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Skin Disease Prevention Practices Among Sanitary Workers in Jaffna Municipality

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Skin Disease Prevention Practices Among Sanitary Workers in Jaffna Municipality Authors: Suventhan, K.; Sanjeevan, R.; Jegapragash, V.; Sivapragasam, S. Abstract: Introduction & Objectives: Sanitary workers are frequently exposed to occupational hazards, including biological waste, chemicals, and prolonged outdoor work, which predispose them to a range of skin diseases. Despite this, practices for preventing skin diseases among sanitary workers remain poorly studied in the Sri Lankan context, particularly in Jaffna Municipality. This study aimed to assess the level of preventive practices regarding skin diseases and its associated factors among sanitary workers in Jaffna Municipality. Materials & Methods: An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among sanitary workers in Jaffna Municipality. As the calculated sample size (384) exceeded the total study population (250), the entire population was included. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27. The questionnaire was developed in English, validated by an expert panel, translated into Tamil using back-translation. Practice was categorized as good (above 65%) or poor (65% or below), and its association with sociodemographic and work-related factors was assessed using the chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: Of the 250 eligible participants, 234 responded (93.6% response rate). Only 35.5% demonstrated good preventive practice, while 64.5% showed poor practice. Practice level was significantly associated with a prior history of skin disease, attendance at training, access to water and soap, availability of bathing/changing facilities, PPE adequacy, frequency of supervisor reminders, and years of service (all p < 0.05), while sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and marital status showed no significant association. Conclusions: Preventive practice regarding skin diseases among sanitary workers in Jaffna Municipality remains inadequate. Good practice was associated with workplace infrastructure, adequate PPE, and supervisor support. Regular training, improved PPE supply, and better workplace facilities are recommended to strengthen skin disease prevention among sanitary workers.

Prevalence of behavioral related risk factors among the patients with chronic liver disease attending Gastroenterology clinic, Teaching Hospital Jaffna

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Prevalence of behavioral related risk factors among the patients with chronic liver disease attending Gastroenterology clinic, Teaching Hospital Jaffna Authors: Sujeevan, A.; Epsiba, L.; Jegapragash, V.; Anuradha, A. Abstract: Introduction & Objectives: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is the end stage of various chronic, progressive liver diseases. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-associated fatty liver disease (ALFD), and hepatitis can lead to CLD. Inadequate physical activity, fast-food consumption, beverage consumption, alcohol consumption, and intravenous (IV) drug use are important behavioural risk factors associated with CLD. CLD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Sri Lanka, nearly one-quarter of the population is affected by CLD, yet studies investigating behavioural risk factors associated with liver disease remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of behavioural risk factors associated with chronic liver disease among patients attending the gastroenterology clinic at Teaching Hospital Jaffna. Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among chronic liver disease patients attending gastroenterology clinic at the Teaching Hospital Jaffna. A total of 99 patients who consented to participate were enrolled. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and variables such as physical activity, fast food consumption alcohol and beverage consumption and IV drug use were analyzed by univariate analysis using SPSS 27. Results: The mean age of the participants was 49.86 years (range: 12–78 years), and the majority (52.5%) were male. The results indicated a high prevalence of beverage consumption (83.8%), while inadequate physical activity was reported by 75.8% of participants. Fast-food consumption was reported by 18.2%, while a history of hepatitis and intravenous drug use was reported by 4%. Tattoos were reported by 5.1% of participants, and a history of alcohol consumption was reported by 26.3% of those with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALFD). Conclusions: Several behavioural risk factors were associated with CLD among participants attending the Gastroenterology clinic in Jaffna. Inadequate physical activity, fast food and beverage consumption, and alcohol consumption were identified as important contributing factors. To improve patient outcomes, early diagnosis through liver function testing and risk-based management protocols should be implemented.

Anaesthesia knowledge and associated factors among preoperative patients at Teaching Hospital Jaffna

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Anaesthesia knowledge and associated factors among preoperative patients at Teaching Hospital Jaffna Authors: Maheswaran, A.; Rakulan, K.; Jegapragash, V.; Premakrishna, S. Abstract: Introduction & Objectives: Anaesthesia is a vital component of surgical care, yet patients' knowledge regarding anaesthesia remains poorly studied in resource-limited settings such as Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Inadequate preoperative knowledge heightens patient anxiety and can adversely affect decision-making and perioperative outcomes. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and associated socio-demographic factors regarding anaesthesia among patients scheduled to undergo surgery at the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. Materials & Methods: A descriptive, institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 pre-operative patients awaiting elective surgery, consecutively recruited from the surgical units of the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, from April to July 2026. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics and a seven-item knowledge assessment. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 27 with descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: Most participants (84.8%) demonstrated inadequate knowledge of anaesthesia; only 15.2% showed an adequate level. Knowledge was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.013), marital status (p < 0.001), and occupation (p = 0.027). Males showed higher adequate knowledge (19.6%) than females (10.3%). Single patients (29.4%) showed higher adequate knowledge than married (12.9%) and widowed (8.3%) patients. Employed patients (18.7%) showed higher adequate knowledge than unemployed patients (10.3%). No statistically significant with age, ethnicity, religion, education, residence, timing of clinic visit, or prior anaesthesia experience. Conclusions: Patients scheduled to undergo surgery at the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna had inadequate knowledge of anaesthesia, with gender, marital status, and occupation as significantly associated factors. These findings highlight the need for structured, targeted pre-operative educational interventions to improve preparedness and reduce peri-operative anxiety.

Medication adherence and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending medical clinics at Teaching Hospital Jaffna

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Medication adherence and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending medical clinics at Teaching Hospital Jaffna Authors: Nirushan, P.; Arjun, P.S.P.; Jegapragash, V.; Peranantharajah, T. Abstract: Hypertension is a major global public health challenge, with an increasing prevalence in developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Uncontrolled hypertension affects multiple body systems and leads to serious complications. Medication adherence plays a crucial role in achieving optimal blood pressure control, preventing complications, and improving clinical outcomes. Identifying factors associated with medication adherence is essential for developing effective strategies to improve adherence. This study aimed to assess medication adherence and its associated factors among hypertensive patients attending medical clinics at Teaching Hospital Jaffna. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 224 hypertensive patients attending the medical clinic at Teaching Hospital Jaffna in November 2022. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics and medication adherence, while treatment-related factors were obtained using a data extraction sheet. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and categorized into good and poor adherence. Associations between adherence and selected factors were analyzed using the Chi-square test. All 224 selected participants were interviewed, yielding a response rate of 100%. The majority were male (64.7%), and the mean age was 64.5 years (SD = 9.6). Good medication adherence was observed in 46.4% of participants, while 53.6% had poor adherence. The mean MMAS-8 score was 5.9 out of 8. Medication adherence showed a significant association with marital status (p = 0.03), frequency of alcohol consumption (p = 0.02), state of hypertension control (p = 0.02), and number of clinic visits during the previous three months (p = 0.04). A negative association was identified between adherence and frequency of alcohol drinking (OR = 0.21). Forgetfulness was the most commonly reported reason for poor adherence. In conclusion, less than half of the hypertensive patients demonstrated good medication adherence. Several socio-demographic and clinical factors influenced adherence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve medicationtaking behavior among hypertensive patients.