Abstract:
This study attempts to describe service functions and utilization pattern of the newly
implemented well men clinic in Arachchikattuwa Medical Officer of Health area. A
descriptive cross sectional study design was used to achieve the objectives. Fourteen clinic
sessions conducted during the study period revealed the following findings. Mean duration
of a clinic session was approximately 4 hours. There were 34 percent referrals made among
which 62.7 percent complied seeking treatment. However back referrals received were 9.6
percent. Majority of the utilizes were in the 40-44 age group (20.3 percent). They were
Sinhalese (90.7 percent) and mostly married (93.9 percent). Majority were in the low
socioeconomic groups with low education level. The proportions with risk factors identified
were family history of a NCD (48.4 percent), smoking (37.3 percent), alcohol users (68.1
percent), overweight and obesity (20.8 percent), high WHR (42.7v), high blood pressure
02.5 percent) and urine sugar suggestive of diabetes mellitus (6.5 percent). Those with
already diagnosed diabetes mellitus and hypertension were 10.7 percent and 8.2 percent
respectively. Potential hypertensive’s detected were 9.32 percent and potential diabetics
detected were 2.9 percent. The well men clinic is useful in detecting men with risk factors
and NCDs. It was evident from the study that majority of the users were those with risk
factors who would be benefited. There are areas to be improved in terms of health
education, use of better screening investigations, referral follow-ups and back referrals.
Improvements in the information system may be able to cater to the needs of a NCD
surveillance mechanism
