Kampala International University Research Articles

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

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Cervical Cancer Screening Among Students Aged 18-30 at Kampala International University

Around the world, cervical cancer is a severe public health issue. The odds of survival and treatment success are undoubtedly increased by early screening and identification. The acceptance and adoption of screening techniques are significantly influenced by solid knowledge and good attitudes. There is no comprehensive cervical screening program in place in Uganda, where cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women. But from the late 1980s, selective or opportunistic screening has been carried out. The Ministry of Health relies on screening since it allows for the early detection of pre-cancerous cells and early diagnosis, yet many women choose not to take the test, and no research has been done to determine why. In this study, student’s attitudes and knowledge toward cervical cancer screening at Kampala International University were examined. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out to determine knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer. The study included women who were students at the Kampala International University and were between the ages of 18 and 30. The percentage of screened women was calculated using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which also elicited their opinions on cervical cancer and screening. In spite of their impressive knowledge and attitudes—100% knew what cervical cancer screening was and what it involved (77.55%), 88.78% believed that Ca. cervix was one of the most common female cancers after breast (55.10%), and 72.45% acknowledged that they were at risk—only 51% of the 196 participants in the study had actually screened for the disease. Few respondents had received a screening, despite the present study's high acceptability rate for cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening still has a lot of misunderstandings and little knowledge. Keywords: Cervical cancer, Screening techniques, Cervical cancer screening, Women, Students.

The Land Question in Central Uganda: Implications to the Universities

Universities, as centers of knowledge, are expected to foster research, share information, and engage with their communities. In Uganda, where land disputes often impact universities, these institutions have a role in addressing such issues. This qualitative study was conducted in Central Uganda, specifically at four universities located in different districts: Kampala International University in Kampala, Nkumba University in Wakiso, Ndejje University in Luweero, and Muteesa 1 Royal University in Masaka. The study focused on land disputes between 2000 and 2013, a period marked by a surge in university establishments and land conflicts in the region. Twenty individuals were interviewed for this study, including two top university administrators, fifteen lecturers, and three local residents living near the universities. The research aimed to understand the nature of land issues in Central Uganda and their implications for universities. The analysis identified four key themes: the nature of the land problem, land management, land title issues, and the role of university academics in addressing land disputes. The findings revealed widespread land disputes in Central Uganda, with respondents attributing the problems to government inaction, suggesting that the government seems indifferent to the plight of local farmers. Some universities, such as Makerere and Kyambogo, faced conflicts with tenants and land grabbers. Additionally, one public university’s leasehold land had expired, and the concerned authorities were seemingly reluctant to renew the lease. The study highlighted several implications for universities, including the need for proper land titles, land fencing, and enhanced community engagement through educating local residents about land laws. It also recommended that the government, particularly the President, take decisive action against land grabbers, as respondents believed that the executive, judiciary, and legislature are all influenced by him.

Evaluation of Learning Management Systems for Success Factors

Evaluating an information system for success is key. Evaluating success factors of a Learning Management System (LMS) is essential in perspective of information systems success in a developing country context. eLearning is vital to educational system considering its benefits and impacts, particularly in accessing learning from remote areas, suitable for different learners’ categories, minimal resource utilization in terms of cost and time. Through the literature reviewed on eLearning and Information System, the desire to determine the variables that measure the success factors for information systems continues. Existing Information System (IS) success models do not sufficiently evaluate eLearning in developing country, Uganda inclusive as the current IS success models are generic in nature. This study aimed to describe a model of information system success tailored to eLearning system, Kampala International University as a case study, a Uganda’s context. To address the above objective, a field study was conducted, using questionnaire to determine factors for information systems success in Uganda, a sample size of 370 respondents were used from population size of 5500 using Sloven formula. The respondents comprise of 340 students, 27 lecturers and 4 administrators. The identified success factors are skills & training, infrastructure and management support. Data were cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 20.0 (SPSS). This study adopted Delone and Mclean’s Information System Success model (2016) and extended it using factors obtained from the field study survey. Analysis was performed to evaluate the model. Results of the study showed that all the independent variables management support, infrastructure, skills and training are positively related to the dependent variable of intention to and use of information system. There exists a strong relationship between the multiple independent variables and the dependent variable. All factors identified, has positive impact in explaining the variation in intention to use and use of the system with r coefficient of 0.343, 0.406 and 0.406 respectively. The results of the study presented a model of success factors for Learning Management System, eLearning specifically. For future research, this study recommends conducting qualitative studies to delve deeper into the nuanced perceptions and experiences of learners and teachers as well as looking into policies that can promote eLearning especially in developing countries.

A study to assess the knowledge regarding suicide prevention among the students nurses at Kampala International University Western campus Ishaka Uganda

A study to assess the knowledge regarding suicide prevention among the students nurses at Kampala International University Western campus Ishaka Uganda

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=<0.001), urban residence (X2=16.69; P=<0.001), being married (X2=25.19; P=<0.001), business occupation (X2=99.22; P=<0.001), Catholic religion (X2=61.38; P=<0.001), mother’s age at first delivery of 18-24 years (X2=24.61; P=<0.001), reproductive intention of spacing (X2=50.81; P=<0.001), never wanted the last pregnancy (X2=14.72; P=<0.001), Hospital as the source of FP information (X2=66.82; P=<0.001), partner influence on FP (X2=16.69; P=<0.001), FP counselling during ANC (X2=42.01; P=<0.001), receiving contraceptives from hospital (X2=151.61; P=<0.001) and receiving contraceptive services from the doctor (X2=226.13; P=<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 (<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.

Incidence of Prediabetes and its Development Risk Factors among Bachelor Students at Kampala International University's Western Campus in Uganda

Prediabetes marks blood glucose levels above normal yet below the diabetes threshold. Its prevalence is escalating worldwide, with projections estimating over 470 million affected individuals by 2030. Notably, there is a dearth of studies offering insight into prediabetes prevalence among university students in Uganda. This research was designed to assess prediabetes prevalence and associated risk factors among apparently healthy Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC) bachelor students. Employing a prospective cross-sectional study design, the investigation involved structured selfadministered questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry, targeting registered university students of all ages at KIU-WC. Sample size calculations were based on a formula, with BMI for age and sex referenced against Agarwal charts. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were classified per ADA criteria. A total of 121 students (61.2% male, 38.8% female) aged 15-35 participated. Results indicated a significant prediabetes prevalence of 19.8%. Notably, prediabetes rates varied among distinct age groups, particularly higher among middle-aged or young adults (18-25 years). The study underscores lifestyle modifications as pivotal in preventing or delaying prediabetes progression to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, it highlights the necessity for further comprehensive prospective studies with larger sample sizes and adequate funding to precisely quantify prediabetes burden, its risk factors, complications, preventive measures, and validate the epidemiological findings observed in this investigation. Keywords: Diabetes, Prediabetes, Lifestyle modification, Hypertension, Obesity.

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

Diabetes and depression regularly co-occur, but only about two-thirds of patients with both diseases receive recognition and treatment for it. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and associated factors among adult patients with diabetes attending diabetic clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. The prevalence of depression among diabetes mellitus patients attending diabetic clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. was found to be 26.6%. Gender, age bracket, area of Residence, level of education and marital status were statistically significantly associated with depression among diabetes mellitus patients attending diabetic Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. in the model at 5% level. Females were 3times more likely to develop depression compared to the males (OR=3.29: 95%CI, 0.84–6.58: P=0.052). Patients in the age bracket 31-39 years were 5times more likely to develop depression compared to those in age bracket 18-30 years (OR=5.73: 95%CI, 2.31- 28.4: P=<0.001). Patients who lived in urban areas were 5times more likely to develop depression compared to those who lived in rural areas (OR=2.61: 95%CI, 0.77–8.85: P=0.04). Patients who were widows were 5times more likely to develop depression compared to those who were single (OR=5.09: 95%CI, 0.87–12.30: P=<0.001). Patients with primary levels of education were 6times more likely to develop depression compared to those who attained secondary level of education (OR=6.98: 95%CI, 2.01–14.37: P=0.001). The prevalence of depressive illness in patients with DM is high and is associated with low education level, period with diabetes, Sugar levels well controlled, chronic illness other than diabetes, number of chronic illness and mode of medication for diabetes history of being in the intensive phase of DM treatment and family history of depressive illness. Keywords: Prevalence, depression, associated factors, diabetes mellitus

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=<0.002] and tachypnea [aOR=6.02, (95%CI, 1.44-25.14), p=<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.

Perceptions and Challenges Faced by Undergraduate Medical Students in Studying Anatomy: A Case Study at Kampala International University - Western Campus, Uganda.

Proficiency in anatomy is of great importance for healthcare professionals and medical students alike, as it facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Despite the obvious significance, medical students have often felt challenged in studying anatomy. The studyassessed the perceptions and challenges faced by undergraduate medical students in studying anatomy at Kampala International University - Western Campus (KIU-WC) in Uganda. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design, the study involved the administration of a standardized questionnaire to a cohort of 525 first- and second-year medical students. The questionnaire encompassed sections on student perceptions and challenges faced in studying anatomy. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents 473/525 (90%) held positive perceptions of anatomy recognizing its importance in diagnosis, understanding the human body, medical terminology acquisition, and clinical preparation. While age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.54 - 1.97, p=0.93) and gender (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.32 - 0.87, p=0.93) did not significantly impact student perceptions, positive perceptions were observed across different religious affiliations and nationalities, suggesting the universal recognition of anatomy's importance. The commonest challenges were a limited time for revision before their mid-semester and end-of-semester examination 383/525 (73.0%), information overload 374/525 (71.2%) and a lack of suitable equipment and poor internet connection for assessing online resources 352/525 (67.1%). In conclusion, respondents with positive perceptions dominated with higher percentages among all ages, genders, nationalities, and religions; the commonest challenges included a limited time for revisions before their mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations, information overload, a lack of suitable equipment and poor internet connection for assessing online resources.

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.
 The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with increased cases of brucellosis at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital.
 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.
 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.
 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<0.05), the cause/reason of caesarean section (X2 = 62.000, P<0.05), color of liquor (X2 =45.983, P<0.05), duration of labor (X2 =10.067, P< 0.05) and amount of blood lost (X2 = 3.844, P<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

Influences Encouraging Alcohol Use among Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery Students at Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Western Uganda

Alcohol consumption poses a significant public health concern, especially among university students who often experience newfound independence from direct parental oversight. This study aimed to identify the factors driving alcohol consumption among Kampala International University's Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery students. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional approach and self-administered questionnaires, data collection focused on alcohol-consuming students via snowball sampling. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software facilitated data analysis. Of the 384 participating students who consumed alcohol, nearly half (47.7%) fell within the 20-24 age range, evenly representing both genders. Notably, no substantial correlations emerged between alcohol use and age, gender, religion, or academic year. A majority of students initiated alcohol consumption at 16 years or older (41.4%). Significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and upbringing, as well as university residence. Urban upbringing and off-campus residency correlated with higher alcohol consumption. Psychologically, family structure played a role, with 59.4% of participants living with both parents reporting alcohol consumption. Peer influence was prevalent, with a substantial number introduced to alcohol by friends, either at university (32%) or at home (35.2%). While 97.7% recognized alcohol as a mood-altering stimulant, only 29.1% acknowledged the link between young adult binge drinking and future alcoholism development. Merely 12.5% believed that early alcohol exposure increased the risk of dependence, yet 93.5% recognized its association with academic underperformance or dropout. Alcohol abuse among university students appears normative, shaped by family norms and peer pressure. Supervision by family and university staff, coupled with educational interventions highlighting the health risks and consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, stand as effective measures to address this societal issue. Keywords: risk factors, alcohol, students

Occurrence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Its Correlating Factors among Female Undergraduate Medical Students at Kampala International University in Western Uganda

This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors contributing to iron deficiency anemia among undergraduate female medical students at Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC). Employing a cross-sectional study design, data was collected from a sample of undergraduate female medical students at KIU-WC using a simple random sampling method. The information gathered through questionnaires was entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 and analyzed using Stata 12.0. Among the 384 randomly selected respondents, the study revealed an anemia prevalence of 15.89%. The socio-demographic factors significantly associated with anemia included age group (20 – 24 years vs. less than 20 years), mother’s education level (high school vs. no education), and primary expenses (social events vs. buying food). Additionally, nutritional behaviors such as frequency of meals per day (3 – 4 meals vs. 1 - 2 meals) and weekly breakfast intake (6 – 7 times vs. 0 – 1 time) were associated with anemia. Comparatively, the prevalence of undernutrition among these female medical students was relatively low compared to similar studies. Notably, age, mother’s education level, primary expenses, frequency of meals, and weekly breakfast intake emerged as significant factors associated with anemia among undergraduate female medical students at KIU-WC. Keywords: Anaemia, Women of reproductive age, Pregnant women, Female medical students, Haemoglobin.

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.