Browsing by Author "Wibabara, Yvette"

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    Hepatitis B vaccination status and associated factors among undergraduate students of Makerere University College of Health Sciences
    (PLOS ONE, 2019) Wibabara, Yvette; Banura, Cecily; Kalyango, Joan; Karamagi, Charles; Kityamuwesi, Alex; Amia, Winfred Christine; Ocama, Ponsiano
    Hepatitis B is a global health problem. Trainees in the health-related fields are exposed to occupational risk of Hepatitis B Virus. In Uganda, there is scarcity of information on vaccination among students in health-care. The objective of this study was to assess hepatitis B vaccination status of the students and factors associated.
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    Hepatitis B vaccination status and associated factors among undergraduate students of Makerere University College of Health Sciences
    (PLOS ONE, 2019-04-05) Wibabara, Yvette; Banura, Cecily,; Kalyango, Joan,; Karamagi, Charles,; Kityamuwesi, Alex; Amia, Winfred Christine; Ocama, Ponsiano
    Abstract Background Hepatitis B is a global health problem. Trainees in the health-related fields are exposed to occupational risk of Hepatitis B Virus. In Uganda, there is scarcity of information on vaccination among students in health-care. The objective of this study was to assess hepatitis B vaccination status of the students and factors associated. Methods and findings This was a cross sectional study, conducted at Makerere University College of Health Sciences among undergraduate students who were eligible. A self-report on Hepatitis B vaccination status and various characteristics were collected on each participant, using a standardized structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed, bivariate and multivariate analysis were done using Stata 14. Results Out of 760 participants, 44.3% (95% CI 35.2–52.8) reported full vaccination. Vaccination was associated with gender, course, year of study and student’s sponsorship. Males were less likely to be vaccinated, Prevalence Ratio (PR) 0.79; P-value <0.001, while self-sponsored students were also most likely to be vaccinated, PR 2.08; P-value <0.001. About 37% reported an accidental needle injury during their training. Conclusion Full vaccination was low and given the high prevalence of needle injuries, it raises a safety concern. Vaccination should be mandatory for all students prior to clinical exposure. There is need for targeted interventions to increase uptake.
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    Large outbreak of Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) poisoning due to consumption of contaminated humanitarian relief food: Uganda, March–April 2019
    (BMC public health, 2022) Mutebi, Ronald R.; Ario, Alex R.; Nabatanzi, Maureen; Kyamwine, Irene B.; Wibabara, Yvette; Muwereza, Peter; Eurien, Daniel; Kwesiga, Benon; Bulage, Lilian; Kabwama, Steven N.; Kadobera, Daniel; Henderson, Alden; Callahan, John H.; Croley, Timothy R.; Knolhoff, Ann M.; Mangrum, John B.; Handy, Sara M.; McFarland, Melinda A.; Fong Sam, Jennifer L.; Harris, Julie R.; Zhu, Bao‑Ping
    Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) contains toxic alkaloids that cause gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms when ingested. This can be lethal at high doses. The plant may grow together with leguminous crops, mixing with them during harvesting. On 13 March 2019, more than 200 case-patients were admitted to multiple health centres for acute gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms. We investigated to determine the cause and magnitude of the outbreak and recommended evidence-based control and prevention measures. Methods: We defined a suspected case as sudden onset of confusion, dizziness, convulsions, hallucinations, diarrhoea, or vomiting with no other medically plausible explanations in a resident of Napak or Amudat District from 1 March—30 April 2019. We reviewed medical records and canvassed all villages of the eight affected subcounties to identify cases. In a retrospective cohort study conducted in 17 villages that reported the earliest cases, we interviewed 211 residents about dietary history during 11–15 March. We used modified Poisson regression to assess suspected food exposures. Food samples underwent chemical (heavy metals, chemical contaminants, and toxins), proteomic, DNA, and microbiological testing in one national and three international laboratories. Results: We identified 293 suspected cases; five (1.7%) died. Symptoms included confusion (62%), dizziness (38%), diarrhoea (22%), nausea/vomiting (18%), convulsions (12%), and hallucinations (8%). The outbreak started on 12 March, 2–12 h after Batch X of fortified corn-soy blend (CSB +) was distributed. In the retrospective cohort study, 66% of 134 persons who ate CSB + , compared with 2.2% of 75 who did not developed illness ( RRadj = 22, 95% CI = 6.0–81). Samples of Batch X distributed 11–15 March contained 14 tropane alkaloids, including atropine (25-50 ppm) and scopolamine (1-10 ppm). Proteins of Solanaceae seeds and Jimsonweed DNA were identified. No other significant laboratory findings were observed. Conclusion: This was the largest documented outbreak caused by food contamination with tropane alkaloids. Implicated food was immediately withdrawn. Routine food safety and quality checks could prevent future outbreaks.
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    Strategies to Enhance COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Prioritized Groups, Uganda—Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Future Pandemics
    (U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases, 2024-07) Kiiza, Daniel; Semanda, Judith Nanyondo; Kawere, Boneventure Brian; Ajore, Claire; Wasswa, Christopher Kaliisa; Kwiringira, Andrew; Tumukugize, Emmanuel; Sserubidde, Joel; Namyalo, Nashiba; Wadria, Ronald Baker; Mukiibi, Peter; Kasule, Julie; Chemos, Ivan; Ruth, Acham Winfred; Atugonza, Ritah; Banage, Flora; Wibabara, Yvette; Ampaire, Immaculate; Driwale, Alfred; Vosburgh, Waverly; Nelson, Lisa; Lamorde, Mohammed; Boore, Amy
    COVID-19 vaccination was launched in March 2021 in Uganda and initially prioritized persons >50 years of age, persons with underlying conditions, healthcare workers, teachers, and security forces. However, uptake remained low 5 months after the program launch. Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute supported Uganda's Ministry of Health in optimizing COVID-19 vaccination uptake models by using point-of-care, place of worship, and place of work engagement and the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment model in 47 of 135 districts in Uganda, where we trained influencers to support mobilization for vaccination outreach under each model. During July-December, vaccination rates increased significantly in targeted regions, from 92% to 130% for healthcare workers, 40% to 90% for teachers, 25% to 33% for security personnel, 6% to 15% for persons >50 years of age, and 6% to 11% for persons with underlying conditions. Our approach could be adopted in other targeted vaccination campaigns for future pandemics.COVID-19 vaccination was launched in March 2021 in Uganda and initially prioritized persons >50 years of age, persons with underlying conditions, healthcare workers, teachers, and security forces. However, uptake remained low 5 months after the program launch. Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute supported Uganda's Ministry of Health in optimizing COVID-19 vaccination uptake models by using point-of-care, place of worship, and place of work engagement and the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment model in 47 of 135 districts in Uganda, where we trained influencers to support mobilization for vaccination outreach under each model. During July-December, vaccination rates increased significantly in targeted regions, from 92% to 130% for healthcare workers, 40% to 90% for teachers, 25% to 33% for security personnel, 6% to 15% for persons >50 years of age, and 6% to 11% for persons with underlying conditions. Our approach could be adopted in other targeted vaccination campaigns for future pandemics. MEDLINE - Academic