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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    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.