Prevalence and factors associated with underweight among 15-49-year-old women in Sierra Leone: a secondary data analysis of Sierra Leone demographic health survey of 2019.

BACKGROUND: Women are at higher risks of being underweight than men due to biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors. Underweight women have high risks of poor obstetric outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with being underweight among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Sierra Leone. METHODS: We used Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (2019-SLDHS) data of 7,514 women aged 15 to 49 years, excluding pregnant, post-natal, lactating, and post-menopausal women. A multistage stratified sampling approach was used to select study participants, and data was collected using validated questionnaires. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with underweight among 15-49-year-old women in Sierra Leone. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight was 6.7% (502/7,514). Underweight was likely among age-group of 15-24 years, AOR = 2.50,95%CI:2.39-2.60;p < 0.001 compared to 25-34 year age-group and likely among women with parity of one to four, AOR = 1.48,95%CI:1.08-2.03;p = 0.015 compared to women who never gave birth. Underweight was unlikely among women who did not listen to radios AOR = 0.67,95%CI:0.55-0.83;p < 0.001 compared to those who did; women from the north AOR = 0.73,95%CI:0.56-0.96;p = 0.026 compared to the east, and not married women AOR = 0.59,95%CI:0.47-0.76;p < 0.001 compared to married. All household wealth indices were not significantly associated with underweight. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of underweight among women in the reproductive age (15-49 years) in Sierra Leone was 6.7% and it is lower compared to global and most sub-Saharan African data. Factors associated with underweight were 15-24-year age-group, and parity of one to four. Being underweight was unlikely among women who did not listen to radios, women from the north and not married. All household wealth indices were not significantly associated with underweight. Even though household wealth indices were not significantly associated with being underweight, most underweight women 68.7% (345/502) were in the poorest, poorer, and middle household wealth indices. The need to address socio-economic determinants of underweight among women (aged 15-49 years) due to household poverty is a priority in Sierra Leone.

Double burden of malnutrition among women in reproductive Age (15-49 years) in Sierra Leone: a secondary data analysis of the demographic health survey 2019 (SLDHS-2019).

BACKGROUND: The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is rising globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Sierra Leone, the incidence of overweight, obesity (OWOB), and overnutrition among women has sharply increased. This finding accompanies the high incidence of undernutrition, which has been prevalent for decades. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different malnutrition categories (underweight, overweight, obesity, and overnutrition) and associated factors among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Sierra Leone using secondary data analysis of the Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey of 2019 (SLDHS-2019). METHODS: We conducted secondary data analysis of the SLDHS-2019 of 7,514 women aged 15-49 years. We excluded pregnant, post-natal, lactating, and post-menopausal women. Data was collected using validated questionnaires, and respondents were selected through a multistage stratified sampling approach. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with malnutrition among 15-49-year-old women in Sierra Leone. RESULTS: Among 15-49-year-old women in Sierra Leone, the prevalence of underweight was 6.7% (95%CI: 4.5-8.9%); overweight at 19.7% (95%CI: 17.7-21.7%); obesity was 7.4% (95% CI: 5.2-9.6%); and overnutrition, 27.1% (95%CI: 25.2-29.0%). Women aged 25-34 years were more likely to be underweight (adjusted Odds Ratios, aOR = 1.670, 95%CI: 1.254-2.224; p < 0.001) than those aged 15-24 years; women who were not married were less likely to be underweight (aOR = 0.594, 95%CI: 0.467-0.755; p < 0.001) than married women. Women from the North were less likely to be underweight (aOR = 0.734, 95%CI: 0.559-0.963; p = 0.026) than the East, and those who did not listen to the radio were less likely to be underweight (aOR = 0.673; 95%CI: 0.549-0.826; p < 0.001) than those who did. Overweight was less likely among 25-34 years (aOR = 0.609, 95%CI: 0.514-0.722; p < 0.001) and 35-49 years (aOR = 0.480, 95%CI: 0.403-0.571; p < 0.001) age-groups than 15-24 years; more likely among not married women (aOR = 1.470, 95%CI:1.249-1.730; p < 0.001) than married; less likely among working-class (aOR = 0.840, 95%CI: 0.720-0.980; p = 0.026) than not working-class; most likely in women from the North (aOR = 1.325, 95%CI:1.096-1.602; p = 0.004), and less likely among women from the South (aOR = 0.755, 95%CI: 0.631-0.903; p = 0.002) than the East; less likely among women of middle-wealth-index (aOR = 0.656, 95%CI: 0.535-0.804; p < 0.001), richer-wealth-index (aOR = 0.400, 95%CI: 0.309-0.517; p < 0.001), and richest-wealth-index (aOR = 0.317, 95%CI: 0.234-0.431; p < 0.001) than the poorest-wealth-index; and more likely among women who did not listen to radios (aOR = 1.149; 95%CI:1.002-1.317; p = 0.047) than those who did. The predictors of overweight among women 15-49 years are the same as obesity and overnutrition, except overnutrition and obesity were less likely in female-headed households (aOR = 0.717,95%CI: 0.578-0.889; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of all categories of malnutrition among women of reproductive age in Sierra Leone is high, affirming a double burden of malnutrition in this study population. Underweight was more likely among the 25-34-year age group than 15-24-year. The predictors of overweight, obesity, and overnutrition were being unmarried/single, residing in the North, and not listening to the radio. There is an urgent need for policymakers in Sierra Leone to design comprehensive educational programs for women of reproductive age on healthy lifestyles and the dangers of being underweight or over-nourished.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Compliance With COVID-19 Presidential Lockdown Measures: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most severe global health uncertainties to date. Although significant global effort has been put into implementing COVID-19 pandemic control measures such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, and hygiene precautions, the transmission is expected to resurface once these efforts are discontinued. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with compliance with presidential 53-day lockdown measures in June-July 2021 in northern Uganda. In this cross-sectional study, 587 adult participants (≥18 years old) from northern Uganda were selected using a systematic sampling method. Data collection involved interviewer-administered questionnaires with an internal validity of Cronbach's α = .72. Socio-demographic characteristics of participants were described, and multivariable modified Poisson regressions were performed to assess prevalence ratios between dependent and selected independent variables, with respective P values at 95% confidence intervals. All analyses were conducted using Stata 17.0. Participants' compliance with the presidential lockdown directives was high at 88%(95% CI: 85%-90%). Compliance with the presidential directives was more likely among participants who agreed to the lockdown measures [adjusted Prevalence Ratio, aPR = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.10-1.49; P = .001)] compared to those who did not, and more likely among those who were afraid of death from COVID-19 [aPR = 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01-1.15; P = .023)] than those who did not. However, compliance was less likely among males [aPR = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86-0.97; P = .002)] compared to females, those aged 35 to 44 years [aPR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79-0.97; P = .013)] compared to those less 25 years; and unmarried [aPR = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82-0.97; P = .011)] compared to the married. Compliance with the COVID-19 presidential lockdown measures in northern Uganda was high. The factors associated with compliance were the fear of death and agreement with presidential lockdown measures. However, compliance was less likely among males, unmarried persons, and persons aged 35 to 44. The authors recommend more community engagements, participation, sensitization, mobilization, and simultaneous application of multiple public health approaches to improve compliance and control of COVID-19.

Poor incomes and economic hardships among commercial motorcycle drivers (boda-boda) are associated with accidents and injuries in Gulu Municipality, Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: injuries in commercial motorcycle drivers (boda-boda) are the second-commonest reason for trauma-related admission to the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. Most causes of boda-boda accidents and injuries were related to the behaviors of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with boda-boda drivers, accidents, and boda-boda accident victims in Gulu Municipality, Northern Uganda. Methods: two cross-sectional studies were conducted at intervals of six months between July and December 2015. Two hundred boda-boda drivers from Gulu Municipality and fifty-seven victims of boda-boda accidents admitted to the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital were recruited for this study. A pre-tested questionnaire with Cronbach´s alpha (internal validity) α=072 was used for data collection. This study was approved by a local Institutional Review Board (IRB) and STATA version 14.1 was used for statistical analysis. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: factors associated with boda-boda accidents in Gulu Municipality were boda-boda drivers from Pece division (AoR=7.290, 95% CI: 2.162-24.580; p<0.001) and those with low monthly incomes less than UGX400,000/= equal to USD$100 (AoR=0.154, 95% CI: 0.031-0.766; p<0.05). Drivers with monthly incomes higher than UGX400,000/= were least likely involved in boda-boda accidents (AoR=0.104, 95% CI: 0.038-0.281; p<0.001). Work experience, prior road safety training, age, wearing a helmet and protective clothing, levels of education, and knowledge on road safety regulations did not significantly affect the outcome. Most victims of boda-boda accidents were passengers and pedestrians from villages outside Gulu Municipality (AoR=8.808, 95% CI: 3.190-24.329; p<0.001) and sustained minor injuries. Conclusion: boda-boda accidents in Gulu Municipality are problematic, drivers from the Pece division and those with low monthly incomes were more involved. Most victims of boda-boda accidents were passengers and pedestrians from villages outside Gulu Municipality. This study suggests that boda-boda drivers should be engaged in other income-generating activities, as some divisions in Gulu Municipality do not generate the required resources to meet their needs.

The psychological impact, risk factors and coping strategies to COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers in the sub-Saharan Africa: a narrative review of existing literature.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the physical and mental health of the general population worldwide, with healthcare workers at particular risk. The pandemic's effect on healthcare workers' mental well-being has been characterized by depression, anxiety, work-related stress, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hence, protecting the mental well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is a considerable priority. This review aimed to determine risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes and protective or coping measures to mitigate the harmful effects of the COVID-19 crisis among HCWs in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We performed a literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Embase for relevant materials. We obtained all articles published between March 2020 and April 2022 relevant to the subject of review and met pre-defined eligibility criteria. We selected 23 articles for initial screening and included 12 in the final review. RESULT: A total of 5,323 participants in twelve studies, predominantly from Ethiopia (eight studies), one from Uganda, Cameroon, Mali, and Togo, fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Investigators found 16.3-71.9% of HCWs with depressive symptoms, 21.9-73.5% with anxiety symptoms, 15.5-63.7% experienced work-related stress symptoms, 12.4-77% experienced sleep disturbances, and 51.6-56.8% reported PTSD symptoms. Healthcare workers, working in emergency, intensive care units, pharmacies, and laboratories were at higher risk of adverse mental health impacts. HCWs had deep fear, anxious and stressed with the high transmission rate of the virus, high death rates, and lived in fear of infecting themselves and families. Other sources of fear and work-related stress were the lack of PPEs, availability of treatment and vaccines to protect themselves against the virus. HCWs faced stigma, abuse, financial problems, and lack of support from employers and communities. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD in HCWs in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic has been high. Several organizational, community, and work-related challenges and interventions were identified, including improvement of workplace infrastructures, adoption of correct and shared infection control measures, provision of PPEs, social support, and implementation of resilience training programs. Setting up permanent multidisciplinary mental health teams at regional and national levels to deal with mental health and providing psychological support to HCWs, supported with long-term surveillance, are recommended.

Factors Associated With Mortality Among the COVID-19 Patients Treated at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital: A Retrospective Study.

Background: The advent of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused millions of deaths worldwide. As of December 2021, there is inadequate data on the outcome of hospitalized patients suffering from COVID-19 in Africa. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with hospital mortality in patients who suffered from COVID-19 at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in Northern Uganda from March 2020 to October 2021. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study in patients hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in Northern Uganda. Socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, co-morbidities, duration of hospital stay, and treatments were analyzed, and factors associated with the odds of mortality were determined. Results: Of the 664 patients treated, 661 (99.5%) were unvaccinated, 632 (95.2%) recovered and 32 (4.8%) died. Mortality was highest in diabetics 11 (34.4%), cardiovascular diseases 12 (37.5%), hypertensives 10 (31.3%), females 18 (56.3%), ≥50-year-olds 19 (59.4%), no formal education 14 (43.8%), peasant farmers 12 (37.5%) and those who presented with difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath and chest pain 32 (100.0%), oxygen saturation (SpO2) at admission <80 4 (12.5%), general body aches and pains 31 (96.9%), tiredness 30 (93.8%) and loss of speech and movements 11 (34.4%). The independent factors associated with mortality among the COVID-19 patients were females AOR = 0.220, 95%CI: 0.059-0.827; p = 0.030; Diabetes mellitus AOR = 9.014, 95%CI: 1.726-47.067; p = 0.010; Ages of 50 years and above AOR = 2.725, 95%CI: 1.187-6.258; p = 0.018; tiredness AOR = 0.059, 95%CI: 0.009-0.371; p < 0.001; general body aches and pains AOR = 0.066, 95%CI: 0.007-0.605; p = 0.020; loss of speech and movement AOR = 0.134, 95%CI: 0.270-0.660; p = 0.010 and other co-morbidities AOR = 6.860, 95%CI: 1.309-35.957; p = 0.020. Conclusion: The overall Gulu Regional Hospital mortality was 32/664 (4.8%). Older age, people with diabetics, females, other comorbidities, severe forms of the disease, and those admitted to HDU were significant risk factors associated with hospital mortality. More efforts should be made to provide "additional social protection" to the most vulnerable population to avoid preventable morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in Northern Uganda.

A proposed framework to limit post-lockdown community transmission of COVID-19 in Africa.

As of March 11, 2021, 3,992,044 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and 106,615 deaths (case fatality rate 2.67%) have been reported on the African continent. In March 2020, even before the first case of COVID-19 was registered, some African countries implemented total lockdown measures, which limited movement of people, banned mass gatherings, and closed schools and borders. However, these control measures, which affect individuals and society's well-being, cannot be implemented for a long time. There is an urgent need for a robust framework to guide African countries to make evidence-based decisions on easing these restrictive measures and reapply them when the infection rates increase significantly. This article presents a proposed framework to guide lockdown easing while limiting the community spread of COVID-19 in Africa. Due to lack of information on the impact of relaxing restrictions on peoples' movement on the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19) and how businesses will respond, it is almost clear that there is no single grand lockdown exit strategy. African governments should develop flexible, iterative lockdown exit plans based on epidemiological disease data, economic indicators, and peoples' views to inform decisions, all of which are paramount for success. A phased approach of changes and willingness to adapt methods will allow governments to minimize the pandemic's adverse impact and respond accordingly as new control tools become available.

Knowledge, attitude and occupational risks to hepatitis B infection among health workers in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study design.

INTRODUCTION: hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the commonest causes of acute and chronic liver diseases worldwide. HBV can be transmitted by exposure to infected blood and human secretions through sharp injuries and splashes. Health workers are among the most high-risk groups because they regularly interact with patients. A seroprevalence survey conducted in Uganda in 2014 found a higher prevalence of HBV in Gulu Municipality compared to the rest of Uganda. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted among health workers in Gulu Regional Hospital. A stratified random sampling was used. Knowledge ratings and Likert scale were used to score knowledge, attitudes and risks of HBV infections in a qualitative assessment. Ethical approval was obtained and SPSS was used for data analysis. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: one hundred and twenty-six (126) respondents participated; 65 (51.6%) were male, 80 (63.5%) were aged 20-29 years, 74 (58.7%) were not married, 86 (68.3%) had a work experience of 0-9 years, 64 (50.8%) had good knowledge, 90(71.4%) had positive attitude, 114 (90.5%) had high to very high pre-exposure risks, and 75 (59.5%) had moderate to high exposure and post-exposure risks. There was no significant difference in knowledge (X 2= 13.895; p = 0.178) and work experience (X 2= 21.196; p = 0.097) among the health workers. CONCLUSION: there is a high pre-exposure, exposure and post-exposure risks of HBV infection among health workers in Gulu Hospital. There is need to augment awareness on HBV infection and design strategies to strengthen and implement infection control measures including HBV vaccination among health workers.

The effects of economic stress and urbanization on driving behaviours of Boda-boda drivers and accidents in Gulu, Northern Uganda: a qualitative view of drivers.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding motorcyclists' on-the-road behaviour is critical for developing and evaluating interventions specifically targeting them. Risky on-the-road behaviours have historically been subdivided into errors and violations of the rules of road use. Police records could be used to record cyclists' behaviours, however these documents do not necessarily capture all errors and violations. None use of protective wears have been documented in many studies conducted on Boda-boda drivers in Uganda. The relationship between drivers' economic stress and road safety have been studied for many years but the effects of global and economic stress, its joint effects on behaviours of drivers in relations to accidents have received very little attention. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between injuries and the Boda-boda drivers' behaviours in Northern Uganda. METHODS: Two hundred Boda-boda drivers from Gulu Municipality had face-to-face interviews to assess views and underlying factors on the issue of high prevalence of motorcycle road traffic accidents and injuries. Descriptive statistics were used to describe factors on road accidents including personal information, knowledge, skills and attitudes towards road use and safety. The study was approved by a local Institutional Review Board (IRB). RESULTS: Collectively, the results showed that economic stress is an important factor that affects drivers' behaviour and increases their risks to motorcycle accidents. CONCLUSION: These authors suggest that more studies should be conducted to determine the relationship between economic stress, anger and dangerous behaviours among Boda-boda drivers and accidents in Gulu Municipality using a Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire (MRBQ).

Proposed strategies for easing COVID-19 lockdown measures in Africa.

As SARS-CoV-2 rapidly spread across the globe, short-term modeling forecasts provided time-critical information for containment and mitigation strategies. Global projections had so far incorrectly predicted large numbers of COVID-19 cases in Africa and that its health systems would be overwhelmed. Significantly higher COVID-19-related mortality were expected in Africa mainly because of its poor socio-economic determinants that make it vulnerable to public health threats, including diseases of epidemic potential. Surprisingly as SARS-CoV-2 swept across the globe, causing tens of thousands of deaths and massive economic disruptions, Africa has so far been largely spared the impact that threw China, USA, and Europe into chaos. To date, 42 African countries imposed lockdowns on movements and activities. Experience from around the world suggests that such interventions effectively suppressed the spread of COVID-19. However, lockdown measures posed considerable economic costs that, in turn, threatened lives, put livelihoods at risk, exacerbated poverty and the deleterious effects on cultures, health and behaviours. Consequently, there has been great interest in lockdown exit strategies that preserve lives while protecting livelihoods. Nonetheless in the last few weeks, African countries have started easing restrictions imposed to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. WHO recommends lifting of lockdowns should depend on the ability to contain SARS-CoV-2 and protect the public once restrictions are lifted. Yet, the greatest challenge is the critical decision which must be made in this time of uncertainties. We propose simple strategies on how to ease lockdowns in Africa based on evidence, disease dynamics, situational analysis and ability of national governments to handle upsurges.

COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda's story.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage health care systems, economies, livelihoods, and cultures across the world, responses across countries have varied greatly. Uganda adopted its own model taking into consideration its culture, values, environment, socio-economic activities, beliefs, previous successful epidemic experience, and appears a hybrid policy to the Norwegian model. This model of response is perhaps based on Uganda's long experience in successful control of many previous epidemics which afflicted it and the neighboring countries, e.g, HIV and AIDs in the 1980s, Measles in the 1990s, Hepatitis B in the 2000s, Ebola in 2000, 2017 and 2018 and Marburg in 2018. In our view the near complete lockdown through shutting down air, road, water travels and congregate settings as well as the restriction of people's movement through the stay home policy may have, so far, played a significant role in this pandemic containment and control. Most notable is that there is an established and clear leadership structure, experienced health workforce, good political will, enabling environment, and good epidemic response by the population. Even though one can reasonably argue that the numbers of COVID-19 cases seen in Uganda so far, are not anywhere close to those large numbers seen in the USA, Asia and other European countries, Uganda's story on how it is managing the pandemic is worth sharing as it might provide useful lessons for future public health interventions to a pandemic of this magnitude, particularly in low-resource settings. Uganda's President continued to provide national leadership, guidance, and coordination to the COVID-19 National task force for the response. The President and Ministry of Health authorities employed both electronic and social media such as radios, music, Televisions, SMS messages, twitters, group emails, and WhatsApp messages to engage, mobilize, and sensitize the population on COVID-19 preventive interventions through provision of regular updates. In conclusion, simultaneous multiple public health interventions through a structured leadership may in part contribute to reasonable and timely control of a pandemic such as COVID-19.

Carcinoma of the colon in a 40 year old female: a case report.

We present a histologically proven mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon in a 40 year old female from Gulu, Northern Uganda. Her elder sister died at 25 years with advanced adenocarcinoma of colon similarly with her mother who died of the same illness 10 years apart. Using the Amsterdam criteria for the diagnosis of the carcinoma of the colon, this is descriptive of Hereditary Non Polyposis Colorectal Carcinoma (HNPCC). Blood examinations revealed microcytic hypochromic anaemia. The Renal and Liver function parameters were essentially normal. The abdominal ultrasonography showed an ill-defined mass in the right hypochondrial region which was heterogeneous with central echogenicity approximately 7.2cm wide and with no intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy or ascitis. At laparotomy, the sonographic findings were confirmed with a demonstrable mass in the hepatic flexure of the colon with hyperemic areas on its serosa. Macroscopically, there was an annular fungating mass with a central necrosis in the hepatic flexure measuring over 7.0cm. Histology of the colonic tumour showed a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon (Duke's B). This finding highlights the occurrence of colonic adenocarcinoma in the young person in Northern Uganda, a finding which draws the attention of the medical community towards having a higher index of suspicion for carcinoma of the colon in patients with similar presentation.

Treatment and rehabilitation outcomes of children affected with nodding syndrome in Northern Uganda: a descriptive case series.

INTRODUCTION: Nodding Syndrome (NS) is a neurological disorder affecting children 5-15 years at onset in East Africa. A major criterion for diagnosis is atonic seizure with dorso-ventral "nodding" of the head. Comorbidities include psychological and behavioral abnormalities, malnutrition, cognitive decline, school dropout and other seizure types. We aimed to describe the presentations and rehabilitation outcomes of NS children at Hope for HumaNs (HfH) centre in Gulu from September 2012 to October 2013. METHODS: Data was obtained from a retrospective review of 32 NS children's medical records at HfH center. Ethical approval was obtained from Gulu University IRB. Data analysis was conducted using WHO AnthroPlus, SPSS and Excel software. RESULTS: Growth statistics showed steady improvement over time using local nutrition and multivitamin supplementation. Severe and moderate stunting was reduced from a combined total of 54.8% to 7.7% and 12.8% respectively. Severe and moderate wasting was reduced from 29.1% to 2.6% and 5.1% respectively. Three groups of NS children were identified and compared in the review; Low seizure occurrence averaging <2 seizures/month (28.1%); Moderate averaging 2-4 seizures/month (34.4%) and High averaging >4 seizures/month (37.5%). CONCLUSION: NS is a neurological disorder of unknown etiology. Treatment with regular high quality local nutrition, multivitamin supplementation, anti-seizures, regular follow up and illness prevention; children's seizures can be reduced or stopped completely. The debilitating malnutrition and stunting of NS children in Uganda could be partially independent of the syndrome but attributable to poor nutrition. NS as observed is not "invariably fatal" but rather a treatable neurological disorder.

Could nodding syndrome in Northern Uganda be a form of autism spectrum disorder? an observational study design.

INTRODUCTION: Nodding syndrome (NS) is associated with high anion gap, biotinidase and acetyl carnitine deficiency, vitamin B6 and D deficiency and internal displacement. The objective of this study was to conduct a metabolic analysis on NS children and review literature on its similarities with ASD. METHODS: We conducted biochemical analysis on blood and urine of NS children at Hope for HumaNs (HfH) centre in 2014 and reviewed literature on its similarities with ASD. Ethical approval was obtained from an IRB. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 12 and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We found biotinidase deficiency in NS with a mean 1.98 95% CI(1.61, 2.34; p < 0.001); Acetyl carnitine deficiency 16.92 95% CI(16.10,17.75; p<0.001); Low BMI-for-age 16.92 95% CI(16.10,17.75; p = 0.42); Age 14.08 95% CI(0.78,4.660; p = 0.007); IDP duration 4.82 95% CI(4.48, 5.21; p = 0.92); Age at NS onset 8.02 95% CI(7.03, 9.01; p = 0.001); NS associated with multiple nodding episodes (χ2)=22.15, p=0.005; NS siblings with NS (χ2) = 9.68, p = 0.004; NS were in IDPs (χ2) = 22.15, p = 0.005. CONCLUSION: These findings are indicative that NS is associated with biotinidase and acetyl carnitine deficiency, IDPs, and environmental exposures. There are no new cases of NS reported by Ugandan MOH and WHO since 2012 when the IDP camps were disbanded and communities resettled in their own communities and feed on their own grown foods. Perhaps NS may be akin to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This finding will help support all efforts towards the treatment and rehabilitation of NS children.

Could Nodding Syndrome (NS) in Northern Uganda be an environmentally induced alteration of ancestral microbiota?

Hippocrates stated in 460-C.370 BC that, "All diseases begin in the Gut." This statement may be beginning to have meanings in the advent of new diseases such as Nodding Syndrome (NS) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Interestingly, a recent publication from China in the journal of microbiology in 2017 suggests that high grain diet had dynamically shifted the composition of mucosa-associated microbiota and induced mucosal Injuries in the colon of Sheep. NS is a devastating childhood neurological disorder characterized by atonic seizure, cognitive impairment, head nodding, wasting and stunted growth. In addition, NS in Northern Uganda is clustered in time (those who were in IDPs), in space (discretely observed on either sides of the two rivers of Aswa and Pager) and in person (onset mainly between the ages of 5-15 years) and therefore exhibits spatial temporality. The first case of NS was noticed in Kitgum district in 1997, one year after the reported displacement of that community into IDP. Prior to that internal displacement, there were no reported cases of NS. The same scenario occurred in the IDPs of Odek, Gulu district where the population was displaced into IDPs in 2001 and approximately a year later in 2002, cases of NS began to appear. In the IDPs, children that eventually developed NS fed nearly exclusively on food ration provided by relief agencies and roughly a year later, cases of NS began to appear. In the other East African countries, there were no reported cases of NS prior to internal displacement and dependence on food ration. The observed common factors in the three East African regions where NS occurs at endemic proportion are perhaps: Internal displacement and feeding on relief food. These researchers suggest that NS may have perhaps resulted from dietary and environmental factors during IDPs which may have been foreign to their GIT and links this observation to the concept of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

High Prevalence of Malnutrition among the Above Thirteen with Primary Pyomyositis in Northern Uganda.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with primary pyomyositis among patients and controls who were age and sex matched. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A case-control study was conducted at Gulu Regional, Lacor, Kalongo, Kitgum and St. Joseph's Hospitals in Northern Uganda. STUDY DURATION: Study was conducted from September 2011 to November 2013. METHODS: Primary pyomyositis patients were consecutively recruited to these Hospitals and were age and sex-matched with controls selected during the same period. History, physical examinations, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood samples for haematology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry and muscle biopsy for histology were obtained. Those that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. The study was approved by the Ethics and Review Committee of Gulu University Medical School. RESULTS: During the study period, 63 patients and 63 controls were recruited; 29 females and 34 males. Among primary pyomyositis patients, 59 (93.7%) had malnutrition while there were 2 in the control group, giving a prevalence of 3.2%.The matched analysis produced an aOR of 449.875 with a 95% CI (79.382, 2549.540; p<0.001) for malnutrition. Among the cases, 16 (25.4%) fulfilled the Clinical Case Definition (CCD) for AIDS, compared to 2 (3.2%) among the controls. The adjusted Odds ratio for the difference in fulfilling the CCD for AIDS between cases and controls was statistically significant aOR of 10.383 with a 95% CI (2.275, 47.397; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Primary pyomyositis is a common health problem in Northern Uganda. It is evident that malnutrition is the most common risk factor in Primary pyomyositis especially among the above thirteen year olds in Northern Uganda.

Factors influencing health professions students' use of computers for data analysis at three Ugandan public medical schools: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Effective utilization of computers and their applications in medical education and research is of paramount importance to students. The objective of this study was to determine the association between owning a computer and use of computers for research data analysis and the other factors influencing health professions students' computer use for data analysis. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study among undergraduate health professions students at three public universities in Uganda using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed of questions on participant demographics, students' participation in research, computer ownership, and use of computers for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics (uni-variable and multi- level logistic regression analysis) were used to analyse data. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Six hundred (600) of 668 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate 89.8%). A majority of respondents were male (68.8%) and 75.3% reported owning computers. Overall, 63.7% of respondents reported that they had ever done computer based data analysis. The following factors were significant predictors of having ever done computer based data analysis: ownership of a computer (adj. OR 1.80, p = 0.02), recently completed course in statistics (Adj. OR 1.48, p =0.04), and participation in research (Adj. OR 2.64, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Owning a computer, participation in research and undertaking courses in research methods influence undergraduate students' use of computers for research data analysis. Students are increasingly participating in research, and thus need to have competencies for the successful conduct of research. Medical training institutions should encourage both curricular and extra-curricular efforts to enhance research capacity in line with the modern theories of adult learning.

Musculoskeletal disorders among nursing staff: a comparison of five hospitals in Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: Low and middle income countries have severe nursing staff shortages which is associated with risk of poor quality of patient care and increased patient exposure to adverse events. This is accompanied with increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders to the nursing staff. This paper sets out to identify and compare factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among nursing staff in 5 different hospitals in Uganda. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study on nurses from 5 different hospitals in Uganda. The study used a 12 month recall of reported Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among nurses. Ethical approval was obtained. Logistic regression analysis and ANOVA were used. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for all statistical tests. RESULTS: There were 755 respondents of whom 433 (58.4%) were nurses. The prevalence of MSD at anybody site was 80.8%. There were significant differences in reported MSD among nursing staff across different hospital settings which were worse in the public hospitals as compared to the private and private not for profit hospitals (p <0.001). Age (adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), self reported poor general health status (adj OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.8-7.24) and stress as suggested by waking up tired in the morning (adj OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.17-5.32) were significant associated factors for MSD in this population. CONCLUSION: Reported MSD among nursing staff across 5 different hospitals is worse in public as compared to private hospitals. Age, self reported poor general health status and stress were important factors for MSD in this population.

Standardizing assessment practices of undergraduate medical competencies across medical schools: challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from a consortium of medical schools in Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: Health professions education is gradually moving away from the more traditional approaches to new innovative ways of training aimed at producing professionals with the necessary competencies to address the community health needs. In response to these emerging trends, Medical Education for Equitable Services to All Ugandans (MESAU), a consortium of Ugandan medical schools developed key competencies desirable of graduates and successfully implemented Competency Based Education (CBE) for undergraduate medical students. OBJECTIVES: To examine the current situation and establish whether assessment methods of the competencies are standardized across MESAU schools as well as establish the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from the MESAU consortium. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving faculty of the medical schools in Uganda. Data was collected using focus group discussions and document reviews. Findings were presented in form of themes. RESULTS: Although the MESAU schools have implemented the developed competencies within their curricular, the assessment methods are still not standardized with each institution having its own assessment procedures. Lack of knowledge and skills regarding assessment of the competencies was evident amongst the faculty. The fear for change amongst lecturers was also noted as a major challenge. However, the institutional collaboration created while developing competencies was identified as key strength. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrated that despite having common competencies, there is no standardized assessment blue print applicable to all MESAU schools. Continued collaboration and faculty development in assessment is strongly recommended.