Browsing by Author "Katana, Elizabeth"

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    Factors associated with poor social support among Persons Living with HIV/AIDS at the Infectious Disease Institute HIV/AIDS clinic in Uganda, 2019: A cross-sectional study
    (Research Square, 2019) Nakamanya Kitibwakye, Sharon; Kitutu, Freddy Eric; Nabakooza Kigongo, Angella; Olum, Ronald; Katana, Elizabeth; Laker, Eva
    Social support is known to influence desired health outcomes resulting in decrease in morbidity and mortality. HIV patients with poor social support are at risk of worse health outcomes. Little is known about the determinants of social support in the HIV population in Uganda. This study examined the determinants of social support among HIV patients on Atazanavir-based regimen at the Infectious Disease Institute HIV/AIDS clinic in Uganda. Methods We carried out a secondary analysis of data nested in a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of clinical jaundice among patients on Atazanavir-based second-line therapy, which was conducted at a specialist HIV center, Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) in Kampala, Uganda from April to May 2019. IDI is a specialist HIV center in Kampala, Uganda with over 7000 patients in care. The primary study consecutively sampled patients on an Atazanavir- based regimen. Social support was assessed by using a 3-item Oslo social scale. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between social support and its correlates. Results Data from 236 participants with the mean age of 40 years ±11 was analyzed. The majority were females (66.5%) and 34% were married. Up to 16.5% (39/236) had other comorbidities and less than 1% (2/236) were depressed. There was a high level of disclosure of status to either a family member, friend, spouse, or children (94%; 221/236). The prevalence of internalized stigma (4%; 9/236) and depression (2/236; 1%) was low. Only disclosure of HIV status was associated with social support (OR= 4.9, 95% CI 1.1 – 21.3, p-value= 0.038). There was no significant association of age, sex, marital status, education status, religion, other chronic comorbidities, depression, drug fatigue, and stigma with social support. Conclusion We found that good/ moderate social support was associated with disclosure of HIV status. However, the relationship between social support and disclosure of HIV status warrants further exploration using qualitative research methods.
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    Level and Determinants of Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures in the First Stage of the Outbreak in Uganda
    (International journal of environmental research and public health, 2020) Amodan, Bob O.; Bulage, Lilian; Katana, Elizabeth; Ario, Alex R.; Siewe Fodjo, Joseph N.; Colebunders, Robert; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.
    We conducted an online survey in the first two months of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Uganda to assess the level and determinants of adherence to and satisfaction with the COVID-19 preventive measures recommended by the government. We generated Likert scales for adherence and satisfaction outcome variables and measured them with four preventive measures, including handwashing, wearing face masks, physical distancing, and coughing/sneezing hygiene. Of 1726 respondents (mean age: 36 years; range: 12–72), 59% were males, 495 (29%) were adherent to, and 545 (32%) were extremely satisfied with all four preventive measures. Adherence to all four measures was associated with living in Kampala City Centre (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6) and receiving COVID-19 information from health workers (AOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.01–1.5) or village leaders (AOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.02–1.9). Persons who lived with younger siblings had reduced odds of adherence to all four measures (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61–0.93). Extreme satisfaction with all four measures was associated with being female (AOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and health worker (AOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5). Experiencing violence at home (AOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.67) was associated with lower satisfaction. Following reported poor adherence and satisfaction with preventive measures, behavior change programs using health workers should be expanded throughout, with emphasis on men.
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    Risk perception and psychological state of healthcare workers in referral hospitals during the early phase of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Uganda
    (BMC psychology, 2021) Migisha, Richard; Riolexus, Alex A.; Kwesiga, Benon; Bulage, Lilian; Kadobera, Daniel; Kabwama, Steven N.; Katana, Elizabeth; Ndyabakira, Alex; Wadunde, Ignatius; Byaruhanga, Aggrey; Amanya, Geofrey; Harris, Julie R.; Fitzmaurice, Arthur G.
    Safeguarding the psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial to ensuring sustainability and quality of healthcare services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs may be subject to excessive mental stress. We assessed the risk perception and immediate psychological state of HCWs early in the pandemic in referral hospitals involved in the management of COVID-19 patients in Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in five referral hospitals from April 20–May 22, 2020. During this time, we distributed paper-based, self-administered questionnaires to all consenting HCWs on day shifts. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, occupational behaviors, potential perceived risks, and psychological distress. We assessed risk perception towards COVID-19 using 27 concern statements with a four-point Likert scale. We defined psychological distress as a total score > 12 from the 12-item Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We used modified Poisson regression to identify factors associated with psychological distress. Results: Among 335 HCWs who received questionnaires, 328 (98%) responded. Respondents’ mean age was 36 (range 18–59) years; 172 (52%) were male. The median duration of professional experience was eight (range 1–35) years; 208 (63%) worked more than 40 h per week; 116 (35%) were nurses, 52 (14%) doctors, 30 (9%) clinical officers, and 86 (26%) support staff. One hundred and forty-four (44%) had a GHQ-12 score > 12. The most common concerns reported included fear of infection at the workplace (81%), stigma from colleagues (79%), lack of workplace support (63%), and inadequate availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (56%). In multivariable analysis, moderate (adjusted prevalence ratio, [aPR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.0) and high (aPR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.0–7.0) risk perception towards COVID-19 (compared with low-risk perception) were associated with psychological distress. Conclusions: Forty-four percent of HCWs surveyed in hospitals treating COVID-19 patients during the early COVID- 19 epidemic in Uganda reported psychological distress related to fear of infection, stigma, and inadequate PPE. Higher perceived personal risk towards COVID-19 was associated with increased psychological distress. To optimize