1
|
Jayaratne S, Wijewardena K. Is violence against men a problem in Sri Lanka? Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1909-1915. [PMID: 37470418 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231179321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-based violence (GBV) among men is a universally present phenomenon that is mostly unacknowledged. The relative lack of research in this area leads to a deficiency of evidence ascribing due recognition to GBV among men. This, in turn, leads to not identifying it as a social problem, hence, poor development of resources for victims as well as poor help-seeking behaviour patterns are prevalent, especially in Southeast Asia. AIMS We aimed to determine the prevalence of GBV among men in Colombo, Sri Lanka. METHOD A descriptive cross-sectional analytical community survey was conducted to explore GBV against 1280 Sinhala-speaking men, selected using a multistage cluster sampling method in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. The GBV among men questionnaire (GBVMQ) was developed and culturally validated. A multiple logistic regression model was developed and nine correlates of GBV were identified and adjusted odds ratios estimated. RESULTS The prevalence of GBV was 35.8% (95% CI 33.1 -38.6). The prevalence of Verbal GBV was 34.7% (95% CI 32.1 -37.5). Childhood sexual abuse was 7.6% (95% CI 6.2 -9.2). Being subjected to ridicule as cowardly or unmanly (AOR = 25.3, 95% CI 5.58 -114.7, P<0.0010), Childhood sexual abuse (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.73 -11.09, P = 0.002) showed positive associations with statistical significance. CONCLUSION The results highlight the importance of having services for men as well as women. Enabling inclusiveness of men in mandates of state and private institutions catering for GBV would be a strategy in moving forward for Sri Lanka.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kumudu Wijewardena
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nadeeka NHS, Wijewardena K. Mental Health issues among grade ten students in the Ampara Regional Director of Health Services area: a qualitative study. Sri Lanka J Psyc 2022. [DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v13i2.8368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
|
3
|
Darj E, Wijewardena K, Lindmark G, Axemo P. 'Even though a man takes the major role, he has no right to abuse': future male leaders' views on gender-based violence in Sri Lanka. Glob Health Action 2018; 10:1348692. [PMID: 28753081 PMCID: PMC5645713 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1348692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Distinct gender roles influence gender inequality and build the foundation for gender-based violence. Violence against women is a major public health problem in all societies, and a violation of human rights. Prevalence surveys on gender-based violence have been published from Sri Lanka, but qualitative studies on men’s perceptions are lacking. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore young educated Sri Lankan men’s perceptions of violence against women. Methods: Seven focus-group discussions were held. Men at the end of their university studies were purposefully selected. A topic guide was used, covering various scenarios of violence against women. Qualitative content analysis was carried out. Results: Four categories were developed through the analytic process: fixed gender roles – patriarchal values are accepted in society, female mobility control, and slowly changing attitudes; violence not accepted but still exists – sexual harassment exists everywhere, different laws for different people, female tolerance of violence, and men’s right to punish; multiple factors cause violence – alcohol, violent behavior is inherited, violence culturally accepted, low education, and lack of communication; and prevention of violence against women – both parents must engage and socialize girls and boys equally, life skills education, premarital counselling, working places value clarification, and more women in politics and boards are suggested. Conclusions: Medical and management students, possible future male leaders of the country, have suggestions of prevention strategies in life skills to reduce gender-based violence and to increase knowledge of health consequences with the aim of changing attitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Darj
- a Department of Women's and Children's Health , International and Maternal Child Health, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden.,b Department of Public Health and Nursing , NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology , Trondheim , Norway.,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , St Olav's Hospital , Trondheim , Norway
| | - Kumudu Wijewardena
- d Department of Community Medicine Health , University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Colombo , Sri Lanka
| | - Gunilla Lindmark
- a Department of Women's and Children's Health , International and Maternal Child Health, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Pia Axemo
- a Department of Women's and Children's Health , International and Maternal Child Health, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Axemo P, Wijewardena K, Fonseka R, Cooray S, Darj E. Training university teachers and students in Sri Lanka on Gender Based Violence: testing of a participatory training program. MedEdPublish (2016) 2018; 7:43. [PMID: 38089210 PMCID: PMC10711944 DOI: 10.15694/mep.2018.0000043.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. In all societies, violence is a social problem and violation of human rights. Changing attitudes and behaviors, which accept violence at individual and societal levels are key components in prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to produce educational material on Gender Based Violence (GBV). A participatory study design including educators and university students was used to create four teaching modules. The teaching was evaluated by descriptive surveys before and after the training and focus group discussions followed the training session. The questionnaire covered attitudes to gender, violence and laws. One hundred eleven teachers and 25 students representing different faculties and universities participated in separate workshops in three Sri Lankan universities. The students lacked knowledge of the meaning of GBV, consequences and existing laws. Women held more gender-equitable attitudes. Both women and men favoured equal participation of work and decision in the households. Male undergraduates showed less accepting attitudes toward rape or blaming women for rape Three categories emerged after the FGDs; Make training module compulsory and teacher led; Mind your own business; What can be done. The newly prepared and context specific material was well-received by educators and students and they provided valuable inputs, which improved the educational modules.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to assess the regional differences in domestic violence among pregnant women in the capital district and in the tea plantation sector of Sri Lanka, to explore potential contributory factors and to assess whether healthcare workers addressed domestic violence and disclosure among survivors. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was carried out using interviewer-administered Abuse Assessment Screen. SETTING Fifty-seven antenatal clinic centres in the capital district and 30 in the tea plantation sector. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women between 6 and 40 weeks of gestational age. In the capital district, 1375 women were recruited from antenatal clinic centres in the urban (n=25) and in the rural areas (n=32), and 800 women from 30 centres in the tea plantation sector. The response rate in the capital district was 95.6% and 96.7% in the tea plantation sector. RESULTS Among the total sample of pregnant women (n=2088), the prevalence of 'ever abused' was 38.6%, and the prevalence of 'currently abused' was 15.9%. 'Ever abused' (31.5% vs 50.8%) and 'currently abused' (10% vs 25.8%) were significantly higher (P<0.001) among the women living in the tea plantation sector. 'Ever abused' was associated with living in the tea plantation sector, being employed, living far from gender-based violence care centre and of Muslim ethnicity, after adjusting for age, education and family income. Only 38.8% of all participants had been asked by healthcare workers about abuse. Living in the tea plantation sector and lower level of education were associated with not being asked. Among those who reported 'ever abused', only 8.7% had disclosed the experience to a healthcare worker. CONCLUSION Domestic violence was prevalent and highest among women in the tea plantation sector compared with the capital district. The capacity of healthcare workers in addressing domestic violence should be increased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munas M Muzrif
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Dinusha Perera
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Kumudu Wijewardena
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Berit Schei
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Olavs Hospital Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Katarina Swahnberg
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prathapan S, Wijewardena K, Low WY. Content Analysis of Food and Beverages Advertisements Targeting Children and Adults on Television in Sri Lanka. Asia Pac J Public Health 2015; 28:86S-92S. [PMID: 26658325 DOI: 10.1177/1010539515620481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Food marketing is one of the main factors in the increase in childhood obesity. The objective is to compare the strategies used for promotion of food and beverages advertisements on Sri Lankan television for children and adults. METHOD Among 16 analog television channels in Sri Lanka, 50% of the channels were selected randomly after stratifying according to language. Recording was during weekdays and weekends. In total, 95 different food and beverages advertisements were analyzed irrespective of the channel. RESULTS Among all food and beverages-related advertisements, 78% were child focused, and among these 74% claimed health benefits. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of implications related to nutrition or health (P < .05). None of the advertisements contained disclaimers. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The Ministry of Health needs to pursue all food and beverages-focused advertisements for policy formulation and implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wah Yun Low
- University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Infanti JJ, Lund R, Muzrif MM, Schei B, Wijewardena K. Addressing domestic violence through antenatal care in Sri Lanka's plantation estates: Contributions of public health midwives. Soc Sci Med 2015; 145:35-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
8
|
Jordal M, Wijewardena K, Öhman A, Essén B, Olsson P. 'Disrespectful men, disrespectable women': men's perceptions on heterosexual relationships and premarital sex in a Sri Lankan Free Trade Zone - a qualitative interview study. BMC Int Health Hum Rights 2015; 15:3. [PMID: 25889367 PMCID: PMC4346104 DOI: 10.1186/s12914-015-0040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Gender norms have been challenged by unmarried rural women’s migration for employment to urban Sri Lankan Free Trade Zones (FTZ). Men are described as looking for sexual experiences among the women workers, who are then accused of engaging in premarital sex, something seen as taboo in this context. Increased sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) risks for women workers are reported. To improve SRHR it is important to understand the existing gender ideals that shape these behaviours. This qualitative study explores men’s perspectives on gender relations in an urban Sri Lankan FTZ, with a focus on heterosexual relationships and premarital sex. Further, possible implications for SRHR of women workers in FTZs are discussed. Methods Eighteen qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with men living or working in an urban Sri Lankan FTZ and were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Two conflicting constructions of masculinity; the ‘disrespectful womaniser’ and the ‘respectful partner’, were discerned. The ‘disrespectful womaniser’ was perceived to be predominant and was considered immoral while the ‘respectful partner’ was considered to be less prevalent, but was seen as morally upright. The migrant women workers’ moral values upon arrival to the FTZ were perceived to deteriorate with time spent in the FTZ. Heterosexual relationships and premarital sex were seen as common, however, ideals of female respectability and secrecy around premarital sex were perceived to jeopardize contraceptive use and thus counteract SRHR. Conclusion The ‘disrespectful’ masculinity revealed in the FTZ is reflective of the patriarchal Sri Lankan society that enables men’s entitlement and sexual domination over women. Deterioration of men’s economic power and increase of women’s economic and social independence may also be important aspects contributing to men’s antagonistic attitudes towards women. The promotion of negative attitudes towards women is normalized through masculine peer pressure. This and ambivalence towards women’s premarital sex are undermining the SRHR and well-being of women, but also men, in the FTZ. Awareness and counteraction of destructive gender power relations are essential for the improvement of the SRHR of women and men in the FTZ and the surrounding society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Jordal
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Akademiska sjukhuset, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Kumudu Wijewardena
- Department of Community Medicine, Sri Jayawardenapura University, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
| | - Ann Öhman
- Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS), Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Birgitta Essén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Akademiska sjukhuset, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Pia Olsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Akademiska sjukhuset, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jordal M, Wijewardena K, Ohman A, Essén B, Olsson P. Negotiating respectability: migrant women workers' perceptions of relationships and sexuality in free trade zones in Sri Lanka. Health Care Women Int 2014; 35:658-76. [PMID: 24279615 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2013.862799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Migration has implications for women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our purpose with this study was to explore unmarried migrant women's perceptions of relationships and sexuality in the context of Sri Lankan Free Trade Zones. Sixteen semi-structured qualitative interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. We found that the women's perceptions were influenced by gendered hegemonic notions of respectability and virginity. Complex gender relations both worked in favor of and against women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Programs for improvement of migrant women's health should be informed by contextualized analysis of gender relations with its various dimensions and levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Jordal
- a International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH) , Department of Women and Children's Health, Uppsala University Hospital , Uppsala , Sweden
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dawson AJ, Buchan J, Duffield C, Homer CSE, Wijewardena K. Task shifting and sharing in maternal and reproductive health in low-income countries: a narrative synthesis of current evidence. Health Policy Plan 2013; 29:396-408. [DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czt026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
11
|
Jordal M, Wijewardena K, Olsson P. Unmarried women's ways of facing single motherhood in Sri Lanka - a qualitative interview study. BMC Womens Health 2013; 13:5. [PMID: 23388103 PMCID: PMC3626789 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-13-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background In Sri Lanka, motherhood within marriage is highly valued. Sex out of wedlock is socially unacceptable and can create serious public health problems such as illegal abortions, suicide and infanticide, and single motherhood as a result of premarital sex is considered shameful. The way unmarried women facing single motherhood reflect on and make use of their agency in their social environments characterised by limited social and financial support has consequences for the health and well-being of both themselves and their children. The aim of this study was to explore and describe how unmarried women facing single motherhood in Sri Lanka handle their situation. Methods This qualitative study comprised semi-structured interviews with 28 unmarried pregnant women or single mothers. The data were analysed by qualitative content analysis and the results related to the conceptual framework of social navigation. Results The women facing single motherhood expressed awareness of having trespassed norms of sexuality through self-blame, victimhood and obedience, and by considering or attempting suicide. They demonstrated willingness to take responsibility for becoming pregnant before marriage by giving the child up for adoption, bringing up the child themselves, claiming a father for their child, refraining from marriage in the future, permanently leave their home environment, and taking up employment. Throughout the interviews, the women expressed fear of shame, and striving for familial and societal acceptance and financial survival. Conclusions A social environment highly condemning of unmarried motherhood hindered these women from making strategic choices on how to handle their situation. However, to achieve acceptance and survival, the women tactically navigated norms of femininity, strong family dependence, a limited work market, and different sources of support. Limited access to resources restricted the women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, including their ability to make acceptable and healthy choices for themselves and their children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Jordal
- IMCH/International Maternal and Child Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Siritunga S, Wijewardena K, Ekanayaka R, Mudunkotuwa P. Can music improve the symptoms of stable angina? A randomized controlled trial. Health (London) 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.56139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
13
|
Siritunga S, Wijewardena K, Ekanayaka R, Mudunkotuwa P. Effect of music on blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of asymptomatic individuals: A randomized controlled trial. Health (London) 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.54a008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
14
|
Abstract
This article presents findings from a cross-sectional community survey exploring intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in the Western province of Sri Lanka. Findings show that lifetime prevalence of physical violence (34%), controlling behavior (30%), and emotional abuse (19%) was high and the prevalence of sexual violence was low (5%). Young women and those with partners who abused alcohol/drugs and had extra-marital affairs are at increased risk of violence. Although living in a patriarchal society, low prevalence of child marriages and lack of dowry-related violence could be to Sri Lankan women’s advantage relative to their Asian counterparts in preventing IPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pia Axemo
- International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hewage C, Bohlin G, Wijewardena K, Lindmark G. Executive functions and child problem behaviors are sensitive to family disruption: a study of children of mothers working overseas. Dev Sci 2011; 14:18-25. [PMID: 21159084 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7687.2010.00953.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mothers in Sri Lanka are increasingly seeking overseas employment, resulting in disruption of the childcare environment. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of maternal migration on executive function (EF) and behavior, thereby also contributing to the scientific understanding of environmental effects--or more specifically family effects--on children's neurocognitive functioning. A sample of 60 healthy 11-year-old children whose mothers had been working overseas for more than 1 year formed the study group, and a comparison group was recruited from the same schools. Evaluations were made twice over a 1-year interval with regard to the EF components inhibition and working memory as well as teacher ratings of internalizing and externalizing behavior. The children in the study group were found to have poorer EF and higher levels of externalizing behaviors. A composite score of inhibition partially mediated the group effect on externalizing behavior. Current home environment was assessed using the HOME scale, was poorer for the study group and was related to EF, but not to behavior problems. Keeping in mind the correlational nature of the present data, our results were discussed in relation to studies showing cognitive effects of stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandana Hewage
- Department of Physiology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Broom A, Wijewardena K, Sibbritt D, Adams J, Nayar K. The use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine in Sri Lankan cancer care: Results from a survey of 500 cancer patients. Public Health 2010; 124:232-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2010.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 02/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
17
|
Abstract
All children aged 18-24 months in a defined geographical area were initially screened for autism, using 'Red Flag' criteria. All the children with one or more positive 'Red Flag' signs were further screened using Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) translated to Sinhala, followed by a comprehensive clinical assessment. Of a sample of 374 children, 'Red Flag' signs were positive in 28 (7.4%). Four children received a diagnosis of autism on clinical assessment giving a prevalence of 1.07% or 1 per 93 in the 18-24-month age group. Sensitivity of M-CHAT was only 25%, and specificity 70%. The high prevalence detected strongly justifies early community-based screening, but a culturally sensitive screening tool needs to be developed for Sri Lanka.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Perera
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Kinsey Road, Colombo 008, Sri Lanka.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Goonaratna C, Thabrew I, Wijewardena K. Does Aerua lanata have diuretic properties? Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1993; 37:135-7. [PMID: 8225543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We have compared the diuretic activity of 200 ml of sucrose flavoured aqueous extract of the herb Aerua lanata with that of 200 ml sucrose flavoured weak infusion of tea leaves, and 200 ml of water, in 14 healthy volunteers under standardized conditions. Each volunteer acted as his or her own control in the three protocols, and chemical, physical and statistical analyses were performed "blind" by coding all urine and blood samples collected. A. lanata extract did not significantly increase urine flow, sodium excretion, potassium excretion, or urine and plasma osmolality as compared to an infusion of tea or plain water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Goonaratna
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
| | | | | |
Collapse
|