School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collection
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ItemChallenges faced by teenage mothers living with HIV in taking care of their children in Bwaise Kawempe Division(Makerere University, 2025)Background: Teenage motherhood continue to capture people’s attention as a social problem at a global scale and Africa in particular. It’s a matter of great concern for families, community leaders, educators, social workers, healthcare professionals, government and development partners. Objectives: The major objective of the study was to explore the challenges that teenage mothers living with HIV face in taking care of their children. In this study, I specifically explored the social and financial challenges that teenage mothers living with HIV face in taking care of their children in Bwaise and the coping strategies they adopt to overcome the challenges. Methodology: In this study, I adopted a case study design and a qualitative approach. Participants were selected purposively in which I selected eleven teenage mothers living with HIV and four key informants including two mentor mothers, a peer provider and community educator. I adopted two methods of data collection which included in-depth interviews and key informant interviews and data was analyzed thematically. Findings: Findings indicate that teenage mothers living with HIV in Bwaise face social challenges in taking care of their children which include; isolation, stigma, stress and rejection. They also face financial challenges including limited capacity to buy food, unstable source of income and limited support from spouses. However, they cope-up with challenges through counselling and guidance, acquiring skills and getting support from family and friends.
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ItemFamily and parental factors contributing to drugs and substance abuse among youth in the slum of Teso Bar, Lira City, Northern Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Background: Drug and substance abuse among youth is a rising concern in urban slum settings across Uganda, particularly in Teso Bar, Lira City. Adolescents in these areas face socio economic hardships, limited access to education and healthcare, and weak parental involvement factors that contribute to early and sustained substance use. Despite existing policies and interventions, limited attention has been paid to the role of parents in either mitigating or exacerbating this problem. Methodology: This study employed a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews involving 50 respondents, including youth aged 15–24, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings: Results revealed that 64% of youth had used drugs, with many reporting minimal parental supervision and communication. Regression analysis showed no statistically significant predictors, but thematic patterns highlighted weak parental involvement and household-level drug exposure as contributing factors. The impacts of drug use included mental health challenges, academic failure, family conflict, and social withdrawal. Support systems were found to be largely unavailable, inaccessible, or ineffective, with only 8% of respondents having ever used any form of support. Conclusion: The study concludes that while multiple factors contribute to youth drug abuse, parental roles particularly supervision, communication, and behavior modeling are central yet under-addressed influences. Recommendations: Strengthening parental capacity, increasing community awareness, enhancing school involvement, and establishing youth-friendly rehabilitation services are critical steps toward reversing substance abuse trends in Teso Bar and similar slum environments.
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ItemAn examination of socio-cultural and economic factors influencing child neglect in Kapedo Town Council, Karenga District(Makerere University, 2025)This study examines the socio-cultural and economic factors influencing child neglect in Kapedo Town Council, Karenga District, Uganda. The research was guided by three specific objectives: to assess the influence of parental attitudes and behaviours, to examine the role of cultural and community practices, and to analyse the socioeconomic factors associated with child neglect. Employing a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological design, the study collected data through in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of 10 participants, including caregivers and key informants, until thematic saturation was achieved. The findings reveal that child neglect in Kapedo is a multifaceted issue driven by extreme poverty, economic shocks such as livestock raiding, authoritarian parenting styles, and cultural norms including early marriage and the normalization of child labour. The study concludes that neglect is not merely an individual failing but a structural problem exacerbated by weak institutional support and the breakdown of traditional safety nets. Recommendations are provided across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons, targeting local government, NGOs, and community leaders, and emphasize the need for multi-sectoral task forces, economic diversification, community awareness, and strengthened child protection systems.
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ItemPerception of palliative care among undergraduate social work students of Makerere University(Makerere University, 2025)This study investigated the Perceptions of Palliative Care among Undergraduate Social Work students of Makerere University. The study aimed to explore their understanding of palliative care, their perception of social work roles and the self-assessed readiness and competence for palliative care practice. The study employed a descriptive design, utilizing a quantitative research approach. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaire from a total of 133 undergraduate social work students. Quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis and the findings were presented using tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. The findings revealed a predominantly female student population largely lacking personal experience with palliative care but demonstrating high interest in palliative care practice. Students largely demonstrated an accurate understanding of palliative care as holistic, applicable alongside curative treatment, and delivered through a multidisciplinary approach. The students critically exhibited an overwhelmingly strong and accurate perception of social workers' multifaceted roles in palliative care, including psychosocial support, advocacy, communication and counseling. While self-perceived readiness for palliative care upon graduation was generally positive, a significant minority of social work students felt moderately and slightly prepared. The study recommends that, curriculum modules should comprehensively cover the differentiation between palliative and hospice care, incorporating practical clinical placements to boost emotional resilience and ethical decision-making. Mentorship programs and reflective practices are essential for deepening understanding and confidence in holistic care delivery. Social work students must actively engage in internships, workshops, and seminars, seek mentorship in palliative settings, and continually reflect on their personal values and professional roles to cultivate a compassionate professional identity aligned with palliative principles.
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ItemExperiences of pediatric cancer caregivers.A case study in Ugandan Cancer Institute(Makerere University, 2026)This study explored the experiences of pediatric cancer caregivers in taking care of children diagnosed with cancer at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). The study aimed to explore the emotional experiences of pediatric cancer caregivers, to examine the social and financial challenges encountered by pediatric cancer caregivers as well as the coping mechanisms utilized to navigate these challenges. The study adopted a phenomenological research study design since the study was qualitative in nature. Data were collected mainly with primary pediatric cancer caregivers and key informants that included pediatric oncologists, a medical social worker and a counselor through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was adopted during data analysis. The findings revealed that indeed primary pediatric cancer caregivers experienced emotional distress and this was depicted through emotional disorientation, depression, insomnia and exhaustion. The study further revealed social challenge including stigma, discrimination and family separation were the most profound social challenges. Inadequate medical supplies, out of pocket expenses were the major financial challenges. Individual coping mechanisms such as Strong Support Systems, Spiritual Coping, Support from philanthropists were utilized by pediatric cancer caregivers. The study highlights the need for strong support mechanism, effective planning through stakeholder involvement to address the challenges encountered by pediatric cancer caregivers intaking care of children diagnosed with cancer.