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Pediatric Urethral Lump: A Case Report

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Pediatric Urethral Lump: A Case Report Authors: Thusinthan, R.; Balagobi, B.

Factors affecting the Phase I academic performance of undergraduate students in Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Factors affecting the Phase I academic performance of undergraduate students in Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna Authors: Balagobi, B.; Thuraisamy Sharma, S.; Sanchayan, S.; Gobishangar, S.; Thangarajah, B.R.; Raguraman, S.; Kumaran, S.; Vishnuja, S.; Hamsha, T. Abstract: Introduction: Academic performance of students in medical school is affected by multiple student factors. Understanding these determinants is essential for educators to devise interventions that can help students manage stress and improve their academic performance. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of students’ socio-economic and educational factors and personal habits on Phase I (preclinical) academic performance. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among the students from two consecutive batches who had recently graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Institutional ethical approval was obtained. An online self-administered questionnaire and data extraction from faculty records were used. Academic performance was categorized into good (passed with 1st attempt) and poor (subsequent attempt). Data were analysed using the chi square test in SPSS 26.0. Results: 224 students took part in this study with the response rate of 78.6%. 59.8% of them were female. Good academic performance rate was (71.4%). Academic performance in Phase I was significantly influenced by factors such as gender, financial issues of the family, accommodation, medium of ordinary and advance level, having study group discussions, reviewing lecture material before and after the lectures and social media usage (p <0.05). Education, occupation of parents, and having medical professionals in the family, Advanced Level examination results, extracurricular activities, and exam preparation methods were not significantly correlated with Phase I academic performance (p >0.05). Conclusions: The study highlights the complex interplay of various socio-economic, educational, and personal factors affecting the academic performance of medical students. The identified factors which affect the academic performance of students should be taken into consideration when educators develop strategies to improve the academic performance of the students.

A Descriptive Analysis of Peripheral Arterial Disease: Clinical Profile, Comorbidities, And Management Outcomes

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A Descriptive Analysis of Peripheral Arterial Disease: Clinical Profile, Comorbidities, And Management Outcomes Authors: Vinojan, S.; Thananchayan, H.; Niranjan, N. Abstract: Background: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) presents a significant burden, particularly in patients with multiple comorbidities, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and timely intervention. Objectives: To describe the clinical profile, comorbidities, anatomical distribution, interventions, and outcomes in patients with PAD. Method: A prospective descriptive study of 57 PAD patients admitted to the professorial unit of Teaching Hospital Jaffna. Data were collected from clinical records and BHTs. Results: The mean age was 66 years. Diabetes Mellitus was the most common comorbidity (73.7%, n = 42), followed by hypertension (31.6%, n = 18), ischemic heart disease (19.3%, n = 11), and dyslipidaemia (15.8%, n = 9). Tissue loss is the commonest presentation for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). Among 41 patients with imaging data, tibial vessels (46.3%, n = 19) and superficial femoral artery (39%, n=16) were most commonly involved. Iliac (n = 1), combined SFA and tibial (n = 3), and foot arch disease (n = 2) were less frequent. Definitive procedures were performed in 78.9% (n = 45); angioplasty (54.4%, n = 31) was most common, followed by femoral-popliteal bypass (19.3%, n = 11). Others were managed conservatively or with wound care. Outcomes included wound healing in 22.8% (n = 13), healing in progress in 10.5% (n=6), and major amputations in 7% (n = 4). There were 3 deaths (5.3%) due to myocardial infarction. Most others showed clinical improvement. Follow-up revealed 2 defaults, 1 symptomatic improvement, 2 reinterventions, 4 minor amputations (toe/forefoot), 2 recurrent wounds, 1 redo bypass, 1 post-op angioplasty, 1 aneurysm repair, and 1 awaiting bypass. Conclusion: PAD primarily affects elderly diabetics, with CLTI as the commonest presentation. Tibial and femoral arteries were most involved. Angioplasty was the mainstay of treatment. Despite encouraging outcomes, complications emphasize the need for early intervention and structured follow-up.

The pathway to diagnosis and follow-up care for atrial fibrillation in Sri Lanka: a descriptive longitudinal study

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The pathway to diagnosis and follow-up care for atrial fibrillation in Sri Lanka: a descriptive longitudinal study Authors: Antony Sheron, V.; Tiffany, E.G.; Powsiga, U.; Shribavan, K.; Guruparan, M.; Kumaran, S.; Gregory., Y.H.L.; Krishnarajah, N.; Neil Thomas, G.; Rajendra, S.; Balachandran, K.; Semira, M.H. Abstract: Background: Early diagnosis and continuity of care is vital for atrial fibrillation (AF), to reduce stroke ; There is a lack of understanding of when and how AF is being diagnosed and managed the care pathway) in in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to identify the AF care pathway in Northern Province, Sri Lanka and determine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the care pathway. Methods: This descriptive longitudinal study utilised two quantitative questionnaires to evaluate the AF pathway: The first questionnaire (baseline) was used to identify where AF was being diagnosed and the second questionnaire (3 months following baseline) was used to identify where and how often AF follow-up care was being received. How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the care pathway was asked in the second questionnaire. We aimed to recruit 236 adults (≥18 years) with AF from Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Data were collected between October 2020 and June 2021 and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: 151 participants were recruited (median age 57 years; 70% female). Most participants were diagnosed in the accident & emergency (38%) or inpatient department (26%), followed by an outpatient department (19%) or private facility (16%). Nearly all (97%) participants received follow-up care during the study period, with an average of 1.3 AFrelated healthcare visits per person for a month; most visited an outpatient department (88%). The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted 39% of participants’ care: healthcare visits were reduced or, delayed or medications were unattainable, and longer intervals between blood tests were experienced; however, 24% of participants were able to receive their medication by ambulance, public health staff or post during lockdowns. Conclusions: Primary care was not involved in the diagnosis of AF, indicating that most diagnoses occurr after a medical emergency. The frequency of blood tests was lower than the guideline recommendations of one per month which could in-part be due to the adverse impacts of the pandemic. Strengthening primary and community-based care may enable early diagnosis and improve continuity of care during and beyond future healthcare crises.