Browsing by Author "Kumakech, Edward"

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    Beliefs, perceptions and health-seeking behaviours in relation to cervical cancer: a qualitative study among women in Uganda following completion of an HPV vaccination campaign
    (Global health action, 2016) Hasahya, Olivia T.; Berggren, Vanja; Sematimba, Douglas; Nabirye, Rose C.; Kumakech, Edward
    Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Despite earlier information campaigns to introduce human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination, which also targeted cervical cancer, misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the subject remain high. Women in Uganda present with cervical cancer at an advanced stage due to poor health-seeking behaviours, with an associated high mortality rate. This project explored beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and health-seeking behaviours in relation to cervical cancer among women in Uganda after an HPV vaccination project had been rolled out. Design: A qualitative study design was used, with six focus group discussions (FGDs) that included 36 women, aged 25 49 years, with no previous history of cervical cancer symptoms or diagnosis. The women were interviewed in February and March 2013. The transcribed data was analysed using content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged: feeling unprotected and unsafe, misbelief and wondering about cervical cancer, and fear of the testing procedure. Participating women had heard of cervical cancer but preferred to wait to access cervical cancer screening until symptom debut. Conclusions: There are still barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in Uganda, where there is a need for culture-specific, sensitive information and interventions to address the issues of improving the cervical cancer screening uptake among these women. Societal context needs to be taken into account when implementing community-based health education.
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    Caregiver’s perspectives on the Central Nervous System infection illness trajectory among older persons with dementia in Northern Uganda—a qualitative community-based study
    (BMC Geriatrics, 2022-10) Benyumiza, Deo; Kumakech, Edward; Jastine, Gutu; Jude, Banihani; Joshua, Mandap; Celestino, Obua; Talib, Zohray M; Wakida, Edith K.; Maling, Samuel
    Abstract Background Few studies have explored the Central Nervous System (CNS) infection illness trajectory among older persons with dementia in sub-Saharan African (SSA) settings. This study explored the Caregiver’s perspectives on the Central Nervous System infection illness trajectory among the older persons with dementia in Northern Uganda. Methods This was a qualitative study conducted in Lira District northern Uganda in March 2022 amongst purposively selected 20 caregivers of the older persons aged 50 + years with a positive history of CNS infection and later life dementia. Data were collected using an in-depth interview guide. Audio recordings and field notes of the interviews were undertaken. The interviews generated data on the CNS infection illness trajectory from onset to the current demented state of the older persons. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim before manual reflective thematic analysis. Results Older persons with a positive history of CNS infection illness and later life dementia in rural northern Uganda presented with symptoms of early life CNS infection illness ranging from neck pain, back pain, chronic headache, and fatigue. There were also manifestations of comorbidities particularly road traffic accidents involving traumatic injury to the head, neck, and spine, high blood pressure, chronic headache, and or their medications in the older person’s trajectory to later life dementia. A plurality of healthcare which included both formal and informal healthcare medicines was sought and utilized for the treatment and care of the CNS infection illness and dementia by the older persons amidst improper diagnosis and mismanagement. Conclusions and recommendations Older persons with early-life CNS infections illness and later-life dementia were reported to present with symptoms including neck pain, back pain, chronic headache, high blood pressure, and fatigue. The reported symptoms of CNS infection illness may be intertwined with co-morbidities particularly traumatic injury involving the head, neck, and spine, high blood pressure, and chronic headache. Healthcare professionals should integrate routine screening of older persons for the history of CNS infections, chronic headache, high blood pressure, trauma to the head, neck, and spine, and dementia and early treatment.
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    Consumer Perspectives on a Pericoital Contraceptive Pill In India and Uganda
    (International perspectives on sexual and reproductive health, 2013) Cover, Jane K.; Drake, Jennifer K.; Kyamwanga, Imelda T.; Turyakira, Eleanor; Dargan, Tanya; Kumakech, Edward; Harner-Jay, Claudia
    Studies suggest that women in some countries have adopted emergency contraceptive pills as a routine method of family planning. This practice indicates there may be latent demand for a pericoital contraceptive pill taken only when a woman has sexual intercourse, and labeled and marketed for use as a regular contraceptive method. METHODS: To understand the appeal and potential market for a pericoital contraceptive pill, 39 focus groups and 23 in-depth interviews were conducted with women and men in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, and Kampala, Uganda. A total of 281 individuals participated in this qualitative study. RESULTS: In general, women embraced the idea of a female-controlled method that would be easier than taking a daily oral contraceptive pill and that could be taken either before or after sexual intercourse; in Uganda, especially, women approved of the fact that the method could be taken without a partner's knowledge. Although we do not yet know the extent of side effects for this method, women expressed some concerns about the level and nature of potential side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a pericoital contraceptive pill would be well-received by consumers in both country settings. If its efficacy and side effects are acceptable, a pericoital contraceptive pill could fill a gap for female-controlled, discreet, coitus-related contraception, particularly among women who do not have sex very frequently.
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    Peer-group support intervention improves the psychosocial well-being of AIDS orphans: Cluster randomized trial
    (Social science & medicine, 2009) Kumakech, Edward; Cantor-Graae, Elizabeth; Maling, Samuel; Bajunirwe, Francis
    Accumulating evidence suggests that AIDS orphanhood status is accompanied by increased levels of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, intense guilt, shame, and anger. However, few studies have examined the possible reduction of psychological distress in AIDS orphans through the help of interventions that promote well-being. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a school-based peer-group support intervention combined with periodic somatic health assessments and treatment on the psychosocial well-being of AIDS orphans in the Mbarara District of southwestern Uganda. In a cluster randomized controlled design, 326 AIDS orphans aged 10–15 years were assigned to either peer-group support intervention combined with monthly somatic healthcare (n = 159) or control group (n = 167) for follow-up assessment. Baseline and 10 week follow-up psychological assessments were conducted in both groups using self-administered Beck Youth Inventories. Complete data were available for 298 orphans. After adjusting for baseline scores, follow-up scores for the intervention group in comparison with controls showed significant improvement in depression, anger, and anxiety but not for self-concept. This study demonstrated that peer-group support intervention decreased psychological distress, particularly symptoms of depression, anxiety and anger. Thus, the use of peer-group support interventions should be incorporated into existing school health programs.
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    Uptake of Integrated Community Case Management and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years in Apac District, Northern Uganda
    (Current Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, 2023) Job, Eluk; Omech, Bernard; Akello, Anne Ruth; Abeja, Christine Joy; Kambugu Nabasirye, Caroline; Auma, Anna Grace; Kumakech, Edward
    Globally, child mortality remains a public health concern with 38 deaths per 1000 live births and accounting for 5.2 million deaths in children under 5 years, with Sub-Saharan Africa region having the highest figure of 76 deaths per 1,000 live births that is equivalent to one child in 13 dying before reaching age five in 2019. In Uganda, the child mortality rate has reduced gradually from 191 deaths per 1000 live births to 45.8 deaths per 1000 live births in 2019. Objective: To determine the Uptake of integrated community case management of childhood illnesses and associated factors among caregivers of children under five years in Apac district. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using quantitative methods, 403 family caregivers of children under five in Apac District. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on Uptake, associated factors, and perceptions of caregivers towards ICCM services. Data was analyzed using STATA version 15.1. Results: The majority of the caregivers were female 337 (83.6%), with a mean age of 27.7 years and standard deviation of 6.64 years, attained primary education, 253(62.8%), Christians, 393 (97.5%), and married 346 (85.9%) were married. The level of Uptake of ICCM services was 38.7% (156/403). Results of the study indicate that the child’s illness (p=0.01, AOR=3.5(2.1-7.2), knowledge of ICCM (P<0.01, AOR12.1 (1.7-87), timely services (p<0.001, AOR (12.7(3.4-47), and referral by VHT (P<0.01, AOR 4.0(1.4-11.0). were statistically significant. Conclusion: The Uptake level of ICCM services provided by the VHTs was low, though caregivers had a good perception of ICCM services and child referral to health facilities by VHT. To improve Uptake of ICCM services, there is a need to provide more information regarding ICCM within the community.