Browsing by Author "Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly"
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Item Adherence to modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda: A prospective single cohort study(A prospective single cohort study, 2022) Bakesiima, Ritah; Gemzell-Danielsson, Kristina; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Ayebare, Elizabeth; Cleeve, Amanda; Larsson, Elin C.; Nabirye, Rose C.Background: Contraceptive adherence is the current and consistent use of a contraceptive method as prescribed by a health worker or family planning provider so as to prevent pregnancy. Globally, adherence is lowest among adolescents. This has greatly contributed to the high burden of adolescent pregnancies. Adherence and reasons for discontinuation among refugee adolescents are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the rates and predictors of adherence to modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda. Methods: A prospective single cohort study, nested into a randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effect of peer counselling on acceptance of modern contraceptives. The RCT was conducted among female refugee adolescents in Palabek refugee settlement, northern Uganda. The study involved 272 new starters of modern contraceptives who were followed up for six months from May 2019 to January 2020. The outcome was measured at one, three and six months after receiving a contraceptive method. Data was analysed using STATA version 14.0. Results: Adherence rates were low and reduced over time. By the end of the six months, only 44% of the participants were using a contraceptive method. The commonest reasons for non-adherence were side effects and partner prohibition. Participants using long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) were more likely to adhere compared to those who were using short acting reversible contraceptives (SARC) (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.914-5.937, p=<0.001). There was no difference in adherence between participants who received peer counselling and those who received routine counselling. Conclusion: Adherence to modern contraceptives was low, leaving adolescents at risk of unintended pregnancies. Participants using LARC were more likely to adhere than those using SARC. Interventions addressing fear of side effects and partner prohibition should be studied and implemented to enable adherence to modern contraceptivesItem A cascade model of mentorship for frontline health workers in rural health facilities in Eastern Uganda: processes, achievements and lessons(Global Health Action, 2017) Ajeani, Judith; Mangwi Ayiasi, Richard; Tetui, Moses; Ekirapa-Kiracho, Elizabeth; Namazzi, Gertrude; Muhumuza Kananura, Rornald; Namusoke Kiwanuka, Suzanne; Beyeza-Kashesya, JollyThere is increasing demand for trainers to shift from traditional didactic training to innovative approaches that are more results-oriented. Mentorship is one such approach that could bridge the clinical knowledge gap among health workers. Objectives: This paper describes the experiences of an attempt to improve health-worker performance in maternal and newborn health in three rural districts through a mentoring process using the cascade model. The paper further highlights achievements and lessons learnt during implementation of the cascade model. Methods: The cascade model started with initial training of health workers from three districts of Pallisa, Kibuku and Kamuli from where potential local mentors were selected for further training and mentorship by central mentors. These local mentors then went on to conduct mentorship visits supported by the external mentors. The mentorship process concentrated on partograph use, newborn resuscitation, prevention and management of Post-Partum Haemorrhage (PPH), including active management of third stage of labour, preeclampsia management and management of the sick newborn. Data for this paper was obtained from key informant interviews with district-level managers and local mentors. Results: Mentorship improved several aspects of health-care delivery, ranging from improved competencies and responsiveness to emergencies and health-worker professionalism. In addition, due to better district leadership for Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), there were improved supplies/medicine availability, team work and innovative local problem-solving approaches. Health workers were ultimately empowered to perform better. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that it is possible to improve the competencies of frontline health workers through performance enhancement for MNH services using locally built capacity in clinical mentorship for Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC). The cascade mentoring process needed strong external mentorship support at the start to ensure improved capacity among local mentors to provide mentorship among local district staff.Item The conduct of maternal and perinatal death reviews in Oyam District, Uganda: a descriptive cross-sectional study(BMC women's health, 2016) Agaro, Caroline; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Waiswa, Peter; Sekandi, Juliet N.; Tusiime, Suzan; Anguzu, Ronald; Kiracho, Elizabeth EkirapaUganda like many developing countries still experiences high levels of maternal and perinatal deaths despite a decade of maternal and perinatal death review (MPDR) program. Oyam district has been implementing MPDR since 2008 with varying successes among the health facilities. This paper presents the factors that influence the conduct of maternal and perinatal death reviews in Oyam District, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 66 health workers and ten key informants (KIs) to assess the factors influencing the conduct of MPDR. Univariate and Bivariate analysis of quantitative data was done using SPSS version 17.0. A Pearson Chi-Square test was done to determine factors associated with conduct of MPDR. Factors with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Only 34.8 % of the health workers had ever participated in MPDR. The factors that influenced conduct of MPDR were existence of MPDR committees (p < 0.001), attendance of review meetings (p < 0.001) and knowledge of objectives of MPDR (p < 0.001), implementation of MPDR recommendations (p < 0.001), observed improvement in maternal and newborn care (p < 0.001) and provision of feedback (p < 0.001). Hindrance to conduct of MPDR was obtained from KIs: the health workers were not made aware of the MPDR process, committee formation and training of MPDR committee members was not effectively done, inadequate support supervision, and lack of financial motivation of MPDR committee members. Challenges to MPDR included: heavy workload to health workers, high number of perinatal deaths, and non-implementation of recommendations. The proportion of maternal and perinatal death reviews conducted in Oyam was low. This was due to poor initiation of the review process and a lack of support supervision. The district and Ministry of Health needs to put more emphasis on monitoring the conduct of maternal and perinatal death reviews by: forming and training MPDR committees and ensuring they are financially supported, providing overall coordination, and ensuring effective support supervision.Item Correlates of Use of Timed Unprotected Intercourse to Reduce Horizontal Transmission Among Ugandan HIV Clients with Fertility Intentions(AIDS and Behavior, 2015) Wagner, Glenn J.; Goggin, Kathy; Mindry, Deborah; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Finocchario-Kessler, Sarah; Woldetsadik, Mahlet A.; Khanakwa, Sarah; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.We examined the correlates of use of safer conception methods (SCM) in a sample of 400 Ugandan HIV clients (75% female; 61% on antiretroviral therapy; 61% with HIV-negative or unknown status partners) in heterosexual relationships with fertility intentions. SCM assessed included timed unprotected intercourse, manual self-insemination, sperm washing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In the 6 months prior to baseline, 47 (12%) reported using timed unprotected intercourse to reduce risk of HIV infection (or re-infection), none had used manual self-insemination or sperm washing, and 2 had used PrEP. In multiple regression analysis, correlates of use of timed unprotected intercourse included greater perceptions of partner’s willingness to use SCM and providers’ stigma of childbearing among people living with HIV, higher SCM knowledge, and desire for a child within the next 6 months. These findings highlight the need for policy and provider training regarding integration of couples’ safer conception counselling into HIV care.Item The dilemma of safe sex and having children: challenges facing HIV sero-discordant couples in Uganda(African health sciences, 2009) Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Kaharuza, Frank; Mirembe, Florence; Neema, Stella; Ekstrom, Anna Mia; Kulane, AsliSixty percent of new HIV infections in Uganda occur in stable relationships between HIV discordant couples. Given the importance of fertility in Uganda, we hypothesized that unsafe sexual practices may be used to found a family/replace a dead child. Thus, we explored sexual practices to understand to what extent these are influenced by the desire to have children and the implications for HIV transmission among discordant couples. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 114 HIV discordant couples in Kampala, and in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected couples. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis done to identify factors associated with consistent condom use. Thematic content analysis of qualitative data was done using NVIVO 2.Item Intimate partner violence among HIV positive women in care - results from a national survey, Uganda 2016(BMC women's health, 2019) Ndugwa Kabwama, Steven; Bukenya, Justine; Matovu, Joseph K. B.; Gwokyalya, Violet; Makumbi, Fredrick; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Mugerwa, Shaban; Baptist Bwanika, John; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.Women remain disproportionally affected by the HIV/ AIDS epidemic because of sociocultural factors including violence perpetrated by intimate partners. Among HIVpositive (HIV+) women, intimate partner violence (IPV) affects engagement in care and reproductive health outcomes. We analyzed data from a national survey to estimate the prevalence of IPV among HIV+ women in care and associated factors. Methods: The study was conducted among 5198 HIV+ women in care. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported couple HIV status, mutual HIV status disclosure and IPV. IPV was assessed by asking participants whether their current husband or partner ever hit, slapped, kicked or did anything to hurt them physically, and whether their current husband or partner ever physically forced them to have intercourse or perform any sexual acts against their will. Women who responded “yes” were classified as having ever experienced IPV. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with experiencing IPV. Results: Of 5198 HIV+ women, 1664 (32.1%) had ever experienced physical violence, 1466 (28.3%) had ever experienced sexual violence and 2290 (44.2%) had ever experienced any IPV. Compared with women in relationships where the woman and their male partner were of the same age, women in relationships where the partner was ≥1 year younger were more likely to ever experience IPV (Prevalence risk ratio [PRR] = 1.43, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.10–1.71), as were women in relationships where the partner was < 10 years older (PRR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.00–1.43) or ≥ 10 years older (PRR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.05–1.64). Compared with women who did not have biological children, women with 3–4 biological children were more likely to have ever experienced IPV (PRR = 1.27 95%CI: 1.00–1.59) as were those with ≥5 biological children (PRR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.06–1.71). Compared with women in sero-concordant relationships, women in sero-discordant relationships were less likely to ever experience IPV (PRR = 0.87 95%CI: 0.78–0.98).Item Knowledge and correlates of use of safer conception methods among HIV-infected women attending HIV care in Uganda(Reproductive health, 2019) Gwokyalya, Violet; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Bwanika, John B.; Matovu, Joseph K. B.; Mugerwa, Shaban; Arinaitwe, Jim; Kasozi, Dickson; Bukenya, Justine; Kindyomunda, Rosemary; Wagner, Glenn J.; Makumbi, Fredrick E.; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.Many people living with HIV would like to have children but family planning (FP) services often focus on only contraception. Availability of safer conception services is still very low in most low income countries. In this study we assessed the knowledge and use of safer conception methods (SCM) among HIV infected women in HIV care in Uganda to inform integration of safer conception in existing FP services. Methods: Data were accrued from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 5198 HIV+ women aged 15– 49 years from 245 HIV clinics in Uganda. Knowledge and use of safer conception methods and associated factors were determined. The measure of association was prevalence ratio (PR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, obtained using a modified Poisson regression via generalized linear models. All the analyses were conducted using STATA version 12.0. Results: Overall knowledge of any safer conception method was 74.1% (3852/5198). However only 13.2% knew 3 to 4 methods, 18.9% knew only 2 methods and 42% knew only one method. Knowledge of specific SCM was highest for timed unprotected intercourse (TUI) at 39% (n = 2027) followed by manual self-insemination (MSI) at 34.8% (n = 1809), and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at 24.8% (n = 1289). Knowledge of SCM was higher in the Eastern region (84.8%, P < 0.001), among women in HIV-discordant relationships (76.7%, p < 0.017), and those on ART (74.5%, p < 0.034). Overall, 1796 (34.6%) women were pregnant or reported a birth in the past 2 years—overall use of SCM in this group was 11.6% (209/1796). The odds of use of SCM were significantly lower in Kampala [adj. PR = 0.489(0.314, 0.764)] or Eastern region [adj.PR = 0.244; (0.147, 0.405)] compared to Northern region. Higher odds of SCM use were associated with HIV status disclosure to partner [adj.PR = 2.613(1.308, 5.221)] and sero-discordant compared to HIV+ concordant relationship [adj.PR = 1.637(1.236, 2.168)]. Pre-existing knowledge of any one SCM did not influence SCM use.Item Maternal depression treatment in HIV (M-DEPTH) Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial(Medicine, 2019) Wagner, Glenn J.; McBain, Ryan K.; Akena, Dickens; Ngo, Victoria; Nakigudde, Janet; Nakku, Juliet; Chemusto, Harriet; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Gwokyalya, Violet; Faherty, Laura J.; Kyohangirwe, Leticia; Kisaakye Nabitaka, Linda; Lukwata, Hafsa; Linnemayr, Sebastian; Ghosh-Dastidar, Bonnie; Businge, Juliet; Mukasa, Barbara; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.Over one-third of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women are clinically depressed, increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, as well as negative birth and child development outcomes. This study will evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an evidence-based stepped care treatment model for perinatal depression (maternal depression treatment in HIV [M-DEPTH]) to improve adherence to prevention of MTCT care among HIV+ women in Uganda. Methods: Eight antenatal care (ANC) clinics in Uganda will be randomized to implement either M-DEPTH (n=4) or usual care (n=4) for perinatal depression among 400 pregnant women (n=50 per clinic) between June 2019 and August 2022. At each site, women who screen positive for potential depression will be enrolled and followed for 18 months post-delivery, assessed in 6-month intervals: baseline, within 1 month of child delivery or pregnancy termination, and months 6, 12, and 18 following delivery. Primary outcomes include adherence to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) care continuum—including maternal antiretroviral therapy and infant antiretrovial prophylaxis, and maternal virologic suppression; while secondary outcomes will include infant HIV status, post-natal maternal and child health outcomes, and depression treatment uptake and response. Repeated-measures multivariable regression analyses will be conducted to compare outcomes between M-DEPTH and usual care, using 2-tailed tests and an alpha cut-off of P <.05. Using a micro-costing approach, the research team will relate costs to outcomes, examining the incremental cost-effectiveness ration (ICER) of M-DEPTH relative to care as usual. Discussion: This cluster randomized controlled trial will be one of the first to compare the effects of an evidence-based depression care model versus usual care on adherence to each step of the PMTCT care continuum. If determined to be efficacious and costeffective, this study will provide a model for integrating depression care into ANC clinics and promoting adherence to PMTCT.Item My Partner wants a child: A cross-sectional study of the determinants of the desire for children among mutually disclosed sero-discordant couples receiving care in Uganda(BMC Public Health, 2010) Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Ekstrom, Anna Mia; Kaharuza, Frank; Mirembe, Florence; Neema, Stella; Kulane, AsliThe percentages of couples in HIV sero-discordant relationships range from 5 to 31% in the various countries of Africa. Given the importance of procreation and the lack of assisted reproduction to avoid partner transmission, members of these couples are faced with a serious dilemma even after the challenge of disclosing their HIV status to their spouses. Identifying the determinants of the decision to have children among sero-discordant couples will help in setting reproductive intervention priorities in resource-poor countries. We conducted a survey among 114 mutually disclosed sero-discordant couples (228 individuals) receiving HIV care at four centres in Greater Kampala, between June and December 2007. The data we collected was classified according to whether the man or the woman was HIV-positive. We carried out multivariate logistic regression modelling to determine factors (age, gender, and the influences of relatives and of health workers, ART knowledge, and disclosure) that are independently associated with a desire for children.Item “Not a Boy, Not a Child”: A Qualitative Study on Young People’s Views on Childbearing in Uganda(African journal of reproductive health, 2010) Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Neema, Stella; Ekstrom, Anna Mia; Kaharuza, Frank; Mirembe, Florence; Kulane, AsliTo understand reasons for persistent high fertility rate, we explored perceptions and influences of fertility motivation among young people from Uganda. Qualitative inquiry was used, data were organised using NVivo 2 package and latent content analysis performed. Major themes that emerged on factors that entrench high fertility included “Sustenance of ‘men’s blood’ through the male child”; “poverty, joblessness and child bearing”, and “other socio-cultural issues: religion, kin, elders and child bearing”. Factors that reduce fertility included “perception on women emancipation, job security and couple fertility communication”. Young peoples’ views on motivation for childbearing in Uganda are embedded in cultural norms and linked strongly to patriarchy, social respectability and women’s sustenance. Innovative cultural practices and programs that increase women’s social respectability such as emphasis that a girl can be heir and inherit her father’s property are needed to reduce sonpreference and fertility rates in the younger generation (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[1]:71-81).Item Our Choice” improves use of safer conception methods among HIV serodiscordant couples in Uganda: a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating two implementation approaches(Implementation Science, 2021) Wagner, Glenn J.; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Gwokyalya, Violet; Hurley, Emily; Mindry, Deborah; Finocchario-Kessler, Sarah; Nanfuka, Mastula; Tebeka, Mahlet G.; Saya, Uzaib; Booth, Marika; Ghosh-Dastidar, Bonnie; Linnemayr, Sebastian; Staggs, Vincent S.; Goggin, KathySafer conception counseling (SCC) to promote the use of safer conception methods (SCM) is not yet part of routine family planning or HIV care. Guidelines for the use of SCM have been published, but to date there are no published controlled evaluations of SCC. Furthermore, it is unknown whether standard methods commonly used in resource constrained settings to integrate new services would be sufficient, or if enhanced training and supervision would result in a more efficacious approach to implementing SCC. Methods: In a hybrid, cluster randomized controlled trial, six HIV clinics were randomly assigned to implement the SCC intervention Our Choice using either a high (SCC1) or low intensity (SCC2) approach (differentiated by amount of training and supervision), or existing family planning services (usual care). Three hundred eighty-nine HIV clients considering childbearing with an HIV-negative partner enrolled. The primary outcome was self-reported use of appropriate reproductive method (SCM if trying to conceive; modern contraceptives if not) over 12 months or until pregnancy. Results: The combined intervention groups used appropriate reproductive methods more than usual care [20.8% vs. 6.9%; adjusted OR (95% CI)=10.63 (2.79, 40.49)], and SCC1 reported a higher rate than SCC2 [27.1% vs. 14.6%; OR (95% CI)=4.50 (1.44, 14.01)]. Among those trying to conceive, the intervention arms reported greater accurate use of SCM compared to usual care [24.1% vs. 0%; OR (95% CI)=91.84 (4.94, 1709.0)], and SCC1 performed better than SCC2 [34.6% vs. 11.5%; OR (95% CI)=6.43 (1.90, 21.73)]. The arms did not vary on modern contraception use among those not trying to conceive. A cost of $631 per person was estimated to obtain accurate use of SCM in SCC1, compared to $1014 in SCC2Item “Our hands are tied up”: Current state of safer conception services suggests the need for an integrated care model(Health care for women international, 2014) Goggin, Kathy; Mindry, Deborah; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Finocchario-Kessler, Sarah; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Nabiryo, Christine; Wagner, GlennWe conducted in-depth interviews with a variety of healthcare providers (n=33) in Uganda to identify current services that could support and barriers to the provision of safer conception counseling (SCC). Consistent with their training and expertise, providers of all types reported provision of services for people living with a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS (PLHIV) who desire a child. Important barriers including a lack of service integration, poor communication between stakeholders and the absence of policy guidelines were identified. Drawing on these data, we propose a model of integrated care that includes both prevention of unplanned pregnancies and SCC services.Item To use or not to use a condom: A prospective cohort study comparing contraceptive practices among HIV-infected and HIV-negative youth in Uganda(BMC Infectious Diseases, 2011) Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Kaharuza, Frank; Ekström, Anna Mia; Neema, Stella; Kulane, Asli; Mirembe, FlorenceUnwanted pregnancy and HIV infection are issues of significant concern to young people. Limited data exists on contraceptive decision-making and practices among HIV-infected and HIV-negative young people in low resource settings with generalized HIV epidemics. From July 2007 until April 2009, we recruited, and followed up over a one year period, a cohort of 501 HIV-negative and 276 HIV-infected young women and men aged 15-24 years residing in Kampala and Wakiso districts. We compared contraceptive use among HIV-infected and HIV-negative young people and assessed factors associated with contraceptive decision-making and use, using multivariate logistic regression modelling to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Item Uptake of family planning methods and unplanned pregnancies among HIV-infected individuals: a cross-sectional survey among clients at HIV clinics in Uganda(Journal of the International AIDS Society, 2011) Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Tumwesigye, Nazarius M.; Kindyomunda, Rosemary; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Atuyambe, Lynn; Kansiime, Apolo; Neema, Stella; Ssali, Francis; Akol, Zainab; Mirembe, FlorencePrevention of unplanned pregnancies among HIV-infected individuals is critical to the prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT), but its potential has not been fully utilized by PMTCT programmes. The uptake of family planning methods among women in Uganda is low, with current use of family planning methods estimated at 24%, but available data has not been disaggregated by HIV status. The aim of this study was to assess the utilization of family planning and unintended pregnancies among HIV-infected people in Uganda. Methods: We conducted exit interviews with 1100 HIV-infected individuals, including 441 men and 659 women, from 12 HIV clinics in three districts in Uganda to assess the uptake of family planning services, and unplanned pregnancies, among HIV-infected people. We conducted multivariate analysis for predictors of current use of family planning among women who were married or in consensual union and were not pregnant at the time of the interview.