2025

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Malnutrition

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    PublicationOpen Access
    Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka
    (Nature Research, 2025-05-06) Nandajeewa, S; Aluthwatta, S; Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Rajapakse, V; Wijesinghe, N; Liyanaarachchi, T
    Malnutrition, a persistent illness, significantly reduces fat, muscle and bone levels, harming internal organs. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has led to widespread malnutrition among children, including adolescents experiencing growth spurts. This study identifies factors influencing malnutrition in grade 10 pupils in the Nuwara-Eliya District, with the highest rates of malnutrition and also a multicultural area with many estate sector residents. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative approach, the data was collected from 379 respondents via a Likert scale questionnaire. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 4.0. Key findings indicate that environmental factors, such as access to clean water and sanitation, significantly influence adolescent malnutrition. A comprehensive strategy incorporating education, healthcare, and environmental improvements is essential for this. Ongoing observation, community engagement, and cooperative tactics are crucial for sustainable solutions. Addressing environmental issues and promoting a holistic approach to health education and infrastructure improvements are vital to combat adolescent malnutrition in vulnerable populations.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Surviving the first five years: the economic and healthcare determinants of child mortality in Sri Lanka
    (Springer Nature Link, 2025-06-21) Rajapakse, V; Jayathilaka, R
    Background This study investigates the role of economic growth, healthcare investment, immunization coverage, and malnutrition in reducing under-five mortality rates (U5MR) in Sri Lanka. Understanding how these factors interact within socio-economic ecosystems is essential to formulating sustainable strategies to improve child survival outcomes. Methods This study employs multiple linear regression to analyze the statistical associations between economic growth, healthcare investment, immunization, malnutrition, and under-five mortality in Sri Lanka. Using secondary data from the World Bank and UNICEF (2000–2021), U5MR was modeled against economic growth (per capita GDP), government healthcare expenditure (GHE), immunization coverage (DTP1), and malnutrition (MLN), with significance assessed through p-values and model fit via R². Results The multiple linear regression model demonstrated strong explanatory power, accounting for 85% of the variation in under-five mortality (R² = 0.85). Economic growth and immunization coverage were negatively associated with U5MR and found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.10 respectively), indicating their potential role in reducing child mortality. Malnutrition showed a strong positive association (p < 0.01), emphasizing its continued threat to child health. Although government healthcare expenditure had a negative association, it was not statistically significant, suggesting possible inefficiencies in resource utilization. Conclusion The study highlights the significant role of economic growth, healthcare expenditure, immunization coverage, and nutrition in shaping U5MR trends in Sri Lanka. The findings emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance child health outcomes and ensure sustainable progress in reducing child mortality.