Rooting characteristics of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) in relation to soil fragipans in the flatwoods section of southeast Texas

Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to [email protected], referencing the URI of the item.Not availabl

Acceptability of patient-centered hypertension education delivered by community health workers among people living with HIV/AIDS in rural Uganda

Abstract Background The prevalence of hypertension is increasing among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, knowledge of the complications and management of hypertension among PLWHA in Uganda remains low. We explored the acceptability of implementing hypertension (HTN) specific health education by community health workers (CHWs) among PLWHA in rural Uganda. Methods We conducted a qualitative study consisting of 22 in-depth interviews (14 PLWHA/HTN and 8 CHWs), 3 focus group discussions (FGDs), 2 with PLWHA/HTN and 1 with CHWs from Nakaseke district, Uganda. Participants were interviewed after a single session interaction with the CHW. Data were transcribed from luganda (local language) into English and analyzed using thematic analysis. We used Sekhon’s model of acceptability of health Interventions to explore participants’ perceptions. Results Participants believed CHWs utilized easy-to-understand, colloquial, non-technical language during education delivery, had a pre-existing rapport with the CHWs that aided faster communication, and had more time to explain illness than medical doctors had. Participants found the educational material (PocketDoktor™) to be simple and easy to understand, and perceived that the education would lead to improved health outcomes. Participants stated their health was a priority and sought further disease-specific information. We also found that CHWs were highly motivated to carry out the patient-centered education. While delivering the education, CHWs experienced difficulties in keeping up with the technical details regarding hypertension in the PocketDoktor™, financial stress and patient questions beyond their self-perceived skill level and experience. PLWHA/HTN had challenges accessing the health facility where the intervention was delivered and preferred a household setting. Conclusions Hypertension patient-centered education delivered by CHWs using the PocketDoktor™ was acceptable to PLWHA and hypertension in Nakaseke area in rural, Uganda. There is need for further studies to determine the cost implications of delivering this intervention among PLWHA across LMIC settings

Using mobile audiometry (Wulira App) to assess noise induced hearing loss among industrial workers in Kampala, Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundOccupational noise is a common cause of hearing loss in low-income countries. Unfortunately, screening for hearing loss is rarely done due to technical and logistical challenges associated with pure tone audiometry. Wulira app is a valid and potentially cost-effective alternative to pure tone audiometry in screening for occupational hearing loss. We aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational hearing loss among workers in a metal industry company in Kampala district.MethodologyWe recruited 354 participants conveniently from a steel and iron manufacturing industry in Kampala. All eligible participants answered a pretested and validated questionnaire and were assessed for noise induced hearing loss in a quiet office room approximately 500 meters from the heavy machinery area using the Wulira app. Descriptive statistics such as proportions were used to describe the study population while inferential statistics were used to determine associations.ResultsOf the 354 participants sampled, 333 (94.1%) were male, and the median age was 27, IQR (25-30). Regarding the risk factors of hearing loss, fourteen (3.9%) had history of smoking and more than half (65.5%) had worked in the industry for more than 2 years. The overall prevalence of hearing loss among industrial workers was 11.3% (40/354). 16.2% and 9% had mild hearing loss in the right and left ear respectively. Bilateral audiometric notch was present where fourteen (4%) of the participants had notch in their right ear while seven (2%) had notch in their left ear. Residing outside Kampala district was associated with hearing loss (OR, 95% CI, 0.213 (0.063-0.725), p = 0.013).ConclusionOne in 10 workers in a metal manufacturing industry in Kampala had occupational hearing loss. Industrial workers residing outside Kampala were likely to develop hearing loss. Periodic screening should be done for early detection and intervention to prevent progression of hearing loss in this population

Prevalence and factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in Northern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia is the most common endocrine abnormality in children, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The burden and risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa are unknown. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia in Lira District, Northern Uganda. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study, nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial designed to promote health facility births and newborn care practices in Lira District, Northern Uganda. This study recruited neonates born to mothers in the parent study. Random blood glucose was measured using an On Call® Plus glucometer (ACON Laboratories, Inc., 10125 Mesa Road, San Diego, CA, USA). We defined hypoglycemia as a blood glucose of < 47 mg/dl. To determine the factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, a multivariable linear regression mixed-effects model was used. Results: We examined 1416 participants of mean age 3.1 days (standard deviation (SD) 2.1) and mean weight of 3.2 kg (SD 0.5). The mean neonatal blood glucose level was 81.6 mg/dl (SD 16.8). The prevalence of a blood glucose concentration of < 47 mg/dl was 2.2% (31/1416): 95% CI 1.2%, 3.9%. The risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia were delayed breastfeeding initiation [adjusted mean difference, − 2.6; 95% CI, − 4.4, − 0.79] and child age of 3 days or less [adjusted mean, − 12.2; 95% CI, − 14.0, − 10.4]. Conclusion: The incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia was low in this community and was predicted by delay in initiating breastfeeding and a child age of 3 days or less. We therefore suggest targeted screening and management of neonatal hypoglycemia among neonates before 3 days of age and those who are delayed in the onset of breastfeeding

Cross-sectional validation of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in rural Uganda.

Measuring quality of life is a key component in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The COPD assessment test (CAT), an easy to administer and shorter instrument than the standard Saint George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), could be an alternative tool for measuring the quality of life of COPD patients in rural Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022, consecutively recruiting 113 COPD patients aged > 40 years from the Low-Dose Theophylline for the management of Biomass-associated COPD (LODOT-BCOPD) study. Upon obtaining consent, participants answered an interviewer administered social demographic, CAT and SGRQ questionnaire. Internal consistency for both SGRQ and CAT was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and values > 0.7 were considered acceptable while correlations were determined using Spearman's rank correlation. Limits of Agreement were visualised using Bland Altman and pair plots. Of the 113 participants, 51 (45.1%) were female. The mean age was 64 ± 12 years, 19 (16.8%) had history of smoking while majority (112 (99.1%)) reported use of firewood for cooking. There was a strong correlation of 0.791 (p < 0.001) between the CAT and SGRQ total scores with a high internal consistency of CAT, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.924 (0.901-0.946). The agreement between the absolute CAT scores and the SGRQ scores was good with a mean difference of -0.932 (95% Confidence Interval: -33.49-31.62). In summary, CAT has an acceptable validity and can be used as an alternative to the SGRQ to assess the quality of life of COPD patients in rural Uganda

Prevalence of genital high-risk human papillomavirus infections and associated factors among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Uganda

Abstract Background Women living with HIV are at risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer worldwide. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that testing for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection be incorporated into cervical cancer screening programs using molecular nucleic acid tests (NATs) but this has not previously been done in Uganda. The country’s coverage for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening remains low at less than 10% for women aged 25–49 years. This study determined the genital prevalence of hrHPV infection and the associated factors among women living with HIV in Uganda. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 selected health facilities among participants who were on Antiretroviral therapy (ART). Participants who consented to participate were instructed on how to collect their own high vaginal swabs using a cervical brush for HPV molecular testing (HPV DNA or HPV RNA) and their demographics data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Laboratory diagnosis for HPV molecular testing was done using Gene xpert machines and Hologic Aptima Machine. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors. Results This study involved 5856 HIV positive participants on ART. A total of 2006 out of 5856 (34.3%) participants had high risk HPV infections. HPV infections by genotypes were: HPV16 317(15.8%), HPV 18/45 308 (15.4%) and other high-risk HPV 1381 (68.8%). The independent factors associated with all hrHPV were parity, education level, having more than one partner, and engaging in early sex. Smoking was associated with HPV 16, HPV 18/45 and other hrHPV. Age was associated with all hrHPV, marital status with HPV 16, and occupation with HPV 16. Conclusions The prevalence of genital high-risk HPV infections among HIV positive women attending ART clinics in public facilities in Uganda was high. Other hrHPV genotype was the commonest compared to 18/45 and HPV 16. The integration of cervical cancer screening in ART programmes remains paramount to support the early detection of cervical cancer and Non-invasive self-collected urine and vaginal sampling for cervical cancer screening present an opportunity

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research check list.

(DOCX)</p

FGD guide tool.

(DOCX)</p

Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.

Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.</p