Southwestern Uganda Research Articles

Organizational Justice Predicts Teachers’ Performance in Private Secondary Schools of Mitooma District, Southwestern Uganda

Organizational Justice Predicts Teachers’ Performance in Private Secondary Schools of Mitooma District, Southwestern Uganda

A cross-sectional study of point-of-care lactate testing in integrated community care management (ICCM) for children with acute respiratory illness in rural uganda.

Integrated community case management (iCCM) programs leverage lay village health workers (VHWs) to carry out the initial evaluation of children with common conditions including malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea. Therefore, it is imperative that VHWs are able to identify children who are critically ill and require referral to a health facility. Elevated venous lactate levels have been associated with severe illness and adverse health outcomes, including death. However, lactic acidosis may not be recognized in rural settings because it is not routinely measured outside of hospitals and research studies. Point-of-care lactate tests may help identify patients in need of a higher level of care and improve VHWs' ability to make timely and appropriate referrals. The study was a cross-sectional evaluation of children aged <5 y presenting to VHWs in rural southwestern Uganda with complaints of fever and cough. Demographics, clinical presentation, evaluation, management and disposition were recorded. VHWs were trained and instructed to perform lactate testing using a point-of-care assay in eligible participants. During the study period, 238 children were enrolled and completed an initial assessment. Of the 204 participants included in the analysis, 113 (55.4%) were female, and the median (IQR) age was 23 (9-36) months. Most participants, 139/200 (69.5%), had negative results on the malaria rapid diagnostic test. The median lactate level was 2.1mmol/L; 12% (24/204) had a lactate ≥3.5 mmol/L and only nine participants (4.4%) had a lactate ≥5mmol/L. Having a lactate level above either cut-off was not associated with the presence of danger signs at presentation. Few children presenting with fever and cough to VHWs in western Uganda had elevated lactate levels. However, most of the children with elevated lactate levels did not otherwise satisfy established iCCM criteria based on physical examination findings for referral to a health facility. Therefore, while elevated lactate was not associated with danger signs in this small study, it is possible that there is under-recognition of severe illness using current iCCM guidelines.

“I desire to have an HIV-free baby”: pregnant and breastfeeding mothers’ perceptions of Viral load testing and suppression in HIV care in southwestern Uganda

IntroductionViral suppression is a critical component for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV(MTCT). Mothers’ perceptions of viral load suppression is crucial in the attainment of successful outcomes in preventing mother to child transmission of HIV. We therefore aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of women on viral suppression.MethodsThis was a qualitative sub-study embedded in a cluster-randomized trial (NCT04122144) designed to improve viral load outcomes among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in four level III/IV health facilities in South-western Uganda. Thirty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant and breastfeeding women with HIV from 1st March 2020 to 30th September 2020 to explore their understanding and interpretation of viral suppression. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded in Dedoose software for analysis.ResultsA total of 32 Women living with HIV were enrolled in this qualitative study. WLHIV explained viral suppression in the context of attaining good health and having HIV-free babies. Adherence to ART was presented as a key avenue to viral suppression. The level of engagement with providers was presented as a key attribute of attaining viral suppression. The participants narrated their experiences with viral load testing within the routine services. However, they revealed experiencing some proximate barriers to suppression including anticipated stigma, challenges with non-disclosure of HIV status, pregnancy distress, and distance to the health facility.ConclusionThe understanding and interpretation of viral suppression among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV provides a basis for adopting behaviors leading to prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. Health care workers can support women by providing clear and culturally appropriate education about viral suppression, adherence strategies and creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Uropathogens Isolated from Refugees with Urinary Tract Infections in Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp, Southwestern Uganda

The World Health Organization estimates one in four individuals has had at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) episode requiring treatment with an antimicrobial agent. At Nakivale refugee camp, the overwhelming number of refugees often associated with poor living conditions predispose the refugees to urinary tract infections. This study determined the prevalence of UTIs, the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolated bacterial pathogens, the prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) bacteria, and the molecular characterization of genes encoding ESBLs among refugees in the Nakivale refugee settlement. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 216 outpatients who visited Nakivale Health Centre III between July and September 2020. The urine samples were received and examined at the microbiology laboratory of Mbarara University of Science and Technology. The urine samples were cultured and identified. Antibiotic susceptibility was carried out following CLSI recommended guidelines while the presence of genes encoding ESBL was detected using conventional PCR amplification. The prevalence of UTI was 24.1% (52/216). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent causative agent, accounting for 22/52 (42.31%) of total isolates, followed by Escherichia coli 21/52(40.38%). Multidrug-resistant isolates accounted for 71.15% (37/52). A total of twenty-one isolates (70.0%) were extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria. The most prevalent genes were TEM beta-lactamase (blaTEM) and CTX-M beta-lactamase (blaCTX-M). The prevalence of UTI among refugees in the Nakivale settlement was high which calls for continuous epidemiological surveys to determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistance uropathogens including ESBL-producing organisms across refugee camps in Uganda.

Typologies and determinants of coping responses to forage and water scarcity among livestock farmers in South-western Uganda: Does gender matter?

Typologies and determinants of coping responses to forage and water scarcity among livestock farmers in South-western Uganda: Does gender matter?

Infant feeding and treatment practices could lead to enhanced transmission of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and other orally shed infections via saliva, in rural south-western Uganda

ABSTRACT This qualitative sub-study investigated household practices affecting orally shed infections using Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) as a focus. Participants enrolled from 50 households in rural south-western Uganda were followed monthly up to three times. At enrolment, in-depth interviews were completed, and venous blood collected. KSHV seropositivity was defined as anti-KSHV antibody detection to any of 25 antigens by multiplex bead-based assay. Mouthwash samples from every visit were tested by qPCR and KSHV shedders defined as individuals with KSHV DNA detected. At least one KSHV seropositive person was in 48/49(98%) households. Among those, 79% had 1+ KSHV shedders including 45% with 1+ always shedders and 92% with 1+ intermittent shedders, not mutually exclusively. All respondents reported feeding infants with pre-masticated hard food/fruits and testing food/tea temperature. Temperature was tested by tasting, pouring tea on their hand, or touching the cup to their cheek. Some cooled food/tea using a utensil or blowing over it. Food sharing amongst children and adults and using the same dish was common practice. To treat colic pain, carers/mothers reported chewing herbs and spitting into the child’s mouth. Feeding and treatment practices did not vary by KSHV status. We identified potential KSHV transmission modes in rural Ugandan households.

An Investigation Into Carbapenem Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Among Outpatients With Urinary Tract Infection in Southwestern Uganda

An Investigation Into Carbapenem Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Among Outpatients With Urinary Tract Infection in Southwestern Uganda

Socio-Emotional Disposition’s Mediation in Technical Skills and Graduate Employability in Tourism and Hospitality Industry—South-Western Uganda

Despite possessing technical skills, many hospitality graduates in Southwestern Uganda struggle to secure employment. This suggests a possible deficiency in their socio-emotional abilities. The study investigated the mediating effect of socio-emotional disposition in the relationship between technical skills and graduate employability. The research design employed in this study was the cross-sectional quantitative research method with a population of 640 graduates and a sample size of 400 was established for hospitality graduates based on Krejcie, &amp; Morgan’s (1970) table and formula. The data was collected employing questionnaires and the data analysis was done by SPSS V. 23 and Smart PLS V 4. The results revealed that the technical skills and socio-emotional disposition of graduates have significant direct effects on the graduates’ employability, with path coefficients of (β = 0.348, p &lt; 0.001) for technical skills and (β = 0.716, p&lt; 0.001) for socio-emotional disposition. Sensitively, socio-emotional disposition was also reported to mediate the link between technical skill and employability (β = 0.438, p&lt;0.001). Thus, socio-emotional disposition increases the level of readiness for employment. The study indicates technical competencies are mandatory prerequisites to getting a job in the hospitality industry; socio-emotional competencies enhance these results. The study recommended that carrying out tracer studies and skills audits, mentorship schemes, certification of future graduates, creating a strong linkage between higher educational institutions (HEIs) and the hospitality sector, and authorities should take into account the programs that encourage socio-emotional enhancement appropriate to the needs of the sector

Amniotic Fluid Bacterial Colonization, Antibiotic Susceptibility, and Associated Factors Among Women With Premature Rupture of Membranes at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Southwestern Uganda

Amniotic Fluid Bacterial Colonization, Antibiotic Susceptibility, and Associated Factors Among Women With Premature Rupture of Membranes at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Southwestern Uganda

The Effect of Gendered Power Relations on Food Production among Female-headed Households in Mbarara District, Southwestern Uganda

Gendered power relations refer to the way males and females exercise influence at the household level in terms of decision-making, planning, resource utilization and executing family affairs from time to time(Agarwal, 1997; Manser &amp; Brown, 1979). These relations define how females and males interrelate while taking steps to handle issues of managing and utilizing resources as well as handling overall family welfare at the household level(Bohren et al., 2024; Weeratunge et al., 2016). Drawing from the traditional African society perspective, gendered power relations are that aspect that defines family norms, roles and values (Heise et al., 2019; Ponthieux &amp; Meurs, 2015). Gender power relations influence food production in many developing countries, as land which is a major factor of production is largely seen and viewed as a preserve of men to control(Croppenstedt et al., 2013; Rao, 2006). The situation is even more complex among female-headed households, where despite females being household heads, society seems not to trust them with the absolute power they deserve to manage and utilize resources for food production(Agarwal, 1997; Fonjong et al., 2013). This puts the female heads of these households in a more vulnerable state as well as their families (Yoosefi Lebni et al., 2020). In effect, their livelihoods are affected as manifested in terms of inadequate household income, food insecurity, health status, as well as compromised psychological well-being (Myers, 2020; Yoosefi Lebni et al., 2020).

Profiles, tissue and microbial integrity of cadavers used in medical faculties in South-western Uganda: implication in anatomical education.

Cadaveric dissection has remained an integral part of anatomical education globally; hence, the profiles of cadavers, their gross tissue and microbial integrity has great implication in anatomical education. This study determined the profiles, gross tissue and microbial integrity of cadavers used in South-western Uganda (SWU) medical schools. A cross-sectional study was carried out for three months in anatomy and microbiology laboratories of SWU medical teaching institutions. Ethical approval was obtained, cadavers were proportionately selected and examined grossly, and surface swabs taken for microbial analysis. Data collected was entered into Microsoft Excel, cleaned, and exported to Stata version 17 for analysis. Majority of cadavers were male (68%), adult (96%), blacks (100%), unknown cause of death (96%), obtained as unclaimed bodies (100%) and with no cadaver record tag (96%). Nearly a half (48%) cadavers had disrupted dentition, 68% had poor muscle integrity and 80% with abnormal fat. About 27% cadavers had poor surface microbial integrity among which 62.5% had a mixture of both bacteria and fungi, 25.0% had only fungi while 12.5% had only bacteria. A high number of cadavers had micro-organisms on their surfaces with majority having a mixture of bacteria and fungi. Majority of cadavers had poor gross tissue integrity. Better cadaver preservation methods should be adopted. To advocate for the establishment of cadaver donation policy and programs through which good quality cadavers can be obtained.

Associations Between Non-communicable Diseases and Obstetric Complications: A Retrospective Records Review at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Uganda.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increasingly contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality. We determined the association between NCDs and obstetric complications at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital(MRRH) in southwestern Uganda. In this retrospectiverecords review, we randomly selected records of women admitted for delivery at MRRH each month from January to December 2022,and extracted their socio-demographicand clinical histories. We defined a history of NCDs aschronic hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, cardiac disease, anemia, or asthma. We performeda multivariaterobust Poisson regression analysis to assess the association between NCDs and obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, venous thromboembolic disease, obstetric hemorrhage, and preterm labor. Models were adjusted for maternal age, gravidity, referral status, employment status, andhumanimmunodeficiencyvirus (HIV) serostatus. Weextracteddata for 2,336 women with a mean age of 26±5.9 years. At least one NCD was present in 6.4% (n=149) of the patients,includinganemia (n=77, 3.3%), chronic hypertension (n=35, 1.5%), pre-gestational diabetes (n=16, 0.7%), asthma (n=9, 0.4%), and cardiac disease (n=6, 0.3%). Overall, 542 (23.2%) women had obstetric complications, including preeclampsia (n=265, 11.3%), preterm labor (n=67, 2.9%), placental abruption (n=29, 1.2%), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (n=54, 2.3%), and gestational diabetes (n=5, 0.2%). Women with NCDs had an increased likelihood of having an obstetric complication compared to women without (overall proportion 33.6% vs 22.5% respectively); adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.4-2.3) overall, 1.8 (95%CI: 1.2-2.8) for preeclampsia, 12.0 (95%CI: 2.0-72.7) for gestational diabetes, 6.0 (95%CI: 1.3-27.1) for deep venous thrombosis, 4.4 (95%CI: 1.5-12.6) for placenta abruption, and 4.3 (95%CI: 2.2-8.3) for PPH. We found that NCDs were associated with a nearly two-fold increase in the risk of obstetric complications. Our findings highlight the need for further research to understand the impact of this risk, particularly on maternal and fetal outcomes. Additionally, these findings suggest strengthened NCD surveillance, as a means of increasing preparedness, and management of potential obstetric complications among pregnant women in Uganda.

Experiences of community engagement for SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19 community surveillance in a rural and urban population in South Western Uganda

Background: We describe lessons learnt from community engagement activities for the successful implementation of a COVID-19 community surveillance study in Kalungu district, south-western Uganda. Methods: One rural and one urban site were selected for COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 community surveillance in selected households and three public health facilities. COVID-19 pandemic and national COVID-19 protection measures were described and explained in meetings with: district, sub-county/town, village council officials, religious leaders, health workers and Community Advisory Board members. The community surveillance study was introduced to the meeting attendees and minutes captured in English/Luganda (subsequently translated to English). All minutes were manually coded and analysed thematically. Results: The minutes revealed that community members were generally supportive of the COVID-19 surveillance study. Members requested wider communities’ sensitisation about COVID-19 and the survey beyond the selected households. Misinformation and mistrust of Government statements were widespread. People in the community did not understand the `random sample’ selection for the study. Providing appropriate medical care, face masks and honouring appointments for study participants and ensuring that COVID-19 prevention measures were followed during the study improved participation. Conclusion: Successful COVID-19 community surveillance required continuous, active community engagement between the research team, and community stakeholders while maximising previous gains and exploiting existing resources. Keywords: SARS-COV-2; COVID-19; community engagement; surveillance; acceptability; East Africa.

Socio-emotional Skills and Graduate Employability in the Hospitality Sector of Southwestern Uganda, Kigezi Sub -Region

Socio-emotional Skills and Graduate Employability in the Hospitality Sector of Southwestern Uganda, Kigezi Sub -Region

Traumatised youth harbour feelings of revenge: investigating the association between PTSD symptomatology, vengeance, and willingness to forgive among the Congolese adolescent refugees in Uganda

ABSTRACT Background: Prolonged conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have caused widespread psychological trauma among civilians leading to maladaptive coping strategies across generations. Despite this occurrence, empirical studies on the prevalence of trauma and its impact on attitudes towards revenge and forgiveness, particularly among the youth, are scarce. This study aims to clarify the relationship between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and the desires for forgiveness and revenge among Congolese adolescents residing in Uganda. Methods: We analysed data from 269 adolescent refugees from the DRC living in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Southwestern Uganda. The assessment included exposure to war-related traumatic events and the MINI-KID for DSM-V PTSD symptom severity. The Heartland Forgiveness and Vengeance Scales measured willingness to forgive and feelings of vengeance. Results: Exposure to war-related traumatic events was notably high in our sample, with severe deprivation of food (260 [97%]), exposure to armed combat (249 [93%]), witnessing bombing, burning, or destruction of houses (245 [91%]), disappearance of family members (239 [89%]), and seeing dead bodies (236 [88%]). PTSD symptom severity was negatively associated with willingness to forgive (b = −0.48; 95% CI −0.71–−0.25; p < .001) and positively associated with vengeance (b = 0.18; 95% CI 0.04–0.32; p = .011). Conclusion: PTSD symptom severity reduces the willingness to forgive and increases the desire for vengeance among adolescent refugees. Mental health clinicians and policymakers should consider addressing maladaptive coping behaviours related to feelings of revenge and unwillingness to forgive in their support strategies for refugees.

Quality of Life of Children After Completion of Surgical Treatment for Anorectal Malformation: A Single-centre Cross-sectional Study in South-Western Uganda

BackgroundAnorectal malformations (ARMs) range from abnormalities such as imperforate anus to complex forms such as cloaca and are often associated with other anomalies and residual functional stooling problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of children after surgical treatment for ARMs at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in South-Western Uganda. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we enrolled children who had completed surgical treatment for ARMs between 2014 and 2021 at MRRH. A 23-item PedsQL 4.0 inventory was used to evaluate health-related QoL in children using a multidimensional parent proxy reporting for children aged 3 years to 7 years and child self-reporting for children aged 8–17 years. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between sociodemographic and clinical variables and QoL. Crude and adjusted coefficients and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The significance level was set to a p-value <0.05. ResultsA total of 88 participants (F:M ratio = 1.15:1) aged 3 years–18 years with a median age of 4.5 years (IQR 3–7) were enrolled. The median age at diagnosis of ARM and preliminary diverting colostomy was 3 days (range: 2–30 days) and 3 days (range: 2–60 days) respectively. Rectovestibular fistulas, 47 (53.4%), were the most prevalent subtype of ARMs, and 5.7% of children had associated anomalies. Over one-third of the participants (38.6%) had definitive surgery after 3 years of age, and PSARP was the most common procedure. The average PedsQL score was 94 out of a maximum score of 100. The mean physical functioning score was 96.7 in males and 98.9 in females. The overall mean emotional functioning score was 91 ± 2. The mean social functioning score was 92 ± 3.0. The mean school functioning score was 95.7 in males and 98.5 in females. Associated anomalies and reoperation significantly predicted poor QoL. ConclusionThe overall QoL of the participants was good. Increasing years after completion of surgery was significantly associated with good QoL scores in all dormains. Associated anomalies and reoperation were associated with poor QoL, while years after definitive surgery was associated with good QoL. There is a need for increased awareness and utilization of QoL assessments as an outcome measure after definitive surgery for ARM. Level of evidence4. Type of studyCross sectional clinical study.

HIV-Related Stigma Among Pregnant Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives in Southwestern Uganda [Letter

HIV-Related Stigma Among Pregnant Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives in Southwestern Uganda [Letter

HELLP syndrome and associated factors among pregnant women with preeclampsia/eclampsia at a referral hospital in southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome, a complication of preeclampsia/eclampsia, is associated with severe maternal morbidity and mortality. In resource-limited settings, such as Uganda, gaps in routine laboratory assessments may lead to underdetection of HELLP syndrome. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with HELLP syndrome among pregnant women with preeclampsia/eclampsia at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), southwestern Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the high-risk ward of the MRRH from December 2022 to June 2023. Pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia or eclampsia were enrolled consecutively. Participants’ sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The diagnosis of complete HELLP syndrome was made based on the Tennessee classification: aspartate aminotransferase enzyme ≥ 70 IU/L, platelet counts < 100,000 cells/µL, and serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme ≥ 600 IU/L. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis to determine factors associated with HELLP syndrome.ResultsA total of 129 participants with a mean age of 28 ± 6.6 years were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of HELLP syndrome was 18.6% (n = 24; 95% CI: 12.7–26.3%). Independent factors associated with HELLP syndrome were maternal age (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 4.96; 95% CI: 1.57–15.65; for mothers aged < 20 years compared to those aged 20–34 years), the presence of epigastric pain (aPR: 5.89; 95% CI: 1.41–14.63), and referral from other health facilities (aPR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.27–7.72).ConclusionApproximately 2 of the 10 women who presented with preeclampsia or eclampsia had HELLP syndrome. It is more common among teenage mothers, those with a history of epigastric pain and those referred from lower health facilities. Incorporating routine laboratory testing for HELLP syndrome in the diagnostic protocol for preeclampsia or eclampsia, especially among adolescent mothers, those experiencing epigastric pain, and those referred from lower health facilities, could enhance timely detection and management of mothers with preeclampsia whose pregnancies are complicated by HELLP syndrome.

Prevalence and factors associated with visual impairment among high school students in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn most low-income countries, including Uganda, routine screening for Visual Impairment (VI) in schools is not conducted, despite the growing global trend of VI among young people, and its negative impacts on academic performance and social integration. Data on prevalence and factors associated with VI among students in Uganda are limited. We determined the prevalence of VI and identified associated factors among high school students in Mbarara City.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among high school students in sampled high schools within Mbarara City, southwestern Uganda from September 19, 2023 to October 14, 2023. Participants were selected using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. We obtained data on socio-demographics and behaviors through interview-administered questionnaires. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using Snellen’s chart at six meters. Participants were considered visually impaired if their VA in the better eye was < 6/12. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with VI.ResultsWe enrolled 768 participants from four schools; most were males (56.4%), aged 18–24 years (50.3%). Median age was 18 (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 13–24) years. The prevalence of VI was 2.99% (n = 23; 95%CI 2.00–4.47%]. Age category 18–24 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.73, 95%CI 1.03–7.21, p = 0.043), obesity (aOR = 9.60, 95%CI 1.43–64.51, p = 0.020) and family history of VI (aOR = 7.09, 95%CI 2.87–7.51, p < 0.001), were independently associated with VI.ConclusionThe prevalence of VI among the high school students surveyed was low. However, targeted screening of older students, those with a family history of VI and obese students, could facilitate early detection and timely interventions in the region.

Prevalence, classifications and factors associated with sexual dysfunction among adult cancer patients on chemotherapy at the Uganda Cancer Institute, Mbarara

BackgroundSexual dysfunction is a social challenge that devastates many people, including cancer patients. However, among the numerous reported side effects of chemotherapy sexual dysfunction is the least studied and reported. The chemotherapeutics used among cancer patients are potential risk factors for the development of sexual dysfunction, and such an understanding of these risk factors can lead to numerous interventions to bypass their effects on sexual activity.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, classification and factors associated with sexual dysfunction among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 cancer patients at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in southwestern Uganda for a period of 3 months from August to October 2023. A systematic sampling technique was employed in the study; a questionnaire was used to collect patient data. The standardized female sexual function index and international index of erectile function tools were used to classify types of sexual dysfunctions among women and men, respectively. Sexual dysfunction-associated factors were analyzed by logistic regression using Stata version 17.ResultsA total of 127 males and 87 females with a median age of 50 years were enrolled. Overall (42.1%) of the patients, (54.3%) males and (24.1%) females experienced sexual dysfunction. (33.9%) of male reported overall sexual dissatisfaction, while among female (18.4%) patients reported decreased sexual desire. while others reported reduced arousal and vaginal pain. Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following independent risk factors for sexual dysfunctions: male sex (AOR 3.99, 95% CI 1.93–8.25; p value = 0.001), gastrointestinal cancer (AOR 3.46, 95% CI 1.34–8.93; p value = 0.010) and anthracyclines use (AOR 4.26, 95% CI 1.02, 17.76; p value = 0.047).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there is a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among cancer patients at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. In male patients, overall sexual dissatisfaction is the most prevalent, while decreased sexual desire is prevalent in females. Routine screening of sexual functions should be encouraged for all patients receiving chemotherapies. Males patients, those diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers and those receiving regimens containing anthracyclines should be more closely monitored for sexual dysfunction.