Policy analysis of the Global Financing Facility in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, Uganda joined the Global Financing Facility (GFF), a Global Health Initiative for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH). Similar initiatives have been found to be powerful entities influencing national policy and priorities in Uganda, but few independent studies have assessed the GFF. OBJECTIVE: To understand the policy process and contextual factors in Uganda that influenced the content of the GFF policy documents (Investment Case and Project Appraisal). METHODS: We conducted a qualitative policy analysis. The data collection included a document review of national RMNCAH policy documents and key informant interviews with national stakeholders involved in the development process of GFF policy documents (N = 16). Data were analyzed thematically using the health policy triangle. RESULTS: The process of developing the GFF documents unfolded rapidly with a strong country-led approach by the government. Work commenced in late 2015; the Investment Case was published in April 2016 and the Project Appraisal Document was completed and presented two months later. The process was steered by technocrats from government agencies, donor agencies, academics and selected civil society organisations, along with the involvement of political figures. The Ministry of Health was at the center of coordinating the process and navigating the contestations between technical priorities and political motivations. Although civil society organisations took part in the process, there were concerns that some were excluded. CONCLUSION: The learnings from this study provide insights into the translation of globally conceived health initiatives at country level, highlighting enablers and challenges. The study shows the challenges of trying to have a 'country-led' initiative, as such initiatives can still be heavily influenced by 'elites'. Given the diversity of actors with varying interests, achieving representation of key actors, particularly those from underserved groups, can be difficult and may necessitate investing further time and resources in their engagement.

Main findings: Existing policy priorities and platforms helped to shape the Global Financing Facility agenda in Uganda, with leadership from the Ministry of Health and subtle yet clear influences from global actors and national civil society.Added knowledge: The study contributes to the understanding of the complexities in translating a globally conceived initiative into one that is locally owned.Global health impact for policy and action: Global health initiatives must work with government to enable local ownership thorough more engagement with diverse national stakeholders in order to understand their expectations from inception and address them as part of processes of strengthening robust policy review and implementation.

Prevalence of advanced HIV disease and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy naïve adults enrolling in care at public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Despite adoption of the 'test-and-treat' strategy, a high proportion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve people living with HIV (PLHIV) enrol in care with, and die of advanced HIV disease (AHD) in Uganda. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of AHD among ART naïve adults enrolling in care and associated factors at selected public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: From April to July 2022, we conducted a mixed-methods study at Kiswa Health Centre III, Kitebi Health Centre III, and Kawaala Health Centre IV. The study involved cross-sectional enrolment and evaluation of 581 participants, utilizing an interviewer-administered questionnaire and chart reviews. Modified Poisson regression was employed to identify factors associated with AHD, complemented by a qualitative component comprising fifteen in-depth interviews, with data analysed through thematic analysis. Results: Overall, 35.1% (204/581) of the study participants had AHD. Being male [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.4, 95% CI: 1.04-1.88] and aged 35-50 years (aPR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14-2.88) were associated with AHD. Participants with no personal health perception barriers had 37% lower odds of presenting to care with AHD (aPR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46-0.85). Qualitative findings indicated that individual factors, such as waiting until physical health deteriorated and initially opting for alternative therapies, took precedence in contributing to enrolment in care with AHD. Conclusion: Over one in every three ART naïve adults presents to public health facilities in Uganda with AHD. Male gender, age 35-50 years, and personal health perception barriers emerged as significant factors associated with AHD; emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and enhance early detection and engagement in care. Routine HIV testing should be emphasized and incentivized especially for men and persons aged 35-50 years.

Birth asphyxia and its association with grand multiparity and referral among hospital births: A prospective cross-sectional study in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The relationship to grand multiparity (GM), a controversial pregnancy risk factor, remains largely unexplored, especially in the context of large multinational studies. We investigated birth asphyxia and its association with GM and referral in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a perinatal e-Registry in 16 hospitals (four per country). The study population consisted of 80 663 babies (>1000 g, >28 weeks' gestational age) delivered between July 2021 and December 2022. The primary outcome was birth asphyxia, defined by 5-minute appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration score <7. A multilevel and stratified multivariate logistic regression was performed with GM (parity ≥5) as exposure, and birth asphyxia as outcome. An interaction between referral (none, prepartum, intrapartum) and GM was also evaluated as a secondary outcome. All models were adjusted for confounders. CLINICAL TRIAL: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry 202006793783148. RESULTS: Birth asphyxia was present in 7.0% (n = 5612) of babies. More babies with birth asphyxia were born to grand multiparous women (11.9%) than to other parity groups (≤7.6%). Among the 76 850 cases included in the analysis, grand multiparous women had a 1.34 times higher odds of birth asphyxia (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.54) vs para one to two. Grand multiparous women referred intrapartum had the highest probability of asphyxiation (13.02%, 95% CI 9.34-16.69). GM increased odds of birth asphyxia in Benin (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% CI 1.13-1.68) and Uganda (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.64), but was non-significant in Tanzania (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.81-2.56) and Malawi (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.67-1.44). CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence of an increased risk of birth asphyxia for grand multiparous women having babies at hospitals, especially following intrapartum referral. Antenatal counseling should recognize grand multiparity as higher risk and advise appropriate childbirth facilities. Findings in Malawi suggest an advantage of health systems configuration requiring further exploration.

Adapting the preterm birth phenotyping framework to a low-resource, rural setting and applying it to births from Migori County in western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal and under-five mortality worldwide. It is a complex syndrome characterized by numerous etiologic pathways shaped by both maternal and fetal factors. To better understand preterm birth trends, the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth published the preterm birth phenotyping framework in 2012 followed by an application of the model to a global dataset in 2015 by Barros, et al. Our objective was to adapt the preterm birth phenotyping framework to retrospective data from a low-resource, rural setting and then apply the adapted framework to a cohort of women from Migori, Kenya. METHODS: This was a single centre, observational, retrospective chart review of eligible births from November 2015 - March 2017 at Migori County Referral Hospital. Adaptations were made to accommodate limited diagnostic capabilities and data accuracy concerns. Prevalence of the phenotyping conditions were calculated as well as odds of adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-seven eligible births were included in our study. The largest phenotype group was none (no phenotype could be identified; 41.1%), followed by extrauterine infection (25.1%), and antepartum stillbirth (16.7%). Extrauterine infections included HIV (75.3%), urinary tract infections (24.7%), malaria (4.1%), syphilis (3.1%), and general infection (3.1%). Severe maternal condition was ranked fourth (15.6%) and included anaemia (69.5%), chronic respiratory distress (22.0%), chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy (5.1%), diabetes (3.4%), epilepsy (3.4%), and sickle cell disease (1.7%). Fetal anaemia cases were the most likely to transfer to the newborn unit (OR 5.1, 95% CI 0.8, 30.9) and fetal anomaly cases were the most likely to result in a pre-discharge mortality (OR 3.9, 95% CI 0.8, 19.2). CONCLUSIONS: Using routine data sources allowed for a retrospective analysis of an existing dataset, requiring less time and fewer resources than a prospective study and demonstrating a feasible approach to preterm phenotyping for use in low-resource settings to inform local prevention strategies.

Preterm birth is a complex syndrome, yet it is the leading cause of death in children worldwide. To help unravel the clinical complexities, preterm birth phenotyping is a framework that considers multiple diagnoses in the mother, helping to evaluate trends in causes of preterm birth in a given region. In our study, we adapted this international phenotyping framework to accommodate a rural, low-resource setting where obstetrical and neonatal technologies were limited, but preterm birth rates were high. We evaluated data from the patient records of a large hospital in Migori, Kenya, in the southwestern region of the country. By lowering the threshold of diagnostic criteria, we were able to apply this framework to our dataset and see that maternal infection and maternal chronic illness appear to be a significant driving forces of preterm birth. Given high rates of HIV and malaria in the region, this is not a surprising finding, but one that can inform antenatal care practices, mainly the need to test and treat for common infections (HIV, malaria, as well as urinary and reproductive tract infections), and to increase the frequency of antenatal care interactions per the World Health Organization recommendations.

Psychosocial effects of adverse pregnancy outcomes and their influence on reporting pregnancy loss during surveys and surveillance: narratives from Uganda.

BACKGROUND: In 2021, Uganda had an estimated 25,855 stillbirths and 32,037 newborn deaths. Many Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (APOs) go unreported despite causing profound grief and other mental health effects. This study explored psychosocial effects of APOs and their influence on reporting these events during surveys and surveillance settings in Uganda. METHODS: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 in Iganga Mayuge health and demographic surveillance system site, eastern Uganda. Narratives were held with 44 women who had experienced an APO (miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death) and 7 men whose spouses had undergone the same. Respondents were purposively selected and the sample size premised on the need for diverse respondents. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken, supported by NVivo software. RESULTS: 60.8% of respondents had experienced neonatal deaths, 27.4% stillbirths, 11.8% miscarriages and almost half had multiple APOs. Theme one on psychosocial effects showed that both women and men suffered disbelief, depression, shame and thoughts of self-harm. In theme two on reactions to interviews, most respondents were reminded about their loss. Indeed, some women cried and a few requested termination of the interview. However, many said they eventually felt better, especially where interviewers comforted and advised them. In theme three about why people consent to such interviews, it was due to the respondents' need for sensitization on causes of pregnancy loss and danger signs, plus the expectation that the interview would lead to improved health services. Theme four on suggestions for improving interviews highlighted respondents' requests for a comforting and encouraging approach by interviewers. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial effects of APOs may influence respondents' interest and ability to effectively engage in an interview. Findings suggest that a multi-pronged approach, including interviewer training in identifying and dealing responsively with grieving respondents, and meeting needs for health information and professional counselling could improve reporting of APOs in surveys and surveillance settings. More so, participants need to understand the purpose of the interview and have realistic expectations.

Mothers' perceptions and experiences of caring for sick newborns in Newborn Care Units in public hospitals in Eastern Uganda: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Mothers' participation in the care of their sick newborns in Newborn Care Units (NCUs) has been linked to several advantages including earlier discharge, fewer complications, better mother-baby bonding, and an easier transition to home after discharge. This study aimed to understand mothers' perceptions and experiences while participating in the care of their sick newborns in the NCUs to inform interventions promoting mothers' participation in public health facilities in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study comprised of 18 in-depth interviews with mothers caring for their newborns in two NCUs at a Regional Referral and General hospital in Eastern Uganda between April and May 2022. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed. For analysis, we used a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: The fear of losing their baby was an overarching theme that underlay mothers' perceptions, actions, and experiences in the NCU. Mothers' confidence in the care provided to their babies was based on their baby's outcomes. For example, when mothers saw almost immediate improvement after treatment, they felt more confident in the care than when this was not the case. Furthermore, mothers considered it essential that health care providers responded quickly in an emergency. Moreover, they expressed concerns about a lack of control over their personal space in the crowded NCU. Additionally, caring for babies in these settings is physically and financially taxing, with mothers requiring the combined efforts of family members to help them cope. CONCLUSION: This study shows that for mothers of sick newborns in the NCU, the baby's survival is the first concern and the basis of mothers' confidence in the quality of care provided. Efforts to improve parental participation in NCUs must focus on lowering the costs incurred by families in caring for a baby in the NCU, addressing privacy and space concerns, leveraging the family's role, and avoiding compromising the quality of care in the process of participation.

Simulation and team training to improve preterm birth knowledge, evidence-based practices, and communication skills in midwives in Kenya and Uganda: Findings from a pre- and post-intervention analysis.

Simulation training in basic and emergency obstetric and neonatal care has previously shown success in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in low-resource settings. Though preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal deaths, application of this training methodology geared specifically towards reducing preterm birth mortality and morbidity has not yet been implemented and evaluated. The East Africa Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi-EA) was a multi-country cluster randomized controlled (CRCT) trial that successfully improved outcomes of preterm neonates in Migori County, Kenya and the Busoga region of Uganda through an intrapartum package of interventions. PRONTO simulation and team training (STT) was one component of this package and was introduced to maternity unit providers in 13 facilities. This analysis was nested within the larger CRCT and specifically looked at the impact of the STT portion of the intervention package. The PRONTO STT curriculum was modified to emphasize prematurity-related intrapartum and immediate postnatal care practices, such as assessment of gestational age, identification of preterm labour, and administration of antenatal corticosteroids. Knowledge and communication techniques were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention through a multiple-choice knowledge test. Clinical skills and communication techniques used in context were assessed through the use of evidence-based practiced (EBPs) as documented in video-recorded simulations through StudioCodeTM video analysis. Pre-and-post scores were compared in both categories using Chi-squared tests. Knowledge assessment scores improved from 51% to 73% with maternal-related questions improving from 61% to 74%, neonatal questions from 55% to 73%, and communication technique questions from 31% to 71%. The portion of indicated preterm birth EBPs performed in simulation increased from 55% to 80% with maternal-related EBPs improving from 48% to 73%, neonatal-related EBPs from 63% to 93%, and communication techniques from 52% to 69%. STT substantially increased preterm birth-specific knowledge and EBPs performed in simulation.

Improving Post-discharge Practice of Kangaroo Mother Care: Perspectives From Communities in East-Central Uganda.

Introduction: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is among the most cost-effective and easily accessible solutions for improving the survival and wellbeing of small newborns. In this study, we examined the barriers and facilitators to continuity of KMC at home following hospital discharge in rural Uganda. Methods: We conducted this study in five districts in east-central Uganda, within six hospitals and at the community level. We used a qualitative approach, with two phases of data collection. Phase 1 comprised in-depth interviews with mothers who practiced KMC with their babies and caretakers who supported them and key informant interviews with health workers, district health office staff, community health workers, and traditional birth attendants. We then conducted group discussions with mothers of small newborns and their caretakers. We held 65 interviews and five group discussions with 133 respondents in total and used a thematic approach to data analysis. Results: In hospital, mothers were sensitized and taught KMC. They were expected to continue practicing it at home with regular returns to the hospital post-discharge. However, mothers practiced KMC for a shorter time at home than in the hospital. Reasons included being overburdened with competing domestic chores that did not allow time for KMC and a lack of community follow-up support by health workers. There were increased psycho-social challenges for mothers, alongside some dangerous practices like placing plastic cans of hot water near the baby to provide warmth. Respondents suggested various ways to improve the KMC experience at home, including the development of a peer-to-peer intervention led by mothers who had successfully done KMC and community follow-up of mothers by qualified health workers and community health workers. Conclusion: Despite wide acceptance of KMC by health workers, challenges to effective implementation persist. Amid the global and national push to scale up KMC, potential difficulties to its adherence post-discharge in a rural, resource-limited setting remain. This study provides insights on KMC implementation and sustainability from the perspectives of key stakeholders, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to KMC that incorporates its adaptability to community settings and contexts.