Browsing by Author "Omona, Kizito"

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A review of the trend in maternal mortality ratio between 2000 and 2020 in low- and middle-income countries: a recipe for continued improvement for Uganda
(African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation, 2025-05-07) Omona, Kizito
Kizito Omona examines the global burden of maternal mortality, exploring its causes and preventive measures, with a specific focus on Uganda.
Addressing virtual learning challenges in higher institutions of learning: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(Şahin İDİN, 2022-07-01) Omona, Kizito
Many universities across the globe are set to keep lectures online, more especially in this era of COVID-19 and yet there is an increased spotlight on the challenges faced by learners. Some of these challenges include; issues related to communications, assessments and scheduling of lectures. Teaching and learning in an e-learning environment is said to happen differently as opposed to the traditional classroom and this can present new challenges to instructors and learners. The purpose of this study was to review the various ways of addressing virtual challenges in higher institutions of learning. Literature Search of databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, SCOPUS and ResearchGate using the keywords “Addressing virtual learning challenges” was done. Additional inputs were taken from blogs and relevant reports. The results varied; some learners reported that "It's difficult to share our points as online discussions can move swiftly from one topic to another. Engaging a big class in a live forum can be challenging too." Other learners asserted that by regulating who can speak up at one time, the moderator can ensure that no one is left behind. However, it is also reported that there is a growing concern of plagiarism surrounding online examination and thus stringent plagiarism checks must be enhanced to curtail such vice. Conclusively, a lot is still needed to address virtual learning challenges. No single measure is exhaustive enough and more vigilance is required to sustain the adopted measures and improve the quality of virtual learning.
Assessing the Roles of Internet of Things in Combating the Global Spread of COVID-19 Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
(Science and Education Publishing, 2022-03-22) Omona, Kizito
Internet of things (IoT), as the name sounds, refers to a network of physical objects called ‘things’, that are implanted with sensors, software and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and other systems over the Internet. Connecting these objects and then adding sensors to them contribute some digital intelligence to the devices which eventually enables them to communicate real-time data without the need for physical human involvement. This revolution improves modern healthcare systems. The purpose of this study was to examine the healthcare roles of internet of things (IoT) in combating the global spread of COVID-19 virus. Literature Search of Google Scholar databases, PubMed, SCOPUS and ResearchGate using the keywords “Internet of things” or “IoT” and “COVID-19” was made. Further inputs were taken from blogs and relevant reports. Adoption of IoT technology was found to be rapid and is expected to impact on reducing healthcare-associated costs and improvement of treatment outcomes of COVID-19 infected patients or any other. This is achieved through early patient diagnosis, remote patient monitoring, and cold-chain supply monitoring, among others. Conclusively, from a grey look, IoT proves to be cost-effective, efficient and provides timely and significant care to critical patients in case of pandemics.
Assessment of risk factors associated with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Gulu regional referral hospital
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2023-10-11) Omona, Kizito; Opiyo, Mucha Albert
Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is increasingly recognized as emerging infectious disease of public health concern. Globally, 206030 people were diagnosed with MDR-TB in 2019, representing a 10% increase from 186883 people who had it in 2018. In Uganda, the prevalence of MDR among new TB cases is 4.4% and 17.7% among previously treated TB cases. To determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB among tuberculosis patients in Gulu regional referral hospital. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis was used. Data was collected from 384 TB patients using data extraction form and 6 Key informant interviews conducted. Analysis using Pearson chi-square test was run. HIV positive patients were 2.6 times more likely to be infected with MDR-TB than HIV negative patients [AOR=2.6: 95% CI 1.34– 5.85: P=0.006]. Previously treated TB patients were 2.8 times more likely to be infected with MDR-TB than newly diagnosed TB patients [AOR=2.8: 95% CI 1.33– 5.85: P=0.006]. Defaulting TB patients were 3.1 times more likely to be infected with MDR-TB than the non-defaulting TB patients [AOR=3.1]. There is high prevalence of drug resistance among patients attending TB treatment at the facility.
Assessment of solid waste management at source in compliance with guidelines
(Şahin İDİN, 2023-01-01) Omona, Kizito; Maderu, Paul
Solid waste management poses a big challenge for many urban households, especially in developing countries. Overcrowding and informal settlements have emerged with illegal and indiscriminate waste disposal. Guidelines for proper management of solid waste are least observed at household level in such settings. The study was to assess solid waste management at source in compliance with guidelines among residents of Kawempe municipality, Kampala district. It was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study design, where 385 household heads and local leaders were interviewed using questionnaires and interview guides. Only 37.9% of households complied with guidelines for solid waste management at source. Factors of waste management practices were waste reduction (p<.005), separation (p<.001), reuse (p<.001) and composting (p<.027). Determinants such as gender (p<.007), marital status (p<.016), educational level (p<.00), occupation (p<.007), household size (p<.025), medium of community sensitization (p<.00), enforcement of bi-laws (p<.005), type of waste generated (p<0.00) and waste storage method (p < .009) were implicated. Conclusively, compliance with guidelines in the management of household solid waste at source was still very low within the city.
Barriers and motivators to participation in hand washing promotion programs at household level among refugees in Rhino Settlement, Arua District - Uganda
(Taylor and Francis, 2020-05) Namara, Frank; Omona, Kizito; Mbabazi, Scovia
Introduction: The major aim of hand washing promotion programs is to persuade people to change their behaviour to reduce high-risk hygiene practices and use. Unfortunately, in a refugee setting, there is a dearth of information about participation in hand washing promotion programs. Objective: To assess barriers and motivators to participation in hand washing promotion programs at household level among refugees in Rhino Camp, Arua district, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on participation, individual, household factors related to hand washing promotional programs from 312 refugees. Five key informant interviews were conducted to gather data on public policy, institutional and community factors related to participation in the hand washing promotion programs. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Only 19.6% (61/312) of the refugees had participated in hand washing promotion programs. Significant barriers to participation were; no formal education and staying in the camp for more than 3 years. The significant motivators were; households who had 6 to 10 members and more. Conclusion: Participation in hand washing promotion programs was low among the refugees. There is need for relevant stakeholders to come up with interventions to increase participation among the refugees while taking into consideration the potential barriers and motivators to their participation as identified by this study.
Barriers to enrolment of clients into community client led anti-retroviral therapy delivery (CCLAD) in selected health facilities in Kasese District, Uganda
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2024-04-08) Omona, Kizito; Bwogi Kanyerezi, Alex
Community Client Led Anti-retroviral therapy Delivery (CCLAD) Model has been associated with increased community participation and ownership, which leads to better treatment outcomes with reduced workload and increased client satisfaction of health services. To explore the barriers to enrolment of eligible clients into CCLAD in selected health facilities in Kasese District, Uganda. Analytical cross-sectional study utilizing mixed method approach was conducted among 384 PLWHIV attending public health facilities of Kasese District. Sampling was done by simple random sampling method. Data was collected using researcher-administered questionnaire method and interview guide. Most of the respondents 253(65.9%) had not yet enrolled into CCLAD. This was due to some client-related factors such as non-disclosure of HIV sero-status (p=0.040), person to whom HIV sero-status was disclosed to (p=0.009), not having ever heard about CCLAD (p=0.000), incorrect description of CCLAD (p=0.000), limited knowledge of advantages of CCLAD (p=0.000) or disadvantages of CCLAD (p=0.003). Other barriers were; failure to have access to organizations or groups that support PLWHIV to get treatment (p=0.025) and duration of ART refills [AOR=1.637, 95% CI (0.820 – 3.270)]. Adoption of CCLAD model among PLWHIV in Kasese District is still low.
Biology and pathology of cortisol in sexual dysfunctions
(Springer, Cham, 2024-10-05) Omona, Kizito; Balamaga, Samuel Ssanyu
Any issue or challenge that a person or partners encounter during any phase of typical sexual activity—be it physical pleasure, desire, preference, arousal, or orgasm—is referred to as sexual dysfunction. There are various factors that can contribute to this, such as the level of cortisol in the bloodstream. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands, which are situated above the kidneys. The release of cortisol is triggered by stress, whether it is caused by physical or mental factors. Cortisol plays a crucial role in priming the body for action when faced with stressful situations. The effects of this can lead to an elevation in blood pressure, a rise in blood sugar levels, and a weakening of the immune system, resulting in inflammation. The typical plasma concentration of cortisol (free and bound) is 12 mg/100 ml, while the average secretion amount is 15 mg per 24 h. This hormone also regulates the sleep/wake cycle. It is released during times of stress to provide the body with an energy boost and enhance its ability to cope with emergency situations. There are different medications and types of therapy available to assist individuals in overcoming sexual dysfunction. While there is limited information regarding the connection between cortisol and sexual dysfunction, existing literature suggests that elevated cortisol levels, such as those caused by stress, can increase the risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction. One of the most prevalent issues is erectile dysfunction. This chapter explores the biology and pathology of cortisol in sexual dysfunctions, providing a deeper understanding of the subject.
A case of abdominal cocoon syndrome: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction at Aber Hospital in Northern Uganda
(Science Publishing Corporation, 2021) Omona, Kizito; Ssewanyana, Yasin; Ssekitooleko, Badru; Ongaro, Daniel
Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS) is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction characterized by partial or complete encasement of small bowel loops in a thick fibro-collagenous sac. It poses diagnostic difficulties due to the non-specific nature of its presentation and thus in most cases, diagnosed incidentally at laparotomy. The researchers present a case of a 27-year old female Ugandan who presented to a rural hospital in Northern Uganda with complaints of central abdominal pain, failure to pass stool and bilious vomiting for three days. She also had feelings of a peri-umbilical mass. She had several episodes of related obstructive symptoms that would be self-limiting for a year. She had unremarkable past surgical, past medical and past gynecological history. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable. Preoperative diagnosis of small bowel intussusception was made basing on examination and ultrasonography report and the patient was managed operatively. At laparotomy, almost all the small bowel loops were found encased in a thick, whitish, fibrous membrane. There was also marked inter-loop adhesions. The membranous sac was incised and completely removed using both sharp and blunt dissection. Inter-loop adhesions were released solely by blunt dissection. The patient recovered postoperatively and was discharged on the seventh postoperative day.
Comparative study of proportions of postoperative sepsis _ maternity versus general surgical ward
(Taylor and Francis, 2021-03-07) Omona, Kizito
Post-operative sepsis tends to complicate the recovery course of many patients. Across the globe, the proportion of post-operative sepsis varied from 2.9% to 30% in various studies. To determine mean proportion of post-operative sepsis in Maternity and General Surgical wards (GSW) and establish whether there was a significant difference in the proportion of post-operative sepsis between the two departments. The design was part of an Unmatched Retrospective Cohort study of post-operative patients admitted to the Maternity and General Surgical ward over the past 6 months. Random samples of 169 respondents from Maternity and 245 respondents from GSW were compared. Mean proportion of post-operative sepsis was 4.4% and 3.1% for Maternity ward and GSW, respectively. Test statistic, Z2 (4.98) � , Z1 (1.96), fell in the rejection region; hence, Ho was rejected (significant difference in the proportion of sepsis). In the Maternity ward, the risk of postoperative sepsis was more among the unmarried (p = 0.023, COR = 5.550 [1.272–- 24.219] at 95% CI). In General Surgical Ward (GSW), emergency surgery (11.9%) and complex surgeries (16.3%) carried more risk. Risk of post-operative sepsis in maternity was more among the unmarried (27.3%). For GSW, emergency surgery (11.9%) and complex surgeries (16.3%) carried more risk. Therefore, more effort is needed to combat post-operative sepsis.
Contraceptive uptake among postpartum mothers 15–49 years of age in Kalisizo Hospital, Kyotera District, Central Uganda
(Cognizance Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2021-03) Omona, Kizito; Ssekyeru, Emmanuel; Kirya, Peter; Mutebi, Julius; Tenywa, Isaac; Mugabi, Alex; Ochieng, Benard
Per 1000 live births, 336 mothers die from pregnancy-related causes in Uganda; most of which are preventable as 9,549 mothers’ lives were saved from 2015–2020 through reaching the CIP mCPR goal. Use of contraception can prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions which could lead to loss of lives of the women involved. Studies elsewhere have shown that the contraceptive use among postnatal mothers has a strong association with unsafe abortions and deaths. Similarly, there is limited information regarding the factors associated with contraceptive use among postnatal mothers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of contraceptive uptake and to establish individual, socio-economic and health facility related factors associated with contraceptive uptake among post-partum mothers, 15–49years of age in Kalisizo hospital, Kyotera district, central Uganda. This was a hospital based cross sectional observational and analytic study. A total of 168 randomly selected participants were recruited to participate in the study. Univariate analysis, Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were done using STATA version 14.0 to identify factors associated with postpartum uptake of contraceptives. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were computed to determine the level of significance at bivariate whereas adjusted odds ratios were calculated at multivariate analysis to establish independent significant factors. The prevalence of uptake of contraceptives among postpartum women was 36.3%. Age (p=0.007) and area of residence (p=0.025) remained significantly associated with the uptake of contraceptives among postpartum women. Support from partner to use contraceptives was found to be independently associated with the uptake of contraceptives among postpartum women (p=0.024), with respondents who got support being 1.3times more likely to take up contraceptive (aOR=1.32, 95% CI (0.02-0.76)). Higher educational level was more likely to increase chances of contraceptive uptake; primary level 1.6times, Ordinary level 1.8times, Advanced level 2.2times and Diploma level 5times respectively as opposed to mothers who never went to school. Feeling that health workers are few and overworked was associated with uptake of contraceptive (p=0.001), with respondents who didn’t feel that way being 2.5times more like to take up contraceptive (cOR=2.51, 95% CI (1.25-5.02)). The postpartum family planning uptake among women attending Kalisizo hospital is higher than national contraceptive prevalence rate. Interventions which are multi-pronged should be used to address multiple barriers to the uptake of postpartum family planning.
Culture and pandemic control at cross-roads: navigating the burial guidelines for COVID-19- related deaths in a Ghanaian setting
(BMC - Springer Nature, 2023-05) Takyiakwaa, Dorothy; Tuoyire, Anamaale Derek; Abraham, Aba Susanna; Agyare, Ama Elizabeth; Amoah, Oti John; Owusu-Sarpong, Agyeiwaa Akosua; Omona, Kizito; Obiri-Yeboah, Dorcas; Doku, Teye David
Background- Despite the large volume of scientific evidence on the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated high morbidity and mortality, little is known about the sociocultural disruptions which ensued. The current study explored the nuanced navigation of the COVID-19-related death and burial protocols and its impact on traditional burial and funeral rites in Ghana. Methods- This qualitative study was based on the ‘focused’ ethnographic design. Data were collected using key informant interviews from nineteen COVID-19-related bereaved family members and public health officials involved in enforcing adherence to COVID-19-related death and burial protocols in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Central region of Ghana. Recursive analysis was conducted to generate the themes and sub-themes from the data. Results- The overarching theme was “Uncultural” connotations ascribed to the COVID-19-related death and burial protocols. The COVID-19-related death and burial protocols were ubiquitously deemed by participants to be ‘uncultural’ as they inhibited deep-rooted indigenous and eschatological rites of separation between the living and the dead. This was fueled by limited awareness and knowledge about the COVID-19 burial protocols, resulting in fierce resistance by bereaved family members who demanded that public health officials release the bodies of their deceased relatives. Such resistance in the midst of resource limitation led to negotiated compromises of the COVID19-related death and burial protocols between family members and public health officials. Conclusions- Insensitivity to socio-cultural practices compromised the implementation of the COVID-19 pandemic control interventions, particularly, the COVID-19-related death and burial protocols. Some compromises that were not sanctioned by the protocols were reached to allow health officials and families respectfully bury their dead. These findings call for the need to prioritize the incorporation of sociocultural practices in future pandemic prevention and management strategies.
Determinants of caesarean section rates in private-not-for-profit healthcare facilities: St. Joseph’s Hospital_ Kitovu
(Taylor and Francis, 2021-06-27) Omona, Kizito
Caesarean delivery, often called a C-section, is the delivery of the baby through incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Caesarean deliveries, whether elective or medically necessary, have risen dramatically in recent decades across the globe, more than the recommended 10–15% by WHO. To determine the mean CSR, ascertain the determinants of Caesarean Section and attitudes of managers toward monitoring and evaluation C-Section. It was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study design, both qualitative and quantitative. 318 respondent mothers who were admitted to Maternity ward or deliver from the said ward were interviewed. Document review guide, interview guides, and semi-structured questionnaires were used. The study found the Average CSR for St. Joseph’s Hospital _ Kitovu was 47.6%. Determinants associated or which influenced Caesarean delivery were; Age of respondent less than 20 years (p = .041), not being married (p = .015), educational level of respondents (p = .000), living in urban setting (p = .001), among others. Socio-economic determinants (regular household income, p = .000, and occupation, p = .000) highly influenced caesarean delivery. There were mixed views of the health manager toward regularizing monitoring and evaluation of Caesarean Section Rates (CSR). The Caesarean Section Rate (47.6%) in Private Not-For Profit Healthcare organization is still unacceptably higher WHO recommendation of 10–15%. Therefore, there is stronger need to regularize monitoring and evaluation of CSR.
Determinants of health service utilization among users of Dokolo Health Centre IV, Dokolo District: a community perspective
(Science Publishing Corporation, 2021-03-29) Omona, Kizito
Introduction: Health services utilization (HSU) is an important health outcome indicator, a surrogate measure of access to healthcare that influences the outcomes of health status and consumer satisfaction. Healthcare is central to community well-being as well as a fundamental aspect of life. Objective: The study sought to assess determinants of health service utilization among users of Dokolo Health Centre IV, Dokolo district. Methods: A cross sectional analytical design, which employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was used between January and July, 2020. A total of 396 respondents participated. Data was collected using Semi-structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion guide. Analysis was done using SPSS and qualitative data was analyzed verbatim. Results: Only 26.8% of the users were satisfied with services provided in the health facility. Living environments of respondents was the only socio-demographic factor that determined HSU (p = 0.046). Living in urban area was 1.6 times more likely to be a determinant of HSU than living in rural setting [COR=1.571, 95% CI (0.986-2.504)]. The study found that being a female was 1.14 times more likely to utilize health services (COR=1.135, 95% CI (0.741-1.739)). Similarly, majority of the respondents who were peasants, 174(43.9%), utilized health services from the facility as opposed to their formally employed counterparts. Thus, being formally employed was 0.7 timesless likely to utilize health services (COR= 0.655, 95% CI (0.29-1.476)). Satisfaction with services (p=0.000), level of satisfaction (p=0.000) and distance to health facility (p=0.033) were enablers of HSU. Being very satisfied was 16 times more likely for one to utilize health services [COR=16, 95% CI (0.000- 0.001)]. Most of the respondents rated the quality of care as poor. Conclusion: Health service utilization remains quite low in many rural health facilities of Uganda.
Determinants of hospital delivery among mothers attending post-natal mother-baby clinic services from January to August 2020: a cross-sectional study of Busia, Uganda
(Taylor and Francis (Informa UK), 2025-06-11) Omona, Kizito; Ojok, Ritara, Vincent
It is estimated that hospital delivery could reduce 16%–33% of maternal deaths. Despite the importance of delivering at health institutions, in many countries, mothers still prefer to give birth at home. The aim was to ascertain the determinants of hospital delivery among mothers attending post-natal mother-baby clinic services in Busia district. We used analytical cross-sectional design, with mixed method approach. A sample of 385respondent mothers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Two Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were held with mothers. Hospital delivery was at 82.6%, with most mothers delivering from government hospitals (50.9%) and private hospitals. Place of residence of mothers was associated with Hospital Delivery (X2 (1) = 1.515, p < 0.002). Mothers who lived in urban settings were 2.7times more likely to deliver from health facilities than mothers who lived in rural settings [cPR = 2.686, 95% CI (0.394–1.194)]. Husband’s educational level was a determinant of Hospital Delivery (X2 (3) = 2.054, p < 0.006). Mothers whose husbands had primary education, secondary education and tertiary education were 2.2 times, 1.5 times and 1.3 times more odd of delivering from health facility respectively. Hospital delivery in Busia was acceptably high. Women’s decision power enormously contributes to the choice of place of delivery.
Early sexual debut and associated factors among adolescents in Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono district, Uganda
(Taylor & Francis, 2023-03-07) Omona, Kizito; Ssuka, Jonathan Kizito
Early sexual debut is defined as having had first sexual intercourse at or before age 14 years of age. By 19 years, nearly 70% of both males and females are reported to have ever had sexual intercourse. Notably, sexual debut occurring at an earlier age than 19 years, especially less than 15 years, is found to be associated with engagement in risky sexual behaviours in adolescence. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with early sexual debut among adolescents in Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono district. Analytical cross-sectional study design, both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used. Focus group discussion guide and semi-structured questionnaire were administered to a sample of 385 adolescents. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 25 was used for analysis. The prevalence of early sexual debut was 22.6% among female and 22.1% among male, respectively. Age was associated with early sexual debut (X2 (1) = 5.992, p = 0.018), with more of the adolescents (37.4%) older than 14 year found to have had sexual intercourse at or before 14 years. Gender was associated with early sexual debut among adolescents (X2(1) = 22.898, p = 0.000). Schooling status of adolescents was associated with early sexual debut (p = 0.000). Respondents who drink alcohol were three times more likely to have early sexual debut (COR = 3.28, at 95% CI (1.530–7.031)) and there was a strong association between drinking alcohol and early sexual debut (p = 0.000). Having ever had peer influence (p = 0.03) was associated with early sexual debut. So, conclusively, the proportion of girls who delay sex is slightly higher as compared with that of boys. Subjects: Epidemiology; Environment & Health; Health & Society; Health Conditions; Public Health Policy and Practice; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Medicine; Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s; Health
Effects of school closures in COVID-19 era: evidence from Uganda Martyrs University
(Simon Fraser University, 2021-07-28) Omona, Kizito
As of March 1st, 2020, many governments embarked on nationwide school closures due to the deadly coronavirus pandemic. As the month of March came to an end, about 185 countries across the globe had closed their schools. This affected about 90% of the world’s students and Africa was significantly hit by this closure. The speed of these closures and the rapid move to distance learning gave very little time for planning or any other alternative form of learning. In Uganda, the education of 15 million children and students was disrupted. Learners had to spend the majority of their time at home playing, helping their parents with chores, engaging in agriculture and also spare some hours a day to study. The education of learners was impacted greatly. In urban areas, some learners relied on lessons available online, televisions and radios, while in rural areas, learners had to fall back on their notebooks and printed learning materials provided by the government. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of school closure on different stakeholders. A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out. A sample of eight lecturers, eight students, four administrators and four community members were purposively recruited for the study. The results show that the impact of the closures on teachers resulted in: (1) leaving the teaching profession, and (2) financial distress. On the part of learners, the effect was a disruption of learning. Schooling provides essential learning and when schools closed, learners were deprived of opportunities for growth and development. The disadvantage of the disruption was disproportionate for under-privileged learners who tend to have fewer educational opportunities, apart from being in schools. Undoing the effects of learning disruption may require years in Uganda.
Eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV in Arua District through mother–baby–pair points
(July Press, 2021-06-30) Ika, Eddy; Wonyima Okello, Isaac; Omona, Kizito
Mother-to-child transmission is the leading cause of HIV infection in children. Without treatment, half of these HIV infected children die before their second birthday. This study was carried out to establish the contribution of mother-baby-pair points approach to eMTCT outcomes in Arua District Uganda. A descriptive and analytical cross sectional study design which employed mixed methods approach was used. 196 HIV positive breast feeding mothers from three government hospitals (Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Adumi Health Center IV and Oli Health Center IV) were interviewed. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews guides. Majority 168 (85.7%) of the respondents and their babies were enrolled to eMTCT care immediately after delivery and up to 17(8.7%) were enrolled beyond two weeks after delivery. Reasons for enrolment into care included; counseling before, during and after pregnancy on the importance of adherence to ART, early enrolment into care and delivery in a health facility. Most of the babies enrolled in mother-baby-points were HIV sero-negative (75.5%) with only 6.6% of them being sero-positive, thus signifying the contribution of mother-baby-points towards eliminating mother-child-transmission of HIV. Age of mothers was associated with retention on eMTCT care (χ2 (5) =11.19, p=0.048). Again, having had any form of education on eMTCT was associated with retention on eMTCT care (p=0.001). In conclusion, the degree of enrollment in to eMTCT care was high but some mothers who still enrolled late. This affects early infant diagnosis, uptake of eMTCT services and retention of mothers and their infants.
Empowering Midwives and Obstetric Nurses
(IntechOpen, 2022-06-19) Omona, Kizito
In order to equip practitioner midwives and nurses, I find „Empowering Midwives and Obstetric Nurses‟ a book to be treasured. This is more especially when it comes to supporting learning and preparing readers for the challenges faced in contemporary healthcare. This book with 192 pages and twelve chapters is a treasure.
Exploring challenges faced by physically disabled women in utilizing antenal services in Kabale Municipality
(Bioline International, 2021) Ntegamahe, Helen Lonic; Omona, Kizito
The right to utilize ANC services is included in Sustainable Development goals to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. According to Uganda MOH, every pregnant woman has got to attend four ANC visits in order to utilize the whole ANC package. Irrespective of the policy framework and laws that have been put in place for every pregnant woman to utilize antenatal care services from health care facilities, physically disabled pregnant women globally, and Uganda in particular, still underutilize ANC services from health care facilities. This is brought by challenges faced by Physically Disabled Pregnant Women (PDPW) when utilizing ANC services in health care facilities. Most studies on ANC services utilization are general rather than being specific to physically disabled pregnant women. To investigate the extent of utilization of ANC services among physically disabled pregnant women (PDPWs) in health care facilities in Kabale Municipality between February, 2019 and February 2020. A purely qualitative method employing a descriptive phenomenological design was used. A sample 15respondents, both Physically Disabled Pregnant Women (PDPWs) and health workers were purposively selected and interviewed. Data was collected from 7PDPWs and 8 health workers using individual interviews, focus group discussion and observation. Data was transcribed and analyzed thematically. The extent of utilization of ANC services by PDPWs is very low. This low ANC services utilization was due to challenges faced by PDPWs in attempt utilize ANC services from health care facilities. The revealed challenges were unmodified health care facilities, inadequate income, low levels of education among others. It was discovered that negative intrapersonal attitudes of PDPW make them not to utilize ANC services from health care facilities. Inter-personal attitudes of health workers were quite positive and supportive towards ANC services by PDPW. There is low level of ANC services utilization among Physically Disabled Pregnant Women (PDPWs). This is mainly due to challenges they faced, in attempt to utilize ANC services, in health care facilities.