Nakasongola Districts Research Articles

Individual and intimate-partner factors associated with cervical cancer screening in Central Uganda.

Intimate-partner factors have a significant effect on the uptake of services that affect maternal reproductive health outcomes. There is limited research on intimate-partner factors associated with cervical cancer screening. Therefore, this article examines the intimate-partner correlates of cervical cancer screening among married women in Central Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Wakiso and Nakasongola districts in Central Uganda. A total of 656 married women aged 25-49 participated in the study. Frequency distributions for descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-squared tests were done to identify the association of selected individual explanatory variables and intimate-partner factors with cervical cancer screening. Finally, multivariable complementary log-log regressions were used to estimate intimate-partner factors associated with women's cervical cancer screening uptake in Central Uganda. About 2 in 10 (20%) of the participants had been screened for cervical cancer. The following characteristics when examined separately in relation to the uptake of cervical cancer screening service and were significant: woman's age, education attainment, occupation, wealth index, parity, male partner's age, and male partner's emotional support. After adjusting for independent factors, cervical cancer screening was significantly associated with women who had; attained secondary (AOR = 2.19; CI 1.18-4.06) compared to none/ primary education, and received partner's emotional support (AOR = 30.06; CI 13.44-67.20) compared to those who did not receive partner's emotional support. In Central Uganda, cervical cancer screening among married women was significantly associated with women's education, and partner's emotional support. These factors point to the importance of intimate-partner factors. Therefore, more effort should be directed at encouraging men's participation. This should be supplemented with empowering women through education to increase uptake of screening services.

Profitability and Farmer Acceptability of Selected Climate Smart Technologies and Practices for Maize-Beans Production in Drought-Prone Areas, Uganda

Climate change is increasingly affecting farm-level decisions on when to plant and which climate smart agriculture (CSA) options to use. This study was conducted to determine the profitability and farmer acceptability of different CSA options for maize-bean production in drought-prone areas of Uganda. It was conducted on-farm in Rakai and Nakasongola districts during 2020 and 2021. Variables included: planting date (early vs late); varieties (common beans: NABE 4 and NAROBEAN 2, and maize: Longe 5 and Bazooka); intercropping versus pure stand; and fertiliser use (manure, Diammonium phosphate (DAP) or combination). The experimental design was split-split plot, replicated six times. Over two years, early planting caused 16% and up to 46% higher yields of maize and beans, respectively, than late planting, resulting in 14% - 28% and 18% - 43% higher Benefit/Cost (B/C) ratio for maize and beans, respectively. Intercropping reduced maize and beans yield by 16% - 25% and 52% - 57%, respectively. The B/C was highest for sole maize; intercropping was more profitable than sole beans. Fertilizer (DAP) was most profitable when Bazooka was early-planted as sole crop followed by intercrop. For late planted-crop, manure was better. These practices were more beneficial when applied simultaneously for both crops excluding bean variety. Farmers’ lessons stressed the importance of early planting and fertilizer use; however, majority indicated they were to adopt more than two of the practices tested.

Diversity in Nutrient Content and Consumer Preferences of Sensory Attributes of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties in Ugandan Agroecosystems

The cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most widely consumed legumes globally due to its nutrient content, taste, and affordability. Nutrient composition and consumer preference were determined for twenty local farmer (landrace) and commercial peanut varieties grown in the Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of the central wooded savanna of Uganda through sensory and laboratory evaluation. Significant differences in nutrient content (p < 0.05) among peanut varieties were found within and across sites. A significant relationship between nutrient content and consumer preference for varieties within and across sites was also realized (Wilk’s lambda = 0.05, p = 0.00). The differences in nutrient content influenced key organoleptic characteristics, including taste, crunchiness, appearance, and soup aroma, which contributed to why consumers may prefer certain varieties to others. Gender differences in variety selection were significantly related to consumer preference for the crunchiness of roasted peanut varieties (F = 5.7, p = 0.016). The results imply that selecting different varieties of peanuts enables consumers to receive different nutrient amounts, while experiencing variety uniqueness. The promotion of peanut intraspecific diversity is crucial for improved nutrition, organoleptic appreciation and the livelihood of those engaged in peanut value chains, especially for the actors who specialize in different peanut products. The conservation of peanut diversity will ensure that the present and future generations benefit from the nutritional content and organoleptic enjoyment that is linked to unique peanut varieties.

Deciphering nutrient composition of beef for different indigenous meat preservation methods in central Uganda

Livestock farmers in the rural communities of Uganda depend largely on indigenous preservation techniques as means of minimizing post-harvest losses in beef value chain. The nutritional quality of animal source foods is priority world over. The objective of this study was to decipher nutrient composition of beef for the different indigenous meat preservation techniques in Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted in Nakaseke, Nakasongola and Sembabule districts using experimental-survey approaches. In the field survey, 90 respondents were interviewed using participatory techniques. Laboratory analysis examined 57 preserved meat samples. The results revealed two indigenous meat preservation techniques; Non-salted smoking (63.3%) and salted smoking (36.7%), largely (60%) practiced by females. Meat preservation is more frequent in dry season (93.3%). The results also showed that non-salted smoked and salted smoked meat had average moisture, fat and protein content of 21%, 14%, 67%; and 11%, 13% and 62% respectively. The average of zinc, iron and calcium content for the non salted smoked meat; 1.636 mg, 2.738 mg and 0.237 mg respectively while salt smoked meat; 2.341 mg, 3.587 mg and 0.609 mg respectively. The variations in nutrient composition of non salted smoked and salted smoked meat was insignificant (p>0.05). The authors conclude that the nutritional composition of traditionally processed meat products is maintained, particularly with high content of protein, fat, zinc, and iron. The indigenous meat preservation methods should be promoted and up-scaled due to enhanced nutrients and their potential to reduce of post-harvest losses. Additionally, develop standard operating procedures to prevent variations in processes of preservation techniques to assure nutritional quality of products.

Predictors of cervical cancer screening uptake in two districts of Central Uganda.

Uganda's cervical cancer age standardized incidence rate is four times the global estimate. Although Uganda's ministry of health recommends screening for women aged 25-49 years, the screening remains low even in the most developed region (Central Uganda) of the country. This study examined the demographic, social, and economic predictors of cervical cancer screening in Central Uganda with the aim of informing targeted interventions to improve screening. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wakiso and Nakasongola districts in Central Uganda. A total of 845 women age 25-49 years participated in the study. Data were analyzed at bivariate and multivariate levels to examine the predictors of CC (cervical cancer) screening. Only 1 in 5 women (20.6%) had ever screened for cervical cancer. Our multivariate logistic regression model indicated that wealth index, source of information, and knowledge about CC and CC screening were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening. The odds of cervical cancer screening were higher among rich women compared with poor women [AOR = 1.93 (95%CI: 1.06-3.42), p = 0.031)], receiving information from health providers compared with radios [AOR = 4.14 (95%CI: 2.65-6.48), p<0.001, and being more knowledgeable compared with being less knowledgeable about CC and CC screening [AOR = 2.46 (95%CI: 1.49-3.37), p<0.001)]. Overall cervical cancer screening uptake in central Uganda was found to be low. The findings of the study indicate that women from a wealthy background, who had been sensitized by health workers and with high knowledge about CC and CC screening had higher odds of having ever screened compared with their counterparts. Efforts to increase uptake of screening must address disparities in access to resources and knowledge.

Factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake in Central Uganda

The burden of cervical cancer in Uganda is high yet uptake of HPV vaccination is low. Identification of child and mother factors associated with HPV vaccination are important for targeted interventions however, this problem has not been well investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake and associated factors among the10 to 17-year-old girls in Central Uganda four years after rolling out the vaccine in the country. The cross-sectional survey was done in Wakiso and Nakasongola districts in Central Uganda. A total of 503 girls participated in the study. Logistic regression analyses were done to establish the relationship between vaccination status and socio-demographic characteristics of the girls and their mothers. HPV vaccination uptake was generally low (39.4%) in central Uganda and significantly associated with; mothers’ education attainment, HPV knowledge, mothers’ age, religion, wealth index, type of residence, birth order and schooling status. There were reduced odds of HPV vaccination among Pentecostal girls [OR=0.44; (95% CI: 0.21-0.90), p=0.025)] and rural dwelling girls [OR=0.24 (95% CI: 0.16-0.37), P=0.016)]. The likelihood of vaccination was higher among girls; of birth order three [OR=2.45 (95% CI: 1.25-4.82), P=0.029)], who were schooling [OR=2.73 (95% CI: 1.12-6.63), P=0.027)], with high wealth index [OR= 2.31 (95% CI: 1.12-4.76), P=0.024)], living with mothers with high HPV knowledge [OR= 2.26 (95% CI: 1.41-3.61), P=0.001)], and whose mothers were aged 30-39 years [OR= 2.44 (95% CI: 1.07-5.59), P=0.034)]. Both child and mother characteristics showed a marked impact on HPV vaccination. Strategies like creation of awareness should target girls: in rural areas, not schooling, with lower social economic status, living with women below 29 years, of lower birth orders, and living with less knowledgeable women; and involving religious leaders in programs should be embraced in order to achieve high vaccination uptake.

Increasing Uptake of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infection, and Family Planning Services, and Reducing HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among Youth Living With HIV in Uganda

PurposeTo address barriers to care for youth living with HIV (YLHIV), the Link Up project implemented a peer-led intervention model that provided a comprehensive package of HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights services through community-based peer support groups for YLHIV. Peer educators delivered targeted counseling and health education, and referred YLHIV to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and reproductive health services that were available at youth-oriented sexual and reproductive health and rights facilities. MethodsAt baseline (October to November 2014), 37 peer support groups for YLHIV were established in Luwero and Nakasongola districts. During this same time period, we recruited a cohort of 473 support group members, aged 15–24 years. After a 9-month intervention period (January to September 2015), we completed the end-line survey with 350 members of the original cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis applied to longitudinal data was used to assess changes in key outcomes from baseline to end line. ResultsMultivariate analyses showed significant increases at end line, compared with baseline, in self-efficacy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.8 [1.3–2.6]), comprehensive HIV knowledge [AOR: 1.8 [1.3–2.6]), HIV disclosure (AOR: 1.6 [1.01–2.6]), condom use at last sex (AOR: 1.7 [1.2–2.5]), sexually transmitted infection uptake (AOR: 2.1 [1.5–2.9]), ART uptake (AOR: 2.5 [1.6–4.0]), ART adherence (AOR: 2.5 [1.3–4.9]), CD4 testing (AOR: 2.4 [1.5–3.6]), and current use of a modern contraceptive method (AOR: 1.7 [1.1–2.7]). ConclusionsLink Up's intervention strategy likely contributed to observed increases in self-efficacy, knowledge of HIV, condom use, HIV disclosure ART utilization and adherence, CD4 testing, STI testing uptake, and use of modern family planning methods. This model shows promise and should be adapted for use among YLHIV in similar settings and evaluated further.

An investigation on factors associated with malnutrition among underfive children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts, Uganda.

BackgroundMalnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Sub Saharan Africa. To understand the factors associated with malnutrition among under-five children, a study was conducted in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of Uganda.MethodCross sectional secondary data of 104 underfive children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts was used. Epi Info programme-Nutrition module and Stata statistical softwares were used in analyses. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and binary logistic regression results were generated.ResultStunting was found to be the most malnutrition condition with the highest prevalence (38.5 %) in the two districts followed by wasting (16.5 %) and underweight (13.5 %) respectively. Results also showed that children aged 39–59 months were less likely to be underweight than those aged below twelve months. Children of peasant farmers were more likely to be stunted than their counterparts with mothers in pastoralist’s family. No significant factors were found to be associated with wasting among the underfive children in the two districts although the prevalence was slightly higher than that of child underweight.ConclusionThe study is essential in pointing out the particular age-groups among underfive children as well as the maternal occupations that may be factors associated with malnutrition in the districts of Nakaseke and Nakasongola. The author recommends exclusive breast feeding and proper complementary feeding especially among children under three years. Furthermore, special arrangement could be put in place to have children of mothers engaged in cultivation brought to them regularly for breastfeeding.

Characterising food insecurity in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Uganda using a consumption coping strategy index

We explore the utility of a consumption coping strategy index (CSI) in characterising and assessing the factors influencing household food insecurity. We assessed 53 pastoral and 197 agro-pastoral households in Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts of Uganda, examining the use of 27 consumption coping strategies over a recall time of two 30-day periods, one at the start of a dry season in 2012 and one at the start of a rainy season in 2013. Four categorical food insecurity status measures were established - food secure (CSI 0 to 5) and mildly (CSI 6 to 20), moderately (CSI 21 to 42) and extremely (CSI >42) food insecure. For the dry season, the mean CSI was 29.4 ± 2.59 and 33.6 % of households were food secure, while for the rains, mean CSI was 33.1 ± 2.30 and 14.0 % of households were food secure. The combination of livelihood system, land holdings, number of livestock owned and belonging to a social network explained 9.4 % to 10 % of the variance in household food insecurity for agro-pastoralists, but variance for pastoralists was not explained by these factors. While the only highly significant factor associated with increasing household food insecurity in the dry season was low landholdings, in the rainy season, it was pastoral livelihood, low livestock holdings for agro-pastoralists and non-involvement in social networks. While our model identified a number of factors important in describing household food insecurity, it explained only about 10 % of the variance.

Detection of Antibodies and Confirmation ofMycobacterium aviumSubspeciesparatuberculosisUsing Nested PCR in Bulk Milk Samples from Nakasongola and Sembabule Districts, Uganda

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an emerging pathogen in many livestock and wildlife populations around the world. Concerns range from the serious economic impacts on livestock productivity to its suspected role in the human inflammatory bowel disease syndrome. Milk and faeces of infected animals are the main vehicles through which the organism spreads from infected to susceptible hosts. In this study, a survey was done in Nakasongola and Sembabule districts of Uganda involving a total of seven dairy collection centres to determine the prevalence of antibodies to MAP in bulk milk samples. The milk was tested with a commercial ELISA kit for MAP testing in milk. Positive and suspicious milk samples were further tested using nested PCR. Of the 257 milk samples tested, 11 (4.3%) were positive and five (1.9%) were suspicious. All the ELISA positive and suspicious milk samples were positive using nested PCR. The results show that MAP infection occurs in cattle from the two districts and highlight the need for a paratuberculosis control program in these and other districts where MAP infection has been reported.

Comparative &lt;i&gt;Brucella abortus&lt;/i&gt; antibody prevalence in cattle under contrasting husbandry practices in Uganda

A study was conducted in the Luwero and Nakasongola districts in central Uganda to determine and compare the prevalence and distribution of antibodies against Brucella abortus in cattle under contrasting husbandry practices, using two serological tests. Three hundred and fifteen serum samples were systematically sampled from 29 farms and subsequently tested using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and Indirect Antibody Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (I-ELISA). The overall prevalence of antibodies against Brucella abortus in the Nakasongola and Luwero districts was 2.4% and 4.7% on RBPT, compared with 1.2% and 3.34 % on I-ELISA. There was no significant difference between the results obtained by RBPT and indirect antibody ELISA (p > 0.05). It was noted that antibodies against Brucella abortus were widely spread over different farms regardless of the cattle grazing system (p > 0.05). Based on the findings, it is feasible to use RBPT as a cheaper screening alternative for brucellosis. A comprehensive national brucellosis study should be undertaken to study the epidemiology and prevalence of brucellosis in Uganda.

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES OF LANTANA TRIFOLIA L. AND SIDA CUNEIFOLIA ROXB. IN MUKUNGWE AND WABINYONYI SUB-COUNTIES OF CENTRAL UGANDA

Aim: This was an ethnobotanical study that was carried out to establish the traditional uses of Lantana trifolia L. and Sida cuneifolia Roxb. plants in selected parts of Central Uganda. Methods: The ethnobotanical study was done in August and September, 2012 in Mukungwe and Wabinyonyi sub-counties in Masaka and Nakasongola Districts respectively located in Central Uganda. Study sites and respondents were purposefully selected and information was obtained through semi-structured interview guides, key informant interview guides as well as observations. Eighty respondents were considered for semi-structured interviews and 15 for key informant interviews. Results: Seven ethnobotanical uses for Lantana trifolia were cited by respondents and majority (46.25%) of them used it as a herbal remedy. As a herbal remedy, Lantana trifolia managed 13 human disease conditions and mainly used in the management of cough and common colds by 22.5% of the respondents. Four ethnobotanical uses were cited for Sida cuneifolia and majority of the respondents (62.5%) used it as a herbal remedy as well as sweeping brooms. As a herbal remedy, Sida cuneifolia was reported to be useful in management of 12 disease conditions, fractures and sprains (bone setting) being mentioned by the majority of the of respondents (36.25 %). Conclusion: In conclusion, Lantana trifolia and Sida cuneifolia were culturally important ethnomedicines. Scientific validation of traditional claims as well as conservation of these plants should be encouraged in order to preserve and promote their use.

Factors associated with pastoral community knowledge and occurrence of mycobacterial infections in Human-Animal Interface areas of Nakasongola and Mubende districts, Uganda

BackgroundNontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging opportunistic pathogens whose role in human and animal disease is increasingly being recognized. Major concerns are their role as opportunistic pathogens in HIV/AIDS infections. The role of open natural water sources as source and livestock/wildlife as reservoirs of infections to man are well documented. This presents a health challenge to the pastoral systems in Africa that rely mostly on open natural water sources to meet livestock and human needs. Recent study in the pastoral areas of Uganda showed infections with same genotypes of NTM in pastoralists and their livestock. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental, animal husbandry and socio-demographic factors associated with occurrence and the pastoral community knowledge of mycobacterial infections at the human-environment-livestock/wildlife interface (HELI) areas in pastoral ecosystems of Uganda.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty three (253) individuals were subjected to a questionnaire survey across the study districts of Nakasongola and Mubende. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsHumans sharing of the water sources with wild animals from the forest compared to savannah ecosystem (OR = 3.3), the tribe of herding pastoral community (OR = 7.9), number of rooms present in household (3-5 vs. 1-2 rooms) (OR = 3.3) were the socio-demographic factors that influenced the level of knowledge on mycobacterial infections among the pastoral communities. Tribe (OR = 6.4), use of spring vs. stream water for domestic use (OR = 4.5), presence of sediments in household water receptacle (OR = 2.32), non separation of water containers for drinking and domestic use (OR = 2.46), sharing of drinking water sources with wild animals (OR = 2.1), duration of involvement of >5 yrs in cattle keeping (OR = 3.7) and distance of household to animal night shelters (>20 meters) (OR = 3.8) were significant socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of occurrence of mycobacterioses among the pastoral communities in Uganda.ConclusionThe socio-demographic, environmental and household related factors influence the risk of occurrence as well as pastoralists' knowledge of mycobacterial infections in the pastoral households at the human-environment-livestock/wildlife pastoral interface areas of Uganda.