Kampala Research Articles

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN INFORMAL COMMUNITIES AND FIRM EXECUTION

The examination tried to research the relationship long range informal communication build and firm execution. A quantitative exploration configuration was utilized, whereby information were gathered, examined and introduced utilizing quantitative methods. Essential information was gathered straightforwardly from the respondents who are ambitious innovators utilized in little and medium pastry kitchen and refreshment producing firms in Kampala Uganda. This investigation sets that informal organizations can be a savvy method of improving little firms' exhibition, especially producing firms. It can accordingly be suggested that, little firms support data trade and asset sharing inside and without the business through building blocks that upgrade trust among its representatives. This can be modest technique for discovering more productive methods of working along these lines improved firm execution.

Family care for persons with severe mental illness: experiences and perspectives of caregivers in Uganda

BackgroundIn low-income settings with limited social protection supports, by necessity, families are a key resource for care and support. Paradoxically, the quality of family care for people living with Severe Mental Illness (PLSMI) has been linked to support for recovery, hospital overstay and preventable hospital readmissions. This study explored the care experiences of family members of PLSMI with patients at the national mental hospital in Kampala, Uganda, a low income country. This study was undertaken to inform the development of YouBelongHome (YBH), a community mental health intervention implemented by YouBelong Uganda (YBU), a registered NGO in Uganda.MethodsQualitative data was analysed from 10 focus groups with carers of ready to discharge patients on convalescent wards in Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital (BNRMH), Kampala. This is a subset of data from a mixed methods baseline study for YouBelong Uganda, undertaken in 2017 to explore hospital readmissions and community supports for PLSMI from the Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda.ResultsThree interrelated themes emerge in the qualitative analysis: a range of direct, practical care provided by the caregiver of the PLSMI, emotional family dynamics, and the social and cultural context of care. The family care giving role is multidimensional, challenging, and changing. It includes protection of the PLSMI from harm and abuse, in the context of stigma and discrimination, and challenging behaviours that may result from poor access to and use of evidence-based medicines. There is reliance on traditional healers and faith healers reflecting alternative belief systems and health seeking behaviour rather than medicalised care. Transport to attend health facilities impedes access to help outside the family care system. Underpinning these experiences is the impact of low economic resources.ConclusionsFamily support can be a key resource and an active agent in mental health recovery for PLSMI in Uganda. Implementing practical family-oriented mental health interventions necessitates a culturally aware practice. This should be based in understandings of dynamic family relationships, cultural understanding of severe mental illness that places it in a spiritual context, different family forms, caregiving practices and challenges as well as community attitudes. In the Ugandan context, limited (mental) health system infrastructure and access to medications and service access impediments, such as economic and transport barriers, accentuate these complexities.

The extent to which the design of available reproductive health interventions fit the reproductive health needs of adolescents living in urban poor settings of Kisenyi, Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundThe rate at which informal urban settlements (slums) are developing in Low and Middle Income. Countries (LMICs) like Uganda is high. With this, comes the growing intersection between urbanization and the reproductive health of key populations. Currently, a number of interventions are being implemented to improve the Reproductive Health (RH) of adolescents in Kisenyi, the largest informal urban settlement in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Despite these efforts, adolescent RH indicators have persistently remained poor in Kisenyi. This could be indicative of a gap between the provided and needed adolescent RH interventions. We assessed the fit between the available interventions and the RH needs of adolescents living in Kisenyi.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in July 2019–February 2020 in Kisenyi. The methodology was guided by the Word Health Organization global standards for quality-health care services for adolescents, the “For whom? Where? By whom? and What?” Framework of sexual RH service delivery and the realist evaluation approach. Eight focus group discussions were conducted with adolescents 15–19 years to explore their RH needs. The design and implementation of the available adolescent RH interventions were assessed by conducting Key Informant interviews with 10 RH service providers in Kisenyi. Validation meetings were held with adolescents and they scored the extent to which the various design features of the existing interventions fit the adolescents’ RH needs.ResultsThe available RH interventions focused on meeting the sexual RH needs like providing family planning services but less on social needs like livelihood and sanitation which the adolescents identified as equally important. While the providers designed intervention to target 10-24 year olds, the adolescents preferred to have interventions that specifically targeted the study population 15-19 years. Most interventions were facility-based while, the adolescents desired community based outreaches.ConclusionThe packaging and mode of delivery of interventions were perceived less holistic to meet the adolescents’ needs. Most interventions were designed to address the sexual and family planning needs while ignoring the wider social and livelihood needs. More holistic and outreach-based programming that addresses RH within the broader context of livelihood and sanitation requirements are more likely to be effective.

Stress, Gender and Coping Strategies among Secondary School Teachers in Kampala District

Purpose: The study aimed at assessing the sources of stress among male and female teachers, coping strategies adopted by the teachers and the effects of stress on the job performance of teachers. 
 Methodology: The study adopted a survey design with both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study was conducted among secondary school teachers who were picked from both private and government aided schools in Nakawa Division, Kampala District. The sample consisted of 100 teachers who were selected through stratified random sampling that comprised of 50 male and 50 female teachers. Stress among teachers was assessed using a stress scale questionnaire and the coping strategies were assessed using the coping questionnaire developed by Folkman and Lazarus (1988) and open ended questionnaire was used to assess the effects of stress on the performance of teachers. Quantitative data was coded on themes derived from the objectives of the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using factor analysis, t-test and correlation analysis. 
 Findings: The major sources of stress in terms of factors were work-oriented, personal failure factors and poor working habits factors. In case of coping strategies for social support seeking coping strategy, the main strategy used was “accepted since nothing could be done” and e least used was “avoided stressful work”. Emotional focused coping strategy had “prayed or got involved in other spiritual activities” as main strategy used while “I brought the risk to myself” was the least used strategy. And “kept myself from thinking too much about stress” was main strategy used while “gone on as if nothing had happened” was least used by the teachers in coping with stress. There was a negative relationship between all the three factors of stress indicating that whenever one was stressed, then their performance was negatively affected.

Teachers’ Handling of Ethical Dilemmas in Rubaga Division (Uganda): Complexities and Education Management Implications

Motivated by the desire to explain increased misconduct among teachers in Uganda, the study sought to explore the different ethical dilemmas faced by secondary school teachers in Rubaga Division (Kampala - Uganda). More specifically, the study sought to find out the kind of ethical dilemmas faced by the teachers; to assess teachers’ use of available legal frameworks to address the dilemmas; and, finally, to find out how teachers navigate through the dilemmas. The study used a descriptive case study design, and employed both a self-administered questionnaire and an interview guide as instruments. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that teachers indeed encounter a multitude of ethical dilemmas. However, available legal frameworks are rarely used to solve the dilemmas or, if used, they are found to be quite irrelevant. Lastly, it was discovered that teachers apply a variety of both professional and odd strategies to navigate through the dilemmas. The study concluded that teaching being dynamic, teachers cannot operate without encountering ethical dilemmas: forewarned is fore guarded. Secondly, though necessary, external legislation (laws and policies) can only constitute the necessary but not the sufficient condition for smoothly navigating through ethical complexities. Lastly, ethical dilemmas ultimately call for more strongly formed and informed consciences (internal legislation) rooted on a strong moral compass such as virtue ethics. Educational administration and management implications are also discussed.

Do clinicians in areas of declining malaria transmission adhere to malaria diagnosis guidelines? A cross-sectional study from Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundUganda's clinical management guidelines recommend a malaria laboratory test in all patients presenting with fever (history of fever or an axillary temperature ≥ 37.5 °C), and only those with a positive test receive anti-malarial treatment. However, the current practice in areas with declining malaria transmission remains unknown. This study assessed the clinicians’ diagnostic practices, the factors associated with recommending a test, and the risk of missing a malaria case when a test is not recommended in patients presenting with fever in Kampala, an area of declining malaria transmission in Uganda.MethodsBetween January and March 2020, 383 participants aged ≥ 12 years and presenting to Kisenyi Health Centre IV in Kampala district with fever were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire was administered during exit interviews, routine diagnostic practices were recorded from participant clinical notes, and a research blood slide was obtained for later reading.ResultsOf the enrolled participants, 356 (93%) had a malaria diagnostic test recommended by the clinician. Factors associated with increasing prevalence of having a test recommended included; history of overnight travel (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.13, p = 0.011), being married (aPR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.13, p = 0.022), and having tertiary education (aPR = 1.09 95% CI 1.01–1.17, p = 0.031). Among the 27 participants where a malaria diagnostic test was not recommended, 4 (14.8%) had a positive study smear.ConclusionDespite having significant declines in malaria transmission in Kampala in the last decade, clinicians at the study health facility highly adhered to the clinical management guidelines, recommending a malaria test in almost all patients presenting with fever. However, a significant proportion of malaria cases was missed when a test was not recommended. These results highlight the importance of laboratory testing for malaria in all patients who present with fevers and live in endemic settings even when the transmission has significantly declined.

Navigating Data Uncertainty and Modeling Assumptions in Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment in an Informal Settlement in Kampala, Uganda.

Decision-makers in developing communities often lack credible data to inform decisions related to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), which quantifies pathogen-related health risks across exposure routes, can be informative; however, the utility of QMRA for decision-making is often undermined by data gaps. This work integrates QMRA, uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, and household surveys in Bwaise, Kampala (Uganda) to characterize the implications of censored data management, identify sources of uncertainty, and incorporate risk perceptions to improve the suitability of QMRA for informal settlements or similar settings. In Bwaise, drinking water, hand rinse, and soil samples were collected from 45 households and supplemented with data from 844 surveys. Quantified pathogen (adenovirus, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella spp./EIEC) concentrations were used with QMRA to model infection risks from exposure through drinking water, hand-to-mouth contact, and soil ingestion. Health risks were most sensitive to pathogen data, hand-to-mouth contact frequency, and dose-response models (particularly C. jejuni). When managing censored data, results from upper limits of detection, half of limits of detection, and uniform distributions returned similar results, which deviated from lower limits of detection and maximum likelihood estimation imputation approaches. Finally, risk perceptions (e.g., it is unsafe to drink directly from a water source) were identified to inform risk management.

Exploring the Patterns of Values Integration in Denominational School Discipline

In line with social justice education, this paper attempts to demystify the pattern of values integration in denominational school discipline by focusing on ways through which values are integrated and the sorts of values emphasized in the denominational school. The researchers evaluated secondary documents such as archival materials, dissertations and school reports with a view of identifying forms of values integration and the types of values widely used in primary and secondary schools of Kampala district. Using a grounded theory approach, it was found out that the roles of School Governing Bodies, the need to promote denominational school interests, the educators role, governments role and the socialization process are some of the ways in which values are imparted. The paper also examines that different values are emphasized by different denominations depending on the divergence of interests and founding philosophies. The paper concludes that in order to build positive discipline, citizenship and social justice education; values integration should be a collective educational responsibility. More so, school stakeholders should harmonize values for purpose of promoting universal education and not their personalized interests at the expense of the learner and the society that is going to take on that learner.

Loss to follow up after pregnancy among mothers enrolled on the option B+ program in Uganda

ObjectiveOption-B+ programs in Uganda have reported high levels of loss to follow up (LTFU) after cessation of breastfeeding, and this remains unknown beyond this period. In this study, we assessed the incidence and factors associated with LTFU two to four years after delivery among Option-B+ mothers. Study designRetrospective cohort. MethodsWe reviewed files of 452 mothers who enrolled on Option-B+ between January 1st, 2013 and December 31st, 2014 ​at Kisenyi Health Centre IV in Kampala district. We assessed factors associated with LTFU using Cox proportional hazards regression. We also explored the reasons for LTFU using three focus group discussions, five in-depth and three key informant interviews. ResultsOf the 452 mothers, 131(29%) were LTFU after delivery. The incidence of LTFU after delivery was 17/1000 person months (95% CI, 14–30/1000) with a median follow up of 32 months. The risk of LTFU was higher among mothers who started ART on the day they tested HIV positive (aHR ​= ​1.66, 95% CI; 1.25–2.20, p-value< 0.001). Reasons for LFTU included transport costs, stigma, poor human resource policies and non-disclosure. ConclusionLTFU after delivery among Option-B+ mothers is higher than the global target of 15%. ART initiation on the day a mother tests positive increases the risk of LTFU. The major reasons for LTFU were stigma and non-disclosure. To reduce the risk of LTFU, we recommend approaches that encourage disclosure to sexual partners and ongoing specific support to mothers who are initiated on ART-the day of positive test.

Assessment of Usage of Personal Protective Equipment and Related Factors among Workers in Wood Workshops in Mutungo Parish, Nakawa Division, Kampala District

Aim: This study sought to assess the extent and reasons for utilization of PPE among workers in wood workshops in Mutungo Parish, Kampala District. Methods: The study used both qualitative and quantitative techniques in data collection. The sample size was 139 respondents in 11 wood workshops constituting of 5 in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was entered using epi-data 3.02 and then cleaned and univariate analysis done using STATA 13.0 while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Results: Despite all participants being aware of PPE, only 57.55% possessed at least one. 73.38% of respondents in the study had been victims of occupational hazards associated with wood workshop activities, the commonest injuries reported as cuts and hits. 62.5% of the workers had only one PPE, 35% had two and only 2.5% had at most three PPE while at work. The most possessed PPE was a dust mask, which was provided by the employer. In general, PPE utilization among the workers was found to be sub-optimal. Study findings showed that reasons for failure to utilize PPE included; unavailability due to cost implications, interference of the PPE with speed of work and comfort issues. Conclusion: Quality and affordable PPE should be availed in the market and, safety and health awareness and education programs be extended to workers in the informal wood workshops so as to sensitize the workers on how they can ensure their own safety during work.

Early Contraceptive Implants Removal and its Associated Factors Among Women Using Implants at a National Referral Hospital, Kampala Uganda

Background: Early discontinuation of implant contraceptive methods and reasons for discontinuation remains a major concern for family planning programs and is generally higher in developing countries. Discontinuation is closely related to higher rates of the overall fertility rate and unwanted pregnancies, leading to a possibly induced abortion. The proportion and factors associated with early contraceptive implant removal are not well known in Uganda. The study's objective was to determine the magnitude of early implant discontinuation among women receiving implant services in the study area and its associated factors. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2nd January to 3rd March 2020 through a face-to-face interview. A total of 207 Implant user women were selected by systematic random sampling technique. SPSS version 20 was used for both data entry and analysis. Factors associated with early Implant discontinuation were analyzed using a binary and multivariable logistic regression model. Variables with a p-value of &lt;0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were considered as statistically significant. Results: The proportion of early implant discontinuation was 42%. Factors associated with early implant discontinuation included; experience of side effects (OR=2.629; 95%CI:1.095-6.314; P=0.031), not having received pre-insertion counseling about the benefits and side effects of contraceptive implants (OR=2.565; 95%CI: 1.190-5.532; P= 0.016) and staying in rural areas (OR= 2.390; 95%CI: 1.229-4.648; P= 0.010). 1 Conclusion: Nearly one in every two mothers have early discontinuation of contraceptive implants. Factors associated with early implant removal were side effects, lack of effective counseling before insertion, and staying in rural areas. Hence, health workers should provide adequate counseling services before inserting the Implant, emphasising possible side effects and their immediate management. Spouses, where possible, should be involved during the counselling to increase implant retention. Also, proper screening of women for pregnancy before insertion of an implant should be routine.

Cultural Processes and Teacher-Educators’ Technology Knowledge and Skills at Makerere University

The study was set out to examine the influence of cultural processes on teacher educators’ digital competence at School of Education, Makerere University, and Kampala Uganda. A case study design was employed taking a quantitative approach. Objectives of the study were to establish how individual and institutional values influence teacher educators’ technology knowledge and skills at Makerere University. Participants were teacher trainers from School of Education and data were collected using a self administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using; ANOVA, Pearson Product moment Correlation coefficient and Regression. It was found out that: both individual and institutional values have got a significant positive influence to teacher educators’ technology knowledge and skills. It was concluded that; individual values in form of: level of education, teaching experience, attitude or belief and disciplinary background are very fundamental in promoting teacher educators’ technology skills and knowledge; institutional values in form of: leadership styles, policy guidelines, curriculum and structural facilities are critical aspects in promoting teacher educators’ technology knowledge and skills. It was recommended that The School of Education should develop an evaluative instrument to regularly assess the extent to which ICTs have promoted teaching and learning, University administrators should change their leadership styles, adopt transformational leadership style according because results indicated that it promotes teacher educators’ technology knowledge and skills

Teachers' professional identities in the context of school-based sexuality education in Uganda-a qualitative study.

School-based sexuality education makes teachers important gatekeepers of students’ access to information about sexual and reproductive health and rights. The school setting has the potential to reach large numbers of students. However, teachers’ professional identities may go beyond, differ from or even conflict with the qualities required of sexuality educators. To gain a better understanding of the role of professional identity in the delivery of school-based sexuality education, this study used cultural schema theory to study teachers’ professional identities, and how these motivate them to provide sexuality education. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 sexuality education teachers at secondary schools in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Sexuality education lessons were observed to validate the findings from the interviews. Results identified five cultural schemas of professional identity: (i) upholder of ethics and regulations; (ii) authority figure; (iii) counsellor and guide; (iv) role model; and (v) guardian. The study concludes that teachers’ cultural schemas of professional identity motivate them to adhere to moral discourses of abstinence and sexual innocence. To support teachers in taking more comprehensive approaches to sexuality education, it is important that they receive adequate teacher training and support from the Ugandan government, the school administration and the wider community.

A cost effectiveness analysis of active case finding and passive case finding for case detection of TB at Kisugu Health Center III, Kampala, Uganda

Background: Case detection is an important aspect of the TB control strategy recommended by the WHO. Case detection rate remains as low as 55% amidst increasing TB cases in urban centers. This study therefore aimed at determining the cost effectiveness of active case finding (ACF) and passive case finding (PCF) in detecting TB cases. Methods and materials: This was a cross sectional study design from the provider's perspective carried out between September 2018 and February 2019. Data on costs and yield of TB cases for PCF and ACF was collected among adults aged 15–49 years at Kisugu HC III located in highly-congested and urban setting in Kampala district, Uganda. Costs were adjusted to US$ for the 2015 annual average. Capital Assets were annualized. Incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) represented the cost to detect an additional TB case and decision threshold based on Uganda's GDP (US$ 2089). One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were done to assess uncertainty of the ICER around key variables. Results: The unit cost of detecting a TB case was $8.14 and $7.01 under ACF and PCF respectively. After sensitivity analyses, ACF was not cost effective. ACF was less effective yet more costly in detecting TB cases who presented with chronic cough. PCF was more effective and less costly. The incremental cost of detecting an additional case of TB under ACF was $1.13 with an incremental effectiveness ratio of −0.41. Conclusion: In an African city context, ACF is not cost effective compared to PCF. ACF provided a less number of T.B cases detected yet it was more costly compared to PCF. Note that patients who present to the health facilities (with symptoms) have a high chance of having TB. Therefore, implementation of PCF as a part of the recommended TB control strategy should be prioritized. Other low cost strategies like Household Contact investigation need to be used in complementary.

Status of production, distribution and determinants of biomass briquette acceptability in Kampala City, Uganda

Biomass briquettes have been identified as a plausible and close alternative to commonly used energy fuels such as charcoal and firewood whose prices are escalating due to the dwindling natural resource base. However, briquettes do not seem to be as popular as would be expected. This study assessed the production, distribution and acceptability of the briquettes in Kampala district. A total of 60 respondents, 50 of whom were briquette users and 10 briquette producers were sampled from five divisions of Kampala district to evaluate consumer acceptability, preference for briquette type and shape. Households and institutions were identified to be the major consumers of briquettes while community-based organizations were the major distributors of briquettes. The Chi square test of independence showed significant association between briquette acceptability and briquette attributes of substitutability and low cost (p<0.05). The Kruskal Wallis test showed that low income class people preferred non-carbonized briquettes. Gender, marital status and income level also cause variation in preference for spherical, stick and honey comb briquettes (p<0.05). The major challenges faced by briquette users in Kampala were; production of a lot of ash, frequent crushing and limited access of briquettes. The producers of briquettes were mainly challenged by regular machine breakdown, raw material scarcity and poor carbonizing units. It was concluded that briquettes have market and are generally accepted in Kampala. However, user preferences need to be taken into account by briquette produces, suitable cook stoves should be availed to users and there is need for standards to ensure quality of briquettes

Factors influencing dietary practices in a transitioning food environment: a cross-sectional exploration of four dietary typologies among rural and urban Ugandan women using Photovoice

BackgroundHealthy and sustainable dietary practices offer a possible solution to competing tensions between health and environmental sustainability, particularly as global food systems transition. To encourage such dietary practices, it is imperative to understand existing dietary practices and factors influencing these dietary practices. The aim of this study was to identify multi-level factors in lived rural and urban Ugandan food environments that influence existing dietary practices among women of reproductive age (WRA).MethodsA mixed methods study was conducted. Multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical cluster analysis were performed on dietary data collected among a sample (n = 73) of Ugandan WRA in Kampala (urban) and Wakiso (rural) districts to elicit dietary clusters. Dietary clusters, which were labelled as dietary typologies based on environmental impact and nutrition transition considerations, were reflective of dietary practices. Following this, a smaller sample of WRA (n = 18) participated in a Photovoice exercise and in-depth interviews to identify factors in their social, physical, socio-cultural and macro-level environments influencing their enactment of the identified dietary typologies, and therefore dietary practices.ResultsFour dietary typologies emerged: ‘urban, low-impact, early-stage transitioners’, ‘urban, medium-impact, mid-stage transitioners’, ‘rural, low-impact, early-stage transitioners’ and ‘rural, low-impact, traditionalists’. Although experienced somewhat differently, the physical environment (access, availability and cost), social networks (parents, other family members and friends) and socio-cultural environment (dietary norms) were cross-cutting influences among both urban and rural dietary typologies. Seasonality (macro-environment) directly influenced consumption of healthier and lower environmental impact, plant-based foods among the two rural dietary typology participants, while seasonality and transportation intersected to influence consumption of healthier and lower environmental impact, plant-based foods among participants in the two urban dietary typologies.ConclusionParticipants displayed a range of dietary typologies, and therefore dietary practices. Family provides an avenue through which interventions aimed at encouraging healthier and lower environmental impact dietary practices can be targeted. Home gardens, urban farming and improved transportation could address challenges in availability and access to healthier, lower environmental impact plant-based foods among urban WRA.

Effect of Relative Humidity and Temperature on PM2.5 Concentrations in Kampala, Uganda

Background Scientific evidence reveals that exposure to small particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) is very detrimental to health thus resulting in increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and cancers. There are three factors that have important effect on PM2.5 mass concentration: domestic pollutant emission sources, external sources outside of the country, and the meteorological conditions. We aimed assessing the effect of relative humidity and temperature on PM2.5 concentrations from 2018 to 2019 using the Beta Attenuation monitor 1022. Methods We measured the relative humidity, temperature, ambient PM2.5 concentrations prospectively from October 2017 to December 2019 using the Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) 1022 (Met One Instruments, Inc) at the Eastern Africa GEOHealth Hub air quality monitoring station, that installed at Makerere University School of Public Health Roof top building at height of 15 metres above the ground level, Kampala Uganda. Results The findings showed that annual averages of PM2.5, Ambient Temperature (AT) and Relative Humidity (RH) in 2018 was 41.3 µg/m3, 23.10C and 72.0% and in 2019 was 38.5 µg/m3, 23.80C and 71.9% respectively. The results showed that the annual averages for PM2.5, Ambient Temperature (AT) and Relative Humidity (RH) in 2018 and 2019 was about the same. The findings also revealed that every unit increase in relative humidity increased PM2.5 concentrations by 29.3% and every unit increase in ambient temperature reduced PM2.5 concentrations by 2.14). Notably also in 2018 and 2019 the daily PM2.5 average concentrations decreased when RH reached high a threshold 80%. Conclusion The daily PM2.5 average concentrations decreased when the relative humidity reached a high threshold of 80% in 2018 and 2019 in Kampala Uganda. Funding Sources: NIH Fogarty International Center, NIEHS, CDC/NIOSH, Canada’s IDRC, GACC Grant # 5R24 TW009552 [AAU]; 5R24 TW009548 [USC]; 1U01TW010094 [AAU]; 1U2RTW010125 [USC]

Prevalence and risk factors for youth suicidality among perinatally infected youths living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda: the CHAKA study

BackgroundResearch from high income countries indicates that suicide is a major mental health care concern and a leading cause of preventable deaths among children and adolescents. Proper assessment and management of youth suicidality is crucial in suicide prevention, but little is known about its prevalence and associated risk factors in Sub-Saharan Africa. In low income countries there is an increased risk of suicide among persons with HIV/AIDS even in the presence of the highly active antiretroviral therapy.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of and risk factors for youth suicidality among perinatally infected youth living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.MethodsWe studied 392 HIV positive children (5–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years) and their caregivers in Kampala and Masaka districts. Caregivers were administered the suicide assessment section of the MINI International Psychiatric Interview. Socio-demographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, and psychosocial and clinical factors were assessed and suicidality (suicidal ideation and or suicidal attempt) was the outcome variable. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios adjusting for study site and sex at 95% confidence intervals.ResultsCaregivers reported a suicidality rate of 10.7% (CI 8–14.1) in the past one month with higher rates among urban female (12.4%, CI 8.6–17.7) than male (8.7%, CI 5.4–13.8) youth. Lifetime prevalence of attempted suicide was 2.3% (n = 9, CI 1.2–4.4) with the highest rates among urban female youth. Among children, caregivers reported a lifetime prevalence of attempted suicide of 1.5%. The self-reported rate of attempted suicide in the past month was 1.8% (n = 7, CI 0.8–3.7) with lifetime prevalence of 2.8% (n = 11, CI 1.6–5.0). The most common methods used during suicide attempts were cutting, taking overdose of HIV medications, use of organophosphates, hanging, stabbing and self-starvation. Clinical correlates of suicidality were low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.27, CI 1.06–4.87, p = 0.04), HIV felt stigma (OR = 2.10, CI 1.04–3.00, p = 0.02), and major depressive disorder (OR = 1.80, CI 0.48–2.10, p = 0.04). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was protective against suicidality (OR = 0.41, CI 0.18–0.92, p = 0.04).ConclusionThe one-month prevalence of suicidality among CA-HIV was 10.7%.

Measuring Air Quality for Advocacy in Africa (MA3): Feasibility and Practicality of Longitudinal Ambient PM2.5 Measurement Using Low-Cost Sensors.

Ambient air pollution in urban cities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is an important public health problem with models and limited monitoring data indicating high concentrations of pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5). On most global air quality index maps, however, information about ambient pollution from SSA is scarce. We evaluated the feasibility and practicality of longitudinal measurements of ambient PM2.5 using low-cost air quality sensors (Purple Air-II-SD) across thirteen locations in seven countries in SSA. Devices were used to gather data over a 30-day period with the aim of assessing the efficiency of its data recovery rate and identifying challenges experienced by users in each location. The median data recovery rate was 94% (range: 72% to 100%). The mean 24 h concentration measured across all sites was 38 µg/m3 with the highest PM2.5 period average concentration of 91 µg/m3 measured in Kampala, Uganda and lowest concentrations of 15 µg/m3 measured in Faraja, The Gambia. Kampala in Uganda and Nnewi in Nigeria recorded the longest periods with concentrations >250 µg/m3. Power outages, SD memory card issues, internet connectivity problems and device safety concerns were important challenges experienced when using Purple Air-II-SD sensors. Despite some operational challenges, this study demonstrated that it is reasonably practicable and feasible to establish a network of low-cost devices to provide data on local PM2.5 concentrations in SSA countries. Such data are crucially needed to raise public, societal and policymaker awareness about air pollution across SSA.

Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in the informal sector, Kampala Uganda.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is effective in preventing infant morbidity and mortality. However, 36% of Ugandan children below 6 months are not breastfed exclusively despite its active promotion. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothers working in the informal sector in Kampala district. A community based cross-sectional study targeting 428 interviews with mothers with children aged 0–5 months was conducted. Analysis was done using modified Poisson regression in Stata version 14. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 42.8%. The factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding included: attending antenatal care at least 4 times (APR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.51), intention to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months (APR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–1.57) or longer (APR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06–1.76), proper breastfeeding practices (APR = 4.12; 95% CI: 2.88–5.90), age of the infant (APR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65–0.94) and (APR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.39–0.60) for children aged 2–3 and 4–5 months respectively and working in a lower position (APR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.55–0.83). Mothers should be encouraged to attend antenatal care where they learn about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to children below 6 months hence enabling them to make informed decisions about exclusive breastfeeding. The government of Uganda should ensure maternity leave benefits of the employment act are enforced in the informal sector to allow women to practice EBF.