Uptake and Completion of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination by Adolescent Girls Attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in Soroti City, Northeastern Uganda; A Cross Sectional Study

Acknowledgement We would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Departments of Nursing and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Soroti University which provided guidance throughout the process of proposal development, protocol approval, data collection and report writing. In addition, we acknowledge Associate Professor Fred Kirya, the Dean School of Health Sciences who facilitated the faculty members to oversee and supervise this research project.Introduction: Uganda adopted and implemented Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination since 2015 for adolescent girls aged 9-13 years for primary prevention of cervical cancer. However, the vaccine uptake and dose completion have remained relatively low national wide. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the uptake and dose completion of HPV vaccination and associated factors in Soroti city, Northeastern Uganda. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. A sample of 287 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years were selected consecutively from four health centers in Soroti City between March and April 2024. Data was analyzed using Stata statistical software, version 15.0. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to determine the level of HPV vaccine uptake and dose completion. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using modified Poisson regression with robust error estimates to determine association between independent factors and uptake and dose completion. Results were reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and factors whose P-Values were less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 287 adolescent girls, their mean age was 14 years (SD=2.9). Most of the participants were in school, 231(80.5%). Majority, 79 % (n=228) had never heard about HPV Vaccination. HPV Vaccination uptake among the study participants was suboptimal as only 58.8% (n=166) had received at least one dose whereas only 30% (n=86) had completed the two doses of the vaccine. The factors that were significantly associated with vaccination uptake were school enrollment status (P=0.022), religion (P=0.010), and awareness about HPV vaccine (P<0.001), while factors that were significantly associated with completion of HPV vaccination were: School enrollment status (P=0.046) and awareness about HPV vaccine (P=0.007). Conclusion: The uptake and completion of HPV vaccination in Soroti was suboptimal compared to WHO target of 90%. School enrollment status and awareness about HPV vaccine were factors significantly associated with HPV uptake and dose completion. Strengthening the school-based HPV vaccination program and creating awareness about HPV vaccination, in schools, at the health facilities and in the community may significantly improve the HPV vaccination and dose completion in the region.Non

Factors associated with uptake and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among female sex workers in Northeastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Acknowledgments The authors acknowledge the contribution of Professor JR Odong Ikoja, the Soroti Univer sity Vice Chancellor who acquired the funds for the research activities and Professor Francis Ejobi, the Soroti University Director of Research and Innovation for his administrative sup port and oversight on the management of this research projectBackground Cervical cancer screening program in Uganda is opportunistic and focuses mainly on women aged 25–49 years. Female sex workers (FSWs) are at increased risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. There is limited data regarding the uptake and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among FSWs in Uganda. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with uptake and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among FSWs in Eastern Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 423 FSWs aged 18–49 years attending care at six health facilities serving Key Populations (FSWs, Men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs and people in prisons) in the Teso sub-region. Data was collected using structured investigator administered questionnaire and analyzed using Stata statistical software version 15.0 (Stata Corp, Texas, USA). The primary outcome was uptake of cervical cancer screening measured as the proportion of female sex workers who have ever been screened for cervical cancer. Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in uptake of cervical cancer screening by HIV status. Modified Poisson regres sion model with a robust variance estimator was used to determine association between the outcome variables and selected independent variables including demographic charac teristics. Prevalence ratios (PR) with accompanying 95% confidence intervals have been reported. Statistical significance was considered at two-sided p-values ≤ 0.05. Results The mean age of the participants was 28.1 (±SD = 6.6) years. The self-reported HIV prevalence was 21.5% (n = 91). There were 138 (32.6%) participants who had ever been screened for cervical cancer (uptake), while 397 (93.9%) were willing to be screened (acceptability). There was a significant difference in cervical cancer screening uptake between women living with HIV (WLHIV) and those who were HIV negative, 59.3% vs 26.9% respectively (P < 0.001). The significant factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening included living with HIV, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.53 (95%CI: 1.15–2.07), increasing number of biological children, aPR = 1.14 (1.06–1.24) living near a private not for profit (PNFP) facility, aPR = 2.84 (95% CI; 1.68–4.80) and availability of screening services at the nearest health facility, aPR = 1.83 (95% CI, 1.30–2.57). Factors significantly associated with acceptability of cervical cancer screening included being 40 years or older, aPR = 1.22 (95%CI: 1.01–1.47), having a family history of cervical cancer, aPR = 1.05 (1.01–1.10), and living near a PNFP facility, aPR = 1.17 (95% CI, 1.09–1.27) and having ever screened before, aPR = 0.92 (0.86–0.98). Conclusion Female sex workers living with HIV are more likely to screen for cervical cancer than the HIV negative clients. Cervical cancer screening uptake is relatively low among the female sex workers. However, majority of the FSWs are willing to be screened for cervical cancer if the services are provided in the nearby healthcare facilities. There is need to make cer vical cancer screening services available to all eligible women especially the female sex workers and integrate the services with sexual reproductive health services in general and not just HIV/ART clinics servicesGovernment of Uganda. Soroti University Research and Innovation Funds (SUNRIF

Maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care services and its associated factors among mothers who delivered from health facilities within a city in Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional community study

NAAbstract Background: keeping an eye on and assessing maternal satisfaction enhances the effectiveness and quality of care during the intrapartum period and if not regularly accessed, could lead to detrimental effects on maternal and newborn outcomes following intrapartum. Therefore this study aimed at assessing maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care services and its associated factors among mothers who delivered from health facilities within Soroti City Methods: Background characteristics of participants were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Data entry and analysis were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 software. A crude and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to identify associated factors. Results: 86.5% gave birth from government facilities while 13.5 % delivered from private facilities. Overall 70.4% of mothers were satisfied with the intrapartum care services received from health facilities in Soroti City. Mothers who gave birth in private facilities were more satisfied (95.2%) compared to those in public facilities (66.5%). Type of the healthcare facility AOR(95%CI) 7.504(1.573-35.787),duration of hospital stay before delivery AOR(95% CI)2.674(1.300-5.502),periodic updates AOR (95% CI) 0.247(0.116-0.530),plan to have the pregnancy AOR(95%CI),2.483(1.280-4.814)overall cleanness AOR(95%CI) 0.07(0.013-0.378),delivery position of patient choice AOR(95% CI) 0.228(0.069 0.754),privacy AOR(95% CI) 0.102(0.050-0.209), and Pain management AOR (95% CI) 0.334(0.152 0.738) were significantly associated with satisfaction. Conclusion: The overall satisfaction of mothers with intrapartum care services provided was relatively high. Majority of the mothers gave birth from government facilities however a higher percentage of satisfaction was reported in private facilities. Therefore, all stakeholders have to emphatically work on those identified factors to improve maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care services Keywords: Intrapartum care services, maternal outcome, satisfaction.N

Artificial intelligence in higher education institutions: review of innovations, opportunities and challenges

NAArtificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries including institutions of higher learning as it enhances teaching and learning processes, streamline administrative tasks and drive innovations. Despite the unprecedented opportunities, AI tools if not used correctly, can be challenging in education institutions. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review the AI innovations, opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI in higher Education of learning. A systematic literature review methodology was adopted and used to locate and select existing studies, analyze and synthesize the evidence to arrive at clear conclusion about the current debate in the area of study. Following the PRISMA, the study analyzed a total of 54 documents that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria set for selection of the documents. The review unveiled many opportunities including enhanced research capabilities, automation of administrative tasks among others. Artificial Intelligence tools are found to refine and streamline the administrative tasks in different units in higher institutions of learning. The challenges include ethical concerns, integrity issues and data fabrication issues. With the challenges notwithstanding, the benefits of Artificial Intelligence cannot be over emphasized. Artificial intelligence remains a powerful tool for research, automation of administrative tasked, personalized learning, inclusivity and accessibility of educational content for all. Emphasis should be put in regulatory frameworks detailing how such tools can be used while maintaining the level of ethical standards required. KEYWORDS artificial, intelligence, innovations, opportunities, challenges, literatureN

Ikoja Odongo, J. R. (2024). Information Needs and Uses of the Informal Sector Entrepreneurs: A Conceptual, Contextual and Historiographic Review.

This is a book chapter published in a book titled Information, Knowledge, and Technology for Teaching and Research in Africa: Information Behavior in Knowledge and Economy, 23-52.This chapter reviews extant literature on information needs and uses of the informal sector entrepreneurs of Uganda. The review is based on the study conducted from 1999 to 2002. By this time, studies on information needs were already forty years old since the early writing and exposition by Taylor in 1962, 1968. Motivation to the study is that the informal sector whose entrepreneurs were studied, had during this time relatively few studies of information needs and uses undertaken in developing Africa and within Uganda there was no empirical evidence to rely on to the size, nature, range, and activities of the sector. There is also a wide information gap in government, NGOs and other stakeholders on the sector regarding what they do and yet the sector contributes to the national economy. However the sector is part of the Ugandan economy that is deeply rooted in the history, customs and culture of the country. It is the second economy that has demonstrated remarkable ability to survive and expand in recent years. To understand the information needs and uses of entrepreneurs, their demographic and business characteristics are highlighted and empirically tested. Qualitative research methodologies, applying critical incidence technique for interviews of informal entrepreneurs from various trades was employed. Observations of entrepreneurs’ work environments and historical methods were engaged. Results suggest modern/exotic models of information transfer based on textual media and ICT, exhibit less impact on the entrepreneurs’ information needs and use at macro levels because of illiteracy, low levels of education and poor information infrastructure. Most ‘elite’ models share a platform with information behavior of entrepreneurs at the micro levels. The conclusion is drawn that an appropriate model for information behavior for information poor communities like the informal entrepreneurs must be grounded on oral traditions and indigenous knowledge and should be sensitive to poverty, infrastructure and illiteracy. There is need for information repackaging and use of appropriate media for information provision.Non

Predictors of microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at regional referral hospitals in the central zone, Tanzania: a cross‑sectional study

Microvascular complications encompass a group of diseases which result from long-standing chronic effect of diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to determine the prevalence of microvascular complications and associated risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A cross-sectional analytical hospital-based study was conducted at Singida and Dodoma regional referral hospitals in Tanzania from December 2021 to September 2022. A total of 422 patients with T2DM were included in the analysis by determining the prevalence of microvascular complications and their predictors using multivariable logistic regression analysis. A two-tailed p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of microvascular complications was 57.6% (n = 243) and diabetic retinopathy was the most common microvascular complication which accounted for 21.1% (n = 89). Having irregular physical activity (AOR = 7.27, 95% CI = 2.98–17.71, p < 0.001), never having physical activity (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.4–4.01, p = 0.013), being hypertensive (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.14–11.68, p = 0.030), having T2DM for more than 5 years (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.42–5.26, p = 0.025), being obese (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.22–5.68, p = 0.010), and taking anti-diabetic drugs irregularly (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 0.15–0.77, p < 0.001) were the predictors of microvascular complications. This study has revealed a significant proportion of microvascular complications in a cohort of patients with T2DM. Lack of regular physical activity, being obese, taking anti-diabetic drugs irregularly, presence of hypertension, and long-standing duration of the disease, were significantly associated with microvascular complications

A retrospective study

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among infectious agents globally. An estimated 10million people are newly diagnosed and 1.5 million die of the disease annually. Uganda is among the 30highTB-burdened countries, with Karamoja having a significant contribution of the disease incidence in the country. Control of the disease in Karamoja is complex because a majority of the at-risk population remains mobile; partly because of the nomadic lifestyle. This study, therefore, aimed at describing the factors associated with drug-susceptible TB treatment success rate (TSR) in the Karamoja region. Methods This was a retrospective study on case notes of all individuals diagnosed with and treated for drug-susceptible TB at St. Kizito Hospital Matany, Napak district, Karamoja from 1 2020 to 31 st st Jan December 2021. Data were abstracted using a customized data abstraction tool. Data analyses were done using Stata statistical software, version 15.0. A chi-square test was conducted to compare treatment success rates between the years 2020 and 2021, while Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed at a multivariable level to determine the factors associated with treatment success. Results We studied records of 1234 participants whose median age was 31(IQR: 13–49) years. Children below 15 years of age accounted for 26.2% (n = 323). The overall treatment success rate for the study period was 79.3%(95%CI; 77.0%-81.5%), with a statistically significant variation in 2020 and 2021, 75.4% (422/560) vs 82.4% (557/674) respectively, (P = 0.002). The commonest reported treatment outcome was treatment completion at 52 %(n = 647) and death at wasat10.4%(n=129). Older age, undernutrition (Red MUAC), and HIV-positive status were significantly associated with lower treatment success: aPR = 0.87(95% CI; 0.80–0.94), aPR = 0.91 (95%CI; 0.85–0.98) and aPR = 0.88 (95%CI; 0.78–0.98); respectively. Patients who were enrolled in 2021 had a high prevalence of treatment success compared to those enrolled in 2020, aPR = 1.09 (95%CI; 1.03–1.16). Conclusion TBTSR in Matany Hospital was suboptimal. Older age, poor nutrition, and being HIV-positive were negative predictors of treatment success. We propose integrating nutrition and HIV care into TB programming to improve treatment successFunding: This publication was partially (data collection) supported through SUNRIF, Soroti University research and innovation fund, Round1, Award No SUNRIF2022/22 to Ronald Opito. The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the funder. There was no additional external funding received for this study

Isoniazid preventive therapy completion between July-September 2019: A comparison across HIV differentiated service delivery models in Uganda

PLOS recognizes the benefits of transparency in the peer review process; therefore, we enable the publication of all of the content of peer review and author responses alongside final, published articles. The editorial history of this article is available here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296239Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV). To prevent TB among PLHIV, the Ugandan national guidelines recommend Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) across differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, an effective way of delivering ART. DSD models include Community Drug Distribution Point (CDDP), Community Client-led ART Delivery (CCLAD), Facility-Based Individual Management (FBIM), Facility-Based Group (FBG), and Fast Track Drug Refill (FTDR). Little is known about the impact of delivering IPT through DSD. Methods We reviewed medical records of PLHIV who initiated IPT between June-September 2019 at TASO Soroti (TS), Katakwi Hospital (KH) and Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH). We defined IPT completion as completing a course of isoniazid within 6–9 months. We utilized a modified Poisson regression to compare IPT completion across DSD models and determine factors associated with IPT completion in each DSD model. Results Data from 2968 PLHIV were reviewed (SRRH: 50.2%, TS: 25.8%, KH: 24.0%); females: 60.7%; first-line ART: 91.7%; and Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimen: 61.9%. At IPT initiation, the median age and duration on ART were 41.5 (interquartile range [IQR]; 32.3–50.2) and 6.0 (IQR: 3.7–8.6) years, respectively. IPT completion overall was 92.8% (95%CI: 91.8–93.7%); highest in CDDP (98.1%, 95%CI: 95.0–99.3%) and lowest in FBG (85.8%, 95%CI: 79.0–90.7%). Compared to FBIM, IPT completion was significantly higher in CDDP (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.09–1.22) and CCLAD (aRR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16). In facility-based models, IPT completion differed between sites (p<0.001). IPT completion increased with age for FBIM and CCLAD and was lower among female participants in the CCLAD (aRR = 0.82, 95%CI 0.67–0.97). Conclusion IPT completion was high overall but highest in community-based models. Our findings provide evidence that supports integration of IPT within DSD models for ART delivery in Uganda and similar settings.This project was funded by the Ugandan Ministry of Health and by grant # OPP1152764 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

A cross-sectional study Design

Background: Pneumonia continues to be the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of five, resulting in the demise of 740,180 children globally and contributing to 14% of all deaths in this age group, with 22% of deaths occurring among children aged 1 to 5 years. Most researches have been conducted to establish factors that contribute to pneumonia but have reported inconsistent findings. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors in children under-five years. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study at the Pediatric Department of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, from the month of March to April 2024. The study included 385 children aged 2 to 59 months admitted to the pediatric ward. Pneumonia diagnosis was made according to the 2014 standard clinical WHO and integrated management of new born and childhood illness classification of cases. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio demographic, socioeconomic, child related and facility related factors and bivariate analysis using Chi-square in SPSS version 27 was done to assess for the factors independently associated with pneumonia. Results: Of the 385 children admitted in the pediatric ward, 97 (25.2%) had pneumonia. Factors significantly associated with pneumonia included: age of the child (p= <0.001), level of maternal education (p= <0.001), housing conditions (p= <0.001), use of wood as fuel (p= <0.001), immunization status (p= <0.001), nutrition status (p= <0.001), exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.006), history of ARTI (p= <0.001), Vitamin A deficiency (p= <0.001), hospital stay (p= <0.001) and accessibility to health care services (p= <0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of pneumonia in children under-five years was high. Most of the factors associated with pneumonia are modifiable; addressing these factors could reduce this prevalence. The study recommends implementation of a comprehensive health care program at the community level in the study area to address the factors associated with pneumonia above

Immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 and p53 and their prognostic role in ameloblastoma: A longitudinal study.

Objectives: Ameloblastoma, comprising approximately 11% of all odontogenic tumors, is a locally aggressive tumor with a high recurrence rate. This study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 and p53 and their association with clinical and pathological factors among patients with ameloblastoma. Methods: Retrospective follow-up data of patients histologically confirmed with ameloblastoma at Makerere College of Health Sciences in Kampala, Uganda from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrieved. Factors associated with Ki-67 and p53 immunohistochemical expression were determined using one-way one-way analysis of variance. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact statistical tests were used to assess factors associated with recurrence. A two-tailed p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 40 patients confirmed histologically with ameloblastoma were included in the analysis. The majority (62.5%) of cases were of the conventional type of ameloblastoma. The expressions of Ki-67 and p53 were 52.5% and 85.0%, respectively. Recurrence was found in 47.5% of patients and it was associated with conventional histological type (p = 0.042), segmental resection (p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.001), and high p53 expression (p = 0.041). Conclusions: Almost half the cases in this study had recurrence. The immunohistochemical expression of p53 was significantly higher than that of Ki-67