Browsing by Author "Ssebuufu, Robinson"

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A descriptive-multivariate analysis of community knowledge, confidence, and trust in COVID-19 clinical trials among healthcare workers in Uganda
(MDPI , St Alban-Anlage 66, Basel, Switzerland, Ch-4052, 2020) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Laudisoit, Anne; Osuwat, Lawrence Obado; Batiha, Gaber El-Saber; Al Omairi, Naif E; Aigbogun, Eric; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Usman, Ibe Michael; DeTora, Lisa M; MacLeod, Ewan Thomas; Nalugo, Halima; Crawley, Francis P; Bierer, Barbara E; Mwandah, Daniel Chans; Kato, Charles Drago; Kiyimba, Kenedy; Ayikobua, Emmanuel Tiyo; Lillian, Linda; Matama, Kevin; Mak, Shui Ching Nelly; Onanyang, David; Pius, Theophilus; Nalumenya, David Paul; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Rugambwa, Nina Olivia; Musoke, Grace Henry; Bardosh, Kevin; Ochieng, Juma John; Ssempijja, Fred; Kyamanywa, Patrick; Tumwine, Gabriel; Alzahrani, Khalid J; Welburn, Susan Christina
Background—misinformation and mistrust often undermines community vaccine uptake, yet information in rural communities, especially of developing countries, is scarce. This study aimed to identify major challenges associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine clinical trials among healthcare workers and staff in Uganda. Methods—a rapid exploratory survey was conducted over 5 weeks among 260 respondents (66% male) from healthcare centers across the country using an online questionnaire. Twenty-seven questions assessed knowledge, confidence, and trust scores on COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials from participants in 46 districts in Uganda. Results—we found low levels of knowledge (i.e., confusing COVID-19 with Ebola) with males being more informed than females (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.7–3.0), and mistrust associated with policy decisions to promote herbal treatments in Uganda and the rushed international clinical trials, highlighting challenges for the upcoming Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccinations. Knowledge, confidence and trust scores were higher among the least educated (certificate vs. bachelor degree holders). We also found a high level of skepticism and possible community resistance to DNA recombinant vaccines, such as the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Preference for herbal treatments (38/260; 14.6%, 95% CI: 10.7–19.3) currently being promoted by the Ugandan government raises major policy concerns. High fear and mistrust for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials was more common among wealthier participants and more affluent regions of the country. Conclusion—our study found that knowledge, confidence, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines was low among healthcare workers in Uganda, especially those with higher wealth and educational status. There is a need to increase transparency and inclusive participation to address these issues before new trials of COVID-19 vaccines are initiated.
The double burden of Ebola and COVID-19 viral infections and the readiness for safe surgical care provision in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: an online cross-sectional survey
(Research Square, 2021) Sikakulya, Franck K; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Longombe, Albert Ahuka Ona; Okedi, Francis; Kalongo, Michel; Valimungighe, Moise Muhindo; Furaha, Nzanzu Blaise Pascal; Vahwere, Bienfait Mumbere; Mambo, Simon Binezero; Mulumba, Yusuf; Muyisa, Muhindo Muhasa; Sonia, Fatuma Djuma; Sekabira, John; Fualal, Jane; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Objective: This study aimed at highlighting the extent to which Uganda and the Eastern DR Congo are ready for safe surgical care provision during the double burden of Ebola and COVID-19. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in selected National, Regional Referral and General Hospital facilities of Uganda and in the Eastern part of D.R. Congo from 1st August 2020 to 30 October 2020. Data was analysed using Stata version 14.2. Results: A participation rate of 37.5% for both countries (72/192). The mean bed capacity of participating health facilities (HF) was 184 in Eastern DR. Congo and 274 in Uganda with an average surgical ward bed capacity of 22.3% (41/184) of the beds in the DR. Congo and 20.4% (56/274) in Uganda. The mean number of operating rooms was 2 and 3 in Eastern DR. Congo and Uganda respectively. Nine hospitals (12.5%) reported being able to test for Ebola and 25 (34.7%) being able to test for COVID-19. Only 7 (9.7%) hospitals reported having a specific operating room for suspect or confirmed cases of Ebola or COVID-19. Provision of appropriate Personal Protection Equipment to personnel were reported to be available in 60 (83.3%) hospitals. The mean of readiness score for provision of surgical care was 7.8/16 (SD: 2.3) or 60% in both countries with no statistical significance in multiple linear regression analysis (p>0.05). Conclusion: The majority of participating hospitals in both countries had a low level of readiness to provide safe surgical care due to lack of supplies to limit the exposure of Healthcare workers (HCW) to Ebola and Covid-19 viral infections, and poor funding. Governments and non-governmental organizations should work together to enhance health facility supplies and readiness for safe surgical provision in resourcelimited settings.
Enterocutaneous fistula due to a strangulated Ritcher’s femoral hernia: a case report
(Authorea, 2021) Murwanashyaka, Emmanuel; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Richter’s hernia has a misleading presentation with absence of typical intestinal obstructive symptoms leading to delay in making a diagnosis, tendency to strangulation and eventual spontaneous fistula formation. This article explores a case of enterocutaneous fistula that was managed non-operatively until spontaneous closure.
Factors associated with severity and anatomical distribution of diabetic foot ulcer in Uganda: a multicenter cross-sectional study
(BMC Springer Nature, 2023-03-10) Bienfait Mumbere, Vahwere; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Namatovu, Alice; Kyamanywa, Patrick; Ntulume, Ibrahim; Mugwano, Isaac; Pius, Theophilus; Sikakulya Katembo, Franck; Okedi, Francis Xaviour; Mulumba, Yusuf; Jorge, Soria; Agaba, Gidio; Nasinyama, George William
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, amputation rate and economic burden. This study aimed at identifying the anatomical distribution and factors associated with severity of DFU in Uganda. This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in seven selected referral hospitals in Uganda. A total of 117 patients with DFU were enrolled in this study between November 2021 and January 2022. Descriptive analysis and modified Poisson regression analysis were performed at 95% confidence interval; factors with p-value<0.2 at bivariate analysis were considered for multivariate analysis. The right foot was affected in 47.9% (n=56) of patients, 44.4% (n=52) had the DFU on the plantar region of the foot and 47.9% (n=56) had an ulcer of >5 cm in diameter. The majority (50.4%, n=59) of patients had one ulcer. 59.8% (n=69) had severe DFU, 61.5% (n=72) were female and 76.9% had uncontrolled blood sugar. The mean age in years was 57.5 (standard deviation 15.2 years). Primary (p=0.011) and secondary (p<0.001) school educational levels, moderate (p=0.003) and severe visual loss (p=0.011), 2 ulcers on one foot (p=0.011), and eating vegetables regularly were protective against developing severe DFU (p=0.03). Severity of DFU was 3.4 and 2.7 times more prevalent in patients with mild and moderate neuropathies (p<0.01), respectively. Also, severity was 1.5 and 2.5 higher in patients with DFU of 5–10 cm (p=0.047) and in those with >10 cm diameter (p=0.002), respectively. Most DFU were located on the right foot and on the plantar region of the foot. The anatomical location was not associated with DFU severity. Neuropathies and ulcers of >5 cm diameter were associated with severe DFU but primary and secondary school education level and eating vegetables were protective. Early management of the precipitating factors is important to reduce the burden of DFU.
Health facilities’ readiness for safe surgical care provision in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during Ebola and COVID-19 era
(BMC , Campus, 4 Crinan St, London, England, N1 9XW, 2021) Sikakulya, Franck K; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Longombe, Albert Ahoha Ona; Okedi, X Francis; Ilumbulumbu, Michel Kalongo; Valimungighe, Moise Muhindo; Furaha, Nzanzu Blaise Pascal; Vahwere, Bienfait Mumbere; Mambo, Simon Binezero; Mulumba, Yusuf; Muyisa, Anderson Muhindo Muhasa; Sonia, Fatuma Djuma; Sekabira, John; Fualal, Jane O; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Objective This study aimed to assess health facilities’ readiness to provide safe surgical care during Ebola and COVID-19 era in Uganda and in the Eastern DR Congo. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected national, regional referral and general hospital facilities in Uganda and in the eastern part of DR Congo from 1st August 2020 to 30th October 2020. Data was analysed using Stata version 15. Results The participation rate was of 37.5 % (72/192) for both countries. None of the hospitals fulfilled the readiness criteria for safe surgical care provision in both countries. The mean bed capacity of participating health facilities (HF) was 184 in Eastern DR Congo and 274 in Uganda with an average surgical ward bed capacity of 22.3 % (41/184) and 20.4 % (56/274) respectively. The mean number of operating rooms was 2 and 3 in Eastern DR Congo and Uganda respectively. Nine hospitals (12.5 %) reported being able to test for Ebola and 25 (34.7 %) being able to test for COVID-19. Postponing of elective surgeries was reported by 10 (13.9) participating hospitals. Only 7 (9.7 %) hospitals reported having a specific operating room for suspect or confirmed cases of Ebola or COVID-19. Appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) was reported to be available in 60 (83.3 %) hospitals. Most of the staff had appropriate training on donning and doffing of PPE 40 (55.6 %). Specific teams and protocols for safe surgical care provision were reported to be present in 61 (84.7 %) and 56 (77.8 %) respectively in Uganda and Eastern DR Congo participating hospitals. Conclusions The lack of readiness to provide safe surgical care during Ebola and COVID-19 era across the participating hospitals in both countries indicate a need for strategies to enhance health facility supplies and readiness for safe surgical provision in resource-limited settings.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-reported Practice Toward Measures for Prevention of the Spread of COVID-19 Among Ugandans: A Nationwide Online Cross-sectional Survey
(Frontiers Media SA , Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Switzerland, Ch-1015, 2020) Ssebuufu, Robinson; Sikakulya, Franck K; Mambo, Simon Binezero; Wasingya, Lucien; Nganza, Sifa K; Bwaga, Ibrahim; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Background: The world is facing the Coronavirus pandemic, which is highly infectious. Several measures have been put in place to prevent its spread among the population. However, for these preventive measures to be effective, the population requires appropriate and sufficient knowledge, attitude, and practices. Thus, a survey to assess knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practice toward measures for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 was conducted among Ugandans. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among during the lockdown in Uganda. An online structured questionnaire was used, applying a snowballing sampling approach for recruitment of participants 18 years and above and residing in Uganda. Data collection was done from 6th to 15th April 2020, during which 1,763 people participated. We analyzed all data using STATA 14.2, applying appropriate statistical tests. Results: Out of 1,763 participants, 80% were highly knowledgeable. For attitude, 72.4% reported following recommendations given by the Ministry of health to prevent the spread of COVID-19; 89.0% were worried about contracting COVID-19 and 73.3% agreed that COVID-19 can be cured and 99.3% reported good practice toward measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to ordered logistic regression, health workers were 6 times more knowledgeable [aOR:6 (3.51–10.09), p < 0.001] followed by teachers [aOR:5.2 (2.6–10.32), p < 0.001]; students [aOR:3.2 (1.96–5.33), p < 0.001]. On the contrary, the drivers, business entrepreneurs, and security personnel had less knowledge. Conclusion: The results show that the participating Ugandans were knowledgeable and had a positive attitude and good practices. However, there is still a gap in knowledge among drivers, business entrepreneurs, and security personnel. Therefore, there is a need to mobilize the country’s population to have the same degree of knowledge, which will have an impact on the attitude and practices toward prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
Local anesthesia versus saddle block for open hemorrhoidectomy: cost-analysis from a randomized, double blind controlled trial
(BMC Springer Nature, 2023-11-22) Sikakulya, Franck Katembo; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Okedi, Francis Xaviour; Baluku, Moris; Lule, Herman; Kiyaka, Sonye Magugu; Muhumuza, Joshua; Molen, Selamo Fabrice; Bassara, Godefroy Nyenke; Waziri, Musa Abbas; Kithinji, Stephen Mbae; Mugisho Munyerenkana, Leocadie; Kagenderezo, Byamungu Pahari; Munihire, Jeannot Baanitse; Vahwere, Bienfait Mumbere; Kiswezi, Ahmed; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Despite the benefits attributed to the use of local anesthesia (LA) for open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) in developed countries, this technique is still not considered as the first line technique in low-income countries such as Uganda; therefore, we aimed at comparing the cost of OH under LA versus Saddle block among patients with 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. This trial was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 among patients with primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. The operating time, and direct costs in (US$) including medical and non-medical were recorded. We analysed the cost in the two groups (local anesthesia versus saddle block) using SPSS version 23.0. Findings of fifty-eight patients were analysed including 29 participants per group. There was a significant difference in operating time and cost among the two groups (p<0.05). The mean operating time was 15.52±5.34(SD) minutes versus 33.72±11.54 min for OH under LA and SB respectively. The mean cost of OH under LA was 57.42±8.90 US$ compared to 63.38±12.77US$ in SB group. The use of local anesthesia for OH was found to have less operating time with high-cost effectiveness. Being affordable, local anesthesia can help to increase the turnover of patients who would otherwise wait for the availability of anesthesia provider. Policy makers should emphasize its applicability in low-income settings to help in the achievement of 2030 global surgery goals.
Malnutrition Amongst HIV Adult Patients in Selected Hospitals of Bushenyi District in Southwestern Uganda
(Makerere Univ, Coll Health Sciences,Sch Med , Po Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, 00000, 2020) Ssebuufu, Robinson; Sikakulya, Franck K; Mambo, Simon Binezero; Wasingya, Lucien; Nganza, Sifa K; Bwaga, Ibrahim; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Background: Malnutrition is an important clinical outcome amongst HIV patients in developing countries and in Uganda, there is scarcity of information on its prevalence and risk factors amongst HIV adult patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study amongst 253 HIV patients in Bushenyi district assessed their nutritional status using the body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and a questionnaire was used to identify major risk factors. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 38.74 ± 0.80 yrs, while females and males were 52.2% and 47.8% respectively. Prevalence of malnutrition was 10.28% (95% CI: 6.82 – 14.69) in the study. Major socio-economic factors associated with malnutrition were being female, unemployed, dependent and with many family members. Patients with op- portunistic infections, low adherence to HAART, and stage of HIV/AIDS had a higher risk of malnutrition. Discussion: In rural communities, a majority of malnourished patients are elderly and these were identified as priority groups for HIV outreach campaigns. The current policy of prioritizing children and women is outdated due to changing disease dynamics, thus showing a need to revise extension service provision in rural communities. Conclusion: Malnutrition is a threat in HIV adult patients in rural communities of Uganda.
Pain assessment following open hemorrhoidectomy under local anesthesia versus saddle block: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
(BMC Springer Nature, 2023-05-12) Sikakulya, Franck Katembo; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Okedi, Francis Xaviour; Baluku, Moris; Lule, Herman; Kiyaka, Sonye Magugu; Kyamanywa, Patrick
There is disparity in evidence on pain assessment post open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) using local anesthesia and its use in developing countries compared to developed countries. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the occurrence of postoperative pain following open hemorrhoidectomy under local anesthesia versus saddle block for uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. This was a prospective equivalence randomized, double blind controlled trial conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 among patients with primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. Pain severity was assessed at 2, 4 and 6 h post open hemorrhoidectomy using visual analogue scale (VAS). Data was analysed using SPSS version 26 at a p<0.05 as statically signifcant using visual analogue scale (VAS). We recruited 58 participants in this study who underwent open hemorrhoidectomy under local anesthesia or saddle block (29 participants per group). The sex ratio was of 1.15 of female to male and a mean age of 39±13. VAS was found to be diferent at 2 h post OH compare to other time of pain assessment but not statically signifcant by area under the cover (AUC) (95% CI=486–0.773: AUC=0.63; p=0.09) with a none signifcance by Kruskal–Wallis’s test (p:0.925). Local anesthesia was found to be having a similar pain severity occurrence in post operative period among patients undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy for primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. Close monitoring of pain in postoperative period is mandatory especially at 2 h to assess need of analgesia.
Prevalence and factors associated with cancellation and deferment of elective surgical cases at a rural private tertiary hospital in Western Uganda: a cross-sectional study
(African Field Epidemiology Network-Afenet , Po Box 12874, Kampala, Uganda, 00000, 2021) Vahwere, Bienfait Mumbere; Sikakulya, Franck K; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Soria, Jorge; Okedi, X Francis; Abdullah, Shaban; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Introduction: the cancellation of elective surgery is still a worldwide challenge and this is associated with emotional and economical trauma for the patients and their families as well as a decrease in the efficiency of the operating theatre. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with cancellation and deferment of elective surgery in a rural private tertiary teaching hospital in Western Uganda. Methods: a crosssectional study design was conducted. Data was collected from 1st July 2019 to 31st December 2019. Patients scheduled for elective surgery and either cancelled or deferred on the actual day of surgery were included in the study. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 15. Results: four hundred patients were scheduled for elective surgery during the study period, among which 90 (22.5%) were cancelled and 310 (78.5%) had their surgeries as scheduled. The highest cancellation of elective surgical operations was observed in general surgery department with 81% elective cases cancelled or deferred, followed by orthopedic department 10% and gynecology department 9%. The most common reasons for cancellation were patient-related (39%) and health worker-related (35%) factors. Other factors included administrative (17%) and anesthesia related factors (9%). Cancellation was mainly due to lack of finances which accounted for 23.3% of the patients, inadequate patient preparation (16.6%) and unavailability of surgeons (15.5%). Major elective surgeries were cancelled 1.7 times more than minor electives surgeries [adjusted prevalence ratio 1.7 (95%CI: 1.07-2.73) and p-value: 0.024]. Conclusion: cancellation and deferment of elective surgeries is still of a major concern in this private rural tertiary hospital with most of the reasons easily preventable through proper scheduling of patients, improved communication between surgical teams and with patients; and effective utilization of available resources and man power.
Psychological Distress and Associated Factors Among Hospital Workers in Uganda During the COVID-19 Lockdown–A Multicentre Study
(Elsevier Science Inc , Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, USA, NY, 10169, 2022) Kirabira, Joseph; Forry, Jimmy Ben; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Akimana, Benedict; Nakawuki, Madrine; Anyayo, Lucas; Mpamizo, Emmanuel; Onen, Bruno Chan; Ingabire, Jane; Gumisiriza, Nolbert; Waiswa, Ali; Mawanda, Anatoli; Ashaba, Scholastic; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Objective To assess the prevalence of psychological distress (PD), and its associated demographic, psychosocial, hospital and health-related factors among hospital workers in Uganda during the COVID-19 related lockdown. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted among three hundred ninety six participants recruited from eight hospitals and PD was assessed using the Kessler 6 distress scale from May to June 2020. Results PD was present in 92.7% of the participants with majority (78.3%) having mild to moderate PD whereas 14.4% had severe PD. Severe PD had statistically significant association with having financial liabilities (O.R = 3.69 (1.55–8.77), p = 0.003). However, ability to maintain contact with family members and friends (O.R = 0.43 (0.22–0.84), p value = 0.013), and having enough personal protective equipment and safety tools at work place (O.R = 0.44 (0.23–0.84), p value = 0.012) were protective against severe PD. having excessive worry about getting infected with COVID-19, conflicts within a home, segregation by friends or community, longer working hours or involvement in management of suspected or confirmed case were not associated with severe PD. Conclusion The findings indicate the need to take into consideration the mental wellbeing of health workers during this COVID-19 outbreak. Whereas hospital workers continue to provide their services during the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown, it is important that they maintain contact with social support networks and be provided with counselling and mental health and psychosocial services in order to optimise their mental health during this pandemic.
Scaling up a Surgical Residency Program in Rwanda
(The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), 2016) Rickard, Jennifer; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Kyamanywa, Patrick; Ntakiyiruta, Georges;
Background: Beginning in 2012, the Government of Rwanda implemented the Human Resources for Health (HRH) program to enhance capacity building in the Rwandan health education sector. Through this program, surgical training at University of Rwanda (UR) has expanded. The aim of this presentation is to describe the scaling up of the UR surgical residency program Methods: We performed a descriptive analysis of the UR surgical residency program after initiation of the Rwanda HRH Program. Results: Through the HRH Program, faculty from US institutions supplements the existing Rwandan educational infrastructure to increase the teaching capacity in Rwanda. Intake of surgical trainees more than doubled within the first year of the program. Service-based surgical training has changed to competency-based training through curriculum development, dedicated academic days and surgical education within firms. Lectures remain a dominant feature of the educational program, but more focus is placed on bedside teaching and peer-education. Shortage of operative space and a tremendous number of emergency patients overwhelm public teaching hospitals posing a challenge towards providing residents with a broad spectrum of operative experiences, especially elective surgical cases. Conclusion: Through this program, the ursurgical residency program has greatly expanded. Over time, the quantity and quality of surgical residents is expected to increase.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Problems Among Ugandan Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: An Online Cross-sectional Study
(2020) Mambo, Simon Binezero; Sikakulya, Franck K; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Mulumba, Yusuf; Wasswa, Henry; Thompson, Kelly; Rusatira, Jean Christophe; Bhondoekhan, Fiona; Kamyuka, Louis K; Akib, Surat Olabisi; Kirimuhuzya, Claude; Nakawesi, Jane; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Background The COVID-19 pandemic threatens access to sexual and reproductive health services. With global health emergencies, there is often a total reversal of priorities and access to sexual and reproductive health services may become challenging. The aim of this study was to establish the problems related to sexual and reproductive health among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods This was an online cross-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. An online questionnaire was used and participants aged 18years to 30 years recruited using the snowballing approach. The statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14.2. Results Out of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported not having information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). About a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n=195) reported not having testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections available during the lockdown. Lack of transport means was the commonest (68.7%) limiting factor to access to SRH services during the lockdown followed by the long distance from home to SRH facility (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and curfew (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest (40.4%) problem related to SRH during the lockdown followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). The multivariate regression analysis shows that problems were more prevalent among the co-habiting youth [APR: 2.3 (1.6 - 3.29), p<0.001] followed by unemployed (volunteer or unpaid) [APR: 1.6 (1.03 - 2.64), p: 0.037] than in other participants. Conclusions The ndings of this study show that Ugandan youths have accessing SRH information and services during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cohabiting and unemployed participants were the most affected. Lack of transport means and high cost of services were the major limiting factors to access SRH services among the youths. The ndings call for concerted efforts from the Uganda government and international non-governmental organisations to ensure access and availability of SRH services for Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Surgery of COVID-19-infected patients in Africa: a scoping
(Annals of African Surgery, 2021) Sikakulya, Franck K; Soria, Jorge; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Kiyaka, Sonye Magugu; Molen, Selamo Fabrice; Kyamanywa, Patrick
Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to highlight the nature and scope of research and publications about surgery in COVID-19-infected patients in Africa in order to inform guidelines applicable in Africa. Methods: We considered peerreviewed and gray literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Word Health Organization COVID-19 online databases published from February 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, about surgery for/in COVID-19- infected patients. The review is reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. Results: of 530 studies screened, only 11 (2.08%) were found eligible, including 4 cohort studies, 3 cross-sectional studies, 2 letters to the editor, 1 case series, and 1 review. The key emphasis areas by the eligible studies were vaccination, testing prior to surgery, clinical guidelines to reduce complications related to COVID-19 among infected patients, and protection of the surgical team. Conclusion: There is a dearth of studies on surgery in COVID-19-infected patients in Africa. There is an urgent need for more reports and publications from the African experiences so as to inform contextualized guidelines for surgical care in low-resource settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Use of face masks to limit the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans: Knowledge, attitude and practices
(PLOS One, 2021-03-24) Sikakulya, Franck Katembo; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Binezero Mambo, Simon; Pius, Theophilus; Kabanyoro, Annet; Kamahoro, Elizabeth; Mulumba, Yusuf; Kakule Muhongya, Jean; Kyamanywa, Patrick
The world is grappling with an ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic using preventive measures such as personal hygiene, face masks, restrictions on travel and gatherings in communities, in addition to a race to find a vaccine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the western Uganda community on the proper use of face masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out from 1st July to 10th July 2020 among western Ugandans of consent age of 18 years and above. Data was analysed using Stata version 14.2. Results Among the respondents (n = 1114), the mean age was 30.7 (SD 11.1), 51% were males, 53.9% married and 43% had attained secondary education. Most participants (60.1%, n = 670) had satisfactory knowledge on the use of face masks and participants at a tertiary education level [AOR 2.6 (95% CI: 1.42–4.67; p = 0.002)] were likely to have satisfactory knowledge than participants who had not education. On attitude, most respondents (69.4%) were confident enough to correctly put on a face mask; 83.4% believed that a face mask can protect against COVID-19 and 75.9% of respondents had never shared their face mask. The majority of respondents (95.2%) agreed wearing face masks in public places was important to protect themselves against COVID-19; 60.3% reported washing their hands before wearing and after removing the face mask. Unfortunately, 51.5% reported removing the face mask if they needed to talk to someone. Despite the satisfactory knowledge, good attitude and practices, there is still much more to be done in terms of knowledge, attitude and practices among participants. Government, non-governmental organizations and civil society should improve sensitization of populations on how to behave with face masks while talking to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans.