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Promoting Millet Consumption Through Community-Based Awareness in Northern Sri Lanka: A Case Study of The Nallur Divisional Secretariat Division, Jaffna District

2026-02-17T03:39:06Z

Title: Promoting Millet Consumption Through Community-Based Awareness in Northern Sri Lanka: A Case Study of The Nallur Divisional Secretariat Division, Jaffna District Authors: Menaka, S. Abstract: Millets have been vital to Sri Lanka’s rural agriculture. However, their cultivation and consumption have declined. This study was conducted in four Grama Niladhari divisions of the Nallur Divisional Secretariat, Jaffna District. One hundred households were selected by systematical sampling method and forty school children were involved in millet cookery sessions along with one of their parents. Data on socio-demographics, millet knowledge, consumption frequency and barriers to millet usage were collected through interviews. Awareness exhibitions, millet seed displays, nutritional education and recipe booklets were used to promote millet usage. When provided with finger millet (Eleusine coracana), little millet (Panicum sumatrense), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), over 90% of participants were able to identify finger millet across all divisions. However, identification of the other millet types remained below 30%. Use of finger millets in home cooking was reported by 61% of the participants, although typically only twice monthly or less. Consumption of other millets were reported below 12%. This was due to market scarcity, higher costs and insufficient local milling facilities. Farmers also cited poor market access and low demand as key challenges. During cookery sessions, participants prepared innovative dishes like rainbow pittu, drumstick-leaf rotti, and millet-based porridges. A follow-up survey revealed that household millet consumption increased from 12% to 42% after the intervention. Engagement of school children and family members facilitated knowledge transfer and cultural preservation. To support farmers, authorities should establish dedicated market infrastructure. The study highlights the potential of participatory programs to restore traditional food practices, support sustainable agriculture and improve community nutrition.

Nutritional Status Of Adolescent Girls In The Chavakachcheri Medical Officer Health Area Of Jaffna District

2026-02-17T03:27:38Z

Title: Nutritional Status Of Adolescent Girls In The Chavakachcheri Medical Officer Health Area Of Jaffna District Authors: Menaka, S.; Arasaratnam, V.; Surendrakumaran, R. Abstract: Adolescence is a critical stage of growth and development. This study aimed at assessing the nutritional status of female adolescents (from 17 to19 years old) in the Chavakachcheri Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area of Jaffna District. Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of medicine, University of Jaffna granted ethical approval for the study. Sociodemographic information of the participants was collected using an interviewer administrated questionnaire through household visits. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Venous blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of haemoglobin and serum albumin concentrations. Of the participants, 53% (n=52) were female, with a mean age of 17.9 (±0.1) years. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and MUAC were 20.5 (±0.4), 74.8 (±0.6) cm, 0.85 (±0.01) and 26.9 (±0.4) cm, respectively. Based on BMI, 21.1% (n=11) were underweight, 75.0% (n=39) were of normal weight and 3.8% (n=2) were overweight. Central obesity (WHR >0.85) was observed in 36.5% (n=19) of females. MUAC analysis revealed that 7.7% (n=4) were malnourished (MUAC <21.6 cm), while 3.8% (n=2) were obese (MUAC >32 cm). Mean serum albumin concentration was 3.76 (±0.1) g/L, and mean haemoglobin concentration was 11.9 (±0.3) g/dL. Anaemia prevalence included 3.9% (n=2) with severe anaemia (Hb <7 g/dL), 11.5% (n=6) with moderate anaemia (Hb 7.1–9.9 g/dL), and 28.8% (n=15) with mild anaemia (Hb 10–11.9 g/dL). Targeted nutritional interventions and health promotion strategies are essential to address both deficiencies and excesses, ensuring healthier transitions into adulthood.

Anthropometric Assessment of Adolescents in Coastal Underserved Settlements of Jaffna District

2025-10-13T06:58:00Z

Title: Anthropometric Assessment of Adolescents in Coastal Underserved Settlements of Jaffna District Authors: Menaka, S.; Arasaratnam, V.; Surenthirakumaran, R. Abstract: Adolescents in coastal underserved settlements face health challenges due to limited resources and poor infrastructure. This study assesses the nutritional status of adolescents residing in coastal underserved settlements in the Jaffna District using anthropometric measurements. The ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics review committee of Faculty of Medicine of University of Jaffna. The study included 86 adolescents aged 17–19 years from the reclamation area, with 46.5% males and 53.5% females, having mean ages of 18.1 (±0.18) and 18.0 (±0.18) years respectively. The majority of families (79.1%) relied on fishing as their primary livelihood, reflecting the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of the study population. Anthropometric measurements included Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). Among males, the mean WC was 77.6 (±2.18) cm (range 66.1–103.4 cm), MUAC was 28.4 (±0.68) cm (range 23.0–33.4 cm), and WHR was 0.83 (±0.01) (range 0.75–0.98). Among females, the mean WC was 83.3 (±2.6) cm (range 60.4–117.2 cm), MUAC was 29.0 (±1.10) cm (range 20.1–41.0 cm), and WHR was 0.84 (±0.01) (range 0.67–0.99). Based on BMI classifications, 30% of males were underweight, 55% had normal weight, and 15% were overweight or obese. Among females, 13% were underweight, 43.5% had normal weight, and 43.5% were overweight or obese. Central obesity, based on WHR cut-off points (≥0.9 for males and ≥0.85 for females), was identified in 15% of males and 47.8% of females. The study reveals a dual burden of malnutrition, underweight and overweight or obesity among adolescents in these coastal settlements. The high prevalence of central obesity among females poses long-term health risks. These results underline the need for targeted nutritional interventions and health education programs that address both undernutrition and emerging trends of adolescent obesity within marginalized fishing communities.

Barriers to home prepared meals in families with adolescents in urban underserved settlements of Jaffna municipality area

2025-10-13T06:49:00Z

Title: Barriers to home prepared meals in families with adolescents in urban underserved settlements of Jaffna municipality area Authors: Menaka, S.; Arasaratnam, V.; Surenthirakumaran, R. Abstract: Sociodemographic barriers limit access to healthy food in underserved communities. This study explored barriers to home-prepared meals among adolescents aged 17–19 years in underserved settlements of the Jaffna Municipality area. Household visits were conducted in 100 homes, including observations of house structures, cooking facilities, and interviews using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The sample comprised 48% males and 52% females, with families averaging 2.64 (±1.2) children and 1.68 (±0.6) adolescents. Severe overcrowding was identified, with 74% of households sharing a single residence and an average family size of 5.16 (±1.4). A major barrier was inadequate kitchen facilities; 36% lacked chimneys, reducing ventilation and cooking efficiency, while many relied on temporary kitchen setups. Moreover, 76% of households were nuclear families struggling with cooking in crowded conditions. Affordable nearby shops offering rotti and curry led 44% of households to purchase meals daily. These challenges highlight the need for interventions to improve infrastructure and promote healthier eating.