Browsing by Author "Wijedasa, H. S."

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Open Access
Common Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression among Mothers after Childbirth in Asian Countries: A Systematic Review
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Ranasinghe, N. S.; Wijedasa, H. S.; De Silva, B. S. S.
Depression is the most common mental illness which leads to various health consequences among mothers following the delivery of their babies. Post-partum depression leads to self-harm, suicidal ideation, or harming the newborn, hurting family life. Early detection and management of depression during the antenatal period would prevent both maternal and neonatal complications. Hence, knowing the risk factors may help in planning care for individuals reducing the burden on the health care system. There is a lack of exact evidence of the common risk factors for developing depression after childbirth in Asian mothers. Therefore, this systematic review aims to identify the common risk factors for post-partum depression among mothers after childbirth in Asian countries. Relevant literature from 2017 to 2023 was searched in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMED, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases. Seven highly relevant articles were selected using the PRISMA flow chart. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and its tools were used to carry out the critical analysis of each selected article. Following the in-depth analysis, three key themes were derived: an unfriendly home builds an unhappy mother, expectation versus reality leads to depression, and poor financial status leads to an unsafe post-partum period. The study highlighted that mothers in Asian countries are affected by a wide variety of complex post-partum depression risk factors. Improving knowledge, early detection of emotional needs, counseling, effective use of contraceptives, and delivery of high-quality care during the ante-natal period are necessary for reducing post-partum depression among antenatal mothers.
Open Access
The Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting Diet Compared with Ketogenic Diet in Reducing Weight of the Adults with Obesity – A Systematic Review
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Kamathewatte, K. W. M. N. K.; Wijedasa, H. S.; De Silva, B. S. S.
Obesity is a worldwide health concern, characterized by excessive body fat posing risks to overall health. In 2016, almost 13% of individuals above 18 years were obese, and projections for 2025 estimate higher rates, emphasizing the need for effective weight management strategies. Two popular diets, the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, have gained attention for their potential in adult weight reduction. Intermittent fasting involves alternating eating and fasting periods, while the ketogenic diet promotes ketosis through low carbs and high fat. This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy of intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet to clarify which approach may be more advantageous for adults looking to lose weight. Relevant literature from 2017 to 2023 was searched in databases such as CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMED, Science Direct, and Cochrane. Additionally, a few numbers of studies before 2017 were taken due to the availability of related information. Seven highly relevant articles were selected using PRISMA guidelines. After careful analysis, the study suggests that intermittent fasting holds promise for weight loss, particularly in comparison to the ketogenic diet. Intermittent fasting achieves weight loss without the potential side effects of the ketogenic diet, such as nutrient deficiencies. Conversely, a simple mealskipping approach in intermittent fasting may not suit everyone, warranting consultation with professionals for suitable dietary decisions. This study highlights the effectiveness of intermittent fasting as a potential weight loss strategy over the ketogenic diet, underscoring the importance of medical consultation in individual dietary planning.
Open Access
Fungal Meningitis in an Allegedly Immunocompetent Patient in Sri Lanka: A Case Report
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Wijesundara, G. H. L; Yuharaj, R.; Wijedasa, H. S.
Fungi are a significant source of microorganisms, which cause disability and death. They act as opportunistic pathogens in the immunocompromised host. Though it is rare among immunocompetent patients, a 44-year-old allegedly immunocompetent woman developed a sudden onset of headache which was holocranial but radiated to the occipital and neck region gradually and ended up with altered agitated behavior and presented to the Emergency Treatment Unit of National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed the diagnosis of probable Cryptococcal meningitis. Despite free health care system for every citizen of the country with the current economic burden, the management of prevailing treatment became complicated. Administering IV Conventional amphotericin B instead of the ideal treatment of IV Lymphosomal Amphotericin B showed numerous side effects and toxicity systemically in general and specifically on the genitourinary tract of the patient. At the same time, it opened access to a debatable question on assessing the value of disease-centered care and holistic approaching methods especially for the health care professionals. Meanwhile, this study discusses the assessment and implementation of nursing care considering the complications of drug toxicity and adverse effects combined with psychologically negative behavior due to pronged hospitalization for more than 35 days. This case study reveals the impact of nurses’ knowledge and understanding in providing care for the management of rare diseases like fungal meningitis. To provide comprehensive care nurses and the health care team must work together with updated knowledge and hands-on skills for a better patient outcome.