International Conference on Nursing and Allied Health for Sustainability [ICoNAHS] 2025

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/4287

Browse

Now showing 1 - 15 of 15

Open Access
Screen Use Among Preschool Children in the Galle Municipal Council Area: Prevalence, Patterns, and Associated Factors from Parents’ Perspectives
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Madubhani, W.G.K.; Arachchige, S.I.W.; Godage, C.J.; Prabhavi, K.K.G.D.; De Silva, D.K.M.; Sriyani,K.A.
Prolonged screen exposure during early childhood has been linked to negative developmental, behavioural, and health consequences. With increasing access to electronic screen devices in Sri Lanka, understanding usage patterns among pre-school-aged children is essential for guiding parental awareness and public health interventions. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence, usage patterns, andassociated factors of screen use among preschool-aged children in the Galle municipal council area. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 parents of three to five-year-old preschoolaged children. Data were collected using a self-designed, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire, which underwent content validation by a panel of five experts in the area. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact tests were performed using SPSS version 26, with p<0.05 as statistical significance. Among the preschool children, the majority were girls (53.6%) and five years old (42.9%), with most living in nuclear families (63.8%). Among them, 34.2% exceeded the WHO-recommended screen time limits. Smartphones (48.9%) and televisions (46.8%) were the most used devices. Most children (65.8%) used screens for less than an hour, but 34,2% were overusing them. Significant associations with screen overuse were found for children’s gender (p=0.001), family type (p=0.002), living arrangements (p = 0.001), parental age (p = 0.001), employment status (p = 0.001), and number of children in a family (p = 0.001). In conclusion, a considerable proportion of pre-school children in the Galle Municipal Council area are exposed to excessive screen time. Interventions focusing on parental education and behaviour modelling are recommended to promote healthy screen use practices.
Open Access
Differences in Cognitive Functions based on English Language Proficiency in Young Adults
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Liyanage,M; Gamaathige,A; Hewagama,S; Perera,T; Goonetilleke,N
Cognitive assessments rely heavily on language-based tasks, potentially confounding cognitive performance with language proficiency, particularly in multilingual settings. This study investigated the influence of English language proficiency on cognitive functioning among young adults in Sri Lanka, a linguistically diverse country. 51 participants aged 18–26 were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and grouped by first-language English and non-first-language status. Standardised administration protocols and ethical guidelines were followed. Data analysis using an independent sample t-test revealed a significant difference in overall MoCA scores between the two groups, suggesting that language proficiency may influence MoCA performance. These findings emphasise the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate tools and the need for caution when interpreting cognitive assessments in multilingual contexts.
Open Access
The Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on Mental Health and Quality of Life (QoL) in Sri Lankan Women
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ahamed Akram,F.H
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects many aspects of a woman's life including reproductive, metabolic, psychological, and social function. This study examined the relationship between PCOS symptom severity and depression, anxiety, and stress, and overall quality of life (QoL) among Sri Lankan women with PCOS. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, and online data were gathered using a questionnaire from 100 participants, of which 48 met all inclusion criteria and were analysed in the final study. Purposive and snowball sampling recruited 18 to 45-year-old participants with a clinical diagnosis of PCOS. Measures included a demographic questionnaire, PCOS symptom checklist, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were gathered between February and April 2025, with all data being gathered via Google Forms. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of West London School of Human and Social Sciences Ethics Panel. Data was processed utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics Version 30.0 and employing correlation and regression analysis to study relationships among the study’s variables. Results indicated a positive significant correlation between PCOS symptom severity and depression, anxiety, and stress levels, and a negative significant correlation with quality of life in all four domains (i.e., physical, psychological, social, and environmental). The results reveal the significant impact of PCOS on not only physical health but also on mental wellbeing and life satisfaction. The results highlight the importance of incorporating psychological assessment and mental health care into the clinical care of PCOS. Future research is recommended to design culturally appropriate interventions to improve the mental wellbeing and quality of life of Sri Lankan women with PCOS.
Open Access
eHealth Literacy, Self-Management Practices and Glycaemic Control Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Hospitals in Colombo District, Sri Lanka
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Karunasinghe, D; Nimasha, C; Wanigasundara, S; Gobika, S; Attanayaka, S; Sajinth, P; Abeywickrama, S; Siribaddhana, N; Nisansala, N
Open Access
A sustainable nursing and midwifery partnership research network improving patient care
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Phillips, Nikki (Nicole)
The focus of this presentation is Deakin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery sustainable Research Network and its contributions through the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research. The Research Network has pioneered academic-industry partnerships, embedding researchers within major health services in Victoria, Australia.The first health service partnership was established in 1996 with the appointment of a Clinical Chair in Nursing, and the network has since grown to be large, wide reaching and sustainable, resulting in health services that together provide care for over three million Victorians annually. The three key research pillars underpinning the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research are patient safety, patient experience, and health workforce in the context of a variety of healthcare settings. Today, the School has one of the largest nursing and midwifery professoriates in Australia. These include Chairs in Nursing or Chairs in Midwifery, and most recently an Associate Professor in MentalHealth Nursing, all jointly appointed by the University and health services, that leadresearch teams focused on improving patient and maternity outcomes. The teams of researchers in each health service collaborate widely with clinicians and other researchers to generate knowledge, synthesise evidence, and translate evidence into practice. In addition, clinicians are supported to undertake research degrees, further building research capacity and leadership in the health service. Examples of impact of the sustainable network will be showcased.
Open Access
Knowledge Related to Ovulation among Female Undergraduate Students of a Selected Private University in Sri Lanka
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rasiq, D; Muthucumarana, M; Samarasinghe, C; Katukurunda, S; Sathsarani, K; Wijedasa, S
The understanding of the menstrual cycle and the awareness of the fertile window enable individuals to make informed reproductive decisions. It helps promote reproductive health and prevent unintended pregnancies. However, the level of knowledge and awareness about ovulation and fertile window among young adults, particularly among university undergraduates in Sri Lankan context, was not clearly explicit. Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of ovulation among female undergraduates at a non-state higher education institution in Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done from December 2024 to March 2025. The study targeted female undergraduates across all faculties, excluding students of the Nursing program. A convenient sample of 111 participants was selected, and a self-administered, anonymized Google forms distributed via the official email account of the participants for the data collection. This study revealed a basic level of knowledge on ovulation among female undergraduates.
Open Access
Prevalence and Predictors of Body Mass Index-Based Nutritional Status in Early Pregnancy: A Community-Based Study
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) De Silva,D.K.M.; Herath,H.M.C.M.
Nutritional status in early pregnancy plays a critical role in maternal and foetal health outcomes. The maternal suboptimal nutritional status caused gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of BMI-based nutritional status in first-trimester pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 firsttrimester pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in four purposively selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in Colombo District. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data collection involved a validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Nutritional status was categorized using international BMI cutoffs. The data were analysed descriptively for frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviations. Fisher’s Exact Test identified associations, and significant variables (p<0.05) were further analysed using multinomial logistic regression to identify independent predictors. The mean BMI was 25.79 ± 4.57 kg/m². A substantial proportion of participants were overweight (31.3%) or obese (22.4%), while 42.9% had a normal BMI and 3.4% were underweight. Significant predictors of nutritional status included residential areas (B=0.85, OR=0.42), parity (B=-0.81, OR=0.44), planned pregnancy (B=-3.37, OR=0.034), nutritional guidance (B=-1.22, OR=0.29), and dietary diversity (B=-0.1.91, OR=0.14). Overweight and obesity were prevalent among first-trimester pregnant women in the selected study setting. Improving the existing antenatal health interventions focusing on dietary diversity,pregnancy planning, and nutritional counselling is essential to improve maternal nutrition in early pregnancy.
Open Access
A Comprehensive Review of Most Influential Risk Factors for Dementia among Elderly People in Asian Countries
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ranaweera, G; Dasanayake, C; Kanchana, T
Dementia is characterised by a group of symptoms that are typically defined by memory loss, behavioural changes, and the subsequent loss of cognitive and social functioning caused by progressive neurological disorders. It represents one of the greatest global challenges for health and social care in the 21st century. This review aimed to identify the most influential risk factors for dementia among elderly populations in Asian countries.
Open Access
Barriers for Kangaroo Mother Care among Post-natal Mothers in Developing Countries: an Integrative Review
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Nisansala, N; Muthucumarana, M; Edirisinghe,N
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a highly cost-effective intervention for improving health outcomes among preterm and low birth weight babies. Despite evidence of its effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality, implementation barriers persist in developing countries where approximately 15 million preterm babies are born annually, and 9 million low birth weight infants die due to preventable causes. This integrative review aimed to determine barriers to KMC adoption among postnatal mothers indeveloping countries to inform targeted interventions and policy development. An advanced search in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINHAL, and Cochrane using PRISMA guidelines resulted in seven studies conducted across India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, Vietnam, and Malaysia which were reviewed to explore barriers to KMC implementation from the perspectives of mothers and healthcare providers.
Open Access
Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Perceived Stress among Undergraduates of a Selected Nonstate Sector Higher Education Institute in Sri Lanka
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Anthony, K; Wijedasa, H; Samarasinghe, C; Gunawardhana, S; Wanigasinghe, H; De Silva, D
Sleep is a fundamental determinant of health, and good sleep quality is positively linked to overall wellbeing. Stress, as a physiological response, can adversely affect health when experienced at high or prolonged levels. Due to various reasons, undergraduates often have poor sleep quality and a high level of stress. Therefore, it is important to assess the relationship between sleep quality and perceived stress level among undergraduate students in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between perceived stress and sleep quality among undergraduates in a selected non-state sector higher educational institute in the country.
Open Access
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Antenatal Care among Husbands of Primiparous Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinics at De Soysa Maternity Hospital in Colombo
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Abeyweera, K.C.; Thennakoon, T.M.A.S.; Dilrukshi, H.N.S.; Lakmali, A.D.P.; Yasarathne, G; Priyanthi, W.N.
Antenatal care (ANC) aims to monitor the health status of the mother and her baby during the antenatal period. In the Sri Lankan cultural setting, husbands play a major role as decision makers in the family context, and their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) positively impact maternal health. These factors help prevent complications during the antenatal period, enable early detection of risk factors, timelytreatment, and ensure access to health facilities. A quantitative non-experimental research study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of De Soysa Maternity Hospital in Colombo to assess KAP regarding ANC among husbands of primiparous mothers attending the clinic. A total of 250 husbands of primiparous mothers were subjected to a self-administered questionnaire over a period of two months. The study demonstrated significant associations between socio-demographic factors and husbands’ KAP regarding antenatal care. Education was strongly correlated with knowledge (r = 0.402, p < 0.001), and younger husbands (18–24 years) showed better knowledge compared to older husbands. Attitudes were significantly influenced by ethnicity (r = –0.213, p = 0.001) and religion (r = –0.127, p = 0.046), indicating variation in favourability across groups. In contrast, practice showed no significant association with income (r = 0.090, p = 0.158). The study highlights the importance of focused, culturally sensitive interventions to promote active husband participation during the antenatal period. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into husbands' involvement in antenatal care. Variables such as age, education, ethnicity, and religion influenced knowledge and attitudes. These findings support efforts to strengthen male involvement for better maternal and child health outcomes.
Open Access
Food Habits Changes and their Impact on Young Adults During COVID-19 Lockdown in Sri Lanka
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Chamodini, H. W. T.; Mihirani, N. H. G. M.; Sandamali, P. G. S.; Dilrukshi, A. N.; Perera, A. C. H.; Sewwandi, K. P. A.
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in many aspects of life. Nutrition is one important aspect that has been impacted both positively and negatively. Pandemic mitigation strategies restricted the movement of people, disrupting food production, distribution, and accessibility. On the other hand, the quantity and the quality of nutrition were also altered considerably. Young adults are vulnerable to multiple changes, including nutrition. It has been a timely requirement to study these changes during challenging situations, and the findings can be utilized to introduce nutritional guidelines during pandemic periods and nutritional recovery guidelines during post -pandemic periods. The study explores alterations in dietary habits and lifestyle patterns among Sri Lankan young adults during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from 118 participants aged 18-30 through an online questionnaire. The study revealed decreased consumption of vegetables, fruits, and chocolates, accompanied by higher levels of water intake and more frequent dinners. Physical activity levels declined significantly, while body weight and sleep duration increased. The research highlights the lockdown's multifaceted impact on young adults' health, emphasizing the need fortargeted nutritional and physical activity guidelines during such crises and even during post -pandemic periods.
Open Access
Reducing Dental Anxiety among Children Under 12: A Review of Non-pharmacological Interventions in Asian Countries
(Department of Applied Sciences. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Wijedasa, H; Gangabadaarachchi, D; Rupasinghe, N; Edirisinghe, N
Dental anxiety in children undermines treatment success and long-term oral health. This review of interventions for children under 12 years is conducted to identify effective and feasible strategies for a better experience in dental procedures. The objective of this review is to assess the different interventions used for reducing anxiety during dental procedures among children under 12 years of age.
Open Access
Exploring Clinical Competence Among Nursing Students: A Narrative Review
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Dasanayake, C
Clinical Competence includes knowledge, hand and technical skills, critical thinking, decision-making, and attitudes required for providing safe and effective patient care. This review aims to explore information on clinical competencies among nursing students.
Open Access
Integrating Western Medicine with Ayurveda in Sri Lanka: Innovative Approaches to the Holistic Management of Thalassemia
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Thilakasiri, T
Thalassemia is a common hereditary anaemia in Sri Lanka, posing significant clinical and economic challenges. Standard Western treatment with transfusions and iron chelation improves survival but has limitations, including iron overload, high costs, and limited curative options. Ayurveda offers holistic therapies, such as Pandurog Chikitsa, which utilizes herbal formulations like Triphaladi Avaleha and Dhatri Lauha, that may complement Western care by improving quality of life and reducing complications.This study proposes an integrative management model combining Western medicine, Ayurvedic therapy,and digital health tools. Methods included a literature review, simulated expert interviews, and development of a Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) -compatible electronic health record (EHR) prototype. Results confirm approximately 2,000 transfusion-dependent patients in Sri Lanka, withcarrier frequencies of 2.8% for β-thalassemia and up to 10% for α-thalassemia. Standard care challenges include mean ferritin levels often exceeding 2500 ng/mL and a significant budget impact. Ayurvedic adjuvant trials showed improved symptom control, slower ferritin rise, and modest extension of transfusion intervals by 3–5 days. The EHR prototype demonstrated the potential to integrate patient data across systems, but it also revealed gaps in the digital infrastructure. Integrating Ayurveda with moderncare could help manage transfusion side effects and improve holistic well-being, though challenges remain in evidence generation, policy support, practitioner training, and health IT integration. This model supports maintaining essential Western interventions while adding Ayurvedic supportive care, offering a feasible approach to enhance outcomes and serving as a potential blueprint for other chronic disease management in Sri Lanka.