Browsing by Author "Mlahagwa, Wendo"
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Item Adolescents’ Sexual Wellbeing in Southwestern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Body Image, Self-Esteem and Gender Equitable Norms(International journal of environmental research and public health, 2018) Kemigisha, Elizabeth; Nyakato, Viola N.; Bruce, Katharine; Ruzaaza, Gad N.; Mlahagwa, Wendo; Ninsiima, Anna B.; Coene, Gily; Leye, Els; Michielsen, KristienMeasures of sexual wellbeing and positive aspects of sexuality in the World Health Organization definition for sexual health are rarely studied and remain poorly understood, especially among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess sexual wellbeing in its broad sense—i.e., body image, self-esteem, and gender equitable norms—and associated factors in young adolescents in Uganda. A cross-sectional survey of adolescents ages 10–14 years in schools was carried out between June and July 2016. Among 1096 adolescents analyzed, the median age was 12 (Inter-Quartile Range (IQR): 11, 13) and 58% were female. Self-esteem and body image scores were high with median 24 (IQR: 22, 26, possible range: 7–28) and median 22 (IQR: 19, 24, possible range: 5–25) respectively. Gender equitable norms mean score was 28.1 (SD 5.2: possible range 11–44). We noted high scores for self-esteem and body image but moderate scores on gender equitable norms. Girls had higher scores compared to boys for all outcomes. A higher age and being sexually active were associated with lower scores on gender equitable norms. Gender equitable norms scores decreased with increasing age of adolescents. Comprehensive and timely sexuality education programs focusing on gender differences and norms are recommended.Item The Contribution of Cultural Institutions in the Social Reintegration of the Formerly Abducted Young Mothers in Post-Conflict Kitgum-Uganda(Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2022) Mlahagwa, Wendo; Kabeba Muriisa, RobertsThe use of children as soldiers has been a feature of armed conflicts worldwide. Formerly abducted young mothers (FAYMs) are part of the child soldiers. They are the girls who were abducted and forcefully conscripted by the Ugandan rebel outfit, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda in the two decade years’ war (1986-2006) against the government of Uganda. The girls were not only forced to marry and bear children to their abductors, but they were also forced to commit atrocities against their own communities. As they return to their communities are being rejected and discriminated against. Studies have shown that there has been less focus on the role of cultural institution in social reintegration of the formerly abducted young mothers (FAYMs). The focus of this article is on the critical significance and potency of those cultural practices. Using phenomenology research design, guided by interpretivism paradigm, we have relied on individual in-depth interviews from the cultural leaders, the narratives from the formerly abducted young mothers (FAYMs) and key informant interviews from social workers and local leaders to obtain data. Findings reveal that ritual cleansing ceremonies are highly regarded in facilitating social reintegration of the FAYMs. Despite the impact of war on operations of the cultural institution, cultural leaders still play a vital role in mediating between the formerly abducted young mothers and their communities to enable peaceful co-existence and social reintegration. The cultural leaders perform ritual cleansing ceremonies that are considered vital for the formerly abducted young mothers’ social reintegrationItem cross-sectional mixed-methods study of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, experiences and access to services among refugee adolescent girls in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Uganda(Reproductive Health, 2019) Ivanova, Olena; Rai, Masna; Mlahagwa, Wendo; Tumuhairwe, Jackline; Bakuli, Abhishek; Nyakato, Viola N.; Kemigisha, ElizabethBackground: Humanitarian crises and migration make girls and women more vulnerable to poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. Nevertheless, there is still a dearth of information on SRH outcomes and access to SRH services among refugee girls and young women in Africa. We conducted a mixed-methods study to assess SRH experiences, knowledge and access to services of refugee girls in the Nakivale settlement, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among 260 adolescent girls 13–19 years old was conducted between March and May 2018. Concurrently, in-depth interviews were conducted among a subset of 28 adolescents. For both methods, information was collected regarding SRH knowledge, experiences and access to services and commodities. The questionnaire was entered directly on the tablets using the Magpi® app. Descriptive statistical analysis and multinomial logistic regression were performed. Qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: A total of 260 participants were interviewed, with a median age of 15.9 years. The majority of girls were born in DR Congo and Burundi. Of the 93% of girls who had experienced menstruation, 43% had ever missed school due to menstruation. Regarding SRH knowledge, a total of 11.7% were not aware of how HIV is prevented, 15.7% did not know any STI and 13.8% were not familiar with any method to prevent pregnancy. A total of 30 girls from 260 were sexually active, of which 11 had experienced forced sexual intercourse. The latter occurred during conflict, in transit or within the camp. A total of 27 of 260 participants had undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). The most preferred sources for SRH information was parents or guardians, although participants expressed that they were afraid or shy to discuss other sexuality topics apart from menstruation with parents. A total of 30% of the female adolescents had ever visited a SRH service centre, mostly to test for HIV and to seek medical aid for menstrual problems. Conclusions: Adolescent refugee girls lack adequate SRH information, experience poor SRH outcomes including school absence due to menstruation, sexual violence and FGM. Comprehensive SRH services including sexuality education, barrier-free access to SRH services and parental involvement are recommendedItem Dynamics of Captivity and Post Captivity Experiences and Implication for Social Reintegration of the Formerly Abducted Young Mothers in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda(Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2022) Mlahagwa, Wendo; Kabeba Muriisa, RobertsUganda’s two decades insurgency (1986-2006) in Northern Uganda between the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and rebels under Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has seen forceful conscription of children in the rebel’s army among whom were girls. The girls were either raped or forced to become wives of LRA rebels and bore children during captivity and later returned to Uganda with these children. During captivity, they were not only forced to commit horrendous acts against their own communities but were also sexually exploited by the rebels and became mothers at a tender age. In this paper these girls are referred to as the formerly abducted young mothers (FAYMs). Upon return, despite many efforts from many actors, their social reintegration is still problematic. In this paper, we examine how captivity and return experiences shaped the FAYMs long term social reintegration in Kitgum district. We have relied on their individual narratives and those of the community members and key informant interviews from local leaders and social workers (Research Note: Please note that all names used to represent respondents are pseudo names). Findings show that exposure to horrific events in captivity, and negative perception by communities to which they returned have had physical, emotional and psychological impacts that impair FAYMs’ association with their communities and their social reintegration.Item Evaluation of a school based comprehensive sexuality education program among very young adolescents in rural Uganda(BMC Public Health, 2019) Kemigisha, Elizabeth; Bruce, Katharine; Ivanova, Olena; Leye, Els; Coene, Gily; Ruzaaza, Gad N.; Ninsiima, Anna B.; Mlahagwa, Wendo; Nyakato, Viola N.; Michielsen, KristienLimited research has been conducted on the effectiveness of sexuality education for very young adolescents (VYAs) ages 10–14 years in Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, evaluations of sexuality education programs often report outcomes of risky sexual practices, yet positive aspects of sexuality are hardly studied and rarely reported. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) intervention for VYAs in Uganda, analyzing both positive and negative outcome indicators. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study, incorporating a cluster randomized trial (NCT03669913) among pupils in 33 randomly selected primary schools in Mbarara district. This was followed by a qualitative evaluation of the intervention in 4 schools that included 14 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions distributed among pupils, teachers and parents. Quantitative data were analyzed using ordered logistic regression to compare differences in the change from baseline to endline between the intervention and control arms. We conducted bivariate analysis and multiple regression analysis controlling for key covariates, including age, gender, school location (rural vs urban), truancy, and orphanhood. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic approach using ATLAS TI. Results: Between July 2016 and August 2017, 1096 pupils were recruited. Outcomes were studied among 380 pupils in the intervention arm and 484 pupils in the control arm. The proportion of pupils who ever had sex increased from 9 to 12.1% in intervention compared to 5.2 to 7.4% in the control group between baseline and endline, however the differences between groups were not statistically significant. We found greater improvements in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among intervention schools (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.66–2.86) and no significant differences in self-esteem, body image or gender equitable norms. Qualitative evidence echoes perceived SRH knowledge acquisition, increased their perception of SRH related risks, and intentions to delay sexual intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.Item A Qualitative Study Exploring Menstruation Experiences and Practices among Adolescent Girls Living in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020) Kemigisha, Elizabeth; Rai, Masna; Mlahagwa, Wendo; Nyakato, Viola N.; Ivanova, OlenaGirls in low- and lower-middle income countries face challenges in menstrual health management (MHM), which impact their health and schooling. This might be exacerbated by refugee conditions. This study aimed at describing menstruation practices and experiences of adolescent girls in Nakivale refugee settlement in Southwestern Uganda. (2) Methods: We conducted a qualitative study from March to May 2018 and we intentionally selected participants to broadly represent di erent age groups and countries of origin. We conducted 28 semistructured interviews and two focus group discussions. Data were transcribed and translated into English. Analysis included data familiarization, manual coding, generation and refining of themes. (3) Results: Main findings included: (a) challenging social context with negative experiences during migration, family separation and scarcity of resources for livelihood within the settlement; (b) unfavorable menstruation experiences, including unpreparedness for menarche and lack of knowledge, limitations in activity and leisure, pain, school absenteeism and psychosocial e ects; (c) menstrual practices, including use of unsuitable alternatives for MHM and poor health-seeking behavior. (4) Conclusions: Amultipronged approach toMHMmanagement is crucial, including comprehensive sexual education, enhancement of parent–adolescent communication, health sector partnership and support from NGOs to meet the tailored needs of adolescent girlsItem Sexual health of very young adolescents in South Western Uganda: a cross-sectional assessment of sexual knowledge and behavior(Reproductive health, 2018) Kemigisha, Elizabeth; Bruce, Katharine; Nyakato, Viola N.; Ruzaaza, Gad N.; Ninsiima, Anna B.; Mlahagwa, Wendo; Leye, Els; Coene, Gily; Michielsen, KristienBackground: In most Sub-Saharan African countries, little is known about young adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Though some efforts have been made to understand and improve SRH of older adolescents, very young adolescents (VYAs) are often overlooked, and little is known about their sexual knowledge and behaviors. The goal of this study was to describe SRH knowledge, information-seeking, and sexual behavior of VYAs in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered in 33 primary schools in June and July of 2016. Trained interviewers administered surveys to adolescents ages 10–14 regarding SRH knowledge, information-seeking, sexual behavior, and relevant covariates. Continuous variables were summarized as means (SD) or medians (IQR) whereas categorical variables were summarized as proportions (percentages). Results: A total of 1096 adolescents were included in this analysis, 81.8% of which were from rural areas, with a median age of 12. Regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) knowledge; 95% knew HIV while 37% knew other STIs apart from HIV. Although 47% knew at least one way in which HIV is acquired only 8% knew at least four ways. Regarding contraceptive knowledge, 56% mentioned at least one modern method of preventing pregnancy (condoms, pills, intrauterine devices, implants, or injections). The majority (85%) of VYAs reported accessing SRH information in the media with 35% reporting accessing media with sexual content while 10% vs 22% consulted their father or mother respectively and 31% a school source. At least 7.6% of VYAs had ever had sexual intercourse, 90% of which were not using any protection. Conclusion: Comprehensive SRH knowledge was low among VYAs in this study. Media remains an important source of information for SRH for this age group though it may be misused as some adolescents reported accessing sexual content that may be inappropriate. A large proportion of sexually active VYAs reported sexual risky behaviors. This study highlights the need for an accurate and more comprehensive SRH education approach for VYAs in Uganda at an opportune age before the majority engage in sexual behavior.