Browsing by Author "Kabunga, Amir"

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    Access to family planning services and associated factors among young people in Lira city northern Uganda
    (BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-04) Kigongo, Eustes; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Kwizera, Gad; Achan, Everlyne; Nabasirye, Caroline Kambugu; Udho, Samson; Kabunga, Amir; Omech, Bernard
    Access to family planning services among young people is crucial for reproductive health. This study explores the access and associated factors among young people in Lira City, Northern Uganda. A mixed-methods study was conducted in March to April 2022. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 553 participants aged 15-24 years. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses for quantitative data, while interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for qualitative data. Overall, 31.7% of the respondents had a good perceived access to family planning services, with 64.6% reporting perceived availability of FP methods. Challenges included lack of privacy (57.7%), fear of mistreatment (77.2%), and decision-making difficulties (66.2%). Among females, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among urban residents (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09-0.53), Christian respondents (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.01-0.36), Muslim respondents (AOR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.55) and respondents with poor attitude to FP services (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24-0.64), but more likely among respondents with a sexual a partner (AOR: 4.48, 95% CI: 2.60-7.75). Among males, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among respondents living with parents (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.67) but more likely among respondents with good knowledge of FP services (AOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.02-5.32). Qualitative findings showed that three themes emerged; knowledge of family planning methods, beliefs about youth contraception and, friendliness of family planning services. The study revealed a substantial gap in perceived access to family planning services among young people in Lira City. Barriers include privacy concerns, fear of mistreatment, and decision-making difficulties. Tailored interventions addressing urban access, religious beliefs for females, and knowledge enhancement for males are essential. Positive aspects like diverse FP methods and physical accessibility provide a foundation for targeted interventions. Youth-friendly services, comprehensive sexual education, and further research are emphasized for a nuanced understanding and effective interventions in Northern Uganda.
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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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    Predictors of Adherence to Routine Immunization Schedule Among Caretakers of Children Aged 10 to 18 Months in Lira City, Uganda
    (Global Pediatric Health, 2022) Abor, Jasper; Kabunga, Amir; Nabasirye, Carol Kambungu
    Although the majority of nations have routine immunization programs in place as a public health strategy, more than 1.5 million children under the age of 5 die yearly worldwide due to inadequate vaccination coverage. This study investigated the predictors of adherence to routine immunization schedules in Lira city. This was a cross-sectional study among 420 caretakers of children aged 10 to 18 months. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the predictors of adherence to the full immunization schedule. A P-value > .05 was considered statistically significant at 95% CI. The study result indicated that the majority, 237 (56.4%) of caretakers were aged 25 to 34 years, 205 (48.8%) had attained primary level education, and 284 (67.6%) were married. The results showed that 365 (87.0%) had their children fully immunized. The predictors of adherence to full immunization schedule were knowledge on when to start vaccination (AOR:5.65; 95% CI:1.82-17.55; P = .003), maternal outcome expectations (AOR:3.45; 95% CI:1.16-10.29; P = .03) and maternal knowledge (AOR:2.15; 95% CI:1.18-3.90; P = .01). The study findings show that 9 in 10 of the caregivers adhered to the immunization schedule. The significant predictors of adherence to full immunization were flexible clinical hours, maternal outcome expectations and maternal knowledge. Based on the conclusions we recommend that government and service providers be flexible in clinic hours and continue health education to women of childbearing age at an early stage, especially during antenatal care visits, delivery and the postnatal period on childhood vaccination to maintain adherence to the routine immunization schedule.
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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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    Religiosity and Health-Related Quality of Life in HIV Positive Young Adults Seeking Health Care in Alebtong District, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Global Journal of Research and Review, 2014) Kabunga, Amir; Nabuwufu, Sarah; Bulitya, Augustine; Lhwanzo, Binepe Bwambale; Nakazibwe, Mariam; Aleso, Gloria; Namata, Fazira
    This study estimated religiosity and health related quality of life in HIV positive young adults aged 18-36 years seeking care in Alebtong District Northern Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in ĮǀĞ health centers in Alebtong district, northern Uganda in April 2021. Positive religiosity is associated with better physical health (ß=0.52,P=0.01) and psychological health (ß=0.3, P=0.02). Negative religiosity was associated with poor health related quality of life domains of physical health (ß=0.43, P=0.02), psychological health (ß=0.75, P=0.02), social relatioship health (ß=0.53, P=0.04) and environmental health (ß=-0.66, P=<0.01). The fidings in this study show that religiosity is significantly associated with HRQOL. This underscores the importance of religiosity in the management of HIV positive patients. Religiosity should be an integral part of the HIV treatment program to the health related quality of life of HIV patients.