Browsing by Author "Kawuki, Joseph"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Determinants of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and their association with childhood illnesses among 0-23 months old in Rwanda: A nationwide study
    (Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2023-02) Kawuki, Joseph; Nuwabaine, Lilian; Amwiine, Earnest; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Nakalega, Annet Patience
    Optimal Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices such as exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding are essential for childhood development, and prevention of nutritional deficiency disorders and infectious diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of IYCF practices with common childhood illnesses like diarrhea, cough, and fever, and the determinants of IYCF practices. Secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, 2020 of 3,142 participants was used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select the participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to explore the determinants of Infant and young child feeding practices and their association with common childhood illnesses, using SPSS (version 25). Of the 3,142 women with children below 24 months, 781 and 2,360 had children below 6 months and 6-23 months respectively. Among the 781 children below 6 months, 80.9% (95%CI: 78.2-83.7) were exclusively breastfed, and 7%, 24%, and 14% had suffered from diarrhea, cough, and fever in the last two weeks, respectively. Of the 2,360 children aged 6-23 months, 97.9% (95%CI: 97.3-98.5) were on complementary feeding, and 24%, 35%, and 26% had suffered from diarrhea, cough, and fever, in the last two weeks respectively. Compared to exclusively breastfed children, those not on exclusive breastfeeding had higher odds of suffering from diarrhea (AOR=4.19, 95%CI: 3.01-5.83), cough (AOR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.33-2.00) and fever (AOR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.55-2.58). However, children not on complementary feeding had less odds of suffering from diarrhea (AOR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.17-0.33), cough (AOR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.50-0.74), and fever (AOR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.39-0.64). Women with no health insurance, no media access, residing in the western, and southern regions of Rwanda had higher odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding compared to their respective counterparts. Older age, primary education, and being in the richest wealth quintile were associated with higher odds of practicing complementary breastfeeding. The study highlighted a significant association between IYCF practices and childhood illnesses. More efforts are needed to improve and promote IYCF practices, as this could also be a vital strategy in the prevention of childhood illnesses. IYCF promotion strategies should focus on the younger, less educated, and poor women residing in urban areas.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Rwanda: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
    (tudent’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2022-11-22) Nuwabaine, Lilian; Kawuki, Joseph; Namulema, Angella; Asiimwe, John Baptist; Donkor, Elorm
    Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing during pregnancy is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, thus aiding in prompt treatment, care, and support. However, HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda has been barely explored. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. Secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey comprising 870 pregnant women were used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the factors associated with HIV testing, using SPSS (version 25). Of the 870 pregnant women, 94.0% (95% CI: 92.3-95.4) had tested for HIV during their current pregnancy. Younger age (AOR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.54-4.42), not working (AOR=4.29, 95%CI: 1.52-12.08), large household size (AOR=2.96, 95%CI: 1.01-8.61), multiple sex partners (AOR=4.16, 95%CI: 3.01-5.74), as well as secondary (AOR=8.07, 95%CI: 2.15-11.43), primary (AOR=5.53, 95%CI: 1.28-9.74) and no (AOR=6.07, 95%CI: 1.21-10.44)education were positively associated with HIV testing. However, being unmarried (AOR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.19-0.86), belonging to the western region (AOR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.63-0.66), having not visited a health facility (AOR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.10-0.48), and not having comprehensive HIV knowledge (AOR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.30-0.55) were negatively associated with HIV testing. A high proportion of pregnant women had tested for HIV. However, there is a need for improved access to HIV education and testing facilities to address regional imbalances. The need for consideration of occupation, family and household dynamics in HIV testing promotion strategies is also highlighted.