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COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among individuals living in a peri-urban area in Uganda: a cross-sectional study
(PubMed Central - Public Library of Science, 2024-11-04) Nanteza, Bridget Mary; Nanyonjo, Gertrude; Kyakuwa, Nasimu; Nakanjako, Flavia; Kalute, Hamza; Atuhairwe, Christine; Watera, Christine; Ssemwanga, Deogratius
Introduction: The Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus was first reported in China in December 2019. It then spread to all countries and from March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. In Uganda, the disease was first reported in March 2020 and COVID-19 vaccines became available by January 2021. Although COVID-19 vaccines were available in Uganda, uptake remained low. The aim of this study was to establish COVID-19 vaccine uptake awareness in a peri-urban setting in Entebbe City, Uganda.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 127 men and 263 women who reside in Entebbe City, Uganda. Data was collected on socio-behavioral characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about COVID-19 vaccine using interviewer administered questionnaires. Uptake of COVID-19 vaccine was defined as the proportion of participants who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We used descriptive statistics to estimate awareness of COVID-19 vaccines. The 'chi-square test' and 'modified Poisson regression' were used to assess variations in uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among respondents and their socio-demographics as well as other characteristics.
Results: Ninety-nine percent (388 out of 390) of the study population were aware of at least one brand of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. Thirty-five percent (138 out of 390) knew that the vaccine immunity was achieved 14 days after the 2nd dose and 98.7% (385 out of 390) admitted that observing the standard operating procedure for COVID-19 infection prevention was necessary after vaccination. There was a gap in knowledge on vaccine safety reported by 74.6% (291 out of 390) participants. Some participants 37.2% (145 out of 390) had concerns about the vaccine. Of these, 57.9% (84 out of 145) believed that the vaccines were not helpful; and 30.3% (44 out of 145) feared serious side effects. Sixty-six percent (257 out of 390) believed that vaccines were not working and 79.0% (308 out of 390) admitted that vaccines were promoted for financial gain. At the time of performing the study, 36.2% and 22.3% had received the 1st and 2nd dose respectively. The main sources of information on COVID-19 vaccine were television (TV) and social media (p-value 0.001). In a multivariate model, COVID-19 vaccine acceptability was associated with salaried and self-employment (p-value 0.046). The other predicative factors were awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine (p-value <0.001) and having vaccine concerns (p-value 0.013).
Conclusion: Uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in Entebbe community was low, partly attributed to knowledge gaps and concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness. This highlights the need to enhance dissemination of information about COVID-19 vaccine. The lessons learnt in this study would be relevant for other emerging infections by informing vaccination implementation programs in similar settings.
Determinants of Late HIV Diagnosis and Advanced HIV Disease Among People Living with HIV in Tanzania
(Dovepress - Taylor & Francis, 2024-08-26) Bendera, Anderson; Baryomuntebe, Mugisha Deogratias; Uchechukwu, Nwanna Kevin; Nanyingi, Miisa; Kinengyere, Bemanya Patience; Mujeeb, Salaam; Sulle, Jachi Esther
Background: About half of people infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) often present late for care, resulting in higher healthcare costs, undesired treatment outcomes, and ongoing HIV transmission. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of late HIV diagnosis and advanced HIV disease (AHD) in Tanzania.
Methods: Data were obtained from the 2016-17 Tanzania HIV impact survey. We included 677 newly diagnosed people living with HIV. Late HIV diagnosis and AHD were defined as having a CD4 cell count below 350 cells/µL or 200 cells/µL at diagnosis, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of late HIV diagnosis or AHD.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 37.8 years (SD, 12.4). About two-thirds were women (62.6%). The prevalence of late HIV diagnosis was 42.4%, whereas the prevalence of AHD was 17.7%. Factors associated with late HIV diagnosis included age 31-40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-2.60), age ≥41 years (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.16-2.76), male sex (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.29-2.73), and active syphilis infection (aOR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.20-5.76). Factors associated with AHD were age 31-40 years (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.18-3.81), age ≥41 years (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.32-4.41), male sex (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.09-2.87), formal education (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.81) and active syphilis infection (aOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.07-5.77).
Conclusion: Late HIV diagnosis and AHD are prevalent among newly diagnosed people living with HIV in Tanzania. Specific subgroups are more likely to present late for HIV care, including middle-aged and older adults, men, illiterate individuals, and those with active syphilis and HIV co-infection. Therefore, we recommend expanding HIV testing services and implementing targeted interventions to improve early access and enrollment in HIV care.
Experiences of mothers receiving male midwives’ assistance during childbirth in Kween District, Uganda
(African Journal Online - Womens's Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC), 2024) Soyekwo, S. Wilfred; Tumuhaise, Criscent; Ndibazza, Juliet
This study explored the perceptions and experiences of mothers who were cared for by male midwives (MMWs) during delivery in Kween District. The study utilized a qualitative phenomenological approach to document responses of participants. Data was collected from three health facilities that had male midwives delivering mothers at the time of the study, and targeted postnatal mothers 18-49 years who had been delivered by a MMW in the last 6 months. Thirty-three mothers participated in the study: 15 in individual in-depth interviews and 18 in three focused group discussions. Collected data were transcribed in word, coded in excel and exported to Atlas.t 7 for analysis. Thematic and content analysis were utilized to derive insights from the data collected. The results showed that perceptions varied significantly across participants. Respondents attached certain beliefs and perceptions that the delivery process is an intimate matter that should only be handled by fellow women. Fear and discomfort when touched by a MMW and discomfort by mothers’ partners, came out as strong viewpoints. However, there were strong experiences that MMWs demonstrated supportive, caring, respectful, sympathetic and passionate provision of care. These findings agree with several other studies reviewed during the study. Comprehensive sensitization focused on promoting the utilization of skilled birth attendants regardless of gender is necessary in reducing maternal mortality.
Management of higher education learning and teaching through crisis: a benchmark for improved future learning in Uganda
(Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2024-06-05) Omona, Kizito; Ssuka, Kizito Jonathan; Ouma, Richard; Nalela, Kizito; Amoding, Jane Florence; Arayo, Susan; Kayi, Modest O.’dama
Uganda, a country situated in Eastern Africa, has a land area of 241,555 square kilometres and a population estimate of 44,269,000 people. Uganda is home to dozens of African ethnic groups, as well as a small Asian community. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, from January 3rd, 2020, to July 26th, 2022, there have been 168,013 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3627 deaths due to the pandemic. In early March 2020, there was dramatic closure of all institutions of learning by the government. The speed of these closures significantly affected higher institutions of learning, and the management of learning and teaching processes was predominantly by crisis. This study examined the management of higher education learning and teaching through a crisis in Uganda between January 2020 and July 2022. A literature search of databases was made to examine the management of higher education learning and teaching in Uganda. Studies showed that the magnitude of learning disruption variably affected the management of different learning and teaching processes across the whole country. Both learners and instructors, as well as the administration of the different learning institutions, were taught important lessons from this unprecedented event. These could form the benchmark for future improvement of learning and teaching processes in Uganda.
Intestinal stomas and quality of life measures: Uganda perspectives
(Springer, Cham, 2024-08-13) Omona, Kizito
Intestinal stomas are artificial surgically made connections of the gut to the skin or exterior. It is a surgically created opening of the intestine onto the front wall of the abdomen that allows removal of faeces from the body, to drain into a pouch or other collection device. Intestinal stoma prolongs the lives of patients and helps them to return to a better health. However, it has never been easy to accept and live with intestinal stomas for most patients. Intestinal stoma presents various problems; psychological, psychosocial, and cultural. The psychological problems experienced include depression, anxiety, changes in body image, low self-esteem, sexual problems, denial, loneliness, hopelessness, and stigmatization, among others. Studies have shown that patients undergoing emergency stoma surgery have marginally poorer quality of life (QoL) compared with those undergoing similar procedures without stoma formation. Self-efficacy is one of the important factors affecting patients’ adaptation with the stoma.