Academic submissions (CHS)

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    Knowledge, attitudes and practices on drug use among the Makerere University undergraduate students of the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
    ( 2017-05-01) Mwanja, Herman
    Introduction and Background: Students of higher educational institutions like Universities are at high risk of drug use which is accompanied with physical and /or mental health complications/consequences. Currently, substance use is one of the most burning public health epidemics in Uganda. Although it is known that this public health problem of drug use is a pressing issue, the level of student knowledge, attitudes and practices on the drug use is not yet properly explored among students. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices on drug use among the undergraduate students of the College of Health Sciences Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the students’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards drugs use. A proportionate Simple random sampling technique was conducted to select 136 students from the College of Health Sciences from who quantitative data was collected using a pretested semi structured anonymous questionnaire. After collection, this data was cleaned, coded, managed an analyzed using Epi Data version 3.1, StataSE version 13 and Microsoft Excel version 10 to obtain statistical representations from the data. Qualitative data was collected through four in-depth interviews of four randomly chosen from those under study. The data collected through the tape recorder and notes taken was transcribed, coded and manually analysed for those issues that were significant to the study. Results A total number 136 students participated in the study with 76 (55.9%) being male and 60 (44.1%) being female. The majority of these, 109 (80.1%) were between the age of 19- 23 years. Most of the participants in this study were hostellers 54 (39.7%). 125 (91.9%) students had ever received some information about drug use. The drugs that were known most for their harm among these students were marijuana (81.6%), followed by alcohol (75%), tobacco (72.8%), and cocaine (69.1%). 27.2% (37) had ever used an illicit drug before in their life. Of these 37 students, 67.6% (25) were male and the other 33.3% (12) were female. Overall, 60.3 % (82 students) of the students had positive attitudes towards the different factors that are associated with drug use, 8.8% (12 students) had negative attitudes and the other 30.9% (42 students) were neutral or had no idea or comment about the different drugs. This study found that these undergraduate students had fairly good knowledge on drug use. Call for attention is for those who use various drugs because they are at risk of developing substance related disorders in future if they continue using them.
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    Percieved risk for breast cancer and confidence in performing a breast self examination among women attending Buwambo Health Centre IV, Wakiso
    (Makerere University, 2018) Luwedde, Gift Hadia
    Background: Breast cancer is among the commonest cancers among women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women posing a public threat. It is hypothesized that a realistic perception of breast cancer risk would motivate individuals to perform health protective behaviors appropriate enough for the respective levels of breast cancer risk, hence facilitating early detection and treatment .Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the perceived risk for breast cancer and confidence in BSE performance among women attending Buwambo Health Centre IV, Wakiso district. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Buwambo health Centre IV. A sample of 226 women were enrolled, data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Both univariate and bivariate statistical analyses was conducted. Results: The mean age of women was 31.46 (8.85) and most 46.9%had attained secondary education as the highest level of education. Knowledge on signs and risk factors of breast cancer was highest on breast lumps with 148(65.5%) and heredity nature of breast cancer with 163(72.1%) respectively. Risk perception of majority was low 46% and confidence was low 34.9% for majority of the women. Bivariate analysis displayed significance relationships of confidence with risk perception, education and marital status. Conclusion: Participants were knowledgeable on signs of breast cancer but however lacked enough knowledge on most of the risk factors for breast cancer, failed to correctly display risk perception and still lacked confidence of performance. BSE performance was rather low. From this health workers are recommended to enhance knowledge teachings on content concerning breast cancer.
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    A rapid procedure that detects P24 antigen and HIV-RNA biomarkers simultaneously to early diagnose HIV within 72 hours of infection
    ( 2018) Takuwa, Mercy
    Newly infected individuals are transferring the virus prior to knowing their true status. This is a significant barrier to eliminating Human Immune Virus(HIV) even in the current era of antiretroviral therapy. Currently, 36.7 million people globally are living with the Virus. Measures to reduce the virus have been set up by the World Health Organisation however, these have been rendered ineffective due to lack of reliable methods to detect, quantify and characterise cells that harbour low levels of the virus. Currently, diagnosis of HIV infection is based on serology which is possible only 3 months after exposure, this is a drawback since almost half of new HIV infections come from individuals who have just been infected within 3months. Post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP) is taken within 72 hours of infection for 28 days to avoid becoming HIV-positive, this demands for early detection. Current technologies that detect the virus at an early stage have emerged recently, however, they are highly sophisticated, expensive which makes their deployment in low resource countries difficult. This research project is exploring a new procedure that can accurately detect the virus within the first 72hours of infection. This will be achieved by detecting both P24 antigen protein and HIV-RNA biomarkers simultaneously which appear in the blood within 24 hours-2days after HIV exposure using Magnetic sensors. Magnetic iron Oxide-based on Magnetic tunnel junction have been used in accurate detection and identification of biomolecules tagged with magnetic nanoparticles including HIV- DNA and p24 antigen protein. However, these have been detected separately in all the studies conducted. This research is detecting HIV-RNA instead of DNA and detecting both biomarkers labelled with magnetic nanoparticles at the same time using the magnetic sensor. Hence, individuals will know their true status 3 days after exposure and take PEP within 72 hours as recommended.
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    Prevalence of urine cytological abnormalities as seen among mothers attending Naguru Hospital Antenatal Clinic
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mugerwa, Alex
    Background Urine cytologic abnormalities are abnormal findings in the urine which can be diagnosed microscopically. Their presence may indicate the presence of UTI or STI and may present in the form of pus cells, red blood cells, TV, casts and Candida etc. Objectives This study was conducted with the following specific objectives:- to determine the proportion of urinary abnormalities among pregnant women attending CUFH, N antenatal clinic, to determine the proportion of pregnant women attending CUFH, N antenatal clinic who are having with urinary abnormalities, to determine the commonest abnormality seenin urine among pregnant women attending CUFH, N Antenatal Clinic and to establish the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of pregnant women attending CUFH, N Antenatal Clinic and their urine cytological abnormalities. Methodology This was a prospective cross sectional descriptive laboratory based study which employed asystematic consecutive random sampling method for selection of pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic at Naguru hospital. Urine was collected and wet prep done, the urine which presented with urine cytologic abnormalities was centrifuged and the deposit was put into a smear which was stained with both pap and diff quick. Results A total of 423 pregnant women aged between 15 years to 43 years who were pregnant and attended Naguru hospital antenatal clinic. The mean age of the participants was 25.64 years (S.D 5.03). The most affected age group with urine cytologic abnormalities was the pregnant women below 25 years.Majority of these women had attained at least secondary education. Majority of these women were renting. Most of the participants were married. Self employed women exhibited the highest prevalence of abnormalities as compared to other occupational groups. Residence and occupation had significant statistical relationships with the urine cytologic abnormalities with p values of 0.037 and 0.044 respectively. 45.4% of the pregnant women had urine cytologic abnormalities. The prevalence of pus cells was 73.5%, RBCs 4.9%, casts 1.8%, TV2.3% and Candida 17.5%. The most common urine cytologic abnormality was pus cells. Conclusions and recommendations. Occupational groups and residence of participants are the only demographic characteristics that exhibited a statistical significant relationship withthe urine cytologic abnormalities (p value 0.044 and 0.037 respectively). The proportion of pregnant women with urine cytologic abnormalities was 45.5%. Pus cells accounted for 73.5%, Candida 17.5%, RBCs 4.9%, TV 2.3% and casts 1.8%.The most prevalent urine cytologic abnormality was pus cells. Recommendations A similar study with a bigger sample size and employing superior techniques such as urine culture, gram stain and polymerase chain reaction should be carried out in the same set up and also in other Regional and National referral hospitals. There should be continuous sensitization of pregnant women to create awareness about the existence of these various urine cytologic abnormalities and the adverse effects they confer both to them and their unborn children so that the urgency for them to participate in the study is felt which would increase the turn up.
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    Assessment of the relationship between household food insecurity and nutrition status of children aged 6-59 months in Bibibidi Refugee Camp, Yumbe District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Atim, Cathy Alal
    Introduction: Household food insecurity has been identified as a possible underlying determinant of malnutrition. Poor dietary quality or diversity is a significant contributing factor to malnutrition, specifically, micro-nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, food insecurity may be a core variable for understanding the nutritional status of low-income and displaced populations. Among children, household food insecurity is associated with being underweight, and with wasting and stunting. Previous literature demonstrates high levels of food insecurity and a high prevalence of malnutrition at 7.6% in Bidibidi Refugee Camp. However, no studies have been previously carried out to determine if household food insecurity could be the cause of the low nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months at the camp. Objective of the study: To assess the relationship between household food insecurity and nutrition status of children aged between 6 and 59 months in Bibibidi Refugee Camp, Yumbe district. Methodology: A Descriptive (Cross-Sectional) study design involving both Qualitative and Quantitative data collection methods was conducted during the study. The study population comprised of children aged 6-59 months, their mothers or caretakers, camp leaders and key health personnel at Bidibidi refugee camp. The sample size consisted of 200 participants. Data was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Household food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Anthropometric measurements on height, weight and mid upper arm circumference were carried out to assess nutrition status of the children. Anthropometric indices were then calculated using WHO Anthro 3.1.0 and interpreted according to WHO 2006 cut off points. Data was entered using Epi.Data 3.2 and exported to MS Excel, Epi-Info and Ena SMART for analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of wasting was at 3.4%, stunting at 9.6% and underweight at 4.8%. It was noted that children from households that were food insecure had a lower nutrition status as compared to children from moderately food secure households. Conclusion: There is a relationship between the level of food insecurity and children nutrition status in Bidibidi Refugee Camp. Household food insecurity and the prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting, among children 6 to 59 months of age, were high in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. The findings of this study show food insecurity is intertwined with malnutrition. Though the prevalence of malnutrition in the area is similar to the regional and national levels, the findings of this study indicate that malnutrition is still a major public health problem among children in the settlement. Programs and interventions to improve household food insecurity along with other nutrition interventions may enable greater synergy and sustainable impacts in addressing childhood under-nutrition as compared to nutrition specific interventions.
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    Point of care, cervical cancer diagnostic test strip that detects HPVs 16 and 18 and their oncoproteins E6 and E7 in first void urine
    (Makerere University, 2018) Nalwoga, Christine
    Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with more than 80% of the cases in the developing world. Cervical cancer screening and immediate treatment action reduces its overall prevalence. Various methods have been authorized for early detection of cervical cancer with the most common ones being the pap smear test and cytology test. Although these methods are accurate and, in most cases, diagnose cervical cancer, they necessitate invasive sample acquisition from the cervix thus cause extreme discomfort, are slow to produce results, require skilled personnel and appropriate tools, equipment and infrastructure to produce accurate results making them expensive; these characteristics make cervical cancer screening unpopular for women in low and middle-income countries. First void urine of 100 women between the ages of 21 and 45 years having a positive cervical cancer diagnosis in Kampala, Uganda will be collected and tested for presence of cervical cancer biomarkers; high risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs) 16 and 18 as well as their E6 and E7 oncoproteins, using polymerized chain reaction restriction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RELP) for the HPVs and Pretect® HPV-Proofer assay for the oncoproteins; presence of these factors in cervical lesions confirms cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II, III and invasive cervical cancer. Ability to detect these biomarkers in urine confirms it as an alternative sample to diagnose cervical cancer. A point of care (POC) lateral flow assay (LFA) strip designed with nanoparticle technology, capable of identifying the aforementioned parameters in urine will be designed; appropriate nanoparticles and LFA formats will be chosen. We expect hrHPVs 16 and 18 and their E6 and E7 oncoproteins to be detected in urine and a POC strip capable of effectively detecting them, successfully designed. An effective POC strip capable of effective cervical cancer diagnosis will introduce a faster, non-invasive, affordable, convenient and more socially acceptable technology for use in LMICs, reducing cervical cancer prevalence. Upon receiving funding, we will design and implement this technology first in Uganda and then the rest of East Africa, therein increasing enrollment of patients for cervical cancer diagnosis, reduce time taken to achieve results, increase early treatment hence reduce cervical cancer prevalence.
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    Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of slum dwellers towards integrated solid waste management in Hoima Municipality
    (Makerere University, 2018) Barongo, Godfrey
    Introduction: Solid Waste Management is one of the most neglected areas of development in most developing and transition economies of the world. Municipal solid waste management constitutes one of the most crucial health and environmental problems facing Governments of African cities and towns including Hoima Municipal Council due to poor institutional arrangements, poor technologies and the capacity to handle wastes. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of slum dwellers towards integrated solid waste management in Hoima Municipality. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study with both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was employed. Quantitative data was obtained from 138 respondents by use of structured questionnaires administered by the researcher and use of observational checklists and it was captured in EPIDATA version 3.02 computer software and analyzed using StataSE 13 software version. Qualitative data was obtained by use of a key informant guide and focus group discussions and have been presented using descriptive statistics like frequencies. Results: Majority 92% (127/138) of the respondents knew about the dangers of poorly managed solid waste, but they had negative attitudes towards solid waste disposal and, (82.6%) of the respondents pinpointed the Municipal Council authorities that it is their duty to see that there is no garbage in the area, and 71 % (98/138) of the respondents had never been sensitized about solid waste management. Waste disposal practice was unsatisfactory with 29% (40/138) burning the waste and4.4% of the respondents just scattering the waste anywhere and (97.1%) don’t sort out the solid waste. Conclusion and recommendations: Majority of the respondents had never been sensitized about solid waste management and had little knowledge and poor attitude about waste collection by pinpointing the Municipal Council authorities that it is their duty to see that there is no garbage in the area. Also, the majority of the of the respondents dispose of their waste by burning, scattering and they were not sorting out the solid waste. From the above, strict surveillance, sensitizations, supervision and timely removal for disposal of solid waste by management should be the key factors in managing and reducing on the solid waste related problems.
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    Invitro assessment of the antibacterial activity of the combinations of Methanolic Extracts of dry Mangifera indica Bark and Psydium guajava Linnaeus Leaf on Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    (Makerere University, 2018) Akena, Churchill ; Akampa, Maxensia Gloria
    Introduction; Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes infections such as endocarditis, meningitis and septicemia in humans and as well as in animals both in hospital and community settings. The high resistance and the economic burden associated with management of pseudomonal infections mean that new antimicrobial agent is urgently required to better combat this pathogen. Mango and guava plants are a good starting point for getting leads for developing new antipseudomonal agents. Objective; to assess the antibacterial activity of a combination of methanolic extracts of dry Mangifera indica bark and dry Psidium guajava Linnaeus leaves Method; the plants of interest, P. guajava and M. indica were collected fresh, washed, dried and ground and extracted using methanol as the solvent. The dilutions prepared 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml, 6.25mg/ml, 3.125mg/ml for P.guajava and M.indica respectively were tested for antipseudomonal activity separately to ascertain the MICs from previous studies. Then different proportions of the combination ie 50:50, 30:70, 70:30 for P. guajava and M .indica respectively were made and the MIC of most active of the combinations (70:30) was determined too on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Colistin was used as the positive control and 10% DMSO as the negative control. The analysis was done using one- way ANOVA run in Graphpad prism ver 7.03. Results; the methanolic extracts of dry M.indica bark and P. guajava leaves showed antipseudomonal activity with MICs of 3.64mg/ml and 21.51mg/ml respectively and the combination was more active than the individual extracts (p˂0.05 & p˂0.001). The combination was found to be synergistic with FICI of 0.2434 Conclusion; these results show that; combination of mango bark and guava leaf extracts is more active on MDR P. aeruginosa than the individual extracts with synergism observed and this could be a potential new drug for treating MDR P. aeruginosa infections.
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    HIV prevalence among blood groups of blood donors in Nakasero Blood Bank, Kampala Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018) Nsumba, Steven Mark
    Introduction Blood donation saves millions of lives and blood transfusion plays an important role in the supportive care of medical and surgical patients but unsafe transfusion practices also put millions of people at risk of transfusion-transmissible infections. The objective of this study was to investigate HIV infection among blood donors in Nakasero blood bank Kampala Uganda. Methods The study was a retrospective cross sectional study, that involved review of records of both electronic and hard copies of blood donation between the ages 18 to 49 of people who donated blood in the period of January 2016 to December 2017. Independent variables included age, sex, and residences, and dependent variables included HIV status and blood group type. A data extraction form was used to include data from both electronic database and hard copy registers. All analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 18.0. Chi-square was used to test association between categorical variable while two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means of continuous variables. Results: Of the 200 seropositive donors, the median age was 27 and 140 (70%) were male. The prevalence of HIV infection for blood groups O, A, B AB were: 89 (44.5%), 55 (27.5%), 41 (20.5%), 10 (5%), respectively. There was no statistical relationship found between ABO blood group and HIV infection. Conclusion There is need to create a bigger blood group database for the seropositive population, to know any probable association between blood group and HIV infection and this would play a vital role in guiding transfusion services and future research and also help substantiate any possible association between blood groups and HIV infection.
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    The Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea and Self Care Management of Dysmenorrhea among resident Makerere University female students in Kampala Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018-05) Cyuzuzo, Anuary ; Mayingo, Ivan
    Dysmenorrhea is the cramp-like dull throbbing pain in the abdomen that occurs in females of reproductive age before and/or during menstruation. Globally, 45%-95% of women are affected by dysmenorrhea that leads to absences at school, decreased activity, undesired quality of sleep and low life quality The Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and self care management practices among female students of Makerere University Kampala Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Africa, Complex and Mary Stuart halls of residence in Makerere University. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and interviews. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 85.9% (n = 275).
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    Use of Procalcitonin, IFN-γ-Inducible Protein-10 (IP 10), Presepsin and Mannan to identify the cause of infection at the onset of sepsis in resource constrained settings
    (Makerere University, 2018-05) Nakandi, Brenda Teddy
    Sepsis is considered to present the most common adverse effects and very costly prognosis during health care delivery in ICUs. It affects over 4 billion people worldwide with an increase of its occurrence by 8% every year. It is a condition that arises when the body’s defence mechanism while fighting against an infection, causes injury to the body. During the immune response, chemicals are released into the blood which widen the blood vessels leading to a drop in blood pressure. This and the blood clots caused by inflammation, both hinder the blood supply to vital organs like the kidneys, brain and heart. It requires to be resuscitated within the first 3 hours of diagnosis and with the rightful amounts of antimicrobials for the right cause of infection. Without early detection, it becomes severe causing organ dysfunction that results to death in 72 hours. This occurs in patients undergoing invasive procedures and persons with a compromised immunity. Currently, the most successful method used to diagnose sepsis is using qSOFA that uses a scoring system of using three of the main sepsis symptoms. It happens to be viable after the first 6 hours of sepsis which leaves a patient with repercussions of delayed diagnosis. This then calls for use of antibiotics where inappropriate admission, for every hour, increases the risk of death due to the increase in antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, it cannot ascertain the cause of infection therefore leaves a high chance of subscribing the wrong antimicrobials. This presents a wide field to be sought into to find a suitable methodology using better defined detection limits to this detrimental condition. We propose to diagnose sepsis using PCT, IP 10, presepsis and mannan to distinctively identify the infection to prevent the effects that follow poor diagnosis of sepsis.
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    Factors affecting acceptability and use of PPIUDs among postpartum mothers in Mityana Hospital
    (Makerere University, 2018-05) Wanyana, Dorothy
    Background: This study was set to determine the factors associated with the uptake and acceptability of immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Device among mothers who delivered at Mityana District Hospital. Objectives: To assess factors associated with uptake and acceptability of immediate PPIUDs in Mityana Hospital. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design in which data was collected using a questionnaire administered approach from 200 postpartum mothers and 20 midwives in maternity wing from Mityana hospital. Results: The study found that none of the socio demographic characteristics that is age (p = 0.839> 0.05, OR-0.94; 95% CI 0.52-1.69), education level (p = 0.381> 0.05, OR-0.77; 95% CI-0.44-1.38), religion (p = 0.836 > 0.05, OR-1.08; 95% CI-0.53-2.19) and marital status (p = 0.297, AOR=0.56, C.I: 0.19-1.66) significantly influenced uptake and acceptability of immediate PPIUDS among postpartum mothers. It also established that parity (p = 0.504 > 0.05, OR-0.82; 95% CI-0.46-1.46) and desired period of spacing between births (p = 0.981 > 0.05, OR-0.99; 95% CI-1. 0.54-1.84) are not significant obstetrical factors influencing uptake and acceptability of immediate PPIUDS among postpartum mothers. Amongst midwives‟ knowledge and equipment availability was 20(100%) the organization factors that influenced uptake and acceptability of immediate PPIUDS among postpartum mothers. Conclusions: The uptake and acceptability of immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Device as demonstrating skill such uptake and acceptability of immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Device is highest among postpartum mothers that report IUD availability in their nearest health facilities. Recommendations: The health workers in the different health facilities should ensure skills in as far as the postpartum services to the mothers that give birth are concerned and the management of health facilities should innovatively design strategies that ensure timely procurement and availability of equipment used for IUD insertion as a way of promoting Postpartum Intrauterine Device services uptake and acceptability amongst postpartum mothers
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    Awareness, perceived risk and screening practices of prostate cancer among men aged 45 years and above in Kijura, Masindi District
    ( 2018-05) Kisembo, Elizabeth
    Introduction: The global burden of cancer continues to rise with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Screening has been stated to improve the prognosis especially when the disease is captured at its early stages and necessary treatment initiated. Objectives: This study was therefore carried out to assess awareness, perceived risk and screening practices for prostate cancer in males aged 45 years and above in Kijura trading center, Masindi district. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. 101 participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling and all of them were interviewed using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire in Runyoro or English. The data was entered, sorted, cleaned and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 Results: There were more men aged 51 years and below than those above 51 years. The main source of information about prostate cancer was the sick relatives or any other sick person (43.6%). Health workers contributed only 11.9% as a source of information. 39.6% of the participant perceived themselves to be at risk of getting prostate cancer. Only 4% of the participants had ever screened for prostate cancer and the reasons for screening was because they had started showing symptoms. Conclusion: Despite high awareness levels and moderate risk perception, the screening practices among this population was poor. Recommendations: Health worker be largely involved in providing information. Screening services should be made available in rural populations.
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    Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards household treatment of piped water among rural households in Busoro-Parish,Busoro Sub-County, Kabarole District, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018-05) Businge, Otto
    Introduction: Nearly 70% of the world’s Population still resides in rural settings of which close to 768 million lack access to safe water. The World Health Organization (WHO et al.) estimates that more than 80% of all diseases in the world are associated with water. In 2016, Uganda’s national Safe water coverage in rural areas was estimated to be 67% (compared to 65% in 2015). However, the functionality of rural water supplies reduced from 88% in 2015 to 86% in 2016 Objective: This study aimed at assessing the knowledge; attitudes and practices towards piped water treatment in rural households to provide information to responsible stakeholders to increase accessibility, improve on household treatment mechanisms and improve the quality of piped water in order to promote health Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods among 158 households and 11 key informants (KIs). Semi-structured questionnaires and Key informant guides were used to collect the data. The quantitative data was managed and analyzed using STATA version 4 whereas the qualitative data was coded, edited and meanings made from the statements to come up with a detailed data from the area. Results: A total of 158 respondents participated in the study; 96.2% (152/158) reported to know at least a method of household water treatment. Of those that knew about household water treatment, 91.1% (n=152) knew boiling however majority (78.3%, n=152) used firewood to boil the water. Over 48% (76/158) reported dirty containers to be the major source of tap water contamination at household level. More than half (71.5%, 113/158) ensured safety of the drinking water through clean containers. Over 94% reported to know the effects of drinking untreated water. Female respondents and those who completed Secondary and above, were more likely to be knowledgeable about the sources of tap water contamination at household level (COR=1.04, C.I=0.467-2.33) and (COR=4.1, C.I=1.783-9.425, P-value=0.001) respectively as compared to their counterparts in the reference categories at 95% confidence interval. Conclusion and recommendations: Providing safe, reliable, piped water to every household is one of the essential goals that target to yield optimal health gains in towards the achievements of the SDGs (most especially the 6th goal). However, this clean water requires minimum standards of treatment, handling and proper storage prior to its consumption so as to prevent any chances that would render it susceptible to contamination with disease causing agents at household level.
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    Prevalance and factors associated with substance abuse among teenagers in Wanyange vil;lage, Jinja district
    (Makerere University, 2018-05) Were, Micheal
    Substance use is now a major public health concern affecting the lives of many teenagers in Uganda. Despite the overwhelming intervention strategies by the Government, non-government organizations, and many other keen stakeholders to curb the problem of drug and substance abuse especially among the youth the number of youth being taken up into the act of drug abuse seems to be escalating day by day. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among teenagers in Wanyange village, Jinja district in Uganda. Methods The study used cross-section study design and quantitative methods for data collection. Convenient sampling was used to select the study participants. The International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) assessment tool was used to assess for abuse and dependence. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to answer the study objectives. Results: A total of 308 teenagers participated in the study: males (59.7%), females (40.3%), Christians (68.8%), Moslems (31.2%). The prevalence of substance abuse among teenagers in Wanyange
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    Suicidal tendencies among undergraduate students using alcohol and drugs in Makerere University
    ( 2018-05) Wesonga, Sheila Mercy
    Introduction: Substance abuse has globally been estimated at 2 billion alcohol users, 1.3 billion smokers and 185 million drug users by the World Health Organization. The trend of abuse is greatly increasing in the African continent and the users have been reported to shift from mild drugs like cannabis to hard drugs like cocaine. This trend has also streamed into Uganda with a total of 85,000 drug users realized between 2010 -2014. These psychoactive substances have been linked to several mental disorders suicidal tendencies being one of them. Suicide has been on the rise globally in relation to these mental disorders linked to substance abuse. Objective: To establish suicidal tendencies among undergraduate students using alcohol and drugs in Makerere University. Methods: A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out among 200 undergraduate students using alcohol and drugs in Makerere University. Study participants were conveniently sampled, and the MINI was used to collect data regarding substance and alcohol abuse, dependence and suicide tendencies. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to answer the study objectives. Results: Most of the participants were male (85%) and Protestant (46%). Among the participants, 10.5% had suicidal tendencies. At bivariate analysis, alcohol dependence, drug abuse and drug dependence were statistically significant. At multivariate analysis only, employment was statistically significant. Conclusion: Alcohol, drug abuse and dependence may influence suicidal tendencies among students. Therefore, suicidal tendencies should be assessed among students who use alcohol and other drugs. Students should be involved in many other innovative activities such as employment to keep them occupied.
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    Electronic health utilization in malaria control surveillance based on big data analysis
    (Makerere University, 2018-05-18) Etuket, Maureen
    Since 2000, malaria mortality rates in Africa have fallen by 66% in all age groups, and by 71% among children under 5 [1] due to the several measures that have been put in place to fight against the infection, some of which are the use of treated insecticide mosquito nets, indoor insecticide spraying and anti-malaria drugs. However, in 2015, 89% (an estimated 188 million cases) of all malaria cases and 91% of all malaria deaths were in Africa. Critical to note is that malaria still kills 395,000 Africans every year, most of whom are children under 5 [1]. About 90% of all these malaria deaths in the world today occur in Africa, mainly Sub-Saharan Africa. Conversely, the Northern most parts of Africa have been able to control or eliminate malaria due to the successful implementation of surveillance techniques which has proved that the traditional malaria intervention techniques are not adequate enough as stand-alone systems to reduce on the prevalence of malaria in the countries [2] . This study therefore presents a hypothesis that the implementation of effective surveillance techniques will reduce on the number of malaria cases and related deaths through improving on the surveillance outcomes. The study will be conducted in Gulu District, one of the named endemic districts in Northern Uganda in 2017, with key emphasis on data collection from three main health centres in the district. The data collected will be the infected blood samples taken from male (10 infected) and female (10 infected) and in addition children below five years of age (20; 10 female and 10 male). Blood samples from pregnant mothers will also be obtained (10 infected). All these samples will have their corresponding controls. The hypothesis will be broken down into three aims; Aim 1: Devise a means of detecting an antibody antigen complex signal on a malaria strip in real time. Aim 2: Synthesise a response between the Antibody-antigen complex and LED light at different wave lengths and Aim 3: Establish a connection between a rapid diagnostic test reader and a central database through a GSM/GPRS chip placed in the test reader. This study expounds on the above aims with an overall goal of designing a centralised database system that will possess a wireless connection to a malaria RDT strip. When the strip registers a positive reading, data is sent immediately to the database. The system shall hence be able to record the number of infected patients and their Demographic locations. The big data gathered shall be analysed and appropriate actions taken. The anticipated outcome of this research is the improvement of the timeliness of appropriate action, identification of hidden “silent” infections as well as the improvement of the monitoring of the anti-malarial resistance in a timely manner.
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    Assessment of occupational injuries and illnesses among health care workers in Jinja municipality, Uganda
    ( 2018-06) MUGIDE, VANESSA
    Introduction: Occupational injuries and work- related illnesses are a public health problem, estimated to kill more than 2.78 million people per year. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that about 4% of the world‟s annual GDP is lost as a consequence of occupational illnesses and accidents. These illnesses and injuries also have substantial economic and noneconomic effects on quality of life for example the physical and psychological functioning in everyday activities can be affected, self-esteem and self-confidence reduced, family relationships stressed and labor relations in workplaces may also be damaged. These injuries and illnesses are a serious threat to workers in almost all occupations worldwide with the mostly affected sector being the healthcare sector and social assistance industry sector. Objective: This study assessed the occupational health injuries and illnesses encountered by the HCWs in health centres IV, III and II in Jinja Municipal Council. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study design that involved quantitative methods of data collection. Structured questionnaires with closed ended questions were used in obtaining the necessary information on the study variables. All health workers present at the health centers IV, III and II at the time of the study were included in the study. The data was captured in Stata software version 12.0 and analyzed using EPIDATA version 3.02 computer software. Results: In this study, 53.25% of the participant Health Care workers had experienced an Occupational health injury within the last twelve months, mostly sharp related injuries like pricks, cuts, and Needle Stick Injuries (NSI). The perceived associated factors were reported to be to lack of sufficient PPE (53.25%), uncooperative patients (14.29%) and Negligence of the HCWs (14.29%). Also, the most commonly encountered occupational illnesses was work related stress (61%). Conclusion: HCWs are at high risk of experiencing occupational injuries and illnesses at work. The overall annual prevalence of occupational injuries among the HCWs was observed to be high. The major perceived risk factor for this prevalence was reported to be lack of PPE. In addition, the safety practices of the HCWs were optimal. Interventions should be instituted in order to mitigate the hazards with focus on addressing PPE supply gaps and organizing more safety trainings to foster adherence to mitigation measures in place.
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    Classification of thyroid lesions in patients attending fine needle aspiration clinic in Makerere University Pathology Department, Mulago
    (Makerere University, 2018-07) Gesa, Elly Dennis
    Background: Thyroid lesions occur at any age and in both genders with vast majority occurring randomly. However, occurrence is different in different geographical areas and in different age and sex groups. With the increasing incidence rates of thyroid lesions over recent years although most are benign, approximately 10%-15% prove malignant. In Uganda, lack of such data contributes to a low index of suspicion among clinicians resulting into delayed diagnosis of these lesions leading to poor prognosis. This research sought to classify the thyroid lesions in Uganda thereby providing data that will contribute to patient management as a whole: Aim and Objective: To classify cytologically-diagnosed thyroid lesions between 2012 and 2016 at Makerere University Pathology Department, Mulago. Methodology: This was a retrospective laboratory based study, conducted at Makerere University Pathology Department, Mulago. (Kampala) using cases related to period between 2012 and 2016. A total of 170 cases of fine-needle aspirations of the thyroid were retrieved from the archives and independently categorized into groups according to Bethesda reporting system guidelines. All cases that passed selection criteria had their social demographics to include sex and gender noted and the final diagnosis. The data was then entered and analysis done on SPSS. Results: Of the 170 patients, 158 (92.8%) were females and 12 (7.1%) were males. The mean age at diagnosis of patients was 45years in males and 42 years in females with majority in the age bracket of 40-49 (40/170) and 30-39(36/170). Benign cases were most detected (132/170) followed by inflammatory(16/170) and finally malignant(14/170). Colloidal nodule (41%) was most prevalent among the benign cases, followed by Follicular adenoma (25.9%). Malignant category was dominated by papillary carcinoma (7.1%), then follicular carcinoma at (1.2%) Inflammatory category had lymphocytic thyroiditis (5.9%) being highest, followed by acute thyroiditis (1.8%). The suspicious category (SFN & SUSPICIOUS FOR MALIGNANCY) had list prevalence with each accounting for 1.8% and 2.9% respectively. Sex was associated with diagnosis unlike age with p values p (0.035) & p (0.312) respectively. Conclusion: The classification findings are consistent with several other findings in published literature with benign classification found to be the majority followed by inflammatory and then malignant. However Occurrence of malignancy was found to be lower than published though still remains x significant. Sex and age were found to be associated with diagnosis with the female sex being most affected gender as well as being of older age Recommendation: More research done in future with detailed socio demographic information and findings is crucial to determine the utmost classification and clinical feature for thyroid lesions which will aid in raising the index of suspicion among clinician.