Introduction Biobanks are a valuable resource for creating advancements in science through cutting-edge omics research. Twin research methods allow us to understand the degree to which genetics and environmental factors contribute to health outcomes. Methods The Sri Lankan Twin Registry biobank (SLTR-b) was established in 2015 as part of Colombo Twin and Singleton Follow-up Study. Venous blood and urine were collected from twins and comparative sample of singletons for clinical investigations and biobanking. Results The SLTR-b currently houses 3369 DNA and serum samples. Biobank specimens are linked to longitudinal questionnaire data, clinical investigations, anthropometric measurements, and other data. Discussion The SLTR-b aims to address gaps in health and genetics research. It will provide opportunities for academic collaborations, local and international, and capacity building of future research leaders in twin and omics research. This paper provides a cohort profile of the SLTR-b and its linked data, and an overview of the strategies used for biobanking.
IntroductionWorldwide, 10%–20% of children and adolescents experience mental health conditions. However, most such disorders remain undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Little is known about the factors that influence mental health in children and adolescents, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), where environmental threats, such as poverty and war, may affect optimal neurodevelopment. Cohort studies provide important information on risks and resilience across the life course by enabling tracking of the effects of early life environment on health during childhood and beyond. Large birth cohort studies, including twin cohorts that can be aetiologically informative, have been conducted within high-income countries but are not generalisable to LMIC. There are limited longitudinal birth cohort studies in LMIC.MethodsWe sought to enhance the volume of impactful research in Sri Lanka by establishing a Centre of Excellence for cohort studies. The aim is to establish a register of infant, child and adolescent twins, including mothers pregnant with twins, starting in the districts of Colombo (Western Province) and Vavuniya (Northern Province). We will gain consent from twins or parents for future research projects. This register will provide the platform to investigate the aetiology of mental illness and the impact of challenges to early brain development on future mental health. Using this register, we will be able to conduct research that will (1) expand existing research capacity on child and adolescent mental health and twin methods; (2) further consolidate existing partnerships and (3) establish new collaborations. The initiative is underpinned by three pillars: high-quality research, ethics, and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of Sri Lanka Medical Association and Keele University’s Ethical Review Panel. In addition to journal publications, a range of PPIE activities have been conducted.
Background and IntroductionAs a result of the global rise in life expectancy, dementia has become a major global health concern; it is considered to be one of the most burdensome conditions of later life and many older adults will experience and live with dementia in the future [1][2][3][4]. Out of the diseases labelled as a global burden, dementia contributes to 11.2% of disability in people aged 60 and older [5], more so than many other common conditions, including stroke, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Whilst the number of older adults with dementia across regions and countries show a clear increase over time, differences in prevalence rates have been reported across regions [6,7]. A Delphi consensus study among international dementia experts reported that 60% of
Background As a country having high coverage of antenatal care and low maternal mortality rate, in Sri Lanka, the main challenge in maternal healthcare delivery is the quality improvement. We assessed the antenatal clinic attendees' perceptions on the quality of received care as a measure of assessing the actual quality of health care delivery. Methods Maternal perception of the quality of antenatal care was measured through a standard questionnaire to collect information on four domains namely, "technical expertise and medication", "resources and accessibility", "interpersonal care and information" and "communication, clinic and home visits". It was administered to pregnant women above 24 weeks of POA attending government antenatal clinics in the area. Results Out of the interviewed 236 pregnant women, majority were Sinhalese (93.6%) and from rural areas (54.7%). The mean age was 28.1 years. Only 23.3% of them were employed and 74.1% were having a low monthly income. Majority (75.4%) had at least four previous clinic visits. Most of the women were satisfied of the quality of received care. Above 93.2% (n-220) of the participants expressed satisfaction on received medical care and above 89% (n=211) on drugs while 64.4% (n=152) were satisfied about accessibility and 61% (n=144) on indirect costs. Compassion, Respect and support shown by the staff were highly favorable to more than 55% (n>130) of women while Information provided by the staff were favorable to 86.4% (n=204). Least satisfying factors were Long waiting time and inadequate Toilet facilities (below favorable-levels in 51.3%, n=121 and 50.4%, n=120 respectively). Rural women with low socio-economical class were more satisfied than the urban populations in all the domains of care. The main suggestion was to improve the clinics amenities. Conclusions Improvement of infrastructure and reducing waiting time would increase the perceived quality of care among this population. Urban rural difference in perceived care should be addressed in a different way.
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 pandemic affected many international students, including the Sri Lankan youth and young adults who were studying in the United Kingdom (UK), and repatriated to the motherland during the first wave. The current study aimed to explore and understand the lived experiences, behaviour, and psychological patterns of these students during their lockdown in the UK; quarantine and self-isolation; and repatriation back to Sri Lanka. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was planned and conducted in a quarantine environment based on the lived experiences of two authors (KA and NW), who were also repatriated students due to COVID-19 pandemic. A convenient sample of sixteen (16) repatriated students (age ranged from 18 – 34) participated in the study. Data was collected using multiple methods including questionnaires, researchers’ objective observations and semi-structured interviews (conducted over the phone or online). The thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Results: Both positive and negative psychological and behavioural patterns were observed. Three themes emerged were: (1) Fear, worry and anxiety, (2) Irritability and agitation, and (3) Adherence to safety precautions. Many reported negative abrupt changes to their education and lifestyles during this stressful situation. Perceived stigma and emotional imbalance have caused difficulty in coping. Positive changes such as increased efficacy in academic activities, exploring new hobbies and healthy coping skills were also reported. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for addressing age-specific behavioural, psychological, and educational needs of youth and young adults when developing guidelines to manage similar situations in the future and to increase resilience.
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