Kampala Research Articles

Aflatoxin Contamination and Rancidity in Locally Processed Commercial Fish Feeds and Ingredients along the Value Chain in Wakiso and Kampala Districts, Uganda

Aflatoxin contamination and rancidity in locally processed commercial fish feeds and ingredients along value chains is a Public and Animal health hazard. The study established the level of aflatoxin contamination, peroxide value (PV), Anisidine value (AnV), and their associated factors at storage areas among farmers, processors, traders, factories, and landing sites in the Wakiso and Kampala districts. The value chain actors were purposively selected in a cross-sectional study based on access to the feed store and the use of locally processed commercial fish feeds on farms. Data collected were statistically analyzed in SPSS version 20. All the samples (45) were positive for aflatoxin contamination and PV with 51% (23/45) of samples being contaminated with “above acceptable” aflatoxin levels and 66.6% (30/45) of samples with “above acceptable” PV. The overall percentage of “above acceptable” AnV was 11/29 (37.9%). Samples from factories were within acceptable contamination levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed no significant difference between aflatoxin contamination, peroxide, and Anisidine value with storage factors for locally processed commercial fish feeds and ingredients. The study recommended the purchase of fish feeds from factories and a larger study on storage factors responsible for aflatoxin contamination and rancidity in fish feeds in Uganda.

Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Khat (Catha edulis forsk) on Prefrontal Cortex Oxidative Markers and Hematological Profile of Wistar Rats

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Catha edulis on the prefrontal cortex oxidative markers and hematological profile of Wistar rats.
 Study Design: The study design was experimental.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Uganda and Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda. Between January and May, 2021.
 Methodology: Fresh C. edulis leaves were collected after on-spot identification, and authenticated before being chopped into small pieces and pulverized mechanically. The powdered material was extracted through cold maceration using 70% ethanol for 72 h. The extract was concentrated in vacuo to dryness at 40oC using rotary evaporator. The lethal dose (LD50) of the crude extract was determined using acute toxicity test. The sub-acute toxicity of the crude extract was evaluated by orally administering daily doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg to the male Wistar rats for 28 days. The animals were monitored for mortality, behavioral and physiological signs of toxicity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) activities and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated using standard methods. The blood samples were analyzed using the automated hematology analyzer: Mindray BC-6000. Shenzhen, China.
 Results: The median lethal dose (LD50) of the C. edulis leaf extract was greater than 5000mg/kg b w. The SOD and CAT activities of C. edulis treated groups compared to the control group were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in C. edulis treated groups compared to the control group. There was no significant change in the hematological parameters, however, there were slight variations in the WBC and RBC counts in some C. edulis treated groups.
 Conclusion: Long term chewing of C. edulis could result in oxidative stress. It is therefore important for chronic C. edulis leaf chewers to take caution.

The state of COVID-19 contact tracing following relaxation of the national lockdown: A qualitative study among surveillance response teams in Kampala, Uganda

Introduction: The surge in COVID-19 cases triggered a need for surveillance systems to implement new strategies that augment and accelerate manual contact tracing. In Uganda, COVID-19 cases increased exponentially following the relaxation of the national lockdown. However, little is known about how the surveillance system mitigated COVID-19 transmission during this period. We sought to understand how contact tracing was being conducted in Kampala district following relaxation of the national lockdown.

Early contraceptive implants removal and its associated factors among women using implants at a National Referral Hospital, Kampala Uganda

BackgroundEarly discontinuation of implant contraceptive methods and reasons for discontinuation remains a major concern for family planning programs. Early discontinuation is related to higher rates of the overall fertility rate, unwanted pregnancies leading to possibly induced abortion. There is paucity of data on the practice of discontinuation of contraceptives in developing countries. The objective of the study was to determine the magnitude of early implants discontinuation among women receiving implants services in the study area and the factors associated with it.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from 2nd January to 3rd March 2020. Data were collected from 207 women who had come to remove implants on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, duration of implant, and reasons for wanting to remove the implant. We computed the proportion of those who removed the implant before 18 months (early discontinuation). To assess the factors associated with early discontinuation, we estimated the prevalence ratios with a generalized linear model of the poisson family with a log link and robust error variance.ResultsThe proportion of early implant discontinuation was 87/207(42%). Factor associated with early implant discontinuation included; experience of side effects (PR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.03–1.24; P = 0.001), not having received pre-insertion counseling about the benefits and side effects of contraceptive implants (PR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.02–1.30; P = 0.019) and staying in rural areas (PR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.03–1.27; P = 0.014).ConclusionNearly one in every two mothers have early discontinuation of contraceptive implants. Factors associated with early implant removal include; experience of side effects, lack of counseling services, and staying in rural areas. There is a need for intervention to address high prevalence of early contraceptive removal through improving on counselling services about possible side effects.

Delays in initiating rabies post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite victims in Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda.

Background: Although rabies in dog bite patients is preventable through timely initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a number of barriers to achieving PEP exist. This study investigated the delays to initiation of PEP among dog bite patients in the emergency departments of two PEP centers in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dog-bite patients that presented to two selected rabies PEP centers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Delay to receive PEP was defined as reporting for PEP beyond 24 hours after the bite event. Generalized linear models were used to calculate prevalence ratios and the 95% confidence intervals as a measure of association between delay and patient factors. Results: Out of 376 participants, just over half (53.5%) were males. The majority of participants (54.0%) were 15 years or older and 28.5% had no formal education. Just over three-quarters (77.9%) had category II dog bite wounds. Nearly 40% delayed to receive PEP, and median (inter quartile range) lag time between bite event and seeking medical care of 18 (41) hours. Compared to education level of secondary or above, patients with no formal education (adj. PR=4.06, 95% CI: 2.69 - 6.10) or primary education (adj.PR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.37 - 3.35), belonging to the lowest socio-economic tertile as compared to the highest (adj.PR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.10 - 2.28), knowing the owner of the biting dog (adj.PR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.65) and having category II wounds (adj.PR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.43 - 3.71) were all associated with delayed presentation for PEP. Conclusions and recommendations: Delays to receive PEP are common and are associated with poor level of education or low socio-economic status, knowledge of who the dog owner is and less severity of bite wounds. Seeking care irrespective of wound severity or knowledge of dog owner should be promoted.

Technological Developments and Livelihood of Smallholder Vegetable Farmers in Kampala, District, Uganda

In an effort to minimize the adverse impacts of climate change and variability, technological development is a critical method of adaptation to climate change and variability. The aspect of usage of technological developments by smallholder farmers is either ignored or taken for granted by actors in urban climate change and variability research and development. Measuring technological development in agriculture and further assessing their impacts on livelihood hold the key to strengthening resilience and sustainability of livelihood outcomes. The objective of this article was to assess technological developments practiced by urban farmers in Kampala district and ascertain their effects on smallholder livelihoods. A comprehensive literature review showed that there are various forms of technologies for climate change adaptation including; traditional, modern, soft and hard. The study was conducted in January 2021, using a cross sectional survey of smallholder vegetable farmers in five divisions of Kampala district (Kampala Central, Rubaga, Makindye, Nakawa and Makindye). The study was dominantly field research that employed semi structured questionnaires, interview schedules and observation as techniques of data collection employed in two phased process (explanatory sequential). The study revealed that, technological developments employed by farmers were; use of organic fertilizers, harvesting of rain water, practicing of irrigation. It also showed that some farmers did not use water pans and new crop varieties. Sources of information on climate variability were television, newspapers, radio neighbors and NGOs. And that there is a significant positive and strong relationship between technological improvements and livelihood of smallholder vegetable farmers . C onsideration of multiple factors that underlie adaptation decisions, expansion of public and private partnerships is proposed to obviate technological adaptation challenges, using largely farmers’ involvement.

Association of Stress, Glucocorticoid Receptor, and FK506 Binding Protein Gene Polymorphisms With Internalizing Disorders Among HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents From Kampala and Masaka Districts-Uganda.

Children and adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (CA-HIV) suffer a considerable burden of internalizing disorders (IDs; depressive and anxiety disorders). Environmental and genetic factors have been reported to influence the vulnerability to IDs in western settings; however, their role among African populations remains inadequately explored. We investigated the individual and interactive effects of stress and single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the FK506 binding protein 5 (rs1360780) and glucocorticoid receptor (rs10482605) genes on ID status in a cohort of CA-HIV in Uganda. We genotyped rs10482605 (309 cases and 315 controls) and rs1360780 (350 cases and 335 controls) among CA-HIV with and without IDs using Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR. Socio-demographic variables, as well as allele and genotype distributions, were compared between cases and controls using chi-square tests. Genotypes were assessed for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Composite indices of recent and chronic stress classes were also generated. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to generate cutoff points within each of the indices of recent and chronic stress. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between IDs and each of recent stress, chronic stress, and the investigated genotypes. The interaction effect of chronic/recent stress on the association between each of the polymorphisms and IDs was determined using a likelihood ratio test. We observed no significant association between IDs and rs1360780 and rs10482605 polymorphisms within the FKBP5 and glucocorticoid receptor genes, respectively (P > 0.050). Severe recent stress increased the vulnerability to IDs among CA-HIV (P = 0.001). We did not observe any gene–environment effect on vulnerability to IDs in this population. These findings support the currently held opinion that polymorphisms at single genetic loci only contribute a very small effect to the genetic vulnerability to IDs.

Delays in initiating rabies post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite victims in Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda.

Background: Although rabies in dog bite patients is preventable through timely initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a number of barriers to achieving PEP exist. This study investigated the delays to initiation of PEP among dog bite patients in the emergency departments of two PEP centers in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dog-bite patients that presented to two selected rabies PEP centers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Delay to receive PEP was defined as reporting for PEP beyond 24 hours after the bite event. Generalized linear models were used to calculate prevalence ratios and the 95% confidence intervals as a measure of association between delay and patient factors. Results: Out of 376 participants, just over half (53.5%) were males. The majority of participants (54.0%) were 15 years or older and 28.5% had no formal education. Just over three-quarters (77.9%) had category II dog bite wounds. Nearly 40% delayed to receive PEP, and median (IQR) lag time between bite event and seeking medical care of 18 (41) hours. Compared to education level of secondary or above, patients with no formal education (adj. PR=4.06, 95% CI: 2.69 - 6.10) or primary education (adj.PR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.37 - 3.35), belonging to the lowest socio-economic tertile as compared to the highest (adj.PR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.10 - 2.28), knowing the owner of the biting dog (adj.PR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.65) and having category II wounds (adj.PR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.43 - 3.71) were all associated with delayed presentation for PEP. Conclusions and recommendations: Delays to receive PEP are common and are associated with poor level of education or low socio-economic status, knowledge of who the dog owner is and less severity of bite wounds. Seeking care irrespective of wound severity or knowledge of dog owner should be promoted.

Analyzing the contributions of transdisciplinary research to the global sustainability agenda in African cities

It is almost 6 years since the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted, and countries have less than 10 years to achieve the set targets. Unlike most of the world, sub-Saharan African countries have reported only minimal progress, one that the COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately disrupted. Transdisciplinary research (TDR) has been conceptualized as important for achieving sustainability goals such as the SDGs. In this paper we (i) analyze the contributions of the five TDR projects toward the achievements of the SDGs at the city level in Africa, and (ii) explore the interactions between the assessed SDGs across the five projects. The projects’ contributions towards the achievements of the SDGs were examined in three thematic areas: (i) contexts, (ii) processes and (iii) products. The five projects were funded under the Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa (LIRA) programme. The projects were being implemented in nine cities across five African countries Accra (Ghana), Kumasi (Ghana), Korhogo (Ivory Coast), Abuja Metro (Nigeria), Mbour (Senegal), Cape Town (South Africa), Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (South Africa), Grahamstown (South Africa) and Kampala (Uganda) and data were collected on each of the five projects in these cities. The contextual contributions include co-analysis and reflection on policy and institutional silos and social innovations amenable to contextual complexity. A shift in how actors perceived and conceptualized sustainability challenges and the role of the projects as transformative social agents constituted the two main process contributions. Tool development, virtual models and maps, and handbook are the product contributions by the projects. Our analysis of the SDG interactions indicated the need for cross-sectoral collaborations to ensures resource use efficiency, knowledge and experience sharing, and seamless flow of information and data to accelerate the SDG implementation.

Factors Influencing Annual Procurement Planning of Medicines and Medical Supplies in Public Health Facilities in Kampala District

BackgroundDespite significant progress made by many countries towards meeting the millennium development goals and now sustainable development goals, there has been little improvement in access to essential medicines in developing countries.ObjectivesThe main aim of this study is to assess the factors influencing annual procurement planning of medicines and medical supplies in the public health facilities in Kampala district.MethodsThis study targeted respondents from government Health facilities in Kampala with a total population of 424 employees and applied simple random sampling to select 206 health workers. The researcher adopted mixed research approach with application of descriptive statistics, correlational and explanatory research designs that were used to maximize reliability and validity of findings. While the qualitative data was gathered through reviewing logistics tools, a physical count of the 30% purposively selected stock cards and interview of the staffs was carried out in health facilities in Kampala district, a Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyze the quantitative data. Accordingly, a chi-square was used to determine the association between independent and dependent variables.ResultsThe findings indicated that 37.8% of the staff responded positively about the availability of annual procurement plan while the rest were from various health facilities. A significant association was observed between knowledge and availability of annual Procurement planning (X2 = 34.7; p value =.0001), as well as management support and Annual Procurement Planning (X2 = 9.87; P value = .008).ConclusionIn conclusion, the finding generated from analysis of quantitative and qualitative data revealed that a majority of the factors influencing annual procurement planning had a positive effect on medical supplies in public health facilities in Uganda although the capacity and capability of health workers, quality of logistics management information systems, and management support desires improvement.
 Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(2): 292-309

Prevalence of undetectable and suppressed viral load in HIV-infected pregnant women initiating Option B+\u2009in Uganda: an observational study nested within a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundViral load (VL) testing is key in monitoring adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and documenting HIV treatment response. As per HIV treatment guidelines in Uganda, the first VL test is recommended 6 months after initiation of ART. Undetectable VL (uVL) at ART initiation may be helpful in detecting elite controllers in the absence of previous ART use. We investigated viral suppression at ART initiation among a cohort of HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled in the Friends for Life Circles (FLC) for Option B+ randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodsPregnant women ≥ 18 years of age testing positive for HIV at their first antenatal care visit and starting on ART Option B+ as per the National PMTCT Program guidelines were enrolled into the FLC for Option B+ RCT in urban Kampala and rural Mityana districts of Uganda. Each participant had whole blood samples collected at enrolment to assess baseline VL. Plasma HIV-1 RNA was quantified using COBAS Ampliprep /COBAS Taqman. Baseline VL below 400 RNA copies/ml was considered as viral suppression while baseline VL below 20 RNA copies/ml was considered uVL.ResultsThe mean duration from the date of ART initiation to time of sample collection for baseline VL assessment was 4.4 days (SD 3.6). Of the 532 HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled in the FLC for Option B+ study and newly starting Option B+ without a self-reported history of prior ART use, 29 (5.5%) had uVL and 113 (21.4%) had suppressed VL at baseline. There was no association between participants’ age, gravidity, marital status, mean monthly income, educational level, disclosure of HIV status to partner, and uVL or viral suppression at baseline. However, non-disclosure of HIV status to any other person was associated with decreased odds of viral suppression at baseline (OR 0.640; 0.416–0.982).ConclusionTwenty-one percent of HIV-positive Ugandan pregnant women initiating ART (Option B+) showed virological suppression at baseline and were presumed to be “elite controllers” or to have misreported being ART-naive. Further studies are needed to better understand the biologic mechanisms of elite controllers among pregnant women as well as to differentiate elite controllers from concealed ART use.Trial Registration The trial was registered as NCT02515370 (04/08/2015) on Clinicaltrials.gov.

Adherence to oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda

In Kampala Uganda, female sex workers (FSWs) have high HIV prevalence (33%). Oral PrEP is a novel HIV prevention intervention that offers hope to decrease HIV incidence in key populations especially among FSWs. Studies have shown that with poor adherence, oral PrEP has no efficacy, and therefore adherence to PrEP is critical among FSWs to maximize HIV prevention. However, implementation data on adherence to PrEP among FSWs is limited so this study sought to assess adherence to PrEP. Specifically, we sought to 1) determine the level of adherence to PrEP among FSWs, and 2) determine factors associated with PrEP adherence. This cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2018; 126 FSWs using PrEP were interviewed using a questionnaire. Adherence was categorically defined as high adherence and low adherence. Logistic regression was done. Using long-term contraception methods (OR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04-0.77) and not using condoms with clients (OR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.42) were negatively associated with high PrEP adherence. Barriers to PrEP adherence need to be addressed for successful PrEP implementation to improve adherence going forward. Service care providers should reinforce positive behaviors such as use of condoms devotedly during PrEP breaks.

Physical activities, resources and challenges in implementation of physical education programme among public primary schools in Kampala Uganda

Physical activities among young people provide an opportunity to develop the values, and skills for an active lifestyle and high self-esteem. Physical Education as one of the subjects in schools covers this essential role, although its’ provision mostly in the developing world has declined in many countries. This study assessed the physical activities, resources, and challenges in the implementation of Physical Education program among public primary schools in Kampala, Uganda. It was a descriptive survey design employing a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data among teachers and headteachers. Data were analyzed using frequencies, and Pearson product-moment correlation was determined at 0.05 level of significance. Findings reveal availability of facilities (r=0.374), trained personnel (r=0.654), equipment (r=0.529) and school enrolment (r=0.622) having a significant relationship with implementation of PE program. Traditional games, athletics, and ball games were the main activities. Insufficient resources and less value attached to these activities remain the major challenges. Resource allocation and sensitization on the value of physical education could enhance the implementation of the physical education program in public schools.

Double-Stranded DNA Virus Assemblages in Groundwater in Three Informal Urban Settlements in Sub-Saharan Africa Differ from Each Other

We mapped the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus assemblage in groundwater below sub-Saharan urban poor settlements in Arusha (Tanzania), Dodowa (Ghana), and Kampala (Uganda). Our results indicated that ∼80% of dsDNA virus sequences matched the order of Caudovirales, i.e., indigenous bacteriophages; 1.8% of the dsDNA virus sequences matched those of viral pathogens that infect humans and larger animals, which we defined as so-called above-ground hosts. Within this group, the relative abundances of the genera Chordopoxvirinae, Alphaherpesvirinae, and Betairidovirinae were the highest. Culturable Escherichia coli bacteria were found even in deeper wells, indicating that all water was fecally contaminated. The community assemblages sampled in the cities were statistically significantly different from each other. Dissolved ions, population density, and sanitary status had no significant influence, but pH and latitude did. We concluded that the transport of dsDNA virus in groundwater was location specific but was not determined by input concentrations (i.e., related to population density) or related to groundwater chemistry. We hypothesize that other parameters, like the presence of macropores, cause these variations in these shallow, highly populated, heavily polluted terrestrial groundwater systems. Approximately 34% of Africa has similar hydrogeology, so this may affect many urban areas across the continent.

Umbilical artery lactate levels and associated maternal and newborn characteristics at Mulago National Referral Hospital: a cross-sectional observational study

ObjectiveTo determine the maternal and newborn characteristics associated with high umbilical artery lactate levels at Mulago National Referral Hospital.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a national referral hospital...

COVID-19 and its related stigma: A qualitative study among survivors in Kampala, Uganda.

COVID-19-related stigma is gradually becoming a global problem among COVID-19 survivors with deleterious effects on quality of life. However, this social problem has received little attention in research and policy. This study aimed at exploring the COVID-19-related stigma among survivors in Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional exploratory research design was used among COVID-19 survivors in Kampala district. Thirty COVID-19 survivors were examined using in-depth interviews. Data obtained were analyzed using thematic approach. The findings of study indicated that COVID-19-related stigma is prevalent. The common form of stigma was social rejection and labeling. Results showed that the survivors of COVID-19 pandemic faced social rejection and community ostracism. Based on the results, reducing stigmatization of the COVID-19 survivors is vital to control the spread of the pandemic. Thus, an all-inclusive effort is needed to address COVID-19-related stigma and its debilitating consequences by health workers and policymakers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Heme oxygenase-1 and neopterin plasma/serum levels and their role in diagnosing active and latent TB among HIV/TB co-infected patients: a cross sectional study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in the context of HIV co-infection remains challenging. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and neopterin have been validated as potential biomarkers for TB diagnosis. Latent TB infection (LTBI) is diagnosed using tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assays (T-Spot and QuantiFERON TB gold tests, respectively). However, these tests have shown challenges and yet diagnosing LTBI is important for the overall control of TB. This study was conducted to determine the levels of H0–1 and neopterin, and their role in the diagnosis of TB among individuals enrolled in the Community Health and Social Network of Tuberculosis (COHSONET) study and the Kampala TB Drug Resistance Survey (KDRS).MethodsThis was a nested cross-sectional study. Plasma and serum samples collected from 140 patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala Uganda were used. M.tb culture was performed on sputum to confirm active TB(ATB) and QuantiFERON TB gold test to confirm latent TB infection (LTBI). ELISAs were performed to determine the levels of HO-1 and neopterin. Data analysis was done using t-test and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves to determine the diagnostic accuracy.ResultsHO-1 levels among active tuberculosis (ATB)/HIV-infected patients and LTBI/HIV-infected patients were 10.7 ng/ml (IQR: 7.3–12.7 ng/ml) and 7.5 ng/ml (IQR: 5.4–14.1 ng/ml) respectively. Neopterin levels among ATB/HIV-positive patients and LTBI/HIV-positive patients were 11.7 ng/ml (IQR: 5.2.4 ng/ml) and 8.8 ng/ml (IQR: 2.4–19.8 ng/ml), respectively. HO-1 showed a sensitivity of 58.57% and a specificity of 67.14% with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.57 when used to discriminate between ATB and LTB. Neopterin showed an AUC of 0.62 with a sensitivity of 57.14% and a specificity of 60.0% when used to distinguish ATB from LTB.ConclusionThere was no in significant difference in HO-1 concentration levels of ATB individuals compared to LTB individuals. There was a significant difference in neopterin concentrations levels of ATB individuals compared to latently infected individuals. Findings from this study, show that HO-1 and neopterin have poor ability to distinguish between ATB and LTB.

Air quality assessment in three East African cities using calibrated low-cost sensors with a focus on road-based hotspots

Poor air quality is a development challenge. Urbanization and industrial development along with increased populations have brought clear socio-economic benefits to Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) but can also bring disadvantages such as decreasing air quality. A lack of reliable air quality data in East African cities makes it difficult to understand air pollution exposure and to predict future air quality trends. This work documents urban air quality and air pollution exposure in the capital cities of Kampala (Uganda), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Nairobi (Kenya). We build a situational awareness of air pollution through repeated static and dynamic mobile monitoring in a range of urban locations, including urban background, roadside (pavement and building), rural background, and bus station sites, alongside vehicle-based measurements including buses and motorcycle taxis. Data suggest that the measured particulate matter mass concentrations (PM2.5, PM10) in all studied cities was at high concentrations, and often hazardous to human health, as defined by WHO air quality guidelines. Overall, the poorest air quality was observed in Kampala, where mean daily PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were significantly above the WHO limits at urban background locations by 122% and 69% and at roadside locations by 193% and 215%, respectively. Traffic is clearly a major contributor to East African urban air pollution; monitoring in Kampala and Addis Ababa, on motorcycle taxis, in buses and at bus stations indicated that drivers and commuters were exposed to poor air quality throughout their commute. Road-related air pollution can also impact indoor locations near roads. Using one exemplar building located within Nairobi’s Central Business District, it is shown that measured outdoor PM concentrations significantly correlate with the indoor air quality (r = 0.84). This link between roadside emissions and indoor air pollution within buildings located close to the road should be explored more fully. This study, through a series of case studies, provides clear evidence that roads and traffic need to be a focus for mitigation strategies to reduce air pollution exposure in East African cities.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Treatment Practices of Medical Doctors towards Care of Elderly Patients Accessing Clinical Care at Hospitals in Kampala Uganda

The global trend towards an increasing aging population demands for adequate geriatric medical care services to cater for health needs of the aging population seeking clinical care in hospitals. In Uganda, geriatric care as a specialty in medicine is still at infancy stage, and this is further worsened by the fact that the current curricula followed in training health workers lacks a component dedicated to elderly care. There is therefore need to assess knowledge, attitudes and treatment practices of medical doctors towards clinical care for elderly persons.

USING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPACT ON POLITICAL POLARIZATION AMONG YOUTHS IN UGANDA

The current study is aimed at examining the use of social media for political communication and its impact on the political polarization of youths in Uganda. The study specifically focuses on determining social media platforms that are often used by youths in Uganda, find out the levels of social media usage, political campaign communication, and political polarization among youths in Uganda as a result of social media usage. Lastly, the study also focuses on determining the relationship between social media platforms, social media usage, political communication, and political polarization amongst youths in Ugandans. The study adopts the uses and gratifications theory to help in guiding the study and explaining the available relationships between the variables of the study. A quantitative research design and survey method with a questionnaire as the tool for data collection were used in this study. 192 valid responses were extracted from youths residing in Kampala and Wakiso districts in Uganda as the respondents of the study. The findings of the study reveal that youths in Uganda often use Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram while looking for political-related information to help them form a decision on who to give their support in the election. In addition, the study also reveals that the more the youths look for such political information, the more they become polarized because all the politicians just feed them with information that is divisive and there exists a huge amount of hatred as a result of the consumption of such information on the Ugandan internet space. The uses and gratifications theory is also supported in the study.