The School of Allied Health Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://localhost:4000/handle/123456789/54

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 193

Assessment of Oral Health Status and Practices among Children Aged 5 to 16 Years in Kakajo Zone Two, Bukesa Parish, Kampala District.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Afayo, Samuel.
Introduction: Kakajjo zone two is a slum community found in Bukesa parish Kampala central division. It highly congested with a population predominantly composed of children and adolescents. The residents in this community are likely to be of low Social economic status. The local area does not have any dental clinics, however, dental conditions exist with in the community and this is seen by the cases reported to be received by the Drug shops and other clinics in the community, yet many other similar conditions remain concealed in the community. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status and practices of children aged 5-16 years in kakajjo zone two, Bukesa Parish Kampala Central Division. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 173 respondents for which 91 were females and 82 were males. These were randomly selected from kakajjo zone two. Data on oral health state and practices was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. Results: Of all the children, 97.1% of them ate sugary snacks. All the children ate between meals. Potatoes as well as starchy snacks were eaten most between meals. More than a third (94.6%) of the children brushed their teeth. 66.5% brushed regularly, 79.2% did not brush before bed time, and 81% did not brush after eating sugary snacks. Of all the children, 83.8% of the children had not visited a dentist in the past one year. 40% of the children had decayed teeth, 22.5% had missing teeth and none of the children (0%) had filled teeth as far as the DMF-T criteria is concerned. 24.9% of the children presented with caliculus. No other oral health condition was found. Conclusion: Majority of the children had a high dental caries experience due to high consumption of sugary snacks and not brushing thereafter, not brushing before bed time. This was followed by parental negligence as far as the oral health of their children is concerned, irregular brushing habits, and lack of routine dental checkup visits and the lack of an operational Dental Clinic in the local community. Recommendations: There should be massive and regular community mobilizations and sensitization on Oral health and practices so that parents are equipped with proper knowledge on oral health in order to be in position to protect the oral health of their children. Key words: Oral health status, Oral health practices, Kakajjo zone two.
Assessing Community Participation in Solid Waste Management in Kisasa Zone, Kibuli, Makindye East Division; Kampala-Uganda.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Kyomuhendo, Mariam.
Back ground; Community participation in solid waste management is one of the challenges facing many urban areas worldwide as it is also seen in Africa ( Mugagga et al 2006). And as such, waste management is an issue which should be shared by every individual, community, organization or country worldwide (World Bank, 2010). In Uganda, limited participation has budded from co-ordination and collaboration problems that exist among the three stakeholders in solid waste management- the communities, the public (government) and the private sectors (NEMA, 2007). The main objective of the study was to assess community participation in solid waste management in Kisasa zone in Kibuli, Kampala. Methodology; The study was descriptive cross sectional, both qualitative and quantitative methodologies of data collection were used. Simple random sampling technique was used and Primary data was through questionnaires while secondary data was obtained through sources like books on solid waste management. A total of 100 respondents were consulted after which data was analyzed by use of SPSS version 17. Results: According to the questionnaires, respondents answered with multiple responses. According to the results, most residents 56(56%) were singles with age bracket 21-25years and atleast 30(30%) had attained up to secondary level. due to limited sites of waste disposal, majority of community members had negative attitude about solid waste disposal as this was evidenced by respondents rating of poor/very poor. However majority of respondents participated in solid waste management though majority 45(45%) stored the waste in the compound and they said they did that due to the delays in garbage collection. Most of the respondents 66(66%) had knowledge on solid waste management in Kisasa as they could clearly define and tell the importance of solid waste management. However 52(52%) were not satisfied with the collection services of which 40% stated that waste takes long at the collection site. Conclusion: According to the findings, most people had knowledge on solid waste management though a big percentage of them used polythene bags for storing their waste, however most of the respondents were not satisfied with the collection services where by majority used children to transport waste to the collection site. Recommendations: Environmentalists and health workers should focus more on giving information to the community other than them getting information from friends and family members as some information may be wrong.
Factors that Influence Utilization of Family Planning Services by Women Seen at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Antenatal Clinic.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Lubowa, Abdallah.
Family Planning is the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and spacing their births (WHO, 2007). According to Lance’s Maternal Survival and Women Deliver Series, (2006/2007), Reported that access to Family Planning empowers women, reduces poverty and enhances good health. Researchers estimated that, the lives of 150,000 women could be saved each year with access to sufficient Family Planning. In addition, by increasing birth intervals to at least 24 months, the deaths of one million or more children under the age of 5 could be averted (WHO, 2006). The general objective of the study was to find out the factors influencing the utilization of family planning by women, in order to improve the service delivery in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. The specific objectives were to establish the socio demographic characteristics, assess the level of Knowledge and attitude and, identify economic factors that hinder women of child bearing age in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital from using Family Planning methods. The research was conducted in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Antenatal clinic. The study was mainly descriptive in form of survey and cross sectional design. Study findings indicated that the majority of the respondents fall within the age group 26-35 years 97.5% of them were married. 70% has attained formal education, housewives were 53.3%. The respondents were found knowledgeable; they gave benefits, types of family planning and, 70% of them have used contraceptives. They have positive attitude towards family planning though 30% reported they could not use family planning because of the influence of their husbands, rumors that it can cause cancer, permanent infertility. Study finding implied that respondents, knowledgeable; they have positive attitude towards family planning factors that hinder family planning were cultural influence of having more children, husband who were sole decision makers and misconceptions. The study to Clinical practice implies that another research should be conducted on attitude and male involvement in family planning in Mbale district, to find the ground for establishing male involvement
Self Medication Among Health Workers and Socio-demographic Factors Associated With it :
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Naccwa, Peninah Golooba.
The study was designed to investigate self-medication among health workers in Kisugu Health Centre III and socio-demographic factors associated with it. The three specific study objectives explored were: to determine the socio-demographic factors of health workers in kisugu Health Center III Makindye division associated to self medication, to determine the types of drugs which are frequently used for self medication by health workers, to identify which illnesses call for self-medication among health workers in kisugu Health Center III Makindye division Kampala. A cross sectional study was carried out in Kisugu Health Centre III. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, a random sample of 65 health workers was adopted for the study, and all of them were considered representing 65 questionnaires. The subjects used in the study were 48 nurses, 3 medical officers, 3 clinical officers, 5 laboratory technicians, 2 dental officers, 3 health information assistants, and 1 dispenser. The findings in the study indicated a high rate of self-medication among health workers in Kisugu Health Centre III. Familiarity with treatment was the major factor responsible for self-medication among health workers in Kisugu Health Centre III. The study also found that, the higher the practicing years or experience of the health workers, the higher the tendency of self-medication. Cough 66.7% followed by headache where the common illnesses which called for self-medication. The study also found out that the drugs which where commonly abused were analgesics, antibiotics, and antimalarials. The problem of self-medication among health workers has consequences such as; drug resistance, incorrect self diagnosis, delay in seeking medical advice, adverse drug reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of severe diseases, drug dependence and abuse. It is recommended that a functional policy should be initiated in that just like other patients, health workers should be entered into the patients’ book before being given any medication, and also the Uganda MOH in line with NDA should put clear laws about OTC drugs, in that no selling them to anyone without a physician’s prescription from a recognised health centre health workers. The government should also put more emphasis on the continuous medical education within health centres to keep health workers updated about the dangers of self-medication with a variety of different drugs.
Assessing the Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Mothers on Compulsory Routine Counseling and Testing at Kisugu Health Center Makindye Division - Uganda.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Muyige, Ismail.
The study was based on the topic “Assessing the Knowledge and Attitude of pregnant mothers on Compulsory Routine Counseling and Testing at Kisugu Health Centre Makindye Division”. It aimed at assessing the pregnant women’s knowledge on RCT in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) service, to examine pregnant women’s attitude towards antiretroviral drugs in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and to identify the factors that affect the uptake and acceptability of RCT in PMTCT services. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs where both questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the field. All data was grouped and analyzed in a statistical way where by data was presented in tables showing frequencies and percentages. The following results were obtaining basing on the study finding; It was found out that there high levels of awareness of pregnant mothers regarding RCT services, also pregnant women seem to have a detailed information on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and RCT issues; among the factors that influence attitudes and perceptions towards RCT of HIV, stigma and discrimination jointly have greater impact, fear of prejudice can cause some women to refuse HIV RCT and testing; it is very difficult for an HIV infected mothers to adhere to infant feeding guidelines without disclosing her HIV status to her partner, the most effective interventions to reduce PMTCT depends upon knowing status and that depends upon the availability of information, counseling and RCT services. Among the cited recommendations were; there is need to increase on human resource to handle RCT program in hospitals, there is need to create partnership between Ministry of health and other NGOs, the Ministry should scale up RCT services to Health Center IVs so that pregnant women do not have to move long distances and the government should implement on RCT so that partner and other family members can access the HIV prevention, care and support services.
Prevalence of HIV and Use of ARV Drugs Among Pregnant Mothers Attending the ANC Clinic in Mbarara Regional Referral Hopital.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Mugisha, Kenneth Rubanga.
This study was done in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Mbarara district. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infections among the pregnant women who get their antenatal services from the ANC clinic in that hospital, and determine the use of ARV drugs by the HIV-infected pregnant women. The study population were the pregnant mothers who had their antenatal services in the hospital during the period of January 2013 and January 2014, most especially those that were found to be HIV-positive during that period. The study was a retrospective study which employed one method of collecting data, which was review of the hospital records in the MCH clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Analysis of data was both qualitative and quantitative, as well as univariate and bivariate. The records of the hospital were studied, sorted and analyzed accordingly. Prevalence of HIV among the 1593 mothers was 13.8% (220 mothers).Factors that contributed to this prevalence rate are; age (higher in 16 – 27 years; 34%, and lower in 28 – 39 years; 14%), education (highest in primary level; 34%), religion (highest in Muslim women; 48%), marital status (lowest in married women; 9%), parity (20% in women with 7 – 9 children), occupation (lowest in professional workers; 4%) and monthly income (lowest in women with an income >200,000; 5%). Among the 220 mothers who were HIV-positive, the level of use of the ARV drugs was 79% (173 women). The study findings suggested a relatively high prevalence rate among the pregnant mothers (13.8%) and recommendations from the findings are; increasing awareness through sex education to the young people, periodic assessment of patients’ welfare by the concerned organs or clinics, ensure increased enrollment of children into schools, and thorough and goal-oriented counselling sessions for all newly diagnosed HIV patients.
Factors Influencing Utilization of Postnatal Care Services at Kawolo General Hospital, Buikwe District, Uganda.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Mwesigwa, Desire.
The study was carried out in Kawolo general hospital (KGH), a government hospital in central Uganda with a major objective of investigating the utilization o postpartum/postnatal care services. The survey was completed by 160 women. Mother's knowledge about postnatal services, socio-economic status and hindrance to utilization of the postnatal were sought. The participants included all women who delivered at KGH and those at the PNC clinic in October 2014. Convenient sampling method was used. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were also employed in the process of analyzing data. Low utilization of PNC services at KGH was observed where 38.8% (62) of postpartum women attended. Those who knew about these services only knew about immunization and family planning services. The majority of the mothers did not know about other services, such as screening for infections and cervical cancer, counseling, child growth monitoring and physical examination. Lack of money for transport, distance from the health care facility for a few respondents, not being aware of the services, not being advised to attend the clinic, those who felt well and not seeing any need to attend PNC clinic were some of the main barriers to utilization of postnatal services. Others included lack of education, lack of employment and lack of decision making powers for those who had to seek for permission before attending the clinic among others. The study revealed that quality of postnatal care services and attendance of the postnatal visits was low. Improvements should be focused on involving clients in decision making, providing postnatal services as a package which solves problems of omitting important aspects such as physical examination, Pap smear and urine testing. There is also need to improve the number and availability of health care providers in the labor ward and postnatal clinics to reduce time of wait before getting to be served or seen by a health service provider. The ministry of health and other organizations involved in health care provision should educate women and communities about the importance of postnatal care, it's availability, and the importance of women having decision making power over their own health in addition to improving the quality of care by ensuring that services are provided at convenient hours with privacy, confidentiality and respect. Evaluating services periodically to suit individual needs of women to maintain the quality of services offered during the PNC visit.
Factors Influencing Mothers on Early Weaning of Babies in Makindye Division, Kampala City Council Authority, Uganda :
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Aline, Kavira Mustari.
The study was carried out in Kisugu Health Centre III, Makindye division in Kampala with an objective to assess factors influencing mothers on early weaning of babies. The study set some objectives so as to achieve the purpose of the research. The objectives included: to determine the factors influencing mothers on early weaning of babies, to identify the attitude toward early weaning of babies, to determine the level of education of mothers who practice early weaning of babies, to identify the relationship between maternal age and the feeding practice of infants. A descriptive cross- sectional study was used to collect data through qualitative and quantitative approach. A sample size of 130 mothers was determined using Kish and Leslie formula. Close ended and open ended questionnaires were used to collect data from the field. The study found out that 61.5% of mothers who were employed weaned at less than 6 months and only a few who were employed practiced exclusive breastfeeding for six months. The study also revealed that 42.6% of the mothers who were single weaned their babies before six months. The study also found out that majority of the mothers who were HIV positive practiced early weaning due to fear of transmitting the infection to their babies. The study concluded that much as the prevalence of mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding is high, most mothers of Kisugu Health Center III reported that the encouraging factors to early weaning are; breast milk insufficiency, their health condition, insufficient Knowledge on the weaning process and poverty. The study recommends that mothers should be given information on exclusive breastfeeding for six months without any supplements being given to the baby and its benefit to both the mother and the child during antenatal, postnatal care and when mothers bring their babies for immunization. This can encourage them to wean their babies at an appropriate age.
Prevalence of Bacterial Enteric Pathogens among Children Under Five Years in Kampala District.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Nandala, Michael Wanzila.
Introduction: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of child mortality worldwide and a major problem in developing countries. Though precise data on childhood mortality associated with diarrheal diseases in Uganda is not available, it has been estimated that 19,700 children under 5 years die each year from diarrhea. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bacterial pathogens causing acute diarrhea in children under 5 years and identify the associated risk factors. Materials and methods: A total of 113 children under 5 years with acute diarrhea in Kisenyi HCIV and Komamboga HCIV were enrolled between January and April 2014. Fecal specimens for culture were sent to Central Public Health Laboratories and cultured on conventional media. The organisms were identified by different biochemical tests and confirmed by serotyping. The bacteria identified were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test using Kirby-Bauer‟s disc diffusion method. Results: The prevalence of bacterial enteric pathogens was 23.9% (27/113). The prevalence was greatest in the age group 10 – 29 months (14.2%). Major pathogenic organisms isolated were Escherichia coli 11 (9.7%), Shigella flexneri 7(6.2%), Salmonella typhi 1(0.9%), Salmonella paratyphi 4(3.5%), Shigella boydii 1(0.9%), Shigella dysentriae 2(1.8%) and Enterobacter species 1 (0.9%). Ciprofloxacin (85.2%) was the most sensitive antibiotic followed by Chloramphenical (37%). Among the isolates, 88.9% were resistance to Ampicillin and Sulphamethoxazole, 96.3% resistant to Tetracycline and 85.2% resistant to Nalidixic Acid. The major predisposing factors to enteric bacteria in children under 5 years were; Children drinking un treated water; not exclusively breastfed, not washing hands before eating and after visiting toilet and Children fed on leftover food. Conclusion: The prevalence of bacterial enteric pathogens was 23.9% in the under 5 year children. Commonly isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli and Shigella species. Therefore awareness on prevention of infectious diseases and efforts to improve personal and domestic hygiene should be encouraged. Keywords: diarrhea, bacteria enteric pathogens, children under five.
The Healthcare Seeking Time of Caregivers/Parents of Under Five Children with Fever in Kisugu Health center III, Namuwongo-Kampala.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Damba, Ruth .K.
BACKGROUND: In Uganda fever symptoms are mostly related to malaria infection while other causes considered minor in health centers leading to the misuse of antimalaria medications that brings about drug resistance.(home-based management of fever strategy using chloroquine and sulphadoxine -pyremethamine SP in 2004 WHO reported widespread resistance.) Caregivers of children under five years health care seeking time therefore matters to promote early diagnosis and management of the cause of fever. MAIN OBJECTIVE: The study aims at identifying the duration spent among children under five years with a fever before coming for medical care and the factors influencing the health care seeking time as well as the number of children under five who present with a fever to the health centre. This will help find possible solutions hence decreasing the child mortality rates for the under fives. METHOD: The data collection was done using questionnaires to those mothers who can read and write then interview questionnaires for those who cannot read and write. These questionnaires was used in the outpatient department (OPD) to any mother having a child under five years with a fever and willing to participate in the research. All ethical issues and patient rights will be observed during the research. RESULTS: The study shows that out of 282 caregivers of children under five years, 156(55.3%) could tell a child had a fever by touching the child‟s forehead for increased temperature than usual while 53(18.8%), majority of the caregivers 126(44.7%) were mothers to the child 130(46.1%) and126(44.7%) reported to have spent about 13-24 hours before going to the health center and 62.41% caregivers practiced self medication before reporting to Kisugu health center III. CONCLUSION: Majority of the caregivers of children under five with a fever seek health care within 13- 24hours and many stated the reason to be that the fever started late evening and night therefore could not access medical help in Kisugu health center iii OPD(Out Patient Department.
Emergency Contraceptive Use among the Female Youth Attending Katabi Health Center III, Entebbe Municipality, Uganda.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Yoti, Christabel Malaika.
Background : Emergency contraceptives are a method of family planning that are taken after having unprotected sexual intercourse in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies. There is a high prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Entebbe municipality and there have not been any studies done to assess the low utilization of emergency contraceptives and how many actually use them. Methods: A well detailed and structured questionnaire was designed for this study and therefore that is how data was collected. There were 33 questions which were consistent which made the data easy to analyze after collection. Results: Emergency contraceptives use among the female youth was found to be low with only 43% of the 280 using them, the number of unwanted pregnancies was high with 71.1% of the respondents having ever been pregnant and bearing children, the number of sexually active youth was high with 87.5% of the 280 respondents being sexually active and the knowledge about emergency contraceptives was found to be relatively low with only 60.7% of the 280 respondents having knowledge about emergency contraceptives. Conclusion: Not very many of these sexually active youth know about emergency contraceptives and the role they play in curbing the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies. Therefore a number of recommendations were listed in order to solve this problem. For example involvement of parents and guardians in sexual education, involvement of fellow youth to reach out to their peers just to mention a few.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Breast Feeding by Young Mothers in Goma Sub-county, Mukono District.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Kirabo, Joan.
Introduction: Breastfeeding has so many benefits which are not widely known by some of the young mothers in Goma sub county and in Uganda countrywide but according those that were interviewed breastfeeding is something they all practiced with pleasure plus most of them had been taught well about breastfeeding. In many of the developing countries infants are introduced to others foods like water and other liquid which expose the infants to infection and increasing the morbidity and mortality rate of infants below the age of 6 months. In Goma sub county 8.7% of the mothers started giving their infants other foods before the age of 6 months. Estimations have been made that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life could reduce infant mortality rate by a remarkable 13%. Globally, mothers ways of mixed feeding is a big public health concern which is being fought tirelessly in Uganda. Objective: The study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices young mothers have towards breastfeeding in Goma Sub County so as to know if the young mothers were also breastfeeding their infants well. Method: The study population was selected using cluster sampling and the size of who took part in the study was 138 young mothers below the age of 20 who were still breastfeeding their infants. Data was collected through administration of questionnaires and face to face interviews, the data collected was analyzed to get a certain percentage out of the 138 women who took part in the study. In the study mothers were interviewed using a questionnaire which was designed to elicit information on infant feeding practices and the knowledge on breastfeeding plus attitude young mothers have. Statistical analysis was done were percentages were used to established the relationship between breastfeeding, knowledge, attitude, and practices of the young mothers . Results: Complementary feeding was also be evaluated, which is more commonly initiated around 6 months (72%). Despite the fact that 100 of mothers initiate breastfeeding and 56.5% of mothers are found to breastfeed up to 2 years out of the 138 who took part in the study, the practice of EBF for the first 6 months is high (72.5%).82.6% know that breastfeed babies are always healthier and that it protects the baby form infant illness 79.6% ,plus the baby should always be breastfeed on colostrum immediately after birth, 69.6% Their attitude was not that greatly negative but some reported saying that they did not have sufficient breast milk. 95.7% of them said breastfeeding was much easier and the community encourages it (92.8%) , though some said that their breasts would surge if they breastfed for too long. most of the mothers said that they continued breastfeeding their babies not matter what happen and when the babies got sick they all increased the frequency and did not stop breastfeeding ,100% . Conclusion: Proper breastfeeding practices had a good effect on the mothers and baby„s health as reported by the mothers. As some mothers understand the effects and importance of breastfeeding, others were less knowledgeable on the on the topic of breastfeeding plus some had different attitudes towards breast feeding for different reason which included some who feel shy to breastfeed in public (28.9%)
Assessing the Factors Influencing Teenage Pregnancy in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Otto, David.
Background: This study sought to find out the factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Gulu regional Referral Hospital. The general object was to find out the factors contributing to the teenage pregnancy in Gulu. This was to generate measures that can be used by the municipal council health team in cubing down the rate of teenage pregnancy and also to offer an in-depth assessment of the contributing factors leading to increased number of teenage pregnancy in Gulu district. Methods and materials: The researcher used data obtained by interviewing teenage girls who have brought their children for immunization services and also those who have come for antenatal services. Data was collected from 392 teenage girls who where between 13 and 19 years, and was finally analyzed using SPSS system. Results from the study indicated that majority of teenagers involved where below 18years, About 57% where found pregnant at the time of the study and most of them were secondary school drop outs (59.9%) as compared to 10.7% who were primary school dropouts. Majority were catholics constituting 34.9%. 10.7% were cohabiting while 64.6% were single and 67.9% have ever had sex before they were 19years. Majority of the respondents acknowledged that they have heard about contraceptives however they could not clearly explain what it is but know at least two different types of contraceptives. Factors such as age of the girl, religion, marital status, staying with both parents, girl child education and community perception on teenage pregnancy were found to have a statistically significant association (p<0.05) with teenage pregnancy. Such factors influence the prevalence of teenage pregnancies within the study area. In conclusion, sensitization of teenage girls on reproductive health, coupled with early initiation of sex education in schools and most importantly intrasectoral collaborations should be encouraged. This will tackle teenage pregnancy from the grass root if the millennium development goal of reducing maternal mortality rate is to be achieved and ending poverty by year 2015.
Factors Influencing Malnutrition in Children Under Five in Kidera and Bukungu Parishes Kidera Sub-county, Buyende District.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Nassali, Justine.
Objective: the study assessed the factors influencing malnutrition in children under five years in Kidera and Bukungu parishes in Kidera Sub County Buyende district. Methods and materials: the data was collected from 278 households that had children five years and below. The households were selected randomly from the three villages from each parish. Results: out of the 278 respondents, 64% were peasants who depended on farming as there main source of income. Smoking and alcoholism took up a percentage of 31% of the parents. Most of the parents (53%) had gone up to primary level and (81%) had never received any education. Only 49% of the mothers exclusively breastfed for six months and the rest exclusively breast fed for either less than six months or more than six months. The immunization of children was up to date by 83%. For the children who had been admitted to hospital before malaria and diarrhoea were the common illnesses with 60% and 24% respectively. Conclusion: In general the findings in the study indicate that there is still poor infant feeding practices in Kidera Sub-County. Smoking and alcoholism is also still an issue in the area which can lead to child neglect. Maternal education is also very low which indicates a lot of ignorance on infant and child feeding practices.
Prevalence and Factors Influencing Self Medication among Adults of Luzira Parish, Nakawa Division Kampala, Uganda.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Nyeko, Ceasar.
Self medication is the use of drugs to treat self diagnosed disorders or symptoms or the intermittent or continued use of prescribe drugs fro chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms (WHO, 2002). Self medication is practiced widely for various reasons such as to promote health, to prevent symptoms or treat illness. It is estimated globally that more than 50% of drugs world wide are purchased without a prescription from pharmacies or street vendors in the informal sector (WHO, 2010). The reason for self medication are attributed to over the counter sales of drugs, high costs of medication consultations, dissatisfied with medical practitioners, inadequate regulation of distribution of drugs, sale of prescribed drugs among other reasons. Self medication is a useful tool to treat minor ailments but improper self medication practice or medication abuse may lead to serious adverse drug reactions and possibly fatal consequences. In Uganda there is no clear data showing the prevalence of self medication but there is suspicion that self medication is high. Reason for this assumption is that drugs can be bought from pharmacies and drug shops without prescriptions. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors leading to self medication in Luzira, Nakawa division Kampala. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used involving 100 respondents from selected homes in Luzira, data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. 70% of respondents reported practices self medication within the past three months of the study. The commonest conditions that were self medicated were headache 39.5%, Cold/Flu 17.1% and fever 14.5%. The commonly used drugs for self medication were paracetamol 39.5%, cold cup 15.9% and Coartem and Amoxicillin each 7.9%. The major reason for practicing self medication was mildness of the symptoms and the drugs were mostly brought from pharmacies and retail shops. Drug regulatory and health authorities have to dedicate some resources used to raise awareness of the community of Luzira and the general public on the problems and consequences of self medication so that they can practice better self medication. Moreover, it might be helpful if the concepts and principles of self medication could be reflected in the formal curricula of health care disciplines in Uganda.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Individuals Aged Between 10 to 45 Years on Jigger Infestation in Namalu Sub-county Nakapiripirit District, Uganda
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Telo, Jonathan.
Introduction: Jigger flea, also known as sand flea, Chigoe or Tunga penetrans is an ecto-parasite which causes Tungiasis, a parasitic infection of both humans and animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle. “The jigger flea affects many poor and ignorant populations living in Sub-Saharan Africa especially rural communities of Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the Caribbean and South America, hence hundreds of millions of people are at risk of infection in more than 70 nations, mostly in developing countries” (Nyeri, 2009). The importance of Tunga infestation is localization in the foot causing itching, pain, discomfort and difficulty in walking in worst affected people, reducing the infected person’s ability to study, work normally in addition to segregation and social stigmatization. “In endemic areas, prevalence ranges from 15-40%”. The main objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of the people aged between 10-45 years old on jigger flea infestation in Namalu sub county, Nakapiripirit district. The objectives were: knowledge, attitudes and practices of community members (10-45) on jigger infestation in Namalu subcounty, Nakapiripirit district. Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional survey with a total number of 323 individuals were sampled and 138 were interviewed accordingly using pretested self-administered questionnaires. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection and analysis were used during the study. Data was obtained from a cross sectional study design used to determine population size to be interviewed. The tool used for data collection was a self-administered questionnaire. And data was organized and summarized using frequencies and percentages. Results: The major findings of the study were; a significant number of community members had low levels of education 35% and this could have contributed to the increased rate of infection. Knowledge on jigger infestation is high 70%, but has not translated to jigger prevention and control in the area, Community members kept their domestic animals in their houses or compounds and attributed this to insecurity, a significant number of community members disposed their solid wastes to nearby garbage collection pits. The recommendations included: In order to deal away with jigger menace threatening the lives of the population in Namalu subcounty, Nakapiripirit district, collective approaches should be employed which involve multisectoral, multidisciplinary approaches against jigger flea infestation. Community outreach programs aimed at informing, health educating community members about jigger flea control and preventive measure have to be established. Community health workers should also be trained and well equipped on how to combat the infestation whenever the prevalence becomes severe.
Correlation of Cystatin C and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Type 2 Dibetes Mellitus Patients Attending Mulago Hospital.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Nyanzi, Faisal.
Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in Type 2 diabetic patient. Similarly diabetic nephropathy is the major risk factor for morbidity and mortality in diabetes mellitus patients. Cystatin C as a marker of renal function can facilitate the early prediction of cardiovascular risk along with the other classical markers in DM Type 2 patients. Cystatin C is identified as a promising marker of renal dysfunction and has emerged as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to estimate and correlate the levels of plasma cystatin C with cardiovascular risk markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: The study population included type 2 diabetes mellitus patients above 18 years of either sex. Among 129 diabetes mellitus type 2 patients, 125 patients were recruited and divided into group A with HbA1c ≤ 6.5% Hb and group B with HbA1c> 6.5% Hb. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for FBG, Total cholesterol, TRIG, HDL and Creatinine by enzymatic method. LDL by direct turbidimetric method. Plasma cystatin C and HbA1c were estimated by immunoturbidimetric method and hs-CRP by particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric method. Cardiovascular risk ratios TC/HDL, LDL/HDL and others were calculated. Results: About 73% of the patients recruited had poorly managed diabetes Patients with poor glycemic control (Group B, n = 91) had significantly higher values of hs-CRP (10.57 ± 4.58 mg/L), Total Cholesterol (4.56 ± 0.25 mmol/L), LDL (4.10 ± 0.25 mmol/L), TC/HDL (4.10 ± 1.39), LDL/HDL (2.56 ± 0.22) and Creatinine (68.52 ± 38.02). The study revealed a positive correlation between cystatin C and the endothelial inflammatory marker hs-CRP (r = 0.93, p = 0.001). Similarly HbA1c, LDL/HDL, Cholesterol and Triglycerides showed positive correlations with cystatin C of (r = 0.92, p = 0.022), (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001), (r = 0.80, p < 0.0001) and (r = 0.80, p = 0.022) respectively. Cystatin C also had a correlation with HDL (r = 0.71, p = 0.018). Creatinine and cystatin C also showed a positive correlation. (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001) Conclusion: Plasma cystatin C, a preclinical marker of renal dysfunction can be used as a predictive marker of diabetic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients.
ABO Blood Group and its Relationship with Malaria among Febrile Outpatients at Mungula Health Center IV Adjumani District.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Ambayo, William.
Background: Malaria affects over 219 million and kills over 660 000 people every year, 90% of whom are in Africa and 85% of whom are children under five years of age. In endemic regions of Uganda such as the north western, malaria presents with diversity of clinical phenotypes that may be attributed to a number of factors including blood group. In the Ugandan setting, there is limited information on the relation between blood group distribution and malaria. Furthermore, available data on the relationship between blood group and malaria is contradictory. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the distribution of ABO blood groups and its association with the clinical presentation of malaria among patients seeking medical attention at Mungula Health Centre IV (HCIV) in endemic Adjumani district. Methods: This was a cross sectional study that involved 275 participants of age between 6 months-45 years seeking medical attention at Mungula HCIV in Adjumani district. Blood samples were collected for blood smear microscopic examinations and blood group determination by the direct tiles method. Associations between blood group phenotypes and malaria presentation were determined using Chi square statistics. For all statistical tests, a P value of ˂ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The predominant phenotype among the study population was blood group A (48.7%), followed by O (32.4%), B (14.2%) and AB (4.7%). The prevalence of uncomplicated malaria was 89.1%, where as 10.9% presented with severe/complicated malaria. Blood group „A‟ were 4.9 times more likely to suffer from complicated/severe malaria than blood group B [OR (95% CI) = 4.887 (1.109-21.53), P-value=0.0283]. None of the participants with blood group O or AB presented with severe malaria. Conclusion: Results indicated that blood group A phenotype may modulate severe disease. Absence of severe malaria among blood groups O and AB may suggest a protective role conferred by these blood groups against severe malaria.
Assessment of Determinants of Teenage Pregnancy :
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Munyirwa, Zephania.
Uganda is one of the countries with a big number of teenagers who have been found to engage in sexual activity at an early age leading to a high rate of teenage pregnancies, maternal morbidity, maternal mortality and other complications both medically and non-medically (UDHS, 2006, Neema et al., 2006). The study was based on four objectives which were: assessing individual determinants of teenage pregnancy, examining the socio-economic determinants of teenage pregnancy, identifying the cultural determinants of teenage pregnancy, and lastly establishing the health system determinants of teenage pregnancy in Nawanyago Sub-county. This was a cross-sectional study that explored the determinants of teenage pregnancy. Questionnaires and Key Informant interview guides were used to collect information. Data was collected from 138 expectant and nursing teenage mothers between 13-19 years of age who were residents of Nawanyago Sub-county for at least six months and consented to participate in the study. A purposive sampling procedure and a convenient sampling method were utilized. Microsoft Excel was used to tabulate all the findings for easy interpretation and completeness. Findings: revealed that Majority of the respondents 95 (68.8%) were in the age group of 18-19 years. Lower levels of education were associated with teenage pregnancy where majority of the respondents 80 (58%) had primary level education. Adolescents who were unemployed were more likely to become pregnant than those who have employment where the largest proportion of the respondents, 60 (43.5%) were unemployed. Majority of the girls, 89 (64.5%) reported that the circumstances of their pregnancy was due to influence from their boyfriends. Results suggest that Intensive sex education; parents, religious leaders, teachers, health workers, the media and law enforcement agencies if determined, can increase on the sensitization on teenage pregnancy and the related repercussions. Girl child education should be well facilitated to enable more girls to go to school. In conclusion, the study concludes that employment in an established organization (white collar job) is highly protective against teenage pregnancy while students are becoming increasingly prone to early pregnancy especially those in primary; this can be attributed to the way most parents do not bother about early marriage, failure to communicate to the teenagers about reproductive health and therefore the teenagers do not access reproductive health services due to fear. In addition, most of the teenagers only attain primary education which puts them at a high risk of teenage pregnancy
Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Pregnant Mothers on Antenatal Care Services in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, Mubende District in Uganda
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Kisakye, Edward.
Mubende town is one of the remote towns of Uganda with high population growth rate. The town is located in Mubende district. The main objectives of the study were to determine ANC alternatives being undertaken in Mubende town, to determine factors influencing attendance for ANC services and to establish the knowledge of mothers about the benefits of seeking ANC early. Data was gathered under a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Questionnaires and interview guide were used as tools for data collection. Data was gathered from pregnant mothers, ANC nurses plus pregnant mothers who were in their first to fourth trimester. The study established pregnant women and mothers were using ANC alternatives such as TBAs, traditional healers and herbs. As regards ANC attendance, the study observed that demographic, social -cultural and behavioral barriers like female literacy; poverty, age of women, cultural beliefs, quality of care, availability of ANC alternatives and myths and misconceptions influenced the timing and practice ANC provisions. Characteristics of reproductive age mothers in the area of study affect the decision to utilize of the provisions at the ANC. Conclusions of the study was that; the intervention measures in place to improve women access and utilization of ANC services mainly address the supply side and ignore the demand side which makes the whole process fail to improve the situation on ground. The study recommended that, to improve the level of ANC utilization in Mubende town, there is need to train health workers on service delivery, community sensitization on the values of ANC, equipping and stocking of enough drugs.

Browse

Browsing The School of Allied Health Sciences by Issue Date