FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 SEEKING HEALTH CARE AT KAJANSI HEALTH CENTRE IV. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Purpose This study assessed factors influencing the management and prevention of fungal skin infections in children under 5 years seeking care at Kajansi Health Centre IV in Uganda.  Objectives The objectives were to examine caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and practices; health system-related factors; and social demographic factors impacting fungal infection prevention and management.  Methods A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Data was collected through interviews with 100 caregivers of children under 5 with fungal skin infections at Kajansi Health Centre IV. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants from health center records. Structured questionnaires covering caregiver experiences, health system factors, and demographic details were administered.  Results The Highest proportion (40) of the respondents were caretakers of children in a range of 1-2 years with the lowest observed among 5 years. Knowledge gaps among caregivers regarding causes, transmission, severity, and prevention. Variable attitudes were found, with concerns about stigma but also misconceptions of mildness. Health system weaknesses existed in workforce capacity, medication supply, and prioritization of fungal infections. Poverty, rural residence, and young age emerged as demographic factors increasing infection risk and care access barriers. Long waiting times, medication stock-outs, and financial limitations were commonly cited health system barriers.  Conclusions Targeted education, health system strengthening, and tailored interventions for high-risk groups are necessary to address identified knowledge, attitudinal, and health system limitations negatively impacting fungal infection prevention and management.  Recommendations Recommendations include developing national guidelines designating fungal infections as a priority issue; integrating caregiver education into outreach; ensuring consistent medication availability; improving rural access through outreach; establishing community initiatives to address financial barriers; and strengthening health workforce capacity

Exploring strategies broadcast media can use togenerate revenue from social media platforms: a case study of Galaxy FM in Uganda.

Globally, the manner in which people are communicating and interacting has changed mainly due to social media. This change has affectedtraditional media that is print and broadcast because part of the audiences have shifted to Social Media Platforms (SMPs) like Facebook (Meta), Twitter (X), WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and others where they get all the information. This shift has negatively impacted the revenue base of the traditional media because advertisers have also turned to SMPs to advertise their goods and services. The goal of this study, therefore, was to explore strategies broadcast media houses can use to generate revenue from the SMPs with Galaxy FM Radio in Uganda as the case study. The study took a qualitative approach, where the researcher made a systematic, factual and accurate description of the facts based on the interviews and questionnaires given to the 18 respondents. The study established that Galaxy FM uses seven SMPs namely Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok, where content in various formats is posted and various factors like type and format of the content, its length and language, the time when it is posted, copyright restrictions from platform owners are some of the determinants on how the audience interacts or engages with the content. The study established that although the online audience interacts with the content posted on the SMPs, challenges such as ignorance about their impact, especially among the managers of big corporate companies, the type of content posted, and lack of training continue to bar the radio station from generating revenue. The researcher also recommended strategies which could help Galaxy FM overcome this obstacle

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE ATTENDING LUWEERO GENERAL HOSPITAL, LUWEERO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Introduction Cervical cancer is the cancer of the uterine cervix it is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer deaths in developing countries. In Uganda, cervical cancer is the leading cancer and cause of premature death among women aged 15-49 years. Study objective The study aims to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical screening among women of reproductive attending Luweero General Hospital, Luweero district. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out with both quantitative & qualitative data. The study was conducted at Luweero General Hospital in Luweero district from December 2022 to January 2023, and the sample was calculated. The simple random technique was employed in this study. A self -self-administered questionnaire that was specifically structured was used as a data collection tool. Data was analyzed with SPSS software version 17, by use of double entry. Results Concerning knowledge, 57 out of the 67 (85.1%) had heard about cervical cancer screening. In terms of attitude, 56(83.3%) agreed that they can go for cervical cancer screening when told that it is painless, simple, and good for early detection of cervical cancer. As for the practice, 32(52.2%) had never gone for cervical cancer screening. Conclusion The knowledge was average given majority 85.1% had heard about cervical cancer screening. The attitude was fairly good as well because 83.6% of the women agreed to get checked. However, the practice was very low given that 52.2% had never gone for cervical cancer screening. Recommendation Efforts should be made to have periodical screening against cervical cancer, offering health education on HPV, tobacco use, and condom promotion. Moreover, creating awareness about the availability of cervical cancer services to women of reproductive age attending Luweero General Hospital, Luweero distric

Effects of Outsourcing on Employment Generation: Evidence from the Telecommunications Sector of Uganda

Outsourcing has emerged as a globally embraced business strategy that involves restructuring geared at improving flexibility, inducing innovation and creativity, whilst simultaneously creating greater employment opportunities. Telecommunications companies worldwide have adopted outsourcing strategies leaving them to concentrate on their core business. In Uganda almost all telecommunications companies have also followed the outsourcing trend. However, despite the increasing adoption of outsourcing strategies, there is a dearth of literature about how outsourcing in the telecommunications sector has contributed to the generation of employment in Uganda. MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda were selected as study sites and a mixed-methods approach was followed for the data collection and analysis. The quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using version 23 of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The descriptive statistics were analysed, confirming that a multitude of business functions are being outsourced to other companies in Uganda. Correlation analyses were performed for purposes of generating inferential statistics and the findings revealed that the outsourcing of Human Resource Management (HRM) functions, Information Technology (IT) functions and Facility Management (FM) functions by the telecommunications companies in Uganda has a significant positive relationship with employment generation in Uganda. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and content analysis, with these findings supporting information revealed through the quantitative analysis. Based on the study's findings, the researchers recommend that more activities and/or services should be strategically outsourced by companies in the Ugandan telecommunications sector so as to maximize flexibility, and induce innovations and creativity while creating increased employment opportunities in the country

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEONATAL SEPSIS AMONG NEONATES AT KISENYI HEALTH CENTRE IV IN KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background Neonatal sepsis is a systemic bacterial illness that affects neonates under the age of 28 days with or without bacteremia and in Uganda, 18.2% of the 19 per 1000 neonatal deaths are contributed by neonatal sepsis affecting the progress in improving maternal and child health. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors associated with neonatal sepsis among neonates in Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kampala District.  Methods The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design that used quantitative data collection methods. A simple random sampling method was used to select 40 respondents. Data was analyzed and presented using Microsoft Excel 2013 that presented it in the form of frequency tables, pie charts, and graphs.  Findings The findings of the study on maternal factors associated with neonatal sepsis were; that 70% had never attended antenatal care, 80% had untreated UTI during pregnancy and 60% had bathed the baby with herbs. Neonate-related factors included; 60% had babies born before 8 months and 70% had second to fifth order. Health facility–related factors; 60% had more than three vaginal examinations, 70% had not received antibiotics before delivery and 90% reported that wards were congested.  Conclusion The study concluded that factors associated with neonatal sepsis were maternal factors, neonate-related, and health facility-related factors. Therefore, health education on appropriate neonatal care practices and adjustment of the quality of maternal and neonatal care practices should be done to reduce incidences of neonatal sepsis.  Recommendations Ministry of Health should offer refresher training to health workers regarding the management of mothers in labor like avoiding unnecessary vaginal examinations. Furthermore, antibiotics should be supplied to health facilities to ensure routine provision among neonates

PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AMONG YOUTH AGED 15 -30 YEARS SEEKING HEALTH CARE. A PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. AT C-CARE INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL KAMPALA.

Background The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infections among youth aged 15-30 years seeking health care services at C- CARE IHK. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence, and infection patterns among various age groups and genders and also find out the risk factors influencing the prevalence of H. pylori infections among youth aged 15-30 years attending C- CARE IHK.  Methodology A prospective cross-sectional study design using both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted. A questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data from patients' age, gender, and other relevant data that gathered data to meet and answer the objectives of the study. Prevalence was determined by collecting and testing stool samples using stool H. pylori antigen kits and then results were entered into a result sheet. A convenient way of sampling was used to select eligible participants and a sample size of 88 was obtained.  Results Out of the 88 samples analyzed, 47% were positive for H. pylori infection while 53% were negative. The most affected were males at 53.7%, the age group was (25-30) years at 63.4% and the least affected age group was (15-19) years at 12.2%. people living in town (75.6%), people of no level of education (51.2%), alcoholism, and smoking (73.2%,34.1%) were the factors associated with the prevalence of H. pylori infection.  Conclusion The prevalence of H. pylori was relatively high, towns and unhygienic conditions predisposed the majority of the patients while the age of 25-30 was affected mostly.  Recommendations The Ministry of Health should advocate for the testing of youth for H. pylori infection to put more emphasis on sensitizing youth about how it’s acquired, spread, and prevented and the complications of H. pylori

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNDER NUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN 2 – 5 YEARS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN BOMBO MILITARY BARRACKS, LUWERO DISTRICT CENTRAL UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY DESIGN.

Background:The HIV epidemic is a major public health concern and is associated with a range of long and short- term health consequences. Children living with HIV/AIDs related illnesses are still among the leading causes of infant mortality. This study sought to determine the factors associated with undernutrition among children 2 to 5yrs living with HIV in Bombo Military Barracks, Luwero District Central Uganda.Methodology:The researcher used a descriptive research design to study the study variables. A sample size of 56 participants was selected. Both primary and secondary data sources were used by the researcher. Structured questionnaires, FGDs, and interviews were conducted to collect data, and this data was sorted, edited, coded, and analyzed using SPSS, Dedoose, and WHO Anthro software.Results:The findings of the study showed that nutrition status of children is determined by socioeconomic factors and IYCF Practices. More females (60.9%) were enrolled in the study compared to males (39.3%). 6% of girls have a WFH <-3SD, 15% <-2SD, 34% <-1SD and 1% >+1SD. While, 4% of boys have a WFH <-3SD, 9% <-1SD and 26% >+1SD. Children aged between 2 – 3 years are more wasted with a Mean z-Score of -2SD compared to those aged between 4 – 5 years with a mean score of -1SD. This implies that the independent variable directly influences the independent variable.Conclusion:Data analysis has as well indicated that most of these children have been breastfed for over 12 months and hence introduced to home-cooked meals at the appropriate time.Recommendations:Ministry of health and organizations with nutrition-related programs should take into consideration providing HIV targeted nutrition education

DETERMINANTS OF MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS IN PAGER DIVISION, KITGUM MUNICIPALITY, KITGUM DISTRICT: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background The major objective of the study was to assess the determinants of malnutrition among children under five years in pager division Kitgum municipality. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine wasting, establish the feeding practices associated with wasting and to establish socio-economic factors associated with wasting among children under five years at Pager Division Kitgum Municipality. Methodology This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study designed for children under five years among households in pager division kitgum municipality where 150 mothers of children selected using random sampling were interviewed. Data was collected using questionnaires, analyzed using Epi Info program and bi-variate analysis was used to determine the associated factors of wasting among children under five years. Results Results from the study analysis also confirmed that how the child caretaker fed the child after six months, the type of food fed to a child at a meal, the amount the child’s caretaker earned per month, occupation of the mother, mother’s level of education, and the number of children under five years in a household were the most significant factors which affect malnutrition in children who were below 5 years of age in Kitgum Municipality. Conclusion Results from the study confirmed that malnutrition was still high among children under five in pager division Kitgum Municipality with wasting standing at 17.3% and high among children aged 6-11 months at 6%. Recommendations The study recommended community nutritional interventions to address the root causes of malnutrition in regard to wasting. Further research is needed to obtain explanation regarding sex differentials with wasting across socio-economic strata Similar community-based studies in the area of child nutrition is needed to determine the root causes of socio-economic and cultural drivers of malnutritio

SPECIFIC CORRELATED FACTORS TO UNDERNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN 0-59 MONTHS IN MUBENDE DISTRICT: A CASE STUDY OF MUBENDE REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, CENTRAL UGANDA.

Background: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among children 0-59 months of age not only in Uganda but worldwide. To understand the causes of malnutrition among children who are 0-59 months of age, a study was conducted in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, Mubende district in the south-central region of Uganda to find out the specific correlated factors responsible for undernutrition children of this age category. Methodology: The data was collected from MMRH by use of a structured questionnaire that involved Child anthropometry, Child-related factors, maternal-related factors, and male involvement. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis of data was done in MS Excel, Epi Info program-nutrition module, and Stata statistical software. Results: It was found out that caretaker (P=0.03, 0.01, 0.00), age at which the mother got first born (P=0.00, 0.00, 0.02), maternal occupation (P=0.02, 0.00, 0.01), and maternal education level (P=0.03, 0.02, 0.01) were the major factors influencing on undernutrition (wasting, stunting and underweight) respectively. The study also noted that male involvement in activities to address childhood undernutrition was mainly in purchasing food while other activities were not paid much attention to. Conclusion: The study identifies that caretaker, age at which the mother got first born, maternal occupation, and maternal education level were the major factors influencing undernutrition in children 0-59 months of age in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, Mubende district. Recommendation: The study recommends the government strengthen its poverty alleviation programs to improve household incomes, as a basis for food security. Further studies have also been recommended to be carried out with male partners themselves to understand their perspective.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF THE MEDICAL STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS ON SERVICE DELIVERY: A CASE OF KISWA HEALTH CENTRE IV. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background:  This study aimed at assessing the effect of the Medical Storage and Retrieval Systems on Service Delivery. Methodology:  This study adopted an analytical and cross-sectional research design that aimed at data collection for two or more variables examined at a single point in time to detect variable patterns of association. The study targeted a sample of 156 respondents and the sample respondents were drawn from the top management and middle-level staff as well as the outgoing patients from Kiswa Health Centre IV. 150 questionnaires were effectively filled in for analysis translating to a 96.2% response rate. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS on the information gathered to generate descriptive statistics. The presentation of results was done in tables and figures.  Results: In terms of the impact of medical retrieval systems used for patient records on Service Delivery, the results indicated that medical retrieval systems positively impact Service Delivery at Kiswa Health Centre IV, this is indicated by a correlation coefficient, r =.878 whose p-value is less than 0.01. In line with the effect of the medical storage systems used on the Service Delivery, the results of the study established that there was a positive and significant relationship between the Medical Storage System and Service Delivery of Kiswa Health Centre (r =.743, p-value<0.01).   Conclusion:  The major challenges faced with the storage and retrieval of patient records at Kiswa Health Centre IV were the inefficient retrieval process, the breakdown with the integration of electronic health records, data loss or corruption challenges, training and adoption of the system challenges, data migration challenges, inadequate staff to operate the systems and finally the disorganization in record management.  Recommendation:  There is a need to recruit more medical personnel to improve the service delivery at Kiswa Health Centre IV given the challenge of inadequate resources