Browsing by Author "Kwagala, Betty"
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Item Birthing choices among the Sabiny of Uganda(Culture, health & sexuality, 2013) Kwagala, BettyThe paper examines maternal health-seeking behaviour among the Sabiny people of Eastern Uganda in relation to health policy ideals. It is based on a study of maternal health conducted between 2011 and 2012. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with mothers, focus group discussions with mothers and fathers and key informant interviews. The paper addresses what factors influence choice of place of delivery among the Sabiny. Findings reveal that the majority of Sabiny women opt for homebirths, with around one quarter delivering at health facilities. Some women would prefer to deliver at a health facility but do not manage to do so. Sabiny cultural beliefs and practices are a key factor influencing choice of place of birth. Comprehension of and accommodation to Sabiny concerns in available maternal health services is limited, highlighting the need to develop cultural competence among health workers and methods of accommodating (health-promoting) local practices. This should be accompanied by improved patient care and a narrowing of the gap between health workers and Sabiny communities by promoting outreach and community-based health interventions. The paper highlights how the implementation of policy might be tailored to specific local contexts.Item Case Study on Anti-retroviral Therapy and Deaf Clients in Taso Mulago Uganda(Retrovirology, 2005) Kwagala, BettyTASO Mulago has started giving Anti-retroviral drugs to Persons with disabilities whose cd4 is bellow 200 since 2004. Un-fortunately in the Department of Medical and Counseling none knows sign language all the information concerning commitments, and Adherence, is given to care takers. A case study was done by the counselor in-charge of Disability affairs to find out if deaf clients are adhering to ARVS.Item Collection and use of human materials during TB clinical research; a review of practices(Research Square, 2021) Sewankambo, Nelson; Kwagala, BettyHuman biological materials are usually stored for possible uses in future research because they preserve valuable biological information, save time and resources which would have been spent on collection of fresh samples and are less burdensome to sample sources. However, use of these materials may pose ethical challenges like disclosure of genetic information about an individual or a community which may lead to dire consequences. Others include, stigma, psychological harm, discrimination or biosecurity implications rendering sample sources vulnerable, lack of control over the materials or associated data, storage, who owns them, how they are used, for what, by whom and how benefits are shared if any. We evaluated how the tuberculosis (TB) clinical research protocols that were used to collect and store biological materials for future use conform to the requirements stated in the Uganda national guidelines for research involving humans as participants. Methods: This was a retrospective review of TB clinical research projects approved by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) from 2011 to 2015, on whether they fulfilled the requirement for ethical collection and use of human materials. Data was abstracted from review of the project protocols and collected using a template developed based on the informed consent and the Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) requirements in the national guidelines. Results: Out of 55 research protocols reviewed most of the protocols, 46 (83.6%), had been used to collect the stored samples (sputum, blood and sometimes urine), 13 (28%) had a section on specimen collection and 24% mentioned ownership of the biological materials.Item Contraceptive Uptake Among Married Women in Uganda: Does Empowerment Matter?(African Population Studies, 2014) Kibira, Simon P. S.; Ndugga, Patricia; Nansubuga, Elizabeth; Sewannonda, Andrew; Kwagala, BettyAlthough contraceptive prevalence increased from 24% to 30% between 2006 and 2011, this uptake is still below global level of 62% and low levels of women empowerment could be a factor. Data was extracted from 2011 UDHS to examine associations between women’s empowerment and contraceptive uptake. We developed four empowerment indices symbolising economic and social empowerment, established associations between them and contraceptive use. Most women (83%) were from the rural areas and 61% were married for 10+ years. Most (59%) scored low on power over earnings and domestic violence indices. All indices independently were positively associated with contraceptive use, but only the reproductive health rights index was significant before (OR 2.13, 95% CI; 1.52-2.98) and after adjusting for background characteristics (AOR 1.72, 95% CI; 1.07-2.73). Empowered women were more likely to use contraceptives. More efforts in sensitisation of women about their sexual and reproductive health rights as well as ensuring more control over their earningsItem Determinants of access to healthcare by older persons in Uganda: a cross-sectional study(International journal for equity in health, 2015) Ojiambo Wandera, Stephen; Kwagala, Betty; Ntozi, JamesOlder persons report poor health status and greater need for healthcare. However, there is limited research on older persons’ healthcare disparities in Uganda. Therefore, this paper aimed at investigating factors associated with older persons’ healthcare access in Uganda, using a nationally representative sample. Methods: We conducted secondary analysis of data from a sample of 1602 older persons who reported being sick in the last 30 days preceding the Uganda National Household Survey. We used frequency distributions for descriptive data analysis and chi-square tests to identify initial associations. We fit generalized linear models (GLM) with the poisson family and the log link function, to obtain incidence risk ratios (RR) of accessing healthcare in the last 30 days, by older persons in Uganda. Results: More than three quarters (76%) of the older persons accessed healthcare in the last 30 days. Access to healthcare in the last 30 days was reduced for older persons from poor households (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99); with some walking difficulty (RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.97); or with a lot of walking difficulty (RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.95). Conversely, accessing healthcare in the last 30 days for older persons increased for those who earned wages (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.15) and missed work due to illness for 1–7 days (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.30); and 8–14 days (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.31). In addition, those who reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, hypertension or diabetes (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.16); were more likely to access healthcare during the last 30 days.Item Determinants of Male Circumcision for HIV/AIDS Prevention in East Central Uganda(African Journal of reproductive health, 2016) Kironde, Brian; Wamala, Robert; Kwagala, BettySafe Male Circumcision (SMC) is one the effective strategies for reducing HIV transmission. The paper examines factors associated with SMC for HIV prevention, based on 4,979 males from East Central Uganda. Data were analysed using chi-squared tests and multinomial logistic regression. Older males aged 31 years and above (p < 0.001), from predominantly non-circumcising districts (Buyende - p < 0.001, Kaliro p < 0.01, and Kamuli - p < 0.01); who had neither used condoms (p = 0.03) nor tested for HIV (p < 0.001) were less likely to circumcise for HIV prevention. Males who were assessed in 2012 (p < 0.001) three years after program implementation were more likely to circumcise for HIV for HIV prevention. Males that did not take measures to prevent HIV infection were less likely to undertake SMC and are therefore highly vulnerable to infection. These (together with older males, and males from non-circumcising districts) should be targeted for promotion of SMC alongside other HIV preventive measures. For better results, the benefits SMC for children as well as adults require emphasis. Wider coverage of SMC services should entail adequate equipping of public and where feasible, private facilities and appropriate training of health personnel countrywide. (Afr J Reprod Health 2016; 20[1]: 80-87).Item Determinants of preference of source of injectable contraceptives among rural women in Uganda: a case study of Depo-Provera.(African Journal of Reproductive Health, 2014-09) Nakayiza, Olivia; Wamala, Robert; Kwagala, BettyUnderstanding preference of source of contraceptive commodities is essential in enhancing the delivery of family planning services. This paper identifies the determinants of preferred source of Depo-Provera among rural women in Uganda. The analysis is based on data sourced from a Save the Children and Family Health International study involving 642 women who were introduced to the contraceptive three years prior to the evaluation. Data were analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Private sources were the most preferred of Depo-Provera as compared to public sources. Preference for private sources was more likely among older women (p < 0.05), those who had never experienced stock-outs of Depo-Provera (p < 0.01), and those who had obtained their last injectable from private sources (p < 0.01). These findings support the strategy of community-based distribution of contraceptives in enhancing access and utilization of family planning services in Uganda.Item Differences in HIV testing and receipt of results between adolescent and non‑adolescent women in Uganda(AIDS Research and Therapy, 2019) Ediru, Stephen; Wamala, Robert; Kwagala, BettyDespite notable increase in HIV testing among Uganda’s women from 25% in 2006 to 71% in 2011, HIV testing among adolescent women remains very low at 45.5%. This study assesses differences in HIV testing and receipt of results (HTR) between adolescent and non-adolescent women in Uganda. The differences were decomposed into components attributed to variation in characteristics and variation in effects of characteristics in the two groups. The assessment was based on data sourced from 2011 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. Statistical analysis was done using a Non-linear Oaxaca’ Blinder Multivariate Decomposition of the logistic regression. In the results, the difference in HIV testing and receipt of result between adolescent and non-adolescent women was significantly (P < 0.05) attributed to both variation in characteristics (57.2%) and variation in the effects of characteristics/coefficients (42.8%). In particular, the gap in HTR was mainly attributed to variation in characteristics such as ever had sex (34.7%) and ever given birth (31.6%) and variation in effects of characteristics such as education level (− 68.8%) and marital status (− 12.6%). Based on the findings of the study, government and other development partners need to scale up HIV testing programs targeting adolescents through tackling stigma, increasing on community outreach services and expanding adolescent friendly HIV services center.Item Empowerment, intimate partner violence and skilled birth attendance among women in rural Uganda(Reproductive health, 2016) Kwagala, Betty; Nankinga, Olivia; Ojiambo Wandera, Stephen; Ndugga, Patricia; Kabagenyi, AllenThere is limited research on how the empowerment of women and intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with skilled birth attendance (SBA) among rural women in Uganda. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate the association between women’s empowerment, their experience of IPV and SBA in rural Uganda. Methods: Using data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), we selected 857 rural women who were in union, had given birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey and were selected for the domestic violence (DV) module. Frequency distributions were used to describe the background characteristics of the women and their partners. Pearson’s chi-squared (χ2) tests were used to investigate the associations between SBA and women’s empowerment; and partners’ and women’s socio-demographic factors including sexual violence. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between SBA and explanatory variables. Results: More than half (55 %) of the women delivered under the supervision of skilled birth attendant. Women’s empowerment with respect to participation in household decision-making, property (land and house) (co)ownership, IPV, and sexual empowerment did not positively predict SBA among rural women in Uganda. Key predictors of SBA were household wealth status, partners’ education, ANC attendance and parity. Conclusions: For enhancement of SBA in rural areas, there is a need to encourage a more comprehensive ANC attendance irrespective of number of children a woman has; and design interventions to enhance household wealth and promote men’s education.Item Empowerment, partner’s behaviours and intimate partner physical violence among married women in Uganda(BMC public health, 2013) Kwagala, Betty; Ojiambo Wandera, Stephen; Ndugga, Patricia; Kabagenyi, AllenThere is dearth of knowledge and research about the role of empowerment, partners’ behaviours and intimate partner physical violence (IPPV) among married women in Uganda. This paper examined the influence of women’s empowerment and partners’ behaviours on IPPV among married women in Uganda. Methods: The 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data were used, selecting a weighted sample of 1,307 women in union considered for the domestic violence module. Cross tabulations (chi-square tests) and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with IPPV. Results: The prevalence of IPPV among women in union in Uganda is still high (41%). Women’s occupation was the only measure of empowerment that was significantly associated with IPPV, where women in professional employment were less likely to experience IPPV. Women from wealthy households were less likely to experience IPPV. IPPV was more likely to be reported by women who had ever had children and witnessed parental IPPV. IPPV was also more likely to be reported by women whose husbands or partners: accused them of unfaithfulness, did not permit them to meet female friends, insisted on knowing their whereabouts and sometimes or often got drunk. Women who were afraid their partners were also more likely to report IPPV.Item Evolution of Research Ethics in a Low Resource Setting: a case of Uganda(Developing world bioethics, 2020) Ochieng, Joseph; Kwagala, Betty; Sewankambo, Nelson; Mwaka, ErisaThe globalization of clinical research in the last two decades has led to a significant increase in the volume of clinical research in developing countries. As of 2016, Uganda was the third largest destination for clinical trials in Africa. This requires adequate capacity and systems to facilitate ethical practice. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving review of laws, guidelines, policies and records from 1896 to date. Results: Modern medicine evolved from 1896 and by the time of Uganda’s independence in 1962, a 1500 bed national referral hospital was in place and a fully-fledged medical school was established at the Makerere University. As the practice of medicine evolved in the country, so did medical research that addressed priority health issues. The growth in modern medicine was not matched with development of research infrastructure and regulatory systems. The first documented regulation of research activities was in 1970 while the first research ethics committee established in 1986 was to facilitate review of research related to the HIV/AIDs pandemic. In 1990 an Act of Parliament was passed to facilitate development and implementation of policies, hence the development of the national guidelines in 1997, training, establishment and accreditation of research ethics committees, conferences and research site monitoring.Item Experiences and practices of key research team members in obtaining informed consent for pharmacogenetic research among people living with HIV: a qualitative study(Research Ethics, 2022) Ochieng, Joseph; Kaawa-Mafigiri, David; Munabi, Ian; Nakigudde, Janet; Nabukenya, Sylvia; Nakwagala, Frederick N.; Barugahare, John; Kwagala, Betty; Ibingira, Charles; Twimwijukye, Adelline; Sewankambo, Nelson; Mwaka Sabakaki, ErisaThis study aimed to explore experiences and practices of key research team members in obtaining informed consent for pharmacogenetics research and to identify the approaches used for enhancing understanding during the consenting process. Data collection involved 15 qualitative, in-depth interviews with key researchers who were involved in obtaining informed consent from HIV infected individuals in Uganda for participation in pharmacogenetic clinical trials. The study explored two prominent themes: approaches used to convey information and enhance research participants’ understanding and challenges faced during the consenting process. Several barriers and facilitators for obtaining consent were identified. Innovative and potentially effective consenting strategies were identified in this study that should be studied and independently verified.Item Facilitators, best practices and barriers to integrating family planning data in Uganda’s health management information system(BMC health services research, 2019) Ojiambo Wandera, Stephen; Kwagala, Betty; Nankinga, Olivia; Ndugga, Patricia; Kabagenyi, Allen; Adamou, Bridgit; Kachero, BenjaminHealth management information systems (HMIS) are instrumental in addressing health delivery problems and strengthening health sectors by generating credible evidence about the health status of clients. There is paucity of studies which have explored possibilities for integrating family planning data from the public and private health sectors in Uganda’s national HMIS. This study sought to investigate the facilitators, best practices and barriers of integrating family planning data into the district and national HMIS in Uganda. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in Kampala, Jinja, and Hoima Districts of Uganda, based on 16 key informant interviews and a multi-stakeholder dialogue workshop with 11 participants. Deductive and inductive thematic methods were used to analyze the data. Results: The technical facilitators of integrating family planning data from public and private facilities in the national and district HMIS were user-friendly software; web-based and integrated reporting; and availability of resources, including computers. Organizational facilitators included prioritizing family planning data; training staff; supportive supervision; and quarterly performance review meetings. Key behavioral facilitators were motivation and competence of staff. Collaborative networks with implementing partners were also found to be essential for improving performance and sustainability. Significant technical barriers included limited supply of computers in lower level health facilities, complex forms, double and therefore tedious entry of data, and web-reporting challenges. Organizational barriers included limited human resources; high levels of staff attrition in private facilities; inadequate training in data collection and use; poor culture of information use; and frequent stock outs of paper-based forms. Behavioral barriers were low use of family planning data for planning purposes by district and health facility staff.Item Factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake in Uganda: a multi-level analysis(BMC Women's Health, 2020) Isabirye, Alone; Mbonye, Martin; Asiimwe, John B.; Kwagala, BettyThe cervical cancer burden in Uganda is high amidst low uptake of HPV vaccination. Identification of individual and community factors associated with HPV vaccination are imperative for directed interventions. Conversely, in most Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) including Uganda this problem has not been sufficiently studied as the influence of individual and contextual determinants remains undetermined in spite of their substantial effect on HPV vaccine uptake. The aim of the study was to identify individual (school attendance status, age of girls, ethnicity, and amount of media exposure) and community (socioeconomic disadvantages) factors associated with HPV vaccination. Methods: Based on a modified conceptual framework for health care utilization, hierarchical modelling was used to study 6093 girls, aged 10–14 years (level 1), nested within 686 communities (level 2) in Uganda by analyzing data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. Results: Majority (78%) of the girls had not been vaccinated. A number of both individual and community factors were significantly associated with HPV vaccination. The Odds of HPV vaccination were higher among girls age; 11, 13, and 14 compared to girls age 10 years, attending school compared to girls not attending school, who were; foreigners, Iteso, Karamajong, Banyoro, Basoga, and other tribe compared to Baganda, living in families with 1–8 members compared to those living in families with 9 or more members and middle social economic status compared to poor wealth quintile.Item Factors associated with older persons’ physical health in rural Uganda(PloS one, 2019) Maniragaba, Fred; Nzabona, Abel; Asiimwe, John B.; Bizimungu, Emmanuel; Mushomi, John; Ntozi, James; Kwagala, BettyThe proportion of older persons in developing countries is increasing with no clear evidence of improvement in physical health. The aim of this paper was to examine the factors associated with older persons’ physical health in rural Uganda. Methods This paper is based on a cross-sectional study of 912 older persons age 60 years and older across four major regions of Uganda. The study was conceptualized basing on World Health Organization quality of life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Analysis was done at three levels, that is, frequency distributions were generated to describe background characteristics of respondents and cross-tabulations were done to determine associations between dependent and each of the independent variables. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of physical health. Results The likelihood of good physical health is high among older persons (Ops) who controlled their household assets (OR = 3.64; CI = 1.81–7.30) or the household assets controlled by their spouses (OR = 4.44; CI = 1.91–10.32) relative to those whose household assets were controlled by their children. There is high likelihood of good physical health among those who engage in physical activities (OR = 2.28; CI = 1.52–3.43) compared to those who do not.Item Factors associated with self-reported ill health among older Ugandans: A cross sectional study(Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 2015) Ojiambo Wandera, Stephen; Golaz, Valerie; Kwagala, Betty; Ntozi, JamesThere is limited research on the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported ill health among older people in Uganda. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this paper was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported ill health and to identify associated risk factors among older people (age 50+) in Uganda. Materials and methods: We conducted secondary analysis of a cross sectional survey data from a weighted sample of 2382 older persons from the 2010 Uganda National Household survey. We used frequency distributions for descriptive statistics, chi-square tests (significance set at 95%) to identify initial associations and multivariable logistic regressions reporting odds ratios to examine observed associations with self-reported ill health. Results: Over half (62%) of the older people reported ill health in the 30 days preceding the survey. Selfreported ill health was positively associated with being a woman, being among the oldest old, living in the eastern region, being a household head, being Catholic, self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and being disabled.Item Feedback of Individual Genetic and Genomics Research Results: A Qualitative Study Involving Grassroots Communities in Uganda(medRxiv, 2022) Ochieng, Joseph; Kwagala, Betty; Barugahre, John; Möller, Marlo; Moodley, KeymanthriGenetics and genomics research (GGR) is associated with several challenges including, but not limited to, implications of sharing research findings with participants and their family members, issues of confidentiality, determining appropriate methods for providing genetic or genomic information to individuals tested, and ownership of DNA obtained from the samples. Additionally, GGR holds significant potential risk for social and psychological harms. A considerable amount of research has been conducted with resultant literature and global debate on return of genetic and genomics testing results, but such investigations are limited in the African setting, including Uganda. The objective of the study was to assess perceptions of grassroots communities on if and how feedback of individual genetics and genomics testing results should be carried out in a Ugandan setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that employed a qualitative exploratory approach. A total of 42 individuals from grassroots communities representing three major ethnic groupings participated in five deliberative focus group discussions. Data were analysed through content analysis along the main themes of the study. NVivo software (QSR international 2020) was used to support data analysis and illustrative quotes were extracted.Item Gender relations, sexual behaviour, and risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections among women in union in Uganda(BMC Public Health, 2016) Nankinga, Olivia; Misinde, Cyprian; Kwagala, BettySexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major reproductive and public health concern, especially in the era of HIV/AIDS. This study examined the relationship between sexual empowerment and STI status of women in union (married or cohabiting) in Uganda, controlling for sexual behaviour, partner factors, and women’s background characteristics. Methods: The study, based on data from the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), analysed 1307 weighted cases of women age 15–49 in union and selected for the domestic violence module. Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the predicators of STI status. The main explanatory variables included sexual empowerment, involvement in decision making on own health, experience of any sexual violence, condom use during last sex with most recent partner, number of lifetime partners and partner control behaviours. Sexual empowerment was measured with three indicators: a woman’s reported ability to refuse sex, ability to ask her partner to use a condom, and opinion regarding whether a woman is justified to refuse sex with her husband if he is unfaithful. Results: Results show that 28 % of women in union reported STIs in the last 12 months. Sexual violence and number of lifetime partners were the strongest predictors of reporting STIs. Women’s sexual empowerment was a significant predictor of their STI status, but, surprisingly, the odds of reporting STIs were greater among women who were sexually empowered. Reporting of STIs was negatively associated with a woman’s participation in decision-making with respect to her own health, and was positively associated with experience of sexual violence, partner’s controlling behaviour, and having more than one life partner. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, with respect to STIs, sexual empowerment as measured in the study does not protect women who have sexually violent and controlling partners. Interventions promoting sexual health must effectively address negative masculine attitudes and roles that perpetuate unhealthy sexual behaviours and gender relations within marriage. It is also important to promote marital fidelity and better communication within union and to encourage women to take charge of their health jointly with their partners.Item “If your mother does not teach you, the world will…”: A qualitative study of parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues in Border districts of eastern Uganda(Research square, 2022) Ndugga, Patricia; Kwagala, Betty; Ojiambo Wandera, Stephen; Kisaakye, Peter; Mbonye, Martin K.; Ngabirano, FredAdolescents (10–19 years) in developing countries experience a host of sexual and reproductive (SRH) challenges, with detrimental SRH and socio-economic consequences. These include early sexual debut, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, unsafe abortions, teenage pregnancy, and early childbearing. Parent-adolescent communication about SRH has significant potential to reduce adolescents’ risky sexual behaviors. However, communication between parents and adolescents is limited. We assessed the facilitators and barriers to parent-adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health in two border districts of Eastern Uganda. Methods A community-based cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in the border districts of Busia and Tororo in Eastern Uganda. Data collection entailed 8 Focus Group Discussions comprising parents, adolescents (10–17 years) and 26 Key Informants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVIVO 12 software. Results Parent-adolescent communication about SRH was not common. Facilitators of parent-adolescent communication were: good parent-child relationship, role of the mother, education level, and exposure of the parent. Parents are, however, limited by sexual and reproductive health-related cultural norms, inadequate capacity for parents to address pertinent SRH issues, busy schedules, poor modeling by parents, and inability to meet children’s /household basic needs. Conclusion Parents’ ability to communicate with their children is hindered by cultural barriers and inadequate knowledge. There is a need to equip parents with adequate information and skills to ease communication. Additionally, parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health should be integrated into parenting interventions so as to improve SRH communication between parents and children.Item “If Your Mother Does Not Teach You, The World Will…”: A Qualitative Study of Parent-Adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues in Border Districts of Eastern Uganda(BMC Public Health, 2023-04-11) Ndugga, Patricia; Kwagala, Betty; Kisaakye, Peter; Ngabirano, FredAdolescents experience a host of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, with detrimental SRH and socio-economic consequences. These include early sexual debut, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and early childbearing. Parent-adolescent communication about SRH has significant potential to reduce adolescents’ risky sexual behaviors. However, communication between parents and adolescents is limited. This study explored the facilitators and barriers to parent-adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health. We conducted a qualitative study in the border districts of Busia and Tororo in Eastern Uganda. Data collection entailed 8 Focus Group Discussions comprising of parents, adolescents (10–17 years), and 25 key informants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVIVO 12 software. Participants acknowledged the key role parents play in communicating SRH matters; however, only a few parents engage in such discussions. Facilitators of parent-adolescent communication were: having a good parent-child relationship which makes parents approachable and motivates children to discuss issues openly, a closer bond between mothers and children which is partly attributed to gender roles and expectations eases communication, and having parents with high education making them more knowledgeable and confident when discussing SRH issues with children. However, the discussions are limited by cultural norms that treat parent-child conversations on SRH as a taboo, parents’ lack of knowledge, and parents busy work schedules made them unavailable to address pertinent SRH issues. Parents’ ability to communicate with their children is hindered by cultural barriers, busy work schedules, and a lack of knowledge. Engaging all stakeholders including parents to deconstruct sociocultural norms around adolescent SRH, developing the capacity of parents to confidently initiate and convey accurate SRH information, initiation of SRH discussions at early ages, and integrating parent-adolescent communication into parenting interventions, are potential strategies to improve SRH communication between parents and adolescents in high-risk settings such as borders.