Browsing by Author "Okalo, Ponsiano"

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    An Analysis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Quality of Life Among Adults Living with HIV in Western Uganda
    (Dove, 2024-03) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Musinguzi, Marvin; Acup, Walter; Ruth Akello, Anne; Okalo, Ponsiano; Nabaziwa, Jannat; Mwirotsi Shikanga, Enos; Halima, Namata
    Amir Kabunga,1 Eustes Kigongo,2 Samson Udho,3 Anna Grace Auma,3 Raymond Tumwesigye,3 Marvin Musinguzi,4 Walter Acup,4 Anne Ruth Akello,2 Ponsiano Okalo,1 Jannat Nabaziwa,4 Enos Mwirotsi Shikanga,5 Namata Halima6 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 2Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 3Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 4Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 5Department of Education Psychology, Moi University, Eldoret City, Kenya; 6Department of Mental Health, Makerere University, Kampala City, UgandaCorrespondence: Amir Kabunga, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, P.O Box 1035, Lira City, Uganda, Tel +256777929576, Email akabunga@lirauni.ac.ugBackground: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health issue, profoundly impacting infected individuals. Living with HIV involves complex mental health dynamics, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being a prevalent challenge. This study aims to examine the correlation between PTSD and quality of life among HIV-positive individuals in western Uganda.Material and Methods: Conducted between May and July 2023, this facility-based cross-sectional study surveyed 439 participants from four HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires, analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression (p< 0.05).Results: Respondents had a mean age of 40.6 years, with 68.3% female, 54.9% married, and 55.1% lacking formal education. The reported PTSD prevalence among HIV-positive individuals was 33.7%, significantly correlating with reduced overall quality of life (β = − 4.52; p< 0.001). The social quality of life had the highest mean score of 14.24 (± 3.45) while the environmental quality of life had the lowest mean score 11.89 (± 2.68).Conclusion: Our study reveals a concerning prevalence of PTSD, affecting 1 in 3 individuals, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive mental health support within HIV care settings. We observed a significant negative impact of PTSD on overall quality of life, particularly in physical and social aspects. Integrating mental health screening into routine HIV care is crucial, using validated tools like the PSTD Checklist Civilian Version, alongside training for healthcare providers to recognize PTSD symptoms in the context of HIV diagnosis and treatment.Keywords: HIV, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, quality of life
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    Qualitative study on stigma as a barrier to emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda
    (British Medical Journal Publishing Group, 2024-02) Kabunga, Amir; Kigongo, Eustes; Acanga, Alfred; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Auma, Anna Grace; Musinguzi, Marvin; Kambugu, Caroline Nabasirye; Okalo, Ponsiano; Abal, Judith Akello; Namata, Halimah; Mwesigwa, David
    OBJECTIVEThe aim of the current study was twofold: to understand the nature and extent of stigma and to learn the reasons behind the decision not to use emergency contraceptive pills among university students in the Lango subregion of Uganda.DESIGNAn exploratory qualitative study design.SETTINGThe study was carried out among university students in Lango subregion of Uganda.PARTICIPANTS40 female university students across four universities.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESStigma.RESULTSParticipants (n=40) aged 19-26 exhibited generally positive attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills, recognising them as empowering and essential. Stigma, however, emerged as a substantial barrier manifested in societal judgements and negative perceptions. Themes included the positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills, perceptions of peers and the general public, and perceptions of health service providers. CONCLUSION Stigma significantly impedes emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda. Positive attitudes towards the pills contrast with societal judgements and provider stigmatisation. Tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps, societal perceptions and healthcare system challenges are crucial for improving emergency contraceptive pill acceptability and utilisation among university students.