Browsing by Author "Tamale, Andrew"
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Item An analysis of Heavy Metals Contamination and Estimating the Daily intakes of Vegetables from Uganda(Toxicology Research and Application, 2021) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Otim, Eric Oloya; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Zirintunda, Gerald; Tamale, Andrew; Musoke, Grace Henry; Muyinda, Robert; Ssempijja, FredEnvironmental contamination with elevated levels of copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr6+), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni)—all states of which are found in Uganda—raises health risk to the public. Pb, Cr6+, Cd, and Ni for instance are generally considered nonessential to cellular functions, notwithstanding the importance of the oxidative state of the metals in bioavailability. As such, we aimed in this study (i) to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in four vegetables from a typical open-air market in Uganda, (ii) to assess the safety of consuming these vegetables against the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits of heavy metals consumption, and (iii) to formulate a model of estimated daily intake (EDI) among consumers in the country.This was a cross-sectional study conducted in five georeferenced markets of Bushenyi district in January 2020. Amaranthus, cabbages, scarlet eggplants, and tomatoes were collected from open markets, processed, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Modeled EDI, principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were conducted to identify relationships in the samples.The levels of essential elements in the four vegetables were found to fall from Co > Cu > Fe > Zn. Those of non-essential metals were significantly higher and followed the pattern Cd > Cr > Pb > Ni. The highest EDI values were those of Cu in scarlet eggplants, Zn in amaranthus, Fe in amaranthus, Co in amaranthus, Pb in cabbages, total Cr in scarlet eggplant, Cd in cabbages and tomatoes, and Ni in cabbages. In comparison to international limits, EDIs for Zn, Cu, Co and Fe were low while Ni in cabbages were high. PCA showed high variations in scarlet eggplant and amaranthus. The study vegetables were found to be related with each other, not according to the location of the markets from where they were obtained, but according to their species by CA.The presence of non-essential elements above WHO limits raises policy challenges for the consumption and marketing of vegetables in the study area. Furthermore, low EDIs of essential elements in the vegetables create demand for nutritious foods to promote healthy communities.Item Consumption of Raw Herbal Medicines Is Associated with Major Public Health Risks amongst Ugandans(Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2020) Ssempijja, Fred; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Tamale, Andrew; Matama, KevinCommunity consumption of herbal plants in developing countries is a common practice, however, scarcity of information on their physiochemical composition is a major public health concern. In Uganda, Vernonia amygdalina is of interest in rural communities due to its therapeutical action on both bacterial and protozoal parasites, however no studies have been conducted to assess the heavy metal concentrations in traditional plants used in alternative medicine. The aim of the study was to establish concentrations of heavy metals in Vernonia amygdalina, model the estimated daily intake (EDI), and assess both the non-cancer-related health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the risk related to cancer through the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the Ugandan population. Methods. Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina were collected from 20 georeferenced villages and processed into powder in the laboratory using standard methods. These were then analyzed in the laboratory using an atomic absorption spectrometer for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Concentrations were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The EDI, THQ, and ILCR were modelled and significance was measured at 95% confidence. Results. The study showed that mean ± SEM concentrations of heavy metals were highest in the order of Cr, 121.8 ± 4.291 ppm > Ni, 84.09 ± 2.725 ppm > Zn, 53.87 ± 2.277 ppm > Pb, 40.61 ± 3.891 ppm > Cu, 28.75 ± 2.202 ppm > Fe, 14.15 ± 0.7271 ppm > Co, 7.923 ± 0.7674 ppm > Cd, 0.1163 ± 0.005714 ppm. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, and Ni were significantly higher than the WHO limits. The EDI was significantly higher in children than in adults, demonstrating an increased risk of toxicity in children. The THQ and ILCR were over 1000 times higher in all Ugandans, demonstrating the undesirable health risks following oral consumption of Vernonia amygdalina due to very high Cr and Ni toxicities, respectively. Conclusion. Consumption of raw Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a high carcinogenic risk, demonstrating a need to enact policies to promote physiochemical screening of herbal medicines used in developing countries against toxic compounds.Item Contamination Potentials of Household Water Handling and Storage Practices in Kirundo Subcounty, Kisoro District, Uganda(Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2019) Agensi, Alexander; Tibyangye, Julius; Tamale, Andrew; Agwu, EzeraIntroduction. Waterborne diseases constitute a major public health burden in developing and underdeveloped countries. Consumption of contaminated water causes health risk to the public, and the situation is alarming in rural areas. *e objective of this study was to assess the contamination potentials of different house water handling and storage practices in the Kirundo subcounty, Kisoro District, Uganda. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional and descriptive study in which 344 water samples were collected randomly and analysed for bacteriological contamination, total coliforms (TCs) and Escherichia coli per 100 ml, using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique and reported in terms of CFU/100 ml. Results. *e 43.2% samples from unprotected water sources had total coliforms and 34.1% had Escherichia coli. In analysed household drinking water, 25% had total coliforms and 8.7% had Escherichia coli. Most drinking water sources were found to have coliform counts above the recommended national and international guidelines. *ere was a statistically significant difference among water sources with respect to total coliforms and Escherichia coli (p < 0.05). Conclusion. *e overall results indicated that there is a strong linkage between microbiological water quality and water source sanitation; hence, the protected water source was safer than unprotected water sources. For the unprotected water sources, protection strategies as well as monitoring are recommended for this community.Item Descriptive Analysis of Heavy Metals Content of Beef From Eastern Uganda and Their Safety for Public Consumption(Frontiers in Nutrition, 2021) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Hamira, Yunusu; Zirintunda, Gerald; Tamale, Andrew; Matama, Kevin; Ssempijja, Fred; Muyinda, Robert; Kawooya, Francis; Kisakye, Hellen; Bogere, Paul; Matovu, Henry; Etiang, Patrick; Ochieng, Juma JohnIn this study, we initiated an effort to generate information about beef safety in Uganda. Our entry point was to assess by atomic absorption spectrophotometry the levels of essential elements copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), and non-essential elements lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd) in 40 beef samples collected from within and around Soroti (Uganda). The information was used to evaluate the safety of consuming such beef against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The latter was accomplished by (i) estimating the daily intake (EDI) of each metal in the study area, (ii) modeling the non-cancer health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and (iii) modeling the cancer risk using the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The study finds that the mean concentrations (±95% CI) and EDI were in the order of Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cu > Cd. Cancer risk was found to be due to Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb and significantly higher in children than adults. The latter particularly demonstrates the importance of Ni poisoning in the study area. Overall, while essential elements in our beef samples were below WHO limits (hence no health risks), non-essential elements had high health and cancer risks due to higher levels of Cr and Ni.Item Food Safety Analysis of Milk and Beef in Southwestern Uganda(Journal of environmental and public health, 2018) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Natabo, Phyllis Candy; Namubiru, Sarah; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Tamale, Andrew; Bamaiyi, Pwaveno H.Inorganic pollutants in milk and beef are of major public health concern; however, information in Africa is still limited due to low food safety monitoring practices. In this study, we established levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in milk and beef and obtained the estimated daily intake (EDI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) as measures of risk to the Ugandan population. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study in which a total of 40 samples of milk and beef were collected from Bushenyi district in southwestern Uganda. Samples were analyzed by atomic absorbance spectrophotometer, and the EDI and ILCR were computed using the US EPA reference values. Results and Discussion. Heavy metal concentrations were highest in the order of Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu in milk samples, while in beef samples, concentrations were highest in the order of Zn > Pb > Fe > Cu and no Cd was detected. Furthermore, beef had significantly higher (P < 0.05) Pb and Fe concentrations than milk. The EDI was highest in children, and this was followed by very high ILCR levels, showing that milk and beef are not safe for children in Uganda. Bearing in mind that a high HI was shown, beef and milk from these regions are not recommended for consumption especially by children although more studies remain to be conducted. Conclusion. Heavy metals in milk and beef of Uganda may predispose the indigenous community to cancer and other health-related illnesses, showing a need for improved food safety screening to promote food safety.Item Health Education is a Key Pillar in Reducing Prevalence of Typhoid among Febrile Patients in Peri-Urban Western Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study(International Journal of Scientific Study, 2017) Kiwungulo, Benard; Pius, Theophillus; Nabaasa, Saphurah; Kiconco, Ritah; Amanya, Geofrey; Amongi, Christine; Tamale, Andrew; Ruhinda, Nathan; Blessing, Yashim J. S.; Atuheire, CollinsTyphoid has remained a public health burden leading to several morbidities and despite many attempts. Health education targeted to patients receiving care in health centers may significantly reduce burden of typhoid among febrile patients in Uganda. Material and Methods: We consecutively sampled 283 participants presenting with febrile symptoms. Consent/assent was administered and after fully understanding the study, blood samples were collected using a 2 ml syringe and transferred into red top vacutainer before laboratory tests. We carried out centrifugation at 1000 rpm for 15 min. We performed slide agglutination test to identify presence of Salmonella typhi antibodies followed by tube agglutination for quantification. Titers of <1:160 were considered positive for typhoid. Data were analyzed descriptively as medians and proportions using STATA 14. Robust Poisson regression was carried out to obtain both crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for bivariate and multivariate analysis, respectively. Results: The median age for participants was 25 years. The seroprevalence of typhoid was 26.5% (95%, confidence interval [CI]: 21.7-32.0). Teenagers were 3 times more likely to be tested positive for typhoid compared to those below 13 years; (crude prevalence ratio = 2.76, 95%, CI: 1.11-6.83). Participants who reported to have received health education over past 2 months were 58% less likely to suffer from typhoid compared to those that reported no recent health education (aPR = 0.42; 95%, CI: 0.26-0.69). Having history of typhoid over the past 2 months was positively associated with reoccurrence of typhoid (aPR = 1.75, 95%, CI: 1.12-2.72). Conclusion: Burden of typhoid still persists in rural communities especially among teenagers. Lack of health education predisposes communities. People who have had typhoid in the past 2 months are mostly likely to have a reoccurrence of the disease.Item Low Concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (Yoba®) are Safe in Male Drosophila Melanogaster(BMC Research Notes, 2019) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Bukenya, Aisha; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Kasolo, Josephine; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Ssempijja, Fred; Suubo, Joy; Tamale, Andrew; Echoru, Isaac; Onkoba, Sarah Kemuma OnkobaThe purpose of the study was to generate information on the safety of probiotics, thus the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of Yoba® on basic physiochemical properties. The study assessed male w1118 Drosophila melanogaster which were provided food supplemented with Yoba® at 1%, 3%, 6%, and 12% on motor function, total protein, catalase activity, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lifespan.Item Mercury concentration in muscle, bellyfat and liver from Oreochromis niloticus and Lates niloticus consumed in Lake Albert fishing communities in Uganda(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2016) Tamale, Andrew; Ejobi, Francis; Muyanja, Charles; Naigaga, Irene; Nakavuma, Jessica; Ocaido, Micheal; Kato, Charles D.; Sente, CelsusWithout surveillance studies on mercury (Hg) levels in predominant fish species and parts eaten in a fishing community, the FAO/WHO guidelines might be surpassed, hence health risk. A monitoring study in a developing country with 29 Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) and 34 Lates niloticus (Nile perch) from landing sites provided muscle, bellyfat and liver samples for Mercury detection using Inductive Couple Plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The study shows that fish eaten in the fishing community are small with fewer risks from mercury. Tilapia accumulated more mercury in muscle and liver than Nile perch. Fish consumed has mercury levels higher than FAO/WHO guidelines, and the bellyfat of Nile perch bioaccumulated more mercury than Tilapia. Based on the above, it is clear that some fish species should not be eaten by the vulnerable groups due to levels of Hg found in the muscle and bellyfat. This research will serve as a base for future studies, sensitization campaigns and policy design on mercury uptake through fish in fishing communities of developing countries.Item Perceptions about mercury and lead in fish consumed in Lake Albert fishing communities Uganda(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2016) Tamale, Andrew; Ejobi, Francis; Muyanja, Charles; Naigaga, Irene; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ocaido, Micheal; Katuhoire, Anne; Amulen, DeborahFish consumption is a lifestyle in fishing communities influenced by individual and communal perceptions. However, information about individual perceptions about fish consumption in the vulnerable fishing community in a developing country is lacking. Without this study, the benefits of fish consumption in a vulnerable community may not be realized. Data collection was executed using key informant interviews and survey structured questionnaires. The key informants include fisheries, community development, veterinary, community and environmental officers. The household heads were the respondents. The Qualitative data was organized and queried using QSR Nvivo 10 and quantitative data analyzed with SPSS version 22. The perceived benefits of eating fish are health, income, nutrition and manhood. The perceived risks are Stigma and ill health. The factors increasing fish consumption are heedless of fish consumption benefits (p = 0.041) and household size i.e. number of adults more than seven (p = 0.020). Those decreasing are methods of preparation of fish i.e. boiling and frying (p = 0.019 and p = 0.010) and oblivious about organizations dealing with fishing activities (p = 0.029). An awareness campaign is needed to demystify the health benefits and fallacies of fish consumption. The knowledge on individual perceptions associated with fish consumption will increase fish consumption but with fewer risksItem Risk estimates for children and pregnant women exposed to mercury-contaminated Oreochromis niloticus and Lates niloticus in Lake Albert Uganda(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2016) Tamale, Andrew; Ejobi, Francis; Muyanja, Charles; Naigaga, Irene; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ocaido, Micheal; Kato, Drago; Sente, Celsus; Amulen, Deborah; Rumbeiha, WilsonExposure to mercury contaminated fish predisposes populations particularly children and pregnant women to various health hazards including neurotoxicity, reproductive abnormalities and cognitive disorders. Earlier studies in the Lake Albert community have demonstrated the presence of mercury in Nile tilapia and Nile perch. However, the risk estimates for vulnerable groups such as Children and pregnant women is not well documented. Secondary data-set from previous studies were employed comprising family household size and fish consumption history, fish consumption quantity and frequency and mercury levels in fish species in comparison with FAO/WHO guidelines. Data collected was used to establish the hazard quotients (HQs) for the vulnerable group and the general population. A risk model was developed using iRISK to demonstrate the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for eating different parts of the fish (muscle and bellyfat). HQ values (HQ = 2.05) above one for the vulnerable group were realized especially with Nile perch muscle. The highest DALYs (0.111) was obtained with tilapia muscle consumption. The study outcome reveals that vulnerable populations are at risk of non-carcinogenic complications. Therefore, there is a need for sensitization of the community especially the vulnerable groups about risks associated with consuming mercury-contaminated fish.Item Sociocultural factors associated with fish consumption in Lake Albert fishing community: Guidelines for lead and mercury(Cogent Environmental Science, 2017) Tamale, Andrew; Ejobi, Francis; Muyanja, Charles; Naigaga, Irene; Nakavuma, Jessica; Kato, Charles D.; Amulen, Deborah R.Fish consumption in subsistence fishing community is a life style associated with lead and mercury uptake for humans. Fish consumption is influenced by sociocultural factors, exposure and health risks. Unfortunately, no sociocultural study in the Lake Albert fishing community in light of lead and mercury exists. A crosssectional sociocultural study was carried out between March and June 2015. A total of 270 household heads in four landing sites in Hoima district completed structured questionnaires and data analyzed using SPSS version 20. The majority of the households (74.8%) had primary education or below, 51.1% drank unboiled water, and 30% perceived lake water safe for drinking. Children under five ate soup (15%) and middle piece of the fish (29%). The Poisson general linear model predicting weekly fish consumption amounts against sociocultural factors showed that household size (p = 0.047), male child presence (p = 0.007), methods of preparation i.e. salting (p < 0.0001), fish parts consumed by adults (p < 0.0001), fish preference (p < 0.0001), awareness about the beach management unit (p < 0.0001), and income from charcoal selling (p < 0.0001) were positive predictors. The negative predictors of weekly fish consumption amounts were awareness about fish consumption benefits (p < 0.0001), eating young fish (p = 0.002), donor agency presence (p < 0.0001), and frying as the method of fish preparation (p = 0.002). In conclusion, knowledge of