Factors associated with full COVID-19 vaccination among persons living with diabetes mellitus in Uganda-A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including death. COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for preventing infection and severe disease in the general population, but most importantly, among high-risk populations such as persons with DM. However, while COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the general population is regularly tracked, information on vaccination behavior specific to persons with DM is scarce. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the uptake of full COVID-19 vaccination among persons living with DM at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital (KRH). METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional study design and administered a structured questionnaire on a systematically selected random sample of 340 people with DM attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital from March 08 to May 25, 2023. We used a Modified Poisson Regression model to identify the factors associated with full COVID-19 vaccination and present adjusted prevalence ratios, along with their 95% confidence intervals. Full COVID-19 vaccination in this study was defined as having completed the last dose in the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: We administered the questionnaire to 340 participants, with 75% (255 of 340) being female. The mean age of the participants was 52 years (± 12 years) and their median duration with diabetes mellitus was 5 years (± 7.3 years). Overall, 195 out of 340 participants (57.35%, 95% CI: 52-63%) completed the last dose in the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine. The likelihood of receiving full vaccination was higher when a health provider advised one to receive a vaccine (aPR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.20-3.02), when one reported having a comorbidity (aPR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.53), and when one had a strong perceived benefit of vaccination (aPR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.23-2.53). However, having a strong perceived barrier to vaccination was negatively associated with the likelihood of being fully vaccinated (aPR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.60-0.84). CONCLUSION: The uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among persons with DM at KRH is low, with only 57% having a full COVID-19 vaccination status. This underscores the progress in meeting the WHO recommendation of having a 100% COVID-19 vaccination uptake among people with underlying health conditions, including diabetes mellitus. At the policy level, the Ugandan Ministry of Health (MoH) may implement a provider-initiated vaccination strategy where healthcare providers who attend to DM patients during their routine clinic visits initiate the idea of vaccinating, sensitize, and spearhead myth-bursting around COVID-19 vaccines.

Acceptance of assisted partner notification among HIV-positive adults with severe mental illness at a national referral hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: HIV mostly affects people with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) than the general population. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced assisted partner notification (APN) as a strategy to increase HIV testing. Although research has demonstrated the effectiveness of APN in the general population, its use among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have SMI is not well understood. This study sought to determine the acceptance of the APN strategy among PLHIV who had a diagnosis of SMI. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional study design that was retrospective to determine acceptance of APN among PLHIV with a documented diagnosis of SMI. We enrolled participants with a diagnosis of both HIV and SMI from August 2018 to January 2022, attending the HIV clinic at Butabika Hospital. We used pretested questionnaires to extract participants' demographic and clinical data from their existing clinical charts, antiretroviral therapy (ART) registers and APN registers. We defined acceptance of APN as the number of PLHIV with SMI diagnoses who agreed to provide information about their sexual partners. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to assess the factors associated with the acceptance of APN. RESULTS: A total of 125 participants were enrolled, of whom 83 (66.4%) were female. The median age was 30 (interquartile range (IQR) (25-34)), and 41 (33%) of them accepted APN (95% CI: 25.05-41.61). Receipt of at least three counselling sessions before enrollment in APN (aPR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.72-1.98) was the most significant factor associated with increased acceptance of APN. Poor adherence to ART (aPR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.54-0.80), being escorted to hospital by a distant relative (aPR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39-0.80), being married/cohabiting (aPR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.60-0.81), and being a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) (aPR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.45-0.71) or Pentecostal (aPR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.98) by faith were associated with reduced acceptance of APN. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The acceptance of APN is low among PLHIV with a diagnosis of SMI. More structured counselling would facilitate earlier identification of undiagnosed HIV-positive partners. We recommend a follow-up study to compare acceptance of APN among PLHIV with SMI and those without SMI.

HIV viral load suppression among people with mental disorders at two urban HIV clinics in Uganda: a parallel convergent mixed methods study using the social ecological model.

BACKGROUND: Uganda adopted and implemented the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) guidelines in 2017, which require HIV-infected persons to be initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at any CD4 + cell count, and to be routinely monitored for viral load to assess response to ART. However, there is paucity of data on viral load suppression (VLS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) with mental disorders. We conducted a parallel convergent mixed methods study to determine HIV VLS among people with a mental disorder and explored the socio-cultural determinants of VLS at Butabika hospital and Mulago (ISS) HIV Clinics in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical records review; seven key informant interviews (KII) among purposively selected healthcare providers and 12 in-depth interviews (IDI) among clinically stable PLHIV with a mental disorder. Data was collected on demographics, mental disorder, ART, viral load status, social support, stigma, and disclosure of HIV status. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression, while Inductive thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. RESULTS: Of the 240 PLHIV with a mental disorder who were enrolled, 161 (67.1%) were female with mean age 38.9 (± 11.2) years. Overall, 88.8% (95% Cl: 84.0 - 92.2%) achieved VLS. Age (aPR = 1.00, 95%Cl = 1.00-1.00), male gender (aPR = 0.90, 95%Cl = 0.82-0.98), divorced (aPR = 0.88, 95%Cl = 0.82-0.94), widowed (aPR = 0.84, 95%Cl = 0.83-0.86), baseline CD4 count < 200 (aPR = 0.89, 95%Cl = 0.85-0.94), psychotic mental disorders (aPR = 1.11; 95%CI = 1.08-1.13) and fair (85-94%) ART adherence level (aPR = 0.69, 95%Cl = 0.55-0.87) and TDF/3TC/DTG (aPR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.91-0.94) were associated with HIV VLS. Social support from family members, knowledge of impact of negative thoughts on VLS, fear of breaking up with partners and compassionate healthcare providers positively influenced VLS. Stigma and discrimination from the community, self-perceived stigma hindering social relations, socio-economic challenges and psychiatric drug stock-outs negatively affected VLS. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: HIV VLS among PLHIV with mental disorders at institutions that provide integrated HIV and mental health care is still below the UNAIDS 95% target. Health promotion messaging focusing on benefits of VLS and countering stigma to create a safe environment; and active involvement of family members in care could improve HIV treatment outcomes for PLHIV with mental disorders.

Factors associated with HIV self-testing among female university students in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at institutions of higher learning are at high risk of HIV, and conventional HIV testing services may not reach them sufficiently. HIV self-testing (HIVST) scalability can be informed by identifying AGYW who have used or are interested in using HIVST. We aimed to determine factors associated with use and willingness to use HIVST among female university students. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 483 female students at Makerere University, Uganda. Proportions of students who have used or are willing to use HIVST and their associated factors were determined. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 22 (Interquartile range [IQR] 21-23) years, and 21% had never tested for HIV. Over 93% were willing to utilize HIVST, and 19% had ever used HIV self-test kits. Increasing age (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.23 per year, 95% CI 1.07-1.43) was significantly associated with HIVST use. Predictors of willingness to self-test for HIV were college type (arts vs. science-based, aPR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.97), number of sexual partners (one, aPR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.12 or ≥ 2, aPR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.19, vs. none), alcohol (aPR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09) or injection drug (aPR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.09) use, a history of sexually transmitted infections in past 12 months (aPR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09), and HIV testing experience (tested in past 12 months, aPR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.22 or over 12 months, aPR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24, vs. never tested). CONCLUSION: HIVST was highly acceptable despite its limited use. This study demonstrates female student characteristics that can be leveraged to scale up HIVST programs in higher institutions of learning.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, retention and adherence among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, retention and adherence among female sex workers (FSWs) receiving care through community and facility delivery models in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: We searched online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science) between January 2012 and 3 April 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies and quasi-experimental studies with PrEP uptake, adherence and retention outcomes among FSWs in SSA. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Seven coders extracted data. The framework of the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group guided data synthesis. The Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. A narrative synthesis was performed to analyse the primary outcomes of PrEP uptake, adherence and retention. RESULTS: Of 8538 records evaluated, 23 studies with 40 669 FSWs were included in this analysis. The pooled proportion of FSWs initiating PrEP was 70% (95% CI: 56% to 85%) in studies that reported on facility-based models and 49% (95% CI: 10% to 87%) in community-based models. At 6 months, the pooled proportion of FSWs retained was 66% (95% CI: 15% to 100%) for facility-based models and 83% (95% CI: 75% to 91%) for community-based models. Factors associated with increased PrEP uptake were visiting a sex worker programme (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.92; 95% CI: 1.91 to 4.46), having ≥10 clients per day (aOR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.76) and lack of access to free healthcare in government-run health clinics (relative risk: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.26). CONCLUSIONS: A hybrid approach incorporating both facility-based strategies for increasing uptake and community-based strategies for improving retention and adherence may effectively improve PrEP coverage among FSWs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020219363.

Prevalence and risk factors of gross neurologic deficits in children after severe malaria: a systematic review protocol.

Background: Children exposed to severe malaria may recover with gross neurologic deficits (GND). Several risk factors for GND after cerebral malaria (CM), the deadliest form of severe malaria, have been identified in children. However, there is inconsistency between previously reported and more recent findings. Although CM patients are the most likely group to develop GND, it is not clear if other forms of severe malaria (non-CM) may also contribute to the malaria related GND. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize evidence on the prevalence and risk factors for GND in children following CM and map the changes in patterns over time. In addition, this review will synthesize evidence on the reported prevalence and risk factors of gross neurologic deficits following other forms of severe malaria. Methods: The systematic review will be conducted according to recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols (PRISMA-P). Relevant research articles will be identified using relevant search terms from the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus (GIM). The articles will be screened at title and abstract, then at full text for inclusion using a priori eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be done using a tool developed and optimized in Excel spreadsheet. Risk of bias assessment will be done using appropriate tools including ROBINS-E ('Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposure') tool, while publication bias will be assessed using funnel plot. A random-effects meta-analysis and structured narrative synthesis of the outcomes will be performed and results presented. Discussion: Findings from this systematic review will inform policy makers on planning, design and implementation of interventions targeting the treatment and rehabilitation of GND following severe malaria in children. Systematic review registration: The protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42022297109.

Efficacy of antimalarial herbal medicines used by communities in malaria affected regions globally: a protocol for systematic review and evidence and gap map.

INTRODUCTION: With the rising resistance to artemisinin-based combination treatments, there is a need to hasten the discovery and development of newer antimalarial agents. Herbal medicines are key for the development of novel drugs. Currently, herbal medicine usage in communities for treatment of malaria symptoms is common as an alternative to conventional (modern) antimalarial agents. However, the efficacy and safety of most of the herbal medicines has not yet been established. Therefore, this systematic review and evidence gap map (EGM) is intended to collate and map the available evidence, identify the gaps and synthesise the efficacy of herbal antimalarial medicines used in malaria affected regions globally. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The systematic review and EGM will be done following PRISMA and Campbell Collaboration guidelines respectively. This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO. Data sources will include PubMed, MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and grey literature search. Data extraction will be done in duplicate using a data extraction tool tailored in Microsoft Office excel for herbal antimalarials discovery research questions following the PICOST framework. The Risk of Bias and overall quality of evidence will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool (clinical trials), QUIN tool (in vitro studies), Newcastle-Ottawa tool (observational studies) and SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies (in vivo studies). Data analysis will be done using both structured narrative and quantitative synthesis. The primary review outcomes will be clinically important efficacy and adverse drug reactions. Laboratory parameters will include Inhibitory Concentration killing 50% of parasites, IC50; Ring Stage Assay, RSA0-3 hou; Trophozoite Survival Assay, TSA50. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The review protocol was approved by the School of Biomedical Science Research Ethics Committee, Makerere University College of Health Sciences (SBS-2022-213). PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022367073.

Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with retention in care among adults living with HIV and severe mental illness and reasons for loss to follow-up in Uganda: a mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with retention in care and reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU) among people living with HIV (PLWH) with a known diagnosis of severe mental illness (SMI). DESIGN: We conducted a parallel convergent mixed-methods study. The quantitative study was used to determine the proportion and factors associated with retention in care among PLWH and SMI. The qualitative study explored reasons for LTFU. SETTING: This study was conducted at two the HIV clinics of two tertiary hospitals in Uganda. PARTICIPANTS: We reviewed records of 608 PLWH who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) and included participants who had a documented diagnosis of SMI. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was retention in care. Age, gender, religion, tuberculosis (TB) status, WHO clinical stage, functional status, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell count, viral load and SMI diagnosis were among the predictor variables. RESULTS: We collected data from 328 participants. Retention at 6 months was 43.3% compared with 35.7% at 12 months. Having an unsuppressed viral load (≥1000 copies/mL) (adjusted incidence risk ratio (IRR)=1.54, 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.03), being 36 years and below (adjusted IRR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.95), initial presentation at outpatient department (adjusted IRR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.96), having TB signs and symptoms (adjusted IRR=0.98 95% CI: 0.97 to 0.99) and being in lower WHO stages (I and II) (adjusted IRR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.14) at ART initiation were significantly associated with retention in care at 6 and 12 months. Inadequate social support, long waiting hours at the clinic, perceived stigma and discrimination, competing life activities, low socioeconomic status and poor adherence to psychiatric medication were barriers to retention in care. CONCLUSION: Twelve-month retention in care remains low at 35.7% far below the 90% WHO target. There is a need to design and implement targeted interventions to address barriers to retention in care among PLWH and SMI.

HIV viral load suppression among people with mental disorders at two urban HIV Clinics in Uganda: a parallel convergent mixed methods study using the Social Ecological Model.

Background Uganda adopted and implemented the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) guidelines in 2017, which require HIV-infected persons to be initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at any CD4 + cell count, and to be routinely monitored for viral load to assess response to ART. However, there is paucity of data on viral load suppression (VLS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) with mental disorders. We conducted a parallel convergent mixed methods study to determine HIV VLS among people with a mental disorder and explored the socio-cultural determinants of VLS at Butabika hospital and Mulago (ISS) HIV Clinics in Uganda. Methods We conducted a retrospective medical records review; seven key informant interviews (KII) among purposively selected healthcare providers and 12 in-depth interviews (IDI) among clinically stable PLHIV with a mental disorder. Data was collected on demographics, mental disorder, ART, viral load status, social support, stigma, and disclosure of HIV status. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression, while Inductive thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Results Of the 240 PLHIV with a mental disorder who were enrolled, 161 (67.1%) were female with mean age 38.9 (± 11.2) years. Overall, 88.8% (95% Cl: 84.0% - 92.2%) achieved VLS. Age (aPR = 1.01, 95%Cl = 1.00-1.01), male gender (aPR = 0.95, 95%Cl = 0.95-0.95), divorced (aPR = 0.89, 95%Cl = 0.87-0.91), widowed (aPR = 0.84, 95%Cl = 0.79-0.90), baseline CD4 count < 200 (aPR = 0.89, 95%Cl = 0.82-0.95), and fair (85-94%) ART adherence level (aPR = 0.68, (95%Cl = 0.54-0.87) were associated with HIV VLS. Social support from family members, knowledge of impact of negative thoughts on VLS, fear of breaking up with partners and compassionate healthcare providers positively influenced VLS. Stigma and discrimination from the community, self-perceived stigma hindering social relations, socio-economic challenges and psychiatric drug stock-outs negatively affected VLS. Conclusion and recommendations HIV VLS among PLHIV with mental disorders at institutions that provide integrated HIV and mental health care is still below the UNAIDS 95% target. Health promotion messaging focusing on benefits of VLS and countering stigma to create a safe environment; and active involvement of family members in care could improve HIV treatment outcomes for PLHIV with mental disorders.