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Adherence, Knowledge to Epilepsy Medication and their Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Epileptic Children Followed up at the Paediatric Clinic at TH, Jaffna

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Adherence, Knowledge to Epilepsy Medication and their Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Epileptic Children Followed up at the Paediatric Clinic at TH, Jaffna Authors: Thenuka, K.; Kalki, P.; Nilukshika, U.; Saranja, N.; Sanchayan, K. Abstract: Epilepsy affects both adults and children and requires long-term medication control, with antiepileptic drugs as the first-line therapy. Good adherence to anti-epileptic medication (AEM) is essential for optimal treatment outcomes, particularly in children who may not require lifelong treatment. Caregiver awareness and knowledge play a critical role, as non-adherence to AEM has become a significant concern. This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess caregiver knowledge and medication adherence among caregivers of children with epilepsy attending the Paediatric Clinic at Teaching Hospital Jaffna. A total of 127 caregivers aged over 18 years, caring for children under 14 years with epilepsy, participated in the study, with a response rate of 97%. Data were collected using a knowledge questionnaire (score range: 0–13), numerical, and the MARS-5 (Parent Version) adherence scale (score range: 6–30), categorized into good and poor adherence. Statistical analysis included Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Most caregivers were parents (96%). The mean caregiver knowledge score was moderate (8.43/13). Good adherence was significantly associated with higher knowledge scores, regular clinic attendance, fewer seizure episodes, family history of epilepsy, parental factors, and awareness of medication side effects. Higher knowledge levels were associated with being married, having a middle household income, a better understanding of epilepsy, and awareness of AEM side effects. The findings highlight the need for ongoing caregiver education and consistent support from healthcare professionals to ensure effective epilepsy management in children.

Prevalence of propranolol and pizotifen use and their side effects among migraine patients at Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Prevalence of propranolol and pizotifen use and their side effects among migraine patients at Teaching Hospital, Jaffna Authors: Parkavi, R.; Kalki, P.; Kishajiny, I.; Kajanitha, K.; Ajantha, K. Abstract: Introduction: Migraine is a unilateral headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. Propranolol and pizotifen are widely used in migraine prevention but their side effects (SE) often influence the therapeutic outcomes Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of propranolol and pizotifen and its side effects. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study with 8 weeks of data collection. Data were collected at neurology clinic as an interviewer-administered validated questionnaire. Participants are identified with migraine and not previously prescribed with the preventive medication and patients were followed for 01 month. Likert scale,0-4 (0=No effect, 4= Severe), was used to collect data related to severity SEs score and total score for each patients’ SEs were calculated. Results: Of 270 migraine patients, 104 were selected and used both drugs. Prevalence of propranolol was 22% and 59 patients reported SEs (mean =2) which were palpitation (48%), postural hypotension (42%), dizziness (53%) and sleep disturbances (53%). And pizotifen prevalence was 17 %. 45 patients reported SE (mean=2.5) which were increase appetite (29%), dizziness (53%), drowsiness (27%), dry mouth (53%), nausea (56%), weight gain (7%) fatigue (29%) and prolonged sleep (13%). Pizotifen participants, dry mouth was significantly higher in male (p=0.025) and unemployed (p=0.038) and fatigue was higher in income below Rs.35,000.00 (p=0.026).Pizotifen had a significantly higher mean score (4.58) than propranolol (3.63), (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Pizotifen’s side-effects are more severe than propranolol. Clinical education on pizotifen side effects severity will improve awareness and adherence of the patients.

Counselling on Alendronate in Community Pharmacies of Northern Sri Lanka: A Simulated Patient Study

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Counselling on Alendronate in Community Pharmacies of Northern Sri Lanka: A Simulated Patient Study Authors: Kajeeban, A.; Kalki, P.; Sweethika, J.; Ramyasiri, B.G.D.T.; Aravinthan, M. Abstract: Alendronate is a drug of choice for osteoporosis. Proper administration is essential for optimal bioavailability and to minimize adverse effects, requiring effective patient counselling. A pharmacist plays a vital role in counselling for optimum use of medication and better adherence. If not, treatment outcomes may be compromised. The current research aims to evaluate adequacy of counselling practices and associations with dispenser and pharmacy characteristics. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a simulated patient in 151 pharmacies in Northern Province. Information provided was recorded in a structured checklist immediately after leaving the pharmacy; visits with two or more patients were considered as busy hour and pharmacist identification was based on displayed license. Counselling was classified into two domains: advice to enhance bioavailability and to reduce adverse effects. Counselling was categorized as adequate or inadequate; adequate-counselling was further classified as complete (both domains’ instructions) or incomplete (first domain only). Others considered inadequate. Of 151 surveyed pharmacies, alendronate was available in 99 and 05 were permanently closed. Only 14 pharmacies provided adequate counselling, of which 8 were complete and 6 incomplete. Aspects of adequate and complete counselling included taking on an empty stomach (26), with a full glass of water (12), maintaining an upright posture (10), and avoiding food/drink for 30 minutes (15). Other counselling included weekly dosing (96), while advice on missed doses, adverse effects, food and/or medicine interactions was almost absent. Counselling adequacy was significantly higher with pharmacist dispensing (p<0.001), and during non-busy hours (p=0.009) with gender and location have no effect. Counselling on alendronate sodium was largely inadequate in community pharmacies in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka, with adequacy mainly influenced by dispenser qualification and pharmacy busyness.

GC-MS analysis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of Sida cordifolia leaf extracts from Jaffna, Sri Lanka

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: GC-MS analysis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of Sida cordifolia leaf extracts from Jaffna, Sri Lanka Authors: Sivakumar, D.; Balachanthiran, T.; Srikokulan, S.; Jeyaseelan, T.C. Abstract: Introduction: Antimicrobials are becoming less effective due to growing antimicrobial resistance; thus, finding alternatives is crucial. Medicinal plants provide valuable sources of antimicrobial compounds. In traditional medicine, Sida cordifolia is employed to treat inflammation, wounds, and skin infections. Objective: To identify the bioactive compounds in S. cordifolia leaf extracts and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods: Methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether leaf extracts were prepared using a maceration process. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic leaf extract was performed using GC-MS. Results: Methanolic extracts showed the highest antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The MICs of methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether extracts were 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml, respectively. The GC-MS analysis results revealed that long-chain fatty acids are the major compounds. Conclusion: The findings support the traditional use of S. cordifolia as an antimicrobial agent.