NRU :: Browsing by Author "Sekandi, Juliet N."

Browsing by Author "Sekandi, Juliet N."

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The conduct of maternal and perinatal death reviews in Oyam District, Uganda: a descriptive cross-sectional study
(BMC women's health, 2016) Agaro, Caroline; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Waiswa, Peter; Sekandi, Juliet N.; Tusiime, Suzan; Anguzu, Ronald; Kiracho, Elizabeth Ekirapa
Uganda like many developing countries still experiences high levels of maternal and perinatal deaths despite a decade of maternal and perinatal death review (MPDR) program. Oyam district has been implementing MPDR since 2008 with varying successes among the health facilities. This paper presents the factors that influence the conduct of maternal and perinatal death reviews in Oyam District, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 66 health workers and ten key informants (KIs) to assess the factors influencing the conduct of MPDR. Univariate and Bivariate analysis of quantitative data was done using SPSS version 17.0. A Pearson Chi-Square test was done to determine factors associated with conduct of MPDR. Factors with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Only 34.8 % of the health workers had ever participated in MPDR. The factors that influenced conduct of MPDR were existence of MPDR committees (p < 0.001), attendance of review meetings (p < 0.001) and knowledge of objectives of MPDR (p < 0.001), implementation of MPDR recommendations (p < 0.001), observed improvement in maternal and newborn care (p < 0.001) and provision of feedback (p < 0.001). Hindrance to conduct of MPDR was obtained from KIs: the health workers were not made aware of the MPDR process, committee formation and training of MPDR committee members was not effectively done, inadequate support supervision, and lack of financial motivation of MPDR committee members. Challenges to MPDR included: heavy workload to health workers, high number of perinatal deaths, and non-implementation of recommendations. The proportion of maternal and perinatal death reviews conducted in Oyam was low. This was due to poor initiation of the review process and a lack of support supervision. The district and Ministry of Health needs to put more emphasis on monitoring the conduct of maternal and perinatal death reviews by: forming and training MPDR committees and ensuring they are financially supported, providing overall coordination, and ensuring effective support supervision.
Defining an intermediate category of tuberculin skin test: A mixture model analysis of two high-risk populations from Kampala, Uganda
(Creative Commons Attribution License, 2021) Woldu, Henok G.; Zalwango, Sarah; Martinez, Leonardo; Castellanos, Maria Eugenia; Kakaire, Robert; Sekandi, Juliet N.; Kiwanuka, Noah; Whalen, Christopher C.
One principle of tuberculosis control is to prevent the development of tuberculosis disease by treating individuals with latent tuberculosis infection. The diagnosis of latent infection using the tuberculin skin test is not straightforward because of concerns about immunologic cross reactivity with the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine and environmental mycobacteria. To parse the effects of BCG vaccine and environmental mycobacteria on the tuberculin skin test, we estimated the frequency distribution of skin test results in two divisions of Kampala, Uganda, ten years apart. We then used mixture models to estimate parameters for underlying distributions and defined clinically meaningful criteria for latent infection, including an indeterminate category. Using percentiles of two underlying normal distributions, we defined two skin test readings to demarcate three ranges. Values of 10 mm or greater contained 90% of individuals with latent infection; values less than 7.2 mm contained 80% of individuals without infection. Contacts with values between 7.2 and 10 mm fell into an indeterminate zone where it was not possible to assign infection. We conclude that systematic tuberculin skin test surveys within populations at risk, combined with mixture model analysis, may be a reproducible, evidence-based approach to define meaningful criteria for latent tuberculosis infection.
Excess Risk of Tuberculosis Infection Among Extra-household Contacts of Tuberculosis Cases in an African City
(Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2021) Kakaire, Robert; Kiwanuka, Noah; Zalwango, Sarah; Sekandi, Juliet N.; Quach, Trang Ho Thu; Castellanos, Maria Eugenia; Quinn, Frederick; Whalen, Christopher C.
Although households of tuberculosis (TB) cases represent a setting for intense transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, household exposure accounts for <20% of transmission within a community. The aim of this study was to estimate excess risk of M. tuberculosis infection among household and extra-household contacts of index cases. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study in Kampala, Uganda, to delineate social networks of TB cases and matched controls without TB. We estimated the age-stratified prevalence difference of TB infection between case and control networks, partitioned as household and extra-household contacts. Results. We enrolled 123 index cases, 124 index controls, and 2415 first-degree network contacts. The prevalence of infection was highest among household contacts of cases (61.5%), lowest among household contacts of controls (25.2%), and intermediary among extra-household TB contacts (44.9%) and extra-household control contacts (41.2%). The age-adjusted prevalence difference between extra-household contacts of cases and their controls was 5.4%. The prevalence of infection was similar among the majority of extra-household case contacts and corresponding controls (47%). Conclusions. Most first-degree social network members of TB cases do not have adequate contact with the index case to experience additional risk for infection, but appear instead to acquire infection through unrecognized exposures with infectious cases in the community.
Four Degrees of Separation: Social Contacts and Health Providers Influence the Steps to Final Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis Patients in Urban Uganda
(BMC infectious diseases, 2015) Sekandi, Juliet N.; Zalwango, Sarah; Martinez, Leonardo; Handel, Andreas; Kakaire, Robert; Nkwata, Allan K.; Ezeamama, Amara E.; Kiwanuka, Noah; Whalen, Christopher C.
Delay in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis adversely affects patients’ outcomes and prolongs transmission in the community. The influence of social contacts on steps taken by active pulmonary TB patients to seek a diagnosis has not been well examined. Methods: A retrospective study design was use to enroll TB patients on treatment for 3 months or less and aged ≥18 years from 3 public clinics in Kampala, Uganda, from March to July 2014. Social network analysis was used to collect information about social contacts and health providers visited by patients to measure the number of steps and time between onset of symptoms and final diagnosis of TB. Results: Of 294 TB patients, 58 % were male and median age was 30 (IQR: 24–38) years. The median number of steps was 4 (IQR: 3, 7) corresponding to 70 (IQR: 28,140) days to diagnosis. New patients had more steps and time to diagnosis compared retreatment patients (5 vs. 3, P < 0.0001; 84 vs. 46 days P < 0.0001). Fifty-eight percent of patients first contacted persons in their social network. The first step to initiate seeking care accounted for 41 % of the patients’ time to diagnosis while visits to non-TB providers and TB providers (without a TB diagnosis) accounted for 34 % and 11 % respectively. New TB patients vs. retreatment (HR: 0.66, 95 % CI; 1.11, 1.99), those who first contacted a non-TB health provider vs. contacting social network (HR: 0.72 95 % CI; 0.55, 0.95) and HIV seronegative vs. seropositive patients (HR: 0.70, 95 % CI; 0.53, 0.92) had a significantly lower likelihood of a timely final diagnosis. Conclusions: There were four degrees of separation between the onset of symptoms in a TB patient and a final diagnosis. Both social and provider networks of patients influenced the diagnostic pathways. Most delays occurred in the first step which represents decisions to seek help, and through interactions with non-TB health providers. TB control programs should strengthen education and active screening in the community and in health care settings to ensure timely diagnosis of TB.
High parity predicts use of long-acting reversible contraceptives in the extended postpartum period among women in rural Uganda
(Contraception and reproductive medicine, 2018) Anguzu, Ronald; Sempeera, Hassard; Sekandi, Juliet N.
The use of implants and Intra-uterine devices (IUD) during the post-partum period is very low in Uganda especially in rural settings. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are known to be the most cost-effective for prevention of unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortions. This study aimed at determining the factors associated with long-acting reversible contraceptive use among women in the extended postpartum period in rural Uganda. We conducted a household-based, cross-sectional study among 400 women in two rural communities in Mityana district, central Uganda. Eligible women were aged 15 to 45 years who had childbirth within 12 months of study enrollment in September 2014. The outcome variable was self-reported use of a LARC method, either IUD or implants in the extended postpartum period. The main independent variables were previous childbirths (parity), fertility desire, willingness to use modern contraception, duration of postpartum period and previous pregnancies (gravidity). A logistic regression model was run in STATA v12.0 to compute adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for factors that predicted LARC use statistically significant at p < 0.05. Four hundred respondents had a mean age of 27 years (SD = 12) and only 8.5% reported using a LARC method. Use of IUD and implant was 1.8% and 10.4% respectively. Most women using LARC (44.1%) had five or more childbirths (p = 0.01), 70.8% of non-LARC users were willing to use modern contraceptives (p = 0.07) and 2.5% ever had an induced abortion. Having five or more childbirths was independently associated with LARC use in the extended postpartum period (AOR = 4.07, 95%CI 1.08–15.4). Willingness to use modern contraception, desire for more children and postpartum duration had no significant association with LARC use in the extended postpartum period. This study revealed low use of LARC within twelve months of child birth despite women’s willingness to use them. High parity (≥5 childbirths) predicted LARC use. The next logical step is to identify barriers to using LARC in the extended postpartum period and design appropriate interventions to increase access and use especially in multi-parous women.
Infectiousness of HIV-Seropositive Patients with Tuberculosis in a High-Burden African Setting
(PloS one, 2016) Martinez, Leonardo; Sekandi, Juliet N.; Castellanos, Maria E.; Zalwango, Sarah; Whalen, Christopher C.
Policy recommendations on contact investigation of HIV-seropositive patients with tuberculosis have changed several times. Current epidemiologic evidence informing these recommendations is considered low quality, and few large studies investigating the infectiousness of HIV-seropositive and -seronegative index cases have been performed in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: We assessed the infectiousness of HIV-seropositive and -seronegative patients with tuberculosis to their household contacts and examined potential modifiers of this relationship. Methods: Adults suffering from their first episode of pulmonary tuberculosis were identified in Kampala, Uganda. Field workers visited index households and enrolled consenting household contacts. Latent tuberculosis infection was measured through tuberculin skin testing, and relative risks were calculated using modified Poisson regression models. Standard assessments of interaction between latent tuberculosis infection, the HIV serostatus of index cases, and other variables were performed.
Knowledge and attitudes towards use of long acting reversible contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Lubaga division, Kampala district, Uganda
(BMC research notes, 2014) Anguzu, Ronald; Tweheyo, Raymond; Sekandi, Juliet N.; Zalwango, Vivian; Muhumuza, Christine; Tusiime, Suzan; Serwadda, David
Uganda has one of the highest total fertility rates globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her high fertility is mainly attributed to the high unmet need for family planning. Use of Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) is low (13%) in Uganda yet they are the most cost-effective contraceptives. This study aimed to assess the reproductive aged women’s knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with use of LARC. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 565 women (15–49 years) attending private and public health facilities in Lubaga division, Kampala district. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to measure knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with use of LARC; Intra-Uterine Devices, Implants and Injectables. The outcome variable was current use of LARC. A generalized linear regression model was run in STATA version12.0. Prevalence Risk Ratios for associations between current LARC use and independent factors were obtained and regarded significant at 95% CI with p < 0.05. Mean age (SD) and current use of LARC was 26.34 (5.35) and 31.7% respectively. Factors associated with current use of LARC were; previous use adj.PRR 2.89; (95% CI 2.29, 3.81), knowledge of implant administration site adj.PRR 1.83; (95% CI 1.17, 2.87), and perception that; male partner decisions positively influence their contraceptive choices adj.PRR 1.49; (95% CI 1.18, 1.88). Contrary, perception that LARC should be used by married women was negatively associated with use of LARC adj.PRR 0.63; (95% CI 0.44, 0.90). Knowledge about site of administration, previous use of LARC and women’s attitude that male partners’ choice influence their contraceptive decisions were positively associated with current use of LARC. Contrary, the attitude that LARC was for married women was negatively associated with its use. This study suggests a need to strengthen client education about LARC to dispel possible myths and to consider integrating male partner’s decision making in contraceptive choices for women.
Male partner attendance of skilled antenatal care in peri-urban Gulu district, Northern Uganda
(BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2010) Tweheyo, Raymond; Konde-Lule, Joseph; Tumwesigye, Nazarius M.; Sekandi, Juliet N.
Male partner attendance of skilled Antenatal Care (ANC) is beneficial to improving maternal outcomes. This study investigated the level, perceived benefits and factors associated with male partner attendance of skilled ANC in a peri-urban community recovering from two decades of civil conflict. This cross-sectional survey used multi-stage sampling in 12 villages of Omoro county to select 331 married male respondents aged 18 years or more, whose female spouses had childbirth within 24 months prior to the survey. A structured questionnaire elicited responses about male partner attendance of ANC during pregnancy at a public health facility as the main outcome variable. Analysis used Generalized Linear Model (GLM) in Stata version 10.0 to obtain Prevalence Risk Ratios (PRR) for association between the binary outcome and independent factors. All factors significant at p < 0.15 and potential confounders were included in the multivariable model. Overall, 65.4% (95%CI; 60.3, 70.5) male partners attended at least one skilled ANC visit. Mean age was 31.9 years [SD 8.2]. Perceived benefits of attending ANC were: HIV screening (74.5%), monitoring foetal growth (34%) and identifying complications during pregnancy (18.9%). Factors independently associated with higher ANC attendance were: knowledge of 3 or more ANC services (adj.PRR 2.77; 95%CI 2.24, 3.42), obtaining health information from facility health workers (adj.PRR 1.14; 95%CI 1.01, 1.29) and if spouse had skilled attendance at last childbirth (adj.PRR 1.31; 95%CI 1.04-1.64). However, factors for low attendance were: male partners intending their spouse to carry another pregnancy (adj.PRR 0.83; 95%CI 0.71, 0.97) and living more than 5 Km from a health facility (adj.PRR 0.83, 95%CI 0.70, 0.98). Men who were knowledgeable of ANC services, obtained health information from a health worker and whose spouses utilised skilled delivery at last pregnancy were more likely to accompany their spouses at ANC, unlike those who wanted to have more children and lived more than 5 km from the health facility. These findings suggest that empowering male partners with knowledge about ANC services may increase their ANC participation and in turn increase skilled delivery. This strategy may improve maternal health care in post conflict and resource-limited settings.
Perinatal HIV Status and Executive Function During School-Age and Adolescence
(Wolters Kluwer Health, 2016) Ezeamama, Amara E.; Kizza, Florence N.; Zalwango, Sarah K.; Nkwata, Allan K.; Zhang, Ming; Rivera, Mariana L.; Sekandi, Juliet N.; Kakaire, Robert; Kiwanuka, Noah; Whalen, Christopher C.
The aim of this study was to determine whether perinatal HIV infection (PHIV), HIV-exposed uninfected (PHEU) versus HIVunexposed (PHU) status predicted long-term executive function (EF) deficit in school-aged Ugandan children. Perinatal HIV status was determined by 18 months via DNA polymerase chain reaction test and confirmed at cognitive assessment between 6 and 18 years using HIV rapid-diagnostic test. Primary outcome is child EF measured using behavior-rating inventory of executive function questionnaire across 8 subscales summed to derive the global executive composite (GEC).
There’s no such thing as a free TB diagnosis: Catastrophic TB costs in Urban Uganda
(Global Public Health, 2020) Walcott, Rebecca L.; Ingels, Justin B.; Corso, Phaedra S.; Zalwango, Sarah; Whalen, Christopher C.; Sekandi, Juliet N.
Identifying and reducing TB-related costs is necessary for achieving the End TB Strategy’s goal that no family is burdened with catastrophic costs. This study explores costs during the pre-diagnosis period and assesses the potential for using coping costs as a proxy indicator for catastrophic costs when comprehensive surveys are not feasible. Detailed interviews about TB-related costs and productivity losses were conducted with 196 pulmonary TB patients in Kampala, Uganda. The threshold for catastrophic costs was defined as 20% of household income. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the influence of patient characteristics on economic burden, and the positive predictive value (PPV) of coping costs was estimated. Over 40% of patients experienced catastrophic costs, with average (median) prediagnosis costs making up 30.6% (14.1%) of household income. Lowincome status (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.29, 6.72), hospitalisation (AOR = 8.66, 95% CI = 2.60; 39.54), and coping costs (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.81; 8.40) were significantly associated with the experience of catastrophic costs. The PPV of coping costs as an indicator for catastrophic costs was estimated to be 73% (95% CI = 58%, 84%). TB patients endure a substantial economic burden during the pre-diagnosis period, and identifying households that experience coping costs may be a useful proxy measure for identifying catastrophic costs.
Video directly observed therapy for supporting and monitoring adherence to tuberculosis treatment in Uganda: a pilot cohort study
(ERSpublications, 2020) Sekandi, Juliet N.; Buregyeya, Esther; Zalwango, Sarah; Dobbin, Kevin K.; Atuyambe, Lynn; Nakkonde, Damalie; Turinawe, Julius; Tucker, Emma G.; Olowookere, Shade; Turyahabwe, Stavia; Garfein, Richard S.
Introduction: Nonadherence to treatment remains an obstacle to tuberculosis (TB) control worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using video directly observed therapy (VDOT) for supporting TB treatment adherence in Uganda. Methods: From May to December 2018, we conducted a pilot cohort study at a TB clinic in Kampala City. We enrolled patients aged 18–65 years with ⩾3 months remaining of their TB treatment. Participants were trained to use a smartphone app to record videos of medication intake and submit them to a secured system. Trained health workers logged into the system to watch the submitted videos. The primary outcome was adherence measured as the fraction of expected doses observed (FEDO). In a secondary analysis, we examined differences in FEDO by sex, age, phone ownership, duration of follow-up, reasons for missed videos and patients’ satisfaction at study exit. Results: Of 52 patients enrolled, 50 were analysed. 28 (56%) were male, the mean age was 31 years (range 19–50 years) and 35 (70%) owned smartphones. Of the 5150 videos expected, 4231 (82.2%) were received. The median FEDO was 85% (interquartile range 66%–94%) and this significantly differed by follow-up duration. Phone malfunction, uncharged battery and VDOT app malfunctions were the commonest reasons for missed videos. 92% of patients reported being very satisfied with using VDOT. Conclusion: VDOT was feasible and acceptable for monitoring and supporting TB treatment. It resulted in high levels of adherence, suggesting that digital technology holds promise in improving patient monitoring in Uganda.

Browsing by Author "Sekandi, Juliet N."

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