Browsing by Author "Odiit, Mary"

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    Evaluating the glycemic effects of Dolutegravir and its predictors among people living with HIV in Uganda: A prospective cohort study.
    (Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024-10) Ankunda, Collins; Agolor, Curthbert; Karamagi, Yvonne; Nakubulwa, Susan; Namasambi, Sharon; Kasamba, Ivan; Christopher, Semei Mukama; Kukundakwe, Patience; Odiit, Mary; Mubangizi, Ivan; Emunyu, Jude; Kesi, Diana Nakitto; Nambasa, Victoria; Ndagije, Helen Byomire; Mukasa, Barbara
    Abstract Introduction Dolutegravir (DTG), a key component of the recommended HIV treatment regimens in Uganda, has been associated with hyperglycemia. We evaluated its influence on hyperglycemia risk to create a hyperglycemia risk stratification tool for patient monitoring. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study at three sites with 628 HIV patients on Tenofovir Disoproxyl Fumarate, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir (TLD). Participants included both Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-experienced (exposed) and ART-naïve (non-exposed) groups. Follow-ups occurred every six months with Random Blood Sugar(RBS)every three months. Participants with RBS ≥ 7 mmol/L were classified as hyperglycemic and underwent HbA1c testing, confirming diabetes with a 6.5% cut-off. Results The study found a hyperglycemia incidence rate of 24.5 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 19.3-31.1) and a diabetes incidence rate of 5.8 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.6-9.3). Hyperglycemia incidence was slightly lower in non-exposed (20.8 cases per 100 person-years) vs. exposed groups (25.2 cases per 100 person-years). Multivariable analysis indicated a trend towards lower hyperglycemia risk in non-exposed (adjusted HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.37-1.66, p = 0.52) and substantially lower diabetes incidence (adjusted HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.04-2.82, p = 0.32). Significant factors for hyperglycemia included age (p < 0.001), study site (p < 0.001), and DTG-based ART duration (p = 0.02). Conclusion Our study showed an increased incidence of hyperglycemia with age, study site, and duration of DTG exposure in HIV patients on TLD. We suggest integrated screening and care for hyperglycemia and diabetes in HIV services, especially when initiating DTG regimens.
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    Motivations and barriers to cervical cancer screening among HIV infected women in HIV care: a qualitative study
    (BMC women's health, 2015) Bukirwa, Agnes; Mutyoba, Joan N.; Mukasa, Barbara N.; Karamagi, Yvonne; Odiit, Mary; Kawuma, Esther; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.
    Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer in women worldwide and the commonest cancer among women in Uganda. Annual cervical screening is recommended for women living with HIV for early detection of abnormal cervical changes, however uptake remains grossly limited. This study assessed factors associated with cervical screening uptake among HIV infected women at Mildmay Uganda where cervical screening using Visual inspection with acetic acid and iodine (VIA and VILI) was integrated into HIV care since July 2009. Methods: Eighteen (18) in-depth interviews with HIV infected women and 6 key informant interviews with health care providers were conducted in April 2013 to assess client, health care provider and facility-related factors that affect cervical screening uptake. In-depth interview respondents included six HIV infected women in each of the following categories; women who had never screened, those who had screened once and missed follow-up annual screening, and those who had fully adhered to the annual screening schedule. Data was analyzed using content analysis method. Results: Motivations for cervical cancer screening included the need for comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of all ailments to ensure good health, fear of consequences of cervical cancer, suspicion of being at risk and the desire to maintain a good relationship with health care workers. The following factors negatively impacted on uptake of cervical screening: Myths and misconceptions such as the belief that a woman’s ovaries and uterus could be removed during screening, fear of pain associated with cervical screening, fear of undressing and the need for women to preserve their privacy, low perceived cervical cancer risk, shortage of health workers to routinely provide cervical cancer education and screening, and competing priorities for both provider and patient time. Major barriers to repeat screening included limited knowledge and appreciation of the need for repeat screening, and lack of reminders. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for client-centered counseling and support to overcome fears and misconceptions, and to innovatively address the human resource barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening among HIV infected women.
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    Predictors of Access To Sexual And Reproductive Health Services By Urban Refugees In Kampala City, Uganda
    (Research Square, 2021) Mukama, Semei Christopher; Nakubulwa, Susan; Nyirabega, Esperance; Mugabe, Pallen; Odiit, Mary; Snelgrove-Clarke, Erna; Noni, MacDonald; Bortolussi, Robert; Baluku, Joseph; Graham, Janice; Mukasa, Barbara
    The influx of over 1.3 million refugees in Uganda, with over 10% settling in the capital city Kampala, challenges the ability of urban refugees to access Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) and family planning (FP) amidst the multiple uncertainties of a precarious everyday life. Utilization of SRH services remains low among urban refugees despite the fact that these services are essential to those of reproductive age and vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies and its consequences and contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Mildmay Uganda conducted a multimethod outreach program to establish the predictors of access to SRH services by urban refugees in Kampala city. This paper reports on social demographic characteristics that influenced the uptake of SRH services by urban refugees. Methods: A participatory, gender based, community-led, empowerment approach known as Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS) was employed to deliver SRH including family planning services to urban refugees in Kampala between March 2018 and September 2019. Urban refugees enrolled in GALS were interviewed at the beginning and end of the GALS intervention, where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine social demographic factors influencing the uptake of SRH services by urban refugees. Results: The study enrolled 867 participants, with 605 remaining to the end. Median age was 29 (IQR:22- 36) years with a standard deviation of 10.7, 52% of the participants had never married. Retention in the study of the sexually active age cohort of primary interest (15 -34) was higher than the 35-54 cohort for both men and women. There were significant associations between SRH use and age, religion and education level among the urban refugees. Pentecostal religion (Adjusted OR 7.9; 3.5-18) and education level of primary (Adjusted OR 3.4; 1.1-11) were associated with uptake of SRH and FP. Conclusion: The participatory, peer-led community approach to delivering SRH services to urban refugees in this research project boosted uptake by the refugees and supported its successful completion and ability to address previously unknown predictors. A continuous awareness campaign using tested models such as GALS to promote services to refugees is needed to successfully integrate newcomers into Uganda’s general healthcare services.