The National Research Repository of Uganda - NRU

Welcome to the National Research Repository of Uganda, abbreviated as "NRU". NRU was established in 2021. NRU is a collection of scholarly output by researchers from the UNCST Community, including scholarly articles and books, electronic theses and dissertations, conference proceedings, journals, technical reports and digitised library collections. It is the official Institutional Archive (IA) of UNCST.

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For information about the publishers' copyright policy on archiving your articles online or in an institutional archive, visit the Sherpa Site at http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo.php The site gives a summary of the permissions normally given as part of each publisher's copyright transfer agreement. If you wish to publish your research findings in the NRU, please contact NRU administrator at admin@uncst.go.ug for details. NRU operates both open access and closed access models. Access to fulltext has been restricted in adherence to the UNCST Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Copyrights policies.

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Africa Portal is an online repository of open access library collection with over 3,000 books, journals, and digital documents on African policy issues. This is an initiative by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Makerere University (MAK), and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Please visit the Africa Portal at http://www.africaportal.org/library.

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Association between hyperuricemia and adverse perinatal outcomes among women with preeclampsia at a tertiary hospital in Southwestern Uganda: a prospective cohort study
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-04-27) Omar Wehlie, Hani;; Fajardo Tornes, Yarine;; Businge, Julius ;; Byamukama, Onesmus;; Kayondo, Musa;; Kato Kalyebara, Paul;; Ngonzi, Joseph;; Lugobe, Henry Mark;; Ainomugisha, Brenda;; Tibaijuka, Leevan
Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of adverse perinatal outcomes, such as preterm birth and perinatal deaths, at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). While serum uric acid is a crucial marker for predicting adverse outcomes, it is not routinely assessed. This study aimed to compare the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes between women with and without hyperuricemia and determine the association between hyperuricemia and adverse perinatal outcomes among women with preeclampsia at MRRH. We conducted a prospective cohort study from March 2024 to June 2024 at the maternity ward of MRRH. We consecutively enrolled women diagnosed with preeclampsia who were at least 26 weeks gestational age and assessed their serum uric acid levels upon admission. The primary exposure was hyperuricemia (>6mg/dl) while the primary outcome was adverse perinatal outcomes. We compared the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes among those with and without hyperuricemia using Chi-square and used multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis to determine the association between hyperuricemia and adverse perinatal outcomes among women with preeclampsia. Among the 111 women enrolled (mean age 28.3 ± 6.5 years), 43 (38.7%) had hyperuricemia. Adverse perinatal outcomes occurred in 55.9% (62/111). Women with hyperuricemia had higher rates of adverse outcomes (88%,  = 38/43) than those without (35%,  = 24/68). Specific outcomes were significantly more frequent among hyperuricemic women: fresh stillbirth (21% vs. 0%), low birth weight (49% vs. 26%), Apgar score <7 at 5 min (26% vs. 1%), NICU admission (76% vs. 26%), and early neonatal death (32% vs. 0%),  < 0.05. Hyperuricemia was linked to a two-fold increased risk of one or more adverse outcomes (aRR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.54-3.80), fresh stillbirth (aRR 3.14, 95% CI: 1.79-5.48), low Apgar score (aRR 31.5, 95% CI: 3.8-260.9), NICU admission (aRR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.86-4.49), and early neonatal death (aRR 12.1, 95% CI: 4.22-33.98). Hyperuricemia is common in preeclamptic women at MRRH and is associated with significantly higher rates of complications. Routine serum uric acid testing is recommended for early detection and timely intervention to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. MEDLINE
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A 6-year review of brain tumors at a national referral hospital in Kampala, Uganda
(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2025-07-08) Yahaya, James J.;; Ngaiza, Advera I.
Introduction Brain tumors (BTs) are a group of heterogeneous tumors which are aggressive and have significant morbidity and mortality globally. Aim of the work This study aims to provide a 6-year review of the frequency of histological subtypes of BTs from a single tertiary hospital in Uganda. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which included retrospective data from hospital records. Data were extracted from the patients’ files who were managed due to BTs in the neurosurgery unit from January 2013 to December 2018. Patients with available files and histology reports altogether with information consisting of histopathological diagnosis and clinical information on duration of diseases, and treatment modality among many others were included in the analysis. Results A total of 88 histologically confirmed cases with BTs were recorded at the neuropathology unit for a period of 6 years. The mean age of the patients was 35.3 ± 19.2 years, and males were slightly more prevalent 51.1% (45/88) compared to females. Most of the patients 54.5% (48/88) were presenting clinically with headache. Of all the cases analyzed, the vast majority 71.6% (63/88) of the patients had benign tumors. Gliomas were the most common BTs which were found in 44.3% (39/88) followed by meningiomas which comprised 40.9% (36/88). Astrocytomas were the commonest type of gliomas which consisted of 38.5% (15/39) of all the gliomas. Conclusion This study reports on a cohort of patients with BTs among whom, most of them were presenting clinically with headache. From our findings, it can be observed that the highest referral for acute neurosurgical intervention is glioma, followed by meningioma.
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Mapping care pathways: Clinical providers’ perspectives on process maps of HIV service delivery in Uganda
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025-03-20) Jordan, Monica;; Ekirapa Kiracho, Elizabeth;; Marton, Tozoe ;; Karegyeya, Gerald;; Maina, Thomas;; Ssebagereka, Anthony;; Ssempala, Richard;; Ross, Rebecca;; Forsythe, Steven;; Nandakumar, Allyala;; McBain, Ryan
In Uganda, where HIV prevalence remains high, innovative strategies are sought to achieve 95-95-95 targets in combating the epidemic. In 2020, Uganda joined the Activity-Based Costing and Management (ABC/M) Initiative, a multi-country effort to monitor resource allocation and funding for HIV services. As part of this Initiative, data collectors generated process maps, specific to each facility, from the data collected by observing patients as they navigated the healthcare system. This study assessed clinical providers’ perceptions of process maps used in the ABC/M Initiative in Uganda to identify the benefits and limitations in informing service delivery. Clinical providers from 14 purposively selected facilities participated in key informant (KI) interviews to review and discuss process map impressions. Thematic content analysis revealed: (1) KIs were enthusiastic about process maps, recognising their value in quality and efficiency; (2) KIs perceived opportunities for improvements, including revising how process maps depicted the staff and infrastructure; and (3) KIs expressed confusion in interpreting specific facets of process maps. Our study highlights the nuanced perspectives of clinical providers regarding process maps’ functions within their facilities. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing review and analysis of process maps within the ABC/M initiative, facilitating a culture of continuous quality improvement and enhanced resource allocation.
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Functional and sensory properties of iron and folic acid fortified NABE-3 bean and silver fish composite instant flour
(Springer International Publishing, 2025-03-23) Ssepuuya, Geoffrey;; Hooper, Sharon;; Nakyinsige, Khadijah ;; Maseruka, Eria Gyagenda;; Musabi, Dianah;; Rukundo, Peter;; Kebirungi, Harriet;; Weatherspoon, Lorraine;; Jackson-Malete, Jose
Despite the need for Iron and Folic acid (IFA) during critical stages of child development and gestation, there is observed persistence in deficiencies despite several interventions. This situation motivated a food-based approach using IFA-fortified NARO Bean-3 (NABE-3 bean) and silverfish. IFA fortified composite flours with NABE-3 (BF): silver fish flour (SFF) proportions as 100% BF, 90% BF: 10% SFF, 80% BF: 20% SFF, and 70% BF: 30% SFF were developed. Functional, pasting, and sensory properties were assessed using standard methods. Increasing silverfish proportions in the composite flours was associated with decreased water absorption properties of the composite flours indicating reduced reconstitution abilities; reduced final viscosity but increased bulk density implying a high density of nutrients at lower viscosity and volume; and increased peak time indicating increased cooking energy requirements. The compressibility and Hausner ratios of the flours were high and not significantly different, indicating low flowability of the bean flour and its composites with silver fish. Increasing silverfish proportions reduced sensory score from liked moderately to indifferent on a 9-point hedonic scale due to colour darkening, and increased intensity of fishy aroma and flavour. The 90% BF: 10% SFF and 80% BF: 20% SFF composites were more acceptable than the 70% BF: 30% SFF. However, all the composites were more acceptable than the control 100% BF: 0% SFF. Incorporation of silver fish into NABE bean flour generally leads to increased sensory acceptability and nutrient density but reduced functionality.
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Ownership and use of long‑lasting insecticidal nets three months after a mass distribution campaign in Uganda, 2021
(Malaria Journal, 2022-12-03) Kwiringira, Andrew; Nanziri, Carol; Nsubuga, Edirisa Juniour; Atuhaire, Immaculate; Nansikombi, Hildah T.; Ario, Alex R.