Post-Graduate Dissertations (Science)

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An Assessment of Factors Affecting Direct Tax Revenue in Uganda.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2006) Mubaale, Peter, Kafuko
MUBAALE PETER KAFUKO (2006-03-MSCDE-PT- 041) An Assessment of Factors Affecting Direct Tax Revenue in Uganda This study investigated the factors that affect direct tax revenue in Uganda. The factors included per capita income, the tax rate, tax administration and the size of the informal economy. Specifically, the study sought to examine the effects of these factors on direct domestic tax revenue and identify challenges to direct domestic tax revenue in Uganda. A correlation research design was adopted and primary data were collected through interviews. A total of 100 respondents including staff, managerial and senior tax officials from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MFPED) participated in the study. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. The data were analysed using the statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The research findings revealed that per capita income and tax administration facilitation were the major economic factors that positively affected direct tax revenue in Uganda. On the other hand, political interference and corruption were significant challenges to direct tax revenue in Uganda. The study concluded that economic factors affected direct tax revenue in Uganda. Finally, the study recommended autonomy of URA, introduction of an effective human resource management policy, institutionalization of e-services and automation, stepping up taxpayer outreach 152 and education to understand the civic responsibility of paying taxes and, reorganising tax administration by type of taxpayer to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Key words: Tax, Revenue, Uganda
Capacity of Health Facilities in Kisoro District to Manage Patients with Physical and Sensory Disabilities.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Byarugaba, Francis
BYARUGABA FRANCIS (2012-M191-10007) Capacity of Health Facilities in Kisoro District to Manage Patients with Physical and Sensory Disabilities. The study was conducted from Kisoro district in south western Uganda 500kilometres away from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. According to the 2002 population census, 16 % of the total population has some form of disability. Patients with physical and sensory disabilities have multiple burdens. For instance, physically disabled persons in Kisoro have challenges like moving on uneven terrains, lack of access to facility buildings, inadequate health service providers, etc. Sensory disabled patients encounter communication burdens because health service providers lack skills like sign language and braille interpretation. Lack of capacity is one of the key issues that hinder organisational performance. The major objective of this study was to assess the capacity of health facilities in Kisoro to manage patients with physical and sensory disabilities. The study was conducted in five purposively selected health facilities of which two of them are hospitals and the remaining three are public health centre fours. Respondents included 5 in-charges of health facilities, 74 service providers and 8 persons with disabilities either physical or sensory. All respondents were selected purposively. The deaf who never knew sign language were excluded from the study for reasons known that it is quite difficult to obtain information from them. This study was descriptive cross-sectional in design and it employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The data from the interviews with service users were analysed separately from that of service providers, health facility in-charges and infrastructure checklist. However, there were some correspondences cutting across the four sets of data. 21 All the four sets of data findings show that capacity was lacking as evidenced by barriers and challenges to health care of patients with physical and sensory disabilities. Challenges to health care experienced by service providers and service users were organised into: communication gaps, environmental, structural and social challenges. Each challenge was analysed and recommendations were made to improve service delivery to persons with physical and sensory disabilities. The report found that patients with physical and sensory disabilities have multiple un met health care needs, for instance, most of all the buildings had non-universal designs, service providers lack sign language skills, social discrimination, lack of access to HIV information, lower levels of dissatisfaction with health care and consequently these problems have an impact on their health outcomes. Strategies to improve health care services to patients with physical and sensory disabilities were identified and organised into five categories; human resource training, infrastructural design, recruitment and environmental strategies. Most respondents suggested human resource development and enhancing skills/knowledge among existing staff, for instance, training them in sign language and braille, redesign the infrastructure by using universal designs to cater for patients with physical and sensory disabilities, provision of equipment for treatment/rehabilitation through national medical stores, regular sensitisation of the community about disability rights. At the district level respondents suggested construction of rehabilitation centres, orthopaedic workshops and consider patients with disabilities in district work plans. Key Words: Capacity, Health Facilities, Manage, Patients, Physical, Sensory Disabilities, Kisoro District
The Capacity of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital to Manage Occupational Hazards
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Ekisa, Geoffrey
EKISA GEOFFREY (2012-M191-10009) The Capacity of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital to Manage Occupational Hazards Occupational health and safety is among the most important components of the health care systems in Uganda and the world over that improves the working conditions and abilities of health workers. It also increases job satisfaction and productivity among health workers which directly improves work efficiency by preventing ill health and controlling risks associated with health workers‟ jobs. Hospitals are health care facilities and work places for receiving and giving health care. These health care facilities across the world employ over 59 million workers who work in the most hazardous environments that expose them to a variety of occupational hazards every day contributing to high morbidity, mortality and disability amongst health workers. Therefore, a descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on the capacity of Mbale Regional Referral hospital to manage occupational hazards. And the aim of the study was to generate information, which if used could improve the occupational health and safety of health workers. The data were collected through conducting interviews with health workers and managers using questionnaires, group discussions were held with health workers, and observation of the workplace was done using a check list. The major findings of the study were: occupational health hazards are prevalent in the hospital because 91.3% of the health workers that were interviewed had been harmed/injured or exposed to the hazards. Although there are strategies in place in the hospital for implementation of occupational health and safety of health workers, the findings were contrary as workers‟ knowledge and practices on strategies for occupational health implementation was very minimal. It was also evident that exposure to occupational hazards was higher among certificate holders than the rest of the cadres. There were a number of challenges on implementation of occupational health activities in the hospital. 22 In conclusion, the study showed that the capacity of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital to manage occupational hazards is still very low. It‟s against this background that the management of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital should consider mainstreaming and strengthening occupational health activities in order to promote the safety and well-being of health workers. Key Words: .
The Contribution of Clinical Supervision in Improving Student Nurses’ and Midwives’ Skills in Selected Health Training Hospitals in Uganda.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Birungi, Florence
BIRUNGI FLORENCE (2012-MI21-10005) The Contribution of Clinical Supervision in Improving Student Nurses’ and Midwives’ Skills in Selected Health Training Hospitals in Uganda The study was about the contribution of clinical supervision in improving student nurses‟ and midwives‟ skills in selected health training hospitals in Uganda, a case study of Kabale and Ibanda training schools. It focused on the following objectives: (i) to find out the participation of students with regards to clinical supervision in the practicum, (ii) to evaluate the extent of execution of the roles of clinical mentors and ward-in-charges in clinical practices supervision of student nurses and midwives, (iii) to ascertain the effect of clinical mentoring on the skills and identifying problems faced by clinical supervisors in the practicum sites. The study adopted a descriptive cross-section design using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. It covered Kabale and Ibanda teaching hospitals. The two were purposely selected because they both trained enrolled nurses and midwives and they carry out clinical supervision as well in the practicum area. The study involved second and third year enrolled nurses and midwives of the two training schools, tutors, clinical instructors, clinical mentors/preceptors and ward-in-charges/managers. The study sampled a total number of 254 respondents, 200 were students in second and third year where 130 were from Kabale and 70 from Ibanda while supervisors were 51, 28 from Kabale and 23 from Ibanda of whom included 2 principals, 2 principal nursing officers and the remaining 47 were supervisors (ward managers, mentors, clinical instructors and tutors). The other 3 stakeholders: 1 from MoES, 1 from UCMB and 1 from UNMC. The instruments used were questionnaires, interview guide, focus group discussion and documentary evidence. The data were 3 analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and presented in frequency tables, pie charts and graphs for easy interpretation of findings. Student participation in regard to clinical supervision in the practicum sites was high. It has also led to motivation of the supervisors, leading to production of quality nurses and midwives with practical skills and hands-on experience. The execution of the roles of clinical mentors and ward-in-charges in clinical practices supervision of student nurses and midwives was high. Whereby clinical mentors have greatly committed themselves to teaching student nurses and midwives practical skills and other issues they would have not learnt from class. Although the mentors are few, clinical supervision has impacted on the quality of the nurses and midwives. In addition, it was found that clinical mentoring adds value to student nurses and midwives through equipping students with practical skills, increasing student’s commitment towards learning and building self-esteem as well as report writing skills especially, midwifery case books and assessment. However, there were a number of challenges that affected clinical mentors. It was established that the clinical supervisors are overload with many activities and hence; fail to supervise and the ratio of students to clinical supervisors is a high. There is need to recruit trained mentors; there is need for cooperation between the school administration and the hospital so as to work as a team in guiding student nurses and midwives; the hospital administration should limit the number of institutions that send students for practicum so as to reduce the student-mentor (supervisor) ratio and inadequate equipment; Ibanda and Kabale should budget for allowances for supervision; there is need to recruit more trained tutors; and there is need to design practicum tools for all students that go for practicum. Key Words: Contribution, Clinical Supervision, Improving, Student Nurses’ and Midwives’ Skills, Health Training Hospitals
The Contribution of Couple HIV Testing and Counselling to Enrolment and Retention in HIV/AIDS Care in Koboko District
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Musa, Noah
MUSA NOAH (2012-M121-10020) The Contribution of Couple HIV Testing and Counselling to Enrolment and Retention in HIV/AIDS Care in Koboko District Background: this study explored the effect of couple HIV testing on utilisation of HIV services. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 60%-95% of new HIV infections occur among those with multiple partners and or stable faithful partners who are discordant (WHO, 2011). In Uganda, 65% of new infections occur among couples in stable relationships (MoH, 2009). Couple HIV testing enables couples to make informed joint decisions on HIV prevention and reproduction; and increases uptake of HIV services (WHO, 2012). However, in Koboko district few men (47%) accompany their spouses for couple HIV testing during antenatal care (Koboko District, 2011). The research aimed to describe prevalence and determinants of couple HIV testing in Koboko district as well as the effect of couple HIV testing on enrolment and retention. Methodology: a descriptive cross-sectional study with both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Stratified random sampling was used to study 501 married people. Ten key informant interviews and 3 focused group discussions were conducted. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of couple HIV testing. Results: prevalence of couple HIV testing in Koboko district was 46.52%. Couples affiliated to protestant faith (OR = 2.368 [95%CI: 1.274-4.399], P-value = 0.006), couples who are employed (OR = 3.178 [95%CI: 1.231-8.207], P-value = 0.017) and those with children (OR = 2.138[95%CI: 1.231-3.713], P-value = 0.007) were more likely to test as couple than other couples. Barriers to couple HIV testing and counselling included inadequate staffing, poor layout of clinics and fear of positive test, violence and stigma. There was no difference in enrolment between those who tested as couple and those who did not, 95.1% Vs 96.1% (OR = 0.771 [95%CI: 0.238-2.489]). Desire to be healthy was the reason for enrolment. Couple testing led to retention in care by reducing interpersonal barriers. 12 Conclusion: couple HIV testing was low in Koboko district. Religion, employment and having children are the positive predictors of CHTC. In this study, CHTC had no effect on enrolment. Perceived benefit facilitated enrolment in HIV/AIDS care. CHTC facilitates retention by reducing interpersonal and community barriers to retention. Involvement of religious leaders, infrastructure development, training of staff, outreach services and national review of staffing policies may be needed to increase couple HIV testing and counselling in Koboko district. Key Words: Contribution, Couple, HIV Testing, Counselling, HIV/AIDS, Koboko District.
Contribution of Information Communication Technology to the Quality of Health Management Information System Data in Hospitals of West Nile Region, Uganda
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Yuga, Jimmy Daniel
YUGA JIMMY DANIEL (2012-M121-10007) Contribution of Information Communication Technology to the Quality of Health Management Information System Data in Hospitals of West Nile Region, Uganda Quality health information is a world concern especially during this era of globalisation. Countries have been reporting data that is incomplete, inaccurate and not timely to their higher levels of management. Yet decision makers depend on such information to make use of scarce resources. It has been found out that Information Communication Technology (ICT) use contributes to improved quality of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) in the health sector cost effectively yet the level of use of ICT in this sector is low both in developing and developed countries. In Uganda the situation is not different. Even with ICT policies in place and support from both government and partners, little has improved. The goal of this study was to contribute to the improvement of quality of health information management and use in the country that will in turn contribute to an improved health system. The objectives include: establishing the level of ICT use in hospitals, to compare the quality of HMIS and the level of ICT use in hospitals, and finding challenges facing use of ICT for HMIS in hospitals of West Nile region of Uganda. A cross-sectional study, qualitative and quantitative in design was done. Data review, key informant interviews and observations were carried out. The findings indicated that hospitals in the region moderately use ICT, with power sources, internet, computers and phones being almost available in every hospital. Timeliness of reporting was at 65%, average completeness was 70% and ICT was strongly associated with good quality of data. The study concluded that timeliness and completeness of reports is generally low. Quality of data does not depend on ownership of health facilities. However, use of ICT was shown to enhance quality of HMIS. The study recommends among others: feedback, internal use of data, staffing together with development of human resources and building a motivated team as being crucial for a quality HMIS. Key Words: Contribution, Information Communication Technology, Quality, Health Management Information System, Data, Hospitals, West Nile Region.
The Contribution of Non-traditional Agricultural Exports to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product from 1995 to 2008.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2008) Kaddu, Milly
KADDU MILLY (2008- 03-MSCDE-PT-009) The Contribution of Non-traditional Agricultural Exports to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product from 1995 to 2008 This study was about the contribution of the non-traditional agricultural exports to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 1995 to 2005. The general objective was to establish the trend and contribution of maize, beans and flower exports to Uganda’s GDP. The hypotheses were; the value of beans exports was constant throughout the study period; the value of maize exports was constant throughout the study period and the value of flower exports was constant throughout the study period. Secondary data were collected from the Uganda bureau of statistics. Linear regression analysis was used to establish the contribution of each independent variable to the dependent variable. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were done. The data were tested for stationary using Eviews statistical package. When it exhibited trends of non-stationary, logs were taken and the second level differencing was done on it to make it stationary. The findings indicated that all the independent variables contributed significantly at 5% level of significance. This is because the probability to the T- statistic of flowers exports is 0.01, that of maize exports is 0.48 and for beans exports is 0.042 which is less than 0.05. It can be concluded that beans exports, maize exports and flower exports contribute significantly to Uganda’s GDP and their contribution is increasing over time though at varying magnitudes. Flowers exports contributed 45.6%, beans exports contributed 11.9% while maize exports contributed 12.2% to the GDP over the study period as was established by the multi variety analysis. It is, therefore, recommended that the farmers should provide wider acreage especially for flowers, which were found to have bigger returns once exported. Key words: Contribution, Agricultural, Export, Domestic
Design and Development of an Online Student Information System (OSIS) :
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2011) Kiconco, Christine
This project is about the design and development of an Online Student Information System (OSIS) for UMU. Though, UMU had been ranked highly among the Universities in Uganda providing quality education; difficulties in timely access to students‘ information had increasingly become problem. There were difficulties in information sharing between the registry and departments/faculties which caused delays in processing and making information quickly available to students. As a result, students faced difficulties of frequent travel to the main campus to find information which process was characterized by long queues and time wasting in addition to delays in decision making. The project was therefore aimed at enhancing student information management and access through the design and development of an OSIS to provide a flexible platform to communicate student information in real time. To realize the above, both research and development methodologies were employed. The study followed a design –oriented research approach, which accommodated both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather and analyze the required data to justify the relevance of the new system. Interview guides, observation guide, questionnaire and document analysis were employed to collect the required data. Data analysis was done with the use of SPSS and a qualitative narrative to come up with the requirements for the new system solution. The study found out that despite UMU‘s heavy investment in information technologies, student information management processes were still being handled by use of stand- alone desktop office applications characterized by too much duplication, inconsistencies and inflexibility. The study also revealed that the intention to use online services is high, in particular relative to services providing information based on localization. In response to the above, a prototype solution was designed and implemented. Several methodologies and tools were employed here after weighing their benefits vis-à-vis costs. DEMO, UML, Ms Office, and Dreamweaver embedded with HTML and PHP, notepad++, Ms Visio and MYSQL were employed through planning, analysis, design and implementation of the solution. The research used prototyping technique to come up with a product which was later tested and evaluated to ascertain that the pre-established required functionality was met. The OSIS provides students with on-line access to student information including; their personal details, examination results, progress reports, financial statements, transcripts, courses and programs. The OSIS also provides support to the registry staff both in the main and faculties‘ with on-line access to a central student database system to enable them effectively input and share student information processing activities for timely delivery of information to stakeholders.
Determinants of Household Food Security in Uganda: A Case Study of Kabarole District.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2008) Balinda, Baingana, Eskar, Richardson
BALINDA BAINGANA ESKAR RICHARDSON (2008-M112-20003) Determinants of Household Food Security in Uganda: A Case Study of Kabarole District The study addressed the problem of household food insecurity in Kabarole district by looking at the determinants of household food security. The study set three objectives that were translated into three hypotheses, namely; determinants of food access and availability were independent of household food security in Kabarole district. The coping strategies by households after food shortage do not determine household food security in Kabarole district. Food utilisation practices by the households and household food security in Kabarole district are independent. The methodology involved a cross sectional study design; a pilot study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the instruments. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were employed. The relevant responses were converted into frequencies and percentages under the univariate analysis. Under the bivariate analysis, the researcher used the chi-square test ( 2 ) for independence at 5% level of significance to measure the association between the independent and the dependent variables. The hypotheses were tested using the 2  values and P-values. The results from the multivariate analysis were presented as odds ratios after running a logistic regression. The odds ratios were used to interpret the results. The study revealed that, there were several problems with the factors of food production in Kabarole district affecting household ability to access food quantity for consumption. Severe land shortage was 48.3% (between 0 and 1 acre of land) and these increased chances of households to experience food shortage as showed by the increasing odds ratio of 2.413833. On average, each household uses 0.2 acres of land for food production and each household expected on average to harvest 0.25Kg of food. Secondly, absence of any use of improved methods of farming at (96.0%), destruction of food by diseases and pests (96%), poor state of roads (55.7%) absence of storage facilities (98%) also significantly affected household food security. The coping strategies that largely increased household food insecurity included, acquiring food on credit (69.8%), and selling of household assets (41.6%). The food utilisation practices that greatly increased on food insecurity included, poor sanitation and hygiene (100%) and an insufficient dietary content consumed (95.3%). Some of the recommendations made by the study included: improving on the adequacy of transport infrastructure, market centres, farm services, storage facilities and processing facilities. Develop bio150 technologies that are suitable for land scarce conditions. Intensify on interactive research and extension system. Rejuvenate and empower cooperative research centres; put in place ecological sustainability in yield and cropping; put measures that reverse degradation; harnessing water resources to minimise the impact of periodic drought. Develop and streamline micro enterprises for the rural poor. Attention should also be put on the agro-pastoralist sector as a whole which is normally hit by food shortages. Key words: Household, Food security, Food, Uganda, Kabarole
Determinants of Income Differentials among Households in Peri-ubarn areas of Uganda: A Case Study Bucunga Parish in Hoima District.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2007) Byamukama, Wilson, Mugasa
BYAMUKAMA WILSON MUGASA (2007-03-MSC DEPT 005) Determinants of Income Differentials among Households in Peri-ubarn areas of Uganda: A Case Study Bucunga Parish in Hoima District. The study was about the causes of income differentials among households in peri-urban areas in Uganda and the case study was Bucunga Parish in Hoima district. In data collection, the primary sources were mainly used. However, in some cases secondary data were also used. In the study, the size of land utilised for agriculture/farming activities was considered, the number of dependents in a household, the age of the household head and the level of education attained by the household head and their impact on income differentials among households. In analysing data the Pearson chi-square was used and it was found that the size of land used for agriculture/farming activity although it had a positive impact on reducing income inequality, its impact was not significant since its t-valve was 0.242 but it had a positive coefficient, implying, the size of land used for agriculture led to an increase in income. In the same way the level of education attained by the households had a positive impact in reducing income inequality but was also not significant because its t-valve was 0.406 but had a positive coefficient on income earned by a household. The number of dependents in the households and the age of the head of the households had a negative impact on income earned by the house hold and, therefore, these to a smaller extent led to the problem of income inequality although their impact was not significant because their t-valves were 0.937 and -0.146. As per the regression analysis, it was found out that all the variables studied did not have significant impact even at 90%. It was also found that an increase in use of land for agriculture/farming activity by a household led to an increase in income by 68,000 Uganda shillings. While an increase in education by one level, led to an increase in income earned by the household per year by 82,000 Uganda shillings. This implies that education and use of land for agriculture/farming activities have a positive impact in reducing income inequality since they increase income earned by the households. On the other hand, the number of dependents on the households and the age of the household head reduced income earned by the household by 114,000 Uganda shillings and 221,000 Uganda shillings respectively. This implies that the two worsened income inequality. The findings were that in the period of study (2005-2008); 81.1%, 81.2%.80.3% and 79.3% earned income below the GDP per capita of Uganda respectively. The research recommends for creation of employment opportunities, subsidization by the government of private firms, micro-credit, educating the people about better methods of farming, improved provision of health services and fair distribution of land. Key words: Subsidization, Income, Households, Peri-urban, Agriculture
Determinants of Low Delivery Rate under Skilled Birth Attendants in Isingiro District, Western Uganda.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2011) Arinaitwe, Abert Tibbs
ARINAITWE ABERT TIBBS (2011-M121-10003) Determinants of Low Delivery Rate under Skilled Birth Attendants in Isingiro District, Western Uganda. Although mothers utilise ANC optimally during pregnancy, increasing numbers have been noted to deliver from TBAs in Isingiro district yet government instituted a ban on such un-skilled persons. A major barrier to attainment of MDG 4 and 5 is attributed to continued delivery of mothers under un-skilled birth attendants in developing countries. As a result, multi-lateral organisations like UNICEF, WHO among others have developed policy guidelines being adopted by affected countries to reduce maternal and infant mortality resulting from un-skilled deliveries. A research survey was conducted in Isingiro district from July to August 2012 targeting mothers of a reproductive age. The goal of the study was to ascertain factors associated with low delivery rates under skilled birth attendants in Isingiro district so as to generate measures such that if adopted by stakeholders, would lead to increased utilisation of skilled birth attendants. The objectives were to: establish the common places of delivery in Isingiro district; establish the factors influencing choice of place of delivery among mothers in Isingiro district; and to assess the health systems‟ response towards improving up-take of skilled deliveries in Isingiro district. A total of 262 mothers of reproductive age were interviewed (86.4%) as well as 10 key informants who included the DHO, heads of different health facilities and maternity wards in two sub-counties of Isingiro town-council and Nyamuyanja. The data were entered and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Chi-square was applied to determine the strength of association of different independent variables. The factors significantly associated with low utilisation of skilled birth attendants were as follows: location of the mother (rural) x2=7.074, p value=0.000, occupation of the mother (peasant) (x2=82.337,pvalue= 0.000) low level of education (illiterate and primary) (x2=84.474,p-value=0.000), the cost of attending ANC and delivery (poor women) (x2=41.478,p-value=0.000), place of attending ANC (x2=12.717, p-value=0.002) Key Words: Determinants, Low Delivery Rate, Skilled Birth Attendants, Isingiro District
Determinants of Maize Production in Uganda: A Case Study of Baitambogwe Sub-County in Mayuge District.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2009) Mutyaba, John, Livingstone
MUTYABA JOHN LIVINGSTONE (2009-M111-10004) Determinants of Maize Production in Uganda: A Case Study of Baitambogwe Sub-County in Mayuge District This research examined the determinants of maize production in Uganda. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 54 farmers in the study area of Baitambogwe sub-county in Mayuge district. The data obtained from the field were subjected to analysis using inferential statistics, which was used to test the hypotheses. Results of the Cobb-Douglas model showed that family labour, quantity of seeds used and bags of maize sold are positive and statistically significant correlation with maize output with coefficients of 5.964, 5.945 and 11.012 respectively. This implies that a one percent increase in family labour, quantities of seeds used, and bags of maize sold leads to an increase in maize output by 5.964, 5.945 and 11.012 percent respectively. The probability of the F- statistics from the model used was 0.0060 which is less than 0.05, confirming the overall significance of the model used in the study, was good indicating a good fit and the correctness of the model. The study, therefore, recommends that, the government should develop strategic policies to target attaining quality family labour, improved and quality seeds and availing markets for the maize produced by the farmers in the study. Key words: Maize, Production
Developing a Queue Management System for Optimising Queuing Time in Banks
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2008) Semakula, Paul Joseph
SEMAKULA PAUL JOSEPH (2008-M132-20009) Developing a Queue Management System for Optimising Queuing Time in Banks Queues in the banking halls are tedious, time wasting, and do not provide a conducive atmosphere for conducting business especially when handling a lot of cash transactions. The main objective is to develop a Queue Management System designed for banking institutions in order to optimise the time spent waiting to carry out a transaction at a particular teller. The specific objectives of this study are: to investigate factors related to customer congestion in banks, design a queue management system and implement the system that was designed and to test and validate the system. The researcher reviewed four systems out of the many queue management systems currently in use in various companies across the globe. These are: Smart Soft Queue Management System, Smart Queue Management, Onlinet Queue Management System and Intel visions Optic Q Management System. Based on the review of these systems, we instinctively selected the Smart Queue Management System because of its performance and advantages over all the other 3 systems, nevertheless, we incorporated an extra feature by use of a mobile phone, to enhance its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The researcher issued questionnaires to and carried out interviews with respondents in banks to investigate factors related to customer congestion in banks. The researcher/developer used specific tools and techniques that included Data Flowcharts, System Flowcharts, Entity Relationship Modelling, Use Case Diagrams, and Prototyping and CASE tools while designing the Queue Management System. The implementation tasks will involve purchase of the necessary hardware and server software, installing the system using a phased approach, carrying out security tests and implementing security measures, training users and guaranteeing maintenance and support. The main validation method used was „validation based on functional checks‟. The aim of this method was to reveal faults in the relevant functions of the new QMS. The project produced a queue management system that will be able to provide capabilities for handling the speed of movement of customers in a bank so that the other officials can concentrate on handling their transactions. This project has produced a product that will also help staff and clients to optimise the use of precious time by eliminating redundancy caused by queuing for long hours. Key Words: Developing, Queue Management System, Banks
Developing an E-Learning Module for Teaching and Learning Geriatrics: A Case Study of Mbarara University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2008) Harry, Barry
HARRY BARRY (2008-M132-20002) Developing an E-Learning Module for Teaching and Learning Geriatrics: A Case Study of Mbarara University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine Until recently, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has been using a more traditional classroom-based mode of teaching. This has been largely successful thanks to the availability of skilled staff in the various fields. However, with the introduction of Geriatrics course unit at the faculty of medicine, there is a looming problem of shortage of skilled personnel in that field vis-a-vis the This project explored and developed an e-learning module through the case study of MUST‟s faculty of medicine. The project‟s objectives were: 1) to find out the processes in the Geriatrics course unit that need e-learning support, 2) to establish the problems/shortfalls of the current system used by MUST in teaching Geriatrics, 3) to design and develop an e-learning module for MUST‟s faculty of medicine, and 4) to validate the newly developed e-learning module. A multi-method research strategy included a case study and model building. Data were collected from multiple sources: document reviews, guided interviews with potential users of the system, and user observation. The tools used in system development include: MS VISIO 2003, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Fireworks, Apache Web server, MySQL database server and MS Office suite. The programming languages used include PHP, JavaScript, AJAX and embedded HTML. This report presents a description of the project and development process of the e-learning module. Keywords: Developing, E-learning, teaching, Geriatrics, Mbarara University of Science & Technology
Dualism and its Benefits to the Health Sector in Uganda: A Case Study of Luwero District, Central Uganda.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2008) Byamukama, Agaba
BYAMUKAMA AGABA (2008-03-HSM-FT-006) Dualism and its Benefits to the Health Sector in Uganda: A Case Study of Luwero District, Central Uganda Dualism is where a public health sector health worker undertakes another activity for financial or non-financial benefits. This study on dualism in Uganda and its benefits in the health sector was conducted in Luwero district. The goal of the study was to demonstrate the benefits of dualism in the health sector. The objectives of the study were: to identify the type of dual activities done by health workers, to calculate the percentage by cadre of health workers who practice dualism, to establish what proportion of their total income was as a result of dualism, to identify factors that motivated health workers to practice dualism and the time when health workers went for their dual activities. This study on Dualism in health sector used Luwero district as a case study targeting health workers in public facilities in which both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis were used. The health workers interviewed were doctors, medical clinical officers, nurses and midwives. Interviewer administered questions were used to collect information from respondents. A total of one hundred sixty five (165) respondents were interviewed. Approximately 38% of the respondents were driven by the monetary and the rest by non-monetary benefits. The results are in agreement with other studies done elsewhere. However, the study found out that alongside these benefits of dual employment comes along with disadvantages. And these are: absenteeism, burnout/stress, lack of concentration, poor service delivery, domestic violence and poor relationships with supervisors. The types of dual activities done by health workers range from clinical to non-clinical. The non-clinical activities are: farming, business, consultancy works and teaching/training. The study found out that the higher the qualification the more likely will the health worker participate in dualism. It was found out that 85% of all the health workers practiced dualism. Dual employment affects the income of health workers involved in a positive direction. Dual employment contributes about 69% of the total income of the health workers that were under study and this makes it a viable practice. The times health workers go for dual employment varies with 88.5% dodging duty unofficially while 11.5% officially dodge duty. 5 In conclusion, health workers are motivated by both financial and non-financial incentives to practice dual employment. Dual employment has both positive and negative effects both to health workers and the health system. Recommendations: government and other policy makers need to streamline dual employment and also increase salaries of health workers to meet the economic situations of the time. Key Words: Dualism, Benefits, Health Sector, Luwero District
The Effect of Conflict Management Styles on Perceived Team- Effectiveness: A Case Study of Selected Public General Hospitals in the Central Region of Uganda.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Kawooya, Moses
KAWOOYA MOSES (2012-M191-10014) The Effect of Conflict Management Styles on Perceived Team- Effectiveness: A Case Study of Selected Public General Hospitals in the Central Region of Uganda Conflict is undoubtedly an inevitable constituent of any team, because teams are composed of individuals with varying attitudes, beliefs and goals. Different scholars have opined that whether conflict leads to constructive or destructive outcomes in work teams largely depends on how it is managed. Although organisational conflict management has been extensively researched throughout the world, literature points to a paucity of research-based information about this subject in hospital settings in Uganda. This study, carried out between May to September 2013, sought to assess how the different conflict management styles employed by health workers in general hospitals affect work team effectiveness. The study was hoped to contribute to the body of knowledge necessary for improving health service delivery environments through effective health care teams. The objectives of this study were: to establish the nature and extent of conflict among health care teams in public hospitals; to assess the factors leading to conflict in health care teams in public general hospitals; to assess the level of team effectiveness among health care teams. Others included; investigating the different conflict management strategies employed by the health workers and health managers during conflict situations. Finally, the study was also to establish how the different conflict management approaches chosen impact on perceived health care team effectiveness. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, which employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis. A total sample of 199 health workers from 40 health care teams operating in six public general hospitals in the central region of Uganda was studied. Respondents included established health care professionals who had worked for at least 6 months with their current team. Majority (74.4%) of the health workers were females. Nurses and midwives contributed the majority, (65.3%) of the respondents; whereas medical officers were the fewest (2.5%). The rest of the health workers (respondents) comprised of the Allied Health Professionals and other associated cadres like HIV/AIDS client counsellors. Quantitative data were collected using tools with ratio scales adopted from previous studies. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guide from purposively selected key informants. Analysis was carried out using computer software (including SPSS and Excel) and appropriate statistical tests including the Chi-square and Pearson‟s correlation coefficient which were used to test relationships between variables. Cronach alpha for reliability analysis was also employed on the scale items. Results: Up to (71.9%) of the health workers reported having witnessed conflicts among members of their teams during the preceding six months. Although conflicts were reported more among the supervisors (82.1%), than among subordinates (69.8%), the difference was not statistically significant (95% CL; p= 0.89). About the frequency with which conflicts occur, as many as 69 (37.7%) of the health workers reported conflict to be occasional, followed by 59 (32.2%), who reported it as a rare phenomenon in their teams. Only 6 (3.3%) said conflicts never existed in their teams. Majority (62.6%) of the respondents said they had been involved in some form of conflict with colleagues during the past six months. No significant differences existed between males and females in terms of involvement in conflicts (95% CL; p = 0.807). Most of the health workers (37.0%) reported their immediate supervisors as those they most get into conflict with, followed by (35%), who said it was mostly colleagues at the same level as theirs. Task conflict was the commonest form of conflict among health workers in their teams. Failure to honour duties and tasks as scheduled, mistreatment from supervisors, as well as acts of incivility, were reported by most as the commonest causes of conflicts. Less than half, 15 (37.5%) of the teams were rated as highly effective, the rest were rated as moderate, and none as low on the team effectiveness scale. Most health workers predominantly used collaboration (30.9%) and avoiding (25.3%). The two styles were still the most dominant at team level (with 42.5% of teams for avoiding and 37.5% for collaboration respectively). However, a considerable percentage (20.0%) was found to have more than one dominant style of conflict management. Most teams (75.2%) among those using more than one conflict style were rated as high for perceived team effectiveness than among those using avoidance (37.5%) and collaboration (42.5%), significant at 95% CL; p = 0.03. Conclusion: conflicts were found to be quite prevalent among health care teams in all the six public general hospitals studied. Task conflict was the most prevalent form of conflict among health care teams. Both task and relationship conflicts have a negative relationship with perceived team effectiveness. Task-related factors and acts of incivility were the leading factors implicated in predisposition to conflicts. Most teams are rated as moderately effective in all hospitals. Collaboration and avoidance are the most predominant conflict management styles in use both at individual and team levels. It was also evident that some teams have more than one predominating conflict management style. Conflict management styles have a significant relationship with perceived team effectiveness. Key Words: .
The Effect of Early Childhood Development Interventions on the Health of Children under Five Years of Age in Aromo Sub-county, Lira District.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Ajok, Susan
AJOK SUSAN (2012-M121-10002) The Effect of Early Childhood Development Interventions on the Health of Children under Five Years of Age in Aromo Sub-county, Lira District This study was conducted to assess the effect of Early Childhood Development (ECD) interventions on the health of children under five years of age in Aromo sub-county, Lira district by Medical Teams International (MTI) through trained mothers. The objectives that guided the study were to: identify the different ECD interventions; determine the nutritional practices for children under one year of age whose mothers were trained; assess the nutritional status of the children under five years of age whose mothers were trained on ECD; assess the vaccination status of the children under one year of age whose mothers were trained on ECD; examine the perceptions of the community towards the implementation and outcome of the early childhood interventions; and identify the challenges faced during implementation of the interventions. The study involved qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data that was analysed and presented using figures and tables. A total of 78 respondents participated in this study: 39 from Aromo sub-county (the study population) and 39 from Barr sub-county (the comparison population). Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and also a set of guiding questions for the focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study found out that there is a significantly large proportion of mothers in Aromo sub-county who practiced good nutritional practices for children under 12 months of age; children under five years of age have better nutritional status and also that more of them accessed vaccination for DPT3 than those in the comparison sub-county of Barr. These ECD interventions had a positive impact on the health of children under five in Aromo sub-county. Therefore, the study recommends that initiatives be put in place for continuity of these interventions by the trained mothers such as continuous refresher trainings, recruit and train more mothers, involve more stakeholders in this programme so that they can facilitate the roll out of the programme to the neighbouring sub-counties. Key Words: Effect, Early Childhood, Development Interventions, Health,Lira District.
The Effectiveness of Health Workers Retention Strategies in General Hospitals in West Nile Region, Uganda.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2011) Wawa, Badur R.
WAWA R. BADUR (2011-M191-10021) The Effectiveness of Health Workers Retention Strategies in General Hospitals in West Nile Region, Uganda. This study mainly was aimed to find the main strategies practiced in general hospitals as to retain health workers in general hospitals in West Nile Region in Uganda. The specific objectives were to establish the effectiveness of retention strategies in general hospitals and barriers to effective retention of health workers and facilitators of retention of health workers in the general hospitals in West Nile Region in Uganda. The effectiveness of retention strategies was examined by establishing the level of satisfaction of respondents on how they perceived the specific strategies‟ contribution in meeting their needs and making them continue working in the general hospitals in West Nile in Uganda. A sample of 170 health workers was obtained, data were collected through respondents filling a questionnaire and interviewing of respondents from the four general hospitals, namely: Adjumani, Yumbe, Kuluva and Maracha Hospital. A cross sectional survey design was used and primary data were collected through interviewing and filling of questionnaires. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The descriptive statistics were added to the quantitative data during the presentation and analysis of data and the subsequent discussion. The findings revealed that the most effective retention strategies in hospitals in the west Nile region were availability of staff accommodation, flexible work environment, support supervision, and career development. The least effective retention strategies in the hospitals by ranking included low staff salary, lack of involvement of health workers in decision making in hospitals and lack of recognition of health workers for good performance. The barriers to effective retention of health workers included: poor appraisal skills by supervisors, failure to address health worker needs, mismatch between the existing retention strategies and needs of the health workers. The study revealed that the facilitators of retention of health workers include; a salary that meets the basic welfare needs of health workers i.e. food, accommodation, tuition fees of the family members, transport and leisure. Good appraisal skills, recognition for good performance in kind because a mere thank you alone is not enough according to the study results. The research concluded that there is no single key strategy that satisfies all the needs of health workers so as to make them remain in the hospitals. It is rather a combination of strategies that gives satisfaction to health workers to stay. The researcher recommends that the districts need to invest more resources in the retention strategies or ways to retain health workers; for example, improving social and economic conditions of workers. Effective retention strategies in general hospitals require significant political and financial commitment from all levels of government. It is, therefore, recommended that retention policies receive support from Ministry of Health, District Local Governments, Donors and Civil Society Organisations. Strategies should be regularly evaluated to ensure their efficacy. Key Words: Effectiveness, Health Workers, Retention Strategies, General Hospitals, West Nile Region
Effectiveness of Progressive Disciplinary Mechanisms on Discipline of Health Workers in Kitgum, Agago and Gulu Districts.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Omoya, Bezy Peter
OMOYA BEZY PETER (2012-M191-10020) Effectiveness of Progressive Disciplinary Mechanisms on Discipline of Health Workers in Kitgum, Agago and Gulu Districts Health workers‟ indiscipline in Uganda has been one of the major hindrances to access to quality healthcare services. Many forms of indiscipline like late coming, absenteeism, insubordination, corruption, negligence of duty, pilferage of drugs, rudeness to patients, drug and substance abuse and falsification of medical records, among others, have been reported among health workers. However, these vices take place in the presence of various progressive disciplinary mechanisms such as corrective counselling, verbal and written warnings, suspension and termination meant to address them. This study was, therefore, conducted in two government hospitals (Kitgum General and Gulu Regional Referral Hospitals) and two PNFP hospitals (St. Joseph Hospital, Kitgum and Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, Kalongo) to assess the effectiveness of progressive disciplinary mechanisms on health workers‟ discipline and the resultant effect on performance. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design where data were collected and analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The respondents included hospital boards, top management, disciplinary committees and health workers of respective hospitals. Two hundred and seventy seven questionnaires were administered to respondents while members of top management, hospital boards and disciplinary committees were interviewed. Disciplinary records were analysed for common disciplinary problems and disciplinary mechanisms applied to address them. Focus group discussions were conducted among selected health workers. The findings indicated that indiscipline was wide spread among the hospitals. Late coming, absenteeism, corruption, insubordination and drug and substance abuse (drunkenness in particular) were the top most disciplinary problems, in that order. Use of politics to address administrative 30 questions was highlighted as upcoming indiscipline among health workers. None of the hospitals treated misuse of ICT devices to commit cybercrimes as a form of indiscipline. Indeed, the health workers had limited knowledge on computers. Corrective counselling, verbal and written warnings, and suspension were the commonly applied progressive disciplinary mechanisms. Termination was more applied in PNFP hospitals compared to government hospitals. However, government hospitals used transfer and freezing of promotion as disciplinary mechanisms much as they are not explicitly stated among disciplinary measures. Political interference was noted as a major hindrance in managing discipline of health workers in government hospitals. Health workers lamented the inadequate dissemination of disciplinary information to them, making them fall victims of disciplinary actions. They also said health managers were inconsistent and unfair in application of progressive disciplinary mechanisms, citing favouritism and leniency to senior health workers. Only Gulu Regional Referral Hospital was found to have a functional disciplinary committee. Health workers‟ discipline was found to be better managed in PNFP hospitals than in government hospitals as managers of the former hospitals had more powers within their jurisdiction to manage indiscipline compared to the latter that had to go through laborious and bureaucratic procedures, let alone political interference, before actions could be taken. However, all health managers were found to have inadequate knowledge, skills and competence to handle health workers‟ discipline hence the need to train them. Key Words: Effectiveness, Progressive, Disciplinary Mechanisms, Health Worker, Kitgum
Effects of Medical Malpractices on Health Care Delivery in Selected General Hospitals in the Districts of Buikwe and Kayunga.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Abiria, Silvo
ABIRIA SILVIO (2012-M191-10001) Effects of Medical Malpractices on Health Care Delivery in Selected General Hospitals in the Districts of Buikwe and Kayunga Medical malpractice is a professional negligence by act or omission, by a health worker which may result in death, disability, deformity, additional hospitalisation or surgery to correct the severe pain to a patient. The global evidence by researchers in medical malpractices indicates that it exists in both developed and developing nations. All health care interventions are intended to benefit patients, but they could also cause harm. Globally, there is a gap in quality and safety in health service delivery in even developed nations (WHO, 2004). The Ugandan health system is still weak with inadequate and poor infrastructure, associated with poor management capacity and ill-equipped health facilities and low morale of health workers. The study was conducted in the purposively selected general hospitals of Kawolo, Kayunga and Nyenga, found in the districts of Buikwe and Kayunga in the Eastern part of Central Uganda. These hospitals are in rural settings that operate in the mentioned health systems of Uganda, with a number of complaints from patients, politicians, opinion leaders and the media about malpractices in these health facilities. The complex combination of processes, technologies and human interactions that constitute the health care delivery systems can bring significant benefits. This, however, also involves inevitable risks of adverse events that could and indeed very often happen. Key Words: Effects, Medical Malpractices, Health Care Delivery, Selected, General Hospitals Districts, Buikwe and Kayunga

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