Browsing by Author "Murungi, Tom"

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    Factors associated with utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV-positive women aged 18 to 49 years at Lira regional referral hospital, Northern Uganda
    (BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-02) Layet, Florence; Murungi, Tom; Ashaba, Nasser; Kigongo, Eustes; Opollo, Marc Sam
    Abstract Background Women with HIV have a higher risk of getting cervical cancer due to induced immunosuppression. Though this burden could be avoided through early identification and appropriate management, there is a paucity of information about the utilization of cervical cancer screening (CCS) services in Lira City, Uganda. This study investigated the level and factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIVpositive women aged 18 to 49 years at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira City, Uganda. Methods We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study employing quantitative techniques. We used consecutive sampling to recruit 297 HIV-positive women at the ART clinic of Lira Regional Referral Hospital. A structured researcher-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the data. A modified Poisson regression using robust standard errors was performed to ascertain the factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening. Prevalence ratios at 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results Out of 297 respondents, 175(58.9%) utilized cervical cancer screening in this study. The factors found to be associated with CCS were; having ever heard of CCS (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [PR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.31–2.49, p<0.001), knowing where CCS is done (Adjusted PR 1.99, 95% CI 1.42–2.81, p<0.001), fear of CCS outcomes (Adjusted PR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54–0.84,p<0.001), not knowing whether CCS is beneficial or not (Adjusted PR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20– 0.75,p=0.005) and having friends/relatives who screened for cervical cancer (Adjusted PR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–1.59, p=0.005). Conclusion The level of utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV-positive women was suboptimal. Implementation of structured interventions aimed at improving cervical cancer screening awareness among HIVpositive women is crucial. Additionally, to increase opportunities for screening and knowledge on cervical cancer prevention, screening programs can target HIV-positive women during their routine clinic visits.
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    Factors Associated with Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among the Youth in Lira City West, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (BioMed Research International, 2023) Murungi, Tom; Benyumiza, Deo; Apio, Juliet; Nekesa, Catherine; Nalubuuka, Aisha; Misuk, Ivan; Kumakech, Edward
    The youth in Uganda, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, from human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection, and unsafe abortions to unwanted pregnancies. This study, therefore, assessed the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and associated factors among the youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in January 2023 among 386 young people (15-24 years) in Lira city west division, Lira city. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit our study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. All variables were set by p values less than 0.05 and reported adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. Results. The utilization of SRH services was 42.0% (162/386) among the study participants. Family planning, voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT), and general counseling services were the most utilized SRH services in the past 12 months. Young people who were aware of SRH services (AOR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.74), were aware of a reproductive health facility (AOR, 4.24; 95% CI: 1.62-11.09), discussed SRH issues with peers/friends (AOR, 3.98; 95% CI: 1.53-10.33), had a sexual partner (AOR, 10.00; 95% CI: 4.05-24.69), had sexual intercourse (AOR, 4.59; 95% CI: 2.18-9.69), and had access to SRH services (AOR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.12-6.40) were more likely to utilize SRH services compared to their counterparts. Conclusion. This study showed a low utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Being aware of SRH services, awareness of reproductive health facilities, discussing SRH issues with peers, having sexual intercourse, having a sexual partner, and access to SRH services were independently associated with the utilization of SRH services. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen sustainable multisector approaches aimed at improving awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services among the youth.
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    The role of religious leaders on the use of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies among young people (15–24) in Lira district, Uganda
    (Public Library of Science, 2022-10) Murungi, Tom; Kunihira, Irene; Oyella, Pamela; Mugerwa, Moses; Gift, Peruth; Aceng, Mercy Jane; Abolo, Lydia; Puleh, Sean Steven
    Abstract Background Young people (15-24 years) bear the highest burden of new infections and are particularly vulnerable because of their highly risky behavior such as early sexual activity. There is paucity of information on the role of religious leaders in the multi-sectoral fight against HIV/AIDS. We examined the role of religious leaders in the use of HIV prevention strategies among young people. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 among 422 randomly selected young people in Lira district, Uganda. An interviewer administered a questionnaire to the young people in order to collect quantitative data. A total 20 key informants were purposively sampled and interviews were conducted with religious leaders using a key informant's interview guide. Data was collected on social demographics, HIV prevention messages, and awareness about HIV prevention strategies. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15 using proportions, means, percentages, frequencies, and logistic regression analysis at a 95% level of significance. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and the major themes were generated from the participants' responses. Results About 57.1% (241/422) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of use of HIV prevention strategies among young people was 69.4%. Factors significantly associated with the use of HIV prevention included completing the primary level (aOR 4.95, p< 0.05), completing at least A level (aOR 8.85, p < <0.05), Awareness of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders (aOR 0.02, p<0.001), religious leaders provided targeted HIV prevention messages (aOR 2.53, p<0.01), Advocacy for abstinence outside marriage and fidelity in marriage (aOR 35.6, p<0.01), Religious leaders preaching about HIV prevention (aOR 4.88, p<0.001). Qualitative data indicated that a section of religious leaders recommended abstinence/faithfulness. Condom use was the most discouraged HIV prevention strategy. However, most religious leaders agree with the fact that they have a role to play in HIV prevention, which includes sensitization, teaching and organizing sermons about HIV prevention. Conclusion The use of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders among young people was nearly 70%. This finding indicates that religious leaders have a role to play in HIV/AIDS prevention among young people in the Lira district. This calls for the involvement of religious leaders in HIV prevention programs tailored to prevent new infections of HIV among young people.
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    Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Associated Factors Among the Youth in Lira City West, Northern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study
    (Research Sqaure, 2023) Murungi, Tom; Benyumiza, Deo; Apio, Juliet; Nekesa, Catherine; Misuk, Ivan; Kumakech, Edward
    Background: The youth in Uganda, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, from HIV infection, unsafe abortions to unwanted pregnancy. This study therefore assessed the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and associated factors among the youth in Lira City West, Northern Uganda. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 403 young people (15–24 years) in Lira City West division, Lira City. Multi stage cluster sampling technique was used. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Out of 422 youth, 386 participated obtaining a response rate of 91.5%. Less than half, (42.0%)of the youth in Lira City West had utilized SRH services. Family planning, VCT and general counseling services were the most utilized SRH services in the past 12 months. Predictors for the utilization of SRH services were, awareness on SRH (AOR (95% C.I): 0.24(0.08,0.74), being aware of a reproductive health facility (AOR (95% C.I): 4.24(1.62,11.09), discussion of SRH issues with peers/friends (AOR (95% C.I): 3.98(1.53,10.33), having a sexual partner (AOR (95% C.I): 10.00(4.05,24.69), having sexual intercourse (AOR (95% C.I): 4.59(2.18,9.69), access to SRH services (AOR (95% C.I): 2.68(1.12,6.40). Conclusion: Utilization of SRH services among the youth was low. Therefore, there is need to develop and strengthen sustainable multisector approaches aimed at increasing awareness as well as linking the young people to youth sexual and reproductive health services.