Publications by authors named "Miyuru Chandradasa"
Article Synopsis
- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected vulnerable populations, especially those with severe mental illnesses, who face higher risks and often lack prioritized vaccination strategies.
- A study found that while 80% of surveyed countries have nationalized healthcare, only 26% included mental health professionals in their advisory groups for vaccination priorities, with most focusing on physical health conditions like cancer and diabetes.
- The findings highlight the urgent need for better integration of mental health considerations in public health policies, particularly during health crises like COVID-19, as patients with mental illnesses have been largely neglected.
Introduction: This manuscript delves into the intricate connection between climate change and Indigenous mental health in Australia, with a focus on the aftermath of the defeat of the 'Voice' referendum. Climate change, recognized for its broad impact on mental health determinants, poses heightened risks to vulnerable communities, including Indigenous populations. The defeat of 'The Voice' referendum adds complexity, highlighting concerns about the lack of meaningful rights for the First Peoples of Australia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic severely strained the health care in Sri Lanka. The subsequent economic crisis compounded this issue. Priority was given to treating those afflicted with COVID-19 and preventing its spread, and healthcare staff faced immense difficulties dealing with the situation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrevalence and associated factors of depression in Sri Lanka: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol
February 2024
Article Synopsis
- The review aimed to gather and analyze existing studies to determine the overall prevalence of depression in Sri Lanka and its variations among different age groups and populations.
- A total of 33 studies with over 52,000 participants found that the pooled prevalence of depression was approximately 19.4%, with the highest rates in young individuals at 39%.
- The findings highlight significant differences in depression rates across age groups and suggest that the diversity of study methodologies introduces challenges in interpreting the results conclusively.*
Objective: The present study aimed to translate and adapt the Parent Form of the MTA Version of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham ADHD/ODD rating scale (SNAP-IV) into Sinhala and examine its psychometric properties.
Method: The MTA version of the SNAP-IV was translated into the Sinhala language by adhering to the WHO translation and adaptational process. The final Sinhala SNAP-IV (S-SNAP-IV) was administered to parents of 412 healthy children and adolescents (age: 6-18 years), and 272 children and adolescents with ADHD (age: 4-19 years).
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to analyze the trends in psychiatric emergencies and self-harm cases at emergency departments (EDs) during the pandemic, comparing data from one year into the pandemic with earlier periods.
- A total of 8,174 psychiatric presentations involving children and adolescents were studied, showing a significant increase in both psychiatric and self-harm presentations in March to April 2021 compared to previous years.
- The results indicated a rise in self-harm cases, particularly among females, highlighting the need for effective follow-up services and attention to mental health issues in pediatric populations.