This study aimed to determine the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among pregnant women in Sri Lanka and examine the association between NCDs and maternal and fetal outcomes.

A hospital-based, descriptive cross-sectional study.

The study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in the Western Province and one intermediate obstetrics care facility in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, encompassing diverse, multiethnic populations, over 3 months.

Data from 1350 pregnant women were collected from discharged bed head tickets of the postnatal obstetric wards using a standardised checklist.

The primary outcomes were the prevalence of NCDs. Secondary outcomes included associations between maternal NCDs and adverse fetal outcomes such as preterm births and neonatal complications.

Among the participants, 68.5% (n=926) had one or more NCDs, with anaemia (37.9%), obesity (18.1%), gestational diabetes mellitus (14.9%) and hypertensive disorders (13.6%) being the most prevalent. Women with NCDs were at significantly higher odds of adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm birth (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.4), neonatal sepsis (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.5 to 4.04) and hypoglycaemia (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.2 to 10.0). Maternal complications, including postpartum haemorrhage (3.3%) and placental abruption (0.7%), were also more frequent in this group.

NCDs are highly prevalent among pregnant women in Sri Lanka and are significantly associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Enhanced screening and management strategies during antenatal care are essential to mitigate risks and improve health outcomes, aligning with global efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

This study explored the barriers to and facilitators of weight reduction among urban, young adults with obesity in Sri Lanka.

A qualitative descriptive study, using the framework method in thematic analysis to identify key themes for barriers and facilitators.

An urban community setting in Sri Lanka in January–March 2022.

62 young adults (18–35 years) with obesity (body mass index ≥25 kgm^-2) representing different socio-demographic characteristics were recruited into the focus group discussions (n=10).

The majority of participants were women (n=40; 64.5%). More than 70% (n=45) of the participants were classified as having class I obesity. Inconsistent knowledge, emotions and mood, poor self-control, inadequate support from others, lack of time, lack of resources and facilities and unsafe environment for physical activities were the identified barriers. The desire to improve appearance and body image, health-related concerns, limitations to day-to-day activities, previous positive experiences, support from others and weight-related victimisation were identified as facilitators.

A multitude of factors were found to interfere with weight-reduction attempts. Due consideration of these barriers and facilitators is important when planning weight management programmes targeting young adults with obesity.