Browsing by Author "Echoru, Isaac"
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Item Acceptance and Risk Perception of COVID-19 Vaccine in Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study in Western Uganda(Research Square, 2020) Echoru, Isaac; Ajambo, Patricia DecanarMany countries have drawn their attention on developing Corona virus disease 2019 vaccine however there is less emphasis on whether this vaccine could be accepted in most of these countries. This study aimed to investigate acceptance and risk perception of COVID-19 vaccine in Uganda. Method: A simplified snowball sampling technique was used to select 1067 respondents of 18-70 years in western Uganda using an online questionnaire from July to September 2020. Vaccine acceptability and risk perception was assessed using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval using R software version 3.6.3. Results: The acceptance rate for vaccination against COVID-19 was (53.6%; 572/1067) with participants in the reference age group 18-20 (OR: 1; 95%CI: NA); males (OR: 2.1; 95%CI: 1.56-2.71; P=0.000); tertiary level of education (OR: 2.8; 95%CI: 1.25-6.11; P=0.009); students (OR: 3.19; 95%CI: 1.98-5.15; P=0.000) and non-salary earners (OR: 2.29; 95%CI: 1.53-3.44; P=0.000) significantly more likely to accept the vaccine. Results also showed that (46.4%; 495/1067) of the respondents were un-likely to accept the vaccine. About (44.6%; 476/1067) of the respondents were likely to accept vaccine clinical trials with participants in the reference age group 18-20 (OR: 1; 95%CI: NA), students (OR: 2.37; 95%CI: 1.49-3.77; P=0.000), marrieds (OR: 1.3; 95%CI: 1.03-1.69; P=0.028), and nonsalary (OR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.05-2.30; P=0.029) significantly more likely to accept clinical trials. There were (46.7%; 500/1067) of the respondents who perceived the vaccine as being risky with males (OR: 3.13; 95%CI: 2.33-4.21; P=0.000); students (OR: 2.59; 95%CI: 1.63-4.13; P=0.000); Civil servants (OR: 1.49; 95%CI: 0.98-2.25; P=0.063); and non-salary earners; (OR: 2.34; 95%CI: 1.57-3.47; P=0.000) who significantly perceived the vaccine as being more risky. Conclusion: The level of vaccine acceptance (53.6%) and risk perception (46.7%) was relatively average in western Uganda. In order to ensure successful vaccination process, the government needs to prioritize vaccine acceptance strategies especially among the risky group in the community.Item Assessment of the microbiological quality of bottled water and protected spring water in Bushenyi district, Uganda(Scholars Academic Journal of Biosciences, 2015) Nkatha Micheni, Lisa; Nsiko, Peter; Eilu, Emmanuel; Echoru, Isaac; Maniga Nyabayo, JosephatWhereas microbiological quality of bottled drinking water is routinely monitored for reasons of legal compliance, microbial numbers in spring water are grossly understudied. Safety of water is a major public concern. However, the portability status of each type of water is a major concern to the public health. This study was carried out to assess of the microbiological quality of bottled and protected spring water in Ishaka-Bushenyi District. A total of 33 samples of bottled water and 8 samples of protected spring water were analysed using the Membrane Filtration Method. This method involved filtering the samples through a membrane filter (size 25um), culturing on lactose (TTC) with sodium heptadecylsulfate media and performing biochemical tests (oxidase and Indole) for confirmation of coli forms and E. coli respectively. Four (50%) of the protected springs showed growth of typical yellow colonies on lactose agar media. The presence of E. coli signified that protected springs were being contaminated with fresh faecal matter. However, no bottled water showed any signs of contamination (0%) with total coli forms or E. coli. There was a strong association (P= 0.01) between water source and water quality. Bottled water sold in Ishaka, Bushenyi District of Uganda showed high quality standards while protected spring water showed significant level of contamination with E. coli which could potentially cause disease to the consumers. Therefore all stakeholders in public health should come together to look into the matter of increasing access cheap and safe water other than the unsafe water from the so called ―protected springs‖.Item Behavioural Response To Self-Medication Practice Before and During Covid-19 Pandemic in Western Uganda(Patient preference and adherence, 2022) Dare, Samuel Sunday; Ejike, Daniel Eze,; Echoru, Isaac; Ibe, Michael Usman,; Ssempijja, Fred; Eriya Bukenya, Edmund; Ssebuufu, RobinsonSelf-medication has become a serious public health problem posing great risks, especially with the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 disease globally and in Uganda. This may be partly because of the absence of a recognized treatment for the disease, however, the differing prevalence and nature from country to country may influence human behavioral responses. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the behavioral response to self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in comparison to the pre-COVID period in Western Uganda. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to August 2020 in western Uganda using online Google forms and printed questionnaires to investigate the level of self-medication practice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included 280 participants, aged 18 and above who consented to participate in the study. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique, and sampling was done by sending a structured online questionnaire via Google forms and printed questionnaires to participants who did not use the online Google forms. Results: Respondents that knew about self-medication were 97% of the 272 participants. Those that are aware of self-medication, have heard about it either through different avenues. Respondents who practiced self-medication before the COVID-19 pandemic were 239 (88%); those who practiced self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic were 156 (57%); those that did not were 115 (43%). There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of respondents who practice self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown compared to the practice before the pandemic lockdown. p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval (OR = 5.39, 95% CI = 3.48, 8.32). Conclusion: Our investigation showed adequate knowledge of self-medication and a high level of self-medication practice with a decrease in self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown compared to the practice before the lockdown.Item Community Education Challenges in Young Adults of South Western Uganda(Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2015) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Echoru, Isaac; Mbiydzenyuy, Elvis Ngala; Kimwise, Aaron; Nansunga, Miriam; Semuyaba, Ibrahim; Kalange, Muhamudu; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Muggaga, Kintu; Emorut, Simon PeterThe aim of this study was to identify the major challenges to community education and any health problem in Bushenyi district of South Western Uganda. Data collection was done through questionnaire and participants were randomly selected. This was a cross-sectional study carried out for a period of three months in 2012. A questionnaire was used to collect data and using onsite observations the responses were validated. A total of 260 participants from 65 homesteads were included in the study from 52 households. 144 were females and 116 males, of which 52.4% of the children were female and the rest male. The mean ± SEM age of females and males was 36 ± 8.6 and 29 ± 8.6 years respectively. In all the homesteads, 71% were headed by an adult male and only 29% were found to be headed by an adult female while none was headed by children. Inferential analysis showed (P = 0.02) that there are more females than male in the homesteads. Majority of the homesteads are being taken care of by women instead of men probably as a result of the high mortalities due to HIV/AIDS in the past decade and above all the movement of most men to urban centers in search of better sources of employment to support their families. Among school going age participant’s i.e. children and adolescents, only 59.6% were found to be attending school. There was no statistical significance (P = 0.16) between school attendance and age. Family responsibilities such as cooking for younger siblings by female participants, obligations on open market days are thought to be secondary limiting factors for community development and livelihood amongst young persons; thus a follow up study would be conducted to assess their associations in this community as this would raise major child abuse concerns which would need to be reported to the legal authorities for follow up.Item Determinants of contraceptive utilisation amongst teenage mothers: a case-control study in kyangwali refugee settlement (Uganda)(International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 2015) Lule, Herman; Echoru, Isaac; Nnabagulanyi, Mary; Mulumba, RichardThe determinants of contraceptive utilisation amongst teenage mothers in refugee settings are poorly understood. To establish and compare determinants of contraceptive utilisation amongst refugee and host teenage mothers in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, we conducted a case-control study to interview 132 cases and 264 controls made up of mothers aged 13-19 years during April 2014, using survey questionnaires and a focussed group discussion. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 16.0.Chi-square testing and Odds ratios at 95% confidence interval, and p<0.05 as significant were conducted to determine factors that significantly influenced contraceptive utilisation. Of the 396 teenage mothers, 64.6% (256) were refugees whereas 35.4% (140) were host nationals. Spousal support [X2=6.489, p=0.039; OR=2.250 (1.994-2.571) 95% CI], husband’ level of education [X2=16.189, p=0.000; OR=2.043(1.442-2.896) 95% CI] and a low birth order [X2=7.749, p=0.005; OR=1.227 (1.072-1.405) 95% CI] were significant determinants of contraceptive use. The major barriers contraception were fear of side effects 35.4% (140), refusal by the husband 30.3% (120) and lack of community based access 23.0% (91). There was no significant statistical difference in current use of contraceptives between refugee teenage mothers and host nationals [X2=0.138, p=0.710; OR=1.087(0.701-1.686) 95% CI].There is need to restructure delivery of contraceptive services in a way that enhances maximum uptake amongst teenage mothers in refugee settings, through integrated outreaches, girl-child education and male targeted messages in order to curtail the consequences of contraceptive underutilisation in this population.Item Effect of Cleome gynandra leaf extract on the estrous cycle and histology of the ovary and uterus of Wistar albino rats(Anatomy Journal of Africa, 2019) Monima, Lemuel Ann; Buhari, Muhammad; Lawal, Sodiq; Echoru, Isaac; Ssempijja, Fred; Owembabazi, Elna; Bukenya, Edmund; Mario Edgar, Fernandez Diaz; Archibong Victor, Bassey; Kokas, IkwapCleome gynandra is a medicinal plant that is used all over Uganda to hasten childbirth because, it possesses the ability to contract the uterus. It is also used as an abortifacient in the first trimester. In this study, the effects of Cleome gynandra were investigated on the estrous cycle and the histology of the ovary and uterus of adult Wistar rat. Twelve adult female Wistar rats of 130-140g average weight were used. These were divided into three groups of four animals each. Group A received distilled water only, while animals in groups B and C received 250mg/kg body weight and 500mg/kg body weight of extract, orally and daily respectively. Monitoring of estrous cycle continued throughout the three weeks of extract administration. After three weeks, the ovaries and uteri were excised and processed for histological examination. In the ovary, there was a reduction in number of primordia, primary, secondary and graafian follicles in the treated groups. Vacuolations were common to both the ovarian and uterine tissues of treated animals. The estrous cycle of Group B and C, showed a mild disruption when compared to animals in Group A. The results showed that the plant extract studied, exerted negative influences on the estrous cycle and histology of the ovary and uterus of Wistar albino rats, suggesting a disturbance on the reproductive health of the animals. Further studies to determine the mechanism of action of Cleome gynandra on the ovary and uterus and the levels of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone is recommended.Item Hypoglycemic and Toxic Effect of Morus mesozygia Leaf Extract on the Liver and Kidneys of Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats(Hindawi, 2019) Tirwomwe, Michael; Echoru, Isaac; Maseruka, Richard; Kimanje, Kyobe Ronald; Byarugaba, WilsonDiabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in developed and developing countries. DM is characterized by increased levels of glucose that eventually progress to frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger [1]. According to global estimates of diabetes, in 2013, 382 million people had diabetes; this number is however expected to rise to 592 million by 2035. Majority of the people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries and these will experience the greatest increase in cases of diabetes over the next 22 years [2]. In Africa alone, about 12.1 million people lived with diabetes mellitus by 2010 [3, 4], and according to research, there will be an expected increment in the prevalence of DM in Asia and Africa by 2030. )is is because of increased urbanization and lifestyle changes that have changed the indigenous diet to a modern diet [5].Item Khat distorts the prefrontal cortex histology and function of adult Wistar rats(Anatomy Journal of Africa, 2018) Echoru, Isaac; Bukenya, E.M Edmund; Masilili, Godfrey; Owembabazi, Elna; Lemuel, Ann Monima; Ahimbisibwe, JamesKhat is a psychoactive herbal drug of pronounced ethno-pharmacological significance often abused due to its unregulated use. It affects many brain centers including the prefrontal cortex which is the anterior most part of the frontal lobe. The prefrontal cortex modulates working memory, planning complex cognitive behaviors however; it is linked to many psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and memory loss. We studied the effects exerted by khat on the PFC cytoarchitecture and functions since this part of the brain is highly interconnected with various cortical regions. This was an experimental study of 6 weeks. A total of 24 male adult wistar rats of 130g-155g were divided into four groups of 6 animals that received respective khat doses of 2000mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 10ml/kg of distilled water for the controls. Brain to body weight ratio was determined at week 6 using an analytical balance (Fisher Science Education™, RS232C; USA). Histology of the brain was determined using H and E and Kulvers staining technique. Khat exhibited features of prefrontal cortex disorientation such as necrosis, vacuolations, chromatolysis, demyelination, cortical degeneration and hemorrhage in a dose dependent manner. Selective attention and working memory were impaired well as brain to body weight ratio was reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Repeated exposure to khat distorts the prefrontal cortex cytoarchitecture and impairs selective attention and working memory accuracy due to ischemia and cell exhaustion by khat toxicity.Item Low Concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (Yoba®) are Safe in Male Drosophila Melanogaster(BMC Research Notes, 2019) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Bukenya, Aisha; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Kasolo, Josephine; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Ssempijja, Fred; Suubo, Joy; Tamale, Andrew; Echoru, Isaac; Onkoba, Sarah Kemuma OnkobaThe purpose of the study was to generate information on the safety of probiotics, thus the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of Yoba® on basic physiochemical properties. The study assessed male w1118 Drosophila melanogaster which were provided food supplemented with Yoba® at 1%, 3%, 6%, and 12% on motor function, total protein, catalase activity, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lifespan.Item Misconceptions on COVID-19 Risk Among Ugandan Men: Results From a Rapid Exploratory Survey, April 2020(Frontiers in public health, 2020) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; MacLeod, Ewan; Ssempijja, Fred; Mahero, Michael W.; Matama, Kevin; Musoke, Grace Henry; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Wakoko-Studstil, Florence; Echoru, Isaac; Mujinya, Regan; Nambuya, Grace; Zirintunda, Gerald; Welbur, Susan ChristinaTransmission of COVID-19 in developing countries is expected to surpass that in developed countries; however, information on community perceptions of this new disease is scarce. The aim of the study was to identify possible misconceptions among males and females toward COVID-19 in Uganda using a rapid online survey distributed via social media. A cross-sectional survey carried out in early April 2020 was conducted with 161 Ugandans, who purposively participated in the online questionnaire that assessed understandings of COVID-19 risk and infection. Sixty-four percent of respondents were male and 36% were female. We found significant divergences of opinion on gendered susceptibility to COVID-19. Most female respondents considered infection risk, symptoms, severe signs, and death to be equally distributed between genders. In contrast, male respondents believed they were more at risk of infection, severe symptoms, severe signs, and death (52.7 vs. 30.6%, RR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.14–2.8). Most women did not share this perception and disagreed that males were at higher risk of infection (by a factor of three), symptoms (79% disagree), severe signs (71%, disagree), and death (70.2% disagree). Overall, most respondents considered children less vulnerable (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.55–2.2) to COVID-19 than adults, that children present with less symptoms (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.77–3.19), and that there would be less mortality in children (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.41–1.88). Of female respondents, 76.4% considered mortality from COVID-19 to be different between the young and the elderly (RR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01–2.92) and 92.7% believed young adults would show fewer signs than the elderly, and 71.4% agreed that elderly COVID-19 patients would show more severe signs than the young (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4, 4.8). While respondents considered that all races were susceptible to the signs and symptoms of infection as well as death from COVID-19, they considered mortality would be highest among white people from Europe and the USA. Some respondents (mostly male 33/102, 32.4%) considered COVID-19 to be a “disease of whites” (30.2%).The WHO has identified women and children in rural communities as vulnerable persons who should be given more attention in the COVID-19 national response programs across Africa; however, our study has found that men in Uganda perceive themselves to be at greater risk and that these contradictory perceptions (including the association of COVID-19 with “the white” race) suggest an important discrepancy in the communication of who is most vulnerable and why. Further research is urgently needed to validate and expand the results of this small exploratory study.Item Neuroprotective Potential of Lantana Trifolium Ethanolic Extract against Ethambutol Induced Histological Changes in the Optic Nerve(Anatomy Journal of Africa, 2017) Owembabazi, Elna; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Mario, Edgar Fernandez Diaz; Echoru, Isaac; Lemuel, Ann Monima; Ahimbisibwe, James; Bukenya, EdmundEthambutol is an anti-tuberculosis drug important in treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis which is on a rise due to emergence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. However, it has been associated with side effects on optic nerve histology leading to severe neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to establish the protective potential of Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. Twenty five male adult wistar rats of 110-130g average weight were used. These were divided into five groups each comprising five animals. Group A received distilled water only. Group B was treated with 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. Groups C, D, and E were treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day of Trifolium Extract respectively, one hour before administering 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. After five weeks the optic nerves were excised, processed and stained for histological studies. It was observed that Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract had a dose dependent protective potential against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. The histology of the optic nerve showed that the numbers of vacuoles were significantly few in group A (2.2±0.37), D (6.2±1.07), and E (5±0.71) when compared against the positive control group (37.4±1.54). Axons were mildly demyelinated in group D and E compared to group B and C. The protective potential of Latana trifolium is possibly present due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Studies to determine the exact phytochemical component and mechanism of action responsible for the neuroprotective potential of Latana trifolium should be conducted.Item Prevalence and Aetiology of Pathological Vaginal Discharge among Third- Trimester’ Women Attending Antenatal Care at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital(International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2017) Bwaga, Ibrahim; Nzabandora, Emmanuel; Ubarnel, Almenares; Ivan Bonet, Fonseca; Echoru, Isaac; Atuhaire, Collins; Ssebuufu, RobinsonA vaginal discharge means any secretion originating from the vagina except blood. Pathological vaginal discharge predisposes to preterm labor and prematurity which is a leading cause of infant mortality in the world. Objectives: To determine prevalence and aetiology of pathological vaginal discharge among women in third trimester who attend Antenatal Care (ANC) at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH). Research methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from February through April, 2017. 394 of the women in third trimester who attended ANC at KIUTH during the study period were recruited, and data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and laboratory investigation on the vaginal discharge specimen. The data was analyzed with the use of SPSS software. Results: 45.2% of participants had pathological vaginal discharge. Vaginal Candidiasis largely contributed to pathological vaginal discharge (37.1%) while Trichomoniasis contributed the least (2.2%). Bacterial Vaginosis caused 10.1% of the pathological vaginal discharge while 50.6% was due to bacterial infections (of the total of 178 participants, 34.3% had Staphylococcus Species infection, Streptococcus infection at 1.7%, Klebsiella species at 3.4% and mixed infections at 1.1%). Conclusion: Some pregnant women in third trimester who attend ANC at KIUTH actually harbor pathogenic organisms (Trichomonas spp, Candida spp, Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, E. coli and Bacterial vaginosis) and these organisms put them at risk of poor perinatal outcomes like premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, etc. Some pregnant women in third trimester have pathogenic bacterial colonization that requires detection and necessary care given.Item Religion Influences Community Adherence to COVID-19 Guidelines in Uganda(Research Square, 2020) Echoru, Isaac; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Usman, Ibe Michael; Ssempijja, Fred; Tiyo Ayikobua, Emmanuel; Mujinya, Regan; Ajambo, Patricia Decanar; Matama, Kevin; Monima Lemuel, Ann; Ayuba Tabakwot, John; Ojodale Aruwa, Joshua; Simidi Kegoye, Eric; Olatayo Segun, Okeniran; Adeoye, Azeez; Bassey Archibong, Victor; Nankya, Viola; Edoho Henry, Suzann; Onongha, Comfort; Christina Welburn, SusanSuccess of public health government programs depends on effective partnerships between religious institutions, policy makers and medical professionals. Directives from the World Health Organization (WHO) against social gatherings to control COVID-19 transmission have negatively impacted religiouspolitical partnerships. Compliance of rural communities to national lockdowns requires support from community faith leaders. Across the African sub-continent faith plays an important role within communities that display diverse religious practice. Specific guidelines to prevent community transmission and spread of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are however, scarce, complicating adherence to best practice as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). During the Ebola epidemic in Africa, faith groups played a crucial role in spreading information from the WHO to control community disease transmissions. Methods Here we examined knowledge, attitudes and practices for COVID-19 among market vendors, of faith, in South-Western Uganda. A cross sectional study was undertaken among rural market vendors (n=248) in southwestern Uganda was undertaken using an online questionnaire. Results Most moslems (72%) and protestants (70%) were aware that COVID-19 could present symptomatically and the challenges for control of COVID-19 in Uganda. Definitive knowledge of COVID-19 transmission dynamics was most prevalent among individuals of Protestant faith (70%). Most moslems (66%) interviewed found it difficult to comply with public health measures (lockdowns and self-isolation) while most pentecostals (64%) considered wearing as face mask to be impractical. Such discrepancies within a tight knit community and religious groupings in relation to practice shows a need to strengthen and revise policy for the national implementation of COVID-19 guidelines. Conclusion Engagement from religious leaders to encourage their followers to abide to COVID-19 guidelines would facilitate Africa’s COVID-19 response to become more effective addressing key areas of non-compliance that undermine control e.g. a majority of Pentecostal Christians are hesitant to be associated with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.Item Sexual dimorphism in the lip print pattern and size among Ugandan, Kenyan and Somali population(Forensic Science International: Reports, 2019) Tabakwot, Ayuba John; Echoru, Isaac; Ssempijja, Fred; Ann Monima, Lemuel; Fernandez, Edgar; Buhari, MohammedLip prints are essential identification tools in forensics. Lip prints are individually unique and inheritable which makes them possible for personal identification. Aim: We studied sexual differences in print patterns and sizes among Ugandans, Kenyans and Somalis. Method: In this descriptive study of 180 adults (60 from each country) clear lip print impressions were made on clean pieces of white plain papers. Lip prints were divided into quadrants and we used Suzuki and Tsuchihashi (1974) classification to study the patterns. Lip length and width were measured in centimeters. Results: Lip print Type I and I’ were dominant in a range of 60–100% in both males and females of all countries. Kenyans had more of Type II (males 26%; females 40%) while Somalis exhibited more of Type IV males 56%; females 46%. However, Ugandans had the least number of Type IV pattern 6.6% males and 13% females. There was no Type V in all the participants. Statistical analysis using a 2-way ANOVA showed statistical significance in the lip print patterns among the different population groups. In the male subjects, Ugandans had wider lips (5.48cm 0.50) while Kenyans had longer lips (5.14cm 0.85). In the females group; Ugandans had wider lips (4.99cm 0.59) while Kenyans had longer lips (4.36cm 0.71). Statistically significant difference was observed between the means of lip sizes. Conclusion: This study shows that the lip print pattern and lip size varied significantly among the different population groups. This variation can help to narrow the search gap in criminal investigations and forensic purposes.Item Sociodemographic factors associated with acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and clinical trials in Uganda: a cross-sectional study in western Uganda(BMC public health, 2021) Echoru, Isaac; Decanar Ajambo, Patricia; Keirania, Emmanuel; Bukenya, Edmund E. M.Health experts agree that widespread use of safe and effective vaccines will rapidly contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The big question is whether these vaccines can easily be accepted by their end-users. Our study aimed at determining sociodemographic factors associated with acceptance of vaccines and clinical trials of COVID-19 in western Uganda. Method: A simplified snowball sampling technique was used to select 1067 respondents of 18–70 years in western Uganda using an online questionnaire from July to September 2020. Vaccine acceptability and risk perception were assessed using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval in R software version 3.6.3. Results: There were 1067 participants in the study. The majority were males (73.2%) and age group 31– 40 years (32.6%). The acceptance rate for COVID-19 vaccination was (53.6%; 572/1067) with those aged 18–20 years, males, elites at tertiary level of education (degree or diploma), students, Muslims, married, non-salary earners and rural dwellers having better odds and likeliness to accept vaccination. Only 44.6% (476/1067) showed interest in clinical trials among which; males, primary school leavers, students, Christians, un-married, respondents who didn’t earn any salary and rural dwellers had better odds and likelihood to participate in clinical trials. Conclusion: There was a low level of vaccine acceptance and clinical trial interest in western Uganda. Minority groups in the study i.e., Muslims, students, primary school leavers, un-married rural dwellers among others showed more interest in vaccination and clinical trials. We anticipated fears in the larger part of this community that health experts need to address through reassurance of the community that vaccines are tested and that they are safe and important if we are to rapidly contain the COVID-19 pandemic.Item University Lecturers and Students Could Help in Community Education about SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Uganda(Health services insights, 2020) Echoru, Isaac; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Usman, Ibe Michael; Mutuku, Irene Mukenya; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Ajambo, Patricia Decanar; Ssempijja, Fred; Mujinya, Regan; Matama, Kevin; Musoke, Grace Henry; Ayikobua, Emmanuel Tiyo; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Dare, Samuel Sunday; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Bukenya, Edmund Eriya; Nambatya, Grace Keyune; MacLeod, Ewan; Welburn, Susan ChristinaThe World Health Organization has placed a lot of attention on vulnerable communities of Africa due to their chronically weak health care systems. Recent findings from Uganda show that medical staff members have sufficient knowledge but poor attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness/practices of lecturers and students in the fight against COVID-19.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 103 lecturers and students both men and women of age group 18 to 69 years in western Uganda. Data were obtained through a pretested questionnaire availed online.Knowledge on COVID-19 symptoms was highest in this order: fever > dry cough > difficulty breathing > fatigue > headache with no significant differences between lecturers and students. Knowledge of participants on transmission of COVID-19 was highest in the order of cough drops > contaminated surfaces > person-to-person contact > asymptomatic persons > airborne > zoonotic with no significant differences among lecturers and students. Lecturers and students were all willing to continue using personal protective equipment like masks, and personal practices such as covering the mouth while sneezing and coughing, no handshaking, and washing of hands with no significant differences in the responses. The positive attitudes that COVID-19 could kill, anyone can get COVID-19, and willing to abide by the set regulations against the pandemic showed personal concerns and desired efforts against COVID-19.The study identifies lecturers and students as potential stakeholders in the fight against community transmission of COVID-19.