Academic submissions (CHS)

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    Assessing nipple abnormalities among women who come for breast cancer screening at MAKCHS Pathology Department
    (Makerere University, 2018-08) Masaba, Tony
    Background: The breast is a highly sensitive organ especially in the females. Many physiological and pathological processes can lead to visible morphological changes of the breast. Among these are the non-lump changes that may or may not occur simultaneously with a lump. The non-lump changes used are; nipple discharge, nipple retraction and inversion. These changes could be helpful in the early diagnosis of breast disease including breast cancer as they could be the only early indication of breast malignancy. Aim and Objective: To assess nipple abnormalities and their association with age as seen among women who present with abnormal breast changes. Methodology: This was a prospective laboratory based study conducted on 42 patients having at least nipple discharge (ND) and or nipple retraction (NR). Samples were picked both by imprint cytology for the discharge and FNA for patients who presented with lump changes in addition to ND and or NR. Slide samples were dry and air fixed, then stained with Diff Quik and Papanicolaou respectively. The slides were assessed for cytological abnormalities under X40 objective and the results entered into Excel and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Results: Nipple discharge was the commonest non-lump change, affecting women between 16 years to 89 years. Thirty of the (71.4%) had ND. Twenty (47.6%) patients presented with clear ND, 5 (11.9%) with bloody ND, 4 (9.5%) with purulent ND and 1 (2.4%) presented with milky ND. One (3.33%) of the 30 women had both ND and NR occurring concurrently. Twelve (28.6%) of the women presented with NR out of which 1 (8.33%) presented with ND as well. Eighteen (42.9%) of the patients with nipple abnormalities had a malignant process, 15 (35.7%) had a benign process while 9 (21.4%) had infections. Conclusion: Though most of the patients who presented with nipple abnormalities had either a benign process or inflection, a significant percentage of these women had a malignant process. Recommendation: Patients with nipple abnormalities must be thoroughly examined, and triple assessment must be adhered to as some of these abnormalities may not present with a significant palpable lump.
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    Assessment of factors influencing access to safe water in Bugaaki Sub-county Kyenjojo district
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Tengeka, Micheal
    Introduction: Water borne diseases are still common among people in Uganda. One of the reasons for the occurrence of these diseases is that majority of the people lack access to safe water which is crucial in maintaining their health. Some of the common water-borne diseases that affect the communities in Uganda include diarrhea, typhoid and dysentery among others.Objective: To assess factors influencing access to safe water in Bugaaki sub county Kyenjojo district so as to provide information that could be used to put in place measures to increase access so as to reduce the risk of water-borneinfections. Methods: This was a cross sectional study, employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Quantitatively, the study used a structured questionnaire among community members whereas qualitatively, 4 key informant interviews were conducted. A sample size of 173 community members responded to the questionnaire, and the key informants involved included health inspector, LC chairperson, health assistant and borehole caretaker. Uni variate analysis was done to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed manually using thematic analysis.Results: In this study,most 42.2% (73/173) of the community members use open wells as the main water source and 41% (71/173) are more than 500 meters away from the water source. Majority 80.4 % (139/173) have ever suffered from diseases transmitted as a result of using unsafe water and 97.1% (168/173) agreed that it is important to boil drinking water. The majority 65.9% (114/173) who collect, transport and store water are children, and all of them 100% (173/173) use jerrycans to collect water.Conclusion: Access to safe water in Bugaaki sub county is commendable to some extent as some exhibited good knowledge on the importance of maintaining water safe and therefore carried out measures aimed at promoting water safety. However, other community members were not aware of its importance and did not practice any method of keeping water safe hence ended up with diarrheal infections. The sub county authority should therefore increase efforts such as through increased sensitization to ensure that all community members are aware that maintaining water safe is of a great importance as far as their health is concerned.
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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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    Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices towards occupational hazards and safety among soil brick makers in Rwanyahembe Sub- County, Mbarara District
    Nzoba, Alga
    Objective: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a primordial aim of assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices among soil brick makers towards occupational hazards and safety in Rwanyamahembe sub-county, Mbarara district. Methods: A total sample size of 102 respondents was randomly selected from various brick kilns establishment from four villages. Data was collected by interviewing the brick makers through dispensing semi-structured questionnaires. The results were statistically analyzed using softwares such as STATA and Ms excel. This majorly involved the frequencies and percentages. Findings: The results showed that all the respondent were male and the majority of the brick makers (49/102) 48.04% were between 25-30 years. The brick makers were aware about the occupational hazards and safety (49/72) 68.06%, and reported the following: general body (14/69) and musculoskeletal disorders and the main hazards 38.77%. The majority (30/102) 29.42% strongly agreed that use of PPE was beneficial. 72/102 (70.59%) of the respondents did not use PPE. Conclusion: The majority were knowledgeable about occupational hazards and safety yet their practices were controversial to the occupational safety.
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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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    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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    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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    Barriers and motivators to achieving open defecation free communities using community led total sanitation approach in Kisekka sub county, Lwengo District
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Keera, John
    Background: Inadequate hygiene and sanitation remain the leading contributors to morbidity and mortality in children and adults. One strategy for improving sanitation access is Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), in which participants are guided into selfrealization of the importance of sanitation through activities called “triggering”. CLTS is an integrated approach done to achieve and sustain open defecation free status and is focused on igniting a change in sanitation behaviour rather than constructing latrines in communities. Although CLTS was implemented in Kisekka Sub County- Lwengo district, morbidity and mortality among children under five years is still attributed to poor hygiene and sanitation. Objective: To assess the barriers and motivators to achieving open defecation free communities using Community-Led Total Sanitation approach in Kisekka Sub CountyLwengo district so as to generate information that can be used for planning to improve sanitation and hygiene in the community. Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted to collect both qualitative and quantitative data in Kisekka Sub County. Multi stage sampling was used to select 174 households and 7 Key Informants (KI) were selected purposively from CLTS triggered villages. Quantitative data was analysed using STATA version 13. And qualitative data was analysed manually using thematic content analysis. Results are presented using frequency tables and figures. Results: About 52.3% (91/174) of the respondents were females, 36.8% (64/174) were aged30to 40 years, 37.4% (65/174) had attained primary level of education and 50.6% (88/174) were peasants. More than half 55% (55/100) of the respondents mentioned poor ground conditions, 43.2% (19/44) reported unhygienic conditions while 40% (40/100) reported poverty as the barriers to latrine construction and use. Majority 79.9% (139/174) of the households owned latrines and 85.6% (119/139) of them reported prevention of diseases as main motivator to begin using latrines while 29.5% (41/139) reported avoiding shame as the motivator to owning and using latrines. Only 36.2% (63/174) of the households had hand washing facility near latrines. But only 76.2% (48/63) washed hands with water and soap or ash and 90.5% (57/63) of them washed hands after using the latrine. Conclusion: CLTS has increased latrine ownership in communities and reduced the practice of open defecation. However, poverty, poor hygienic conditions hinder latrine construction and use. Therefore, health extension workers and local authorities should put emphasis to achieving sustainable behavioral change on improved sanitation and good hygiene practices.
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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.
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    Compliance to monitoring and documentation of vital signs by nurses in the postoperative unit of Arua Hospital
    Andrua, Paul
    Background: Compliance to vital signs monitoring and documentation ensured that Blood pressure, Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Oxygen concentration and Urine output were monitored according to the recommended frequencies and put in writing as part of patient care. Abnormal body temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, level of consciousness and blood oxygen concentration are antecedents to death and other outcomes. Objective. This study assessed compliance to monitoring and documentation of vital signs by nurses in postoperative units of Arua Regional Referral Hospital as well as assessing factors affecting compliance to vital signs postoperatively within the first 72 hours postoperatively. Methods: Compliance to monitoring and documentation of vital signs was assessed through a participatory observation whereby nurses were observed for monitoring vital signs in the first 72 hours per patient with the use of a checklist. A researcher administered questionnaire was also used to assess for factors affecting compliance to vital signs monitoring and documentation postoperatively. A sample size of 17 participants was used. Results: Findings of this study show that majority of the respondents 64.7% were within the age range of 21-30 attracting a mean age of 30.05, 82.4% reported being married, most of the participants (88.2%) were females and (58.8%) hold diploma in nursing education. A large number of participants 88.2% had no refresher training on vital signs in the last two years and 100% reported lack of Standard Operating Procedures. No respiratory rate, oxygen concentration and urine output were monitored. Only 11.8%, 5.9% and 2.6 % of the nurses monitored and documented temperature, pulse and blood pressure respectively in the immediate postoperative phase with a further 5.9% reported to have monitored temperature and blood pressure every 15 minutes in the first one hour.
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    Cytological abnormalities in ascitic fluids and their association with age and gender as seen in Pathology Department- Makerere University College of Health Sciences
    (Makerere University, 2019-05) Mukenye, Aron Machali
    ABSTRACT Background The prevalence of ascites by estimation is approximately 75,000 per 100,000 individuals with cirrhosis in Western countries (Pedersen et al., 2015), with a vast distribution of etiology related to the prevalence of the underlying diseases. The prevalence of cirrhosis, malignancy, heart failure, tuberculosis, and nephrotic syndrome is approximately 81,000, 10,000, 3,000, 2,000, and 1,000 per 100,000 individuals with ascites worldwide, respectively(BA et al., 1992). Ascitic fluid may accumulate rapidly or gradually depending upon the cause. Mild ascites may not produce any symptoms. Moderate ascites may just produce an increase in abdominal girth and weight gain. Large amounts of fluid can produce abdominal discomfort, appearance of hernias particularly umbilical hernias and hinder the mobility of the patient. Elevation of diaphragm and restriction of its movements can produce breathlessness(Sood, 2014). The cytological abnormalities in ascitic fluid can be classified into three major types that is; Acute bacterial peritonitis (or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis), Malignant mesothelioma and Adenocarcinoma. Aim and objectives of the study; To determine the prevalence of cytological abnormalities in ascitic fluids received in Pathology department- Makerere University College of Health Sciences and to establish the association between cytological abnormalities in the ascitic fluid with age and sex. Methodology; This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, laboratory-based study conducted at core reference Pathology laboratory of Makerere University College of Health Sciences Pathology Department in which all records of all ascitic fluid abnormalities diagnosed from January 2014 to December 2018 were retrieved. Results; Out of the 72 cases with ascites, 31 cases were benign, 26 malignant and 15 cases were inflammatory. The mean age at diagnosis was 39.68 years, SD (20.34) at 95% level confidence interval and the mean age range was (20-39) years. The age range 20-39 had the highest prevalence of benign ascites followed by 0-19 and 60-79. The age range 40-59 had the highest prevalence of malignant ascites followed by 20-39. The age range 20-39 had the highest prevalence of inflammatory ascites followed by 40-59 and 60-79. Both male and female cases in the study had a relatively equal prevalence of benign, malignant and inflammatory ascites. Conclusion Ascites affects both males and females relatively equally. The age range 20-39 was mostly affected with ascites having a percentage of 38.9% followed by age range 40-59 which was second most affected with a percentage of 23.6%. Recommendations Benign ascitic fluid conditions should be given the first priority by cytologists and thorough follow up should be done to decrease on their likeliness of death from complications of ascites. Sensitization of masses with signs of ascites to seek medical attention as early as possible and the country authorities should also set up cytology units at regional levels or even much more at district levels so that the patients with early signs of ascites can seek medical attention in time and this will also ensure proper and equitable service delivery for every citizen in the country.
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    Cytological evaluation of nipple discharges among symptomatic patients who attended FNAC clinic of pathology core laboratory Makerere university
    (Makerere University, 2019-07) Sande, Kenneth
    Nipple discharge (ND), refers to a secreted fluid from the breast and it is the third most common breast disease symptom and complaint following mastalgia and breast lump. Its most often associated with a benign process though it can be malignant in some cases that cause it. Cytological examination of nipple discharge smears has been considered for a long time as a routine and useful non-invasive test for studying breast diseases most especially those presenting with no palpable mass. Differentiating between abnormal nipple discharges that result from physiological and benign causes from those secondary to a malignancy macroscopically is a bit difficult and quite challenging but a cytological examination gives useful information in evaluation and differentiation. Aim and objective: To cytologically evaluate nipple discharge among symptomatic patients with a breast abnormality presenting exclusively with nipple discharge. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional laboratory-based study of all patients presenting with a nipple discharge as a primary symptom with no palpable mass to the FNAC clinic of the pathology laboratory at college of health sciences Makerere university located at Mulago-Kampala over a period of 10years from January 2008-December 2018 (n=73). Patients' medical records and their respective smear slides were retrieved and examined respectively. Parameters evaluated included patient demographics (age and sex), the clinical presentation of the discharge (gross appearance and laterality), and cytological analysis. Results: Seventy-three (73) patients presented with nipple discharge as their primary complaint. all were females aged between 16-76years with a mean age of 40.6years. majority were aged between 20-39years. Discharges were unilateral in 67cases (91.78%) [right: 32, left: 35] and bilateral in 6cases (8.22%). Grossly appearing; 27(36.99%) were bloody, 10(13.69%) serous, 13(17.81%) milky, 17(23.29%) mucoid, and 6(8.22%) purulent. Benign cases were the most detected 40/73(54.79%), followed by inflammatory 14(19.18%), then 2(2.74%) suspicious and 1(1.37%) malignant case, and 16(21.92%) non-diagnostic cases. Ductal papilloma 20/73(27.39%) was the most detected benign condition among both the bloody and non-bloody discharges. Conclusion: This study aimed to identify the different abnormalities in nipple discharges evaluated by nipple discharge cytology. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that benign conditions are the commonest cases encountered and the main cause of abnormal nipple discharge compared to malignant conditions. bloody discharge was more associated with benign diseases, therefore, it should not be of serious concern for malignancy. Nipple discharge cytology is a useful method in the diagnosis of malignant and suspicious cases because of its specificity especially in patients presenting exclusively with discharge and it directs patient management in most benign cases.
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    Cytological findings in salivary gland swellings among adults attending the fine needle aspiration clinic of Pathology Department Makerere University
    Nakawuki, Janat
    Introduction The apparent increase in the incidence of salivary gland lesions in some places has been the reason attributed to the current widespread practice of fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. Salivary glands often give rise to different pathologic conditions, ranging from degeneration, inflammatory and neoplastic lesions. All the available information on salivary gland tumors in Uganda is histologically based Davies et al, 1994, Edda, 2004 and Kamulegeya et al, 2004. There is no cytological information on salivary gland tumors. Aim and objectives To evaluate the relative frequencies, types, site distribution and the social demographic characteristics associated with salivary gland swellings among adults. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 100 FNA cases of salivary gland swellings archived in the department of pathology at Makerere University College of health sciences between January 2013 to December 2017. The records were analyzed based on demographics, anatomic location of lesions and the cytological classification of findings. Results Out of 100 cases, 70% were benign, 20% were inflammatory and 10% were malignant with Male: Female ratio of 1:1.2. The mean age observed was 44.6 years with age range of 18 to 82 years. Parotid was the most common site for the location of tumors (61%) followed by submandibular (38%) and no swelling was identified in sublingual and minor salivary glands. Pleomorphic adenoma was found to be the commonest finding of all cases and also among benign conditions. Conclusion Females dominated this study. The most frequent age group was 38-47 years. The modal age at presentation was 38 years. Benign salivary gland conditions were the most commonly diagnosed diseases. The principal site for salivary gland tumors was the parotid gland and pleomorphic adenoma outnumbered all the other tumors. Males were more affected by the malignant conditions.
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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.