Browsing by Author "Bwanika, John M."

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    Point-of-care testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections reveals risky behavior among men at gambling centers in Uganda
    (International journal of STD & AIDS, 2021) Kiragga, Agnes N.; Bwanika, John M.; Kyenkya, Joshua; Banturaki, Grace; Kigozi, Joanita; Musinguzi, Davis; Namimbi, Florence; Chander, Geetanjali; Reynolds, Steven J.; Manabe, Yukari C.
    In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), men are generally difficult to engage in healthcare programs. However, sports gambling centers in SSA can be used as avenues for male engagement in health programs. We offered point-of-care HIV and syphilis testing for men located at five gambling centers in Uganda and assessed HIV risky sexual behavior. Among 507 men, 0.8% were HIV-positive and 3.8% had syphilis. Risky sexual behavior included condomless sex with partner(s) of unknown HIV status (64.9%), having multiple sexual partners (47.8%), engaging in transactional sex (15.5%), and using illicit drugs (9.3%). The majority at 64.5% were nonalcohol consumers, 22.9% were moderate users, and 12.6% had hazardous consumption patterns. In 12 months of follow-up, the incidence rate of syphilis was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.82-1.06) among 178 men. Thus, men in SSA have a high prevalence of syphilis and risky sexual behavior which should be more effectively addressed to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition.
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    Socio-economic factors associated with mental health disorders in Fort Portal, western Uganda
    (AOSIS, 2020-07-07) Hawkins, Charlotte; Bwanika, John M.; Ibanda, Martin
    Background: Mental health disorders, which are interlinked with social issues such as poverty and stigma, present a significant burden in Uganda. Aim: This article explores perceptions about and experiences of mental health disorders in western Uganda, particularly as they pertain to the socio-economic context. Setting: The research was conducted in the mental health unit at the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole District, Uganda. Method: This article is based on qualitative anthropological research conducted from January to March 2017, including 49 semi-structured interviews about ideas and determinants of mental health, with health workers, former mental health service users, their relatives and influential community members. Results: Many interviewees felt that mental health disorders are an increasing problem in their community. Economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and financial stress, are seen as both a cause and a consequence of mental illness. Mental health challenges can be exacerbated by shortages in mental healthcare, which are shown to be complexly interrelated with stigma. Conclusion: This article provides an insight into mental health experiences in Fort Portal based on the perspectives of various interviewees. Further funding and research are recommended to inform contextually appropriate services.