ObjectivesLearning methods and other related factors influence the success of medical undergraduates. This study aims at finding factors associated with the end of pre-clinical stream examination results among medical undergraduates of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. The results of this study will inform the tutors to plan and implement teaching methods as well as to guide the social welfare of the undergraduates. In general, we believe this study has the potential to improve the medical undergraduate’s academic performance.ResultsEighty-six per cent (112/130) of medical undergraduates have passed the examination and rest was referred. Logistic regression revealed a significant association between examination results and self-satisfaction for English language proficiency (P = 0.048). Passing the examination was more likely with high self-satisfaction for English language proficiency [odds ratio = 6.063 (95% CI 1.014 to 36.249)]. Also, a significant association between obtaining a class at the examination and using peer-revision notes (P = 0.019) was revealed. Obtaining a class at the examination was less likely with the frequent use of peer-revision notes [odds ratio = 0.228 (95% CI 0.066 to 0.790)].Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3912-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Public concern on welfare of dairy calves remains low in Sri Lanka. Therefore, a survey was conducted to assess the welfare issues of dairy calf management practices in120 small scale dairy farms (herd size 7.85 ± 3.25: Mean ± SD) in Ratnapura district, Sri Lanka. Farmers were selected by using multistage random sampling technique and data collection was performed by the interview with the farmer using a questionnaire. Analysis was based on descriptive statistics. In 84% of farms, separate calving pen was absent. Cows were not provided bedding materials during calving in 22% of farms. In 16% of farms, disinfection of the new born's navel was not practiced. All the farmers did not concern on colostrum quality, quantity and quickness of feeding. In 53% of farms, calf sheds were in poor condition (slippery floors-13%, floor with obstacles-53%, no side walls-63%, poor condition of roof-20%, no drainage facilities-47%). However, 5% of farmers did not provide shelters for calves. Use of sick pen and provision of exercise yard were not in practiced in all the surveyed farms. In addition, in 44% of farms, calves were not provided grazing or any other exercises. Results indicated that 11% of the farmers did not treat calves for wounds or cuts. Furthermore, 9% of the farmers did not practice deworming and 92% of the farmers did not treat for external parasites. All the farmers did not concern about the quantity and quality of the feeding materials. Disbudding was practiced in 11% of farms without pain relief techniques. In overall, results reveal that there are issues in management practices that need intervention strategies to improve the welfare of dairy calves in the area.

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Background Growth faltering during later infancy is common in Sri Lanka. While retarding the physical and mental development of the infant, its burden on the social and economic aspects of the family, society and country is immense. Methods A case-control study, involving 150 controls and 75 cases (Total 225), was conducted in two randomly selected Child Welfare Clinics. Infants with failure to thrive were identified from Child Health Development Records and a pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17.0. Results Sex distribution was almost equal (Males=52.4%, Females=47.6%). The mean age of mothers was 26 years (SD=4.7) and only 26.2% (n=59) were employed although over 90% had secondary education. Lower segment caesarean section, low birth weight, intra-uterine growth restriction and presence of acute illnesses had a significant association with growth faltering with odds ratios (OR) of 3.3 (95% CI=1.8-5.8), 3.0 (95% CI=1.6-5.6), 3.5 (95% CI=1.3-9.5) and 2.3 (95% CI=1.3-4.1) respectively. Significant factors pertaining to feeding were, non-exclusive breast feeding (OR=2.8 and 95% CI=1.5-5.3), inadequate duration of breast feeding per feed (OR=3.8 and 95% CI= 2.1-6.9), formula feeding (OR=2.1 and 95% CI=1.2-3.7) and inadequate diet (OR=2.7 and 95% CI=1.5-5.0). Parental and household factors such as young maternal age, inadequate maternal education, increased number of children and non-availability of domestic help were not statistically significant. However, low monthly income was a significant factor associated with growth faltering (OR=3.3 and 95% CI=1.8-6.2). Conclusion Infant and dietary factors were of paramount importance while parental and household factors played a minor role in growth faltering.