Kampala International University Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Assessment of Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Practices: Insights from Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Ishaka, Uganda

The study aimed to identify factors affecting hospital infection prevention and control practices among medical personnel at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Ishaka, Uganda. The research was conducted using a quantitative descriptive research design. The result revealed that 76% of respondents felt they had sufficient knowledge about infection control and prevention practices. However, 34% of respondents found precautionary measures interfered with their work, and 70% recap needles after use. Only 32% reported a 0.3% chance of acquiring HIV after a needle stick injury. The study also showed 44% of respondents had received training on hand washing within 6 months. Most respondents 78% were able to wash hands before and after procedures. Only 44% of respondents had received training on waste segregation within a 6-month period. Policies and guidelines also influenced infection prevention and control practices. 52% of respondents considered the hospital infection prevention and control committee active, and 78% of them believed that waste segregation and post-exposure prophylaxis policies were available in their departments. The study found that hand washing is being carried out as recommended due to adequate on-the-job training. However, 54% of staff perceive hand washing as a challenge, and 78% were able to wash hands before and after every procedure as recommended. Only 30% of workers have access to a regular supply of soap and detergents for washing hands. Waste segregation is being practiced as recommended, but challenges persist for medical personnel. The management team should integrate infection prevention and control into the regular supervision of healthcare providers. The study suggests that promoting hand washing in a hospital requires adequate training, facilities, supplies, staffing, and a positive attitude. It recommends frequent hand washing training, accessible running water infrastructure, disposable towels, and soap and detergents. Staff should be trained on attitude change and proper waste segregation. Keywords: Hospital, Infection, Waste, Hand washing, supplies, training.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anaemia among Children Aged 6 to 59 Months: A Study at Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among children aged 6 to 59 months attending Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). Anaemia remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study contributes to understanding the incidence of anaemia and its contributing factors in this specific population. The prevalence of anaemia among the studied children was found to be 29.6%, with 4.5% experiencing severe anaemia. This underscores the ongoing burden of anaemia in young children, despite efforts to address it. The study revealed various socio-demographic factors associated with anaemia. Children living in rural areas were twice as likely to develop anaemia compared to those in urban areas. Similarly, children whose caretakers were business operators had a higher likelihood of anaemia. Furthermore, medical and nutritional factors were strongly associated with anaemia. Children with a history of febrile illness or current chronic illnesses were more likely to develop anaemia. Additionally, malnutrition, particularly severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), significantly increased the risk of anaemia. On the contrary, children with normal weight for height had a lower likelihood of developing anaemia. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of anaemia in young children and the importance of addressing various determinants to mitigate its prevalence. Interventions should focus on improving access to healthcare services, including immunization and deworming programs, as well as addressing malnutrition through nutrition education and supplementation initiatives. Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as rural residence and caregiver occupation should be considered in developing targeted interventions. In conclusion, anaemia remains a prevalent issue among children attending KIU-TH, with various socio-demographic, medical, and nutritional factors influencing its occurrence. Comprehensive intervention strategies addressing these factors are essential to reduce the burden of anaemia and improve the health outcomes of young children in this setting. Further research and ongoing monitoring are necessary to assess the effectiveness of interventions and track changes in anaemia prevalence over time. Keywords: Children's anaemia, public health, and low- and middle-income nations

Exploring Factors Influencing the Low Utilization of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Among Youths Attending Family Planning Clinics: A Case Study at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District.

This study investigates the factors contributing to the low utilization of intrauterine devices (IUDs) among youths aged 18–30 attending family planning clinics at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District, Uganda. Despite the global recognition of IUDs as a safe, cost-effective, and highly efficient contraceptive method, their adoption remains disproportionately low among youths in various regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The research employs a descriptive cross-sectional study design utilizing quantitative data collection methods. Data was gathered through questionnaires focusing on demographic characteristics, individual factors, and health facility-related factors associated with low IUD utilization. Findings reveal that only a small percentage of participants (15.7%) were utilizing IUDs, with factors such as education level, parity, awareness, alternative method usage, health education, and accessibility to services significantly influencing IUD utilization. Recommendations include increasing awareness, providing comprehensive health education, and improving accessibility to IUD services to promote their uptake among youths. Keywords: Family planning, IUDs, Youths, Contraceptive methods, Mothers.

Factors Influencing Antenatal Care Service Utilization among Pregnant Mothers: A Study at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District

Antenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children, yet disparities exist in their utilization globally. This study investigates the factors influencing ANC service utilization among pregnant mothers attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional study involving 138 participants was conducted, employing descriptive analysis and logistic regression. Results revealed that only 40.6% of mothers had good ANC service utilization, with factors such as post-primary education, manageable cost of services, and knowledge of ANC services significantly associated with higher utilization rates. Conversely, lack of awareness about when to start ANC services and inadequate knowledge of ANC services were barriers to utilization. Additionally, multiparous women and those with a primary education level were less likely to utilize ANC services optimally. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions, including education outreach programs and improved accessibility to ANC services, to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes. Keywords: Antenatal care, Utilisation, Hospital, maternal mortality, Pregnant mother.

Factors influencing Teenage Pregnancy among Girls attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi, Uganda

Teenage pregnancy and subsequent childbirth to women less than 20 years of age continue to be a major global public health concern in both developed and developing countries, affecting more than 16 million girls and young women, or an estimated 11% of all births worldwide. This study determined the factors influencing teenage pregnancy among teenage girls aged 13–19 attending ANC at KIU-TH, Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional study design was employed for this study. Quantitative data was collected using structured interviews. Questionnaire tools were checked for their accuracy and data completeness, then the data was coded and entered into Epi Info version 7, then exported into SPSS version 22.0 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the determinant factors. A collinearity diagnostic test was conducted using tolerance to check for collinearity between independent variables and the interaction effect. Variables in the bivariable analysis having a p-value <0.2 were considered for the multivariate analysis to adjust the confounders. The strength and presence of a statistical association were assessed by the OR, p-value, and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Variables with a p-value ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant determinants of teenage pregnancy. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-offit test (p = 0.9289) was used to assess the fitness of the model. A total of 310 adolescents were included in the study, with a response rate of 100%. The majority (39.7%) were aged 16–17, and more than half (59.0%) were from rural areas. The proportion of teenage pregnancies among study participants was 19.0. In the multivariate logistic regression model, age, residence, parents’ marital status, level of education, monthly income, substance abuse, history of use of contraceptives, age of first sexual contact, and awareness of safe sex were statistically significant. The study showed a high prevalence of teenage pregnancy. Age, residence, parents’ marital status, level of education, monthly income, substance abuse, history of use of contraceptives, age of first sexual contact, and awareness of safe sex were found to have a statistically significant association. Keywords: Teenage pregnancy, Childbirth, Girls, Marital status, Age.

Prevalence and Determinants of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis Co-Infection at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) was one of the top 10 causes of death, and the leading cause from a single infectious agent above HIV/AIDS. Millions of people continue to fall sick with the disease each year. Not less than one-third of people living with HIV are also infected with TB. At autopsy, studies have found that 30 – 50% of patients have evidence of TB. By the year 2013, about a quarter of all TB deaths occurred in HIV-positive persons and TB was the leading cause of death in those that had HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, about 41% of HIV patients have TB. TB incidence still being high, especially among the HIV infected and the prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection was largely unknown, particularly in developing countries, including Uganda all but fuels the need for this study. To assess the prevalence and determinants of TB-HIV co-infection among HIV-positive patients attended at KIUTH. A review of the data study that included 500 patient records was included for this study. 37 out of 500 patient records recorded TB-HIV coinfection. This made a prevalence of 7.4%. Sex, marital status, employment status, household income, residence and history of alcohol or smoking were found significant whereas age (p-value: 0.5621) and education (pvalue: 0.08180) were found to be insignificant. The prevalence of HIV-TB coinfection was high with sex, patients, marital status, employment status, household income, residence and history of alcohol or smoking found to be significant. In contrast, age and education were found to be insignificant determinants. TB-HIV coinfection was found to have a poorer patient outcome with increased mortality among those who were TB-HIV co-infected. Awareness-creation on the adverse effects of TB-HIV coinfection needs to be up-scaled. Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV-positive, TB-HIV co-infection, Marital status, sub-Saharan Africa

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Southwestern Uganda.

Iron deficiency anaemia is still a global public health concern with the highest burden among children 6 to 23 months due to their rapid growth spurt exceeding breastmilk supply. Therefore, nutritional supply is a key source of iron to attain the required nutrients for better growth and development. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done at Ishaka Adventist Hospital (IAH) and Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) from April to July 2022. Participants were consecutively enrolled in the study. Structured questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recall, and clinical assessment were used to obtain data. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) V22.0. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were done using logistic regression for associations with significance set at P value < 0.05. A total of 364 participants were enrolled, with the majority being males (198, 54.4%) and born at term (333, 91.5%). The modal age was 12-17 months [163(44.8%)] with a mean age of 14.1 months (SD 5.32). The overall prevalence of IDA was 151/364 (41.5%). The factors associated with IDA included male sex (aOR 1.61), current episode of diarrhoea (aOR 1.71), poor meal frequency (aOR 1.78), no vegetable consumption (aOR 2.47), and consuming fruits once (aOR 1.97) in 7 days preceding the study. The study finds a high prevalence of IDA among infants 6-23 months with at least four in 10 being affected. Screening for IDA should be recommended in male children with current diarrhoea, poor intake of fruits and vegetables, and poor meal frequency. The Mentzer index is an equally good alternative screening test for IDA.

Factors Associated with Utilization of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods among Women Attending Family Planning Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Western Uganda

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCM) are highly effective and proven means of preventing unintended pregnancy and reducing maternal mortality. Social and economic characteristics are some of the key determinants of utilization of family planning. However, studies examining the factors associated with utilization of LARCM are limited in Bushenyi district, Uganda. This study therefore, assessed the factors associated with utilization of LARCM among women attending family planning clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used for this study. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire in an exit interview of clients that had come to Kampala International University Teaching Hospital for family planning services after obtaining consent. Collected data was entered and analyzed in the computer using IBM SPSS version 25. Chi-squared analysis was done to determine the factors associated with LARCM utilization. Results were presented in tables and charts for descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 272 women were included in this study of which, 67.6% (n=184) were aged 26 to 35 years, and the overall mean (±SD) age was 27.5 (± 4.5) years. 74.3. % (n=202) were married and 69.9% (n=190) were rural dwellers. A few of the participants (20.2%, n=55) were currently using LARCM. Of the 55 participants who were using LARC methods, majority 34 (61.8%) were using implants while the rest 21 (38.2%) were using IUCD. Significant factors were; woman’s age of ≤25 years (X2=72.43; P=&lt;0.001), urban residence (X2=16.69; P=&lt;0.001), being married (X2=25.19; P=&lt;0.001), business occupation (X2=99.22; P=&lt;0.001), Catholic religion (X2=61.38; P=&lt;0.001), mother’s age at first delivery of 18-24 years (X2=24.61; P=&lt;0.001), reproductive intention of spacing (X2=50.81; P=&lt;0.001), never wanted the last pregnancy (X2=14.72; P=&lt;0.001), Hospital as the source of FP information (X2=66.82; P=&lt;0.001), partner influence on FP (X2=16.69; P=&lt;0.001), FP counselling during ANC (X2=42.01; P=&lt;0.001), receiving contraceptives from hospital (X2=151.61; P=&lt;0.001) and receiving contraceptive services from the doctor (X2=226.13; P=&lt;0.001). Conclusion and Recommendations: LARCM use was low and was associated with younger maternal age, urban residence, being married, business occupation, mother’s age at first delivery, desire for child spacing, partner influence on FP, FP counselling during ANC. Therefore, FP education about the benefits of LARCM should be enhanced by health providers and media.

Blood Transfusion Service Challenges and Patterns at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Western Uganda: Insights from a Comprehensive Prospective Study

Uganda, a developing East African nation with nearly 20% of its populace living below the poverty line, faces significant constraints in its national blood transfusion service. Despite serving over 3 million individuals in Regional Referral Hospitals, a chronic scarcity of blood persists, impacting critical healthcare provisions, notably at Mulago, Uganda’s National Referral Hospital. This study conducted a meticulous assessment of the indications and influential factors shaping blood transfusion services at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Ishaka-Bushenyi, adopting a prospective descriptive cross-sectional design encompassing a 100% review of the target patient population receiving blood transfusions. Employing a pretested questionnaire as the data collection instrument, the gathered information underwent meticulous coding, sorting, entry, and analysis utilizing statistical software. Results were systematically presented through tables and charts. The findings revealed that a considerable proportion (42.3%) of transfused individuals fell within the age range of 20-39 years, with infants and young children (&lt;5 years) comprising 22.4% of the recipients. Males accounted for 58.7% of the transfused population. Predominant indications for blood transfusions included anemia (30.4%), obstetric and gynecological conditions (23.4%), surgical operations (19.0%), infections (14.2%), and incidents involving road traffic accidents or assault (13.0%). The study identified the availability of a blood storage facility as a significant factor motivating the utilization of blood transfusion services, with an 87.4% availability rate reported. Notably, the demand for transfusions was notably high among females (56.1%) compared to males (43.9%), with anemia (53.3%) and blood group O (48.6%) constituting the majority of cases. Blood group distributions varied across different indications, with group O being predominant in most categories. Additionally, the Rh factor played a role, with Rh+ constituting 90.5% of cases and Rh- comprising 9.5%. Blood Group O had the highest occurrence of Rh+, while Blood Group A had the highest occurrence of Rh-. In summary, the study outlined several prominent factors influencing blood transfusion indications at KIUTH, notably anemia, obstetric and gynecological conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage and cesarean sections, surgical procedures (e.g., abdominal obstructions), infections (e.g., malaria), and incidents involving road traffic accidents or assault. These indicators are influenced by factors such as blood availability, age, gender, medical conditions, and blood type, with Blood Group O Rh+ being the most prevalent. Keywords: Blood transfusion, Gynaecology, Anaemia, Blood Group O.

Incidence and Determinants of Diarrheal Cases in Children Under Five Admitted at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, IshakaBushenyi District, Western Uganda

Diarrhoea stands as a significant global public health issue, with the WHO reporting approximately 2.5 billion cases annually among children below five years old. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of diarrhoea and its influencing factors in children under five admitted to Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). Employing a cross-sectional and descriptive approach, quantitative data was gathered through selfadministered and investigator-led questionnaires, utilizing digital tools such as Google Sheets for data collection. A total of 238 mothers, randomly selected using convenience sampling, whose children were admitted at KIU-TH constituted the study's sample. The results, presented through 95% Confidence Intervals (C.I), Odd Ratios (OR), and P-values, were computed using Binary Logistic Regression with Pearson’s correlation in SPSS Version 26, and graphically represented using Microsoft Excel Software. At the time of data collection, the prevalence of diarrhoea among children under five admitted at KIU-TH stood at 24.4% based on maternal responses. This high prevalence was found to be influenced by several factors, including the child's vaccination status, the early introduction of supplementary foods, premature weaning practices, and the child's age. Notably, exclusive breastfeeding practices were not adhered to, with mothers introducing other foods at a young age and initiating early weaning practices. Keywords: Diarrhoea, Children under five years of age, Vaccination status, early weaning.

Impact of corona virus disease 2019 on antenatal care services in rural western Uganda; a retrospective study

IntroductionThe Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak poses an important threat to public health but also unique challenges to healthcare workers. The pandemic has resulted into redirection of funds and attention by governments, donors, and stakeholders towards COVID-19 containment efforts, thereby diverting focus from other important issues including sexual and reproductive health. This study aimed to determine the short term impact of COVID-19 on antenatal care services at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH) between March and May 2020. MethodsThis was a retrospective study in which we reviewed records of mothers who attended antenatal care clinic at KIU-TH for the months of March, April and May in both 2019 and 2020. The health workers attached to the antenatal care clinic during the periods filled a questionnaire to report on challenges faced by the service providers. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 22. ResultsData for 2,379 clients was analyzed in total. The percentage reduction in antenatal care attendance was 7.1% in the year 2020. The services that were significantly affected were fetal heart listening and administration of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria prophylaxis. The main challenges faced by the service providers were: lack of transport means, excessive work, exhaustion and fear of contracting COVID-19 infection. ConclusionCOVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced antenatal care service provision during the study period. Measures should be put in place to ensure that antenatal services can be offered appropriately and safely without compromising the clients nor the health care workers during outbreaks.

Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Adult Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending Diabetic Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Adult Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending Diabetic Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

In-hospital mortality attributable to severe anaemia and associated clinical signs in children admitted at hospitals in Bushenyi district

Severe anaemia is one of the important causes of admissions and deaths among children in majority of African countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. East Africa is one of the regions that have the highest burden of anaemia in the world. In Uganda, severe anaemia complicates one third of hospital admissions and with associated increased mortality. Many of the studies on severe anaemia which have done in Uganda are community based and on specific populations like HIV infected children. This study described the in-hospital mortality attributable to severe anaemia and associated clinical signs among children admitted at all hospitals in Bushenyi district. This was a cross sectional descriptive and analytical study that consecutively enrolled 225 children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted at hospitals in Bushenyi district, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Comboni Hospital and Ishaka Adventist Hospital from April 2017 to December 2017. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 14. We determined the proportion of children who had severe anaemia and died in the course of admission and the clinical signs at admission that were associated with mortality using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. The proportion of severely anaemia children who died was 8.4%. The clinical signs at admission that were independently associated with mortality were coma [aOR=5.97, (95%CI, 1.94-18.36), p=&lt;0.002] and tachypnea [aOR=6.02, (95%CI, 1.44-25.14), p=&lt;0.014]. The in-hospital mortality attributable to severe anaemia among children admitted to hospitals in Bushenyi district is high. The clinical signs at admission that were significantly associated with mortality were tachypnea and coma. We therefore recommend that clinicians should routinely do hemoglobin concentration screening for all admitted children and give the appropriate emergency and long term management. Clinicians may use coma and tachycardia to triage severely anaemic children.

Factors Associated with Increased Cases of Brucelosis among Patients at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District, Uganda

Background: The government has employed numerous strategies ranging from animal vaccination, quarantines, free tests and diagnosis.&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with increased cases of brucellosis at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital.&#x0D; Methodology: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study which employed simple random sampling to select 36 patients aged 18 years and above attending at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital who consented to take part.&#x0D; Results: The majority of the respondents (n=14, 38.9%) belonged to the age group of 26-30years, followed by the respondents belonged to the age group of 31 years and above 12 (n=12, 33.3%) while the interrogated persons belonged to the age group of 18-25 years were weak (n= 10; 27.8%). Majority of the respondents (n= 15; 41.7%) revealed that they were Christian-catholic. Moreover, most of these respondents (n= 19; 52.8%) revealed that they studied only secondary education meanwhile only (n=10, 27.8%) were primary leavers. These respondents belonged in the majority to Banyankole/Bakiga tribe (n= 19; 52.8%) and were married (n= 28; 77.8%). The results of this study showed that 36.1% (n= 13) of respondents lived with the incomes included between 100,000 and 150,000 Uganda shillings. They were in majority 14 (n= 14; 38.9%) at 1 – 2 kilometers to the nearest health facility meanwhile 27.8% (n= 10) of respondents were at 5 and above kilometers. Approximately 58.4% (n= 21) of respondents were agreed that there is presence of diagnostic facilities of brucellosis and 63.9 % (n= 23) of these respondents adhered to treatment of brucellosis.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed that age, level of education, tribe, household income, property ownership, cost of treatment, distance from the health facility and poor service utilization influence increase in brucellosis cases among patients at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. Brucellosis places significant burdens on human healthcare systems and limits the economic potential of individuals, communities, and nations where such development is especially important to diminish the prevalence of poverty.

Prevalence of Post Caesarean Wound Infections and Associated Factors among Mothers Delivering from Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

Caesarean section simply is an operative technique by which a fetus is delivered through an abdominal and uterine incisions after a minimum period of 28 weeks of amenorrhea, whilst a post caesarean section wound infection (PCWI) is an infection that occurs after a C- section, usually due to a bacterial infection in the surgical incision site. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of post caesarean wound infections among mothers who delivered from KIU-TH, and to identify common factors associated with post caesarean wound infections among these mothers. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize and highlight the difference among the post-caesarean patients. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. The analyzed data was then presented using tables and charts. The results indicate that the prevalence of post-caesarean wound infection at Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital is still low (3.2%) but may increase if the steps are not taken to initiate its prevention and eradication. The results indicate that post-caesarean wound infection is positively and significantly associated with age (X2 = 10.747, P&lt;0.05), the cause/reason of caesarean section (X2 = 62.000, P&lt;0.05), color of liquor (X2 =45.983, P&lt;0.05), duration of labor (X2 =10.067, P&lt; 0.05) and amount of blood lost (X2 = 3.844, P&lt;0.05). The prevalence of PCWIs at KIU-TH was 3.2% and the factors associated were the reason for caesarean section, color of liquor, duration of labor, amount of blood lost. Based on the results and the findings, the study recommends that recognition of the consequences and the building of the strategies to prevent and treat Post-caesarean wound infections at Kampala international university-teaching hospital is essential for reducing post- caesarean maternal morbidity and mortality. In addition, the study also recommends the recognition of the associated risk factors particularly the modifiable and their modification to reduce the occurrence of Post-caesarean wound infection. Keywords: Prevalence, Post Caesarean, Wound Infections and Mothers Delivering

Assessment of Infection Control Measures and Risk Factors at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District: A Study on Staff Awareness and Implementation

This research delved into the critical role of infection prevention and control in enhancing hospital care quality, particularly at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. The primary aim was twofold: to identify risk factors associated with inadequate infection control and to evaluate the utilization of existing infection control measures among hospital staff. Conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study within the hospital premises in Bushenyi District, the research engaged 100 respondents comprising various staff members employed at the institution, assessing their awareness of infection control through structured questionnaires. Although random sampling of 10 staff members was instrumental in refining the questionnaire for suitability, their results weren't incorporated into this study's findings. The respondent demographics showcased a predominant representation of nurses, with a majority being female employees and nearly four-fifths having worked at the hospital for less than four years. Notably, half of the respondents identified airborne infections as the most prevalent in the hospital setting. The study highlighted a positive inclination toward infection control tasks, with over 80% of participants acknowledging the effectiveness of infection control practices in curtailing the spread of infections among patients. Despite this awareness, the findings indicated a moderate level of overall awareness regarding infection control measures. While more than half of the respondents expressed favorable views on infection control practices and the utilization of available resources such as gloves, aprons, and hand hygiene, the implementation and adherence to standard precautions fell short of optimal levels. In conclusion, the study revealed a moderate level of awareness regarding infection control measures among hospital staff, with a majority holding positive attitudes toward the utilization of available resources. However, the actual implementation and adherence to standard precautions appeared suboptimal, signaling the need for enhanced efforts to bolster practice and compliance within the hospital setting. Keywords: Infection, Infection control, Waste management, Hand washing.

Influences Impacting the Acceptance of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision among Medical Students Pursuing Bachelor’s Degrees at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

The primary objective of this investigation was to identify the determinants influencing the adoption of voluntary medical male circumcision services among bachelor’s male medical students at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design over a three-month period within Bushenyi District-Uganda, specifically at KIU-TH situated in Ishaka town. This hospital, a private institution, serves as a prominent teaching center for various medical programs. A sample of 372 bachelor’s male medical students participated in the study, responding to simple pretested semi-structured questionnaires. Analyzing the collected data via SPSS version 20 revealed a mean age of 28±5.504 years, ranging from 19 to 50 years. Predominantly, participants were in their 4th year of study (47.1%), unmarried (76.1%), identified as Christians (78.2%), and held Ugandan nationality (79.6%). Notably, 38.7% of students reported being circumcised, with 68.1% undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). However, among uncircumcised individuals, only 25.0% expressed willingness to undergo VMMC. All participants demonstrated awareness and comprehension of VMMC, with 96.5% acknowledging its role in HIV prevention and 77.2% recognizing potential complications associated with VMMC. Regarding attitudes, 68.5% held positive views on VMMC, highlighting that pain during the procedure is manageable (40.6%) and recovery is relatively swift (72.8%). Despite this, the uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision remained below national targets. While a majority exhibited favorable attitudes toward VMMC, a smaller fraction displayed willingness to engage in this procedure. The findings underscore the necessity for evidence-based health education initiatives and structured VMMC campaigns, specifically targeting medical students, to enhance the uptake of VMMC services. Keywords: Male circumcision, Healthcare providers, Male medical students, HIV, Health education.

Determinants Impacting the Use of Antibiotics Among Patients Visiting the Dental Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Western Uganda

The primary objective of this investigation was to identify the factors influencing the usage of antibiotics among patients seeking care at the Dental Clinic within Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, situated in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Western Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional hospital-based survey, gathering data between February and July 2022. This design enables the collection of specific parameters at a single point in time. Analyzed data was presented through tables and figures, illustrating frequencies and proportions. For continuous variables, univariate analysis was conducted, presenting measures of central tendency (such as mean, median, and mode) and measures of dispersion (like range, interquartile range, and standard deviation) for various independent variables. The study revealed that financial constraints were cited by patients and health center nurses as a significant factor causing delays in seeking dental care and occasionally resulting in non-attendance at the dental department. From interviews, patient-related factors emerged, including knowledge about oral health services, awareness of services offered in dental clinics, perceived necessity, fear, anxiety, and access to oral health services. Consequently, the study recommended an enhancement in oral health education initiatives, particularly leveraging media channels, due to a shortage of community oral health personnel. The aim is to extensively educate the population about preventing oral diseases and the appropriate timing for seeking oral health services, enabling individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding their oral health. Keywords: Antibiotics, bacterial infections, Dental Clinic, Oral health.

Evaluating Medical Waste Sorting Methods and Ultimate Disposal Across Various Health Units at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

Globally, the surge in medical and healthcare waste is evident, primarily driven by population growth, expanding healthcare facilities, and increased usage of disposable medical products. This study employed qualitative data collection methods, utilizing direct observation and daily review of completed questionnaires to ensure accuracy. Data sets were meticulously organized using an Excel spreadsheet and the Statistical Products and Service Solution (SPSS) data entry module. The assessment focused on waste segregation practices within various health units at KIU-TH. It was observed that healthcare officers in specific units predominantly managed waste segregation, with 95% of units employing color-coded waste bins. Black bins were the most prevalent, followed by red and yellow bins. Notably, a significant percentage indicated that containers for healthcare waste transportation consistently had securely covered lids (96%). The transportation of waste primarily relied on manual methods, either through hand-pushing containers or via vehicles. The study highlighted the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guiding documents across all health units and disposal sites. Overall, the findings underscored the prevalence of healthcare waste segregation using color-coded collection bins. However, instances of non-hazardous waste mixing with hazardous waste in general containers were observed, alongside the widespread presence of instructive posters in nearly all visited health units. Keywords: medical waste, segregation practices, disposal

Factors Influencing Immunization in Children Attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District, Western Uganda

The study aimed to identify factors affecting immunization in children under one year of age at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda. 418 child-caregiver pairs were recruited, and data was collected, coded, and entered into Epi info version 7. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for analysis. Factors associated with immunization coverage were determined through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The majority of caretakers were female (100%), with the majority of children aged 4-6 months. The majority of caretakers were between the ages of 21 and 29, had at least a secondary education, were married, housewives, and had more than two children. 69.8% of children had been fully vaccinated for the recommended time, while 14.1% and 16.1% had not been vaccinated at all. Factors affecting immunization completion included secondary education or higher, attending postnatal care sessions, delivery from a designated health facility, and good vaccination knowledge of the caregiver. 69.8% of children aged one year and below are fully vaccinated for the recommended time. Keywords: Immunization of children, Health facility, Child deaths, Caregivers, Postnatal care