School of Social Sciences (SSS)

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    Academic Stress and Student Engagement among Undergraduate Students of School of Social Sciences at Makerere University Kampala
    (Makerere University, 2019-07) Kabarwanyi, Jane
    The study sought to find out levels of academic stress, academic engagement and establish a relationship between academic stress and academic engagement among the social science students of Makerere University. A correlation design was adopted. A total of 50 questionnaires were randomly distributed among respondents. The researcher used self-administered questionnaires which consisted of closed ended questions to collect information from the respondents. Data was entered into computer using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). Findings of the study indicated that there is no significant relationship between academic stress and academic engagement; there are moderate to high levels of academic stress and moderate levels of academic engagement among the social science students of Makerere University. The researcher concluded that there is no great influences of academic stress upon academic engagement since the findings show no relationship between the two variables, however the researcher suggested that more research should be conducted upon these two variables since we need to know whether the academic stress can influence academic engagement.
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    Academic stress, engagement, and academic performance among third year students in the school of social sciences Makerere University, a case study of sociology students
    (Makerere University, 2019-08) Wamala, Jimmy
    This study sought to examine the relationship between academic stress, academic engagement and academic performance among social science students of Makerere University. A correlation study design was adopted. A total of 50 questionnaires were randomly distributed among respondents, with this the researcher considered a sample size of 44 respondents. The researcher used self-administered questionnaires which consisted of closed-end questions to collect information from the respondents. Data were entered into a computer using Statistical Package of Social Scientists (SPSS). Findings of the study indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between academic stress and academic engagement hence there is no relationship between academic stress and engagement. There is a significant negative relationship between academic stress and academic performance hence there is no relationship between academic stress and academic performance. However, there is a significant but weak positive relationship between academic engagement and academic performance. The researcher, therefore, concluded that academic stress does not necessarily affect students’ engagement because most of the students have devised ways of overcoming and managing the stress levels. The researcher also concluded that students should be given post-tests to find out stress levels and also find out whether they are taking part in their academic activities such that they can improve on their engagement levels.
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    Acceptability of covid-19 vaccination by the youths in Kawempe division, Kampala City
    (Makerere University, 2022-12) Turyamureeba, Eriya
    The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability levels of COVID-19 vaccination among the youths in Kawempe Division, and suggest measures to promote COVID-19 vaccination among the youths in an urban setting. The study sought to investigate the level of knowledge and awareness of COVID19 among the youth, find out their level of acceptability of covid19 vaccination, and establish factors that influence acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination among youths. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data was collected using structured questionnaires administered on the youths and a key informant guide, which was administered community leaders and healthcare workers. All the study participants (100%; n=115) revealed that they had heard about COVID19, but at different times. The study findings revealed a high level of awareness about COVID-19 vaccination programs. All the youths respondents noted that they had been sensitized about COVID 19 vaccination. More than two-thirds (35.7%) of the youths had obtained information regarding COVID 19 from televisions, followed by 30.4% from radios. Slightly over a half of the respondents (51%) of participants knew about some COVID 19 vaccine More than half of the sampled youths (72.2%) were vaccinated against COVID 19; implying a high level of acceptability. Despite this this high level of acceptability, the correct knowledge about vaccines for COVID 19 was low coupled with some misconceptions. It is, therefore, recommended that Government and development partners keep on supporting campaigns for vaccine awareness to allay pockets of fear and existing misconceptions about the COVID 19 vaccines.
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    Access and uptake of safe male circumcision in Tororo Municipality
    (Makerere University, 2024-07) Watali, Metrine
    The study was carried out in Tororo Municipality. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the access and uptake of safe male circumcision in Tororo Municipality. The research methodology for the study was a cross-sectional research design. The sample size was 271 respondents and purposive and cluster sampling were applied in selecting the respondents who were included in the sample. The researcher used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 at univariate and bivariate levels. The findings indicate a strong correlation between motivations for receiving SMC and uptake (correlation value: .500, p-value: .000). Factors such as the influence of others (correlation value: .452, p-value: .000) and the location of SMC services (correlation value: .315, p-value: .000) also show significant positive correlations with SMC uptake. The study shows strong positive correlations between several perception-based factors and SMC uptake, such as recommending SMC for sons (correlation value: .963, p-value: .000), the belief that SMC reduces HIV transmission (correlation value: .837, p-value: .000), and the importance of circumcision (correlation value: .905, p-value: .000). Perceptions related to sexual pleasure and social desirability show strong correlations with SMC uptake, Traditional beliefs against SMC and religious opposition exhibit positive correlations (correlation values: .287 to .886, p-values: .000). The study concluded that positive perceptions regarding the health benefits of SMC, such as reducing HIV transmission and promoting penile hygiene, are strongly correlated with higher circumcision uptake rates. Cultural beliefs, religious considerations, challenges like facility availability and transportation costs, and the presence of approachable health workers influence SMC uptake in Tororo Municipality. The study recommended implementation of community-based educational programs, training of healthcare providers on effective communication strategies and ensure they are approachable and culturally sensitive and qualitative research should be conducted to explore in-depth cultural perceptions and beliefs regarding SMC among different ethnic and religious groups
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    Access and utilisation of the senior citizen grant among the elderly in Buliisa district
    (Makerere University, 2022-12-19) Akugizibwe, Christopher
    I conducted a study on the Access and Utilization of the Senior Citizen Grant (SCG) among the elderly in Buliisa district, Uganda. The study was carried out in Buliisa subcounty and Biiso subcounty in Buliisa district. The study was guided by the specific objectives, and the specific objectives of this study were to examine the perceptions of the elderly in accessing of SCG in Buliisa District, to find out how the elderly in Buliisa district utilize the SCG and to establish the welfare effects of the SCG among beneficiaries in Buliisa District. A cross sectional survey design was employed in the study with both quantitative and qualitative approaches which were used to generate the required information from the study participants. The findings showed that the elders knew about the grant and defined it as; money for people aged 80 and above, a grant for the elderly and free money given to the elderly by government. The elderly were all able to access the Senior Citizens Grant as long as one was 80 years old and above. The grant covered the whole district, all villages, sub counties and all parishes in the district. The grant was distributed at parish level where it was availed at pay points in every parish in the district and only a national ID was required from an old person to receive the money. However, due to old age, elderly accessibility to the grant was majorly hindered by transportation to the pay points. Most of them used motorcycles for transport to ease accessibility while a few walked to the pay points. Those that used motorcycles for transportation to the pay point spent 29% of the grant on transportation leaving them with little money which got finished before the next quarter’s distribution. The findings also revealed that the elderly utilized their money effectively and the study showed that women utilized their money better than men in terms of productivity. Majority of the elders used their money to meet basic needs, paid school fees, investments, health bills and other facilitations they required. A few of the elderly had some safety concerns, this implied that the security of the elderly persons should be prioritized both in the community and at home since their lives were in danger after they received the money. The study also found that 85% of the elders’ lives had changed positively and of the 100 who participated in the study, 27 had started income generating activities from the grant and this implied that the SCG improved the lives of the elderly people in Buliisa and Biiso sub counties in Buliisa district. In conclusion, the participants suggested that the government should increase the money, others said it should start up projects and saving groups for the elderly so that the SCG is more beneficial to them.
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    Access and utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in Bwijongoro village, Kabwoya subcounty, Kikuube district
    (Makerere Universirty, 2023-01-05) Birungi, Moses
    Introduction: Globally, Antenatal care (ANC) utilization is one of the means for reducing the high maternal mortality rates and also a pillar of maternal and child health programs aimed at preventing child morbidity. This study focused on analyzing the factors influencing the Access and Utilization of Antenatal Care Services by Pregnant Women in Bwijongoro village, Kabwoya Sub County, Kikuube District. The specific objectives were; to examine social, cultural and economic factors influencing ANC access and utilization. Methodology: The study used a cross sectional case study design. A qualitative study approach for data collection was employed, using interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The tools were FGD, KII and IDI guides. Data was analyzed thematically and presented in descriptive form. Findings: Social factors limiting access to ANC services included traditional birth attendants, use of herbal medicines, home responsibilities, negative attitude of health workers, and lack of a supportive spouse/partner. These factors resulted into pregnant women attending less than the required eight ANC visits thereby affecting the health of the new born baby and the pregnant women. Cultural factors were culture of pain suppression, marriage restrictions, myths and misconceptions, culture of shyness, fear of gossip and unplanned pregnancy. This resulted into limited pregnant women’s access to ANC services. Economic factors among others included poverty, high transport costs to the health facility, limited government funding to the maternity department, drug stock out and low-income status of the women. As a result, pregnant women were forced to attend few times for ANC due lack of enough funds to facilitate them during their attendance. Conclusions and Recommendations There are several factors that influence and impede the access and uptake of ANC services by pregnant women including social, cultural and economic factors. Multi-sectoral and well-coordinated efforts can help to mitigate these impediments and also improve on the uptake of ANC services. Government and community leaders should embark on organising sensitisation campaigns and capacity building and all-inclusive empowerment initiatives of general public and stakeholders on the uptake and importance of ANC services. In the same regard, Government and NGOs need to work in consortium to ensure that ANC policies.
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    Access and utilization of counseling and guidance services by Makerere University students at the Makerere University Counseling and Guidance Centre
    (Makerere University, 2025) Kihembo, Rutabajuka
    While Makerere University established a counseling and guidance center (thereafter referred to as The Center) to offer services to students and staff, it is not clear how students are accessing and utilizing these services. Knowing how students access and utilize these services is essential given the general consensus that counseling services are critical in promoting students’ general wellbeing and particularly their academic success. Given the limited existing evidence regarding levels of access and utilization of counseling and guidance services among Makerere University students, I conceived this study as an attempt to; describe the nature of counseling and guidance services available at the center; assess student’s levels of awareness of the services provided at the center; assess the levels of access to services provided at the center; examine the levels of utilization of these services; and assess the barriers to access and utilization of the services provided at the center. In implementing the study, I employed a descriptive survey design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 171 students were randomly selected from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). The two colleges were purposively selected. A structured questionnaire was administered to students. Two key informant interviews were conducted from a senior counselor at the Makerere university counseling and guidance center and a lecturer at Makerere University. For quantitative data, descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Data is presented using percentages, graphs and tables. Statistical analysis show that majority of students (79%) were aware of the existence of counseling services at the center. More females (84%) than males (73%) were aware of counseling services. Of these, 23% were male students at CEDAT, 13% were females at CEDAT. From CHUSS, there were 23% male and 41% female who were aware of the services at the counseling center. While 79% were aware of the services, about 27% had ever accessed them. Amongst those who had ever accessed the services, about a half (54%) were females and 46% were male. About 23% said they had utilized these services. In terms of nature and type of counseling, individual counseling which means a private one on one session with a trained counselor, was the most frequently used service with 44% of the respondents. Amongst these 44%, 24% were females while 20% were males. One of the reasons why individual counseling was most accessed is because it addresses personal challenges that students face during their academic journey. Academic guidance which is support provided to students to help them navigate their educational journey and achieve their goals was the least utilized with 11%. This means that students focus more on their mental wellbeing than other issues. According to barriers, 19% of the students didn’t know about the services meaning they could not access something they were not aware about. Those that feared judgment were 17%. Lack of time to access the services as another barrier had 14%. Those that didn’t feel like they needed help were also 27%. While those that said the services were not available when they needed to access them, were 23%. Of all these, CHUSS students were 68%. CEDAT students were 32%. Female students were 53%. Male students were 47%. Most of the students know about the counseling services but few use them. Many of them use the services for personal problems. The university should create more awareness and make the services easier to access.
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    Access and utilization of electronic learning systems by Makerere University students in the context of Covid 19 pandemic: a case study of school of social Sciences. (unpublished dissertation). Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2022-12-02) Nakadama, Apofia
    The study examined access and utilization of electronic learning systems by Makerere university students in the context of covid 19 pandemic at Makerere University. The study focus specifically examined e-learning facilities used by students and lecturers , examined the facilitating factors for access and utilization of e-learning facilities and the obstacles faced by students while accessing and utilizing e-learning facilities. The study used survey and descriptive research designs to come up with valid information. The study revealed that most students heard about e-learning and were aware of the existence of e-learning in their school. Most accessible modes of e-learning by students were muele and zoom. Online learning systems were safe for the education and better academic performance. Most used technology for accessing and utilization of online learning were smart phones. Most that most students undertook muele system training and google meet. The major challenges faced by students during the access and utilization of online learning facilities were internet shortages most of the students knew how to access and utilize e-learning facilities while some few did not know. Majority of the students had limited knowledge on submitting in online course work. The study recommend that government, policy makers and program providers should recognize the need to include the students with disability on how best they can involve them in the use of electronic learning systems so that they can also acquire knowledge and don't feel left out.
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    Access and utilization of emyooga program in Lwengo district
    (Makerere Universirty, 2023-01-05) Azairwe, Doreen Isabella
    This study was to determine the access and utilization of the Emyooga program in Lwengo District. The data was collected from the five sub counties of Lwengo district namely; Kyazanga, Malongo, Kisekka, Ndagwe and Lwengo. The specific objectives were to investigate the perceptions of community members about the access of the Emyooga funds in Lwengo district, to establish the levels of utilization of Emyooga program in Lwengo district and to examine the perceived influence of the Emyooga funds on the incomes of the beneficiaries in Lwengo district. A cross sectional research design was employed. Semi structured interviews were used on the thirty respondents. Furthermore an observation checklist was used discuss utilization of the program. The analysis was carried out using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software where frequencies and percentages were established. The results indicate about 80% of the respondents greatly benefitted from this program as their incomes were improved. Most of them used the Emyooga funds for investment while others used the Emyooga funds to enhance savings among others. Concerning the Emyooga program, they reported that the project greatly enabled them to invest in their existing businesses, start new businesses, and increase on their savings. In general, majority of the respondents in the study area agreed on the positive impact of the Emyooga program. Furthermore, they agreed on the challenge of the limited funds compared to the number of people in the SACCOs, they also faced challenges of bureaucracy and poor implementation as there were no clear guidelines to follow when joining the program. The respondents suggested that the funds should be invested in an already existing business or project, the funds should be used for day to day basic needs, the funds should be used to create a side business so as to double income, the government should teach communities to engage in income generating activities, the funds should be used as applied for at the beginning, the money should have been used and returned. Following the findings, it is recommended that the government should ensure that any project pertaining job creation should empower the beneficiaries through certain training on how best they could manage the project. Further, the mobilization project benefit should be done to ensure participation of the program stakeholders. This could enable to capture the common understanding perceptions among stake holders and it enables the project to be sustainable and making it easy to implement.
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    Access of contraceptives and family planning services among women with disabilities: In Rwimi Town Council Bunyangabu District
    (Makerere University, 2022) Rujumba, Bolton
    The purpose of this study was to explore the access of contraceptives and family planning services among women with disabilities in Rwimi town council Bunyangabu district. The study was guided by the following objectives; to find out contraceptive methods used by women with disabilities, to establish challenged faced by women with disabilities while accessing contraceptives and to identify strategies to improve access and utilization of contraceptives and family planning methods in Rwimi town council. The study used a cross section research design with qualitative research method which helped to gather information on the access of contraceptives and family planning services among women with disabilities. Focus group discussion guides, key informants guides and in-depth interview guide were generated to collect the required data that was later analyzed. The study further highlights that most of the respondents are not aware of the different family planning methods due to the limited information or little sensitization that is done by the health workers and village health teams. Finally, the study concluded with some recommendations which pointed out strategies that can improve access and utilization of contraceptives and family planning services.
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    Access to and utilisation of insecticide treated nets among pregnant mothers in Kabonera Ward Masaka City
    (Makerere University, 2022-04) Lubega, Shafik
    This study examined the Access to and utilization of insecticide treated nets among pregnant mothers in Kabonera sub-county Masaka city as the objectives of the study; The study is set out to examine the factors that affect access to ITNs by pregnant mothers in Kabonera sub-count, the factors that affect the utilization of ITNs by pregnant mothers in Kabonera sub-county and how health systems support access to and utilization of ITNs in Kabonera sub-county. The dissertation is divided into four chapters that’s to say, chapter one has mainly the introduction, background of the study, hypothesis, research questions, objectives and significances of the study, scope of the study, and problems and possible solutions encountered. Chapter two mainly elaborates on the literature review about the study while chapter three the methodologies applied during the data collection. Chapter four presents more on the data analysis and discussion of the study and chapter five contains the conclusion and recommendations.
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    Access to and utilisation of mental health services by female inmates serving life imprisonment at Uganda Prisons, Luzira women
    (Makerere University, 2025) Kabasweka, Martha Mayombo
    In this study I explore access to and utilization of mental health services by female inmates serving life imprisonment at Luzira women’s prison, focusing on their mental health needs, the level of access to care, and the extent of service utilization. I focus on the access and utilization of mental health services by female inmates because of the unique psychological challenges that they often experience I adopted a qualitative approach using a phenomenology research design to gain insight into the lived experiences of inmates. The data I collected was through in-depth interviews with four inmates on life imprisonment and two key informants, who were all purposively selected. I used thematic content analysis to interpret the findings from transcribed interviews. In interviews and discussions, female inmates serving life imprisonment at Luzira women’s prison report that they suffer persistent emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, mainly due to long-term incarceration and family separation. From my research findings, I deduced that though mental health services such as counseling and psychiatric care are available, they are underutilized and mainly accessed during emotional crises. Additionally, emotional barriers like shame, stigma, despair, and the psychological burden of life imprisonment, reduce the effectiveness of the available mental health services. Other emotional barriers include systemic challenges such as understaffing and conflicting schedules. Basing on the information I gathered during the interviews, peer support and spiritual activities offer vital emotional relief and often serve as more accessible alternatives of mental health services. Despite the availability of mental health services, their utilization remains inconsistent due to deep emotional and systemic obstacles. With this study I call for interventions that are culturally sensitive and specific to female prisoners on life imprisonment, so as to address stigma and hopelessness among the inmates. Luzira women’s prison should increase staffing, improve access, and formally integrate peer and spiritual support systems to promote meaningful recovery and uphold the right to health in prison settings
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    Access to and utilization of health services by male survivors of gender based violence in Kamwenge District
    (Makerere University, 2021-02) Ankunda, Milia
    Gender Based violence is a global health issue that poses a greater risk for physical, sexual, and mental health problems and effects such as self-esteem, productivity, autonomy, capacity to care and even death. There is evidence that number of male survivors of GBV in Uganda is increasing. However, these have difficulties in accessing and utilizing of response services by male survivors of gender based violence in Kamwenge district The study aimed at exploring the accessibility and utilization of health services by male survivors of gender based violence with the specific objectives of to establish the level of access to health services of male survivors of GBV in Kamwenge district, to establish the level of utilization of health services of male survivors of GBV in Kamwenge district, to establish the perception Male survivors have towards health services of male survivors of GBV in Kamwenge district , and to establish the challenges male survivors of GBV face in accessing health services in Kamwenge District. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. A total of 66 male survivors of GBV (adults above 18years) were recruited using simple random sampling for the study from Kampala B village in Kamwenge District. The results of the study show that that there is limited access and utilization of health services by male survivors of GBV as majority of GBV male survivors do not seek for health services. Secondly, the male survivors of GBV had negative perceptions towards the health services and GBV male survivors meet a number of challenges in accessing and utilizing health services and they are; stigma associated with being a survivor, religious challenges where men feel they have sinned by engaging in forbidden sexual acts and fear of exclusion. This study recommends that Government puts in place more awareness campaigns about the health services available and where to access them to help to reduce the effects of GBV.
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    Access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among people with disabilities in Luwero Town Council, Luweero District, Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2022-12-28) Wagaba, Saul
    The study assessed the access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among people with disabilities in Luwero town council, Luwero district. Specifically, the study was guided by the four objectives; to examine the sexual and reproductive health and information needs of people with disabilities, to examine the status of access to sexual and reproductive health services, to examine the factors that influences the access to sexual and reproductive health services, to examine the factors that influence the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs Data was collected using the in-depth interview guide, questionnaires and key informant interviews. The findings show that people with disabilities have sexual and reproductive health and information needs which includes; SRH information, sexual relationship, family planning and contraceptive services, antenatal care services, postnatal care services, delivery services among others. The findings also indicates that people with disabilities have access to the above-mentioned services, however the access is determined by the type of disability a person has. Other factors that influence the access to the SRH services including: the short distance to the health facility, the family members ‗support, the local leaders support, the general public support, the receptive health workers. The findings also show that the PWDs utilize the SRH services though with some difficulties. The factors that influence the PWDs utilization of the SRH services include; the family members ‗support, the possession of the SRH information, friends ‗support, support from the local leaders, support from the VHTs among other. The study concludes that the PWDs have access to the SRH services, thought the majority access it with a lot of difficulties. The PWDs also utilize the SRH services though with a lot of difficulties however they are helped by a number of factors to successfully utilize the services. The study recommends for further studies in the access to and utilization of the SRH information services. Specifically, to examine how to improve on the access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services
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    Access to antenatal care services: experiences of teenage mothers in Boroboro east parish, Adeko-kwok subcounty, Lira district
    (Makerere University, 2022-12-22) Auma, Priscilla Orech
    Globally, Women are advised to go for 8 or more antenatal visits for a healthy and safe delivery. Very many tests are done during such visits and those with complications kept on watch. This research was carried out in Boroboro East parish, Adeko-kwok sub county, Lira district. The significance of this research was to understand the teenage mothers’ experiences that influenced their uptake on antenatal care access. This study utilized a cross sectional study design. This study also applied a qualitative approach. Data was collected using Focus group discussion guide, key informants’ interviews and in-depth interviews where open ended questions were asked and data was analysed thematically and presented in a descriptive form. The research findings indicated that the nature of jobs done by teenage mothers, their spouses’ employment status, low-income status, low education level as being some of the livelihood experiences. Among the social experiences included; peer influence, support from family, social perception and awareness on the availability of the services. The study also revealed the experiences at the facility such as unprofessionalism by the mid-wives, inadequate facilities, and untimely delivery of services. These are the experiences that influenced uptake on antenatal care by teenage mothers. There are several barriers that affect uptake on antenatal care services by teenage mothers including livelihood, social and facility experiences. Combined efforts from various stakeholders would help curb such, as pertains uptake on antenatal care. Recommendations: Parents should guide on key matters such as accessing antenatal care, hold sex education with their teenagers, educate or skill the teenage mothers so as they can be independent. It is important for the government and community leaders to engage the teenage mothers on programs aimed at improving the wellbeing economically through social economic enterprises as these would enhance and improve their livelihood experiences. Workshops and seminars could enhance capacity building of antenatal care providers aimed at enhancing professional ethnics and service delivery.
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    Access to distance learning in Kamwenge District during COVID 19 lock down: a case study of Lawrence High School
    (Makerere University, 2022-12-02) Muhimbise, George
    Measures to curb Covid 19 pandemic caused a lockdown that saw schools close. Distance learning was adopted as the only mechanism through which students could access learning. This mechanism included use of radios, TVs, printed materials and internet. These however, were not accessible to all especially in rural areas with some students lacking gadgets to use, access to information, electricity among others. The government of Uganda made a proposal to procure radios for learners which did not materialize and government through Covid 19 Education Recovery Project delivered learning materials which targeted 20 percent of learners and procured airtime from 21 radio stations across the country. In the view of the above, I conducted a study using Lawrence High School in Kamwenge District as a case study seeking to assessthe access, the modes of access and the factors that limited access to distance learning during Covid 19 pandemic in order to generate knowledge on how better the country can handle distance learning effectively in the face of a similar pandemic in futureand to guide stakeholders on addressing some of the existing gaps that resulted from the ineffectiveness of this mechanism. The study found out that there were low levels of access to distance learning at 42 percent, the study found out that there were deficiencies in terms of content coverage with some subjects not taught as well as some topics skipped and also with learners having missed some lessons available to them which affected the overall levels of access. It was also found that the quality of learning was compromised by lack of teacher consultation by learners and many learners never understood what was taught. The study found out that a radio was the commonly used mode of access followed by printed materials and TV while internet was among the least mode used. The study also found out that lack of information, lack of gadgets and lack of electricity were the leading factors that influenced distance learning. Engaging in domestic and commercial work, mindset issues, gender and disability related issues also influenced access to distance learning. The study recommended that government to invest in telecommunication to ensure that citizens access the gadgets and to make it easy to access information. Enough resources to be invested in distance learning programs in future, adequate planning by stakeholders for special needs, fighting poverty as a way of empowering citizens,discouraging automatic promotion of learners and Schools were advised to find means of bridging the existing gaps among learners due to disparities in attendance.
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    Access to health services by street children in Lira Municipality, Lira District, Uganda
    (Makerere university, 2025) Ecam, Shadrach Levi
    This study investigated the factors facilitating and hindering healthcare access for street children in Lira municipality. The general objective was to assess the access to and utilization of health services by street children in Lira Municipality, with specific objectives focusing on the percentage of children accessing services, the barriers they face, and their perceptions towards sickness. The research adopted a convergent mixed-methods design, simultaneously collecting quantitative and qualitative data. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches, utilizing a cross-sectional design which provides information collected at a single point in time in short period(Adana Şehir Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, 2024). In addition, the study used a case study design with in-depth interviews for qualitative insights. The study population consisted of full-time street children aged 10-17 years. The quantitative component comprised a purposively determined sample of 52 street children, while the qualitative sample included 4 street children (2 male, 2 female), and 4 key informants who included healthcare providers, social workers, and other stakeholders. In line with the study's objectives, the findings revealed that only 37% of street children accessed health services when sick, indicating a substantial gap between awareness of available services and their actual utilization. This low rate of service seeking is compounded by consistently low satisfaction levels due to repeated negative experiences and perceived discrimination from healthcare providers. The study identified several key barriers to accessing care, including pervasive stigma, fear of arrest, a lack of social support, hidden costs associated with "free" services, and general community rejection. Furthermore, exploring their perspectives, the findings show that street children often view illness as a major disruption to their daily survival and frequently resort to self-medication, highlighting a deep-seated lack of trust and reliance on formal healthcare systems. Given these findings, it is recommended that healthcare workers should undergo continuous training to build empathy and reduce stigma. Setting up mobile clinics and outreach services, along with implementing child-friendly, non-discriminatory policies, will help create a more welcoming environment. Strengthening support systems such as patient navigators and ensuring consistent drug availability are also crucial. Additionally, integrating health services with social protection programs and running targeted community awareness campaigns can shift perceptions, build trust, and encourage street children to seek care.
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    Access to reproductive health services among students with disabilities in Makerere University, Kampala
    (Makerere University, 2025-05) Namwase, Rinah Marion
    The study investigated factors affecting access to reproductive health services (RHS) among students with disabilities at Makerere University, Kampala District. Specifically, it examined the reproductive health needs of these students, physical barriers to access, socio-economic influences, and the impact of stigma and discrimination from healthcare providers and peers. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches, collecting data from 64 students with disabilities and 10 University health service staff selected through simple random and purposive sampling respectively. Analysis was conducted at univariate and bivariate levels using SPSS Version 25. Findings revealed a high level of awareness and willingness to seek RHS among students with disabilities; however, actual access remains low. Key barriers identified include inadequate physical accessibility, long distances to service points, lack of disability- friendly infrastructure, and limited dissemination of SRH information. The study found that unfriendly attitudes of healthcare providers (r = -0.42, p = 0.00), high costs of services (r = -0.40, p = 0.00), stigma from peers and providers (r = -0.41, p = 0.00), and lack of trust in providers (r = -0.43, p = 0.00) significantly hinder service access. Conversely, students in higher years of study (r = 0.28, p = 0.04) and those with certain types of disabilities (r = 0.34, p = 0.01) were more likely to access services, possibly due to increased awareness or need. The study concludes that despite demand, systemic and social barriers continue to limit access to RHS. It recommends enhancing inclusive SRH programming, increasing student participation in advocacy efforts, promoting peer- led outreach, and training healthcare providers in disability-sensitive care to reduce stigma and improve service delivery.
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    Accessing maternal and child health services during the Covid-19 lockdown: experiences of teenage mothers in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2022-04) Katamba, Moses
    Teenage pregnancies remain one of the most pressing issues in the world today. The teenage mothers have been reported to have faced constraints in accessing MCH services. These were worsened by the COVID-19 lockdowns which involved stringent measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in several countries. This study aimed at assessing the experiences of teenage mothers in accessing MCH services during the COVID- 19 lockdown with two specific objectives of identifying the constraints teenage mothers faced in accessing MCH and the strategies used by teenage mothers to access MCH services amidst the access barriers posed by the COVID-19 lockdown. The study adopted an exploratory research design and was purely qualitative. Data were collected from eight teenage mothers, two MCH service providers and two caretakers from Namugongo Fund for Special Children located in Kimbejja, Kira division and Municipality. The study identified that teenage mothers were constrained with individual, Interpersonal or family, organisational, and socio-cultural constraints in accessing MCH services during COVID-19. The individual constraints included limited financial resources, lack of transport, lack of adequate knowledge about MCH services, lack of preventive information about COVID-19, fear of disclosing pregnancy, fear to contact COVID-19, negative perception towards health facilities, and poor experience. The Interpersonal or family level constraint of disapproval to access MCH services by parents and partners and lack of support in accessing MCH services. The organisation constraints included government restrictions of curfew and social distancing, police harassment and violence, shortage of maternal services and medicine, and negative attitude by MCH service providers. Lastly, the teenage mothers were constrained with the socio-cultural level constraints, but these have always been the general. The teenage mothers adopted a wide range of strategies to access MCH amidst these challenges. These strategies included accessing MCH services without the consent or knowledge of the parents and partners, camping at health facility, negotiating with the parents and partners that disproved access to MCH services, enduring walking long distances, engaging in small scale business, buying their own and stocking tablets, going to government and charity health facilities, seeking for financial support from friends and relatives, using free government public transport means and seeking MCH services through telephone. The study recommends the government of Uganda under its Ministry of Health should always come up with a program of how special groups will access health facilities when there are lockdowns.
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    Adobe photoshop to design sculpture (graphic statues)
    (Makerere Universirty, 2022-01-03) Bukenya, Usamah Shadrach
    This research was based on how Adobe Photoshop can be of use to design sculptors at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art (MTSIFA). The purpose of the study was to find out how adobe Photoshop can be used in the designing of sculptural statues as a preliminary way to visualize the outcome of the actual work which ought to be of visual aid to the youthful talent of the MSTIFA students, it was aimed at informing and inspiring them to use their creativity for good, express themselves, and reach their full potential academically and in their future career. It would also ensure deliverance of strong financial results. People who .want to make a meaningful impact in the sculptural world were to be enlightened by information in this research. The objective of the research was to make a detailed study and document the help of Adobe Photoshop towards the execution of sculptures and how to develop its use towards software planning at MSTIFA Given the times we are in of the pandemic, alteration and improvising of tools in the field to collect data was done for example use of the electronic questionnaire, it abided by the set SOPs and got relatively the same information even if I were to use the manual delivery of this document to my intended and target population. As predetermined, challenges were bound to occur during this field study such as inconsistent data collection standards, controversial information given by the people consulted, COVID 19 pandemic and bias among the sampling population. These were overcame with improvising techniques like having preliminary information about what I was searching for before going to the field, asking a lot of people, and also asking the same question in different ways so as to tally and go by the most frequent response from my respondent. Using the findings of the research study carried out in the selected area of field study, I found out why sculptors were greatly affected in terms of creativity and performance because Adobe Photoshop isn't used to its full potential due to the lack of awareness of its capabilities.