https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/3858 2026-04-08T12:00:45Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/1825 Prolonged computer use and its effects on vision among undergraduates in University of Colombo, School of Computing Thilakarathne, MMSV; Udara, HMM; Thucyanthan, B; Ranasinghe, P Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a group of visual symptoms experienced in relation to the use of computers. Nearly 60 million people suffer from CVS globally, ranging from 64% to 90%, resulting in reduced productivity at work and reduced quality of life of the computer worker. The present study aims to describe the prevalence of CVS and its associated factors among undergraduates in University of Colombo, School of Computing.A cross sectional study was carried out in the University premises on 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students of University of Colombo School of Computing. Pattern of computer use, prevalence and extent of visual symptoms and some associated factors were analyzed. Statistical data is provided about the prevalence of visual symptoms and its co-relationship with the duration of exposure and associated other factors that have been identified. For the categorical variables chi square test was used and for continuous variables Students T Test was used. Sample size was 112 (response rate – 74.6%). Mean age was 21.9±1.2 years (range 19-25 years) and 73 (65.2%) of the sample were males. Only 39 (34.8%) of the sample were females. Percentage of individuals with visual symptoms in the study population was 79 (70.5%). 33 (29.5%) students were asymptomatic. The most commonly reported complaint was headache (54.5%), followed by pain (33.9%), whereas the least common complaint was double vision (3.6%). High prevalence of visual symptoms was observed (70.5%) among the study group. Technology professionals who have nearly similar exposure to the computer screens have shown similar percentage of prevalence of visual symptoms but findings are much more less than the researches which were done on students. There is no association between prevalence of visual symptoms and duration of continued gaze upon the monitor and the duration of the course. But there is a significant association with the distance from the monitor and duration of daily computer usage. Article Full Text 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/1823 Clinical Audit on Effective Usage of Partogramin Obstetric Unit B of DGHKalutharafrom 01stof March to 31st of May 2016 Jayaweera, DS WHO recommend partogram for universal use during labour as a necessary tool. Continuous monitoring during labour provides a safe care. Further it prevents adverse outcomes relating to child birth. The tool helps to identify deviations early and intervene timely. Annually a huge sum of money is spent on maternal health by the government of Sri Lanka to deliver a free health care to the public. The maternal mortality reported to be low despite Sri Lanka been a developing country. Hence, it is the duty and responsibility to keep the statistics further low and maintain excellent quality of care with the available resources. Since partogram can detect obstructed labour early, it helps to reduce maternal deaths by preventing uterine rupture, post partumhaemorrhage and puperial infections. Perinatal mortality reduces when traumatic deliveries are less. It is appreciate the use of the tool as it is simple, inexpensive and freely available. The goal of this audit is to assess the effective use of partogram in the local setting. A descriptivestudy was conducted in obstetric unit B of DGH-Kalutara. The total of 571 of deliveries in March, April and May 2016 were selected for the audit. Effective usage of partogram was assessed by executing partograms of relevant BHTs. Data collection and analysis was done by the auditor. Client information is included in majority of partograms. Position, caput, moulding, cervical dilatation, contraction free interval, duration of contraction and abdominally descent were not marked in the majority and the technical errors noted during marking. Practical issues in monitoring and documenting of contraction free interval and duration of contraction should be addressed. Maternal monitoring and second stage foetal monitoring should be encouraged. A proper training programme of National Partogram should be arranged. Article Full Text 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/1822 Dental Fluorosis, Drinking Water and Participant Perspectives: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Students of a National School in Anuradhapura Jayasundara, WIP; Jayawardena, JGKD; Jazla, MJF; Karunathilaka, BMS; Karunathilaka, JACN; Kaushalya, DMR; Rathish, D Dental fluorosis is caused by excessive fluoride intake mainly via drinking water during the development stage of teeth. Anuradhapura is a region where fluoride levels in drinking water is high. Thambuttegama divisional secretariat of Anuradhapura is considered to be one of the hotspots for high fluoride concentration. The latest available study at Anuradhapura (2004) revealed a prevalence of 90% for very mild to severe form of dental fluorosis. This study aims at finding knowledge, attitude and prevalence of dental fluorosis among students of a National School in Thambuttegama. A descriptive cross sectional study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire at National Schools of Thambuttegama. Dean’s index was used to rate severity of dental fluorosis. Participation rate was good (83% - 248/300). Most were females (53%), 12 years old (44%) and from Thalawa division (54%). Mean age of participants was 12.8 ± 0.76 years. Majority of the participants didn’t know about dental fluorosis (64%). Parents were the commonest source of knowledge on dental fluorosis (32%). Most of the participants (73%) were satisfied with the appearance of their teeth. 09% of participants have never visited a dentist. According to the Dean’s index 37.5% belonged to very mild to severe form of dental fluorosis. Well water was used by most (44%). Among the well water users, 41% (45/109) had very mild to severe form of dental fluorosis in comparison to 35% (48/139) in other water users. There was no significant difference (X2 = 1.1884; P = 0.28) between the two groups. Prevalence of very mild to severe form of dental fluorosis is still high among the school children of Thambuttegama. However their knowledge on dental fluorosis seems to be poor. Article Full Text 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/1820 A study on the prevalence of high cholesterol among aircrew members of Sri Lanka Air Force Mendis, ANH; Balasuriya, A Flying involves a complex interaction between the aviator and a sophisticated machine in a highly challenging environment. Thus the physical fitness of aircrew should be maintained at the highest level when flying an aircraft. Physical health of the aviators can be challenged by group of diseases known as noncommunicable diseases which is highly prevalent in Sri Lanka. The focus of this research is to study the occurrence of dyslipidemia and associated risk factors among the air crew members of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Data collection was carried out by selfadministered questionnaire among 100 volunteered air crew members and using the records available on their medical folders at their consent. Study finds that among the population under study, 38% having high total cholesterol, 70% having high LDL levels and 16% having low HDL levels. Prevalence of high LDL level is found to be at an alarming high level in this sample and the only statistically proven contributing risk factor (P=0.048) was deduced to be the consumption of food with high lipid content. The results of this research will be a useful for planning and implementation of relevant programs in SLAF in maintaining the proper health conditions in air crew members. Article Full Text 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z