Browsing by Author "Udho, Samson"

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    Access to family planning services and associated factors among young people in Lira city northern Uganda
    (BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-04) Kigongo, Eustes; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Kwizera, Gad; Achan, Everlyne; Nabasirye, Caroline Kambugu; Udho, Samson; Kabunga, Amir; Omech, Bernard
    Access to family planning services among young people is crucial for reproductive health. This study explores the access and associated factors among young people in Lira City, Northern Uganda. A mixed-methods study was conducted in March to April 2022. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 553 participants aged 15-24 years. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses for quantitative data, while interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for qualitative data. Overall, 31.7% of the respondents had a good perceived access to family planning services, with 64.6% reporting perceived availability of FP methods. Challenges included lack of privacy (57.7%), fear of mistreatment (77.2%), and decision-making difficulties (66.2%). Among females, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among urban residents (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09-0.53), Christian respondents (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.01-0.36), Muslim respondents (AOR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.55) and respondents with poor attitude to FP services (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24-0.64), but more likely among respondents with a sexual a partner (AOR: 4.48, 95% CI: 2.60-7.75). Among males, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among respondents living with parents (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.67) but more likely among respondents with good knowledge of FP services (AOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.02-5.32). Qualitative findings showed that three themes emerged; knowledge of family planning methods, beliefs about youth contraception and, friendliness of family planning services. The study revealed a substantial gap in perceived access to family planning services among young people in Lira City. Barriers include privacy concerns, fear of mistreatment, and decision-making difficulties. Tailored interventions addressing urban access, religious beliefs for females, and knowledge enhancement for males are essential. Positive aspects like diverse FP methods and physical accessibility provide a foundation for targeted interventions. Youth-friendly services, comprehensive sexual education, and further research are emphasized for a nuanced understanding and effective interventions in Northern Uganda.
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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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    Exploring Effective Approaches: Integrating Mental Health Services into HIV Clinics in Northern Uganda
    (HIV/AIDS-Research and Palliative Care, 2024-04-30) Kabunga, Amir; Namata, Halimah; Kigongo, Eustes; Musinguzi, Marvin; Tumwesigye, Raymond; Nalwoga, Viola; Udho, Samson
    Integrating mental health services into HIV clinics is recognized as a promising strategy. However, the literature reveals gaps, particularly in the unique context of Northern Uganda, where factors such as historical conflict, stigma, and limited resources pose potential barriers. This qualitative study, conducted between October and November 2023, employed a phenomenological design. The study involved primary healthcare facilities across diverse urban and rural settings, focusing on healthcare providers, village health teams, and service users. A purposive sampling approach ensured diverse demographics and perspectives. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted, with healthcare providers and service users participating individually, and village health teams engaged in group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed during data analysis. Findings revealed a predominance of females among healthcare providers (18 of 30) and service users (16 of 25), as well as in VHTs. Average ages were 33.4 (healthcare providers), 38.5 (service users), and 35.1 (VHTs). Most healthcare providers (15) held diplomas, while 12 service users and 4 VHTs had certificates. The majority of healthcare providers (n=20) and 4 VHTs had 6–10 years of experience. Thematic analysis highlighted three key themes: benefits of integrated mental health services, implementation challenges, and the role of community engagement and cultural sensitivity. This study contributes valuable insights into the integration of mental health services into HIV clinics in Northern Uganda. The perceived benefits, challenges, and importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement should guide future interventions, fostering a holistic approach that enhances the overall well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the region. Policymakers can use this information to advocate for resource allocation, training programs, and policy changes that support the integration of mental health services into HIV clinics in a way that addresses the identified challenges.
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    HIV Treatment and Care of Adolescents: Perspectives of Adolescents on Community-Based Models in Northern Uganda
    (Research and Palliative Care, 2023) Miyingo, Charles; Mpayenda, Teddy; Nyole, Ruth; Ayinembabazi, Joan; Ssepuuya, Mujib; Ssebuwufu, Eddie Marvin; Sean, Steven Puleh; Udho, Samson; Kabunga, Amir
    Background Differentiated service delivery models for people living with HIV continue to be scaled up to expand access to HIV services and treatment continuity. However, there is a gap in information on adolescents’ perspectives on community-based models. We aimed to explore the perspectives of adolescents living with HIV on community-based models in northern Uganda. Materials and Methods Between February and March 2022, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study at two health centres IV in Northern Uganda. Data was collected using an interview guide. The study had 25 purposively selected adolescents enrolled in community-based models for HIV care and treatment. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated. We analyzed data using a thematic approach. Results A total of 25 in-depth interviews with HIV-positive adolescents were conducted. More than half (52.0%) of the participants were females, 84.0% were not married, and 44.0% had no formal education. The mean age of the respondents was 15.6 (±1.9) years. The major themes were: community-based models currently accessed by adolescents, benefits, and challenges of the models. Although there are other community-based models (community pharmacies, home ART deliveries) our exploration only discovered two models used by these adolescents to access care, namely, Community Drug Distribution Point (CDDP) and Community Client-Led ART Delivery Groups (CCLADs). The benefits included reduced transportation costs, convenient service access, ART adherence, peer support, a comfortable environment and less stress. However, our results indicate that these models had some challenges, including lack of confidentiality and privacy, perceived stigma, and a lack of face-to-face interaction. Conclusion Our findings show that CDDP and CCLADs are the two CBMs used by adolescents in Lira District to access treatment and care. Adolescents benefited from these models through reduced transport costs, the convenience of accessing HIV care and treatment, and social support. The challenges associated with these models are lack of confidentiality and privacy, perceived stigma, and a lack of face-to-face interaction. The Ministry of Health should work with other implementing partners to strengthen the implementation of these models to improve HIV/AIDS service delivery for adolescents.
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    Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Uganda
    (African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 2019) Epuitai, Joshua; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna G.; Nabirye, Rose C.
    Background: Intimate partner violence may be more prevalent during pregnancy as women are more vulnerable. Aims: To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 pregnant women. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Intimate partner violence was measured using the revised Conflict Tactile Scale 2. Findings: The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was 27.8%. Household average monthly income, experiences of intimate partner violence before pregnancy and marital conflicts were independently associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Conclusions: Screening should be done during antenatal care among women with low household income, marital conflicts, and history of intimate partner violence before pregnancy to identify and manage cases of intimate partner violence. More research is needed to identify interventions for reduction of intimate partner violence during pregnancy.
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    Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Uganda
    (African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 2019-04-13) Epuitai, Joshua; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Nabirye, Rose Chalo
    Intimate partner violence may be more prevalent during pregnancy as women are more vulnerable. To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 pregnant women. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Intimate partner violence was measured using the revised Conflict Tactile Scale 2. The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was 27.8%. Household average monthly income, experiences of intimate partner violence before pregnancy and marital conflicts were independently associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Screening should be done during antenatal care among women with low household income, marital conflicts, and history of intimate partner violence before pregnancy to identify and manage cases of intimate partner violence. More research is needed to identify interventions for reduction of intimate partner violence during pregnancy.
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    Low partograph completion in a public health facility in northern Uganda: a retrospective review of maternity records
    (African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 2022-10-07) Nassaka, Laillah; Udho, Samson
    Low levels of partograph documentation and completion in Uganda by skilled health personnel is an ongoing problem. Completion of the partograph lowers the maternal mortality ratio by allowing for the early detection and management of childbirth complications, lowering the incidence of maternal death from preventable causes. However, there is a scarcity of recent studies focused on assessing partograph completion to the required standards. The aim of this study was to assess partograph documentation during monitoring of labour by skilled health personnel. A retrospective desk review of 400 partographs from women who laboured and gave birth at the Lira Regional Referral Hospital between 1 July and 31 December 2019 was conducted. A structured checklist was used to extract data on completion of the partograph. Only 5% of the partographs were filled to the required standards. Average documentation of the parameters of a partograph to the required standards was 45.1% for fetal monitoring, 44.8% for labour progress, and 15.6% for maternal monitoring. Documentation of different parameters of the partograph by skilled health personnel in public health facilities in northern Uganda was generally low. The Ministry of Health should strengthen partograph audit exercises and support supervision of and in-service capacity development training for skilled health personnel in high-volume facilities on partograph documentation.