The purpose of this study was to describe functional outcomes of unilateral lower limb amputee soldiers, in comparison to nonamputee male subjects, and to identify factors affecting functional outcomes. Selected lower limb amputee soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army (n = 461) and matched nonamputee male subjects (n = 461) were evaluated with the prevalidated self-administered version of Short-Form Health Survey-36. A majority were below-knee amputees (n = 413; 89.6%), and the mean age was 30.2 +/- 4.6 years. Short-Form Health Survey-36 health profile scores of amputees were significantly lower than those of nonamputees (p < 0.001). The differences in profiles were largest in scales sensitive to physical health. Higher levels of amputation and problems with the stump and sound leg were significantly associated with poor physical and mental health scores. Amputee soldiers' assessment of changes in health over the past year was significantly worse than that of nonamputees (p < 0.001). The study concluded that amputees have comparatively poor functional outcomes, which could be improved by modifying some associated factors.

The study concluded that amputees have a comparatively poor mental health outcome, which could be improved by modifying some associated factors.

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Objectives: To compare the dietary pattern and somerelated factors among adolescent schoolgirls in two defined urban and rural settings. Methodology: A-_crosi-sectional comparative study was carried out among adolescent schoolgirls in year eleven classes, attending selected Grade 1AB schools in two defined urban and rural settings. A selfadministered questionnaire which included a food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the food habits and some relevant factors such as independence of dietary habits, awareness on body size (body image), dieting and exercise, food preferences, cultural 'beliefs and attitudes (food taboos). Results: Consumption of meat products, eggs, fish, vegetables, soft drinks, milk products and sweets was higher among urban adolescent girls. Dried fish and dark green leaves was consumed more by rural adolescent girls and the consumption of fruits showed a mixed pattern, The study showed that the food habits of the subjects are less independent even in the urban setting. Although the concept of body image was a concern to some extent, especially amongurban adolescent girls, it was not so prevalent as in industrialized countries.

Objectives To determine knowledge of sexual harassment and abuse among schoolboys aged 14 to 19 years, assess prevalence, frequency and severity of various types of sexual harassment and abuse, assess frequency of reporting incidents of sexual harassment and abuse to a trustworthy person, determine reasons for non-reporting and determine characteristics specific to sexually abused schoolboys. Design A descriptive cross sectional study Method Data was collected from 242 schoolboys aged 14-19 years from 2 Colombo district schools using a pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire. Results Among the 242 students surveyed, 3.7% had knowledge on sexual harassment and 31% had knowledge on sexual abuse. 190 (78.5%) students had experienced sexual harassment and 53 (21.9%) had experienced sexual abuse. Commonest type of sexual abuse was oral sex with a prevalence of 9.5%. 10.7% students had been subjected to penetrative sex. Commonest reason for not reporting an incident of sexual harassment and sexual abuse was fear. Prevalence of sexual abuse was highest in the lower social class. Mother working abroad, being separated from both mother and father, not having any reliable friends were possible risk factors for being subjected to sexual abuse. Conclusions Prevalence of sexual abuse in schoolboys exceeds global figures. Prevalence of sexual harassment is on par with global figures. Knowledge on sexual harassment was extremely low and on sexual abuse relatively low.