LUIR :: Browsing by Author "Opollo, Marc Sam"

Browsing by Author "Opollo, Marc Sam"

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Assessing factors associated with CD4 cell absolute count in patients at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital: A case study by Marc Sam Opollo, Uganda
(South American Journal of Public Health, 2014) Opollo, Marc Sam
Background: This study is set to assess individual, environmental and medication factors associated with CD4 cell count in patients attending HIV/AIDS treatment and care clinic in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. Gulu Regional Referral Hospital is located in the northern district of Gulu. Gulu Regional Referral Hospital performs CD4 cell counts to monitor HIV +ve patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study, with study population of Gulu and target population being HIV +ve patients attending HIV clinic in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. Systematic random sampling will be used. Questionnaires will be administered to patients after informed consent. Results: will be presented in Texts, Tables, Graphs.
Blood Culture Testing Outcomes among Non-Malarial Febrile Children at Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Sites in Uganda, 2017–2018
(Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2021) Kisame, Rogers; Najjemba, Robinah; van Griensven, Johan; Kitutu, Freddy Eric; Takarinda, Kudakwashe; Thekkur, Pruthu; Delamou, Alexandre; Walwema, Richard; Kakooza, Francis; Mugerwa, Ibrahim; Sekamatte, Musa; Kimera, Robert; Katairo, Thomas; Opollo, Marc Sam; Otita, Morgan; Lamorde, Mohammed
: Blood culture (BC) processes are critical to the utility of diagnostic testing, bloodstream infection (BSI) management, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. While Uganda has established BC guidelines, often laboratory practice does not meet the desired standards. This compromises pathogen recovery, reliability of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and diagnostic test utility. This study assessed laboratory BC process outcomes among non-malarial febrile children be low five years of age at five AMR surveillance sites in Uganda between 2017 and 2018. Secondary BC testing data was reviewed against established standards. Overall, 959 BC specimens were processed. Of these, 91% were from female patients, neonates, infants, and young children (1–48 months). A total of 37 AMR priority pathogens were identified; Staphylococcus aureus was predominant (54%), followed by Escherichia coli (19%). The diagnostic yield was low (4.9%). Only 6.3% of isolates were identified. AST was performed on 70% (18/26) of identified AMR priority isolates, and only 40% of these tests adhered to recommended standards. Interventions are needed to improve laboratory BC practices for effective patient management through targeted antimicrobial therapy and AMR surveillance in Uganda. Further research on process documentation, diagnostic yield, and a review of patient outcomes for all hospitalized febrile patients is needed. Keywords: blood culture; bloodstream infections; febrile illness; antimicrobial resistance; antimicro bial susceptibility testing; operational research; SORT IT
Cholera epidemic amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Moroto district, Uganda: Hurdles and opportunities for control
(PLOS Glob Public Health, 2022) Orishaba, Philip; Opollo, Marc Sam; Nalwadda, Christine; Muruta, Allan; Makumbi, Issa; Kabali, Kenneth; Nakinsige, Anne; Lotee, Phillip; Okware, Samuel I.; Bwire, Godfrey
Introduction On 21st March 2020, the first COVID-19 case was detected in Uganda and a COVID-19 pan demic declared. On the same date, a nationwide lockdown was instituted in response to the pandemic. Subsequently, more cases were detected amongst the returning international travelers as the disease continued to spread across the country. On May 14th, 2020, a chol era epidemic was confirmed in Moroto district at a time when the district had registered sev eral COVID-19 cases and was in lockdown. This study aimed to describe the cholera epidemic and response activities during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the hurdles and opportunities for cholera control encountered during the response. Materials and methods In a cross-sectional study design, we reviewed Moroto district’s weekly epidemiological rec ords on cholera and COVID-19 from April to July 2020. We obtained additional information through a review of the outbreak investigation and control reports. Data were analyzed and presented in frequencies, proportions, attack rates, case fatality rates, graphs, and maps. Results As of June 28th, 2020, 458 cases presenting with severe diarrhea and/or vomiting were line listed in Moroto district. The most affected age group was 15–30 years, 30.1% (138/458). The females, 59.0% [270/458], were the majority. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 0.4% (2/458). Whereas home use of contaminated water following the vandalization of the only clean water source in Natapar Kocuc village, Moroto district, could have elicited the epi demic, implementing COVID-19 preventive and control measures presented some hurdles and opportunities for cholera control. The significant hurdles were observing the COVID-19 control measures such as social distancing, wearing of masks, and limited time in the com munity due to the need to observe curfew rules starting at 6.00 pm. The opportunities from COVID-19 measures complementary to cholera control measures included frequent hand washing, travel restrictions within the district & surrounding areas, and closure of markets. Conclusion COVID-19 preventive and control measures such as social distancing, wearing of masks, and curfew rules may be a hurdle to cholera control whereas frequent hand washing, travel restrictions within the district & surrounding areas, and closure of markets may present opportunities for cholera control. Other settings experiencing concurrent cholera and COVID-19 outbreaks can borrow lessons from this study.
Factors associated with adherence to community-directed treatment with Ivermectin for Onchocerciasis control among adults in Pader District, Northern Uganda
(Lira University, 2023) Oyet, William Sam; Akello, Anne Ruth; Opollo, Marc Sam
Background: Onchocerciasis is caused by a filarial nematode, Onchocerca volvulus, and transmitted by a female black fly of the genus Simulium. Ivermectin Mass Drug administration (IVM MDA) is the primary strategy for controlling Onchocerciasis in the endemic countries including Uganda. Pader district commenced annual IVM MDA implementation in 2008 and semi-annual in 2012. From 2008 to 2022, no study has been conducted on the factors associated with adherence to Ivermectin treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with adherence to Ivermectin treatment for Onchocerciasis control among adults in Pader district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design that targeted 384 adults who received ivermectin mass drug administration in Pader, between July 2022 and October 2022 was conducted in Pader District. Data was analyzed in STATA version 17. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with adherence to Ivermectin treatment. The factors that show significant association at bivariate analysis were further subjected to multivariate analysis (logistic regression) Results: The study found out that there was a high level of adherence (67.6%) to Ivermectin treatment in Pader district, with waiting time (AOR=44.1, CI:9.42-206.1), community involvement (AOR=7.19, CI: 1.37-37.8), received health education (AOR=0.09; CI: 0.02- 0.35), and CCDs trained (AOR=0.16, CI: 00.02-0.94) showed significant association with ivermectin treatment adherence among respondents. Conclusions: The community involvement, wasting time, health education received and training CCDs showed good adherence to Ivermectin treatment in Pader district. Keywords: Adherence, community-directed treatment, Ivermectin, Onchocerciasis control, adults, Pader District, Northern Uganda
Factors associated with first antenatal care (ANC) attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy among women in Lira City, Northern Uganda: a facility-based cross- sectional study
(BMJ, 2023) Acup, Walter; Opollo, Marc Sam; Akullo, Betty Nancy; Musinguzi, Marvin; Kigongo, Eustes; Opio, Bosco; Kabunga, Amir
Objective This study aimed at assessing factors associated with first antenatal care (ANC) attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy among women in Lira City. Design A cross-sectional study. Settings The study was conducted in health facilities offering ANC services in Lira City, Northern Uganda. Participants The study was among 368 pregnant mothers attending their first ANC in the three selected facilities (Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Ober Health Center IV and Pentecostal Assembly of God Mission Health Center IV) in Lira City. Primary and secondary outcome measures Level of first ANC attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy and associated factors. Results Early ANC attendance was 36.1%. Women who were: unmarried (adjusted OR (aOR): 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.99), took >2 hours to reach a health facility (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.62), or not visited by village health teams or healthcare workers at home (aOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.92) were less likely to attend their first ANC early. On the other hand, women who were: not knowing first that ANC guides parents on infant care (aOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.06 to 4.67); pregnant without consent of spouse (aOR: 4.29, 95% CI: 1.75 to 10.55); attending ANC from a private facility (aOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.27 to 6.15); and having two to three healthcare workers present at the ANC clinic (aOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.13) were more likely to attend ANC early. Conclusions Despite the fact that the WHO recommends that all women begin ANC within 12 weeks after conception, Lira City in Northern Uganda had a low overall incidence of timely ANC initiation. Being unmarried, distance to reach a health facility, and being visited by village health teams or healthcare workers at home were all linked to timely ANC commencement. As a result, intervention efforts should concentrate on the highlighted determinants in order to promote ANC initiation in Lira City, Northern Uganda. This can be accomplished by providing information and education to the community on the timing and necessity of ANC in Northern Uganda.
Factors associated with HIV Virological non-suppression among adults receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda
(Lira University, 2022) Niyongira, Joseph Nturo; Opollo, Marc Sam
Background: By 2030, all adults with HIV will have been dragonized, will be receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and will have achieved viral load suppression. These goals form the global effort to stop new HIV infections, increase treatment coverage, and end aids-related deaths. This study investigated the variables that affect HIV RNA viral load suppression among adults living with HIV at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda. Methods: For this mixed-methods study, data was collected using a data extraction form, a semi structured questionnaire, and a key informant interview guide. STATA 17 was used to analyze the quantitative data, and the thematic method was used to analyze the qualitative data. The results were presented in charts, tables, and themes for quantitative data and qualitative data respectively. Results: Of the 425 respondents, 235 (55.3%) were female and 190 (44.7%) were male. The majority, 208 (48.9%) were between the ages of 31 and 40. Of those, 238 (56%) had at least primary education, and 264 (62.1%) were married. The prevalence of HIV RNA viral non suppression was at 8.5% among adults living with HIV and 91.5% were HIN RNA virologically suppressed. Recent cd4 counts, baseline viral load, and WHO clinical stage were significantly associated with HIV RNA virological suppression. In addition to that, adherence (a OR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.004-0.07, P=0.001) was associated with HIV RNA virological non-suppression. Qualitatively, results revealed that status disclosure is always done by close relatives of the victims, stigma, and discrimination were not common in the community. Conclusion: There is a need for strategies on how to promote drug adherence among adults living with HIV rather than just providing the treatment, as viral load suppression is related to baseline viral load, CD4, marital status, and drug adherence. In this study, monitoring the immunological response through scheduled CD4 and viral load tests is critical for maintaining patients’ immunity and preventing disease progression. Intensive adherence support and counselling should conclusively be provided through the effective implementation of ART programs by providers to enhance viral suppression and ensure the quality of care and treatment. Keywords: Non-Suppression, Adults Living with HIV, and Antiretroviral Therapy
Parents’ Readiness to Vaccinate Their Children Aged 5 to 17 Years Against Covid-19 and Its Associated Factors in Lira District, Uganda
(Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 2023) Puleh, Sean Steven; Kigongo, Eustes; Opio, Innocent Ojok; Akech, Stella Immaculate; Opollo, Marc Sam; Achan, Everlyne; Acen, Joy; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Acup, Walter; Amir, Kabunga
Background: Data on parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 is still scarce. This study assessed parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 and factors associated in Lira district, Uganda. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey employing quantitative methods was conducted between October and November 2022 among 578 parents of children aged 5–17 years in 3 sub-counties in Lira district. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including means, percentages, frequencies, and odds ratios. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between the factors and the readiness of parents at a 95% level of significance. Results: Out of 634 participants, 578 responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 91.2%. The majority of the parents (327, 56.8%) were female, had children aged between 12 and 15 years (266, 46.4%), and had completed primary education (351, 60.9%). Most of the parents were Christian (565, 98.4%), married (499, 86.6%), and had been vaccinated against COVID-19 (535, 92.6%). Results also indicated that 75.6% (ranging from 71.9% to 78.9%) of the parents were unwilling to vaccinate their children for the COVID-19 virus. The predictors of readiness were the age of the child (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.97–4.20; p=0.05) and lack of trust in the vaccine (AOR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.95–5.71; p0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years was only 24.6%, which is suboptimal. The predictors of hesitancy were the age of the child and a lack of trust in the vaccine. Based on our results, the Ugandan authorities should provide health education interventions targeting parents to combat mistrust with respect to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine and highlight the benefits of the vaccines. Keywords: children, minors, hesitancy, readiness, vaccination
Parents’ Readiness to Vaccinate Their Children Aged 5 to 17 Years Against Covid-19 and Its Associated Factors in Lira District, Uganda
(Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics Dovepress, 2023) Puleh, Sean Steven; Kigongo, Eustes; Opio, Innocent Ojok; Akech, Stella Immaculate; Opollo, Marc Sam; Achan, Everlyne; Acen, Joy; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Acup, Walter; Kabunga, Amir
Background: Data on parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 is still scarce. This study assessed parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 and factors associated in Lira district, Uganda. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey employing quantitative methods was conducted between October and November 2022 among 578 parents of children aged 5–17 years in 3 sub-counties in Lira district. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including means, percentages, frequencies, and odds ratios. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between the factors and the readiness of parents at a 95% level of significance. Results: Out of 634 participants, 578 responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 91.2%. The majority of the parents (327, 56.8%) were female, had children aged between 12 and 15 years (266, 46.4%), and had completed primary education (351, 60.9%). Most of the parents were Christian (565, 98.4%), married (499, 86.6%), and had been vaccinated against COVID-19 (535, 92.6%). Results also indicated that 75.6% (ranging from 71.9% to 78.9%) of the parents were unwilling to vaccinate their children for the COVID-19 virus. The predictors of readiness were the age of the child (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.97–4.20; p=0.05) and lack of trust in the vaccine (AOR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.95–5.71; p0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years was only 24.6%, which is suboptimal. The predictors of hesitancy were the age of the child and a lack of trust in the vaccine. Based on our results, the Ugandan authorities should provide health education interventions targeting parents to combat mistrust with respect to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine and highlight the benefits of the vaccines.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Switching to Second Line Treatment among HIV-Positive Adolescents Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Gulu City.
(Lira University, 2023) Katushabe, Resty; Ocen, Francis; Opollo, Marc Sam
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major public health problem, with approximately 37.7 million people across the globe infected with HIV by 2020, (adult 36 million, children aged 0-14 years 1.7 million). The world health organization calls upon all HIV-positive individuals with virologic failure to switch from the current-line to the next-line antiretroviral therapy (Keiser et al.,2010, Ramadhani et al., 2016). To determine the prevalence and factors associated with switching to second-line ART among HIV-positive adolescents receiving ART in Gulu city. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data and participants included adolescents initiated on ART in Gulu city between 2017-2021. A total of 280 files of adolescents were included in the study from three Health facilities in Gulu city. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15. A chi-sequence test and multivariate analysis were used to determine the factors associated with switching. Results: The prevalence of switching was 10.3%, most participants were female 165 (58.9%) and those between 10-14 years dominated the study 178 (63.5%). Viral Load >1000 copies while on the first-line ART, was significantly associated with switching to second line ART (p=0.046). Conclusion: There was a prevalence of switching from first-line ART to second-line ART among adolescents in Gulu city and the associated factor was high first viral load. Keywords: Prevalence, Factors Associated, Switching to Second Line Treatment, HIV-Positive Adolescents, and Antiretroviral Therapy.

Browsing by Author "Opollo, Marc Sam"

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