Objective Previous studies have shown that high socioeconomic status (SES) is significantly associated with inhibitory control, working memory, verbal comprehension and IQ. However, in the Asian setting, with its prevailing poverty, information about the influence of SES on cognitive development of female adolescents is limited. This study was aimed to investigate the association between SES and neurocognitive performance of early female adolescents in Sri Lanka. Methods Female adolescents aged 11-14 years (n = 200) of low and middle SES were studied to assess neurocognitive function. After obtaining baseline data, eight subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC - IV), Test Of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI-3) and two computer-based executive function tests (inhibition and visuo-spatial working memory) were administered to assess neurocognitive measures of the above adolescents. The results were compiled into a data base and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results Higher SES was associated with higher performance in all neurocognitive tests. Low SES adolescents obtained significantly poor test scores for executive function test (inhibitory control: p < 0.0001) and for WISC [verbal comprehension index (VCI): p < 0.0001), working memory index (WMI): p < 0.0001 and estimated full scale IQ (EFSIQ): p < 0.0001)] when compared with middle SES adolescents. Maternal education alone significantly predicts VCI and EFSIQ than the combined influence of parental education, occupation and income. Psychosocial adversities of adolescents were inversely correlated with VCI (r = -0.30; p < 0.001) and EFSIQ (r = -0.20; p < 0.001) of WISC and mathematics performance (r = -0.34; p < 0.001) at examination in school. Conclusion Findings of the study revealed the importance of upliftment of SES of the society to improve the cognitive and academic outcomes of low SES individuals.

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Background Hypertension is an important public health challenge and is a major risk factor for many other diseases. Lack of knowledge on the dangers of untreated hypertension, the benefits of better control and poor management practices are barriers for effective hypertensive care. Objective The aim of the study was to describe the level of knowledge on the disease, its complications and management strategies among hypertensive patients attending Medical Clinics at Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted mong 424 patients diagnosed with 'essential hypertension' attending medical clinics. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15. A scoring system was used to assess the overall knowledge of the participants. Results The study population consisted of 174(41%) males and 250(59%) females. Nearly 43% stated that blood pressure of 120/80mmHg was normal. Only 3.3% were aware that hypertension may be asymptomatic. The main aggravating factors for hypertension identified by participants were stress (59.2%) and high salt intake (50.9%). Organs damaged by poorly controlled hypertension were identified as the heart (50%) and kidneys (26%). Sixty four percent said that both medication and lifestyle modifications are useful to control hypertension. Blood pressure lowering strategies identified were reducing body weight (76.0%) and salt reduction (81.1%). Only 45.0% agreed that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables improves control of hypertension. A minority (2.4%) were unsure of non-pharmacological management strategies. Overall knowledge score was inadequate (<50%) among 391(92%), with a mean of 30.8% (SD ± 15.5) ranging from 4.4 -89.1%. Conclusions Inadequate knowledge on hypertension, its complications and management strategies was seen. Targeted health education strategies are urgently needed to improve knowledge to prevent consequences of poorly controlled hypertension.

Introduction Pain is one of the most common and unpleasant symptoms that distress the well-being of patients with cancer. Considerable evidence supports the validity and reliability of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and its short forms, the SF MPQ and SF MPQ-2—which are the most widely used tools for pain assessment—in terms of patients with cancer. Pain and its characteristics are best assessed using validated and culturally adapted tools developed in participants' mother tongue. Although many pain assessment tools are available worldwide, only a limited number of them have been translated into Sinhala language and validated in Sri Lanka. We aimed to translate SF MPQ-2 into Sinhala language and validate using Sinhala-speaking patients suffering from cancer pains in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods Translation has been conducted according to the guidelines laid down by Mapi Research Trust, in five stages, namely, forward translation, backward translation, expert opinion, cognitive debriefing interviews, and proofreading. The questionnaire was administered among 207 patients attending Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka, who are suffering from cancer pain. Content validity was tested using expert opinion, and face validity, by interviewing patients with cancer pain. Factor structure was tested through a factor analysis, and reliability, by internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha. Results A total of 207 participants (112 males and 95 females), aged between 20 and 80 years, were included in the study. Factor analysis identified four factors compatible with studies done in other countries, which explained 53.5% of the variance. The analysis of data indicated Cronbach's alpha of neuropathic, affective, intermittent, and continuous subscales as 0.768, 0.791, 0.824, and 0.789, respectively, which were over the acceptable threshold of 0.70. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor model. Conclusion SF MPQ-2-Sinhala version is a statistically proven reliable and valid pain descriptor which can be utilized to evaluate pain suffered by patients with cancer in Sri Lanka whose mother tongue is Sinhala.

Prevalence of postpartum FP is not satisfactory. Therefore, FP services should consider reaching postpartum mothers with unmet needs as a priority and ensure that a wide range of contraceptive options are available to them. Postpartum FP should be considered as a continuum of maternal care.