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Item Assessing the impact of cervical cancer integration into reproductive health networks: operations research from Uganda(International Population Conference, 2017) Nuccio, Olivia; Chowdhury, Raveena; Penfold-Taylor, Suzanne; Mesele, Tesfaye; Church, Kathryn; Meglioli, Alejandra; White, Heather; Kumakech, EdwardThe Cervical Cancer Screening and Preventive Therapy (CCS&PT) via Reproductive Health Networks initiative started in 2012, with the aim of improving health outcomes through the provision of services targeted at women at highest risk of cervical cancer (those aged 30-49). The project integrates CCS&PT into existing sexual and reproductive health service networks in four sub-Saharan African countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). Operations research was conducted in Uganda to assess how well screening services were being provided within the existing networks and to describe the modes and effectiveness of referral methods for further treatment when required. A mixed-methods observational study design included analysis of routine data, quantitative cross-sectional surveys, in-depth interviews, and a referral assessment survey. Data were collected between October and November 2015. Public health impacts were demonstrated, with high proportions of clients reached who had never been screened before, and were in the target age group of 30-49. Opportunities to expand access to treatment were highlighted, with a need to overcome cost and other barriers. Providers reported both benefits and drawbacks of CCS introduction. Encouragingly, integrating CCS&PT provision into SRH care appeared to increase demand for other, complementary services, specifically family planning.Item Barriers and Facilitators to Successful Intensive Adherence Counseling in Rural Northern Uganda: An Exploratory Interview with HIV-Positive Clients Using the COM-B Framework(HIV/AIDS-Research and Palliative Care, 2022) Beja, Humphrey; Daisy, Nakayiwa; Edek, Micheal Tonny; Kobusinge, Veronic; Akaki, Oscar; Owachgiu, Innocent Ocitti; Udho, SamsonPurpose: Intensive adherence counseling (IAC) was introduced as a strategy to enhance adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV clients with non-suppressed viral loads. There has been sub-optimal viral load suppression among HIV clients in Uganda enrolled in IAC. However, there is a scarcity of literature on the barriers and facilitators of successful IAC. We aim to explore the barriers and facilitators to successful IAC among HIV-positive clients seeking care in public health facilities in rural northern Uganda. Patients and Methods: This was an exploratory qualitative study conducted among 15 purposively sampled HIV-positive clients enrolled in IAC in public health facilities offering ART services in northern Uganda. We conducted in-depth interviews using semistructured interview guides based on the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) framework for behaviour change. Data were analyzed using the deductive thematic approach of Braun and Clarke following the COM-B framework. Results: The majority of the participants were females (60%), married (53%), and attained primary education (47%). Barriers to successful IAC were Capability – alcoholism and promiscuity, Opportunity – stigma and discrimination, delayed viral load result, shortage of food, and heavy workload; and Motivation – deteriorating health and lack of incentives. Facilitators to successful IAC were Capability – good knowledge of ART, good memory, and reminder alerts; Opportunity – availability of ART, social support, availability of ART, prolonged ART refill, and good counseling; and Motivation – desire to live longer and healthy and the desire to fulfill dreams and goals. Conclusion: Successful implementation of IAC needs to consider the context of the person in care thus the need to strengthen individualized IAC sessions. HIV care providers can adopt the COM-B framework to perform individualized IACs and use the information to strengthen the counseling sessionsItem 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 Beliefs, perceptions and health-seeking behaviours in relation to cervical cancer: a qualitative study among women in Uganda following completion of an HPV vaccination campaign(Global Health Action, 2016) Hasahya, Olivia Topister; Berggren, Vanja; Sematimba, Douglas; Nabirye, Rose Chalo; Kumakech, EdwardBackground: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Despite earlier information campaigns to introduce human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination, which also targeted cervical cancer, misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the subject remain high. Women in Uganda present with cervical cancer at an advanced stage due to poor health-seeking behaviours, with an associated high mortality rate. This project explored beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and health-seeking behaviours in relation to cervical cancer among women in Uganda after an HPV vaccination project had been rolled out. Design: A qualitative study design was used, with six focus group discussions (FGDs) that included 36 women, aged 25 49 years, with no previous history of cervical cancer symptoms or diagnosis. The women were interviewed in February and March 2013. The transcribed data was analysed using content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged: feeling unprotected and unsafe, misbelief and wondering about cervical cancer, and fear of the testing procedure. Participating women had heard of cervical cancer but preferred to wait to access cervical cancer screening until symptom debut. Conclusions: There are still barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in Uganda, where there is a need for culture-specific, sensitive information and interventions to address the issues of improving the cervical cancer screening uptake among these women. Societal context needs to be taken into account when implementing community-based health education.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 A call for critical midwifery studies: Confronting systemic injustice in sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn care(Wiley, 2022) Ashley, Rebecca; Goodarzi, Bahareh; Horn, Anna; de Klerk, Hannah; E. Ku, Susana; Marcus, Jason K.; Mayra, Kaveri; Mohamied, Fatimah; Nayiga, Harriet; Sharma, Priya; Udho, Samson; Vijber, Madyasa Ruby; van der Waal, Rodanteystemic injustice is a threat to sexual, reproductive, ma- ternal, and newborn (SRMN) health. The effects of this injustice are reflected in the high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates in former colonized coun- tries of the Global South, in marginalized communities of the Global North, and in underprivileged classes around the world. 1 Current research, clinical guidance, and global health politics all point to an inadequate response to in- justice on the part of SRMN care systems. Consider, for instance, four examples of ongoing injustices globally: the lack of workforce to meet SRMN, 2 the lack of access to safe abortion, 3 the “ethnic”, “racial”, and socioeconomic disparities present in maternal and newborn outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic,4,5 and the severity and persistence of obstetric violence and obstetric racism.Item Caregiver’s perspectives on the Central Nervous System infection illness trajectory among older persons with dementia in Northern Uganda—a qualitative community‑based study(BMC Geriatrics, 2022) Benyumiza, Deo; Kumakech, Edward; Gutu, Jastine; Banihani, Jude; Mandap, Joshua; Talib, Zohray M.; Wakida, Edith K.; Maling, Samuel; Obua, CelestinoBackground: Few studies have explored the Central Nervous System (CNS) infection illness trajectory among older persons with dementia in sub-Saharan African (SSA) settings. This study explored the Caregiver’s perspectives on the Central Nervous System infection illness trajectory among the older persons with dementia in Northern Uganda. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in Lira District northern Uganda in March 2022 amongst purposively selected 20 caregivers of the older persons aged 50 + years with a positive history of CNS infection and later life dementia. Data were collected using an in-depth interview guide. Audio recordings and field notes of the interviews were undertaken. The interviews generated data on the CNS infection illness trajectory from onset to the current demented state of the older persons. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim before manual reflective thematic analysis. Results: Older persons with a positive history of CNS infection illness and later life dementia in rural northern Uganda presented with symptoms of early life CNS infection illness ranging from neck pain, back pain, chronic headache, and fatigue. There were also manifestations of comorbidities particularly road traffic accidents involving traumatic injury to the head, neck, and spine, high blood pressure, chronic headache, and or their medications in the older person’s trajectory to later life dementia. A plurality of healthcare which included both formal and informal healthcare medicines was sought and utilized for the treatment and care of the CNS infection illness and dementia by the older persons amidst improper diagnosis and mismanagement. Conclusions and recommendations: Older persons with early-life CNS infections illness and later-life dementia were reported to present with symptoms including neck pain, back pain, chronic headache, high blood pressure, and fatigue. The reported symptoms of CNS infection illness may be intertwined with co-morbidities particularly traumatic injury involving the head, neck, and spine, high blood pressure, and chronic headache. Healthcare professionals should integrate routine screening of older persons for the history of CNS infections, chronic headache, high blood pressure, trauma to the head, neck, and spine, and dementia and early treatmentItem Cervical cancer risk perceptions, sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections among Bivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccinated and nonvaccinated young women in Uganda - 5 year follow up study(BMC women's health, 2017) Kumakech, Edward; Andersson, Sören; Wabinga, Henry; Musubika, Caroline; Kirimunda, Samuel; Berggren, VanjaBackground: Previous studies were conflicting regarding the associations between HPV vaccination, cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors and STIs. This study compared the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated young women in Uganda regarding cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections 5 years after vaccine implementation. Methods: This was a population-based comparative cross-sectional survey conducted in Uganda. The 438 participants were sexually active young women aged 15–24 years and mean age was 18.6 (SD 1.4). The majority (53.0%) were HPV-vaccinated in 2008 without assessment of sexual activity prior to HPV vaccination. Upon verbal assessment of sexual activity at the time of follow-up, data were collected using a questionnaire and laboratory testing of blood samples for syphilis and HIV infections. Results: There were no significant differences between the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups regarding the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections. Cervical cancer risk perceptions and age at sexual debut were nonetheless significantly lower among the vaccinated group compared to their non-vaccinated counterparts. However, HPV vaccination was not significantly associated to cervical cancer risk perceptions and early age at sexual debut in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: We found no associations between HPV vaccination, cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections among young women in Uganda 5 years after vaccine implementation. Young girls in the study population were found to be sexually active at a young age, affirming the importance of targeting girls of younger age for HPV vaccination.Item Consumer Perspectives on a Pericoital Contraceptive Pill in India and Ugand(2013) Cover, Jane K.; Drake, Jennifer Kidwett; Kyamwanga, Imelda T.; Turyakira, Eleanor; Dargan, Tanya; Kumakech, Edward; Harner-Jay, ClaudiaCONTEXT: Studies suggest that women in some countries have adopted emergency contraceptive pills as a routine method of family planning. This practice indicates there may be latent demand for a pericoital contraceptive pill taken only when a woman has sexual intercourse, and labeled and marketed for use as a regular contraceptive method. METHODS: To understand the appeal and potential market for a pericoital contraceptive pill, 39 focus groups and 23 in-depth interviews were conducted with women and men in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, and Kampala, Uganda. A total of 281 individuals participated in this qualitative study. RESULTS: In general, women embraced the idea of a female-controlled method that would be easier than taking a daily oral contraceptive pill and that could be taken either before or after sexual intercourse; in Uganda, especially, women approved of the fact that the method could be taken without a partner's knowledge. Although we do not yet know the extent of side effects for this method, women expressed some concerns about the level and nature of potential side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a pericoital contraceptive pill would be well-received by consumers in both country settings. If its efficacy and side effects are acceptable, a pericoital contraceptive pill could fill a gap for female-controlled, discreet, coitus-related contraception, particularly among women who do not have sex very frequently.Item Depression, suicidality, substance-use and associated factors among people living with HIV the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda(PLOS ONE, 2023) Rukundo, Godfrey Zari; Wakida, Edith K.; Karungi, Christine K.; Asasira, Jenipher; Kumakech, Edward; Obua, CelestinoBackground Mental disorders are common in people living with HIV (PLHIV) but they are often unrecog nized and untreated. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the already lim ited mental health services in low resource countries such as Uganda, and yet the extent to which the COVID-19 mitigation measures have affected the mental health of PLHIV is not fully known. We aimed to determine the burden of depression, suicidality, substance use and associated factors among adult PLHIV who were seeking care at two HIV clinics in northern and southwestern Uganda. Methods We conducted a phenomenological qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional study among 431 PLHIV to determine the burden of depression, suicidality and substance-use disorders at two HIV clinics, at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara Regional Refer ral Hospital in northern and southwestern Uganda respectively, during the COVID-19 lock down. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess for depression and suicidality, and the Michigan Assessment-Screening Test for Alcohol and drugs (MAST-AD) to assess for substance use disorder. We conducted descriptive statistics analysis to deter mine the burden of the disorders, and logistic regression to determine the associated fac tors. For the qualitative method we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 PLHIV and did thematic analysis. Results Of the 431 PLHIV surveyed, mean age was 40.31 ± 12.20 years; 53.1% (n = 229) had depression; 22.0% (n = 95) had suicidality; and 15.1% (n = 65) had substance-use disorder. Female gender (PR = 1.073, 95%CI 1.004–1.148, P = 0.038), lack of formal education (PR0.859–0.994, P = 0.034) and suicidality (PR = 0.757, 95%CI 0.722–0.794, p = 0.000) were associated with depression after adjusting for confounders. Further analysis showed that being female (PR = 0.843, 95% CI 0.787–0.903, P = 0.000*) and having depression (PR = 0.927, 95% CI 0.876–0.981, P = 0.009) and owning a large business (PR = 0.886, 95% CI 0.834–0.941, p = 0.000*) were significantly associated with having a substance-use disor der. Only depression was independently associated with suicidality after adjusting for con founding factors (PR 0.108, 95%CI 0.054–0.218, p = 0.000*). For the qualitative results, there were three apriori themes: a) Burden of depression, b) substance-use, and c) suicidal ity among the PLHIV during the COVID-19 containment measures. Conclusion There was high prevalence of depression, suicidality and substance-use disorder in adult PLHIV in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown measures. The three mental health problems seem to have bidirectional relationships and gender has a lot of contribution to the relationships. Interventions aimed at any of the disorders should consider these bidirectional relationships.Item Depression, suicidality, substance-use and associated factors among people living with HIV the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.(Plos one, 2023) Rukundo, Godfrey Zari; Wakida, Edith K.; Karungi, Christine K.; Asasira, Jenipher; Kumakech, Edward; Obua, CelestinoBackground Mental disorders are common in people living with HIV (PLHIV) but they are often unrecog nized and untreated. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the already lim ited mental health services in low resource countries such as Uganda, and yet the extent to which the COVID-19 mitigation measures have affected the mental health of PLHIV is not fully known. We aimed to determine the burden of depression, suicidality, substance use and associated factors among adult PLHIV who were seeking care at two HIV clinics in northern and southwestern Uganda. Methods We conducted a phenomenological qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional study among 431 PLHIV to determine the burden of depression, suicidality and substance-use disorders at two HIV clinics, at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara Regional Refer ral Hospital in northern and southwestern Uganda respectively, during the COVID-19 lock down. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess for depression and suicidality, and the Michigan Assessment-Screening Test for Alcohol and drugs (MAST-AD) to assess for substance use disorder. We conducted descriptive statistics analysis to deter mine the burden of the disorders, and logistic regression to determine the associated fac tors. For the qualitative method we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 PLHIV and did thematic analysis. Results Of the 431 PLHIV surveyed, mean age was 40.31 ± 12.20 years; 53.1% (n = 229) had depression; 22.0% (n = 95) had suicidality; and 15.1% (n = 65) had substance-use disorder. Female gender (PR = 1.073, 95%CI 1.004–1.148, P = 0.038), lack of formal education (PR= 1.197, 95% CI 1.057–1.357, P = 0.005), substance-use disorder (PR = 0.924, 95%CI 0.859–0.994, P = 0.034) and suicidality (PR = 0.757, 95%CI 0.722–0.794, p = 0.000) were associated with depression after adjusting for confounders. Further analysis showed that being female (PR = 0.843, 95% CI 0.787–0.903, P = 0.000*) and having depression (PR = 0.927, 95% CI 0.876–0.981, P = 0.009) and owning a large business (PR = 0.886, 95% CI 0.834–0.941, p = 0.000*) were significantly associated with having a substance-use disor der. Only depression was independently associated with suicidality after adjusting for con founding factors (PR 0.108, 95%CI 0.054–0.218, p = 0.000*). For the qualitative results, there were three apriori themes: a) Burden of depression, b) substance-use, and c) suicidal ity among the PLHIV during the COVID-19 containment measures. Conclusion There was high prevalence of depression, suicidality and substance-use disorder in adult PLHIV in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown measures. The three mental health problems seem to have bidirectional relationships and gender has a lot of contribution to the relationships. Interventions aimed at any of the disorders should consider these bidirectional relationships.Item Developing a Gap Analysis tool to improve Ebola vaccine acceptance and compliance in sub-Saharan Africa(Humanitarian Policy Group, 2020) Kumakech, Edward; Maurice, Sadlier; Aidan, Sinnott; Dan, IrvineItem Evaluation of a data-informed community engagement strategy to increase immunisation coverage in northern Uganda: a cluster-randomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation(The Lancet Global Health, 2018) Bruce, Jane; Chantler, Tracey; Kumakech, Edward; Mawanda, Ashiraf; Olorunsaiye, Comfort; Schmucker, Laura; Kiapi, Lilian; Landegger, Justine; Webster, JayneBackground The 2016 Ugandan Demographic and Health Survey indicated that only 86% of children (aged 12–23 months) in northern Uganda had received the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP3) and only 65% were fully immunised. To help close this gap, the International Rescue Committee developed a data-informed community engagement intervention, the Fifth Child Project, informed by a theory of change and including: (1) an mhealth tool used by health-facility-based staff and defaulter tracing forms used by community health workers aimed at improving data accuracy, (2) training of health workers in interpersonal skills, and (3) involvement of community leaders in planning vaccine outreaches. To test the impact of this intervention and examine its underlying hypothesis that a data-informed community engagement strategy will increase immunisation coverage, we conducted a clusterrandomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation. Methods At baseline, a household two-stage cluster survey was conducted in 32 clusters (16 intervention and 16 control health facility catchment areas) from mid-June to mid-July, 2016. The survey collected information on vaccinations, caregivers’ interactions with community-based and facility-based health workers, and reasons for non-vaccination of eligible children. The primary outcome was DPT3 and measles coverage in children aged 9–23 months. Process evaluation activities included: quarterly monitoring reports, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations conducted in four intervention and two control clusters (March–April, 2017). The endline survey was conducted from Sept 19, 2017, to Oct 2, 2017. Findings The sample included 916 households (935 children aged 9–23 months) in the intervention clusters and 881 households (897 children aged 9–23 months) in control clusters. Baseline estimates of immunisation coverage were similar for intervention and control arms. Both arms combined baseline coverage of DTP3 and measles vaccines using information from child immunisation cards, and caregiver recall was 78·3% (95% CI 76·0–81·5) and 64·6% (95% CI 60·9–67·3%), respectively. About 19% of children who received DTP1 had not received the measles vaccine in the intervention arm, compared with 21% of children in the control arm at baseline. The major barriers to complete immunisation included caregivers’ lack of awareness of immunisation schedule and vaccine stock-outs. Interpretation Endline and process evaluation findings will be available in March 2018 and will provide a more complete assessment of the impact of the Fifth Child Project.Item Factors associated with uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine among school girls aged 9–14 years in Lira City northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study(BMC Women's Health, 2023) Nakayita, Renniter Mirembe; Benyumiza, Deo; Nekesa, Catherine; Misuk, Ivan; Kyeswa, Julius; Nalubuuka, Aisha; Murungi, Tom; Udho, Samson; Kumakech, EdwardAbstract Background Cervical cancer is the most common Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related disease among women. Since 2008, HPV vaccination has been routinely recommended for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls in Uganda as the primary preventive measure for cervical cancer. However, in Uganda, most especially in Lira district, there is limited literature on HPV vaccination uptake and associated factors among girls aged 9-14years. This study assessed the uptake of HPV vaccine and associated factors among in-school girls aged 9–14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 primary school girls aged 9–14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. Multistage sampling technique was used to sample eligible participants and data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression at 95% level of significance were used to identify the level of HPV vaccine uptake and predictors respectively. Results HPV vaccination uptake was at 19.6% (95% CI,14.8–25.1) among the school girls aged 9–14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. The mean age of the girls was 12.11 (±1.651) years. Predictors that were independently associated with HPV vaccine uptake included; recommendation from health worker [aOR 9.09, 95% CI (3.19–25.88), P≤0.001], taught about cervical cancer at school [aOR,12.56, 95% CI (4.60–34.28), P≤0.001], and exposure to outreach clinics [aOR, 4.41, 95% CI (1.37–14.19), P=0.013]. Conclusion The study found that one in five of the school girls in Lira City, northern Uganda. received HPV vaccine. Girls who were taught about cervical cancer at school, exposure to outreach clinics and received health worker recommendation had more odds of receiving HPV vaccine than their counter parts. The Ministry of Health should strengthen school based cervical cancer education, awareness raising about HPV vaccination and health worker recommendations to improve HPV vaccine uptake among school girls in Uganda.Item Factors Associated with Utilization of HIV Testing Services among Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years in Lira District, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study(Hindawi BioMed Research International, 2021-08-12) Benyumiza, Deo; Amongin, Joan Fidelia; Ochaba, Isaac; Adupa, Morish; Abuch, Naume; Banula, Constance Babirye; Udho, SamsonBackground. HIV testing remains a problem among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, and yet, HIV testing is a cornerstone in the fight against HIV. However, there is scanty literature on the utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents especially in rural settings. This study is aimed at determining the uptake of HIV testing services and associated factors among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Lira District, Northern Uganda. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study done among 277 randomly selected adolescents aged 10-19 years attending outpatient clinics in Pentecostal Assembly of God (PAG) Mission Hospital, Ngetta Health Center III, and Boroboro Health Center III. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, history of test and receipt of HIV results in the last three months, and facility-related factors affecting uptake of HIV testing services. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression at a 95% level of significance in SPSS version 25. Results. The uptake of HIV testing services was 43% (119/277) among the study participants. Adolescents who had completed primary education (aOR: 5.47; 95% CI: 1.07-28.15; ), are employed (aOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.16-6.60; ), had used a condom in the last sexual intercourse (aOR: 4.46; 95% CI: 1.78-11.15; ), and are involved in HIV testing outreaches (cOR: 10.86; 95% CI: 3.81-30.93; ) were more likely to uptake HIV testing services compared to those who had tertiary education, are unemployed, had never used a condom, and are not involved in HIV testing outreaches. Conclusion. Utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents aged 10-19 in Lira District, Northern Uganda, is generally low. The Ministry of Health should strengthen HIV testing services targeting adolescents to increase uptake of HIV testing services.Item Factors Associated with Utilization of HIV Testing Services among Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years in Lira District, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study(BioMed Research International, 2021) Benyumiza, Deo; Amongin, Joan Fidelia; Ochaba, Isaac; Adupa, Morish; Abuch, Naume; Banula, Constance Babirye; Udho, SamsonBackground. HIV testing remains a problem among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, and yet, HIV testing is a cornerstone in the fight against HIV. However, there is scanty literature on the utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents especially in rural settings. This study is aimed at determining the uptake of HIV testing services and associated factors among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Lira District, Northern Uganda. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study done among 277 randomly selected adolescents aged 10-19 years attending outpatient clinics in Pentecostal Assembly of God (PAG) Mission Hospital, Ngetta Health Center III, and Boroboro Health Center III. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, history of test and receipt of HIV results in the last three months, and facility-related factors affecting uptake of HIV testing services. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression at a 95% level of significance in SPSS version 25. Results. The uptake of HIV testing services was 43% (119/277) among the study participants. Adolescents who had completed primary education (aOR: 5.47; 95% CI: 1.07-28.15; p = 0:042), are employed (aOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.16-6.60; p = 0:022), had used a condom in the last sexual intercourse (aOR: 4.46; 95% CI: 1.78-11.15; p = 0:001), and are involved in HIV testing outreaches (cOR: 10.86; 95% CI: 3.81-30.93; p ≤ 0:001) were more likely to uptake HIV testing services compared to those who had tertiary education, are unemployed, had never used a condom, and are not involved in HIV testing outreaches. Conclusion. Utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents aged 10-19 in Lira District, Northern Uganda, is generally low. The Ministry of Health should strengthen HIV testing services targeting adolescents to increase uptake of HIV testing services.Item Factors Associated with Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among the Youth in Lira City West, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study(BioMed Research International, 2023) Murungi, Tom; Benyumiza, Deo; Apio, Juliet; Nekesa, Catherine; Nalubuuka, Aisha; Misuk, Ivan; Kumakech, EdwardBackground. The youth in Uganda, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, from human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection, and unsafe abortions to unwanted pregnancies. This study, therefore, assessed the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and associated factors among the youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in January 2023 among 386 young people (15-24 years) in Lira city west division, Lira city. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit our study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. All variables were set by p values less than 0.05 and reported adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. Results. The utilization of SRH services was 42.0% (162/386) among the study participants. Family planning, voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT), and general counseling services were the most utilized SRH services in the past 12 months. Young people who were aware of SRH services (AOR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.74), were aware of a reproductive health facility (AOR, 4.24; 95% CI: 1.62-11.09), discussed SRH issues with peers/friends (AOR, 3.98; 95% CI: 1.53-10.33), had a sexual partner (AOR, 10.00; 95% CI: 4.05-24.69), had sexual intercourse (AOR, 4.59; 95% CI: 2.18-9.69), and had access to SRH services (AOR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.12-6.40) were more likely to utilize SRH services compared to their counterparts. Conclusion. This study showed a low utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Being aware of SRH services, awareness of reproductive health facilities, discussing SRH issues with peers, having sexual intercourse, having a sexual partner, and access to SRH services were independently associated with the utilization of SRH services. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen sustainable multisector approaches aimed at improving awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services among the youthItem Factors influencing the use of multiple HIV prevention services among transport workers in a city in southwestern Uganda(PLOS Glob Public Health, 2023) Betunga, Benjamin; Atuhaire, Phionah; Nakasiita, Catherine; Kanyamuneza, Christa; Namiiro, Proscovia; Tugume, Joseph; Matovu, Hairat; Sark, Ahmed M.; Mugabi, Benedicto; Lilian, Birungi; Mugisha, Richard; Kumakech, Edward; Asiimwe, John BaptistThe use of multiple HIV prevention services has been found to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV when tailored to individuals at risk of HIV exposure, including transport workers. There- fore, we assessed the uptake of multiple HIV prevention services (�2) and associated fac- tors among transport workers in a city in Southwestern Uganda. This cross-sectional study comprised motorcycle taxi riders, motor vehicle and truck drivers, aged 18 to 55 years who were selected and responded to an interviewer-administered questionnaire, between November 2021 and February 2022. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical and modified Poisson regression analyses. Out of 420 participants, 97.6% were male, with a median age of 28 years and the majority were aged <34 years (84.6%). Overall, less than half (45.3%) of the participants had used multiple (�2) HIV prevention services within a one- year period. Many participants had used condoms (32.2%) followed by voluntary HIV counseling and testing (27.1%), and safe male circumcision (17.3%). Most participants who tested for HIV had ever used condoms (16.2%), followed by those who received safe male circumcision and had ever used condoms (15%), and those who tested for HIV and had started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (9.1%). In the adjusted model, factors that were sig- nificantly associated with the use of multiple HIV prevention services included religion (aPR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05–1.49), the number of concurrent sex partners (aPR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.10–1.61), prior HIV testing and awareness of HIV serostatus (aPR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.43– 0.70), awareness of HIV prevention services (aPR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.16–5.38), and finan- cial payment to access HIV services (aPR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.47–3.49). In conclusion, the uptake of multiple HIV prevention services among transport workers remains suboptimal. Additionally, individual behavioral factors influence the use of multiple HIV services com- pared with other factors. Therefore, differentiated strategies are needed to increase the utili- zation of HIV prevention services among transport workersItem Feasibility of delivering HPV vaccine to girls aged 10 to 15 years in Uganda(African health sciences, 2015) Mugisha, Emmanuel; LaMontagne, Scott; Katahoire, Anne R; Murokora, Daniel; Kumakech, Edward; Seruyange, Rachel; Tsu, Vivien DavisBackground: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality among women in Uganda. The availability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine presents an opportunity to prevent cervical cancer. The Government of Uganda conducted a demonstration project exploring the feasibility of two delivery strategies. Objective: To explore the feasibility of two HPV vaccine delivery strategies: 1) a stand-alone school-based strategy that selected girls based on their enrolment in grade 5 (known as the “grade-based” strategy; and 2) an age-based strategy that delivered the HPV vaccine based on the girls’ age (10-year-olds). This strategy combined the delivery of the vaccine with the distribution of deworming medication and vitamin A through an existing Child Days Plus program. Methods: A qualitative study that explored the feasibility of the two delivery strategies from the perspective of health workers, district leaders, and staff of the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Results: Coverage data showed that more girls (88%) were vaccinated using the grade-based strategy and completed all three doses compared to those (73%) vaccinated using the age-based strategy. Health workers and teachers indicated that determining vaccination eligibility was easier by grade than by age and there were minor disruptions to health services and school programs during vaccinations, as reported by health workers and teachers using the grade-based strategy. Conclusion: HPV vaccine delivery at schools using grade eligibility was more feasible than selecting girls by age. Lessons learned in Uganda could be relevant for countries considering implementing HPV vaccinations.Item Female-controlled dual protection methods: Prevalence, predictors, experiences and perceptions among young women living with HIV in northern Uganda–A mixed-method study protocol(PLoS ONE, 2023) Kumakech, Edward; Acen, Joy; Musinguzi, Marvin; Ebong, Doryn; Okello, JamesStudy background The use of dual protection methods among young women living with HIV (YWLHIV) aged 15–24 years in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is poorly researched despite the double risk of unintended pregnancy and HIV. Even more scanty is literature on the use of female-controlled dual protection methods. We propose to determine the female-controlled dual protection prevalence, and the predictors among YWLHIV in northern Uganda. The study will also explore the YWLHIV’s experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection methods. Materials and methods This study will employ a mixed-methods design. The study area will be Lira district and Lira city located in northern Uganda. The setting for recruitment of participants will be the public health facility–based anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinics. These ART clinics serves a total of about 1,771 YWLHIV. A sample of 425 YWLHIV will be selected by stratified random sampling from the ART clinic registers. The three strata of interest will be the YWLHIV attending the ART clinic at referral hospitals, health centers level IV (primary healthcare centers), and health centers level III (dispensaries). The primary outcome will be the use of the femalecontrolled dual protection methods. The outcome will be measured by asking the YWLHIV ‘what methods under their control as YWLHIV do they use to protect against both unintended pregnancy and HIV during sexual intercourse with their male partners.’ The questionnaire also has measures for the unintended pregnancy, HIV status, and the potential predictors. Qualitative component of the study will be in-depth interviews of the participants about their experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection. methods. Data collection was still ongoing at the time of first submission of this study protocol to the journal (14th March 2023). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 will be used for the statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate regression analyses will be used to establish the prevalence, associated factors and the predictors of the outcome respectively. The statistical significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval will be considered. In-depth interviews will be manually analyzed using a thematic analysis approach for codes, themes, and categories.
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