Browsing by Author "Kabunga, Amir"
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Item Access to ART Services: Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies of HIV-Positive Persons With Visual Impairment in Lira District, Northern Uganda(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2025) Acila, Gloria Ketty; Ijorea, Noeline Aju; Kabunga, Amir; Angom, Mercy Joy; Talemwa, Sandra; Ayer, Patrick; Auma, Anna GraceBackground: Despite progress in the HIV/AIDS response, marginalized populations persistently face unique challenges in accessing essential healthcare services, including antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore and understand the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV and visual impairment in Lira District, Northern Uganda, specifically focusing on their access to antiretroviral therapy services. Additionally, the study is aimed at identifying and analyzing the coping strategies employed by this population in navigating the intersectionality of HIV and visual impairment. Methods: This qualitative study, conducted in Lira District, Northern Uganda, employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, focusing on individuals living with both HIV and visual impairment. Data collection involved a semistructured interview guide, addressing key issues derived from a literature review. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework. Results: Participants (N = 30) exhibited diverse sociodemographic characteristics, with ages ranging from 19 to 68 years. A number of themes emerged during data analysis: individuals developing visual impairment before and after ART initiation. Emotional challenges, strained relationships, and perceived burdenship were common themes among participants. Limited understanding of the cause of sight loss and a heightened perceived risk of HIV infection were evident. Challenges in accessing ART services included transportation difficulties, negative attitudes from healthcare workers, and a lack of trust in community drug distribution points. Participants employed various coping strategies, including prayers/religion, reliance on social support networks, denial, acceptance, and community rehabilitation. Positive religious beliefs offered hope, while social support played a crucial role in adaptation. Community rehabilitation and support were highlighted as instrumental in aiding coping. Conclusion: Despite awareness about the risk of HIV infection, significant barriers persist in accessing ART services for persons with visual impairment. Coping strategies underscore the importance of addressing psychosocial aspects. Tailored interventions, education, and policy changes are imperative to enhance inclusivity and accessibility of healthcare services for this vulnerable population in Uganda.Item Access to family planning services and associated factors among young people in Lira city northern Uganda(BMC Public Health, 2024) Kigongo, Eustes; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Kwizera, Gad; Achan, Everlyne; Nabasirye, Caroline Kambugu; Udho, Samson; Kabunga, Amir; Omech, BernardBackground Access to family planning services among young people is crucial for reproductive health. This study explores the access and associated factors among young people in Lira City, Northern Uganda. Methods and materials A mixed-methods study was conducted in March to April 2022. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 553 participants aged 15–24 years. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses for quantitative data, while interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for qualitative data. Results Overall, 31.7% of the respondents had a good perceived access to family planning services, with 64.6% reporting perceived availability of FP methods. Challenges included lack of privacy (57.7%), fear of mistreatment (77.2%), and decision-making difficulties (66.2%). Among females, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among urban residents (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09–0.53), Christian respondents (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.01–0.36), Muslim respondents (AOR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.55) and respondents with poor attitude to FP services (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24–0.64), but more likely among respondents with a sexual a partner (AOR: 4.48, 95% CI: 2.60–7.75). Among males, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among respondents living with parents (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.67) but more likely among respondents with good knowledge of FP services (AOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.02–5.32). Qualitative findings showed that three themes emerged; knowledge of family planning methods, beliefs about youth contraception and, friendliness of family planning services. Conclusion The study revealed a substantial gap in perceived access to family planning services among young people in Lira City. Barriers include privacy concerns, fear of mistreatment, and decision-making difficulties. Tailored interventions addressing urban access, religious beliefs for females, and knowledge enhancement for males are essential. Positive aspects like diverse FP methods and physical accessibility provide a foundation for targeted interventions. Youth-friendly services, comprehensive sexual education, and further research are emphasized for a nuanced understanding and effective interventions in Northern Uganda. Keywords Access, Contraception, Family planning, Youths, Young peopleItem Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment and Its Associated Factors among Drug-susceptible Tuberculosis Patients in Lira District, Northern Uganda(International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2023) Nabaziwa, Jannat; Kigongo, Eustes; Kabunga, Amir; Acup, Walter; Puleh, Sean StevenUganda has a high incidence of tuberculosis infection at 200 cases per 100,000 people. With effective therapy and adherence to medications is essential for reducing the spread of tuberculosis in the community. However, many of the initiated patients do not get to finish the entire course of treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of and factors associated with tuberculosis treatment adherence among drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients in the Lira district. A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 234 randomly selected tuberculosis patients between October and December 2022. The Morisky medication adherence scale was used to measure adherence. Using a structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, community factors, and health service delivery factors associated with adherence. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlates of adherence to tuberculosis drugs at a p value of 0.05. Most of the respondents (135, 57.7%) were males, (93, 39.7%) aged above 45 years, and (135, 57.7%) in a marital relationship. The prevalence of adherence to tuberculosis drugs was 84.6% (198/234) and was associated with marital status (AOR: 0.307; 95% CI: 0.13-0.0724, p=0.007) and the experience of stigma (AOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 1.612-11.958, p=0.004). The study reported that 2 in 10 drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients are non-adherent, which is lower than the targeted 90%. Marital status and stigma experience are predictors of non-adherence. Interventions by the ministry of health should target how to improve tuberculosis treatment and reduce stigma.Item An Analysis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Quality of Life Among Adults Living with HIV in Western Uganda(HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative, 2024) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Musinguzi, Marvin; Acup, Walter; Akello, Anne Ruth; Okalo, Ponsiano; Nabaziwa, Jannat; Shikanga, Enos Mwirotsi; Halima, NamataBackground: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health issue, profoundly impacting infected individuals. Living with HIV involves complex mental health dynamics, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being a prevalent challenge. This study aims to examine the correlation between PTSD and quality of life among HIV-positive individuals in western Uganda. Material and Methods: Conducted between May and July 2023, this facility-based cross-sectional study surveyed 439 participants from four HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires, analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression (p<0.05). Results: Respondents had a mean age of 40.6 years, with 68.3% female, 54.9% married, and 55.1% lacking formal education. The reported PTSD prevalence among HIV-positive individuals was 33.7%, significantly correlating with reduced overall quality of life (β = −4.52; p<0.001). The social quality of life had the highest mean score of 14.24 (±3.45) while the environmental quality of life had the lowest mean score 11.89 (±2.68). Conclusion: Our study reveals a concerning prevalence of PTSD, affecting 1 in 3 individuals, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive mental health support within HIV care settings. We observed a significant negative impact of PTSD on overall quality of life, particularly in physical and social aspects. Integrating mental health screening into routine HIV care is crucial, using validated tools like the PSTD Checklist Civilian Version, alongside training for healthcare providers to recognize PTSD symptoms in the context of HIV diagnosis and treatment.Item Barriers to Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Uptake to Prevent HIV Transmission: A Qualitative Study among Married Men(International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2023) Aryek-kwe, Josephine; Nambozi, Grace; Kabunga, AmirBackground: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a relatively new intervention that has been found to reduce sexual transmission of HIV among heterosexual partners by 60% when properly practiced. However, the poor acceptance of VMMC makes it difficult to accomplish the objectives of health policy to boost uptake. The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to VMMC Uptake among married men in Kitgum municipality. Methods: The qualitative descriptive design was employed in this study. The purposive sampling method was used to recruit 30 married men who lived within any of the three divisions of the municipality and had been married for at least one year. Data collection was done using an in-depth interview method. Inductive content analysis was used to generate the themes and categories. Results: The study findings revealed that fear, financial uncertainty, involvement of female health workers, cultural beliefs, religious belief, sexual dissatisfaction and advanced age were barriers to voluntary medical male circumcision uptake among the married men in Kitgum municipality. Conclusion: In Kitgum municipality, VMMC Uptake is still low, but the majority of the males had sufficient knowledge about it. We found the low uptake was primarily attributed to anxiety, involvement of female health workers, financial instability, sexual unhappiness, and advanced age. There is a need for proper re-packaging of the health education messages during mobilisations to address the anticipated side effects and to clearly state the reasons for the VMMC program. There is a need for proper re-packaging of the health education messages during mobilisations to address the communication gaps and to clearly state the reasons for VMMC program. Adequate psychological preparation of the men to expect any sex of staffs working in these clinics.Item Burnout and Associated Factors among Hospital-Based Nurses in Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Survey(BioMed Research International, 2022) Udho, Samson; Kabunga, AmirBackground. Burnout is a public health problem that disproportionately affects nurses in sub-Saharan Africa because of the weak health systems that create an unconducive workplace environment. In Uganda, there is limited evidence on the burden of burnout among nurses in a manner that undermine advocacy and policy formulation. We aimed to assess the level of burnout and associated factors among nurses in northern Uganda. Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 375 randomly selected nurses from health facilities in northern Uganda. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and logistic regression at a 95% level of significance in SPSS version 25. Results. Majority of the respondents were female 56.5% (n = 223). Nearly half, 49.1% (n = 194) of respondents had high levels of burnout, 36.2% (n = 143) reported average levels of burnout, and 14.7% (n = 58) reported low levels of burnout. Factors associated with burnout were age (AOR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.28-6.58; p = 0:011), social support (AOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.22- 0.94; p = 0:033), healthy eating (AOR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02-0.22; p < 0:001), workload (AOR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14-0.68; p = 0:004), and management responsibilities (AOR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.54-6.12; p = 0:001). Conclusion. Half of the nurses in northern Uganda experienced high levels of burnout. The Ministry of Health should consider recruiting more nurses to reduce workload and adjust working hours to prevent workplace-related burnout among nurses in the country.Item Burnout and coping mechanisms among healthcare professionals in central Uganda(Psychiatry, 2024) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Okalo, Ponsiano; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Akello, Anne Ruth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Acup, Walter; Nabaziwa, Jannat; Shikanga, Enos Mwirotsi; Namata, HaliamaBackground: The escalating global prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals poses a serious health concern. Recent studies focus on prevalence and predictors of burnout among healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for well-being interventions. This study investigates burnout and coping mechanisms among healthcare professionals in central Uganda, addressing the dearth of knowledge about coping strategies specific to the region. Methods: An analytical facility cross-sectional study was conducted in five healthcare facilities in central Uganda between June to July 2023. Participants included physicians, nurses, and technicians actively engaged in direct patient care. Data were collected using socio-demographic surveys, the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-5), and the Brief-COPE tools. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of burnout, with 39.8% of participants experiencing significant levels. Active coping, positive reframing, and denial were negatively correlated with low burnout levels. Dysfunctional coping, specifically self-distraction and denial, showed positive correlations with average and high burnout levels. Emotion-focused coping mechanisms were not employed across burnout levels. Conclusions: The results emphasize the demanding nature of healthcare roles in the region and highlight the need for comprehensive, context-specific interventions to address burnout globally. While some healthcare professionals utilized adaptive strategies such as seeking social support, engaging in self-care activities, and utilizing problem-solving skills, others resorted to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance use and avoidance behaviors. This dichotomy highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote adaptive coping strategies and mitigate the negative impact of maladaptive behaviors on individual well-being and patient careItem Burnout and quality of life among healthcare workers in central Uganda(PLoS ONE, 2024) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Okalo, Ponsiano; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Akello, Anne Ruth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Acup, Walter; Nabaziwa, Jannat; Shikanga, Enos Mwirotsi; Namata, HaliamaBackground The widespread problem of burnout among healthcare workers is not only common but also a significant concern that impacts the entire healthcare system in Uganda. It is essential to understand the connection between burnout and quality of life among healthcare workers in the specific context of central Uganda, where healthcare professionals face high patient volumes, limited resources, exposure to infectious diseases, and socioeconomic challenges. This study examined the relationship between burnout and quality of life among healthcare workers in central Uganda. Methods This research utilized a cross-sectional study conducted across various healthcare settings in central Uganda. The data were analyzed at descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate levels. The relationship between dependent and independent variables was evaluated using an independent t-test for binary variables and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for categorical variables. Significance was determined with a reported p-value, with relationships deemed significant at p < 0.2. For multivariable analysis, multiple linear regression was employed using a forward selection method, with significance set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results Our findings indicate that nearly 40% of healthcare workers reported experiencing high levels of burnout. The average score for overall quality of life was 10.71 (±4.89), with variations observed across different domains. The study reveals a significant connection between socio-demographic factors, burnout, and overall quality of life, emphasizing the impact of job category, supervisory support, sleep quality, and burnout on the well-being of healthcare workers. Predictive analysis illustrates how these factors influence both overall quality of life scores and scores in specific domains. Particularly noteworthy is that nurses and technicians tend to have a lower quality of life compared to physicians. Conclusion The results underscore the relationship between socio-demographic factors, burnout, and particular aspects of quality of life. Notably, job category, supervisory support, sleep quality, and burnout stand out as significant factors shaping the well-being of healthcare workers. Nurses and technicians encounter distinct challenges, suggesting the need for interventions tailored to their needs. Addressing issues such as inadequate supervisory support, burnout, and sleep-related problems is recognized as a potential approach to improving the overall quality of life among healthcare workers.Item Burnout Levels among Professional Counselors in Butabika and Mulago National Referral Hospitals in Uganda(American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS), 2015) Kabunga, Amir; Muya, Francis Kihoro; Njuguna, Jane M; Njuguna, Christina N.; Nginya, Mary W; Nguvi, Mary MuindiCounseling profession places unique demands on care-providers and has negative consequences. This study explored prevalence of burnout and its preventive measures among professional counselors in Butabika and Mulago national referral hospitals in Uganda using the Professional Quality of Life-IV (proQOL-IV) questionnaire to determine levels of burnout. A total of ten research questions were used to determine common strategies employed by counselors in mitigating burnout. A cross sectional descriptive study was adopted and simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 123 respondents. The results showed that70% and 68% of counselors had developed burnout in Butabika and Mulago respectively. It was found out that the most effective strategies for mitigating burnout include; attending workshops, social support, travelling, going on vacations, hobbies, social skills, relaxation, spirituality and supervision. The study recommended that a combination of organizational and individual strategies is necessary to prevent burnout.Item Career Info, Counseling And Occupational Choices Among Learners In Secondary In Mbarara District, Uganda(Researchjournali’s Journal of Economics, 2020) Kabunga, AmirThere is an increasing demand for career info and counselling services worldwide. Push and pull factors arising from labour market reforms and modernization of education and training systems in developing and middle-income countries call for the improvement of career info and counselling provision. Thus this study intended to determine the association between career info and occupational choices among secondary schools in Mbarara district, Uganda. 11,316 form six learners aged 17-20 took part in the study. This study adapted a causal-comparative research design. Simple random sampling was used to select 383 participants. Researcher-made questionnaires were used to collect data. Data analysis was done using Pearson‘s correlation coefficient r with the help of R (R Core Team, 2015). The results of the study showed that there was a positive significant association between occupation choice and career info and counselling (r= 0.127, p{0.019} <0.05). Counsellors in schools need professional training and skills to enable them to use standardized assessment instruments including the Self-Directed Search and Strong Interest Inventory to simplify and clarify learners’ personality, career interests, ability and principles. Again, career resource libraries with job search webs and manuals and information on employers should be established in secondary schools.Item Chronic stress and coping mechanisms among nurses in Lango sub-region, northern Uganda(Wiley Nursing Open, 2023) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Okalo, Ponsiano; Apili, Brenda; Namata, Halimah; Nalwoga, ViolaAim: This study aimed to assess chronic stress and coping mechanisms among nurses in Lango sub-region, northern Uganda, conducted between May and June 2022. Design: Institutional-based cross-sectional design conducted between May and June 2022. Methods: The study included 498 participants recruited from six health facilities. A 12-Item Short Form Survey tool was used to collect data on chronic stress, while a researcher-developed questionnaire was used to collect data on coping strategies. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression and multiple regression were con ducted for data analysis. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 498 participants, 153 (30.7%) were aged between 31 and 40 years, 341 (68.5%) were female, 288 (57.8%) were married, and 266 (53.4%) had less than Diploma. Of the 498 participants, 351 (70.5%) experienced chronic stress. The protective factors against chronic stress were being married (AOR: 0.132; 95% CI: 0.043–0.408; p< 0.001), optimizing shift length (AOR: 0.056; 95% CI: 0.027–0.115; p< 0.001), religiosity/Spirituality (AOR: 2.750; 95% CI: 1.376–5.497; p= 0.004), and regular exercise and breaks (AOR: 0.405; 95% CI: 0.223–0.737; p= 0.003)Item Chronic stress and its correlates among nurses: A case of Central Uganda(Avicenna J Neuro Psycho Physiology, 2023) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Udho, Samson; Musinguzi, Marvin; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Acup, WalterBackground: Despite an overwhelming disease burden, nursing shortages are evident in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the potential for significant healthcare crises. Nurses face increased work demands and chronic stress due to a skilled personnel shortage, which may lead to stress. The present study aimed to examine chronic stress and its correlates among nurses in central Uganda. Methods: The 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) for the assessment of chronic stress among nurses, a validated and standardized tool, was used in this cross-sectional study in 2022. For explanatory analysis, the items were combined with dichotomous variables reflecting predictors of chronic stress. These items were used to create dichotomous variables denoting frequent and demanding challenges for exploratory analysis. The relationship between the variables and high levels of chronic stress was investigated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Based on the findings, the majority, 485 (76.0%), had chronic stress. The results indicate that the correlates of chronic stress among participants were widowhood (AOR: 0.040; 95% CI: 0.013-0.127; P= <0.001), being worried about looming deadlines (aOR: 0.003; 95% CI: 0.001-0.023; P = <0.001), long working hours (AOR: 0.283; 95% CI: 0.159-0.504; p=<0.001), insufficient job control (AOR: 0.304; 95% CI: 0.127-0.727; P = 0.007), and inadequate rewards (AOR: 2.554; 95% CI: 1.170-5.574; P = 0.019). Conclusion: According to our findings, three in four nurses in central Uganda suffer from chronic stress. This can exert a negative impact on their overall well-being and caring behaviors. Chronic stress was associated with widowhood, a looming deadline, long working hours, insufficient job control, and inadequate rewards. It is critical to adapt interventions, such as hiring additional nurses, to reduce workload and ensure adequate rest periods.Item Class Size And Learning Outcomes: Perceptions Of In-Service Teachers(Researchjournali’s Journal of Education, 2016) Muya, Francis Kihoro; Kabunga, AmirAchieving quality learning outcomes within the education system in Kenya remains an elusive goal for educationists. Many strategic plans have been drafted and action plans implemented, but the aspiration remains a mirage. It appears the policy makers require more input from the stakeholders. The purpose of this study was to find out the perceptions of in-service teachers on class size and learner achievement. Fifteen in-service teachers attending the April 2015 school-based session at Mount Kenya University, Nairobi Campus were randomly selected and requested to participate in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organized by the researchers. The FGD revealed that class size in isolation cannot have an impact on learners’ achievement. It should be complemented by quality teacher preparation, more individualization, provision of resources and improving the quality of interaction in the classroom. The study recommended hiring of more Early Childhood Education Teachers to reduce class sizes and therefore improve learning outcomes.Item Compassion Fatigue In Combat Trauma-Related Work Settings: Does It Matter?(International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies (IJIRAS), 2016) Kabunga, Amir; Makori, George; Mbugua, StephenAbstract: This study investigated the levels of compassion fatigue among psychotherapists working in a war zone region in northern Uganda. A cross sectional design was used. Psychotherapists (n = 207) from northern Uganda participated in the study. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. The results of this study revealed that up to 60.4% of the respondents were experiencing high level of compassion fatigue, 23.7% were experiencing average level of fatigue and 15% had low level of fatigue. The results suggest that working with victims of war has profound impact on psychotherapists. The high levels of compassion fatigue evident among psychotherapists indicate that intervention should be considered a matter of priority. Collaborative organizational efforts to minimize compassion fatigue among all areas of psychotherapy is essential in creating awareness and building resiliency.Item Compassion Fatigue: A Study of Psychotherapists’ Demographics in Northern Uganda(International Journal of Academic Research in Psychology, 2016) Kabunga, Amir; Mbugua, Stephen; Makori, GeorgePsychotherapists are often required to provide a high degree of care to clients which can result in physical and psychological complaints often referred to as compassion fatigue. The aim of this cross sectional study was to determine the relationships between demographic characteristics and compassion fatigue among psychotherapists. The Professional Quality of Life 5 and a Demographic Data sheet were completed by 207 psychotherapists. Data analysis was done using Pearson’s Chi Square test and Fisher’s exact test. The statistical hypotheses were tested at the significance level of p ≤ .05. The results of this study revealed that there was no sufficient evidence from the data to link gender and age to high or low level of compassion fatigue. The results further revealed that there were progression trends in which compassion fatigue decreased with increase in the psychotherapists’ years of practice. The study concluded that all psychotherapists regardless of gender and age may be similarly capable of handling the stressors that a career as a psychotherapist entails. However, the results showed that working experience may be a starting point for explaining compassion fatigue among psychotherapists.Item The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale: Cross-National Measurement Invariance and Convergent Validity Evidence(American Psychological Association, 2023) Kabunga, AmirCoronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) is a widely used measure that captures somatic symptoms of coronavirusrelated anxiety. In a large-scale collaboration spanning 60 countries (Ntotal = 21,513), we examined the CAS’s measurement invariance and assessed the convergent validity of CAS scores in relation to the fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S) and the satisfaction with life (SWLS-3) scales. We utilized both conventional exact invariance tests and alignment procedures, with results revealing that the single-factor model fit the data well in almost all countries. Partial scalar invariance was supported in a subset of 56 countries. To ensure the robustness of results, given the unbalanced samples, we employed resampling techniques both with and without replacement and found the results were more stable in larger samples. The alignment procedure demonstrated a high degree of measurement invariance with 9% of the parameters exhibiting noninvariance. We also conducted simulations of alignment using the parameters estimated in the current model. Findings demonstrated reliability of the means but indicated challenges in estimating the latent variances. Strong positive correlations between CAS and FCV-19S estimated with all three different approaches were found in most countries. Correlations of CAS and SWLS-3 were weak and negative but significantly differed from zero in several countries. Overall, the study provided support for the measurement invariance of the CAS and offered evidence of its convergent validity while also highlighting issues with variance estimation.Item COVID-19 and Its Related Stigma: A Qualitative Study Among Survivors in Kampala, Uganda(Stigma and Health. Advance online publication, 2021) Kabunga, AmirCOVID-19-related stigma is gradually becoming a global problem among COVID-19 survivors with deleterious effects on quality of life. However, this social problem has received little attention in research and policy. This study aimed at exploring the COVID-19-related stigma among survivors in Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional exploratory research design was used among COVID-19 survivors in Kampala district. Thirty COVID-19 survivors were examined using in-depth interviews. Data obtained were analyzed using thematic approach. The findings of study indicated that COVID-19-related stigma is prevalent. The common form of stigma was social rejection and labeling. Results showed that the survivors of COVID-19 pandemic faced social rejection and community ostracism. Based on the results, reducing stigmatization of the COVID-19 survivors is vital to control the spread of the pandemic. Thus, an all-inclusive effort is needed to address COVID-19-related stigma and its debilitating consequences by health workers and policymakersItem Depression and Associated Factors Among Refugees Amidst Covid-19 in Nakivale Refugee Camp in Uganda(Journal of Neurology Research Review & Reports, 2021) Kabunga, Amir; Anyayo, LucasThe COVID-19 pandemic and health measures to prevent it have unprecedented effects on the mental health of the refugees. However, the situation of refugees in developing countries is unclear. Thus, this study estimated the prevalence of and associated demographic factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed a cross-sectional survey carried out in June 2020 in which 146 adult refugees from Nakivale settlement camp were randomly selected to fill out a questionnaires-demographics and PHQ9. Results revealed that the majority of respondents were female (53%) and 47% had a depressive disorder. There was no statistical relationship between demographics (gender, age, and marital status) and depressive disorders. In Conclusion, findings indicate that depressive disorders are prevalent among refugees in the Nakivale settlement and it is important to identify refugees affected mentally and given proper treatmentItem Depressive Disorders in Refugees in Uganda; A Case of Nakivale Refugee Camp(Journal of Psychology and Neuroscience, 2020) Kabunga, AmirGlobally, there are studies on refugees regarding different aspects. That notwithstanding, there are limitations in the available literature which makes it difficult to build on such studies as a basis for interventions especially in Africa. Exposure to the traumatic events like violence, persecution, armed conflicts, murder, mass rape and other threats may lead to the development of mental disorder. In Uganda, although suspected, there is limited evidence of depression among refugees. This study intended to examine the prevalence of depression in a refugee sample in the Nakivale refugee camp in Uganda. Data was collected using a community cross-sectional design. A total of 146 refugees were selected randomly for the study. Data was collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire and a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-Square test were used in data analysis. All statistics were tested at .05 significant levels. The results showed that 81% of the respondents had symptoms of depressions. Also the study showed that gender difference in depression was not statistically significant. Age and marital status had statistically significant correlation with depression. Based on the results, there is need for screening of mental health in refugees using tools especially custom-made for refugee group. Also there is need to develop the culturally appropriate interventions to improve the quality of mental health of refugees in Uganda.Item Ebola Epidemic Preventive Practices: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community Members in High-Risk Districts of Uganda(Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medicine, 2023) Kigongo*, Eustes; Auma, Ann Grace; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Namukwana, Beth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Okalo, Ponsiano; Kambugu, Caroline Nabasiry; Kabunga, AmirBackground: As part of the country's ongoing EVD outbreak preparedness activities in Uganda, our goal was to evaluate community knowledge and attitudes and preventive practices linked to the disease. Methods: This study employed a community-based cores sectional study among 842 participants. The study was conducted in three districts of Mubende, Kyegegwa and Kassanda in the central region of Uganda. These are high-risk districts in Uganda Results: Results show that the majority 290(34.4%) of the participants were aged between 28–38 years, 578(68.6%) were female, 482(57.2%) had primary education, 431(51.2) single, 369(44.7) unemployed and 196(23.8) received information from radios. Results indicate that 821(97.5%) of the participants had heard of EVD, and 646(76.7%) reported that EVD is a rare and deadly disease. On the mode of transmission, 562(66.7%) knew that EVD is transmitted through physical contact with an infected person, 498(59.1%) through blood and 606(72.0%) through normal social contact. Overall, 525 respondents were classified as having good knowledge of the Ebola virus disease, accounting for 62.4% of the total, whereas 470(55.8%) had a favorable attitude toward the management and prevention of the Ebola virus disease. A greater understanding of the Ebola virus disease was found among participants with increased age and education beyond the first grade compared to those with no formal education. Casual labourers were 3 times more likely to have good practices compared to agriculturalists. Participants who received information from others sources were less likely to have good practices compared to those who received it from the radio. Conclusion: Communities in Uganda impacted by filovirus outbreaks have a reasonable level of knowledge and a favourable attitude toward methods to prevent and control the Ebola disease. Public health officials should do more by providing instructional materials for future epidemic preparedness utilizing appropriate communication channels, especially, including local radios as reported by the communities. Keywords: Attitude • Ebola virus • Infection • Knowledge • Prevention