, and psychology is a crucial requirement to manage these substance-related cognitive impairments. Early identification can be used to mitigate the severity of the impairments. 2024-07-05T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/18343 The Assessment of Aggressiveness among Emerging Adults in Colombo District: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. Barnasooriya, H.K.; Charuni, T.M.J.; Jayamaha, A.R. Background: The American Psychological Association defines aggression as a behavior aimed at harming others physically or psychologically. Emerging adults known as individuals aged 18 to 29 are in a stage of life that involves many life transitions and usually, they struggle with numerous physical, emotional, and social stressors that can lead to aggression. Objective: To assess the aggressiveness among emerging adults in Colombo district Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently enrolled 353 emerging adults in Colombo district. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire after doing face validity and pre-test to validate the questionnaire. Apart from the demographic factors, aggressiveness (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility) was measured using a self-administered Buss and Perry aggression questionnaire (PBAQ). The level of aggression was classed as severe (≥95), moderate (65-95), and low (≤65) based on the PBAQ score (ranged 29-45). Due to the descriptive nature of the data, descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: Most of the participants were (60%, n=215) female with the mean±SD age of 21±3 years. The mean PBAQ score (SD) was 107.44±27.52 and 67% (n=238) reported severe aggression, 21% moderate, and 12% low level of aggression. The mean±SD scores for anger, physical aggression, verbal aggression, and hostility subdomains were 25.85±6.64, 25.85±6.64, 19.1±5.6 and 30.81±8, respectively. Of the participants, 62% (n=219) exhibited anger, 61% (n=216) physical aggression, 59% (n=211) verbal aggression, and 62% (n=220) hostility. Conclusion: The majority of emerging adults exhibited severe aggression. Since continuous aggressive behaviours are directly affecting deteriorating individuals' physical and mental health evidence-based strategies to manage aggression are instrumental in supporting the well being of emerging adults. 2024-07-05T00:00:00Z