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Browsing School of Clinical Medicine by Author "Abal, Judith Akello."
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Item Open Access Phenomenology of Induced Abortion in Northern Uganda Among HIV-Positive Women Following an Unintended Pregnancy(Open Access Journal of Contraception, 2023-04-20) Kabunga, Amir.; Acanga, Alfred.; Abal, Judith Akello.; Nabasirye, Caroline Kambugu.; Namata, Halimah.; Mwesigwa, David.; Auma, Anna Grace.; Kigongo, Eustes.; Udho, Samson.Background: More than half of pregnancies in Uganda are unintended, and nearly a third of these end in abortion. However, little research has focused on women living with HIV’s subjective experiences following induced abortion. We explored how women living with HIV subjectively experience induced abortions in health facilities in Lira District, Uganda. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-phenomenological study between October and November 2022. The study was conducted among women of reproductive age (15– 49 years) who were HIV positive and had undergone induced abortion following an unintended pregnancy. Purposive sampling was used to sample 30 participants who could speak to the research aims and have experience with the phenomenon under scrutiny. The principle of information power was used to estimate the sample size. We conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews to collect data. Data were presented as direct quotes while providing a contextual understanding of the lived experiences of the study participants. Results: The results showed that the major causes of induced abortion were financial constraints, concern for the unborn babies, unplanned pregnancy, and complex relationships. Regarding induced abortion-related experiences, three themes emerged: loss of family support, internalized and perceived stigma, and feelings of guilt and regret. Conclusion: This study highlights the lived experiences of women living with HIV following an induced abortion. The study shows that women living with HIV had induced abortions due to numerous reasons, including financial concerns, complicated relationships, and a fear of infecting their unborn babies. However, after induced abortion, the women living with HIV faced several challenges like loss of family support, stigma, and feelings of guilt and regret. Based on HIV-infected women who underwent induced abortion and an unexpected pregnancy, they may need mental health services to reduce the stigma associated with induced abortion.Publication Open Access Qualitative study on stigma as a barrier to emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda(HIV/AIDS Original research, 2024-02) Kabunga, Amir.; Kigongo, Eustes.; Acanga, Alfred.; Tumwesigye, Raymond.; Auma, Anna Grace.; Musinguzi, Marvin.; Kambugu, Caroline Nabasirye.; Okalo, Ponsiano.; Abal, Judith Akello.; Namata, Halimah.; Mwesigwa, David.Objective The aim of the current study was twofold: to understand the nature and extent of stigma and to learn the reasons behind the decision not to use emergency contraceptive pills among university students in the Lango subregion of Uganda. Design An exploratory qualitative study design. Setting The study was carried out among university students in Lango subregion of Uganda. Participants 40 female university students across four universities. Main outcome measures Stigma. Results Participants (n=40) aged 19–26 exhibited generally positive attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills, recognising them as empowering and essential. Stigma, however, emerged as a substantial barrier manifested in societal judgements and negative perceptions. Themes included the positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills, perceptions of peers and the general public, and perceptions of health service providers. Conclusion Stigma significantly impedes emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda. Positive attitudes towards the pills contrast with societal judgements and provider stigmatisation. Tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps, societal perceptions and healthcare system challenges are crucial for improving emergency contraceptive pill acceptability and utilisation among university students.