Bachelor of Science Public Health

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Acceptability of Modern Contraceptive Methods by Manyata Leaders in Napak District, Karamoja Region.
(International Health Sciences University., 2015-12) Lodim, Joshua.
Uganda is classified as one of the 49 poorest countries, and its population growth is one of the highest in the world, at 3.4 percent. In 2011, the population was estimated to be 34.5 million, and the bottom of the population pyramid is also getting larger. Uganda has the second youngest population in the world (Wulf D, et al., 2006). Nearly 52 percent of its inhabitants are under the age of 15, and 78 percent are under 30 years of age. The age group 15-24 years is estimated to constitute 20 percent of the population. Contraceptive use in Uganda remains low with an unmet need of 36% among all women of reproductive age. The purpose of this study was to determine acceptability of modern contraceptive methods among Manyata leaders in Napak district in Karamoja region. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a sample size of 154 Manyata leaders in Napak district. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire for quantitative data and a focus group discussion for qualitative data. Simple random sampling was used to select the Manyata leaders to participate in the study. The results of the study indicated a low level of acceptability of modern contraceptive methods at 18% among the Manyata leaders. The modern contraceptive methods accepted by the Manyata leaders were pills, intrauterine devices, condoms and implants. The reasons for accepting the use of modern contraceptive methods were to prevent unintended pregnancies within the community, proper family planning, to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, child spacing and when there was no need for more children. The reasons for not accepting the use of modern contraceptive methods were cultural influence where culture did not support the use of contraceptive methods, the need for many children among community members, lack of knowledge about the use of contraceptives, negative peer influence and perceived dangers of using modern contraceptives such as infertility. The demographic factors that were found to significantly influence the acceptability of modern contraceptive methods were age and income levels of the Manyata leaders. Average aged Manyata leaders (X2=9.672, p=0.010) and those with higher income levels (X2=6.521, p=0.024) had more acceptability for modern contraceptive methods as compared to their older colleagues and those with low incomes. Therefore, the government through the ministry of health should conduct community sensitization among the Manyata leaders on the importance of using contraceptive methods in family planning and having small manageable families. This will remove wrong beliefs about contraceptives as well as increase uptake of such methods among the community. Awareness campaigns on the use of modern contraceptive methods should be done through the use of mass media, by the government and other development partners so as to create awareness among the communities on the use of contraceptives.
Accessibility and Utilization of Informal, Communication Technology (ICT), in Students Learning Processes:
(International Health Sciences University, 2013-09) Ssesanga, Dennis Ernest
The purpose of this study was to establish the accessibility and utilisation of Information Communication Technology in learning processes among students at IHSU. The study had four study objectives namely; find out the accessibility level of ICT to students, determine the level of students‘ knowledge on the usage of ICT, examine the attitude of students and lastly determine the practices of students on the utilisation of ICT in the learning process. A cross sectional study design was utilized in carrying out data collection procedures in October 2013 at International Health Sciences University. The design was preferred as it facilitated the obtaining of diverse information about the accessibility and utilisation of ICT in the learning processes during this point in time. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. The university has a population of 1500 students all doing different courses and on different academic programmes namely; full time, part time and remote learning. A sample size of 316 university students undertaking undergraduate courses was selected to take part in this study. It was carried out in all the university institutes namely; health policy and management, nursing science and allied health services. The data was obtained from three sources namely; students, two key informant interviews of the head of library and ICT departments, and lastly interviewer observations using four different tools and instruments namely; key informant interview guide, an observational check list, digital camera and an online questionnaire. Data was collected, checked, coded; entered using Google forms then processed using Google analytics obtained online to generate bar graphs, pie charts and tables. All the questionnaires were systematically analysed on submission. From the findings, most of the students (50%) got first exposure to the use of ICT in learning at university. Students may have a better learning process if the ICTs are well embraced both at home work and university. From the above findings, 96% of the sample population which was the majority accesses ICT at the university while 28% access at the place of residence, 20% at an internet cafe and 16% through a friend‘s computer. Seventy seven percent of the sample population which was the majority accesses ICT at the university while eight percent access at the place of residence, six percent at an internet cafe and five percent through a friend‘s computer. The majority 282 students were unaware about advanced searching techniques while the second problem of the sample population was with formulating a search query or keywords, while 235 students lacked knowledge about open access journals and 233 students lacked knowledge about browsing e-journals. According to the results above, 48% of the students agreed that the learning process will not be effective without use of ICT tools and techniques and 25% of the disagreed. According to the results above, 48% of the students agreed that the learning process would not be effective without use of ICT tools and techniques and 25% of the disagreed. 36% of the students agreed to having used turnitin sometimes while 32% said they always use it and the other 32% had never used it. 38% of the students had never used online journals while 37% of the students used them sometimes and 25% of them were found to use them always. 55% of the students had never been recommended by the lecturers to use online journals while 43% reported that their lecturers sometimes did recommend and only 3% were always recommended. 91% of the students reported that they never used turnitin for their class work assignments while 8% sometimes did and only 1% always used it. The following were the accessibility possibilities of ICT available to students in their learning processes; students need to be assisted in attaining devices that will increase their utilisation of ICT both away and at the university. In regard to the level of students‘ knowledge on the usage of ICT in their learning processes; there is need to teach students about the various computer applications that are being used at school for their academic performance. Considering the attitude of students on the utilisation of ICT in their learning processes; there is. Students need to be enlightened about how will be effective with the use of ICT tools and techniques and this should be done with the involvement of the lecturers so as to improve the attitude of students about the need of ICTs in the leaning processes. Lastly, with respect to the practices of students in the utilisation of ICT in their learning processes; there is need to improve the use of turnitin and online journals in class assignments amongst the students. Generally all students should embrace the fact that ICT has come and should be highly welcomed in all fields of learning because it is what has enabled the first world to develop and be in the lead of all the other countries. Looking at how many students had moderate scores, on all the variables especially for accessibility, knowledge, attitudes and practices, there is a possibility that in the next ten years, the majority of students will have serious ICT limitations in the learning process and at work if no precautions are undertaken by those in authority.
Actors influencing alcohol abuse among out-of-school youth in Mbale municipality, Mbale district.
(International Health Sciences University., 2015-12) Wobbaka, Faith Joyce.
The study was to determine factors influencing alcohol abuse among out-of-school youth in Mbale Municipality Mbale District. General objective: was to investigate factors influencing alcohol abuse among out-of-school youths in Mbale Municipality. The specific objectives were: to determine individual factors influencing alcohol abuse among out-of-school youths, to identify socio-economic factors influencing alcohol abuse among out-of-school youths and to establish cultural factors influencing alcohol abuse among out-of- school youths in Mbale Municipality. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for the study in which 248 respondents consented before being interviewed; both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used through key informant interview guide and questionnaires respectively to obtain information concerning the above stated study. Data was analyzed in SPSS and the results presented in tables, pie charts and graphs. Results: The findings indicate that the major factors influencing alcohol abuse among out of school youths in Mbale Municipality included the following variables, in order of their significance: Staying with parents who drank alcohol (P-value=0.000), Involvement of youth in Cultural rituals as marriage, circumcision and last funeral rite which require the use of alcohol(P-value=0.000),Employment status(P-value=0.011) ),Heard of adverts for alcohol(p<0.017), Gender (P-value=0.027), Age at which the youth starts to drinking alcohol (P-value=0.031), Place of residence (P-value 0.041) and Cultural perception on the consumption of alcohol among the youth(P-value=0.047) showed statistically significant association with the consumption of alcohol among out-of school youths. Other individual factors such as age, marital status, religion and staying with parents, level of education, average monthly income, role models and existence of community policies on the consumption of alcohol among the youth did not indicate a statistically significant association (p>0.05) with the consumption of alcohol. Conclusions: The key significant factors influencing alcohol abuse among the youths in Mbale Municipality included the following gender, place of residence, staying with parents who drink xiv alcohol, age at which the youth start drinking alcohol, employment status, heard of adverts for alcohol, cultural perception on the consumption of alcohol among the youth and involvement of youth in cultural rituals which require the use of alcohol. Recommendation: Government through Ministry of Education should strengthen educational programmes by encouraging schools to come up with attractive programmes including but not limited to crafts and handiwork or vocational trainings and maintain the youths in schools, in addition give scholarships and students loan. And impose and implement high taxes on alcohol both locally made and imported to lessen easy access for the youth. District to setup strong community policies that regulate drinking alcohol in public places; such as opening drinking places after 5:00pm closing at10;00pm on working days and opening at 2:00pm on weekend and closing at midnight and prohibit sale of alcohol before the stated time. The District authorities should arrest sellers especially those who sell alcohol to youths below 18 years of age. The District Authorities together with the Local Council leaders to restrict the use of alcohol in homes especially by adults who might influence children to use alcohol for example alcohol at home may only be allowed during special occasions. Future studies should be done on factors influencing alcohol abuse among in school youth in Mbale Municipality.
Actual and Preferred Birth Intervals of Mothers Attending Antenatal Care at Mbale Regional Hospital.
(International Health Sciences University, 2013-09) Muhenje, Sophie Mukoone
Background; Population growth is a major challenge in most developing countries, and Uganda is no exception to this. In Uganda, the rate of population growth is 3.2% (UBOS, 2012), which can be attributed partly to an imbalance between infant mortality and fertility. Short birth intervals are associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including infant, child and maternal mortality. Short birth intervals (< 2 years) can lead to maternal depletion syndrome, milk diminution and competition between siblings close in age for food and other resources. Objective; The objective of this study was to assess the actual and preferred birth intervals of the women in Mbale regional referral hospital. Methods; This study adopted a cross-sectional study design. This design was chosen because it could collect data to make inferences about a population of interest (women attending ANC) at one point in time. The study population included women who were attending both antenatal clinics and post natal clinics in outpatient departments who had had at least two children prior to the current pregnancy or had already two children respectively. Data was collected from the women using a variety of methods including interviews and tools. Results; Socio economic factors such as education of the mother/husband, occupation of the mother, transport costs to the hospital, paying some extra fee (bribe) to health workers before getting the service, afford-ability of services offered by the health centers, whose decision to have the current pregnancy, cultural influence to have shorter or long birth intervals, showed a statistical significance with actual and preferred birth intervals with p values 0.000 (p<0.05). Socio demographic factors like residence, age of mother, and age at first pregnancy were found to be significantly related to the birth spacing where as for community factors, breast feeding of the previous last child, duration of breast feeding, whether they exclusively breastfed their children, community perception on the use of family planning methods and community preferences on the gender of children to birth to showed a statistical significance with actual and preferred birth intervals. Conclusion; Socio economic and demographic factors of the women play a major role in determining birth intervals. Recommendations; Policy makers need to consider the potential for lengthening birth intervals in Uganda where the median birth interval is close to 3 years (2.88 years). Data from other African countries suggests that even in situations when women wish to increase spacing it is by no more than six months (Rafalimanana and Westoff, 2001). It has been found that women who are educated tend to have longer birth intervals, therefore girl child education should be further boosted to increase their literacy rates.
Adequacy and Utilization of Sanitation Facilities in Primary Schools in Masaba North District, Kenya.
(International Health Sciences University, 2013-09) Misati, Moraa Edinah
The currently high and ever- increasing enrollment in schools since 2003 in Kenya, as a result of the Universal Primary Education has made water, sanitation and hygiene issues of national significance. The available sanitation facilities cannot adequately serve the school children. The objective of this study was to assess the adequacy and utilization of sanitation facilities in primary schools in Masaba North District. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, key informant interview and observation checklist. A total of 340 participants sampled by simple random procedure and purposive sampling fulfilled the study criteria and were included in the analysis. Although there was a good availability of pit latrines (89.2%) and urinals (71.3%), as well as rubbish pits (70.9%) in the sampled schools, and that of hand washing facilities such as taps and soap (58.1% and 18.4%). Generally the hand washing facilities were unavailable in the selected primary schools. Developing sanitation programs under which the challenges should be tackled right from the root rather than attempting to manage the resultant unpleasant consequences, proper planning for the schools‟ carrying capacity, and including suitable sanitation and hygiene strategies in the curriculum of teachers training institutions, are critical for the country to improve its hygiene and sanitation in schools.
Adherence to Food Safety Culture in Retail Food Establishments:
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Ndahura, Vastinah
Adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Measures by Employees in Selected Restaurants in Kampala District.
(International Health Sciences University, 2013-09) Zipporah, Ajambo
Background The study was carried out to identify the reasons for low levels of adherence to occupational safety and health measures among the restaurant workers. The study was done because despite the availability of effective interventions to prevent occupational hazards and to protect and promote health at work place, there are still noticeable accidents among employees in restaurants due to gaps in adherence to OSH measures. Objective The main objective under study was to assess the factors influencing the adherence to occupational safety and health measures by employees in selected restaurants in Kampala District. Methodology The study followed quantitative and qualitative research methods using a cross-sectional survey design. The target population comprised of restaurant kitchen workers including; chefs, waiters, waitresses, managers and cleaners in the selected restaurants and 230 workers were interviewed. Purposive sampling procedure was employed to provide the data relevant to the study. Research administered questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to collect data. With the quantitative tools, the analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 16.0) programme, Microsoft excel, absolute figures, tables, percentages and statistical tools such as graphs, charts were used. Whereas for qualitative, analysis of feedback from interviews was done manually. Results The major findings in this study were as follows; Out of the 230 interviewed respondents, 54.40% of them adhered to OSH measures and the use of gloves was least adhered to with only 12 (5.2%) adherence. The study revealed that the restaurant population is also dominated by males with 124(53.9%) than females 106 (46.1%). At the bivariate analysis, under the socio-demographic factors, gender (p-value <0.001) and monthly income (p-value <0.001) were found to have a significant influence on the restaurant worker’s adherence to OSH measures. Awareness of precautionary measures against risks (p-value 0.035) and awareness of the importance of personal protective gears (p-value 0.023) were found to have some statistically significant influence on the restaurant worker’s adherence to OSH measures. Distance to work (p-value<0.048), cleaning schedule prepared (p-value<0.001) and company providing personal protective equipment (p-value <0.001) under the institutional factors were found to have a significant influence on the workers adherence to OSH measures. At multivariate analysis, under gender the males were 2.4 times more likely to adhere to OSH measures than the female workers (OR=2.4, 95% C.I 1.1-5.3, P-value=0.029). The restaurant workers who said were aware of the precautionary measures were 17 times more likely to adhere to safety measures than workers who were not aware (OR=16.9, 95% C.I6.7-42.7, P-value= <0.001). The workers who said that the management provided safety equipments were 3 times more likely to adhere to safety measures than those who claimed that management did not provide anything (OR=3.2, 95% C.I 1.5-6.8, P-value= 0.003). Conclusion and Recommendations In conclusion, the restaurant worker’s gender, knowledge of precautionary measures and their acknowledgement of management providing safety equipment significantly influenced their adherence to OSH measures at work. The study recommends emphasis be put on the female restaurant workers to adhere to safety measures, workers focusing on precautionary measures against risks at work and management of restaurants insisting on the availability of safety equipments.
Alcohol Uptake and Risky Sexual Behaviours Among Adolescents :
(International Health Sciences University., 2012-09) Oboma, Olga Slain
This was a study to determine the relationship between alcohol uptake and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents in Kamwokya slum a suburb of Kampala. The major objective of the study was to determine the relationship between alcohol uptake and risky sexual behaviors, and the specific objectives were: To determine the prevalence of alcohol uptake among adolescents in Kamwokya. To identify the risky sexual behavior among adolescents of Kamwokya. To establish the relationship between alcohol uptake and risky sexual behavior among adolescents of Kamwokya. Methodology: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Kamwokya slum, Kampala district with a catchment population of approximately 75,000 adolescents. A clustered random sampling was used, followed by simple random sampling of eligible adolescents so as to gain the proportionate sample size. The target sample size was 138 respondents. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered by researchers. Findings: The prevalence of alcohol among adolescents is consistent across a broad spectrum of the adolescent population as well as the risky sexual behavior, Conclusion: Alcohol uptake is strongly associated with risky sexual behavior in the adolescent population of Kamwokya. The recommendations include; need to formulate strategies to enable adolescents make responsible decisions in relation to alcohol consumption and sexual behavior. Further there should be education interventions highlighting the dangers of multiple sexual partners, and use of alcohol before sex.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Reproductive Health Education Among The Teenagers in Triangle Zone, Mulago II.
(International Health Sciences University., 2015-12) Matovu, Umar
Introduction and Background: The study “analysis of factors influencing reproductive health education among the teenagers in triangle zone Mulago II” intended to analyze the factors influencing reproductive health education among the teenagers in triangle zone, Mulago II. It was guided by the following objectives; to determine the Social, economic and socio-cultural factors that influence reproductive health education among the teenagers in triangle zone, Mulago II, determine the teenagers’ attitude and influence on reproductive health education in triangle zone, Mulago II and determine the proportion of parents involved in reproductive health education among the teenagers and influence on reproductive health education among teenagers in triangle zone, Mulago II. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study that employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sample of 120 respondents was considered which comprised of teenagers and parents, community members, local political leaders, religious leaders and school teachers. Results: The study findings revealed that age, sex(χ2= 12.396 p < 0.001), level of education(χ2= 41.509 p = 0.000), marital status (χ2= 19.676 p = 0.001), number of children in the family, religion (χ2= 71.185 p <0.000), occupation of the respondents, place of origin attitude of teenagers and parental involvement had significant influence on reproductive health education among teenagers in triangle zone, Mulago II. Parents and teachers had minimal participation in educating the teenagers about reproductive health. Conclusion: The study has revealed that teenagers are unable to access reproductive health information because there are inadequate educators. It is therefore recommended that more youth centers to cater for teenagers alone should be established close to communities where teenagers can access Reproductive Health information and family planning education.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Tuberculosis Patients' Satisfaction Towards Services in Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole District.
(International Health Sciences University., 2015-12) Mugabo, Edgar.
Introduction Satisfaction has been examined on level of employees to the job-performance while clients to the services have been given a little crew. Realizing the gap to this extent, the researcher thought about a study in which he could examine satisfaction among the patients in the hospital. Thus analysis of factors influencing Tuberculosis patients’ satisfaction toward services in Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. The study aimed at determining the related factor for TB patients’ satisfaction, assess the institutional factors affecting patients’ satisfaction and to determine the clinicians related factors affecting patients’ satisfaction. Method, A cross-sectional research design was used in which 196 respondents were drafted. Stratified sampling technique was used to obtain the respondents in the TB wards. The findings collected discovered that most patients were not satisfied with clinicians nursing care provided at night. Discussion, with some small variations on the different aspects of clinicians care, it was also found that clinicians have endeavoured to serve their patients in relation to the medical ethics. Results, one factor established which was greatly affecting patients’ satisfaction was, respondents 103 (52.6%) were taking 30min to get the service and 93 (47.4) take 1 hour to get drugs, treatment from the hospital. This implies that TB patients get TB services for about 30mins to 1 hour. Conclusion, the study found out that patient’s satisfaction with services at Fort-Portal Regional Referral Hospital measured up to expected standards. Recommendation, health workers should involve patients and their relatives as much as possible in the decision making on the kind of treatment that the patient should receive. This will contribute to the patients’ satisfaction by the patient feeling appreciated and involved in their treatment hence improve on the health seeking behaviour of the community.
Approaches to Sustainability of Quality Improvement Interventions in HIV Care at Selected Health Facilities in Buikwe District .
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Muhire, Martin
This study explored approaches to sustainability of health care quality improvement interventions in HIV care at five selected health facilities in Buikwe district. There was a total of sixty respondents that were different health cadres who had participated in the quality improvement programme as of the end of December 2013. The study utilised both a qualitative and quantitative study design in order to understand the common service delivery organisation approaches that were used to sustain quality improvement gains, determine the extent to which patients were involved in sustaining quality improvement approaches. Findings indicated that involving patients in care such as in decision making, helping fellow patients navigate through care, registration of patients, health education was the most common approach that enabled health care providers to sustain quality HIV care. This was stated by 36 (60%) of the respondents. Making changes in the way services are provided was also key in sustaining improvement gains. It included such approaches like: 1) training to equip health workers with knowledge and the most common training was one in quality improvement approaches reported by 33% of the respondents. 2) making changes to ensure that patients drugs are available by making timely orders to the national medical stores or joint medical stores, patients records are used to inform decision making to treat patients treated well, strengthening facility/community linkages through integrated outreaches were among other service delivery changes to sustainability of improvement gains. These interventions were implemented through a P-D-S-A approach lens as mentioned by 73.3% of the respondents. Provision of incentives was not a motivating factor to sustain quality improvement gains. Majority of respondents (80%) had not received any incentive but continued to provide quality HIV care. This study is a show case of the significance of a patient centred care approach especially whenfocusing on improving care for patients with chronic conditions. It further gives evidence about different service delivery organisation approaches that should be applied to improve other areas of health care. Sustaining improvement gains therefore requires involving consumers of health care-patients, to provide care as expert of themselves and re-designing care so that it is provided in the most effective manner that meets patients’ expectations.
Assessimg the levels of water and sanitation facilities in primary schools of Kisugu and influences on Hygiene practices by pupils.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Asiimwe, Bridget
Introduction: this study was to access the levels of water and sanitation facilities in primary schools of kisugu and influences on hygiene by pupils. The main objective of the study was to assess the level of water and sanitation facilities in primary schools and effects on hygiene practices by the pupils and the specific objectives were to establish the level of water and sanitation facilities in primary schools of kisugu, to establish the hygiene practices of pupils in primary schools of kisugu, and to determine effect of water and sanitation facilities on the hygiene practices of pupils in primary schools of kisugu. Methodology: the study adopted a cross sectional survey in designed 20 schools with a sample size of 365 respondents. A structured questionnaire, key informant interviews to assess the level of water and sanitation facilities in primary schools of kisugu and influences on hygiene by pupils was employed. The data was then analyzed using SPSS computer software and excel Results: The major findings of the study were that 55.9% of the respondents were female while 44.1% were male, of the age range between 11- 13 years (61.9%) and of which 49.9% respondents were from primary six and 50.1% from primary seven.90.9% of the pupils reported that the schools had clean and safe water whose main source was tap water which was pure clean and safe for domestic consumption for pupil.76% reported that the school environment was clean, 92.2% reported that boys and girls did not share latrine facilities which were available for use whenever they needed, 90.6% reported that the school had a rubbish pit, 65.8% reported that each class room had a rubbish bin, soak pits and septic tanks were used for disposal of sewage, majority of pupils washed their hands regularly 76%. 145 pupils were found to be in the boarding section of the primary schools involved in the study, majority, 75.9% reported to have access to enough water for bathing and washing clothes. However 50.9% reported that there are times when they fail to get water for hand washing latrine. Privacy at the latrine was high. 32% of the girls reported to have experienced menstruation periods with most of the girls reported to using strong pads and used the latrines and dormitories for changing the pads (sanitary towels). Recommendations: The study recommends that schools' administration should continuously health educate the pupils through health talks with during assemblies and classroom lessons on the importance of maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene practices in the prevention and control of diseases and secure water tanks for water storage. Construction of latrine facilities that are appropriate to the number of pupils within the school, ensure that the doors and walls on the latrines provide adequate privacy to students and schools' management through the senior women should health educate girls on how to handle menstruation periods such that girls need not to miss schools due to menstruation. Recommendations for further areas of research: The researcher recommends two related studies to be done: levels of sanitation and hygiene in dormitories and staff rooms, secondly a study how poor sanitation and hygiene practices influences pupils performance in schools
Assessing Adherence To Standard Operating Procedures For COVID-19 Prevention Among Market Vendors In Namuwongo Market, Makindye Division, Kampala.
(Clarke International University., 2022-02) Ayo Oluwamumiyo, Joy Marquis
COVID-19 is a deadly infectious disease and a new strain of the corona virus. The outbreak originated from a food market in Wuhan, China. The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets which are too heavy to hang in the air quickly fall on floors or surfaces. One can be infected by breathing in the virus if they are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19 even though they are asymptomatic, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth. The main symptoms of the disease are fever, dry cough and weakness (WHO). The arrival of COVID-19 in December of 2019 was not of great concern to most people around the world and especially in Africa. This lack of concern gave room for laxity and led to the eventual uncontrolled spread of the virus across Asia, Europe, the Americas and finally Africa. On the 18th of March, 2020, the government ordered a suspension of public gatherings and on the 20th of that month enforced a lock down on all schools and businesses in the country. A day later, On a Saturday, the 21 st day of March 2020, Uganda recorded her first case of COVID-19. (Uganda MoH) this led to an immediate lockdown of all international borders in the country to reduce the spread of the disease. Despite those measures, the virus spread slowly at first; slower than most neighboring countries, but has rapidly increased in its transmission and hospitalization rates. This study will highlight one of the many reasons for the continuous spread of the virus as it targets the marketplace which is a lifeline to many during the lock downs that have been enforced and is easily accessed by most Ugandans. Market stalls all over Uganda have little to no social distancing and are hard to regulate because of their general design and arrangement leading to them serving as a possible hotspot for the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in Uganda. Due to the frequent interaction between market vendors and most people living in the country, it is important to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of both market vendors and their customers in regards to COVID-19 and reducing its spread. According to the world health organization and Uganda‟s ministry of health, there have been (at the time of writing) 84,116 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,966 deaths caused by COVID-19 in Uganda. This number increases every day. Market vendors hold an important position in the fight against COVID-19, because most people living in Uganda would at some point go to the market to purchase items of need. It is therefore necessary to understand the attitudes and practices these vendors and their customers have towards COVID-19 and its prevention because, if they do not adequately adhere to all the guidelines regarding preventing its spread, there is a risk that they would act as a major source in spreading the virus to their customers. This study therefore assesses the knowledge, practices and attitudes amongst market vendors and how it affects their adherence to the standard operating procedures provided by the government
Assessing Community Participation in Solid Waste Management in Rubaga Division;
(International Health Sciences University, 2013-09) Bileyo, John
Community participation in management of solid waste is one of the challenges facing many urban areas in the world. In Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is fully convinced with the fact that successful implementation of the solid waste management strategy depends to great extent on the positive participation of the community. Therefore, this study established the socio-economic factors that affect community participation in solid waste management, the solid waste management practices and, problems encountered solid waste management in Rubaga Division. The study used a cross sectional design with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies of data collection. The primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides supplemented by field observations and secondary data. A total sample of 352 respondents was consulted. Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis. The results showed that community participation in solid waste management was minimal. This was attributed to the relatively long distance that had to be walked to the skip and the culture of leaving children to dispose garbage, poor sensitization of the community about solid waste management and, the common thought that it was the responsibility of KCCA to collect and dispose off wastes, among others. Land filling at Kiteezi was the major solid waste management approach used by households in Nakulabye parish followed by incineration/burning, compositing, recycling and re-use and source reduction. Storage problems, stench from overstayed garbage, careless dumping and, lack of space for the skips were some of the challenges of community participation in solid waste management. Consequently, the living conditions of the local people had deteriorated through disease outbreak like cholera and diarrhea. In order to improve solid waste management in the study area, the study recommended provision of adequate dustbins and skips by KCCA to residents for waste storage, undertaking community sensitization and capacity building on proper solid waste management, regularity of waste collection by KCCA and private collectors in all parts of Nakulabye parish and, encouraging the local people to use compositing as a disposal method in order to reduce on the volume of waste generated and, waste differentiation before compositing or disposal.
Assessing Factors Affecting Community Based Management System of Borehole Water Sources in Labongo - Amida Sub-county, Kitgum District, Uganda.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Tracy, Lamwaka Angela
Assessing Factors Influencing Early Sex Debut among Secondary School Adolescents of Rubaga Division, Kampala District.
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Kaddu, Ann Martha
Background: The rate of early sex debut among school-going Adolescents is on the increase especially in the developing countries, UN world report 2013 showed 580 million adolescents engaged in early sex worldwide and four out of five were from developing countries (UN world report 2013). Studies and DHS reports showed the earliest age of sex debut among adolescents was as early as 10 years. Literature from different sources and health organizations (WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS) have indicated early sex debut among students as health threat to adolescents especially in the developing countries. Objective: The study assessed factors influencing early sex debut among school going adolescents and was broken down into three specific objectives. Methodology: The study employed across-sectional study design; it was both descriptive and analytical. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaire and key informant interviews. Data collection was through the self-administered questionnaire and was collected from 384 students. Sampling methods applied included purposive sampling and simple random sampling.Data analysis was done using SPSS and findings are presented in line with the study objectives. Results: The study findings showed a significant association between the Demographic variables; specifically Age (X 2 =39.184, P value = 0.000), Class level (X 2 = 21.975, P value =0.001),Gender (X = 8.976, P value = 0.030) and having and living with parents (X = 9.373, P value = 0.025) , the Knowledge factors including; knowledge of the effects of early pregnancies ( X = 9.256, P value = 0.026), incest (X 2 = 46.52, P value 0.000), cross generational sex (X = 54.186, P value = 0.000), oral sex(X 2 =30.352, P value = 0.000)and anal sex (X 2 = 9.669, P value = 0.005),masturbation (X 2 = 13.098, P value = 0.001)the Social familial factors including; sexual content in media (X 2 = 7.229, P value = 0.009), watching pornography (X 2 = 8.648, P value = 0.005) and blue movies availability of mothers in homes ( X 2 = 4.088, P value = 0.049) and Institutional/ school factors including the availability and effectiveness on school rules and regulations (X 2 = 42.445, P value = 0.000) and availability of school counselors (X = 12.369, P value = 0.001),had influences on early sexual debut among school going adolescents of Rubaga division. Conclusions and Recommendations: The study therefore recommend availability of adolescents sex health programs and schools to strengthen school rules and regulations on sex debut in schools, employ counselors, organize programs for parents in view of addressing gaps in the up- bringing of adolescents, since these were reported to have been helpful for adolescents to postpone sex debut to a later age. The government and the concerned authorities should take note on what information is disseminated by the different media stations and put restrictions on what is inappropriate to adolescents.
Assessing Immunisation Dropout Rates among Children Under One Year of Age in Aswa County, Gulu District, 2015.
(International Health Sciences University., 2015-12) Okot, Godfrey.
Introduction: In Uganda and Gulu district inclusive in the Financial Year 2012/2013, the BCG- Measles drop- out rate was 15% which was an increase from 12% in the previous financial year. (MOH- HMIS). This is contrary to the international target. Furthermore, in financial year 2011/2012, BCG- Measles drop- out rate was 21.3%, while DPT1- DPT3 drop out was 5.7 % (fairly within target). According to (UDHS 2012) immunization’s drop out for DPT, Polio and Measles among infants of less than one year in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively were still high as: DPT 19.3%, 23% and 16.3%, Polio:36%, 33% and 40% and Measles:11.7%, 38% and 42% which does not meet the EPI target of 10% -6% drop. The study will seek to reduce the immunization drop-out rate to acceptable rate of 10%-6% and increase the immunization uptake services by mothers/care givers. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate immunization drop- out rates for Polio, DPT and Measles among children under one year of age in Aswa County and to investigate factors associated with immunization drop out. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 219 households with children under One year of age in five parishes and twelve villages that were randomly selected from Aswa county–Gulu. Questionnaires were administered to mothers/caregivers to get Information on and socio-economic and demographic factors, health facility factors and Community factors and immunization status of children under two years. The Immunization drop- out rate and analysis of associations between immunization drop out rate and demographic and socio-economic factors were done SPSS 16.0. Results: The immunization drop -out rates were 9.5% for Polio (3 doses), 30.6% for DPT (3 doses) and 34.7% for Measles vaccine. For completion of the immunization schedule, it was 79.5% for Polio, 71.2% for DPT and 57% for Measles. Long waiting time, age of respondents and absence of health workers were significantly associated with completion of DPT, Polio and Measles schedules. Recommendation: Immunization drop out for DPT, Polio and Measles had increased and higher than previously reported. The absent of health workers in health facility discouraged mothers to take their children for immunization .The ministry of health (MoH), WHO, other health partners and stakeholders should design the relevant Strategy and implement immunization policy so as to increase immunization uptake services by mothers/care givers in Aswa County-Gulu district.
Assessing Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Incident Reporting Among Health Workers:
(International Health Sciences University., 2014-11) Kasagga, Ismael
Incident reporting in health care institutions is one of the good practices in ensuring patient safety during health service provision. Some of the decisions and judgments made by health care professionals and management provide ground for unintentional harm to patients. When such errors go unreported, patient safety and quality of care is often compromised and at the same time health workers do not learn from such mistakes. In this study therefore, I set out to assess incident reporting in Kawolo General Hospital. The main objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and current practices of incident reporting among the health workers. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out and both the qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. Health workers were randomly selected to represent the entire hospital. The respondents were health workers categorized as medical, nursing, allied health and pharmacy. Using simple random sampling method, 100 health workers were selected and interviewed. Self- administered questionnaires were used for a total of 100 health workers, to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding incident reporting in 2014. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists and Micro Soft Excel. The chi-squares, P- values and correlations coefficients were calculated and the results presented in the tables. The results indicated that there were poor practices of incident reporting especially among the medical (9%), allied health (7%) and pharmacy (4%) categories in this hospital. The observed relationship between the knowledge of where to find incident report forms in the hospital and incident reporting at 95% level of significance was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.000. The observed relationship between the knowledge of what incidents were in the hospital and incident reporting was also statistically significant with a p- 5value of 0.004. This was attributed to lack of knowledge of the existence of incident report forms and where to find them in the hospital and lack of training about incident reporting in the hospital. The study also identified that the practices of incident reporting were more among health workers who had worked in the hospital for a period of 5-10 years. The observed relationship between the attitude towards incident reporting and the duration worked in the hospital was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.003 at 95% level of significance and the observed relationship between the state category of staffs and the practices of incident reporting was also statistically significant with a p-value of 0.014. The relationship between sex of the respondents and incident reporting at 95% level of significance was statistically significant with a p- value of 0.031. The majority of the respondents followed the age group of 22 – 38 years and the rest were in the age category of 39 – 57+ years. The mean age of the respondents was 35.28 years. The stand deviation and the range for the age of the respondents were 8.350 and 36 years respectively. On the other hand, the mean duration in service of the respondents was 2.58 years. The standard deviation and the range for the duration in service of the respondents were 0.966 and 4 years respectively. In conclusion, it was identified that there were no formal incident reporting and training about incident reporting in the hospital. This means that training should be emphasized and strategies like conducting CMEs at the hospital should be put in place to improve the practice of incident reporting in order to mitigate likely outcomes, improving on patient safety and ensuring a safety culture in the hospital.
Assessing Quality of Post Rape Care Services Among Women Survivors of Sexual Violence in Heal Africa Hospital - Goma Democratic Republic of Congo.
(International Health Sciences University., 2016-11) Kabuya, Anita; Nasekwa.
Introduction The study was aimed at assessing quality of post rape care services given to women survivors of sexual violence in North Kivu province, Democratic republic of Congo. Due to insecurity resulting from a long civil conflict, sexual violence in this area increased to unprecedented rates. Many women 5 to 35 years have experienced sexual violence in north Kivu. The study sought to explore quality of existing services for survivors of sexual violence. The specific objectives of the study were; to assess the individual characteristics of clients that influenced quality of service received; to assess the sociology economic factors that influence quality of services offered to women survivors; to assess health system factors that influence quality and suggest possible measures to improve quality of services Method The study was a cross sectional and descriptive in nature drawing from both quantitative and qualitative approaches of research. A sample size of 162 women survivors of sexual violence was determined using a formula recommended by Kish and leslie. However the samples were selected conveniently and purposefully based on whoever had knowledge about sexual violence post rape care services. Women survivors 125 and 6 key informants service providers were given questionnaires and interviews respectively. Results Finding show that all three factors individual characteristics, sociology economic factors, and health system factors partly influenced quality of services. However none on its own was significantly associated with quality of services. This implies a complex interplay of three factors influenced quality of post rape care services. Conclusion Respondents suggested improving education levels, political will of government to strengthen medical services for sexual violence victims and work towards eliminating conflicts in the region. Mobile health clinics and increased awareness by medical workers are some of the remedies suggested to improve quality of post rape care services.
Assessing the Factors Influencing The Performance o Health Unit Management Committees in Improving Health Services Delivery in Kiboga district.
(International Health Sciences University., 2015-12) Masanja, Veronicah.
Background: HUMCs, known by different names in different countries were identified as one way of engineering community participation in the health care system. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the performance of health unit management committees in improving health service delivery in Kiboga district. The specific objectives were to assess the capacity of HUMCs, influence of community participation and Health system factors affecting performance of HUMCs in Kiboga District. Methodology: A cross sectional study was designed to establish the performance of Health Unit Management committees in improving health service delivery of Kiboga District. Data was collected from questionnaires answered by different HUMC members while secondary data was generated from available district and health facility data, and HUMC reports and minutes. Results: The study involved 103 respondents from various health units in Kiboga district that were purposively selected by the researcher, majority of the respondents were Males (64.1%), with lower secondary level education qualification (54.4%) and had never received any training(59.2%) concerning the improvement of health service delivery while most respondents knew the duties as members of HUMC (91.3%). The findings revealed that the distance of health unit management committee members from the health facilities has a great impact on their performance (p-value = 0.004). Further analysis revealed that there is a statistical relationship between intervals of facilitation of HUMCs (p-value = 0.002), consultation of HUMCs on health issues (p-value = 0.000) and the performance of HUMCs. Conclusions: among the factors that have an impact on performance of HUMCs were distance of the committees from the health facility, intervals of facilitation and consultation of community members on health issues. Recommendations: It was recommended that ministry of health and local governments put in place initiatives to provide better transport means, adequate and timely facilitation of committees, as well as ensuring that committees consult community members on issues concerning their health.

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