Browsing by Author "Atulinda, Linda"

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    Antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine: knowledge, perceptions, and training of clinical health professions students in Uganda
    (Research Square, 2022) Kanyike, Andrew Marvin; Olum, Ronald; Kajjimu, Jonathan; Owembabazi, Shebah; Ojilong, Daniel; Nassozi, Dianah Rhoda; Amongin, Joan Fidelia; Atulinda, Linda; Agaba, Kenneth; Buule, Richard; Nabukeera, Germinah; Kyomuhendo, Robert; Luwano, Rehema; Owobusingye, Whitney; Matovu, Dissan; Musoke, Philip; Bongomin, Felix; Kiyimba, Kenedy
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important global health concern, projected to contribute to significant mortality, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, perceptions of clinical health professions students towards antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine and confidence level to prescribe antimicrobials. Methods: An online descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical health professions students across 9 medical schools in Uganda. A semi-structured questionnaire using Kobo Toolbox form was shared among participants via WhatsApp Messenger (Meta, California, USA). Knowledge was categorized using modified Bloom’s cut-off. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We surveyed 681 participants, most were pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree (n=433, 63.6%), with a mean age of 24 (standard deviation: 3.6) years. Most participants (n=596, 87.5%) had sufficient knowledge about antimicrobial resistance with a mean score of 85 ± 14.2%. There was a significant difference in mean knowledge scores of year 4 (86.6%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p=0.002) and year 5 (88.0%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p<0.001). Most participants (n=456, 66.9%), were confident on making an accurate diagnosis of infection, and choosing the correct antimicrobial agent to use (n=484, 71.1%). Conclusion: Health profession students exhibited good knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and high self-perceived confidence on antimicrobial prescriptions however they still agreed that a separated course unit on AMR is necessary.
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    Factors Associated with Medical Students’ Career Choices Regarding Internal Medicine in Uganda
    (Research Square, 2022) Bongomin, Felix; Olum, Ronald; Kajjimu, Jonathan; Kanyike, Andrew Marvin; Atulinda, Linda; Ninsiima, Daphine; Kisaakye Wamala, Nicholas; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline
    There is an unmet need for internal medicine physicians in Uganda owing to the growing burden of diseases. This study aimed at evaluating the factors associated with career choices of undergraduate medical students regarding internal medicine in Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in the first 3 weeks of October 2021 via WhatsApp messenger. Medical students in the 3rd to 5th year of study who had completed internal medicine clinical rotations and pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at 7 Ugandan universities (4 public and 3 private) were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to determine factors associated with a career choice in internal medicine. Results We enrolled 418 participants, median age 24 (interquartile range (IQR): 23 – 26) years, 67.7% were male, and 36.1% had a family member or relative who was a doctor. Most of the students (84.0%) were interested in research. The top three most preferred specialties were internal medicine (52.6%), surgery (51.2%), and obstetrics & gynaecology (51.0%). Overall, 186 (44.5%) participants reported plans to pursue a Master of Medicine degree in internal medicine. Interest in research was the only factor independently associated with 2.5-fold higher odds of pursuing a career in internal medicine (adjusted odds ratio: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4 — 4.6, p=0.003). About 73% of the participants strongly agreed that internal medicine requires wide reading. Conclusions There is strong interest to pursue a career in internal medicine among Ugandan medical students. We recommend increase in training opportunities in Internal Medicine especially in view of the growing disease burden and increasing population growth.
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    Medical Education and E-Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: Awareness, Attitudes, Preferences, and Barriers Among Undergraduate Medicine and Nursing Students at Makerere University, Uganda
    (Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 2020) Olum, Ronald; Atulinda, Linda; Kigozi, Edwin; Nassozi, Dianah Rhoda; Mulekwa, Alzan; Bongomin, Felix; Kiguli, Sarah
    Given the dearth need for healthcare workers in the control of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning has been adopted in many settings to hasten the continuation of medical training. However, there is a paucity of data in low resource settings on the plausibility of online learning platforms to support medical education. We aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, preferences, and challenges to e-learning among Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) and Bachelor of Nursing (B.NUR) students at Makerere University, Uganda. An online cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2020. Current MBChB and B.NUR students aged 18 years or older constituted the study population. Using Google forms, a web-based questionnaire was administered through the Makerere University mailing list and WhatsApp messenger. The questionnaire was developed using validated questions from previously published studies. Overall, 221 participants responded (response rate = 61%). Of the 214 valid responses, 195 (92.1%) were Ugandans, 123 (57.5% were male, and 165 (77.1%) were pursuing the MB ChB program. The median age was 23 (18 to 40) years. Ownership of computers, smartphones, and email addresses were at 131 (61.2%), 203 (94.9%), and 208 (97.2%), respectively. However, only 57 (26.6%) respondents had access to high or very high quality internet access. Awareness and self-reported usage of e-learning (MUELE) platforms were high among 206 (96.3%) and 177 (82.7%) respondents, respectively. However, over 50% lacked skills in using the Makerere University e-learning (MUELE) platform. About half (n = 104, 49%) of the students believed that e-learning reduces the quality of knowledge attained and is not an efficient method of teaching. Monthly income (P = .006), internet connectivity quality (P < .001), computer ownership (P = .015) and frequency of usage of academic websites or applications (P = .006) significantly affected attitudes towards e-learning. Moreover, internet costs and poor internet connectivity were the most important barriers to e-learning reported by 199 (93%) and 179 (84%) students, respectively. Sensitization and training of students and faculty on e-learning and use of existing learning platforms are important to improve the attitude and use of e-learning. Blended online and use of offline downloadable learning materials would overcome the challenges related to the variable quality of internet access in the country.
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    Research Involvement among Undergraduate Health Profession Students in a Resource-Limited Setting: Awareness, Attitude, Motivators and Barriers
    (BMC Medical Education, 2022) Kiyimba, Blaise; Atulinda, Linda; Nalunkuma, Racheal; Banturaki, Davis; Nabyonga, Anastacia Ssebbowa; Nkalubo, Jonathan
    Involvement of undergraduate health professions students (HPS) in research will facilitate evidence-based clinical practice among future healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to assess research involvement among undergraduate HPS students and associated factors in Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online assessment tool sent through WhatsApp groups and E-mail addresses of HPS in 12 medical schools in Uganda between 20th September and 5th October 2021. We enrolled 398 participants with a mean age of 23.9 ± 3.7 years. Of this, 267 (67.1%) were male. One hundred twenty (30.2%) participants previously participated in a research activity: 90 (58.4%) as research assistants, 39 (25.3%) published as first authors, and 25 (16.2%) as co-authors. Training on the conduct of research was received by 242 (65.8%) participants, and 326 (81.9%) had intentions of conducting research in the future. Factors influencing participation in research activities were, age ≥ 25 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.9, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.2–3.2, p = 0.012), being male (aOR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2–3.6, p = 0.008), and being in a clinical year i.e., year 3 (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1–9.3, p = 0.033), year 4 (aOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1–9.5, p = 0.028) and year 5(aOR: 11.6, 95% CI: 3.2–42.1, p < 0.001). Lack of funds (79.6%), and mentorship (63.3%) were reported as major barriers to research. Despite a high proportion of HPS showing interest in getting involved in research, less than one-third reported previous involvement. Addressing barriers such as funding could potentially improve research involvement and output among undergraduate HPS in resource-limited settings.
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    Treatment of COVID-19 with Herbal Medicines: Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices of Healthcare Professionals Students in Uganda
    (ResearchSquare, 2021) Kiyimba, Blaise; Kanyike, Andrew Marvin; Ssewante, Nelson; Musoke, Phillip; Atulinda, Linda; Namuwaya, Claire; Wamala, Nicholas Kisaakye; Onyait, Teddy; Aringo, Ramona Noeline; Kato, Hussein; Asasira, Ignatius; Bongomin, Felix
    Use of herbal medicine (HM) for the treatment and prevention of the coronavirus disease -2019 (COVID19) has been reported worldwide. In this study, we aimed to assess the perceptions, attitude and practices of healthcare professionals (HP) students in Uganda concerning HM use in the management of COVID-19 illness