Browsing by Author "Kimbugwe, Geofrey"

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    COVID-19 vaccination status and associated factors among patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms in Uganda
    (Vaccine, 2025) Kusemererwa, Sylvia; Ankunda, Violet; Ongaria, Terry A.; Abaasa, Andrew; Kakande, Ayoub; Ssemwanga, Deogratius; Kimbugwe, Geofrey; Nayiga, Bernadette; Bosa, Henry K.; Driwale, Alfred; Yonas, T. Woldemariam; Kisakye, Annet; James, Humphreys; Archibald, K. Worwui; Sandra, Cohuet; Mwenda, Jason M.; Alison, M. Elliott; Kaleebu, Pontiano; Ruzagira, Eugene
    The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants threatens the effectiveness of global vaccination campaigns. This study examines the vaccination status and associated factors among patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms at 19 healthcare facilities in Uganda. Materials and methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data collected at health facilities to evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Uganda from March 2023 to March 2024. Participants were individuals aged 12 years and older with COVID-19-like symptoms who underwent a SARS-CoV-2 qPCR test within 10 days of symptom onset. The study involved obtaining informed consent, collecting medical and vaccination histories (confirmed using vaccination cards and Ministry of Health COVID-19 database), performing physical examinations, administering a questionnaire, and taking oral/nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 qPCR testing. Vaccination coverage was defined as receiving at least one vaccine dose. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with vaccination status. Results Among 1398 participants enrolled (55.4 % female), the median age was 30.0 years (IQR: 24.0–41.0). Vaccination coverage, was 66.6 %. Residing in Wakiso district compared to the Capital, Kampala was associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.0–1.8, p = 0.021). Frontline and healthcare workers were more likely to be vaccinated (aOR = 5.0, 95 % CI: 3.6–7.3, p < 0.001), as were individuals with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis (aOR = 2.4, 95 % CI: 1.6–3.9, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our results underscore the need for targeted public health messaging and support to promote vaccination, especially among non-healthcare workers. Addressing these gaps is crucial for maintaining high vaccination coverage and mitigating the impact of new SARS-CoV-2 variants on the population.
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    High uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in urban Uganda
    (Public Library of Science, 2024-04) Kyakuwa, Nasimu; Kimbugwe, Geofrey; Nakanjako, Flavia; Kalute, Hamza; Mpooya, Simon; Atuhairwe, Christine; Perez, Laurent; Kikaire, Bernard
    The aim of the study was to describe the facilitators, barriers to and level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities in an urban setting in Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCWs in private and public health facilities in Entebbe municipality between July 2021 and August 2021. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that was shared, via an online link, to consented participants. Uptake of the vaccines among healthcare workers was analysed as proportions, and logistic regression was used to analyse barriers and facilitators to uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. The study enrolled 360 participants, with 61.7% (n = 222) females. A total of 236 (65.6%) healthcare workers had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with higher uptake among females 64% (n = 151). Age above 40 years (OR 2.16), working in a government healthcare facility (OR 3.12), participating in COVID-19 vaccine related activities (OR 4.62), and having tested for SARS-COV-2 (OR 3.05) increased the odds of having been vaccinated. Working in small roadside clinics reduced the odds of being vaccinated by almost 70%, while HCWs in government health services were 3.1 times more likely to have been vaccinated. History of having cared for a COVID-19 patient and having a positive SARS-COV-2 test result did not influence the uptake of the vaccines in the study population. Vaccine uptake among HCWs was close to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended uptake of 70% by mid-2022.