University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

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Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

Advances in investigations into alleged child sexual abuse
(University of Colombo, 2022) Ewaduge, N.V.; Perera, H.J.M; Senadhipathi, S.M.H.D.; Siriwardana, T.D.D.D.; Abeyratne, M.A.D.P.K.
Introduction: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a major health problem worldwide, associated with a wide range of physical, psychological and social adversities. Victims undergo interviewing and examination in the process of management, along with the provision of necessary treatment. Healthcare practitioners need to possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to provide optimal care. This article focuses on advances in medical and police interviewing, roles of emergency physicians, sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) and social workers in managing CSA in the recent past. Methods: Pubmed, Researchgate and Google Scholar were searched for keywords for articles in the English language. Twenty-five articles published after 2005 were reviewed, while the current practice was based on articles published by Sri Lankan authors after 2001.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Phlebotomus argentipes: Vector of Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka
(University of Colombo, 2021) Pathirage, D.R.K.; Weeraratne, T.C.; Senanayake, S.C.; Parakrama Karunaratne, S.H.P.; Karunaweera, N.D.
Introduction: Phlebotomus argentipes is the vector of Leishmania donovani which causes the disease leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease and a growing health problem in Sri Lanka. A proper understanding of the population genetic structure of sand fly vectors is considered important prior to planning and implementation of a successful vector control program. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the population genetic structure of sand fly vectors in Sri Lanka. Methods: DNA was extracted from individual sand flies (n≤ 10 per site) followed by PCR amplification using two mitochondrial genes namely Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox 1) and Cytochrome b (Cytb), and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region from the nuclear ribosomal DNA and sequencing. Analyses included maximum likelihood method, network analysis and DNA polymorphisms. Results: The outcome revealed that the cox 1 gene had a relationship with sand flies isolated previously from Sri Lanka, India and Israel. The sequences from cytb gene of 4 sand flies that aligned with those isolated earlier from Sri Lanka and 3 from Madagascar. Furthermore, cox 1 gene and ITS 2 region analyses based on FST values indicated a possible gene flow between the study sites whereas cytb gene analysis favoured the existence of genetically distinct populations of P. argentipes in each of the study sites. Conclusion: Poor population differentiation of P. argentipes, a possible consequence of a gene flow, is indeed of concern due to the risk imposed by promoting the spread of functionally important phenotypes such as insecticide resistance across the country, making future vector control efforts challenging.
Evidence-based practice: Attitudes, knowledge and behaviours of Sri Lankan physiotherapists
(University of Colombo, 2022) Cinthuja, P.; Nanayakkarawasam, P.P.
Introduction: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a globally accepted model of clinical decision making, which is considered a gold standard in clinical practice by many health professionals, including physiotherapists. Access to evidence, having positive attitudes and beliefs, and overcoming barriers are critical factors in implementing EBP to improve patient care. This study describes physiotherapists’ self-reported attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and barriers to EBP. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, practising physiotherapists were invited to complete a google form with Likert scales, which measured the required components. Social media platforms were used to circulate the questionnaire to participants. A convenient sampling method was used. Chi-squared test was performed to analyse data.
Effectiveness of physiotherapy in pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases, Sri Lanka
(University of Colombo, 2022) Mihindukula, K.A.T.S.; Chandrathilaka, K.R.M.; Gunasena, B.
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic airway disease which could be improved by physiotherapy interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Improvements in physical fitness and breathing difficulty results in an increase in quality of life of COPD patients. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy for COPD patients in a PR programme at National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases (NHRD), Sri Lanka. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included 75 patients with COPD, of which 92%were males (n=69). Physiotherapy interventions consisted of pre-designed chest clearance techniques, breathing and relaxation exercises, endurance, and stretching and strengthening exercises. Frequency and intensity of interventions were adjusted according to the baseline health status of the participants. Pulmonary function, physical functionality, level of dyspnoea, and health status of the patient were assessed using lung function tests (FEV₁), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), modified-BORG scale, COPD assessment tool (CAT) respectively at the baseline of the programme, at 7th week and at 20th week.
Awareness of physiotherapy specialties among bank employees in the Dehiwala- Mount-Lavinia suburb in Colombo District
(University of Colombo, 2022) Nidhya, K.; Chandrathilaka, K.R.M.; Cinthuja, P.
Introduction: The working environment of the bankers may cause physical health issues such as back pain, neck pain, etc. The general public frequently confuses the functions of different healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, which makes it difficult in selecting the best specialist to consult for their health problems. Thus, public awareness on physiotherapy may lead to early diagnosis, better management and prevention of several common health conditions. Accordingly, this study aimed at investigating the awareness of different physiotherapy specialties among bank employees and determining the association between the level of awareness and the socio-economic characteristics of bank employees. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire on 124 bank employees at their workplaces. Data were analysed using standard descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics was used to assess the relationship between education level, gender and age groups and awareness of physiotherapy