Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School

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Access to Affordable Medicines and Diagnostic Tests for Asthma and COPD in Sub Saharan Africa
(Springer, 2017-12-08) Kibirige, Davis; Kampiire, Leaticia; Atuhe, David; Mwebaze, Raymond; Katagira, Winceslaus; Muttamba, Winters; Nantanda, Rebecca; Worodria, William; Kirenga, Bruce
Background: Equitable access to affordable medicines and diagnostic tests is an integral component of optimal clinical care of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In Uganda, we lack contemporary data about the availability, cost and affordability of medicines and diagnostic tests essential in asthma and COPD management. Methods: Data on the availability, cost and affordability of 17 medicines and 2 diagnostic tests essential in asthma and COPD management were collected from 22 public hospitals, 23 private and 85 private pharmacies. The percentage of the available medicines and diagnostic tests, the median retail price of the lowest priced generic brand and affordability in terms of the number of days’ wages it would cost the least paid public servant were analysed. Results: The availability of inhaled short acting beta agonists (SABA), oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), inhaled LABA-ICS combinations and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in all the study sites was 75%, 60.8%, 46.9% and 45.4% respectively. None of the study sites had inhaled long acting anti muscarinic agents (LAMA) and inhaled long acting beta agonist (LABA)-LAMA combinations. Spirometry and peak flow-metry as diagnostic tests were available in 24.4% and 6.7% of the study sites respectively. Affordability ranged from 2.2 days’ wages for inhaled salbutamol to 17.1 days’ wages for formoterol/budesonide inhalers and 27.8 days’ wages for spirometry. Conclusion: Medicines and diagnostic tests essential in asthma and COPD care are not widely available in Uganda and remain largely unaffordable. Strategies to improve access to affordable asthma and COPD medicines and diagnostic tests should be implemented in Uganda.
Access to Medicines and Miagnostic Tests Tntegral in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Diseases in Uganda
(BMC, 2017-08-24) Kibirige, Davis; Atuhe, David; Kampiire, Leaticia; Kiggundu, Ssekikubo Daniel
Background: Despite the burgeoning burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in low and middle income countries (LMIC), access to affordable essential medicines and diagnostic tests for DM and CVD still remain a challenge in clinical practice. The Access to Cardiovascular diseases, Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease, Diabetes mellitus and Asthma Drugs and diagnostics (ACCODAD) study aimed at providing contemporary information about the availability, cost and affordability of medicines and diagnostic tests integral in themanagement of DM and CVD in Uganda. Methods: The study assessed the availability, cost and affordability of 37 medicines and 19 diagnostic tests in 22 public hospitals, 23 private hospitals and 100 private pharmacies in Uganda. Availability expressed as a percentage, median cost of the available lowest priced generic medicine and the diagnostic tests and affordability in terms of the number of days’ wages it would cost the least paid public servant to pay for one month of treatment and the diagnostic tests were calculated. Results: The availability of the medicines and diagnostic tests in all the study sites ranged from 20.1% for unfractionated heparin (UFH) to 100% for oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) and from 6.8% for microalbuminuria to 100% for urinalysis respectively. The only affordable tests were blood glucose, urinalysis and serum ketone, urea, creatinine and uric acid. Parenteral benzathine penicillin, oral furosemide, glibenclamide, bendrofluazide, atenolol, cardiac aspirin, digoxin, metformin, captopril and nifedipine were the only affordable drugs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the majority of medicines and diagnostic tests essential in the management of DM and CVD are generally unavailable and unaffordable in Uganda. National strategies promoting improved access to affordable medicines and diagnostic tests and primary prevention measures of DM and CVD should be prioritised in Uganda.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated With Moderate Elevations in Blood Pressure or Blood Glucose in Ugandan Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
(Elsevier, 2021-05) Milln, Jack; Nakabuye, Betty; Natamba, Barnabas; Sekitoleko, Isaac; Mubiru, Michael; Namara, Arthur; Tumwesigire, Samuel; Tino, Salome; Mirembe, Mandy; Kakanda, Ayoub; Agaba, Brian; Nansubuga, Faridah; Zaake, Daniel; Ayiko, Ben; Kalema, Herbert; Nakubulwa, Sarah; Sekikubo, Musa; Nakimuli, Annette; Webb, L. Emily; Nyirenda, J. Maffat
BACKGROUND: The association between overt hypertension and diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well documented. Recentevidence suggests that even moderate elevations in blood pressure or blood glucose may confer a significant risk in a dose-dependent manner. However, these studies have primarily been undertaken in white populations in high-income settings. Hypertension and diabetes are emerging as major public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa as the region undergoes rapid urbanization. It is therefore important to understand how such noncommunicable conditions contribute to pregnancy outcomes in these populations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between stage 1 hypertension or fasting blood glucose in the gestational diabetes mellitus-range and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Uganda, and to describe the effects of other contributing factors such as maternal obesity. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study of 2857 women at 5 major hospitals in urban and semiurban central Uganda. Women were enrolled at 24 to 28 weeks’ gestation. Data about the maternal demographics, anthropometrics, fasting venous blood glucose, blood pressure, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Moderate elevations in blood pressure and blood glucose were defined using the latest American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association definition of stage 1 hypertension and the World Health Organization’s criteria for fasting blood glucose in the gestational diabetes mellitus-range. The primary outcomes of interest were perinatal death and large birthweight for gestational age, and the secondary outcomes were preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and neonatal admission. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS: Stage 1 hypertension increased the odds of perinatal death by more than 2-fold (adjusted odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.36−5.29), with a positive but insignificant association with preterm birth. Hyperglycemia in the gestational diabetes mellitus-range was associated with cesarean delivery only (adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.20−2.27). Maternal obesity increased the risk of having large birthweight babies (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.74−3.02), a cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.17−3.48), and neonatal admission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.16−2.30). CONCLUSION: Moderate elevations in blood pressure and maternal obesity are stronger predictors of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes than moderate elevations in blood glucose levels and should be the focus of intervention in these resource-poor settings. Further research is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of identifying and managing moderate elevations in blood pressure and maternal obesity
An Analysis of the Short Term Outcomes of Laparotomy Among Surgeons in Mulago Hospital Using POSSUM Scoring System
(International Research Journals, 2011-09-01) Kitara, Lagoro David; Kakande, Ignatius; Mugisa, D. Didas
More than 600 laparotomy operations are conducted in Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) every year. However, there are no criteria for judging the outcomes (morbidity and mortality) and comparing the short-term outcomes of these operations among surgeons in the Department of Surgery. The Physiological Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Morbidity and Mortality (POSSUM) was used to analyze the short-term outcomes of laparotomy among surgeons in MNRH. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 76 consecutively recruited patients who underwent emergency and elective laparotomy. POSSUM scoring system was used and patients followed-up to 30th post-operative day. Day-care surgeries, patients who died on table before induction of anesthesia, and patients below 13 years of age were excluded from the study. Informed consent and assent was obtained from each patient before surgery and ethical approval was obtained from the research and review committee of Makerere University Medical School. There were 51 emergencies (67.1%) and 25 (32.9%) electives. 13 patients (17.1%) were operated by consultants, 8 (10.5%) by registrars and 55 (72.4%) by senior residents. Short-term outcome (morbidity) among the surgeons was: consultants (t= -0.081, p=0.243), registrars (t= -0.039, p=0.368), and senior residents (t= -0.041, p=0.362). Mortality outcomes for surgeons were consultants (t= -0.012, p=0.460), registrar (t=.-0.012, p=0.460) and senior residents (t= 0.087, p=0.228). POSSUM successfully analyzed the short-term outcomes of laparotomy among surgeons in MNRH. All the surgeons were performing well within the predictive power of Possum.
Antenatal Management and Maternal/fetal Outcomes associated with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) in Uganda: A prospective cohort study
(BMC, 2021-05-19) Nakabuye, Betty; Sekitoleko, Isaac; Mubiru, Michael; Tumwesigire, Samuel; Tino, Salome; Mirembe, Sandy; Kakande, Ayoub; Agaba, Brian; Nansubuga, Faridah; Zaake, Daniel; Ayiko, Ben; Kalema, Herbert; Nakubulwa, Sarah; Sekikubo, Musa; Nakimuli, Annettee; Webb, Emily L.; Nyirenda, Moffat J.; Milln, Jack; Natamba, Barnabas Kahiira
Background: Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) is associated with complications for both mother and baby. The prevalence of the condition is likely to increase across Africa as the continent undergoes a rapid demographic transition. However, little is known about the management and pregnancy outcomes associated with HIP in the region, particularly less severe forms of hyperglycaemia. It is therefore important to generate local data so that resources may be distributed effectively. The aim of this study was to describe the antenatal management and maternal/fetal outcomes associated with HIP in Ugandan women. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 2917 pregnant women in five major hospitals in urban/semi-urban central Uganda. Women were screened with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation. Cases of gestational diabetes (GDM) and diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) were identified (WHO 2013 diagnostic criteria) and received standard care. Data was collected on maternal demographics, anthropometrics, antenatal management, umbilical cord c-peptide levels, and pregnancy outcomes. Results: Two hundred and seventy-six women were diagnosed with HIP (237 classified as GDM and 39 DIP). Women had between one and four fasting capillary blood glucose checks during third trimester. All received lifestyle advice, one quarter (69/276) received metformin therapy, and one woman received insulin. HIP was associated with large birthweight (unadjusted relative risk 1.30, 95% CI 1.00–1.68), Caesarean delivery (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (RR 4.37, 95% CI 1.36–14.1), but not perinatal mortality or preterm birth. Pregnancy outcomes were generally worse for women with DIP compared with GDM. Conclusion: HIP is associated with significant adverse pregnancy outcomes in this population, particularly overt diabetes in pregnancy. However pregnancy outcomes in women with milder forms of hyperglycaemia are similar to those with normoglycaemic pregnancies. Intervention strategies are required to improve current monitoring and management practice, and more research needed to understand if this is a cost-effective way of preventing poor perinatal outcomes.
Anticipated Help Seeking Behaviour and Barriers to Seeking Care for Possible Breast and Cervical Cancer Symptoms in Uganda and South Africa
(National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2021-01-14) Moodley, Jennifer; Constant, Deborah; Mwaka, Amos Deogratius; Scott, Emilie Suzanne; Walter, Mary Fiona
Objectives: Breast and cervical cancers are leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Most women present with advanced-stage disease and have poor outcomes. This study aimed to describe anticipated help-seeking behaviour for possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms, barriers to accessing health care and factors associated with less timely anticipated help-seeking in urban and rural settings in Uganda and South Africa (SA). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional community-based survey between August and December 2018. Data were collected from one randomly selected woman per household using the African Women Awareness of Cancer breast and cervical cancer tool. Anticipated help-seeking behaviour was dichotomised into waiting <1week or ≥1 week to seek care. Multivariable analysis identified factors associated with anticipated help-seeking behaviour. Results: One thousand, seven hundred fifty-eight women participated (Uganda 873, SA 885, median age 34, interquartile ranges 26–47). Most would discuss symptoms with someone close to them (87.7% for breast, 83.0% for cervical symptoms). The majority anticipated seeking care from a health facility in <1 week: 86.1% and 88.0%, respectively, for breast and cervical symptoms. 38.7% of women expected to encounter at least 1 barrier when seeking care. Lack of money for transport or clinic costs was the most common barrier (24.6% of participants). For both cancers and in both countries, women who reported more barriers were significantly less likely to anticipate seeking timely care. In SA, rural location was also associated with longer anticipated time to seek care, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48–5.76 and aPR 2.42, 95% CI 1.08–5.45 for breast and cervical cancer, respectively. Conclusion: Interventions that improve community level cancer knowledge and highlight the importance of prompt help-seeking for possible symptoms are important to promote timely care seeking. In addition, addressing financial barriers by reducing transport and clinic costs and tackling geographical inequities in access to care could support women in seeking timely care for possible symptoms.
Assessment of a Pilot Antiretroviral Drug Therapy Programme in Uganda: Patients' Response, Survival, and Drug Resistance
(Elsevier, 2002-07-06) Weidle, J Paul; Malamba, Samuel; Mwebaze, Raymond; Sozi, Catherine; Rukundo, Gideon; Downing, Robert; Hanson, Debra; Ochola, Dorothy; Mugyenyi, Peter; Mermin, Jonathan; Samb, Badara; Lackritz, Eve
Background Little is known about how to implement antiretroviral treatment programmes in resource-limited countries. We assessed the UNAIDS/Uganda Ministry of Health HIV Drug Access Initiative—one of the first pilot antiretroviral programmes in Africa—in which patients paid for their medications at negotiated reduced prices. Methods We assessed patients' clinical and laboratory information from August, 1998, to July, 2000, from three of the five accredited treatment centres in Uganda, and tested a subset of specimens for phenotypic drug resistance. Findings 912 patients presented for care at five treatment centres. We assessed the care of 476 patients at three centres, of whom 399 started antiretroviral therapy. 204 (51%) received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 189 (47%) dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (2NRTI), and six (2%) NRTI monotherapy. Median baseline CD4 cell counts were 73 cells/μL (IQR 15–187); viral load was 193 817 copies/mL (37 013–651 716). The probability of remaining alive and in care was 0·63 (95% CI 0·58–0·67) at 6 months and 0·49 (0·43–0·55) at 1 year. Patients receiving HAART had greater virological responses than those receiving 2NRTI. Cox's proportional hazards models adjusted for viral load and regimen showed that a CD4 cell count of less than 50 cells/μL (vs 50 cells/μL or more) was strongly associated with death (hazard ratio 2·93 [1·51–5·68], p=0·001). Among 82 patients with a viral load of more than 1000 copies/mL more than 90 days into therapy, phenotypic resistance to NRTIs was found for 47 (57%): 29 of 37 (78%) who never received HAART versus 18 of 45 (40%) who received HAART (p=0·0005). Interpretation This pilot programme successfully expanded access to antiretroviral drugs in Uganda. Identification and treatment of patients earlier in the course of their illness and increased use of HAART could improve probability of survival and decrease drug resistance.
Assessment of quality of care among in-patients with postpartum haemorrhage and severe pre-eclampsia at st. Francis hospital nsambya: a criteria-based audit
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2017-01-13) Lumala, Alfred; Sekweyama, Peter; Abaasa, Andrew; Lwanga, Humphrey; Byaruhanga, Romano
Background: The maternal mortality ratio of Uganda is still high and the leading causes of maternal mortality are postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Criteria-based audit (CBA) is a way of improving quality of care that has not been commonly used in low income countries. This study aimed at finding out the quality of care provided to patients with these conditions and to find out if the implementation of recommendations from the audit cycle resulted in improvement in quality of care. Methods: This study was a CBA following a time series study design. It was done in St. Francis Hospital Nsambya and it involved assessment of adherence to standards of care for PPH, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. An initial audit was done for 3 consecutive months, then findings were presented to health workers and recommendations made; we implemented the recommendations in a subsequent month and this comprised three interventions namely continuing medical education (CME), drills and displaying guidelines; a re-audit was done in the proceeding 3 consecutive months and analysis compared adherence rates of the initial audit with those of the re-audit. Results: Pearson Chi-Square test revealed that the adherence rates of 7 out of 10 standards of care for severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia were statistically significantly higher in the re-audit than in the initial audit; also, the adherence rates of 3 out of 4 standards of care for PPH were statistically significantly higher in the re-audit than in the initial audit. Conclusion: The giving of feedback on quality of care and the implementation of recommendations made during the CBA including CME, drills and displaying guidelines was associated with improvements in the quality of care for patients with PPH, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
Assessment of Second-Line Antiretroviral Regimens for HIV Therapy in Africa
(Massachusetts Medical Society., 2014-07-17) Paton, I. Nicholas; Kityo, Cissy; Hoppe, Anne; Reid, Andrew; Kambugu, Andrew; Lugemwa, Abbas; Oosterhout, van J. Joep; Kiconco, Mary; Siika, Abraham; Mwebaze, Raymond; Abwola, Mary; Abongomera, George; Mweemba, Aggrey; Alima, Hillary; Atwongyeire, Dickens; Nyirenda, Rose; Boles, Justine; Thompson, Jennifer; Tumukunde, Dinah; Chidziva, Ennie; Mambule, Ivan; Arribas, R. Jose; Easterbrook, J. Philippa; Hakim, James; Walker, Sarah A.; Mugyenyi, Peter
Background The efficacy and toxic effects of nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are uncertain when these agents are used with a protease inhibitor in second-line therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in resource-limited settings. Removing the NRTIs or replacing them with raltegravir may provide a benefit. Methods In this open-label trial in sub-Saharan Africa, we randomly assigned 1277 adults and adolescents with HIV infection and first-line treatment failure to receive a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (lopinavir–ritonavir) plus clinician-selected NRTIs (NRTI group, 426 patients), a protease inhibitor plus raltegravir in a superiority comparison (raltegravir group, 433 patients), or protease-inhibitor monotherapy after 12 weeks of induction therapy with raltegravir in a noninferiority comparison (monotherapy group, 418 patients). The primary composite end point, good HIV disease control, was defined as survival with no new World Health Organization stage 4 events, a CD4+ count of more than 250 cells per cubic millimeter, and a viral load of less than 10,000 copies per milliliter or 10,000 copies or more with no protease resistance mutations at week 96 and was analyzed with the use of imputation of data (≤4%). Results Good HIV disease control was achieved in 60% of the patients (mean, 255 patients) in the NRTI group, 64% of the patients (mean, 277) in the raltegravir group (P=0.21 for the comparison with the NRTI group; superiority of raltegravir not shown), and 55% of the patients (mean, 232) in the monotherapy group (noninferiority of monotherapy not shown, based on a 10-percentage-point margin). There was no significant differ ence in rates of grade 3 or 4 adverse events among the three groups (P=0.82). The viral load was less than 400 copies per milliliter in 86% of patients in the NRTI group, 86% in the raltegravir group (P=0.97), and 61% in the monotherapy group (P<0.001). Conclusions When given with a protease inhibitor in second-line therapy, NRTIs retained substantial virologic activity without evidence of increased toxicity, and there was no advantage to replacing them with raltegravir. Virologic control was inferior with protease-inhibitor monotherapy. (Funded by European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership and others; EARNEST Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN 37737787, and ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00988039.)
Audit of Severe Maternal Morbidity in Uganda – Implications for Quality of Obstetric Care
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006-07-01) Okong, Pius; Byamugisha, Josaphat; Mirembe, Florence; Byaruhanga, Romano; Bergström, Staffan
Background. For every maternal death, there are probably 100 or more morbidities, but the quality of health care for these women who survive has rarely been an issue. The purpose of this study is to explore audit of severe obstetric morbidity and the concept of near miss in four referral hospitals in Uganda. Methods. This was an exploratory systematic enquiry into the care of a subset of women with severe morbidity designated as near miss cases by organ failure or dysfunction. Patient factors and environmental factors were also explored. Data were abstracted from clinical records and from interviews with patients, relatives, and health workers. Results. Records of 685 women with severe maternal morbidity were examined and 229 cases fulfilled the criteria for near miss cases. Obstetric hemorrhage, rupture of the uterus, puerperal sepsis, and abortion complications were the major conditions leading to the near miss state in more than three quarters of the patients. Nearly half the cases were at home when the events occurred. More than half the cases delayed to seek care, because the patients were unwilling, or relatives were not helpful. Similar proportion also experienced substandard care in the hospitals. Conclusions. A systemic analysis found substandard care and records, and patient‐related factors in more than half the cases of severe maternal morbidity. Audit of near miss cases might offer a non‐threatening stimulus for improving the quality of obstetric care.
Awareness of Cervical Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms: Cross-Sectional Community Survey in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2015-06-11) Mwaka, Amos Deogratius; Orach, G. Christopher; Were, M. Edward; Lyratzopoulos, Georgios; Wabinga, Henry; Roland, Martin
Background Lack of awareness of risk factors and symptoms for cancer may lead to late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Objective We assessed community awareness about cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms and perceptions about prevention and cure of cervical cancer in order to contribute data to inform inter ventions to improve cervical cancer survival. Design Cross-sectional population-based survey. Setting and participants We conducted this study in Gulu, a post-conflict district in Uganda in 2012. The sample included 448 persons aged 18 years and above, selected through a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling process. Data collection methods and analysis We collected data using a pretested structured questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used to determine magnitudes of associations between socio-demographic and outcome variables. Results Most participants (444/448) had heard about cervical cancer. Known risk factors including multiple sexual partners, human papillomavirus infection, and early onset of sexual activity, were recognized by 88%, 82%, and 78% of respondents respectively. 63% of participants believed that prolonged use of family planning pills and injections caused cervical cancer. The majority of participants recognized symptoms of cervical cancer including inter-menstrual bleeding (85%), post-menopausal bleeding (84%), and offensive vaginal discharge (83%). 70% of participants believed that cervical cancer is preventable and 92% believed that it could be cured if diagnosed at an early stage.
Bacteriuria Among Adult Non-Pregnant Women attending Mulago Hospital Assessment Centre in Uganda
(Makerere University, 2011-06-02) Mwaka, Amos Deogratius; Mayanja-Kizza, H; Kigonya, E; Kaddu-Mulindwa, D
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women are a common problem in primary health care settings. Resistance of bacterial uropathogens to commonly used antibiotics is common in many places. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of UTI, associated uropathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Methods: A cross section study carried out at Mulago hospital outpatients’ department. Midstream urine samples (MSU) were collected from 399 women, who gave informed consent and fulfilled other study criteria. Quantitative culture method, identification of uropathogens and antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique were applied to the isolates. Results: Out of 399 MSU samples, 40 pure significant bacterial growths (>105 colony forming units (cfu)/ml of urine) were isolated and these included Escherichia coli, 23 (57.5%), Staphylococcus aureus, 9 (22.5%), Enterococci spp, 6 (15%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 (5.0%). Overall, sensitivities were: nitrofurantoin (98.3%), cefuroxime (89.3%), and cotrimoxazole (20%) by all uropathogens isolated. Conclusions: Culture positive UTI among adult non-pregnant women are a common problem, occurring in 10% of the study population. Most bacterial uropathogens showed high sensitivity to nitrofurantoin but low sensitivity to SXT. Recommendations: Nitrofurantoin should be considered as drug of choice for empirical treatment of community acquired uncomplicated UTI in adult non-pregnant women.
Barriers to Biomedical Care and Use of Traditional Medicines for Treatment of Cervical Cancer: An Exploratory Qualitative Study in Northern Uganda
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2014-06-13) Mwaka, Amos Deogratius; Okello, S.E.; Orach, G.C.
Use of traditional medicines for treatment of cancers has increased worldwide. We used a qualitative approach to explore barriers to biomedical care and reasons for use of traditional medicines for the treatment of cervical cancer in Gulu, northern Uganda. We carried out 24 focus group discussions involving men and women aged 18–59 years. We employed content analyses technique in data analysis. Traditional medicines were used mainly due to barriers to biomedical care for cervical cancer. The barriers included health system factors, for example long distances to health facilities and unavailability of medicines; health workers’ factors, for example negative attitudes towards patients and demands for bribes; individual patient’s factors, for example inability to pay for medical care; and socio-cultural beliefs about superiority of traditional medicines and perceived greater privacy in accessing traditional healers. Barriers to biomedical care and community beliefs in the effectiveness of traditional medicines encourage use of traditional medicines for treatment of cervical cancer but might hinder help-seeking at biomedical facilities. There is need for targeted culturally sensitive awareness campaign to promote effectiveness of modern medicine and to encourage cautious use of traditional medicines in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Cardiac surgery for patients with heart failure due to structural heart disease in Uganda: access to surgery and outcomes
(2014) Paul, G D’Arbela; Ottavio, Alfieri; Eloi, Marijon; Juergen, Freers; Mariana, Mirabel; Antonio, Grimaldi; Enrico, Ammirati; Nicole, Karam; Anna, Chiara Vermi; Annalisa, De Concilio; Giorgio, Trucco; Francesco, Aloi; Francesco, Arioli; Filippo, Figini; Santo, Ferrarello; Francesco, Maria Sacco; Renato, Grottola
Objective: Few data are available on heart failure (HF) in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to provide a current picture of HF aetiologies in urban Uganda, access to heart surgery, and outcomes. Methods: We prospectively collected clinical and echocardiographic data from 272 consecutive patients referred for suspected heart disease to a tertiary hospital in Kampala during seven non-governmental organisation (NGO) missions from 2009 to 2013. We focused the analysis on 140 patients who fulfilled standardised criteria of HF by echocardiography. Results: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was the leading cause of HF in 44 (31%) patients. Among the 50 children included (age ≤ 16 years), congenital heart disease (CHD) was the first cause of HF (30 patients, 60%), followed by RHD (16 patients, 32%). RHD was the main cause of HF (30%) among the 90 adults. All 85 patients with RHD and CHD presented with an indication for heart surgery, of which 74 patients were deemed fit for intervention. Surgery was scheduled in 38 patients with RHD [86%, median age 19 years (IQR: 12–31)] and in 36 patients with CHD [88%, median age 4 years (IQR 1–5)]. Twenty-seven candidates (32%) were operated on after a median waiting time of 10 months (IQR 6–21). Sixteen (19%) had died after a median of 38 months (IQR 5–52); 19 (22%) were lost to follow up. Conclusions: RHD still represents the leading cause of HF in Uganda, in spite of cost-efficient prevention strategies. The majority of surgical candidates, albeit young, do not have access to treatment and present high mortality rates.
Cardiac surgery for patients with heart failure due to structural heart disease in Uganda: access to surgery and outcomes: cardiovascular topic
(Sabinent, 2014-09) Eloi, Marijon; Renato, Grottola; Grimaldi, Antonio; Vermi, Anna Chiara; De Concilio, Annalisa; D'Arbela, Paul G.; Marijon, Eloi; Ammirati, Enrico; Vermi, Anna Chiara; Trucco, Giorgio; Figini, Filippo; Ferrarello, Santo; Freers, Juergen; Sacco, Francesco Maria; Karam, Nicole; Ammirati, Enrico; Grimaldi, Antonio; Arioli, Francesco; Figini, Filippo; Ferrarello, Santo; Sacco, Francesco Maria; Mirabel, Mariana; Alfieri, Ottavio; Mirabel, Mariana; Arioli, Francesco; Aloi, Francesco
Few data are available on heart failure (HF) in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to provide a current picture of HF aetiologies in urban Uganda, access to heart surgery, and outcomes. We prospectively collected clinical and echocardiographic data from 272 consecutive patients referred for suspected heart disease to a tertiary hospital in Kampala during seven non-governmental organisation (NGO) missions from 2009 to 2013. We focused the analysis on 140 patients who fulfilled standardised criteria of HF by echocardiography. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was the leading cause of HF in 44 (31%) patients. Among the 50 children included (age ≤ 16 years), congenital heart disease (CHD) was the first cause of HF (30 patients, 60%), followed by RHD (16 patients, 32%). RHD was the main cause of HF (30%) among the 90 adults. All 85 patients with RHD and CHD presented with an indication for heart surgery, of which 74 patients were deemed fit for intervention. Surgery was scheduled in 38 patients with RHD [86%, median age 19 years (IQR: 12-31)] and in 36 patients with CHD [88%, median age 4 years (IQR 1-5)]. Twenty-seven candidates (32%) were operated on after a median waiting time of 10 months (IQR 6-21). Sixteen (19%) had died after a median of 38 months (IQR 5-52); 19 (22%) were lost to follow up. RHD still represents the leading cause of HF in Uganda, in spite of cost-efficient prevention strategies. The majority of surgical candidates, albeit young, do not have access to treatment and present high mortality rates.
Caring for a Stroke Patient: The Burden and Experiences of Primary Caregivers in Uganda: A qualitative Study
(WILEY , 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, USA, NJ, 07030, 2019-07-15) Namale, Gertrude; Kawuma, Rachel; Nalukenge, Winifred; Kamacooko, Onesmus; Yperzeele, Laetitia; Cras, Patrick; Ddumba, Edward; Newton, Robert; Seeley, Janet
Aim: We assessed the burden and experiences of caregivers looking after stroke patients in Kampala, Uganda. Design: We conducted a qualitative cross‐sectional study between May 2018–July 2018 among primary caregivers of stroke patients. Methods: The primary caregiver was defined as the person spending most of the time providing daily care for the stroke patient for at least four months. Purposive sampling was used to consecutively recruit the primary caregivers. In‐depth interviews were conducted, and audiotape recorded, and observations were also made. Data were managed using NVIVO 12.0 following thematic approach. Results: Twenty‐five caregivers were included in the analysis with a mean age of 39.3, SD 10.7. Four themes were identified from the qualitative analysis on caregivers’ experiences of looking after stroke patients: taking on new responsibilities, factors that protected caregivers from breaking down, limited resources and experiences with patient outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to support stroke patients and their caregivers
The cause of endomyocardial fibrosis in Uganda
(Sage Journals, 2012) Connor, Daniel Henry; Somers, Krishna; Nelson, Anne Marie; D'Arbela, Paul G.; Lukande, Robert
The cause of endomyocardial fibrosis in Uganda remains unknown in spite of studies dating back to 1948. Herbal decoctions have been used by traditional healers for countless generations to treat many complaints, especially fever. We present evidence – ethnic, geographical, tribal, pathological and distribution by age – that the toxic herbal decoctions taken as medicines in Uganda can cause endomyocardial fibrosis.
Community Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Epilepsy in Rural and Urban Mukono District, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Elsevier, 2016-01) Kaddumukasa, Mark; Kakooza, Angelina; Kayima, James; Kaddumukasa, N. Martin; Ddumba, Edward; Mugenyi, Levi; Furlan, Anthony; Lhatoo, Samden; Sajatovic, Martha; Katabira, Elly
Introduction: The lack of adequate knowledge poses a barrier in the provision of appropriate treatment and care of patients with epilepsy within the community. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of and attitude towards epilepsy and its treatment by community dwellers in Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional population survey was conducted in urban and rural Mukono district, central Uganda. Adult respondents through multistage stratified sampling were interviewed about selected aspects of epilepsy knowledge, attitudes, and perception using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Ninety-one percent of the study respondents had heard or read about epilepsy or knew someone who had epilepsy and had seen someone having a seizure. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents did not know the cause of epilepsy, while 29% cited genetic causes. About seventeen percent of the subjects believed that epilepsy is contagious. Only 5.6% (21/377) of the respondents would take a patient with epilepsy to hospital for treatment. Conclusion: Adults in Mukono are very acquainted with epilepsy but have many erroneous beliefs about the condition. Negative attitudes are pervasive within communities in Uganda. The national epilepsy awareness programs need to clarify the purported modes of transmission of epilepsy, available treatment options, and care offered during epileptic seizures during community sensitizations in our settings.
Conceptual Framework to Guide Early Diagnosis Programs for Symptomatic Cancer as Part of Global Cancer Control
(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2021-01-06) Koo, Monica Minjoung; Unger-Saldaña, Karla; Mwaka, Amos Deogratius; Corbex, Marilys; Ginsburg, Ophira; Walter, M. Fiona; Calanzani, Natalia; Moodley, Jennifer; Rubin, P. Greg; Lyratzopoulos, Georgios
Diagnosing cancer earlier can enable timely treatment and optimize outcomes. Worldwide, national cancer control plans increasingly encompass early diagnosis programs for symptomatic patients, commonly comprising awareness campaigns to encourage prompt help-seeking for possible cancer symptoms and health system policies to support prompt diagnostic assessment and access to treatment. By their nature, early diagnosis programs involve complex public health interventions aiming to address unmet health needs by acting on patient, clinical, and system factors. However, there is uncertainty regarding how to optimize the design and evaluation of such interventions. We propose that decisions about early diagnosis programs should consider four interrelated components: first, the conduct of a needs assessment (based on cancer-site–specific statistics) to identify the cancers that may benefit most from early diagnosis in the target population; second, the consideration of symptom epidemiology to inform prioritization within an intervention; third, the identification of factors influencing prompt help-seeking at individual and system level to support the design and evaluation of interventions; and finally, the evaluation of factors influencing the health systems’ capacity to promptly assess patients. This conceptual framework can be used by public health researchers and policy makers to identify the greatest evidence gaps and guide the design and evaluation of local early diagnosis programs as part of broader cancer control strategies.
Consensus Recommendations on Sulfonylurea and Sulfonylurea Combinations in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – International Task Force
(Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2018) Kalra, Sanjay; Bahendeka, Silver; Sahay, Rakesh; Ghosh, Sujoy; Md, Fariduddin; Orab, Abbas; Ramaiya, Kaushik; Shammari, Sameer Al; Shrestha, Dina; Shaikh, Khalid; Abhayaratna, Sachitha; Shrestha K, Pradeep; Mahalingam, Aravinthan; Askheta, Mazen; Rahim, Aly Ahmed A; Eliana, Fatimah; Shrestha, Hari K.; Chaudhary, Sandeep; Ngugi, Nancy; Mbanya, Jean Claude; Aye, Than Than; Latt, Tint Swe; Akanov, Zhanay A.; Syed, Abbas Raza; Tandon, Nikhil; Unnikrishnan, A. G.; Madhu, S. V.; Jawa, Ali; Chowdhury, Subhankar; Bajaj, Sarita; Das, Ashok Kumar
For decades, sulfonylureas(SUs) have been important drugs in the antidiabetic therapeutic armamentarium. They have been used as monotherapy as well as combination therapy. Focus on newer drugs and concerns about the risk of severe hypoglycemia and weight gain with some SUs have led to discussion on their safety and utility. It has to be borne in mind that the adverse events associated with SUs should not be ascribed to the whole class, as many modern SUs, such as glimepiride and gliclazide modified release, are associated with better safety profiles. Furthermore, individualization of treatment, using SUs in combination with other drugs, backed with careful monitoring and patient education, ensures maximum benefits with minimal side effects. The current guidelines, developed by experts from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, promote the safe and smart use of SUs in combination with other glucose‑lowering drugs.

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