Browsing by Author "Auma, Anna Grace"

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    An Analysis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Quality of Life Among Adults Living with HIV in Western Uganda
    (Dove, 2024-03) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Musinguzi, Marvin; Acup, Walter; Ruth Akello, Anne; Okalo, Ponsiano; Nabaziwa, Jannat; Mwirotsi Shikanga, Enos; Halima, Namata
    Amir Kabunga,1 Eustes Kigongo,2 Samson Udho,3 Anna Grace Auma,3 Raymond Tumwesigye,3 Marvin Musinguzi,4 Walter Acup,4 Anne Ruth Akello,2 Ponsiano Okalo,1 Jannat Nabaziwa,4 Enos Mwirotsi Shikanga,5 Namata Halima6 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 2Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 3Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 4Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 5Department of Education Psychology, Moi University, Eldoret City, Kenya; 6Department of Mental Health, Makerere University, Kampala City, UgandaCorrespondence: Amir Kabunga, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, P.O Box 1035, Lira City, Uganda, Tel +256777929576, Email akabunga@lirauni.ac.ugBackground: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health issue, profoundly impacting infected individuals. Living with HIV involves complex mental health dynamics, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being a prevalent challenge. This study aims to examine the correlation between PTSD and quality of life among HIV-positive individuals in western Uganda.Material and Methods: Conducted between May and July 2023, this facility-based cross-sectional study surveyed 439 participants from four HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires, analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression (p< 0.05).Results: Respondents had a mean age of 40.6 years, with 68.3% female, 54.9% married, and 55.1% lacking formal education. The reported PTSD prevalence among HIV-positive individuals was 33.7%, significantly correlating with reduced overall quality of life (β = − 4.52; p< 0.001). The social quality of life had the highest mean score of 14.24 (± 3.45) while the environmental quality of life had the lowest mean score 11.89 (± 2.68).Conclusion: Our study reveals a concerning prevalence of PTSD, affecting 1 in 3 individuals, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive mental health support within HIV care settings. We observed a significant negative impact of PTSD on overall quality of life, particularly in physical and social aspects. Integrating mental health screening into routine HIV care is crucial, using validated tools like the PSTD Checklist Civilian Version, alongside training for healthcare providers to recognize PTSD symptoms in the context of HIV diagnosis and treatment.Keywords: HIV, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, quality of life
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    Qualitative study on stigma as a barrier to emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda
    (British Medical Journal Publishing Group, 2024-02) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Acanga, Alfred; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Auma, Anna Grace; Musinguzi, Marvin; Kambugu, Caroline Nabasirye; Okalo, Ponsiano; Abal, Judith Akello; Namata, Halimah; Mwesigwa, David
    OBJECTIVEThe aim of the current study was twofold: to understand the nature and extent of stigma and to learn the reasons behind the decision not to use emergency contraceptive pills among university students in the Lango subregion of Uganda.DESIGNAn exploratory qualitative study design.SETTINGThe study was carried out among university students in Lango subregion of Uganda.PARTICIPANTS40 female university students across four universities.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESStigma.RESULTSParticipants (n=40) aged 19-26 exhibited generally positive attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills, recognising them as empowering and essential. Stigma, however, emerged as a substantial barrier manifested in societal judgements and negative perceptions. Themes included the positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills, perceptions of peers and the general public, and perceptions of health service providers. CONCLUSION Stigma significantly impedes emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda. Positive attitudes towards the pills contrast with societal judgements and provider stigmatisation. Tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps, societal perceptions and healthcare system challenges are crucial for improving emergency contraceptive pill acceptability and utilisation among university students.
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    Sexual and reproductive health research capacity strengthening programs in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
    (Public Library of Science, 2024-10) Buser, Julie M; Auma, Anna Grace; August, Ella; Rana, Gurpreet K; Gray, Rachel; Jacobson-Davies, Faelan E; Tufa, Tesfaye H; Endale, Tamrat; Mukeshimana, Madeleine; Smith, Yolanda R
    Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research capacity strengthening (RCS) programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are needed to foster the discovery of context-specific solutions to improve patient outcomes and population health. There remains a limited understanding of SRH research strengthening programs to raise skill sets, publications, and infrastructure and ultimately influence health policy and patient outcomes in LMICs. More information is needed to understand how SRH research is sustained after program completion. To inform efforts to implement programs that strengthen SRH research and foster sustainability, we conducted a scoping review to identify and synthesize strategies used in SRH research strengthening programs in LMICs. A literature search of nine scholarly databases was conducted. We synthesized data extracted from included articles and presented results highlighting the format, duration, and topics covered of program interventions to strengthen SRH research in LMICs. We organized information about primary outcomes into themes and summarized how SRH research capacity was sustained after program completion. Twenty-four articles were included in the scoping review. The articles generally focused on outcomes within the themes of advocacy/capacity, education, policy, project life cycle, and writing/publication. Few articles reported metrics or other evidence of long-term program sustainability of SRH RCS projects in LMICs. Results from this scoping review can be used to strengthen SRH research programs in LMICs. More energy must be directed toward correcting power imbalances in capacity strengthening initiatives. To address additional gaps, future directions for research should include an exploration of SRH research mentorship, the cost of SRH RCS interventions, and how to foster institutional support.Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research capacity strengthening (RCS) programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are needed to foster the discovery of context-specific solutions to improve patient outcomes and population health. There remains a limited understanding of SRH research strengthening programs to raise skill sets, publications, and infrastructure and ultimately influence health policy and patient outcomes in LMICs. More information is needed to understand how SRH research is sustained after program completion. To inform efforts to implement programs that strengthen SRH research and foster sustainability, we conducted a scoping review to identify and synthesize strategies used in SRH research strengthening programs in LMICs. A literature search of nine scholarly databases was conducted. We synthesized data extracted from included articles and presented results highlighting the format, duration, and topics covered of program interventions to strengthen SRH research in LMICs. We organized information about primary outcomes into themes and summarized how SRH research capacity was sustained after program completion. Twenty-four articles were included in the scoping review. The articles generally focused on outcomes within the themes of advocacy/capacity, education, policy, project life cycle, and writing/publication. Few articles reported metrics or other evidence of long-term program sustainability of SRH RCS projects in LMICs. Results from this scoping review can be used to strengthen SRH research programs in LMICs. More energy must be directed toward correcting power imbalances in capacity strengthening initiatives. To address additional gaps, future directions for research should include an exploration of SRH research mentorship, the cost of SRH RCS interventions, and how to foster institutional support.
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    Uptake of Integrated Community Case Management and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years in Apac District, Northern Uganda
    (Current Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, 2023) Job, Eluk; Omech, Bernard; Akello, Anne Ruth; Abeja, Christine Joy; Kambugu Nabasirye, Caroline; Auma, Anna Grace; Kumakech, Edward
    Globally, child mortality remains a public health concern with 38 deaths per 1000 live births and accounting for 5.2 million deaths in children under 5 years, with Sub-Saharan Africa region having the highest figure of 76 deaths per 1,000 live births that is equivalent to one child in 13 dying before reaching age five in 2019. In Uganda, the child mortality rate has reduced gradually from 191 deaths per 1000 live births to 45.8 deaths per 1000 live births in 2019. Objective: To determine the Uptake of integrated community case management of childhood illnesses and associated factors among caregivers of children under five years in Apac district. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using quantitative methods, 403 family caregivers of children under five in Apac District. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on Uptake, associated factors, and perceptions of caregivers towards ICCM services. Data was analyzed using STATA version 15.1. Results: The majority of the caregivers were female 337 (83.6%), with a mean age of 27.7 years and standard deviation of 6.64 years, attained primary education, 253(62.8%), Christians, 393 (97.5%), and married 346 (85.9%) were married. The level of Uptake of ICCM services was 38.7% (156/403). Results of the study indicate that the child’s illness (p=0.01, AOR=3.5(2.1-7.2), knowledge of ICCM (P<0.01, AOR12.1 (1.7-87), timely services (p<0.001, AOR (12.7(3.4-47), and referral by VHT (P<0.01, AOR 4.0(1.4-11.0). were statistically significant. Conclusion: The Uptake level of ICCM services provided by the VHTs was low, though caregivers had a good perception of ICCM services and child referral to health facilities by VHT. To improve Uptake of ICCM services, there is a need to provide more information regarding ICCM within the community.