Current knowledge, attitudes and practices of women on breast cancer and mammography at Mulago Hospital

Background: Breast cancer is the third commonest cancer in Ugandan women. Women present late for breast cancer management which leads to high mortality rates. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Ugandan women concerning breast cancer and mammography. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study where 100 women reporting to the Radiology department were interviewed. We used consecutive sampling. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect opinions of the participants. For data analysis, answers were described as knowledge, attitude, practice and they were correlated with control variables through the chi-square. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were also used. Results: Most of the women (71%) had no idea about mammography. More than 50 % did not know about risk factors for breast cancer. The attitude towards mammography was generally negative. Regarding seeking for mammography; level of literacy, occupation and marital status were significant on bivariate analysis, however only level of literacy and employment remained the significant independent variables on logistic regression analysis. The main barrier to mammography was mainly lack of information. Conclusion: Women in this study had Page number not for citation purposes

Characteristics and outcomes of admitted patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Uganda

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.Rationale: Detailed data on the characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. Objective: We determined the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Uganda . Measurements: As of the 16 May 2020, a total of 203 cases had been confirmed. We report on the first 56 patients; 29 received hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and 27 did not. Endpoints included admission to intensive care, mechanical ventilation or death during hospitalisation. Main results: The median age was 34.2 years; 67.9% were male; and 14.6% were 130/90 mm Hg, and 27.8% had BP of >140/90 mm Hg. Laboratory derangements were leucopenia (10.6%), lymphopenia (11.1%) and thrombocytopenia (26.3%). Abnormal chest X-ray was observed in 14.3%. No patients reached the primary endpoint. Time to clinical recovery was shorter among patients who received HCQ, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Most of the patients with COVID-19 presented with mild disease and exhibited a clinical trajectory not similar to other countries. Outcomes did not differ by HCQ treatment status in line with other concluded studies on the benefit of using HCQ in the treatment of COVID-19.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Structural findings at hysterosalpingography in patients with infertility at two private clinics in Kampala, Uganda

Introduction: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is still a commonly used investigation in the evaluation of the female genital tract and the main indication for HSG is infertility. Objective: The purpose of this study was to find the pathology detected at HSG in patients with infertility in our setting. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 289 consecutive patients who underwent hysterosalpingography using ionic water-soluble contrast media was done at 2 private x-ray units in Kampala. Clinical notes and radiological findings were analysed for demographic data, uterine status, tubal and pelvic pathology. Results: The commonest age group seen was 26–30yrs. Most were of low parity. Secondary infertility was commoner than primary infertility. Abnormal findings at hysterosalpingography were found in 83.4%. The commonest finding was tubal blockage. Conclusion: The commonest pathology found on HSG in women presenting with infertility in Kampala is tubal blockage possibly secondary to chronic pelvic inflammation. The fact that secondary infertility is common points to pelvic infection complicating mismanaged pregnancies, septic abortions or sexually transmitted infections. A study toestablish associated factors is recommended. Key Words: Hysterosalpingography, Infertility African Health Sciences Vol.4(3) 2004: 178-18

Structural findings at hysterosalpingography in patients with infertility at two private clinics in Kampala, Uganda

Introduction: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is still a commonly used investigation in the evaluation of the female genital tract and the main indication for HSG is infertility. Objective: The purpose of this study was to find the pathology detected at HSG in patients with infertility in our setting. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 289 consecutive patients who underwent hysterosalpingography using ionic water-soluble contrast media was done at 2 private x-ray units in Kampala. Clinical notes and radiological findings were analysed for demographic data, uterine status, tubal and pelvic pathology. Results: The commonest age group seen was 26–30yrs. Most were of low parity. Secondary infertility was commoner than primary infertility. Abnormal findings at hysterosalpingography were found in 83.4%. The commonest finding was tubal blockage. Conclusion: The commonest pathology found on HSG in women presenting with infertility in Kampala is tubal blockage possibly secondary to chronic pelvic inflammation. The fact that secondary infertility is common points to pelvic infection complicating mismanaged pregnancies, septic abortions or sexually transmitted infections. A study toestablish associated factors is recommended. Key Words: Hysterosalpingography, Infertility African Health Sciences Vol.4(3) 2004: 178-18