iRuFARS-2023

Health Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Health Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study Kumuduni, R.A.D.; Sanjeewani, P.G.N.; Kanthi, H.B.G.T.; Ranawaka, K.H.; Yapa, H.E. Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy affecting 13.9% of women in Sri Lanka. Owing to potential risks to mother, fetus and child’s development, GDM may detrimentally impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of pregnant women. Objective: To examine HRQoL and associated factors among pregnant women with GDM attending to antenatal clinics in District General Hospital, Matara Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the District General Hospital, Matara with conveniently recruited 230 pregnant women with GDM from August – October 2023. Participants completed validated European Quality of Life Five Dimension Three Level (EQ5D3L) instrument along with socio-demographic questionnaire. HRQoL was ascertained using the EQ5D3L index score, range between one (perfect health) and -0.73 with a negative score indicating worse health than death. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions analysis. Results: More than half of participants were between 18-29 years (n=130, 56.5%) and were living in urban areas (n=141, 61.3%). Nearly, half of participants had monthly income between 50,000 100,000 LKR (n=113, 49.1%) while 10.5% (n=24) had <20,000 LKR. Majority of participants were in the third trimester of the pregnancy (n=138, 60%). Of those having comorbidities (n=88, 38.3%), most had pregnancy induced hypertension (n=32, 36.4%). The mean EQ5D3L index score was 0.47±0.38 (range: -0.72 to 1) indicating lower HRQoL. Most of the participants experienced problems with mobility (n=123, 53.5%), undertaking self-care (n=127, 55.2%), and performing usual activities (n=140, 60.9%). Over 64% and 81% of participants experienced moderate level of discomfort and anxiety, respectively. Living in rural areas (B=-0.118, p=0.031), low socio-economic status (<20,000 LKR; B=-0.284, p=0.003) and pregnancy induced hypertension were significantly and negatively associated with HRQoL (B=-0.468, p=0.008). Conclusions: Pregnant women with GDM experience lower HRQoL. Early assessment of HRQoL and identification of multiple associated factors will assist nurses to proactively design interventions targeted at improving HRQoL of pregnant women. Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus, Health related quality of life 70

Prevalence of Urine Incontinence and Its’ Impact on the Quality of Life of Older Adults in Galle

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence of Urine Incontinence and Its’ Impact on the Quality of Life of Older Adults in Galle Kumari, M.D.H.S.; Perera, B. Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant physical health issue among older adults. This condition adversely affects the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of UI and its’ impact to the quality of life of older adults (aged 60+ years) in Galle district Methods: Using a self-administered questionnaire, an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 older adults (male=49, female=161) selected with stratified random sampling from Bope–Poddala Divisional Secretary Area of Galle, Sri Lanka. Validated Sinhala versions of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire) were used to identify UI and the QoL of older adults respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Independent t-test was used to identify association between UI and QoL. Results: The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 68.31(±6.28) years and the age range was 60 to 86 years. The overall prevalence of UI was 7.1%. At least one lower urinary tract symptom was found in 28.6% (n=210) of older adults. There was no difference of UI between males and females (p>0.05). Slightly higher mean values of physical health (62.91 vs. 57.2), psychological health (67.83 vs. 62.73), social relationships (71.58 vs. 63.73) and environmental health (66.64 vs. 64.67) dimensions of the QoL were observed among those with no UI compared to those with UI (p>0.05). Conclusions: A considerable number of older adults were suffering from UI, but it has no significant effect on their QoL. However, nurses and other public health care professionals should educate older adults about this health condition and how to control it. Keywords: Lower Urinary Tract Symptom, Older Adults, Prevalence, Quality of Life, Urine incontinence 69

Prevalence of Post-stroke Depression and Associated Factors in Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals in Sri Lanka

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence of Post-stroke Depression and Associated Factors in Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals in Sri Lanka Madumali, R.H.H.D.; Kariyawasam, P.N. Background: The prevalence of stroke and stroke-related disabilities are increasing in low and middle-income countries. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the common consequences of stroke that is associated with poor quality of life. Objective: To determine the prevalence of PSD and associated factors among the post-stroke patients attending to neurology clinics of selected tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 322 patients with stroke attending neurology clinics at three tertiary care centers in Colombo and Galle districts in Sri Lanka (National Hospital Sri Lanka, Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Colombo South Teaching Hospital). Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. The validated Sinhala version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen depression among patients. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess the associated factors of PSD. Chi-squared test, one way ANOVA and t-test were used to analyse the data. Results: The mean age(±SD) of the participants was 60.8(±11.9) years. Among study participants, 59.6% (n=192) were males and only 40.4% (n=130) were females. The majority (84.5%) of the participants had ischemic strokes (n=272). Nealy one-third of them (69.6%) had hypertension. The prevalence of moderate depression was 37.3% (n=120). Of all, 25.5% (n=82) had moderately severe depression and 8.7% (n=28) had severe depression. Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, level of education, income, clinical characteristics such as type of stroke, level of cognition, hemiplegia, and having concurrent non-communicable diseases were significantly associated with PSD (p<0.05). Conclusions: Nearly half of the patients with stroke had severe PSD. Identified modifiable factors including the hemiplegia and level of cognition should be further evaluated and treated by healthcare providers to improve the quality of life of patients. Keywords: Associated factors, Post-stroke depression, Prevalence 68

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomforts among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Tissamaharama MOH Area

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomforts among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Tissamaharama MOH Area Abewardhana, M.S.; Kariywasam, P.N. Background: Pregnancy is a special condition that can cause numerous physiological changes in a woman’s body. Hormonal and anatomical changes during pregnancy create various musculoskeletal discomforts. These discomforts can be varied across the trimesters and limit the activities of daily living. Objective: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Tissamaharama MOH area Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 293 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Tissamaharama MOH area. Pregnant women with major musculoskeletal problems before pregnancy, who have diagnosed with high-risk problems and psychiatric illnesses were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Chi-square test, independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used to analyse the data. Results: The mean(±SD) age of the pregnant women was 28.37(±5.1) years. The majority (95%) were Sinhalese and only 6.80% were employed. There were 54 (19.30%), 117 (41.80%) and 109 (38.90%) pregnant women in their first, second and third trimester, respectively. In the first trimester, the most experienced musculoskeletal discomforts were lower back pain (44.44%), feet pain (25.92%) and pelvic girdle pain (22.22%). In the second trimester, the most reported discomfort was lower back pain (64.10%) followed by leg cramps (41.81%) and feet pain (34.01%). In the third trimester, lower back pain (73.39%), leg cramps (56.88%), pelvic girdle pain (44.03%) and feet pain (44.03%) were commonly reported with higher prevalence compared to first and second trimesters. There was a significant association between the level of education, body weight, trimester and the musculoskeletal discomforts (p<0.05). Conclusions: The most prevalent musculoskeletal discomfort throughout the pregnancy was lower back pain and the most discomforts were reported in the third trimester.