Browsing by Author "Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline"

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    Effect of HIV-1 Infection on Malaria Treatment Outcome in Ugandan Patients
    (MAKERERE UNIV, FAC MED , PO BOX 7072, KAMPALA, UGANDA, 2007-11-09) Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Ddumba, Edward; Kamya, Moses
    Background: Malaria and HIV-1 infection cause significant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV-1 increases risk for malaria with the risk increasing as immunity declines.The effect of HIV-1 infection on antimalarial treatment outcome is still inconclusive. Objective: To compare antimalarial treatment outcome among HIV-1 positive and negative patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria treated with chloroquine plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (CQ+SP). Methods: Ninety eight HIV-1 positive patients aged 18 months or older with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria were treated with CQ+SP and followed for 28 days to monitor outcome.Treatment outcome of HIV-1 positive patients was compared to that of 193 HIV-1 negative historical controls.The primary study outcome for both groups was treatment failure. Results: HIV-1 positive patients older than 5 years of age were less likely to have treatment failure compared to HIV-1 negative patients in the same age group (RR 0.59 95% CI 0.4- 0.8, p α 0.001) and HIV-1 positive patients on routine cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were less likely to have treatment failure following CQ+SP treatment compared to HIV negative patients (RR 0.6 95% CI 0.43-0.92, p = 0.006).There was no difference in treatment outcome according to HIV-1 status for children younger than 5 years of age. Conclusions: Adherence to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis should be reinforced in HIV positive patients and it should be reassessed if these patients present with acute episodes of malaria.
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    Mentorship Needs at Academic Institutions in Resource-Limited Settings: A Survey at Makerere University College of Health Sciences
    (BMC , CAMPUS, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON, ENGLAND, N1 9XW, 2011-07-29) Nakanjako, Damalie; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Kintu, Kenneth; Aizire, Jim; Nakwagala, Fred; Luzige, Simon; Namisi, Charles; Mayanja-Kizza, Harriet; Kamya, R Moses
    Background: Mentoring is a core component of medical education and career success. There is increasing global emphasis on mentorship of young scientists in order to train and develop the next leaders in global health. However, mentoring efforts are challenged by the high clinical, research and administrative demands. We evaluated the status and nature of mentoring practices at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MAKCHS). Methods: Pre-tested, self-administered questionnaires were sent by email to all Fogarty alumni at the MAKCHS (mentors) and each of them was requested to complete and email back the questionnaire. In addition to training level and number of mentors, the questionnaires had open-ended questions covering themes such as; status of mentorship, challenges faced by mentors and strategies to improve and sustain mentorship within MAKCHS. Similarly, open-ended questionnaires were sent and received by email from all graduate students (mentees) registered with the Uganda Society for Health Scientists (USHS). Qualitative data from mentors and mentees was analyzed manually according to the pre-determined themes. Results: Twenty- two out of 100 mentors responded (14 email and 8 hard copy responses). Up to 77% (17/22) of mentors had Master’s-level training and only 18% (4/22) had doctorate-level training. About 40% of the mentors had ≥ two mentees while 27% had none. Qualitative results showed that mentors needed support in terms of training in mentoring skills and logistical/financial support to carry out successful mentorship. Junior scientists and students reported that mentorship is not yet institutionalized and it is currently occurring in an adhoc manner. There was lack of awareness of roles of mentors and mentees. The mentors mentioned the limited number of practicing mentors at the college and thus the need for training courses and guidelines for faculty members in regard to mentorship at academic institutions. Conclusions: Both mentors and mentees were willing to improve mentorship practices at MAKCHS. There is need for institutional commitment to uphold and sustain the mentorship best practices. We recommend a collaborative approach by the stakeholders in global health promotion to build local capacity in mentoring African health professionals.