Adherence to IPT among HIV adolescents aged 11 to 19 years at Kisenyi health center IV, Kampala district. A cross-sectional study.

Background Adherence to Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) is crucial for HIV-positive adolescents to prevent tuberculosis (TB). When forfeited, it poses severe health risks. This study thus aimed at exploring the factors influencing adherence to IPT among HIV-positive adolescents aged 11 to 19 years, focusing on socioeconomic, individual, and health facility-related factors. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 30 HIV-positive adolescents selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires translated into the local language for better comprehension. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and the results were presented in tables and figures. Results The study involved more females (20, 67%) than males (10, 33%), with the majority (70%) aged between 17 and 19 years and not living with their parents or guardians (21, 70%). Findings revealed significant socioeconomic challenges, with 56% of respondents reporting struggles to afford basic needs, which influenced adherence to IPT. Most participants (60%) found it difficult to access the health center for appointments. On individual factors, 70% of adolescents had a limited understanding of IPT benefits, while 80% expressed concern about potential side effects, negatively influencing adherence. Additionally, 70% had stigma associated with taking IPT, leading to treatment avoidance. Positively, 60% of respondents had stable housing, and 80% felt confident in managing IPT as part of their lives. Regarding health facility factors, 70% reported long wait time, while 80% noted consistent availability of IPT medication, which supported adherence. Conclusion Adherence to IPT among HIV-positive adolescents at Kisenyi Health Center IV is influenced by various factors such as low socio-economic status and long wait hours, which impede access to health care. Recommendation Implementation of targeted educational programs, enhancing access to healthcare services, training staff for supportive interactions, and developing reminder systems to help adolescents manage their medication routines

Comparative study of traditional versus digital anatomy teaching using virtual dissection tools: A quasi-experimental study.

Background: Anatomy forms the cornerstone of medical education. While cadaveric dissection has long been the standard method for anatomy teaching, the emergence of digital platforms offering virtual dissection tools has introduced new opportunities for interactive and remote learning—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of traditional cadaveric dissection and digital anatomy instruction using virtual dissection tools in enhancing learning outcomes among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 120 first-year MBBS students at a tertiary medical college. Students were randomized into two groups: Group A (n=60) received traditional dissection-based teaching, and Group B (n=60) received digital instruction using tools like 3D anatomy software and the Anatomage Table. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using MCQs and OSPEs. A feedback questionnaire evaluated student perceptions of clarity, engagement, and accessibility. Statistical analysis included paired and unpaired t-tests (p<0.05). Results: Both groups showed significant post-test improvements (p<0.001). Group B had a slightly higher mean score (78.2 ± 6.5) than Group A (75.6 ± 7.1), though not statistically significant (p=0.067). Students in Group B reported greater satisfaction with visual clarity (92%), interactivity (87%), and accessibility (89%), while Group A appreciated the tactile learning and real-life anatomical variation of cadaveric dissection. Conclusions: Virtual dissection tools are effective alternatives to traditional methods, enhancing engagement and visualization. However, each method has unique strengths that support anatomy learning. Recommendations: A blended approach combining digital tools with cadaveric dissection is recommended to deliver a comprehensive and immersive anatomy education. Further studies should explore long-term learning outcomes and cost-effectiveness

Re-admission of preterm babies below one year at the Paediatric ward at Wyne Stone Medical Centre, Wakiso district. A cross-sectional study.

Background. In Uganda, the readmission rate for preterm infants is 69.4% indicating that 7 out of 10 preterm infants are readmitted. The purpose of the study was to determine factors associated with re-admission of preterm babies below one year at the Pediatric Ward, Wyne Stone Medical Center, Wakiso District.  Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing a quantitative research method was used to collect data within four days involving 40 mothers who were selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and involved closed-ended questions. Data collected was analyzed manually after findings were entered into a Microsoft Excel (2013) version, which was then presented in the form of tables, pie-charts, and graphs.  Results. (42.5%) were between 18 and 25 years, and (65%) had attained secondary education. On mother-related factors, more than half (52.5%) were not knowledgeable about neonatal care, the majority (67.5%) did not exclusively breastfeed their babies after discharge, and 62.5%) leave was not enough. In line with health facility-related factors, the majority (60%) waited for long, and the vast majority (85%) rated health costs as high. Regarding social-economic factors, an overwhelming (95%) had received advice from family members, most (90%) purchased prescribed drugs, and most (72.5%) relied on traditional methods due to healthcare costs.  Conclusion. The majority of the participants were not knowledgeable about neonatal care; experienced stress, and a significant number did not exclusively breastfeed babies after discharge.  Recommendation. The Ministry of Health should strengthen maternal health education programs, especially on neonatal care practices, by integrating structured neonatal care modules into antenatal and postnatal services

Determinants of electronic documentation of patient data among nurses at Dr. Batta General Military Hospital, Entebbe, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe integration of Electronic Health Records into healthcare systems is vital for improving documentation accuracy, care coordination, and patient safety. However, the adoption of electronic documentation by nurses in Uganda remains low. This study aimed to assess the individual and health facility-related determinants influencing the use of electronic documentation among nurses at Dr. Batta General Military Hospital, Entebbe.  Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using structured self-administered questionnaires with a sample of 30 nurses selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables, bar graphs, and pie charts.  Results The majority of respondents were aged 26–31 years (40.0%) and predominantly female (66.7%). Most nurses (83.3%) correctly understood the meaning of electronic documentation, and 60% had received prior training. However, key individual barriers included lack of skills or confidence (50.0%), fear of making mistakes (33.3%), and system complexity (33.3%) as the main reasons for non-use. On the health facility side, 56.7% of respondents reported insufficient electronic equipment, 63.3% indicated the absence of clear documentation guidelines, and 56.7% stated they lacked adequate support and supervision.  Conclusion Electronic documentation among nurses is hindered by limited digital competence, resistance to change, inadequate refresher training, and negative perceptions. Institutional barriers such as poor infrastructure, weak leadership, and a lack of clear policies further exacerbate the challenge. Without addressing these barriers, the hospital risks continued inefficiencies in patient data management and care delivery.  Recommendations The Ministry of Health should invest in targeted ICT and EHR training programs to boost nurses’ skills and confidence. Dr. Batta General Military Hospital must strengthen its technological infrastructure and provide consistent technical support. Hospital administration should simplify EHR systems and establish clear documentation policies to improve usability and compliance.

Postpartum Obesity Awakening in LMICs

Maternal obesity, excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and post-partum weight retention (PPWR) constitute new public health challenges due to its association with negative short- and long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, attention appears to be concentrated on developed countries with little/none to developing countries as most developing countries are still scarred by the after-mark of undernutrition and believe obesity is for the affluent. The burden of PPWR on developing countries is unrealistic due to absence of statistical data. There is a popular understanding that pregnancy is a period of rapid weight gain and change in body composition as maternal metabolism adapt to meet the demands of the developing fetus. But how much weight gain is recommended is still arguable among majority of the midwives and among women of childbearing age. PPWR can induce a vicious cycle of gestational obesity through out the reproductive life of a woman predisposing her to all sorts of obstetric complications. As a modifiable risk factor, body weight during the prepregnancy, intranatal, and postpartum periods may present critical windows to apply interventions to prevent weight retention and the development of overweight and obesity in women of childbearing age

Recycling hospital glass waste by crushing and incorporating into construction materials at Baptist hospital Mutengene.

Introduction Hospital waste is any material, substance, or by-product that is discarded or no longer useful, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, as well as in research activities about medical care. Project Design The project design included a needs assessment, a feasibility study, the establishment of the collection system, and the crushing unit. Also, we have quality control, partnerships for the initiative, and the handling and transportation of materials. Monitoring and evaluation of the processes, compliance with regulations as well as a sustainability plan are indispensable in the project design. Another key aspect of this design and implementation strategy will be documentation and reporting. Intentionally engaging the community of health care workers who are the primary stakeholders, is central to the success of the project. Project results One of the noteworthy outcomes of the project was the innovative use of recycled glass aggregate in the creation of pavement tiles. These tiles, crafted from recycled materials, represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for hospital walkways. By repurposing glass waste into functional and aesthetically pleasing tiles, the hospital contributes to the beautification and enhancement of its infrastructure while simultaneously addressing waste management challenges. Throughout the project implementation phase, necessary records were maintained to track the quantity of glass waste processed and recycled. These records serve as a valuable resource for monitoring progress, evaluating the effectiveness of the recycling efforts, and informing future decision-making processes. Conclusion Recycling glass waste for the production of aggregate presents a many-sided solution to the challenges of waste management and sustainable construction. Recommendations The government and stakeholders should draft environmentally friendly policies concerning the recycling of non-biodegradable waste materials to ensure environmental safety

Barriers to entrepreneurial development in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study of student perspectives.

BackgroundEntrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a pathway to youth empowerment and economic development in South Africa. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges play a pivotal role in equipping students with practical skills for self-employment. However, despite national policy support, entrepreneurial development within TVET colleges remains constrained. This study investigates the barriers hindering entrepreneurial growth from the perspective of enrolled students, with a focus on identifying institutional, structural, and contextual challenges.  MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted across four public TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 120 final-year students enrolled in business and engineering programs. Qualitative insights were gathered through focus group discussions (n = 4) and semi-structured interviews with 12 student representatives and academic staff. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses.  ResultsKey barriers identified include inadequate entrepreneurial training (reported by 72% of students), limited access to start-up funding (68%), lack of mentorship and incubation programs (61%), and insufficient exposure to real-world business environments. Institutional constraints such as outdated curricula and poorly resourced entrepreneurship units further compound the challenge. Qualitative findings highlighted students’ strong preference for experiential learning approaches, including internships, community-based enterprise projects, and simulation exercises, which they perceived as essential for bridging the gap between theory and practice.  ConclusionThe study highlights significant structural and pedagogical gaps within TVET institutions that hinder students' entrepreneurial readiness. While students demonstrate interest and potential for entrepreneurship, systemic limitations restrict the translation of skills into practice.  RecommendationsTo strengthen entrepreneurial development in TVET colleges, curriculum reforms should prioritize experiential learning, partnerships with local businesses, and on-campus incubation centres. Additionally, policy frameworks must support funding access and mentorship networks tailored to student-led enterprises

AN IN VITRO EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SUTHERLANDIA FRUTESCENS ON PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA.: Antimicrobial Activity of Sutherlandia frutescens on Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections has prompted interest in medicinal plants such as Sutherlandia frutescens, traditionally used in Southern African medicine. Despite some evidence of antimicrobial properties, its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains unclear. Aim: The study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of Sutherlandia frutescens extracts against P. aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen. Methods Aqueous and ethanol extracts of S. frutescens were prepared and tested using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay and broth microdilution for Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination. Results The aqueous extract of S. frutescens exhibited no inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa. The ethanol extract displayed a MIC value of 1.56 mg/mL; however, this finding was inconclusive, as the ethanol control demonstrated equivalent inhibitory activity at the same concentration. Statistical analysis of the zones of inhibition revealed no significant difference between the ethanol extract and the ethanol control (p = 0.1315). Conclusion The study indicates that S. frutescens extracts possess negligible intrinsic antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, lessening their potential as a standalone therapeutic option. Recommendation Future investigations should focus on evaluating synergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics or isolating specific bioactive compounds to enhance efficacy

IMPACT AND ASSESSMENT OF ILLEGAL FISHING ON RIVERINE BIODIVERSITY IN THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY.

Background Subsistence fishing, while a livelihood source for many, significantly impacts freshwater and marine biodiversity through overexploitation and illegal practices. This study investigates the ecological and socio-economic effects of subsistence fishing, with a particular focus on the drivers and challenges of illegal fishing, despite existing regulatory efforts.  Methods A mixed-methods approach was used, combining spatial analysis to identify ecologically sensitive fishing areas with quantitative survey data from 32 subsistence fishers across designated fishing zones. A structured questionnaire captured demographic profiles, fishing practices, permit status, and perceptions of fisheries regulations.  Results This study confirms that illegal subsistence fishing continues to threaten biodiversity conservation, with 67% of participants acknowledging the use of unsustainable fishing methods such as gill nets and harvesting during breeding seasons. 59% of respondents were unemployed, and 72% lacked formal fishing permits. 62% were male and 38% female, with the majority citing poverty, limited alternative livelihoods, and poor policy awareness as key reasons for noncompliance. Additionally, 81% of fishers reported that they had never been engaged in community consultations or regulatory planning. Spatial mapping revealed several fishing hotspots overlapping with protected or sensitive aquatic habitats, intensifying the ecological risks. Weak enforcement, limited patrols, and a shortage of trained extension officers were cited by both fishers and local authorities as major obstacles to effective policy implementation.  Conclusion Illegal subsistence fishing poses a direct threat to biodiversity, and current regulatory frameworks are inadequately enforced. Without community engagement and socio-economic support, conservation objectives are unlikely to be met.  Recommendations To mitigate biodiversity loss and improve compliance, fisheries management must integrate community-based enforcement, expand awareness campaigns, and develop alternative livelihood programs. Strengthened institutional capacity and participatory governance are essential for sustainable resource use and inclusive policy outcomes

Prevalence and associated factors of underweight among children aged 06-59 months living in the slum areas of Mbarara city, Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

Background Undernutrition among children aged 6-59 months remains a public health concern posing a major challenge in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2.2. Despite considerable efforts to quantify the burden of stunting and wasting, little attention has been paid to underweight. Moreover, children living in slum areas and poor households are significantly affected by underweight. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of underweight and associated factors among children aged 6-59 months living within the slum areas of Mbarara city.  Methods This was a cross-sectional study done within the slum areas of Mbarara city among children aged 6-59 months and their caregivers. Proportionate probability sampling and simple random sampling were used to select 532 households with potential participants within the slum areas. Interviews were done using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements of children were taken using a digital weighing scale. Data was analyzed using Stata version 17. Associated factors were determined using a modified Poisson regression model.  Results The prevalence of underweight was 8.3%. Child’s age 12-23 months (APR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.2-5.6) and multiple pregnancy (APR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.4-5) were independently associated with underweight. Children aged 12-23 months were 2.6 times more likely to be underweight than those aged 6-11 months.  Additionally, children born to multiple pregnancies were 2.7 times more likely to be underweight than those from singleton pregnancies.  Conclusions Underweight among children living within the slum areas of Mbarara city is still a public health problem, with about 1 in 10 children underweight. Child’s age 12-23 months and multiple pregnancy were the associated factors.  Recommendation The study recommends health education for child caregivers on optimal child feeding practices, particularly for children aged 12-23 months and those born to multiple pregnancies