HiSTEP: A Single-Arm Pilot Study of a Technology-Assisted HIV Self-testing Intervention in Kampala, Uganda.

We developed and pilot tested a 3-month HIV self-testing intervention called HiSTEP ("HIV Self-testing Engagement Project") among 95 adult (18+ years) at-risk (condomless sex < 3 months) adults in Kampala, Uganda. HiSTEP leverages theoretically-grounded (in the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model) text messages, a telehealth centre with live support, and "last-mile" HIV self-testing kit delivery to a location chosen by the participant. Nearly 94% of participants were retained at month 3. HIV self-testing was highly acceptable across age and gender groups (94% very satisfied), although older women had slightly lower acceptability ratings (92% very satisfied). Only 13% of participants used HIV self-testing prior to enrollment. Over the 3-month study period, 86% of participants ordered a total of 169 HIV self-testing kits (69% for participant use; 31% for use by others). Findings show that the intervention approach taken in HiSTEP may be particularly valuable for engaging at-risk Ugandan adults in HIV self-testing using a novel technology-assisted promotion and delivery method.

A survey of the knowledge and practices of nursing students of Mbarara University of Science and Technology around Monitoring Fluid Requirements for burns patients on surgical ward at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.

BACKGROUND: There is a high mortality of burns especially in low- and middle-income countries which already have less developed healthcare systems. Besides, little is known about nursing students' knowledge and practices towards the need to monitor fluid requirements in admitted burns patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and practices of nursing students regarding monitoring fluid requirements for hospitalised paediatrics and adult burn patients on the surgical ward at Mbarara regional referral hospital. METHODS: We conducted an online descriptive cross-sectional study among clinical nursing students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) during September and November 2021. We assessed knowledge and practices using an adapted questionnaire. Summary statistics were then used to describe the data. RESULTS: Thirty-seven nursing students (64.9% response rate) participated in our survey. Twenty one (56.8%) were female and had a modal age range of 20-24 years. Nineteen (51.4%) of the students were BNC (Bachelor of Nursing Completion) students, with the rest being BNS (Bachelor of Nursing). More than 75% of students correctly answered each of two out of the ten questions. More than three quarters of the students reported having done each of six out of the eleven practices surveyed. CONCLUSION: Nursing students had poor knowledge and fair satisfactory practices regarding monitoring of the fluid requirements in burns patients. More similar studies are needed to survey more nursing students on this topic and to henceforth evaluate the need for periodic re-trainings and reassessment of clinical skills of nursing students.

The caring experiences of family caregivers for patients with advanced cancer in Uganda: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer morbidity and mortality is rising in sub-Saharan Africa. Given this rise, family caregivers play an integral role in provision of quality cancer care services. This study explored the family caregivers (FCGs)/relatives' experiences of caring for patients with advanced cancer (stage 3 or stage 4) in Uganda. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of FCGs of patients with advanced cancer attending care at the Uganda cancer institute. We purposively recruited twelve FCGs and conducted face-to-face in-depth interviews using an interviewer-guided semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: The age range of participants was 19 to 49 years. Most participants were children of the patients (n = 7), had attained tertiary education (n = 7), and had taken care of their loved ones for at least one year (n = 10). Six themes emerged from data analysis; (i) caring roles, (ii) caring burdens, (iii) role conflict, (iv) health system tensions, (v) support and motivation, (vi) caring benefits, lessons and recommendations. CONCLUSION: Study findings highlight the fundamental role of FCGs in the care of their loved ones, and illuminate the neglected physical, psychological and social challenges of family caregivers amidst health system tensions and conflicting roles. The needs of family caregivers should be embedded within cancer care, prevention and control programs particularly in low resource settings.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Ugandan Telehealth Engagement Platform for Informational Messaging on Modern Contraception: Pilot Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: With the region's highest population growth rate (30%), Uganda is on the brink of a population explosion, yet access to and utilization of public health control measures like modern contraception is a challenge. This is due to remotely located health facilities, noncustomized health content, and poor or nonfunctional post-facility follow-up. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth engagement platform primarily targeting men; the platform provided behavioral and informational messaging on modern contraception (ie, family planning) and its impact on shaping sexual and reproductive health and knowledge and uptake of family planning services. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort of men aged 18 years and older gave consent to receive mobile phone messages on family planning; follow-up was performed at months 1, 4, and 6 to assess key study-related outcomes on knowledge transfer and acquisition on modern contraception, partner communication, and spousal uptake of family planning. Qualitative interviews with the study participants' spouses were also performed. RESULTS: The study included 551 study participants, 450 of whom were men, the primary study participants, who received the family planning mobile messages and 101 of whom were their spouses. Of the 450 primary participants, 426 (95%) successfully received the messages and only 24 (5%) reported not receiving them. The average response (ie, participation) rate in weekly quizzes was 23%. There was a noted 18.1% increase in couple communication attributed to the intervention; couples opened up more to each other on matters concerning family planning. CONCLUSIONS: Using digital channels to address the concerns and inquiries of participants in real time or as fast as possible helped to increase the likelihood that couples adopted family planning.