BackgroundSince 2005, the national policy on breastfeeding in Sri Lanka is exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, as recommended by World Health Organization. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and barriers for its’ continuation up to 6 months, in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.MethodsA clinic based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2016, in six randomly selected Medical Officer of Health areas in the Kandy District. The sample was selected proportionate to the population of each Medical Officer of Health area and 354 mothers with infants aged 6 months, attending the child welfare clinics were recruited. Data were collected by an interviewer administered questionnaire using mother recall data since birth. A focus group discussion was conducted on 21 mothers who discontinued exclusive breastfeeding early. The infant taking only breast milk and no additional food, water, or other fluids with the exception of medicines and vitamins or mineral drops for the first 6 months was used as the definition of exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsThe prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was 50.8% (180/354) while the median duration was 6 months. Mother being employed (AOR 3.01; 95% CI 1.45, 6.29), mother’s poor knowledge on what she meant by exclusive breastfeeding (AOR 3.75; 95% CI 2.14, 6.54) and mother’s poor attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding (AOR 2.98; 95% CI 1.76, 5.03) were independently associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Unsupported environment in public places was not significantly associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Focus group discussion revealed controversial health messages on exclusive breastfeeding delivered at different points of healthcare delivery, cultural practices which discouraged exclusive breastfeeding and difficulties in obtaining maternity leave as barriers for exclusive breastfeeding.ConclusionsThe prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months was not satisfactory and there were barriers identified in healthcare system, family and work places towards exclusive breastfeeding. For further improvement in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding these issues need to be addressed and necessary changes in legislation implemented.
Many types of illicit substances were used by schoolchildren. More strategies to prevent further aggravation of these behaviors are needed. Constituents of some compounds are not understood and need further evaluation. Recognized high-risk groups can be targets for preventive and cessation programs.
Purpose: Against the backdrop of the ever-increasing aging population in Sri Lanka and the scarcity of local evidence on quality of life (QoL) among rural elderly, this study was conducted to assess the QoL of the community-dwelling older adults in rural Sri Lanka.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling older adults (60-74 years) in a selected rural setting in Sri Lanka. Statistically signi cant associations of QoL were determined by using the Kmeans cluster analysis followed by multivariable analysis.Results: The nal sample consisted of 3573 community-dwelling older adults (response rate 97.8%). The mean (SD) age of the sample was 66.7 (4.3) years and the majority were females (n=2130, 59.6%). Amongst the six QoL domains assessed (physical, psychological, social, functional, environmental and spiritual domains), the highest and the lowest mean (SD) scores were reported for the functional [63.4(16.9)] and the physical [52.9(15.0)] domains respectively. Aged 70 years or more, either unmarried/widowed/divorced, lower educational levels and having chronic illnesses were statistically signi cant associations of QoL (p<0.05). Conclusion:The QoL among community-dwelling older adults in rural Sri Lanka is moderate. As having social support, absence of chronic diseases and good education level were found to be associated with better QoL, strengthening community-based interventions to improve these aspects is recommended.
Purpose: Against the backdrop of the ever-increasing aging population in Sri Lanka and the scarcity of local evidence on quality of life (QoL) among rural elderly, this study was conducted to assess the QoL of the community-dwelling older adults in rural Sri Lanka.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling older adults (60-74 years) in a selected rural setting in Sri Lanka. Statistically significant associations of QoL were determined by using the K-means cluster analysis followed by multivariable analysis.Results: The final sample consisted of 3573 community-dwelling older adults (response rate 97.8%). The mean (SD) age of the sample was 66.7 (4.3) years and the majority were females (n=2130, 59.6%). Amongst the six QoL domains assessed (physical, psychological, social, functional, environmental and spiritual domains), the highest and the lowest mean (SD) scores were reported for the functional [63.4(16.9)] and the physical [52.9(15.0)] domains respectively. Aged 70 years or more, either unmarried/widowed/divorced, lower educational levels and having chronic illnesses were statistically significant associations of QoL (p<0.05).Conclusion: The QoL among community-dwelling older adults in rural Sri Lanka is moderate. As having social support, absence of chronic diseases and good education level were found to be associated with better QoL, strengthening community-based interventions to improve these aspects is recommended.
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