University of Colombo

This review aimed to systematically synthesize qualitative evidence on the perceptions, experiences, and practices of athletes and stakeholders regarding sports injuries, with a primary focus on risk factors, consequences, injury reporting, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies. A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and prospectively registered in PROSPERO. Six databases were searched from 2000 to July 2025. Eligible studies explored the lived experiences of sports injuries in athletes and stakeholders. Data were extracted, appraised using the CASP checklist, and synthesized thematically. Thirty-five studies were included, spanning a range of sports and competitive levels. Five overarching themes were identified: (i) risk factors including excessive training loads, poor recovery, early specialization, and psychosocial stressors; (ii) consequences of injury such as disrupted performance, long-term disability, financial costs, and significant psychological distress; (iii) rehabilitation highlighting both the challenges of self-management and the importance of interdisciplinary support; (iv) injury reporting and monitoring where normalization of pain, fear of deselection, and cultural pressures inhibited disclosure; and (v) injury prevention and performance sustainability emphasizing load management, evidence-based practices, collaborative monitoring, and contextual barriers such as limited resources and fixture congestion. Athletes and stakeholders perceive sports injuries as complex biopsychosocial phenomena shaped by cultural norms, resource availability, and interpersonal dynamics. Sustainable prevention requires both individualized and systemic approaches, combining tailored training plans, athlete-centered care, and structured surveillance systems. Qualitative insights highlight the necessity of embedding prevention and rehabilitation strategies within the lived realities of athletes, thereby enhancing health protection and long-term performance sustainability. REVIEW REGISTRATION: This review was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework in March 2025 (registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/V79D2).

The COVID-19 pandemic - and the inconsistent government responses it revealed - has made the institutionalisation of robust Science Advice to Policymakers (SAP) an urgent imperative. Barring exceptions such as initiatives by the International Network for Governmental Science Advice, very few training programmes aim to develop capacity of policy makers, especially in the Global South. In response to these needs, the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka and the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA), conducted a project titled Institutionalising Science Advice to Governments. Its key objectives was to develop an appropriate framework to understand the process of institutionalisation of SAP. The Colombo Framework so developed integrated four clusters: the SAP process; guiding values and principles; supporting institutional and legislative structures; and evaluating SAP. It was validated by experts and used for designing a questionnaire to assess current SAP practices across AASSA member countries which enabled data gathering on the diversity of models of SAP, their challenges and best practices. The framework also helped structure an international workshop to share country-level situation analyses, formulate roadmaps for implementation and build consensus on the relevance of institutionalising SAP. The latter culminated in the Colombo Declaration, urging governments to strengthen science-policy engagements. Short-term and long-term feedback from participants indicated high utility of the framework for understanding and operationalising SAP in diverse contexts. The framework offers a systematic approach for countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, to institutionalise SAP and for scientists to gain in-depth understanding of the process.

Abstract Objective Menopause, a universal yet diverse life stage, profoundly influences women's physical, emotional, and social well‐being. In Malaysia's multi‐ethnic context, experiences are shaped by cultural meanings, religious beliefs, healthcare structures, and socioeconomic factors. Despite this, policies and services remain limited, with low uptake of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), poor workplace recognition, and uneven access to care. This study is designed to identify the different experiences of menopause in Malaysian population. Design Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews. Setting and Population Women in perimenopause, menopause, and post‐menopause stages from the general population. Methods Part of the Malaysian chapter of the MARIE WP2a project, this study explored lived experiences among women aged over 18, purposively recruited across ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups. Interviews conducted in English, Malay, or Mandarin were analysed thematically using the Delanerolle and Phiri equity‐oriented framework to identify determinants at individual, community, health system, and policy levels. Results Eleven women described a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe vasomotor, psychological, and musculoskeletal issues. Surgical menopause caused abrupt, compounded symptoms. Coping strategies included exercise, herbal remedies, religious practices, and selective biomedical use. HRT uptake remained low due to cancer fears, cultural perceptions, and limited clinician engagement. Workplace support was minimal, with most relying on informal networks. Healthcare engagement was reactive, and anticipatory guidance was scarce. Equity gaps emerged around affordability, rural–urban divides, religious norms, workplace stigma, and lack of culturally appropriate information. Conclusion Menopause in Malaysia is shaped by biological, sociocultural, and systemic factors. Culturally sensitive clinical pathways, workplace reforms, and equity‐focused primary care policies are urgently needed.