Browsing by Author "Kasozi, Kenneth Iceland"

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    COVID-19-Related Mental Health Burden and Reduced Awareness of Mental Healthcare Services in Low Income Earners of Western Uganda
    (ResearchSquare, 2020) Lemuel, Ann Monima; Kasozi, Kenneth Iceland; Bassey, Victor Archibong; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Aruwa, Joshua Ojodale; Odoma, Saidi; Ssempijja, Fred; Ayuba, John Tabakwot; Kembabazi, Stellamaris; Nankya, Viola; Matama, Kevin
    The imposed COVID-19 lockdown is taking a toll on mental health individuals, with lowincome earners considered most affected, as the imposed lockdown was accompanied with partial or complete loss of livelihood among low income earners. The study aimed to investigate level of education and relationship status on awareness of mental healthcare and explore how these factors influence mental health among low income earners in Western Uganda. A cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken among low-income earners in South Western Uganda. Data were collected from two hundred and fifty-three (253) participants using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Anxiety, anger and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger’s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) item tools respectively. Most respondents were single male individuals with secondary level of education. Respondents with tertiary level of education and those with partners had higher score (71.7% and 70.28% respectively) for awareness on mental healthcare. Respondents with primary education level and individuals that were single had higher score (46.98% and 43.72% respectively) for anxiety. Respondents with primary education level and those living with partners had higher mean score (56.44% and 56.21% respectively) for anger. Respondents with no formal education and those who had lost partners had higher mean score (32.11% and 30.50% respectively) for depression. Individuals without formal educational and primary education were observed to have a negative correlation (r2 = 47.4 and 6.4% respectively) with awareness on mental healthcare, and the no formal group had positive correlation with anger and depression (r2 =1.9 and 0.3% respectively), while other groups were negatively correlated (r2 =10.1%). The group of single individuals had a negative correlation with awareness on mental healthcare, anger and depression (r2 =1.9, 0.8 and 0.3% respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r2 =3.9%). It is evident that education and relationship status influence awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. Therefore, we suggest policy maker pay more attention to social transformation, through proper engagement of low income earners.
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    Preliminary Antidiabetic Potential of Ugandan Matooke (Musa paradisiaca) Peels
    (International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 2020) Iwueke, Adaku Vivien; Ejekwumadu, Nnamdi John; Kiiza, Roland; Kasozi, Kenneth Iceland; Khambari, Swafia
    Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia over a prolonged period. In Uganda, unripe Musa paradisiaca (banana) is a staple food which is deskinned before cooking. In West Africa, however, the unpeeled banana is cooked for diabetics. The objective of the study was to assess the hypoglycemic and body weight changes in experimental diabetic Wistar rats treated with green banana peel extracts.Out of the thirty-nine male rats used for the study, nine were used for the evaluation of possible oral acute toxicity. The remaining thirty were divided into six groups of 5 rats each. Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced by intravenous injection of alloxan (65 mg/kg body weight) the alloxan and treated with insulin, distilled water and graded doses of the extract (1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg and 4000 mg/kg body weight) for two weeks. The weight and blood glucose levels were measured before and after induction and prior to administration of treatment dosages. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. ANOVA and spearman’s rank correlation tests determined significant changes in values at 95% confidence interval. The rats showed no signs of toxicity nor death even at a dose of 10,000 mg/kg body weight. Phytochemical screening revealed saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids. This study demonstrates that Musa paradisiaca peels significantly attenuated blood glucose levels (P < 0.005) and regulated body weights at doses (≥ 2000 mg/kg) which are essential parameters in the management of diabetes mellitus. In line with the findings, unripe banana peels are anti-diabetic; unripe bananas therefore, should be cooked with the skins to derive its established anti-diabetic benefits.