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Publication Open Access Sociodemographic Factors and Adoption of Social Media as a Management Tool by Managers and Administrators in Selected Non-Governmental Organizations in Kigali, Rwanda(Advanced Journal of Social Science, 2021-04-03) Marete, Onesmus Thuranira; Kituyi, Alice; Kirabo, JoyceSocial mediausehas gained prominence in the publicas well as in thework environment as a way of quickly and widely sharing information and its crucial role in management has been elevated even more by the covid-19 pandemic which has severely limited human physical interaction. This study was carried outto explore the sociodemographic factors and adoption of social media as a management tool among managers and administrators in selected Non-Governmental Organizations in Kigali Rwanda. The study focused on the popular social media applications that can beof use in management namely,Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, video-conferencing applications, and YouTube. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional designwith anonline survey questionnaire administered to a sample size of 217 respondentspurposively sampled from six selected NGOs in Kigali Rwanda. Findings indicatedthat the overall social media adoption was quite high with WhatsApp beingthe most popular app. Several respondents’ characteristics such as age,education andjob level showed statistically significant association with adoption of particular social media applications.Findings,however, revealedno structured approach to social media use in most of the surveyed NGOs. The study concludedthat the overall adoption rate of social media was quite high but witha huge disparity in usage rates of specific social media applications and that certain sociodemographic factors such as education level and training appearedas strong predictors of social media adoption. This study recommendedtherefore, that NGOsshould determine the applicationsthat support their business model and provide comprehensive policies and support to encourage the employees to adopt the chosen social media applications in their managerial functions. The policy makers should also promote the modifiable sociodemographic factors that influence social media adoption such as education level and training.Publication Open Access Health care services satisfaction and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS at Kibuye referral hospital, Rwanda(International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2021-11) Abdou, Nizeyimana; Habtu, Michael; Marete, Onesmus; Mochama, Monica; Rutayisire, Erigene; Dida, Gabriel O.Background:Patient satisfaction surveys have gained great attention as meaningful parameters for evaluating quality improvement in healthcare organizations. At Kibuye referral hospital, healthcareutilization and health care services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has been low, as attested by poor adherence to medication and weakening of patients due the disease progression. The main objective of this study was to assess healthcare services satisfaction and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS Kibuye referral hospital, Rwanda. Methods:An institutional-based cross-sectional design was used to select 277 study participants who were interviewed by use of a structured questionnaire, and the data analyzed quantitatively. Two focus group discussions were performed, after which the interviews were transcribed in verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: The overall level of PLWHA satisfaction was 95.0%. In multivariate analysis, social class and age were found to be the main predictors of PLWHA satisfaction (AOR=10.218, 95% CI=1.39, 74.88, p=0.002) and (AOR=0.39, CI=0.121 to 1.186, p=0.005), respectively. Qualitative study outcome showed that health care service delivery at Kibuye referral hospital is measured by a number of factors, includingtimeliness of health care service delivery, meeting needs of clients and paying attention in provision of health care services.Conclusions:The level of patient satisfaction was found to be high. When individual was of high-class status in the society, and were above 20 years of age, his or her satisfaction increased. The study recommends that PLWAs are treated equally so as to improve service delivery, particularly among people living HIV/AIDS.Publication Open Access Determinants of data-driven decision-making among health providers: a case of Mombasa county, Kenya(International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2024-05) Muhula, Sally Wangige; Nyamai, Joseph Juma; Odongo, Alfred Owino; Kariuki, PetersonBackground:Healthcare professionals understand how important it is to turn health data into information for informed decision-making. However, a lack of trustworthy and up-to-date health information is caused by inadequate investment in infrastructure for data collection, analysis, dissemination, and use. The aim of the study was to determine data-driven decision-making among health providers, acase of Mombasa County, Kenya.Methods:The study employed an analytical cross-sectional study design where a stratified random sampling approach was utilized to recruit respondents into the study. The Yamane formula of sample size calculation was used to recruit 168 study partakers for this study.Results:The outcomes indicated that quality data-driven decision-making exhibited a substantial correlation withtechnical factors (r=0.642, p value=0.000). Furthermore, the findings highlighted a significant correlation between quality data-driven decision-making and behavioral factors (r=0.821, p value=0.000). Additionally, the study's results revealed a marked correlation between quality data-propelled decision-making alongside organizational factors (r=0.819, p value=0.000).Conclusions:The likelihood ratio tests demonstrated that both technical and organizational factors significantly predicted data-driven decision-making among health providers, whereas behavioral factors did not have a statistically significant impact. There is a need to provide training for health workers at the county level to enhance data utilization skills, ensure thorough data verification before submission, and promote the use of health information in decision-making.Publication Open Access Analysis of process re-engineering on organizational performance of NHIF in northern region, Kenya(Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting, 2023-06-06) Dida, Guyo Galgalo; Obuba, RobertCompanies across the world are turning to strategic innovation as a reaction to the growing volatility and complexity of the business environment they are facing. The primary goal of this research is to determine the impact of process reengineering on the organizational performance of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in chosen counties in Kenya's northern region. Knowledge-based theory served as the theoretical foundations for this investigation. For the purpose of collecting data, a descriptive survey research design was used, which included the utilization of both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected via the use of structured questionnaires. The study's target group was made up of 64 NHIF workers who work in the chosen county offices, according to the researchers. It was necessary to conduct a census in order to determine the sample size of all 64 workers, and a random sampling method was utilized in order to ensure that each participant has an equal chance to participate in the research. The gathered data was examined with the help of SPSS in order to identify the connection between the research factors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data and a multiple regression model was applied to establish the relationship amongst the studied factors. The study established a moderate positive relationship between process re-engineering and organizational performance (p=0.001). Consequently, in terms of recommendation, the government may consider implementing policies that enable the NHIF to develop and innovate it products concurrently protecting the interests of the members. The government should also provide marketing regulations and policies to ensure that the NHIF products are fully marketed to reach the entire population since it is the primary health insurance provider in Kenya.Publication Open Access Determination of Treatment Outcomes and Trend for Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Among Refugees in Dadaab Refugee Camps in Garissa County, Kenya(Journal of Public Health, 2017-01) Mohamed, Abdirashid Diney; Onyuka, Jackson; Odiwuor, SamwelObjective: To determine treatment outcomes and trend of Multidrug resistant Tuberculosis among refugees in Dadaab refugee camps. Research Design: Descriptive retrospective and cross-sectional study designs Location of the study: Dadaab Refugee Camps in Garissa County, Kenya. Target Population: 350,000 Sample population: 116 patients’ records who completed treatment and 74 patients who are on treatment. Data Collection Instrument: Forms for collecting secondary data and questionnaires for patients’ interview. Results: The study revealed that more males are affected than females. Males were 45(61%) while females were 29(39%), (t = -2.398; p =0.019).The population proportion in the refugee camps is 49.4% males and 50.6% females .Females are slightly more than males in the refugee camps. The study also found out that MDR- TB affects more the younger people and adults between age group 15-54 years of the refugee population which represents 66 percent (𝑋2 = 4.526; 𝑃 = 0.000).It also found out that most of the patients were previously treated for TB. This shows that previous treatment for TB is a risk factor for developing MDR- TB (91%), (𝑋2 = 25.42; 𝑃 = 0.000). There is significant difference in education and MDR- TB transmission. MDR-TB transmission mostly occurred in those with none or little education according to this research finding. The uneducated (64%) have knowledge gap in TB/MDR-TB transmission and prevention measure, (t = -16.024; p = 0.000). HIV was not a risk factor for developing MDR- TB in the refugee camps. The study revealed that there was good treatment outcome for those completed treatment as the treatment success rate was over 90 percent. The trend of MDR-TB was increasing over the years from 3 in 2009 to 67 in 2015. Conclusion: Psychological, financial and other social support is important for patients during their course of treatment. The findings illustrate that efforts should be made to prioritize the development and implementation of effective MDR-TB screening and treatment protocols for the high risk groups e.g. previously treated patients, failures, return after defaulting treatment (RAD) and those who come in to contact with MDR- TB patients, to improve treatment outcome and minize the emergence of Extensive Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB)Publication Open Access Fully immunized child: coverage, timing and sequencing of routine immunization in an urban poor settlement in Nairobi, Kenya(Tropical Medicine and Health, 2016-05-16) Mutua, Martin Kavao; Murage, Elizabeth Kimani; Ngomi, Nicholas; Ravn, Henrik; Mwaniki, Peter; Echoka, ElizabethBackground: More efforts have been put in place to increase full immunization coverage rates in the last decade. Little is known about the levels and consequences of delaying or vaccinating children in different schedules. Vaccine effectiveness depends on the timing of its administration, and it is not optimal if given early, delayed or not given as recommended. Evidence of non-specific effects of vaccines is well documented and could be linked to timing and sequencing of immunization. This paper documents the levels of coverage, timing and sequencing of routine childhood vaccines. Methods: The study was conducted between 2007 and 2014 in two informal urban settlements in Nairobi. A total of 3856 children, aged 12–23 months and having a vaccination card seen were included in analysis. Vaccination dates recorded from the cards seen were used to define full immunization coverage, timeliness and sequencing. Proportions, medians and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess and describe the levels of full immunization coverage, vaccination delays and sequencing. Results: The findings indicate that 67 % of the children were fully immunized by 12 months of age. Missing measles and third doses of polio and pentavalent vaccine were the main reason for not being fully immunized. Delays were highest for third doses of polio and pentavalent and measles. About 22 % of fully immunized children had vaccines in an out-of-sequence manner with 18 % not receiving pentavalent together with polio vaccine as recommended. Conclusions: Results show higher levels of missed opportunities and low coverage of routine childhood vaccinations given at later ages. New strategies are needed to enable health care providers and parents/guardians to work together to increase the levels of completion of all required vaccinations. In particular, more focus is needed on vaccines given in multiple doses (polio, pentavalent and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines)Publication Metadata only Analysis of Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in an Urban Slum Setting in Nairobi, Kenya(Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2016-08) Haregu, Tilahun Nigatu; Wandabwa, Christopher Khayeka; Ngomi, Nicholas; Kyobutungi, Catherine; Oti, Samuel; Egondi, ThaddaeusBackground: Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behavior are key risk factors for the emergence of noncommunicable diseases in the sub-Saharan African setting. Given the limited evidence base, research is required to understand the trends. Objectives: This study describes the patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior in a large sample of urban slum residents in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: We used data collected from 5190 study participants as part of cardiovascular disease risk assessment. Data were collected about work-, transport-, and recreation-related physical activity as well as sitting and sleeping time. Using time spent on each type of physical activity and respective metabolic equivalents (METs), patterns of physical activity and associated factors were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and logistic regression. Results: Nearly 50% of the study population was involved in work-related physical activities, whereas only 6.3% was involved in recreation-related physical activities. Involvement in physical activities decreased with age, and 17.4% had <600 MET-minutes per week. Higher sitting time was associated with insufficient physical activity. There were substantial gender differences in the time spent for physical activity. Conclusions: Given the positive relationship between insufficient physical activity and sedentary behavior, complementary interventions that improve physical activity and at the same time reduce sitting time are needed.Publication Open Access Determinants of inequality in health care seeking for childhood illnesses: insights from Nairobi informal settlements(Global Health Journal, 2022-12-09) Ngomi, Nicholas; Wandabwa, Christopher Khayeka; Egondi, Thaddaeus; Marinda, Pamela A.; Haregu, Tilahun NigatuBackground: An in-depth understanding of patterns of inequities in healthcare seeking among the urban residents is critical in identifying appropriate interventions strategies. The study evaluates determinants of inequality in health care seeking for childhood illnesses among informal settlement residents in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: Data from the second Nairobi Cross-Sectional Slum Survey (NCSS 2012) was examined. The inequality in seeking health care for childhood diarrhea as the prototype illness was assessed using concentration index (CI). The wealth index based on the household possessions and amenities was used as a measure for socioeconomic status. Results: A total of 2 027 qualified women were included in this study. About 16.6% of children born of younger mothers aged < 20 years had diarrhea and a similar proportion of children (16.3%) was observed among mothers who were unemployed. The CI of −0.026 on health care seeking for diarrhea among children points to significant inequality among the urban poor (95% confidence interval: −0.028 to −0.023). Conclusion: Occupation of parents, age of mothers, ethnicity, marital status and children’s age were major deter- minants with regard to disease outcome and to a broader extent inequality in health care seeking for childhood illnesses. Enhanced bottom top community health invigoration strategies in health information awareness and services access would be instrumentaPublication Metadata only Influence of task-based airborne lead exposures on blood lead levels: a case study of informal automobile repair artisans in Nakuru town, Kenya(Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2019-11-06) Owino, Alfred Odongo; Moturi, W. N.; Obonyo, Meshack AmosLead poisoning is an emerging worldwide public health concern, especially in the developing countries. Occupational tasks such as spray painting and welding in informal automobile repair enterprises present risks of exposures to lead generally through inhalation and ingestion. The artisans therefore risk high blood lead (BPb) levels, which is critical to chronic adverse health effects of lead. The study aimed at assessing the influence of occupational tasks on personal airborne lead exposures and to evaluate the association between these exposures with blood lead (BPb) levels among the artisans. A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten informal automobile repair workshops. Task-specific personal inhalable air samples and blood samples were collected concurrently for 20 participants performing five distinct occupational tasks. Lead levels were analysed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and data analysed by analysis of variance, simple and multiple linear regressions. The results indicated significant differences in airborne lead (PbA) exposure levels in different occupational tasks (p = 0.000). Lead–acid battery repairs recorded mean PbA exposure level of [76.11 ± (10.81 SE) µg/m3] exceeding the WHO 50 µg/m3 airborne lead permissible exposure limit. The average (PbA) exposure level was 22.55 ± (5.05 SE) µg/m3, while the mean (BPb) level was 25.08 ± (3.48 SE) µg/dl. A significant positive correlation between task-based airborne lead with blood lead levels was observed (r = 0.68, p = 0.001). In conclusion, the occupational tasks influenced personal airborne lead exposure levels, which in turn was an important predictor of blood lead levels. The study recommends lead exposure assessments, medical screening and intervention measures to minimize the risk and consequences of occupational exposures to lead among the study population.Publication Open Access Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Health Care Workers:A Case Study of Mogadishu City, Somalia(Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 2023-04-13) Mohamed, Sadia Ahmed; Odongo, Alfred Owino; Kariuki, John GachukiAims: Covid-19 disrupted the Health Care system and operations globally between 2020 and 2021 through exponential infections, disease and adverse negative economic impact as a result of the virus. Due to the high risk of infection, health care workers are a high priority target group for vaccination against COVID-19. The objective of current study was to assess the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among health care workers in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study sought to establish the proportion of vaccinated healthcare workers, determine the socio- demographic and healthcare system factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among health care workers in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to select the six hospitals in Mogadishu while stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 276 participants in the sampled hospitals. Structured questionnaires were use collect data. Data was analyzed SPSS to generate descriptive statistics and logistic regressionResults: The study established that 54.3% (n) of the healthcare workers had taken the COVID-19 vaccine. The study found that the socio-demographic factors increased the odds of uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine were job cadre with doctors (Odds=0.859, p=0.007), Nurses (Odds=1.175, p=0.010);area of work with ICU (Odds=0.614, p=0.014), Isolation Ward (Odds=2.825, p=0.007); Age 21-30 years (Odds=1.125, p=0.002), 31-40 years (Odds=1.106, p=0.000). The healthcare system factors associated with increased odds for COVID-19 vaccine uptake were being in contact with patients with COVID-19 (Odds=0.948, p=0,008); Conducting weekly tests (Odds=0.786, p =0.010); previously testing positive for COVID-19 (Odds=0.752, p=0.041). Conclusion: The study concluded that a significant number 45.7 %(n) of healthcare workers in Mogadishu had low or inadequate had not taken the COVID-19 Vaccine for a number of reasons, this is worrying since these are the frontline workers in the fight of COVID 19 pandemic. Recommendations: The study recommends that health education and health promotion is necessary to enhance vaccine uptake and use among health workers particularly during such pandemics. Policymakers and administrators should develop clear guidelines and create supportive environment to enhance health education and health promotion during pandemics.Publication Open Access Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and its Associated Factors in Family Caregivers of Children with Lymphoma at a National Hospital in Central Malawi(International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 2023-01) Phiri, Patrick GMC.; Odongo, Alfred Owino; Kariuki, John G.Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) HRQoL continues to be understudied among family caregivers with chronically ill children especially in developing countries like Malawi. Aim: This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life and determine the socio- demographic factors associated with the health-related quality of life of caregivers of children with lymphoma at a referral hospital in Malawi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a referral hospital in Malawi, and 107 caregivers were recruited. The Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire 36-Item Short Form was used to collect data which were analysed using SPSS Version 25. Results: All 107 targeted participants were assessed. Both the physical health component and the mental health component mean scores were low (M=50.63, SD=11.86 and M=45.51, SD=11.95, respectively). Time since diagnosis of the child’s cancer accounted for significant differences in both the physical and mental health components’ mean scores (F(2, 104)=5.030, p=0.002 and F(2, 104)=5.030, p=0.006, respectively). The caregivers >41years old, those who were married, those who were employed, and caregivers whose children were diagnosed >12 months were among those more likely to report a better physical health perception compared to those without these characteristics. Conclusion: The health-related quality of life of the caregivers at the referral hospital was severely impaired. The findings suggest that caregivers of children with lymphoma have the potential to develop more serious mental and physical health problems; hence, interventions to mitigate the burden of caring for children with lymphoma are neededPublication Open Access Risk Factors for Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sugar Factory Workers in Jinja, Eastern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study(The Indonesian Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2023-04) Babatunde, Aremu A.; Odongo, Owino Alfred; Afolabi, Ismail Bamidele; Juma, Joseph; Abdalla, Suleiman MbarukIntroduction: The disease outcome of musculoskeletal disorders includes; serious occupational disorders and disabilities that are associated with the loss of useful working days and socioeconomic burden to the individual, the organization, and society at large. The aim of this study is to determine the work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors among sugar factory workers. Methods: The cross-sectional study design was employed in this study in the workplace among 402 workers between two sugar factories. The self-structured Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders questionnaire was administered. Data were analysed into descriptive statistics, binary logistic, and multiple logistic regression using SPSS vs. 26. Results: The results indicate that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the previous 12 months among sugar factory workers was 53%. The Lower back region has the highest prevalence of 52.2% and the lowest prevalence of 12.7% on Neck region. The following highlighted factors were significantly associated with the reporting of WRMSD among sugar factory workers during the last 12-months, such as; age of the respondents, educational status, work designation, monotonous task, standing for long periods, and time taken to carry out the task. Conclusions: Workers in sugar factories are constantly exposed to ergonomic hazards which predisposed them to WRMSD. If these situations are not prevented it might worsen the burden of WRMSDs among workers, result in cases of more absenteeism and low productivity.Publication Open Access Poisoning patterns and factors associated with treatment outcomes among patients: A case study of Kiambu county hospitals, Kenya(Toxicology Research and Application, 2023-10) Githinji, James Maina; Mungoma, Michael; Fossa, Kinara; Ondiek, Samwel; Odongo, Alfred Owino; Kwasa, Magoma MwanchaBackground: Rising poisoning incidences worldwide, primarily in developing countries, remain ambiguous due to paucity of data and poison centres. This study evaluates patterns and factors causing poor outcomes in Kiambu County, Kenya. Methods: A records-based retrospective cross-sectional study of poisoning cases who presented to nine facilities between June 2015 and July 2020 was conducted. The data collected was analysed through descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression using STATA version 13. Results: Kiambu county has a minimum prevalence of poisoning of 3.2%. A total of 434 cases were studied. Most cases (85.5%) resulted from acute exposures, with 75% being intentional. Pesticides (61.1%), paraffin (18.7%), alcohol (6.5%), and pharmaceutical drugs (4.4%) were the primary poisons used. 3.9% didn’t fit these categories, while 5.5% remained un- known. Common presentations at admission were vomiting (35.3%) and unconsciousness (21.6%). Pesticides were re- sponsible for 72.0% of deaths. Sequelae occurred in 7.8%, full but delayed recovery in 17.6%, and 6.0% died. The largest cluster of total cases was found in Thika town sub-county. It also contained the primary clusters of alcohol and pesticide poisoning. Being male (AOR 4.577, 95% CI [1.244–16.842]) was significantly associated with adverse outcomes. Regardless of the poison, the majority 78.8% made a full recovery. Conclusion: Due to the lack of standardized poisoning data tools, patient records lack vital information reflecting the quality of care that the patient received, reflecting a lack of structures to collect, analyse and utilise poisoning data for decision making. This study underpins the need for the establishment of a PC in Kiambu county, Kenya.Publication Open Access Psychosocial Effects of Obstetric Fistula on Young Mothers in Western Kenya(International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), 2016-04) Mohamed, Habiba C.; Kabunga, Amir; Ng’ang’a, ThanangaObstetric fistula has remained one of the most devastating complications a woman experiences in the course of delivery in Kenya. Many women suffer long term morbidity and become social outcasts. The aim of this study was to examine the psychosocial consequences of obstetric fistula on young women in the western Kenya region. The study population consisted of women living with obstetric fistula, their families and care givers. The sampling frame consisted of 190 primary respondents. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The data from the respondents was collected through questionnaires, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, percentages and standard deviations were generated for data analysis. The study results show that the main psychological effects of fistula were sadness, shame and loss of self-worth. The study also points at stigmatization, social worthlessness and isolation as the main social effects of fistula. The study recommends addressing negative cultural practices that contribute to obstetric fistula occurrence.Publication Open Access Compassion Fatigue: A Study of Psychotherapists’ Demographics in Northern Uganda(International Journal of Academic Research in Psychology, 2016-03-27) 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 psychotherapistsPublication Open Access HIV-related stigma experiences and coping strategies among pregnant women in rural Uganda: A qualitative descriptive study(PLOS ONE, 2022-10-07) Jolle, Judith; Kabunga, Amir; Okello, Tonny Owili; Kadito, Esther Oloi; Aloka, Jimmy; Otiti, Geoffrey; Aluku, Agnes Adong; Kumakech, EdwardBackground HIV-related stigma is a global problem among HIV clients with far-reaching effects including increased rates of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. However, HIV-related stigma experiences and coping strategies have received little attention, especially among pregnant women in rural settings. We explored the HIV-related stigma experiences and coping strategies among pregnant women in rural northern Uganda. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study conducted among HIV-positive pregnant women seeking care at Aboke Health Center IV, Kole district, northern Uganda. We conducted 12 in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using the inductive thematic approach of Braun and Clarke. Results The age range of the 12 participants was 17 to 35 years while the average duration with HIV since diagnosis was five years. The majority of the participants were subsistence farmers who had attained a primary level of education. Social rejection and public ridicule were identified as HIV-related stigma experiences while ignoring, social support, and prayers were identified as HIV-related coping strategies among the study participants. Conclusion Enacted HIV-related stigma is common among pregnant women in rural northern Uganda. Healthcare providers should work closely with HIV-positive women and other stakeholders to identify and strengthen HIV-related stigma coping strategies among pregnant women in rural settings.Publication Open Access Prevalence and predictors of burnout among nurses during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in hospitals in central Uganda(BMJ OPen, 2021-09) Kabunga, Amir; Okalo, PonsianoObjective To determine the prevalence of burnout and associated factors among nurses during COVID-19 in central Uganda. Design A cross-sectional design. Setting Nurse from one referral and four general hospitals. These were reception centres and cared for patients with COVID- 19 in central Uganda. Participants 395 nurses. Main outcome measures Burnout scores. Results Of the total 395 participants, 65.1% (n=257) were female; 40% (n=158) had a diploma; 47.1% (n=186) were single; and 39.2% (n=155) had worked for 11–15 years. The results show that 40% (n=158), 41.77% (n=165) and 18.23% (n=77) reported high, average and low levels of burnout, respectively. The results show that the predictors of nurses’ burnout were personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR: 7.1, 95% CI 4.08 to 12.31) and increased workload (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.43 to 7.93). Conclusion This study of nurses working in hospitals dealing with patients with COVID-19 in central Uganda reported high rates of burnout, and it was associated with PPE and workload. Interventions like contracting new nurses to reduce workload, the WHO guidelines on PPE, adjusting working hours and ensuring hours of effective rest should be adaptedPublication Open Access 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, 2023-04-06) 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.Publication Open Access Prevalence of diarrhea and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) associated factors among children under five years in Lira City Northern Uganda: Community based study(PLOS ONE, 2024-06-07) Auma, Brenda; Musinguzi, Marvin; Ojuka, Edward; Kigongo, Eustes; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Kabunga, Amir; Opio, BoscoBackground Children under the age of five experience a significant disease burden from diarrheal illnesses. This poses a severe public health risk as the second leading cause of infant death worldwide, after pneumonia. Lira City in Uganda is one of the developing urban areas with limited information about the diarrheal disease among children under the age of 5 years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and assess the water, sanitation and hygiene related factors associated with diarrheal diseases among children under five years in Lira City. Methods The study was conducted among 492 care takers of children under the age of 5 years in Lira City between August 2022 and September 2022. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and a multi-stage sampling was used to select study participants. Data was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression using STATA version 17. P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of 541 participants, 492 responded. The majority of the respondents, 425(86.4%) were female, 146(29.7%) had children aged 1–12 months, 192 (39%) had primary level education, and 155(31.5%) were self-employed. The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five years was 130(26.4%) and the associated factors with diarrheal disease were children between 49–60 months old (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03–0.39, P = 0.001), cleaning the latrine more times (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22–0.81, P = 0.010) and not treating water (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.11–3.06, P = 0.018). Conclusion There is high prevalence of diarrhea among children under 5 years of age. The study’s findings highlight the need for ongoing efforts to lower the prevalence of diarrheal illnesses among children under the age of five in Uganda’s emerging urban areas.Publication Open Access Primary effusion lymphoma associated with Human Herpes Virus-8 and Epstein Barr virus in an HIV-infected woman from Kampala, Uganda: a case report(Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2011-02-14) Tumwine, Lynnette K.; Lalitha, Rejani; Agostinelli, Claudio; Luzige, Simon; Osuwat, Lawrence O.Introduction: Primary effusion lymphoma is a recently recognized entity of AIDS related non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Despite Africa being greatly affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, an extensive MEDLINE/PubMed search failed to find any report of primary effusion lymphoma in sub-Saharan Africa. To our knowledge this is the first report of primary effusion lymphoma in sub-Saharan Africa. We report the clinical, cytomorphologic and immunohistochemical findings of a patient with primary effusion lymphoma. Case presentation: A 70-year-old newly diagnosed HIV-positive Ugandan African woman presented with a three- month history of cough, fever, weight loss and drenching night sweats. Three weeks prior to admission she developed right sided chest pain and difficulty in breathing. On examination she had bilateral pleural effusions. Haematoxylin and eosin stained cytologic sections of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cell block made from the pleural fluid were processed in the Department of Pathology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. Immunohistochemistry was done at the Institute of Haematology and Oncology “L and A Seragnoli”, Bologna University School of Medicine, Bologna, Italy, using alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase method. In situ hybridization was used for detection of Epstein-Barr virus. The tumor cells were CD45+, CD30+, CD38+, HHV-8 LANA-1+; but were negative for CD3-, CD20-, CD19-, and CD79a- and EBV RNA+ on in situ hybridization. CD138 and Ki-67 were not evaluable. Our patient tested HIV positive and her CD4 cell count was 127/μL. Conclusions: A definitive diagnosis of primary effusion lymphoma rests on finding a proliferation of large immunoblastic, plasmacytoid and anaplastic cells; HHV-8 in the tumor cells, an immunophenotype that is CD45 +, pan B-cell marker negative and lymphocyte activated marker positive. It is essential for clinicians and pathologists to have a high index of suspicion of primary effusion lymphoma when handling HIV positive patients who have effusions without palpable tumor masses. Basic immunohistochemistry is essential for definitive diagnosis
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