Browsing by Author "Asiimwe, John Baptist"
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Item Determinants of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and their association with childhood illnesses among 0-23 months old in Rwanda: A nationwide study(Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2023-02) Kawuki, Joseph; Nuwabaine, Lilian; Amwiine, Earnest; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Nakalega, Annet PatienceOptimal Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices such as exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding are essential for childhood development, and prevention of nutritional deficiency disorders and infectious diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of IYCF practices with common childhood illnesses like diarrhea, cough, and fever, and the determinants of IYCF practices. Secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, 2020 of 3,142 participants was used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select the participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to explore the determinants of Infant and young child feeding practices and their association with common childhood illnesses, using SPSS (version 25). Of the 3,142 women with children below 24 months, 781 and 2,360 had children below 6 months and 6-23 months respectively. Among the 781 children below 6 months, 80.9% (95%CI: 78.2-83.7) were exclusively breastfed, and 7%, 24%, and 14% had suffered from diarrhea, cough, and fever in the last two weeks, respectively. Of the 2,360 children aged 6-23 months, 97.9% (95%CI: 97.3-98.5) were on complementary feeding, and 24%, 35%, and 26% had suffered from diarrhea, cough, and fever, in the last two weeks respectively. Compared to exclusively breastfed children, those not on exclusive breastfeeding had higher odds of suffering from diarrhea (AOR=4.19, 95%CI: 3.01-5.83), cough (AOR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.33-2.00) and fever (AOR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.55-2.58). However, children not on complementary feeding had less odds of suffering from diarrhea (AOR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.17-0.33), cough (AOR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.50-0.74), and fever (AOR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.39-0.64). Women with no health insurance, no media access, residing in the western, and southern regions of Rwanda had higher odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding compared to their respective counterparts. Older age, primary education, and being in the richest wealth quintile were associated with higher odds of practicing complementary breastfeeding. The study highlighted a significant association between IYCF practices and childhood illnesses. More efforts are needed to improve and promote IYCF practices, as this could also be a vital strategy in the prevention of childhood illnesses. IYCF promotion strategies should focus on the younger, less educated, and poor women residing in urban areas.Item Differences in Symptom Severity and Quality of Life among Patients with Cancer Using Conventional Therapies with/ without Herbal Medicines in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study(Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention: APJCP, 2023-09-24) Asiimwe, John Baptist; Nagendrappa, Prakash B.; Jatho, Alfred; Kamatenesi, Maud M.; Atukunda, Esther C.Patients with cancer experience numerous symptoms related to cancer and treatment side effects that reduce their quality of life (QOL). Although herbal medicine (HM) is used to manage such symptoms by patients in sub-Saharan Africa, data on patients’ perceived clinical outcomes are limited. We compared differences in QOL and symptom severity between patients with cancer using HM plus conventional therapies (i.e., chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, surgery) and those using conventional therapies alone. This cross-sectional study included patients with cancer aged >18 years who were consecutively sampled and completed a researcher-administered questionnaire between December 2022 and January 2023. Specifically, data was collected using The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MDASI-TCM). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Of 400 participants (67.5% female), 49% (n=195) used HM plus conventional therapies and 51% (n=205) used conventional therapies alone. Most participants were aged >38 years (73.3%; median age 47 years). A univariate analysis showed the HM plus conventional therapies group had better mean scores for most QOL and symptom severity measures than the conventional therapies alone group. However, only role functioning significantly differed (p=0.046) in the bivariate analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups after confounder adjustment for all others measures of symptom severity and QOL. HM plus conventional therapies may offer minimal benefits or differences for clinical outcomes among patients with cancer. However, our findings have clinical, research, and public health implications for Uganda and other sub-Saharan African settings.Item Factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women in Rwanda: an analysis of the Rwanda demographic and health survey of 2020.(BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2024-04-27) Nuwabaine, Lilian; Kawuki, Joseph; Asiimwe, John BaptistAnaemia in pregnancy is associated with several adverse outcomes for mothers and newborns, as well as their families. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of anaemia and the associated factors among pregnant women in Rwanda. Secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) was used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select 435 pregnant women included in the study. Anaemia among pregnant women was defined as a haemoglobin value < 11 g/dL. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associated factors with anaemia in pregnancy, using SPSS (version 26). Of the 435 pregnant women, 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1–29.3) were anaemic (1 in 4 pregnant women). Not working (AOR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.14–5.26), being unmarried (AOR = 1.23; 95%CI: 1.24–3.57), low wealth index (AOR = 9.19; 95%CI: 1.64–51.56), having difficulty accessing a nearby health facility (AOR = 5.40; 95%CI: 2.21–13.23), and normal body mass index (AOR = 3.33; 95%CI: 1.46–7.59) were associated with higher odds of being anaemic. However, not taking iron supplements (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04–0.67), having no exposure to television (AOR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.14–0.91), being from the southern region (AOR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03–0.66), and low husband/partner’s education (AOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01–0.59) were associated with lower odds of being anaemic. The study findings indicate a high prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy, which was associated with several socio-demographics. There is a need for setting up mobile clinics and health facilities in hard-to-reach areas for easy accessibility to early anaemia screening services. Conducting mass screening for anaemia targeting pregnant women who are not working, the unmarried, and those with a low wealth index would also be beneficial. The intake of locally available iron rich foods and/ or bio-fortified foods is also recommended.Item Factors Associated with HIV Testing among Pregnant Women in Rwanda: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey(PLOS Global Public Health, 2024-01-18) Nuwabaine, Lilian; Kawuki, Joseph; Namulema, Angella; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Sserwanja, Quraish; Gatasi, Ghislaine; Donkor, ElormHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing during pregnancy is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, through aiding prompt treatment, care, and support. However, few studies have explored HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. We used secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS), comprising 870 pregnant women. Multistage stratified sampling was used by the RDHS team to select participants. We conducted bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to explore factors associated with HIV testing using SPSS (version 25). Of the 870 pregnant women, 94.0% had tested for HIV during their current pregnancy. Younger age (24–34 years), not working, large household size, multiple sex partners, as well as secondary, primary, and no education were associated with higher odds of HIV testing compared to their respective counterparts. However, being unmarried, belonging to the western region, having not visited a health facility, and not having comprehensive HIV knowledge were associated with lower odds of HIV testing. A high proportion of pregnant women had tested for HIV. The study revealed that individual-level factors had the greatest influence on HIV testing in pregnancy, with a few household-level factors showing significance. There is a need for maternal health stakeholders to design and develop HIV testing programs that are region-sensitive. These programs should target older, more educated, working, and unmarried women with limited HIV knowledge.Item Factors Associated with Quality of Intrapartum Care in Kenya: a Complex Samples Analysis of the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey(ResearchSquare, 2024-02-02) Nuwabaine, Lilian; Amwiine, Earnest; Sserwanja, Quraish; Kawuki,Joseph; Amperiize, Mathius; Namulema, Angella; Asiimwe, John BaptistQuality of intrapartum care remains a key intervention for increasing women’s utilization of skilled birth attendants in health facilities and improving maternal and newborn health. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the quality of intrapartum care using the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). Secondary data from the 2022 KDHS of 11,863 participants, who were selected by multistage stratied sampling, was used. Quality of intrapartum care was considered if a mother had a facility-based delivery, received skilled assistance during birth, and the baby immediately placed on the mother’s breast by skilled birth attendant within 1 hour after birth. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine the factors associated with quality of intrapartum care using SPSS (version 20).Item Factors Associated with Quality of Intrapartum Care in Kenya: a complex samples analysis of the 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey(Research Square, 2024) Nuwabaine, Lilian; Amwiine, Earnest; Sserwanja, Quraish; Namulema, Angella; Asiimwe, John BaptistQuality of intrapartum care remains a key intervention for increasing women’s utilization of skilled birth attendants in health facilities and improving maternal and newborn health. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the quality of intrapartum care using the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). Secondary data from the 2022 KDHS of 11,863 participants, who were selected by multistage stratied sampling, was used. Quality of intrapartum care was considered if a mother had a facility-based delivery, received skilled assistance during birth, and the baby immediately placed on the mother’s breast by skilled birth attendant within 1 hour after birth. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine the factors associated with quality of intrapartum care using SPSS (version 20). Of the 11,863 women who had recently given birth, about 52.6% had received quality intrapartum care. As part of the intrapartum care, 88.2% gave birth in a health facility, 90.4% obtained assistance from skilled birth attendants, and 59.8% had their babies placed on the breast by delivery assistants within 1 hour after birth. Women who had attained secondary education (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.23–1.90), were working (aOR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00-1.53), had > = 3 living children (aOR = 1.31 ,95% CI: 1.02–1.68), took 31–60 minutes to reach the health facility (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.41–1.95), were assisted during child birth by doctors (aOR = 19.86, 95% CI: 2.89-136.43) and nurses/midwives/clinical ocers (aOR = 23.09, 95% CI: 3.36-158.89) had higher odds of receiving quality intrapartum care. On the other hand, women in the richest wealth index (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42–0.98), those who gave birth through cesarean section (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.20–0.36) and those whose current age of their child was > = 2years (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.96) were less likely to receive quality intrapartum care. About half of the women received quality clinical intrapartum care in Kenya, with demographic characteristics seeming to be the main drivers of quality intrapartum care. There is need to empower women through increasing access to education and developing initiatives for their economic independence, as well as facilitating their increased access to skilled birth attendants to improve the quality of intrapartum care.Item Factors that Influence Transition to Advanced Roles by RN to BSN Nurses, in three Selected Hospitals of Central-Uganda(BMC nursing, 2019-05-06) Asiimwe, John Baptist; Muwema, Mercy; Drake, KarenDespite the global rise in the number of nurses upgrading from Registered Nursing (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), studies have indicated that successful role transition is difficult once the nurses return to their previous workplaces. Guided by the Transitional Theory, this study investigates the factors that influence the transition from basic to advanced roles among RN to BSN nurses in Uganda, Africa. Methods: This study employed a descriptive correlational design. Using convenience sampling, fifty-one (51) RN to BSN nurses completed the semi-structured questionnaires. All the study participants (100%) described themselves as having transitioned from RN to BSN role. In bivariate linear regression, personal factors that were found to predict successful role transition included holding a managerial role, being aware and prepared for the role transition, and positive role transition experiences. Role transition motivators that predicted successful role transition included: job promotion, internal desire for selfdevelopment, and career development. One community factor – that is the support of doctors/physicians during the RN to BSN transition – predicted unsuccessful role transition. Societal factors deterring successful role transition included lack of support from other colleagues and the perception that BSN learning was not applicable to the RN clinical setting. In multivariate linear regression, only sub-scales of personal factors such as advanced skills mastery and positive personal experiences predicted successful role transition. The study suggests that personal factors influence successful role transition more than external factorsItem Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Rwanda: a nationwide cross-sectional survey(tudent’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2022-11-22) Nuwabaine, Lilian; Kawuki, Joseph; Namulema, Angella; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Donkor, ElormHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing during pregnancy is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, thus aiding in prompt treatment, care, and support. However, HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda has been barely explored. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. Secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey comprising 870 pregnant women were used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the factors associated with HIV testing, using SPSS (version 25). Of the 870 pregnant women, 94.0% (95% CI: 92.3-95.4) had tested for HIV during their current pregnancy. Younger age (AOR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.54-4.42), not working (AOR=4.29, 95%CI: 1.52-12.08), large household size (AOR=2.96, 95%CI: 1.01-8.61), multiple sex partners (AOR=4.16, 95%CI: 3.01-5.74), as well as secondary (AOR=8.07, 95%CI: 2.15-11.43), primary (AOR=5.53, 95%CI: 1.28-9.74) and no (AOR=6.07, 95%CI: 1.21-10.44)education were positively associated with HIV testing. However, being unmarried (AOR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.19-0.86), belonging to the western region (AOR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.63-0.66), having not visited a health facility (AOR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.10-0.48), and not having comprehensive HIV knowledge (AOR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.30-0.55) were negatively associated with HIV testing. A high proportion of pregnant women had tested for HIV. However, there is a need for improved access to HIV education and testing facilities to address regional imbalances. The need for consideration of occupation, family and household dynamics in HIV testing promotion strategies is also highlighted.Item Predictors of HIV Knowledge, Perceived Stigma and Risk among Transport Workers in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda(The East African Health Research Journal, 2024-06-26) Betunga, Benjamin; Nuwabine, Lilian; Katushabe, Eve; Among ,Grace; Asiimwe, John BaptistThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence among transport workers in sub-Saharan Africa remains high, estimated at as high as 9.9% in western Uganda compared with the national prevalence of 5.4%. The prevalence of HIV among transport workers has been partly attributed to the level of knowledge regarding HIV prevention, perceived HIV risk, and stigma. Accordingly, these have been linked to high-risk HIV transmission behaviours that increase the chances of acquiring HIV among adults. Therefore, this study investigated the predictors of HIV knowledge, perceived HIV risk, and stigma among transport workers in Mbarara city in southwestern Uganda.Item Prevalence and Determinants of Intimate-Partner Violence among Pregnant Women Attending a City Health Centre IV, South western Uganda, during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A cross-sectional study(Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2022-01-26) Katushabe, Eve; Chinweuba, Anthonia; Altraide, Omieibi; Asiimwe, John BaptistIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a significant public health problem worldwide and its impact on newborn outcomes is largely documented. Although conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have provided a perfect environment for IPV to thrive, the magnitude of IPV among pregnant women remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in south-western Uganda.Item Prevalence of Risk Factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Sexually active Women in Rwanda: a nationwide survey(BMC Public Health, 2023-11-10) Kawuki, Joseph; Nuwabaine, Lilian; Namulema, Angella; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Sserwanja, Quraish; Donkor,,ElormThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a global health burden, and despite the advancements in antiretroviral therapy and various strategies employed to curb HIV infections, the incidence of HIV remains disproportionately high among women. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of the risk factors for the acquisition of HIV among sexually active women in Rwanda. Secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey, comprising 10,684 sexually active women, was used. Multistage stratified sampling was employed to select the study participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the associated risk factors using the SPSS (version 25). Of the 10,684 sexually active women, 28.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 27.5–29.4) had at least one risk factor for HIV acquisition. Having no education (AOR = 3.65, 95%CI: 2.16–6.16), being unmarried (AOR = 4.50, 95%CI: 2.47–8.21), being from female-headed households (AOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.42–2.15), not having health insurance (AOR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.09–1.65), no HIV test history (AOR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.01–2.08), being from the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.14–2.27) and lack of exposure to mass media (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.07–1.58) were associated with higher odds of exposure to at least one HIV acquisition risk factor. In contrast, age groups of 25–34 (AOR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.44–0.71) and 35–44 years (AOR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.48–0.80), rural residence (AOR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.49– 0.81) and being from the western region (AOR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.48–0.94) were associated with less odds of exposure to at least one HIV acquisition risk factor. More than a quarter of sexually active women in Rwanda had exposure to at least one risk factor for HIV acquisition. There is a need to maximize the use of mass media in disseminating HIV prevention and behavioral change messages. Engagement of religious leaders and promotion of HIV testing, especially among the never-testers, may be vital strategies in successful HIV prevention programs.Item Quality of Newborn Care and Associated Factors: An analysis of the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey(PLOS Global Public Health, 2024-11-13) Asiimwe, John Baptist; Amwiine, Earnest; Namulema, Angella; Sserwanja, Quraish; Namatovu, Imelda; Nuwabaine, LilianKenya one of the African countries has pledged to reduce neonatal death as per the 2030 World Health Organization target. Providing high-quality newborn care is critical in minimizing neonatal mortality. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the quality of newborn care in Kenya. Secondary data from 11,863 participants of the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) were analyzed. The participants were chosen using two-stage stratified sampling. The quality of newborn care was operationalized as receiving all components of newborn care after childbirth, as reported by the mother. Using SPSS (version 29), univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data. In this study, 32.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.0%-34.5%) of the mothers reported that their newborns had received all components of quality neonatal care after childbirth. Mothers who spent an average of one hour accessing the health facilities compared with those who spent less than half an hour were 1.33 (95%CI: 1.01–1.75) times more likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care. Mothers who gave birth in a non-government organization health facility were 30.37 (95%CI: 2.69–343.20) times more likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care compared with those who delivered from a faith-based organization. On the contrary, in terms of regions, mothers who lived in Nyanza, Eastern, and Rift Valley provinces compared with those who lived in the coastal regions were 0.53 (95%CI: 0.34–0.82), 0.61 (95%CI: 0.39–0.94), and 0.62 (95%CI: 0.41–0.93) times less likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care, respectively. Mothers who subscribed to other religions or faith (0.28 (95%CI: 0.10–0.76) compared with those from the Christian faith, were less likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care. Finally, mothers who gave birth through cesarean section were 0.44 (95%CI: 0.32–0.61) times less likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care than mothers who gave birth through spontaneous vaginal delivery. The study indicates that about a third of the neonates received quality newborn care and that facility-related and parental social factors were associated with receiving quality newborn care. Stakeholders need to pay more attention to newborn babies whose mothers come from certain regions of Kenya where the quality of newborn care was found to be low, minority religious faith denominations, and those who delivered by ceasearen section. Stakeholders also should focus on strengthening collaborations with NGO health facilities and achieving universal health coverage to improve the quality of newborn care provided in health facilities.Item Sexual Violence and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Rwanda: a 2020 Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey(Archives of public health, 2023-06-19) Nuwabaine, Lilian; Kawuki, Joseph; Amwiine, Earnest; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Sserwanja, Quraish; Atwijukiire, HumphreySexual violence against women is a global public health issue with both short- and long-term effects on the physical and mental health of women. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual violence and its associated factors among women of reproductive age in Rwanda. We used secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey of 1,700 participants, who were selected using multistage stratified sampling. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to explore factors associated with sexual violence using SPSS (version 25). Of the 1,700 women of reproductive age, 12.4% (95%CI: 11.0–14.1) had experienced sexual violence. Justified beating (AOR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.16–1.65), not having health insurance (AOR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.26–2.40), not being involved in healthcare decision-making (AOR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.99–2.70), having a husband/partner with primary (AOR = 1.70, 95%CI: 5.47–6.21) or no education (AOR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.21–3.37), as well as having a husband/partner who sometimes (AOR = 3.37, 95%CI: 1.56–7.30) or often (AOR = 12.87, 95%CI: 5.64–29.38) gets drunk were positively associated with sexual violence. However, women from male-headed households (AOR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.29–0.92) were less likely to experience sexual violence. There is a need to demystify negative culturally-rooted beliefs favouring sexual violence, such as justified beating, as well as increase efforts to promote women’s empowerment and healthcare access. Moreover, engaging men in anti-sexual violence strategies is paramount to addressing male-related issues that expose women to sexual violence.Item Social Networks and Barriers to ART Adherence Among Young Adults (18–24 years) Living with HIV at Selected Primary Health Facilities of South- Western Uganda: A Qualitative Study(Research and Palliative Care, 2021-10-17) Ajuna, Noble; Tumusiime, Brian; Amanya, Joseph; Awori, Sharon; Rukundo, Godfrey Z.; Asiimwe, John BaptistYoung adults living with HIV (YALWH) struggle to maintain high levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) because of numerous barriers. This study describes the social networks of YALWH (18–24 years), their barriers to ART adherence, and the perceived role of social networks in overcoming those barriers. This study used a qualitative descriptive research design. Twenty-three (23) YALWH who were on ART for a period of greater than one (1) month and had consented to participate in the study were purposively selected from two primary health care facilities in southwestern Uganda. We held four (4) focus group discussions with the YALWH over 5 weeks between the 24th of July and 7th September 2020. Data were audio recorded, transcribed, and entered in Microsoft word 2010. Using the content analysis techniques, data were inductively coded and categories or themes developed. Most YALWH belonged to bonding (family, friends, and neighbors), followed by bridging (informal groups), and linking (health professionals) social networks, respectively. Most YALWH, irrespective of gender, had close connections with their mothers or elder sisters. The commonest form of bridging networks was informal community groups that provided financial services, whereas the linking ones comprised health professionals’ directly involved in HIV patient care such as nurses, counselors, and their affiliates (expert clients or clinic based peer supporters), who occasionally acted as bonding networks. Structural barriers to ART adherence (eg, stigma) were the most cited, followed by medication- (eg, pill burden), and patient-related barriers (eg, non-disclosure of HIV status). Bonding networks were perceived to help overcome patient, medication, and structural barriers to ART adherence. Bridging networks overcame structural and medication-related barriers to ART adherence. Linking networks were perceived to help overcome some health systems and medication-related barriers to ART adherence. Bonding social networks seem to play a prominent role in overcoming numerous barriers to ART adherence compared with bridging and linking social networks.Item The Influence of Leadership Competencies on Sustainable Funding of Local Non-Governmental Organizations in Uganda(Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 2017-09-08) Kyalimpa, Paul; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Netswera, Fulufhelo Godfrey; Rankhumise, Edward MalatseWhen a leader with a vision launches a Local Non-Governmental Organization (LNGO or NGO), the NGO’s motivation and decision-making often become intertwined with the leader’s personality and character to the effect that it may collapse when the NGO leader departs. Uganda has a higher percentage of NGOs inactivity and mortality due to unsustainable funding. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of NGO leadership competencies on sustainable funding of NGOs. This study utilized a descriptive correlation design. A proportionate stratified sample of 103 NGOs was obtained and their leaders were interviewed using self-administered questionnaires. Records reviews were conducted to obtain data on NGO funding. This study found a 90.1% to 100% agreement by participants on possession of the various leadership competencies by the NGO leaders. A marked rise in incomes from all sources was recorded between 2010 and 2014, with external donors, local donors, and own income accounting for 67%, 13.5%, and 19.5% of the total funds, respectively. The average donor-dependency ratio and survival ratio over the 5 year period was 80.54% and 71.216 days respectively. The NGO leader/CEO understanding and working with whatever resources that are available (β=-9.802, P=.002) and spearheading the implementation of major investment decisions (β=15.720, P=.004) were the only competencies found to be statistically significant predictors of NGO financial sustainability. Recommendations. Government funding of NGOs, prioritization of Income Generating Activities and capacity building of NGO leaders in effective and efficient resource utilization and investment by NGOs, are key to NGO Survival.Item The Meaning of Caring for Patients with Cancer among Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Uganda: A grounded theory approach(PLOS Global Public Health, 2023-07-17) Asiimwe, John Baptist; Nagendrappa, Prakash B.; Atukunda, Esther C.; Nambozi, Grace; Ogwang, Patrick E.; Kamatenesi, Maud M.Traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) are a critical part of healthcare systems in many sub-Saharan African countries and play vital roles in caring for patients with cancer. Despite some progress in describing TMPs’ caring experiences in abstract terms, literature about practice models in Africa remains limited. This study aimed to develop a substantive theory to clarify the care provided by TMPs to patients with cancer in Uganda. This study adhered to the principal features of the modified Straussian grounded theory design. Participants were 18 TMPs caring for patients with cancer from 10 districts in Uganda, selected by purposive and theoretical sampling methods. Researcher-administered in-depth interviews were conducted, along with three focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The core category that represented TMPs’ meaning of caring for patients with cancer was “Restoring patients’ hope in life through individualizing care.” TMPs restored patients’ hope through five main processes: 1) ensuring continuity in the predecessors’ role; 2) having full knowledge of a patient’s cancer disease; 3) restoring hope in life; 4) customizing or individualizing care, and 5) improving the patient’s condition/health. Despite practice challenges, the substantive theory suggests that TMPs restore hope for patients with cancer in a culturally sensitive manner, which may partly explain why patients with cancer continue to seek their services. The findings of this study may guide research, education, and public health policy to advance traditional medicine in sub-Saharan Africa.Item The meaning of caring for patients with cancer among traditional medicine practitioners in Uganda: A grounded theory approach(PLOS Global Public Health, 2023-07-17) Asiimwe, John Baptist; Atukunda, Esther C.; Nambozi, Grace; Ogwang, Patrick E.; Kamatenesi, Maud M.Traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) are a critical part of healthcare systems in many sub-Saharan African countries and play vital roles in caring for patients with cancer. Despite some progress in describing TMPs’ caring experiences in abstract terms, literature about practice models in Africa remains limited. This study aimed to develop a substantive theory to clarify the care provided by TMPs to patients with cancer in Uganda. This study adhered to the principal features of the modified Straussian grounded theory design. Participants were 18 TMPs caring for patients with cancer from 10 districts in Uganda, selected by purposive and theoretical sampling methods. Researcher-administered in-depth interviews were conducted, along with three focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The core category that represented TMPs’ meaning of caring for patients with cancer was “Restoring patients’ hope in life through individualizing care.” TMPs restored patients’ hope through five main processes: 1) ensuring continuity in the predecessors’ role; 2) having full knowledge of a patient’s cancer disease; 3) restoring hope in life; 4) customizing or individualizing care, and 5) improving the patient’s condition/health. Despite practice challenges, the substantive theory suggests that TMPs restore hope for patients with cancer in a culturally sensitive manner, which may partly explain why patients with cancer continue to seek their services. The findings of this study may guide research, education, and public health policy to advance traditional medicine in sub-Saharan Africa.Item The Traditional Medicine Practitioner’s Concept of Cancer, Herbal Medicine use and the Patients Perceived Benefits (Clinical outcomes) in Selected Districts of Central Uganda: An Exploratory Study Protocol(Research Square, 2021-10-01) Asiimwe, John Baptist; Nagendrappa, Prakash B.; Atukunda, Esther C.; Nambozi, Grace; Ogwang, Patrick E.; Sarki, Ahmed M.; Kamatenesi, Maud M.In sub-Saharan Africa, herbal medicine for cancer is dispensed by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) to a large extent, who may not have adequate knowledge about the disease and this has been found to contribute to the late presentation of cancer patients to clinics and hospitals leading to poor patient outcomes.