Browsing by Author "Mugisha, Richard"

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    Factors Influencing the Use of Multiple HIV Prevention Services among Transport Workers in a City in South Western Uganda
    (PLOS Global Public Health, 2023-03-02) Betunga, Benjamin; Atuhaire, Phionah; Mugisha, Richard; Asiimwe , John Baptist
    The use of multiple HIV prevention services has been found to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV when tailored to individuals at risk of HIV exposure, including transport workers. Therefore, we assessed the uptake of multiple HIV prevention services (≥2) and associated factors among transport workers in a city in Southwestern Uganda. This cross-sectional study comprised motorcycle taxi riders, motor vehicle and truck drivers, aged 18 to 55 years who were selected and responded to an interviewer-administered questionnaire, between November 2021 and February 2022. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical and modified Poisson regression analyses. Out of 420 participants, 97.6% were male, with a median age of 28 years and the majority were aged <34 years (84.6%). Overall, less than half (45.3%) of the participants had used multiple (≥2) HIV prevention services within a one-year period. Many participants had used condoms (32.2%) followed by voluntary HIV counseling and testing (27.1%), and safe male circumcision (17.3%). Most participants who tested for HIV had ever used condoms (16.2%), followed by those who received safe male circumcision and had ever used condoms (15%), and those who tested for HIV and had started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (9.1%). In the adjusted model, factors that were significantly associated with the use of multiple HIV prevention services included religion (aPR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05–1.49), the number of concurrent sex partners (aPR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.10–1.61), prior HIV testing and awareness of HIV serostatus (aPR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.43–0.70), awareness of HIV prevention services (aPR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.16–5.38), and financial payment to access HIV services (aPR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.47–3.49). In conclusion, the uptake of multiple HIV prevention services among transport workers remains suboptimal. Additionally, individual behavioral factors influence the use of multiple HIV services compared with other factors. Therefore, differentiated strategies are needed to increase the utilization of HIV prevention services among transport workers.
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    Individual and household risk factors for COVID-19 infection among household members of COVID-19 patients in home-based care in western Uganda, 2020
    (IJID Regions, 2022) Amanya, Geofrey; Elyanu, Peter; Kadobera, Daniel; Riolexus, Alex A.; Harris, Julie R.; Mugisha, Richard
    To investigate factors associated with COVID-19 among household members of patients in home-based care (HBC) in western Uganda. Methods: We conducted a case-control and cohort study. Cases were RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 diagnosed 1-30 November 2020 among persons in HBC in Kasese or Kabarole Districts. We compared 78 case-households (≥1 secondary case) to 59 control-households (no secondary cases). The cohort included all case-household members. Data were captured by in-person questionnaire. We regressed to calculate odds and risk ratios. Results: Case-households were larger than control-households (mean 5.8 vs 4.3 members, p<0.0001). Having ≥1 household member per room (aOR=4.5, 95%CI 2.0-9.9) or symptom development (aOR=2.3, 95%CI 1.1-5.0), interaction (aOR=4.6, 95%CI 1.4-14.7) with primary case-patient increased odds of case-household status. Households assessed for suitability for HBC reduced odds of case-household status (aOR=0.4, 95%CI=0.2-0.8). Interacting with primary case-patient (aRR=1.7, 95%CI 1.1-2.8) increased the risk of individual infection among household members. Conclusion: Household and individual factors influence secondary infection risk in HBC. Decisions about HBC should be made with these in mind