Perceived risk and risk reduction behaviours of female first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients attending care at Uganda cancer institute.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the perceived risk of breast cancer (BC) and adoption of risk reduction behaviours among female first-degree relatives (FDRs) of BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire to collect data between March to October 2019. Adult female FDRs of patients attending care at UCI were recruited consecutively. Breast cancer perceived risk was assessed using a verbal measure; 'My chances of getting BC are great' on a Likert scale with 5 response alternatives. Chi square tests and modified Poisson regression using generalised estimating equations model were used to determine associations and examine factors associated with perceived risk of BC. RESULTS: We enrolled 296 FDRs from 186 female BC patients. Few participants 118/296 (40%) had high perceived risk of BC. Majority 165/296 (56%), had ever practiced breast self-examination. At the multivariable modified Poisson GEE model, women aged 36-45 years were more likely to perceive themselves to be at high risk of developing BC compared to women aged 18-25 years (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.174; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.05-2.88; p value = 0.030) after adjusting for age, religion, educational level and residence. CONCLUSION: Few FDRs of BC patients perceived themselves to be at high risk of developing BC and do not seek risk reduction measures including screening and early diagnosis approaches. Breast cancer health education especially targeting younger women should emphasize the increased risk of BC in FDRs.

Employers' and Employees' Perspectives of HIV Self-Testing at Male-Dominated Work Sites and Linkage to Posttest Services in Uganda.

This study explored men's views of workplace-based HIV self-testing and the barriers and facilitators of linkage to posttest services. Six focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews were held with employers and employees in private security companies in Uganda (N = 70). Using content analysis, five categories emerged. The first category was the mitigation of potential harm, including reduction of stigma and discrimination, and the need for posttest support. The second category was a perceived need for on-site services where the men proposed on-site prevention services and HIV treatment and care. In the third category, which was strengthening linkage mechanisms, participants proposed expanded clinic hours, improved health facility efficiency, and provision of referral documentation. The fourth and fifth categories were organizational support and social support, respectively. There is need for employers and employees to work together for the success of workplace-based HIV initiatives.

Acceptability of HIV testing for men attending televised football venues in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, HIV remains a major public health challenge, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Literature indicates that men's involvement in HIV testing, care, and treatment services is lower compared to women, therefore novel approaches are required to engage men in the cascade of HIV care. This study aimed to explore men's perception on the provision of HIV testing services in venues where English Premier League football games are televised. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted between February and May 2018. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 50 conveniently selected men aged 18 years and older using a pre-tested discussion guide. All focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Overall, HIV testing at venues telecasting English Premier League football games was acceptable to men. There was a very strong preference for health workers providing testing and counseling services be external or unknown in the local community. Possible motivators for testing services provided in these settings include subsidizing or eliminating entrance fee to venues telecasting games, integrating testing and counseling with health promotion or screening for other diseases, use of local football games as mobilization tools and use of expert clients as role models. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that HIV testing services at venues where EPL football games are televised is generally acceptable to men. In implementing such services, consideration should be given to preferences for external or unknown health workers and the motivating factors contributing to the use of these services. Given that HIV testing is currently not conducted in these settings, further research should be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of this approach as a means of enhancing HIV testing among Ugandan men.