Browsing by Author "Kabanda, Richard"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

Challenges to Ebola preparedness during an ongoing outbreak: An analysis of borderland livelihoods and trust in Uganda
(PLoS ONE, 2020-03-26) Schmidt-SaneI, Megan M.; Nielsen, Jannie O.; Chikombero, Mandi; Lubowa, Douglas; Lwanga, Miriam; Gamusi, Jonathan; Kabanda, Richard; Kaawa-Mafigiri, David
Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was declared a public health emergency of international concern on July 17, 2019. The first case to cross the border into Uganda in June 2019 demonstrates the importance of better understanding border dynamics in a context of Ebola. This paper adopts a political economy approach to contextualize epidemic response programs conducted in moderate- and high-risk border districts in Uganda, through a qualitative study with 287 participants. To that end, our aim was to describe the historical underpinnings of the borderlands context; the role of livelihood strategies in constraining risk avoidance decisions; and the dynamics of trust in authority figures, including health workers. This paper reports that border communities are highly connected, for a variety of social and economic reasons. These daily realities are in direct opposition to guidance to limit travel during an active Ebola epidemic. We argue that an ability to limit movement is constrained by the economic need to seek livelihood strategies wherever that may be. Moreover, border regions are populated by communities with long-standing distrust in authority figures, particularly in fishing areas. This distrust spills over with consequences for Ebola prevention and control activities. This research indexes the importance of tailoring Ebola programming and policies to consider the political and economic dynamics of borderlands
Coronavirus Disease Pandemic Response in Uganda: Government Trust, Risk Perception and Willingness to Adhere to Public Health Measures Among Social Media Users
(2022) Kiconco, Arthur; Kabanda, Richard; Tugume, Abdulaziz; Mwagale, Ritah; Kananathan, Abirahmi; Bakyaita, Tabley; Nabukenya, Immaculate; Lwenge, Mathias; Kalenzi, Prisca U
Background: The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly affected many nations, and continues to be a global public health challenge. There is progress in responding to the pandemic including universal access to vaccines in most of the developed countries while access to the vaccines in resource limited countries is still limited to only priority groups. Despite the availability of vaccines, promotion of preventive measures through public health risk communication remains essential. Effective risk communication depends on understanding population factors that affect the response. This study assessed government trust, risk perception and willingness to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures among social media users. Methods: This was an online analytical cross-sectional survey in Uganda. Data collection was conducted from 16-27 October 2020 using an online self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using STATA and generalized linear modelling with modified Poisson regression was conducted to determine association between the variables. Results: Of 1,014 respondents, most 69.3% (703) were males, 77.71% (788) had completed tertiary education and 72.3% (733) were salaried employees. Overall trust in government response to COVID-19 pandemic was 40.1%. Most of the respondents 69.9% (n=1008) believed that COVID-19 is extremely likely to spread across the country. However, over a half 65.4% (n=994) perceived little or no risk of getting infected with COVID-19. More than half 53.55% (1014) were willing to receive vaccination against COVID-19 in case it was available. Factors positively associated with trust in government response to COVID-19 included being a student (APR 1.56, CI: 1.14-2.12, p=0.005), being in the 36-59 (APR 1.36, CI: 1.16-1.60, p<0.001) and 60+ (APR 1.98, CI: 1.40-2.28, p<0.001) age groups. Being male was negatively associated with trust in government (APR 0.84, CI: 0.72-0.92, p=0.04). Risk perception was associated with trust in government (APR 1.37 CI: 1.42-1.65, p=0.001). There was high level of willingness to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures among respondents in the 36-59 (APR 1.02, CI: 1.0-1.03, p<0.01) and 60+ (APR 1.03; CI: 1.0-1.04, p<0.01) age groups while low level of willingness was associated with little or no trust in government response to COVID-19 (APR 0.97, CI: 0.95-0.98, P<0.01). Conclusions: The overall trust in government’s response was low. Majority of respondents believed that COVID-19 is extremely likely to spread across the country, but over a half perceived a low risk of getting infected with the virus. Respondents with low trust in government were less willing to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures. Therefore, there should be interventions designed to improve people’s trust in government, as well as focusing public health risk communication to addressing misconceptions and misinformation about COVID-19 and improving risk perception by clarifying the key vulnerable populations.
Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic on Young Adults’ Ability to Access Health Services and Practice Recommended Preventive Measures
(The Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2021-09-20) Nalukwago, Judith; Olapeju, Bolanle; Mugabe, Pallen; Passaniti, Anna; Kimbowa, Musa; Ciloglu, Arzum; Mkandawire, Glory; Kabanda, Richard; Storey, Douglas
Given the limited attention to young adults as key contributors to the spread of COVID-19 in Uganda, this study examines the effects of the outbreak on the ability of young adults aged 18-29 to access health services and practice preventive measures. A national population-based mobile phone survey was conducted in December 2020. Multivariable regression analyses were used to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to health care services. Control variables included region, education level, parity, and source of health information. The majority (98%) perceived COVID-19 as a serious threat to Ugandans. Although the majority reported handwashing (97%) and masking (92%), fewer respondents avoided shaking hands (39%), ensured physical distancing (57%), avoided groups of more than four people (43%), stayed home most days (30%), avoided touching eyes, nose, and mouth (14%), and practiced sneezing/coughing into their elbow (7%). Participants noted that the COVID-19 pandemic affected their ability to access family planning (40%), HIV (49%), maternal health (55%), child health (56%), and malaria (63%) services. The perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on services was higher for those in the Northern region (OR= 2.00, 95% CI 1.00-4.02), those with higher education OR= 2.26, 95% CI 1.28-3.99), those with five plus children (OR= 2.05, 95% CI 0.92-4.56), and those who trust radio for COVID-19 information (OR= 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.67). The findings show the pragmatic importance of understanding the dynamic characteristics and behavioral patterns of young adults in the context of COVID-19 to inform targeted programming.
Factors associated with perceived work-life balance among health workers in Gulu District, Northern Uganda: a health facility-based cross-sectional study
(Springer Link, 2024-01-23) Obina, Wilfred Felicity; Ndibazza, Juliet; Kabanda, Richard; Musana, Jonathan; Nanyingi, Miisa
Work-life balance (WLB) plays a significant role in improving career satisfaction and reducing burnout. While health workers’ productivity is considered a key factor in client care, there is limited effort put into examining how health workers perceive the balance of their jobs with family and other societal responsibilities (PWLB), especially in low-income countries where the number of health workers in active patient care is low. The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with perceived work-life balance (PWLB) among health workers in the rural district of Gulu, Northern Uganda. A health facility-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 384 study participants from the three main hospitals in Gulu District. Data were collected from health workers using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 15. Factors associated with PWLB were determined at a multivariable level using a modified Poisson regression with robust variance with a 95% confidence level and 5% statistical significance. Adjusted prevalent ratios (APR) were used to report the Factors associated with PWLB. Only 157/384 (40.9%) of the health workers reported a positive perceived work-life balance. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis showed positive statistical association with PWLB of a laboratory worker(APR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.10–2.75); a midwife(APR=1.82, 95% CI:1.13–2.93) or a nurse (APR=2.19, 95% CI=1.45– 3.30); working in the inpatient department (APR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.31–2.96) or laboratory (APR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.34–3.28); and having a flexible work schedule (APR=28.32, 95%CI:14.52–55.22); feeling satisfied at work (APR=1.58; 95% CI:1.17–2.10), and belonging to an association in the community (APR=32.71, 95% Cl:11.91–89.88). On the other hand, employment tenure of 1–4 years (APR=0.63,95% CI:0.40–0.99) was negatively associated with perceived work-life balance. Only four in every 10 health workers experienced a positive perceived work-life balance. The type of profession, duty station, flexibility in work schedule, satisfaction with work, and availability of social support systems
Factors associated with perceived worklife balance among health workers in Gulu District, Northern Uganda: a health facility based cross-sectional study
(Springer Link, 2024-01-23) Obina, Wilfred Felicity; Ndibazza, Juliet; Kabanda, Richard; Musana, Jonathan; Nanyingi, Miisa
Work-life balance (WLB) plays a significant role in improving career satisfaction and reducing burnout. While health workers’ productivity is considered a key factor in client care, there is limited effort put into examining how health workers perceive the balance of their jobs with family and other societal responsibilities (PWLB), especially in low-income countries where the number of health workers in active patient care is low. The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with perceived work-life balance (PWLB) among health workers in the rural district of Gulu, Northern Uganda. A health facility-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 384 study participants from the three main hospitals in Gulu District. Data were collected from health workers using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 15. Factors associated with PWLB were determined at a multivariable level using a modified Poisson regression with robust variance with a 95% confidence level and 5% statistical significance. Adjusted prevalent ratios (APR) were used to report the Factors associated with PWLB. Only 157/384 (40.9%) of the health workers reported a positive perceived work-life balance. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis showed positive statistical association with PWLB of a laboratory worker(APR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.10–2.75); a midwife(APR=1.82, 95% CI:1.13–2.93) or a nurse (APR=2.19, 95% CI=1.45– 3.30); working in the inpatient department (APR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.31–2.96) or laboratory (APR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.34–3.28); and having a flexible work schedule (APR=28.32, 95%CI:14.52–55.22); feeling satisfied at work (APR=1.58; 95% CI:1.17–2.10), and belonging to an association in the community (APR=32.71, 95% Cl:11.91–89.88). On the other hand, employment tenure of 1–4 years (APR=0.63,95% CI:0.40–0.99) was negatively associated with perceived work-life balance. Only four in every 10 health workers experienced a positive perceived work-life balance. The type of profession, duty station, flexibility in work schedule, satisfaction with work, and availability of social support systems, were independent determinants of perceived WLB. Therefore, nurturing a system of reviews of the scheduling of health workers, allowing internal staff rotation, and fostering support systems around the health workers could be beneficial for WLB.
Health system factors influencing traditional herbal medicine use during pregnancy amongst women in Mpigi District, Central Uganda
(African Journal of Reproductive Health, 2021) Tumuhaise, Criscent; Kabanda, Richard; Nanyingi, Miisa; Kiconco, Arthur
An estimated 80% of the population in developing countries is dependent on traditional medicine for their health needs, including use during pregnancy despite limited knowledge of potential side effects including teratogenicity. Controlling use of traditional medicines during pregnancy requires understanding the driving factors. This study aimed at determining the health system factors that influence traditional herbal medicine use during pregnancy in a Ugandan setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 post-partum women obtained by random sampling from post-natal clinics of health facilities in Mpigi District after informed consent. We carried out concurrent triangulation by conducting two focused group discussions of 10 post-natal mothers each, and four Key informant interviews. Quantitative Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis and presented as narratives. Prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy was 79% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 68.1% – 86.9%), mainly consumed through oral route (96%). Costly health care adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) 1.61 (95% CI 1.02-2.53), p-value 0.042, and presence and influence of Traditional Birth Attendants aPR 1.21(95% CI 1.05-1.41), p-value 0.011 were significantly associated with use of traditional herbal medicines during pregnancy. Use of traditional herbal medicines is driven by the high costs of quality health care and influence from Traditional Birth Attendants. Innovations in health financing should be promoted and Traditional Birth Attendants should be sensitized and incorporated in the mainstream health care system as community referral agents. (Afr J Reprod Health 2021; 25[6]: 88-98).
Intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 prior to the second wave of the pandemic in Uganda: a cross-sectional study
(BMJ, 2022-06-02) Wafula, Solomon Tsebeni; Mugume, IInnocent B; Sensasi, Benjamin; Okware, Solome; Chimbaru, Alexander; Nanyunja, Miriam; Talisuna, Ambrose; Kabanda, Richard; Bakyaita, Tabley; Wanyenze, Rhoda K; Byakika-Tusiime, Jayne
The resurgence in cases and deaths due to COVID-19 in many countries suggests complacency in adhering to COVID-19 preventive guidelines. Vaccination, therefore, remains a key intervention in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among Ugandans. A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 1053 Ugandan adults was conducted in March 2021 using telephone interviews. Main outcome measures Participants reported on adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intention to be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines. Overall, 10.2% of the respondents adhered to the COVID-19 preventive guidelines and 57.8% stated definite intention to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Compared with women, men were less likely to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines (Odds Ratio (OR)=0.64, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.99). Participants from the northern (4.0%, OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.92), western (5.1%, OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.65) and eastern regions (6.5%, OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.92), respectively, had lower odds of adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines than those from the central region (14.7%). A higher monthly income of ≥US$137 (OR=2.31, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.58) and a history of chronic disease (OR=1.81, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.86) were predictors of adherence. Concerns about the chances of getting COVID-19 in the future (Prevalence Ratio (PR)=1.26, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.48) and fear of severe COVID-19 infection (PR=1.20, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.38) were the strongest predictors for a definite intention, while concerns for side effects were negatively associated with vaccination intent (PR=0.75, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.83). Behaviour change programmes need to be strengthened to promote adherence to COVID-19 preventive guidelines as vaccination is rolled out as another preventive measure. Dissemination of accurate, safe and efficacious information about the vaccines is necessary to enhance vaccine uptake.
Lived experiences of women with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Lira District, Northern Uganda
(Stichting Liliane Fonds, 2022-08-05) Emoru, Lamech; Masereka, Enos Mirembe; Kabanda, Richard
The study aimed at exploring the lived experiences of women with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Lira district, Northern Uganda. This study utilised a phenomenological study design. Ten women, aged 15 - 49 years, were purposively selected from Lira District Union of Persons with Disabilities. They were accessing sexual and reproductive health services across the district. Data was collected using an in-depth interview guide, and thereafter thematic analysis was done. More than half (60%) of the participants were 40-50 years old and had more than 2 children. Half of them (50%) were married; the majority (70%) resided in the rural area and had a physical disability. They related their positive and negative experiences. On the positive side, they indicated the existence of supportive stakeholders, availability of services, and being served with no discrimination in some health facilities. Negatively, they experienced difficulty in navigating the physical environment in health facilities, lack of transport, negative healthcare provider attitudes, long waiting time, side effects of family planning methods, lack of privacy and unhygienic sanitary environments in health facilities. Women with disabilities in Lira district had both positive and negative experiences in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. Recommendations of this study include counselling women with disabilities about side effects of hormonal family planning methods, incorporating disability studies in curricula for health workers, on-the-job training for health workers on care for persons with disabilities, and enforcing policies that favour access to sexual and reproductive health services for women with disabilities. The government should empower the local leadership to supervise every new health facility that is being constructed, and ensure that accessibility standards for women with disabilities are met.
Prevalence and factors associated with sexual and reproductive health literacy among youth living with HIV in Uganda: a cross-sectional study
(Springer Link, 2023-08-07) Mugabi, Benedicto; Nanyingi, Miisa; Kabanda, Richard; Ndibazza; Ndibazza, Juliet; Elyanu, Peter; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Nazziwa, Gorret; Habaasa, Gilbert; Kekitiinwa, Adeodata
Adequate sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL) among young people has been linked to informed sexual behaviours. Studies on SRHL have largely been conducted among the general adolescent population. Little is known about youth aged 15-24 years living with human immunodefciency virus (YLHIV). There is a possible lack of SRHL in this population, considering the high rate of teenage pregnancies and unprotected sex reported by YLHIV. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated personal and environmental factors for SRHL among YLHIV at a high-volume urban HIV Clinic in Uganda. Through a cross-sectional survey, YLHIV receiving routine HIV care services at Baylor-Uganda HIV Clinic were interviewed using an adapted European Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU). Using simple random sampling, eligible youth who received HIV care services between August and November 2019 were enrolled in the study. SRHL scores were computed using the HLS-EU index method; and individuals whose scores ranged from 34 to 50 were considered health literate. We used descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence. Potential associated personal and environmental factors (p<0.05) were identifed by performing two-step inferential statistics, bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression. Odds ratios were calculated to estimate the likelihood of youth being health literate on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues in comparison with the reference categories, and 95% confdence intervals were determined to establish whether the relationships were statistically signifcant. Of the 267 YLHIV interviewed at Baylor-Uganda HIV Clinic, 167 (62.5%) were female with a mean age of 18.9 years (SD± 2.8), and the majority (242; 90.6%) were vertically infected with HIV. Only 52 (19.5%) were health literate on SRH issues. At the multivariate level, YLHIV who never had difculty accessing SRH information were 0.391 times less likely to be health literate on SRH issues than their counterparts with challenges in accessing SRH information (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.391, 95% CI =0.178 to 0.860; p= 0.019). YLHIV who did not fnd it easy to access SRH care service points were 2.929 times more likely to be literate in SRH than those who found it easy to access such services (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.929, 95% CI =1.241 to 6.917; p=0.014). Additionally, YLHIV who did not listen to radio health talks were 2.406 times more likely to be health literate on SRH issues than those who did (AOR = 2.406, 95% CI =1.133 to 5.112; p=0.022). SRHL is an unmet need among YLHIV; only 19.5% were health literate on SRH issues. This could complicate the achievement of the UNAIDS sustainable development goal (SDG) of an HIV/AIDS-free generation by 2030 because low health literacy (HL) skills can afect the efcacy of almost all HIV disease prevention and health promotion eforts. Inaccessible SRH care service points and not listening to radio health talks were positively associated with SRHL, while having access to SRH information was negatively associated with SRHL.
Uganda’s experience in Ebola virus disease outbreak preparedness, 2018–2019
(BMC, 2020) Aceng, Jane Ruth; Ario, Alex R.; Muruta, Allan N.; Makumbi, Issa; Nanyunja, Miriam; Komakech, Innocent; Bakainaga, Andrew N.; Talisuna, Ambrose O.; Mwesigye, Collins; Mpairwe, Allan M.; Tusiime, Jayne B.; Lali, William Z.; Katushabe, Edson; Ocom, Felix; Kaggwa, Mugagga; Bongomin, Bodo; Kasule, Hafisa; Mwoga, Joseph N.; Sensasi, Benjamin; Mwebembezi, Edmund; Katureebe, Charles; Sentumbwe, Olive; Nalwadda, Rita; Mbaka, Paul; Fatunmbi, Bayo S.; Nakiire, Lydia; Lamorde, Mohammed; Walwema, Richard; Kambugu, Andrew; Nanyondo, Judith; Okware, Solome; Ahabwe, Peter B.; Nabukenya, Immaculate; Kayiwa, Joshua; Wetaka, Milton M.; Kyazze, Simon; Kwesiga, Benon; Kadobera, Daniel; Bulage, Lilian; Nanziri, Carol; Monje, Fred; Aliddeki, Dativa M.; Ntono, Vivian; Gonahasa, Doreen; Nabatanzi, Sandra; Nsereko, Godfrey; Nakinsige, Anne; Mabumba, Eldard; Lubwama, Bernard; Sekamatte, Musa; Kibuule, Michael; Muwanguzi, David; Amone, Jackson; Upenytho, George D.; Driwale, Alfred; Seru, Morries; Sebisubi, Fred; Akello, Harriet; Kabanda, Richard; Mutengeki, David K.; Bakyaita, Tabley; Serwanjja, Vivian N.; Okwi, Richard; Okiria, Jude; Ainebyoona, Emmanuel; Opar, Bernard T.; Mimbe, Derrick; Kyabaggu, Denis; Ayebazibwe, Chrisostom; Sentumbwe, Juliet; Mwanja, Moses; Ndumu, Deo B.; Bwogi, Josephine; Balinandi, Stephen; Nyakarahuka, Luke; Tumusiime, Alex; Kyondo, Jackson; Mulei, Sophia; Lutwama, Julius; Kaleebu, Pontiano; Kagirita, Atek; Nabadda, Susan; Oumo, Peter; Lukwago, Robinah; Kasozi, Julius; Masylukov, Oleh; Kyobe, Henry Bosa; Berdaga, Viorica; Lwanga, Miriam; Opio, Joe C.; Matseketse, David; Eyul, James; Oteba, Martin O.; Bukirwa, Hasifa; Bulya, Nulu; Masiira, Ben; Kihembo, Christine; Ohuabunwo, Chima; Antara, Simon N.; Owembabazi, Wilberforce; Okot, Paul B.; Okwera, Josephine; Amoros, Isabelle; Kajja, Victoria; Mukunda, Basnet S.; Sorela, Isabel; Adams, Gregory; Shoemaker, Trevor; Klena, John D.; Taboy, Celine H.; Ward, Sarah E.; Merrill, Rebecca D.; Carter, Rosalind J.; Harris, Julie R.; Banage, Flora; Nsibambi, Thomas; Ojwang, Joseph; Kasule, Juliet N.; Stowell, Dan F.; Brown, Vance R.; Zhu, Bao-Ping; Homsy, Jaco; Nelson, Lisa J.; Tusiime, Patrick K.; Olaro, Charles; Mwebesa, Henry G.; Woldemariam, Yonas Tegegn
Since the declaration of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in DRC on 1st Aug 2018, several neighboring countries have been developing and implementing preparedness efforts to prevent EVD cross-border transmission to enable timely detection, investigation, and response in the event of a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. We describe Uganda’s experience in EVD preparedness. : On 4 August 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the National Task Force (NTF) for public health emergencies to plan, guide, and coordinate EVD preparedness in the country. The NTF selected an Incident Management Team (IMT), constituting a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) that supported activation of the District Task Forces (DTFs) and District Rapid Response Teams (DRRTs) that jointly assessed levels of preparedness in 30 designated high-risk districts representing category 1 (20 districts) and category 2 (10 districts). The MoH, with technical guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), led EVD preparedness activities and worked together with other ministries and partner organisations to enhance community-based surveillance systems, develop and disseminate risk communication messages, engage communities, reinforce EVD screening and infection prevention measures at Points of Entry (PoEs) and in high-risk health facilities, construct and equip EVD isolation and treatment units, and establish coordination and procurement mechanisms. As of 31 May 2019, there was no confirmed case of EVD as Uganda has continued to make significant and verifiable progress in EVD preparedness. There is a need to sustain these efforts, not only in EVD preparedness but also across the entire spectrum of a multi-hazard framework. These efforts strengthen country capacity and compel the country to avail resources for preparedness and management of incidents at the source while effectively cutting costs of using a “fire-fighting” approach during public health emergencies.
Utilisation of Community Audio Towers in Health Education for Prevention of Cervical Cancer by Health Workers in Kyotera District, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Dove Press, 2021-09-01) Kabanda, Richard; Bikaitwoha, Everd Maniple; Baluku, Joseph Baruch; Kiconco, Arthur
Purpose: Community audio towers (CATs) are a communication resource that can be utilized by public health practitioners to enhance health communication in rural and periurban settings. However, information on availability of this channel of communication for use in health education and promotion remains scanty. We determined the availability of CATs for use in cervical cancer health education among health workers for prevention of cervical cancer in Kyotera District, Uganda. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, health workers were randomly selected from health facilities in Kyotera District. Eligible participants were health workers who had worked in the district for at least one year. A pre-tested study questionnaire was self administered. Descriptive statistics were used to determine availability and use of CATs, while factors associated with the use of CATs were determined by logistic regression analysis. Results: Between March and April 2020, 160 health workers were enrolled, and of these, 102 (63.8%) were females and 69 (43.1%) were nurses. Most of them, ie, 143 (89.4%) reported that CATs were within walkable distance from their workplaces; 140 (87.5%) indicated that CATs are conveniently located, and 129 (80.6%) reported that it was easy to secure airtime to sensitise communities on health issues. Only 26 (16.3%) had ever used CATs for cervical cancer health education. Health workers at facilities without a plan that includes CATs as a channel of health communication were less likely to utilise CATs (OR =0.04, 95% CI (0.0043–0.37), p = 0.005) while those who had ever managed a patient with cervical cancer (OR = 16.48, 95% CI (3.4–79.7), p < 0.001) were more likely to utilise CATs. Conclusion: Although CATs were deemed readily available, there was low utilisation for cervical cancer education and promotion of preventive services by health workers. Health facilities need to strategically include CATs in their plans to increase utilisation.