Unravelling the complexity of research capacity strengthening for health professionals in low- and middle-income countries: A concept analysis.

AIMS: Research capacity strengthening (RCS) is crucial in enhancing healthcare outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which face challenges due to limited resources, unequal access to care and the need for evidence-based decision-making. We seek to move beyond a surface-level understanding of RCS, unearthing the core attributes, the factors that precede its implementation and the transformative outcomes it generates within the LMIC healthcare landscape. DESIGN: This study employs the Walker and Avant approach to concept analysis to comprehensively explore the dimensions and attributes of RCS as it pertains to allied and public health professionals in LMICs, propose empirical referents and suggest an operational definition. DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to 27 July 2023, to identify studies on RCS in LMICs. The Walker and Avant approach to concept analysis was selected because it provides a framework for systematically examining and clarifying the meaning and implications of RCS. This method involves a structured process of defining RCS, identifying its attributes, antecedents, consequences and cases, and ultimately providing a clear understanding of its meaning and implications. Identifying empirical referents offers measurable indicators that researchers and policymakers can use to assess the effectiveness of RCS initiatives in LMICs. CONCLUSION: RCS for health professionals in LMICs involves a sustainable process that equips them with essential research skills, fostering the ability to conduct high-quality research and improve healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings. IMPLICATIONS: RCS aims to empower health professionals to apply evidence-based practices, reduce disparities and enhance the well-being of populations in LMICs. IMPACT: Ultimately, a concept analysis of RCS empowers us to harness the full potential of research to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes and advance the well-being of populations worldwide.

Maternal mental health screening and management by health workers in southwestern Uganda: a qualitative analysis of knowledge, practices, and challenges.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mental health (MMH) problems, such as perinatal depression, maternal anxiety, suicide ideation and puerperal psychosis among others, have a significant impact on maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as the health and development of children. One in every four pregnant women and one in every five postpartum women in low-income countries, suffer from maternal mental health (MMH) problems. Despite this, MMH screening, diagnosis, and reporting remain scanty in Uganda. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge, practices, and impediments that maternity care workers face when screening and managing women with maternal mental health disorders in health facilities in south-western Uganda. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 health-care professionals who work in maternity care departments in primary and tertiary healthcare facilities in southwestern Uganda to investigate their medical knowledge, clinical practices, and challenges related to the screening and management of maternal mental health problems. Using qualitative content analysis, distinct categories and subcategories were found. RESULTS: Medical staff especially midwives lacked specialized training in screening and managing women with maternal mental health problems They screened and managed MMH problems solely based on history and physical examination, and they referred nearly every mother displaying signs of mental illness because they felt ill-prepared to handle them. On the other hand, medical staff with some level of specialized training in mental health particularly staff working in mental health units, were more likely to use a mental health screening tool in addition to history and physical examination; and to treat any women exhibiting signs and symptoms of maternal mental problems without referring them. Lack of in-service training on maternal mental health, poorly coordinated referral systems, reluctance of mentally ill to visit medical facilities, scarcity of mental health specialists, and shortage of relevant medications were identified as the major challenges. Age, experience level, or gender had no effect on screening or management practices. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that specialized training in mental health, and particularly maternal mental health, is essential for the effective screening and management of maternal mental health conditions in South Western Uganda.

Factors associated with uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine among school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most common Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related disease among women. Since 2008, HPV vaccination has been routinely recommended for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls in Uganda as the primary preventive measure for cervical cancer. However, in Uganda, most especially in Lira district, there is limited literature on HPV vaccination uptake and associated factors among girls aged 9-14years. This study assessed the uptake of HPV vaccine and associated factors among in-school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 primary school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. Multistage sampling technique was used to sample eligible participants and data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression at 95% level of significance were used to identify the level of HPV vaccine uptake and predictors respectively. RESULTS: HPV vaccination uptake was at 19.6% (95% CI,14.8-25.1) among the school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. The mean age of the girls was 12.11 (± 1.651) years. Predictors that were independently associated with HPV vaccine uptake included; recommendation from health worker [aOR 9.09, 95% CI (3.19-25.88), P ≤ 0.001], taught about cervical cancer at school [aOR,12.56, 95% CI (4.60-34.28), P ≤ 0.001], and exposure to outreach clinics [aOR, 4.41, 95% CI (1.37-14.19), P = 0.013]. CONCLUSION: The study found that one in five of the school girls in Lira City, northern Uganda. received HPV vaccine. Girls who were taught about cervical cancer at school, exposure to outreach clinics and received health worker recommendation had more odds of receiving HPV vaccine than their counter parts. The Ministry of Health should strengthen school based cervical cancer education, awareness raising about HPV vaccination and health worker recommendations to improve HPV vaccine uptake among school girls in Uganda.

Prevalence of dementia and its association with central nervous system infections among older persons in northern Uganda: cross-sectional community-based study.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a condition in which there is deterioration in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from the usual consequence of biological aging. Few studies have been conducted on the prevalence of dementia and its association with central nervous system (CNS) infections among older persons in African settings, particularly in Uganda. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of dementia and its association with CNS infections among older persons in Lira District, northern Uganda. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional community-based study in Lira district northern Uganda. The study was conducted in March 2022 among 434 older persons aged 50 and above years who were selected by multistage sampling. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire supplemented with information from participant's medical records and a brief community screening instrument for dementia. The instrument classifies dementia into unlikely, probable or possible dementia. Data were entered in duplicate into EpiData version 3.0, then transferred to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Our study found almost one in four (23%) of the older persons in Lira district northern Uganda were suffering from probable or possible dementia. Our study further found that older persons in Lira district northern Uganda with a positive history of central nervous system infections (CNS) had nearly five times higher odds of having probable or possible dementia compared to their counterparts (cOR: 4.5; 2.76-7.23; p ≤ 0.001). Being in advanced age of 70 + years (aOR: 2.6; 1.6-4.3; p ≤ 0.001), positive history of CNS infection particularly Herpes simplex virus-1 (aOR: 5.4; 1.4-20.5; p = 0.013), and chronic headache (aOR: 1.9; 1.1-3.1; p = 0.019) were independent predictors of probable or possible dementia among participants in this study. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Dementia is a common condition among older persons in Lira district northern Uganda with a prevalence of 23% in our study. Older persons with a positive history of CNS infection had higher odd of developing dementia compared to their counterparts. Having advanced age, cerebral malaria, Herpes simplex virus - 1 (HSV-1) infections, and chronic headache were independent predictors for dementia. These results imply that health assessment for the risk of dementia should include screening for history of CNS conditions particularly cerebral malaria, HSV-1 and chronic headache.

Caregiver's perspectives on the Central Nervous System infection illness trajectory among older persons with dementia in Northern Uganda-a qualitative community-based study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored the Central Nervous System (CNS) infection illness trajectory among older persons with dementia in sub-Saharan African (SSA) settings. This study explored the Caregiver's perspectives on the Central Nervous System infection illness trajectory among the older persons with dementia in Northern Uganda. METHODS: This was a qualitative study conducted in Lira District northern Uganda in March 2022 amongst purposively selected 20 caregivers of the older persons aged 50 + years with a positive history of CNS infection and later life dementia. Data were collected using an in-depth interview guide. Audio recordings and field notes of the interviews were undertaken. The interviews generated data on the CNS infection illness trajectory from onset to the current demented state of the older persons. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim before manual reflective thematic analysis. RESULTS: Older persons with a positive history of CNS infection illness and later life dementia in rural northern Uganda presented with symptoms of early life CNS infection illness ranging from neck pain, back pain, chronic headache, and fatigue. There were also manifestations of comorbidities particularly road traffic accidents involving traumatic injury to the head, neck, and spine, high blood pressure, chronic headache, and or their medications in the older person's trajectory to later life dementia. A plurality of healthcare which included both formal and informal healthcare medicines was sought and utilized for the treatment and care of the CNS infection illness and dementia by the older persons amidst improper diagnosis and mismanagement. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Older persons with early-life CNS infections illness and later-life dementia were reported to present with symptoms including neck pain, back pain, chronic headache, high blood pressure, and fatigue. The reported symptoms of CNS infection illness may be intertwined with co-morbidities particularly traumatic injury involving the head, neck, and spine, high blood pressure, and chronic headache. Healthcare professionals should integrate routine screening of older persons for the history of CNS infections, chronic headache, high blood pressure, trauma to the head, neck, and spine, and dementia and early treatment.

Cervical cancer risk perceptions, sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections among Bivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccinated and non-vaccinated young women in Uganda - 5 year follow up study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies were conflicting regarding the associations between HPV vaccination, cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors and STIs. This study compared the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated young women in Uganda regarding cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections 5 years after vaccine implementation. METHODS: This was a population-based comparative cross-sectional survey conducted in Uganda. The 438 participants were sexually active young women aged 15-24 years and mean age was 18.6 (SD 1.4). The majority (53.0%) were HPV-vaccinated in 2008 without assessment of sexual activity prior to HPV vaccination. Upon verbal assessment of sexual activity at the time of follow-up, data were collected using a questionnaire and laboratory testing of blood samples for syphilis and HIV infections. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups regarding the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections. Cervical cancer risk perceptions and age at sexual debut were nonetheless significantly lower among the vaccinated group compared to their non-vaccinated counterparts. However, HPV vaccination was not significantly associated to cervical cancer risk perceptions and early age at sexual debut in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We found no associations between HPV vaccination, cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections among young women in Uganda 5 years after vaccine implementation. Young girls in the study population were found to be sexually active at a young age, affirming the importance of targeting girls of younger age for HPV vaccination.

Integration of HIV and cervical cancer screening perceptions and preferences of communities in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that HIV-positive women carry an increased risk of developing cervical cancer (CC) in comparison with HIV-negative women, HIV and CC screening programs in many developing countries have remained unintegrated. The objective of this study is to explore perceptions and preferences of community members in Uganda, including women, men, and village health teams, regarding the integration of HIV and CC screening services in a single-visit approach. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in three districts in Uganda. Data were collected through focus group discussions with women and village health teams, and individual interviews with men. Respondents were purposely selected from among those linked to three CC clinics in the three districts. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the data, namely appreciating the benefits of integration, worrying about the challenges of integration, and preferences for integration. The women endorsed the benefits. However, there were worries that integration would prolong the waiting time at the health facility and induce tiredness in both the healthcare providers and the women. There were also fears of being found positive for both HIV and CC and the consequences such as stress, self-isolation, and social conflicts. Participants, particularly the women, considered the challenges of screening integration to be manageable by, for example, taking a day off work to visit the hospital, delegating house chores to other family members, or taking a packed lunch on visiting the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The community members in Uganda perceive the benefits of HIV and CC screening integration to outweigh the challenges, and expect that the challenges can be minimized or managed by the women. Therefore, when considering HIV and CC screening integration, it is important to not only recognize the benefits but also take into consideration the perceived challenges and preferences of community members.

Performance of Cervical Cancer Screening Techniques in HIV-Infected Women in Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: Women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a higher risk of HPV infections and developing cervical cancer, thus screening them is imperative. This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of 3 cervical cancer screening options among HIV-infected women in Uganda. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 2,337 Ugandan women who reported their HIV status were obtained from a population-based cervical cancer screening study. Women were offered 3 screening tests: vaginal and cervical careHPV and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and the results were evaluated by HIV status. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV infection was 16.5%. Women infected with HIV had a higher prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) than uninfected women (12.9% vs 1.7%; p < .001). The sensitivity for cervical careHPV among the HIV-infected women was 94.3% compared to 81.3% among the uninfected women. Whereas the sensitivity for vaginal careHPV was also higher among the HIV-infected women, the sensitivity of VIA was higher among the uninfected women. The mean vaginal and cervical careHPV signal strength was higher in the HIV-infected women than in the uninfected women (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: CareHPV is very sensitive for detecting CIN2+ in HIV-infected women, even using a vaginal sample. The sensitivity of careHPV in HIV-infected women is higher than in HIV-uninfected women. However, additional research is needed to determine the best option for screening and triage of HPV-positive women that can be implemented in low-resource settings, especially among HIV- and HPV-positive women.

Integration of HIV and cervical cancer screening perceptions of healthcare providers and policy makers in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: HIV-positive women have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer (CC) compared to the HIV-negative women. Despite this, HIV and CC screening programs in many developing countries have remained disintegrated. Therefore, the objective of the study was to explore perceptions of healthcare providers (HCP) and policy makers (PM) about integration of HIV and CC screening services in Uganda. METHODS: This was a qualitative study conducted among 16 participants comprising of 12 healthcare providers and 4 policy makers in Uganda. Data were collected through individual interviews. Participants were purposively selected from different level of health facilities with clinics for HIV and CC screening services. Content analysis method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the data, namely appreciating benefits of integration, worrying about the limited health system capacity and potential consequences of integration and feeling optimistic about integration under improved health system conditions. The benefits embraced the women - particularly the HIV-positive women- but also men, healthcare providers and the health system or the government. There were worries that HIV stigma and shortage of healthcare workers would affect the effective delivery of the integrated program. CONCLUSION: Integration of HIV and CC screening can offer manifold benefits to all stakeholders in the health system, more so to the women. However, its feasibility in developing countries such as Uganda will most likely be hampered by weak and inefficient health systems. Therefore, when considering HIV and CC screening integration, it is important not to only recognize the benefits but also take into account resources requirements for addressing the existing weaknesses and inefficiencies in the health systems such as limited infrastructure, insufficient drugs and supplies, inadequate and poorly motivated healthcare workers.

Predictors for the utilization of community support systems against intimate partner violence among married women living with HIV in southwestern Uganda-A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects married women living with HIV (MWLHIV), resulting in undesirable human rights, socio-economic, mental, maternal, and child health consequences. Community Support systems against Violence (CoSaV) are widely available and promising public and voluntary resources for the prevention and mitigation of IPV but are poorly investigated. We set out to identify the predictors for the utilization of the CoSaV among the MWLHIV. METHODS: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 424 consecutively sampled MWLHIV attending the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in southwestern Uganda in April 2021. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, data were collected on the participant's socio-demographic characteristics, exposure to IPV, awareness about the CoSaV, perceptions about the quality, accessibility and challenges in accessing the CoSaV and the utilization. Modified Poisson regression model was used to identify the predictors for the utilization of CoSaV using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the 424 participants in the study was 39.5 ± 10.2 years. More than half of the participants 51.9% (220/424) reported exposure to any IPV. Utilization of any CoSaV was found to be above average at 58.3% among the participants. The formal support (police, local government leaders, health workers and counselors) were more frequently utilized compared to the informal support (family, relatives and friends). Utilization of any CoSaV was higher among the women who were aware of the CoSaV and also those who were exposed to violence. Accessibility was identified as an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV. CONCLUSIONS: Intimate partner violence (IPV) was prevalent among MWLHIV in southwestern Uganda. However, the utilization of any CoSaV was suboptimal. The formal CoSaV were more frequently utilized than the informal support systems. Accessibility was an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV. There is need to improve access in order to increase the utilization of the CoSaV and contribute to the attainment of sustainable development goal 5.2.1 and end violence against women.

Perceptions of Undergraduate Students towards Utilization of Clinical Simulation in Teaching and Learning in Rural Universities in Uganda: A Mixed method study.

Background: Simulation is a new pedagogical method in Africa that underscores the need to operationalize it and generate context-specific scholarship regarding clinical simulation in Africa. Despite the superior learning outcomes of using simulation in medical education, its use in developing countries is often limited, compounded by limited scholarship on simulation especially relevant to an African context. The research aimed to explore perceptions surrounding the use of simulation among undergraduate students. Methods: A mixed method convergent parallel design was used in which both the quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed currently to explore the perception of the undergraduate students towards the use of clinical simulation in teaching and learning. The quantitative approach assessed the perception of the students on a five-point Likert from strongly disagree to strongly agree scale while the qualitative approach employed a focused group discussion to explore the perception of the students in regards to clinical simulation. Quantitative data was analyzed using Stata Version 17. Qualitative results were analyzed through thematic analysis by Brauna and Clark. Results: 298 participants were recruited into the study. The mean age of the participants was 27 years with a standard deviation of 5.81 years. The majority 152(51.01%) of the participants were males. Most 111(37.25%) of the participants were pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. The grand mean of the perception scores of the students towards the use of simulation in clinical teaching was 3.875269 ±0.5281626. The participants strongly agreed that it is incredibly helpful to have someone who works in the field debrief with them after completing a scenario and their overall perception towards this was high (Mean =4.65241±0.6617337). Conclusion: This exploratory study revealed that medical, nursing, and midwifery students from the rural Universities of Busitema and Lira demonstrated a positive perception of the use of clinical simulation in teaching and learning. The results conclude that simulations help students better understand concepts in clinical settings, provide them with valuable learning experiences, and help them stimulate critical thinking abilities. Further, the participants perceive simulation to be realistic, and knowledge gained could be transferred to the clinical areas.

Knowledge, Perception, and Practice of Safe Medical Circumcision on HIV Infection Risk Reduction among Undergraduate Students of a Public University in Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: About 70% (25.6 million) of the global HIV/AIDS burden is from Sub-Saharan Africa. Safe male circumcision (SMC) is one of the measures that were adopted by the Ugandan government aimed at reducing the risk of HIV infection contraction, as recommended by the WHO. Its main goal was to maximize HIV prevention impact with voluntary medical circumcision services to all adult men and adolescent boys. The objective of our study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and practice of safe medical circumcision on HIV infection risk reduction among undergraduate students of a public university in Northern Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 556 randomly selected Lira University undergraduate students from March 2023 to June 2023. With the use of a self-administered questionnaire, we collected data on the knowledge and perceptions of undergraduate students towards safe medical circumcision. Data were exported to Stata® 17 statistical software. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were done at a statistical level of significance P value < 0.05. Results: Our 556 study participants had an age range of 21-25 years. The majority (81.29%) of the respondents knew that safe medical circumcision reduces the risk of acquiring HIV. However, the perception is that close to 3 in 4 (74.46%) of the students were unsure if they would opt for safe medical circumcision as risk reduction measure against HIV. The practice of safe medical circumcision was 64.8% among the study participants. Conclusions: More than three in four of the undergraduate students have knowledge on safe medical circumcision as risk reduction measure for HIV infection. And close to 3 in 4 (74.46%) of the student's perception were unsure if they would opt for safe medical circumcision as risk reduction measure against HIV. The practice of safe medical circumcision was 64.8% among the study participants. Therefore, in an effort to increase SMC's adoption for HIV/AIDS prevention, the Ministry of Health of Uganda and related stakeholders in health should work hand in hand with university study bodies in order to optimize SMC uptake among university students.

"We are actually being involved in management of the patient": A qualitative exploration of experiences of students and faculty regarding the use of clinical simulation in Busitema University and Lira University.

Introduction: Experiences regarding the use of simulation in low-resource settings like Uganda where it has not taken root have not been explored. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of students, clinical staff, and faculty regarding the use of clinical simulation in teaching undergraduate students. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at Busitema and Lira Universities in Uganda. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with the faculty staff and 10 focused group discussions with undergraduate Nursing, Midwifery, Medical and Anesthesia students. The study obtained ethical clearance from the Busitema University Research and Ethics Committee (BUFHS-2023-78) and Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (HS3027ES). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Four themes emerged from the data. Simulation was seen to be about improvising and (return) demonstration. Concerns of realism were expressed including notions that simulation was not real, that simulation felt real and the extreme end that simulation tends to present the ideal setting. Perceived benefits of simulation include room for mistakes and immediate feedback, enhanced confidence and self-efficacy, enhanced acquisition of soft and clinical skills, prepares students for clinical placement, convenient and accessible. Concerns were expressed related to whether skills in clinical simulation would translate to clinical competence in the clinical setting. Conclusion: Students perceived simulation to be beneficial. However, concerns about realism and transferability of skills to clinical settings were noted. Clarifying preconceived notions against the use of clinical simulation will enhance its utilization in educational settings where simulation is not readily embraced.

Partnering to Improve Mentorship Capacity for Ugandan Reproductive Health Researchers: Program Description and Evaluation.

Mentorship is essential to health researchers in achieving their full potential and advancing public health. In most low-resource settings, there is a paucity of training on how to be a successful mentor. The Center for International Reproductive Health Training at the University of Michigan conducted and evaluated a workshop at two universities in Uganda for mentors of new reproductive health research grant awardees. The program aimed to strengthen mentors' mentorship skills and to identify ways to foster institutional support for mentoring. Mentors rated their post-training skills using a 5-point Likert scale (not skilled to extremely skilled) immediately and 3 months after the training. Ten of 19 mentors who participated in the training completed the evaluation. The majority were 41 to 50 years old, male, midcareer faculty. Immediately after the training, mentors rated themselves (mean ± SD) highest in knowledge of research ethics (4.4 ± 0.5), fostering independence in mentees (4.3 ± 0.9), and understanding the benefits of mentoring (3.9 ± 1.1). Mentors felt least confident in fostering institutional change to support mentorship (3.3 ± 0.8), communication (3.5 ± 0.5), and overcoming adversity (3.5 ± 0.8). The two most important things the mentors learned were how to appreciate and manage diversity and how they can benefit from mentorship. Barriers to mentoring that persisted after the program ended included lack of time and institutional resources. Enhancing mentorship training opportunities will foster a generation of scientists who are more supported, skilled, and productive in research, leading to better reproductive and public health outcomes in their communities.

Scoping review of qualitative studies on family planning in Uganda.

Family planning (FP) is an essential component of public health programs and significantly impacts maternal and child health outcomes. In Uganda, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the existing literature on FP to inform future research and programmatic efforts. This scoping review aims to identify factors shaping the use of FP in Uganda. We conducted a systematic search of eight scholarly databases, for qualitative studies on FP in Uganda. We screened the titles and abstracts of identified articles published between 2002-2023 and assessed their eligibility based on predefined criteria. We extracted data from the 71 eligible studies and synthesized the findings using thematic analysis and the Ecological Systems Theory (EST) individual, interpersonal, community, institutional, and policy-level determinants. Findings reveal the interplay of factors at different socio-ecological levels influencing family planning decisions. At the individual level, the most common determinants related to the EST were knowledge and attitudes of FP. Interpersonal dynamics, including partner communication and social support networks, played pivotal roles. Community-level factors, such as cultural norms and accessibility of services, significantly influenced family planning practices. Institutional and policy-level factors, particularly a healthcare system's quality and policies, also shaped use. Other themes included the intersection of HIV/AIDS on FP practice and Ugandan views of comprehensive abortion care. This scoping review underscores the intricate socio-ecological fabric shaping FP in Uganda. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of FP, improve access to services, and address social and cultural norms that discourage contraceptive use. Policymakers and program implementers should also consider gender dynamics and power imbalances in FP programs to ensure they are equitable and effective.

Screen-and-treat approach to cervical cancer prevention using visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy: experiences, perceptions, and beliefs from demonstration projects in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Cervical cancer is preventable but continues to cause the deaths of more than 270,000 women worldwide each year, most of them in developing countries where programs to detect and treat precancerous lesions are not affordable or available. Studies have demonstrated that screening by visual inspection of the cervix using acetic acid (VIA) is a simple, affordable, and sensitive test that can identify precancerous changes of the cervix so that treatment such as cryotherapy can be provided. Government partners implemented screening and treatment using VIA and cryotherapy at demonstration sites in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam. Evaluations were conducted in the three countries to explore the barriers and facilitating factors for the use of services and for incorporation of screen-and-treat programs using VIA and cryotherapy into routine services. Results showed that use of VIA and cryotherapy in these settings is a feasible approach to providing cervical cancer prevention services. Activities that can help ensure successful programs include mobilizing and educating communities, organizing services to meet women's schedules and needs, and strengthening systems to track clients for follow-up. Sustainability also depends on having an adequate number of trained providers and reducing staff turnover. Although some challenges were found across all sites, others varied from country to country, suggesting that careful assessments before beginning new secondary prevention programs will optimize the probability of success.

Screen-and-treat approach to cervical cancer prevention using visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy: experiences, perceptions, and beliefs from demonstration projects in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Cervical cancer is preventable but continues to cause the deaths of more than 270,000 women worldwide each year, most of them in developing countries where programs to detect and treat precancerous lesions are not affordable or available. Studies have demonstrated that screening by visual inspection of the cervix using acetic acid (VIA) is a simple, affordable, and sensitive test that can identify precancerous changes of the cervix so that treatment such as cryotherapy can be provided. Government partners implemented screening and treatment using VIA and cryotherapy at demonstration sites in Peru, Uganda, and Vietnam. Evaluations were conducted in the three countries to explore the barriers and facilitating factors for the use of services and for incorporation of screen-and-treat programs using VIA and cryotherapy into routine services. Results showed that use of VIA and cryotherapy in these settings is a feasible approach to providing cervical cancer prevention services. Activities that can help ensure successful programs include mobilizing and educating communities, organizing services to meet women's schedules and needs, and strengthening systems to track clients for follow-up. Sustainability also depends on having an adequate number of trained providers and reducing staff turnover. Although some challenges were found across all sites, others varied from country to country, suggesting that careful assessments before beginning new secondary prevention programs will optimize the probability of success.

Female-controlled dual protection methods: Prevalence, predictors, experiences and perceptions among young women living with HIV in northern Uganda-A mixed-method study protocol.

STUDY BACKGROUND: The use of dual protection methods among young women living with HIV (YWLHIV) aged 15-24 years in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is poorly researched despite the double risk of unintended pregnancy and HIV. Even more scanty is literature on the use of female-controlled dual protection methods. We propose to determine the female-controlled dual protection prevalence, and the predictors among YWLHIV in northern Uganda. The study will also explore the YWLHIV's experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study will employ a mixed-methods design. The study area will be Lira district and Lira city located in northern Uganda. The setting for recruitment of participants will be the public health facility-based anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinics. These ART clinics serves a total of about 1,771 YWLHIV. A sample of 425 YWLHIV will be selected by stratified random sampling from the ART clinic registers. The three strata of interest will be the YWLHIV attending the ART clinic at referral hospitals, health centers level IV (primary healthcare centers), and health centers level III (dispensaries). The primary outcome will be the use of the female-controlled dual protection methods. The outcome will be measured by asking the YWLHIV 'what methods under their control as YWLHIV do they use to protect against both unintended pregnancy and HIV during sexual intercourse with their male partners.' The questionnaire also has measures for the unintended pregnancy, HIV status, and the potential predictors. Qualitative component of the study will be in-depth interviews of the participants about their experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection methods. Data collection was still ongoing at the time of first submission of this study protocol to the journal (14th March 2023). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 will be used for the statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate regression analyses will be used to establish the prevalence, associated factors and the predictors of the outcome respectively. The statistical significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval will be considered. In-depth interviews will be manually analyzed using a thematic analysis approach for codes, themes, and categories.

Factors Associated with Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among the Youth in Lira City West, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The youth in Uganda, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, from human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection, and unsafe abortions to unwanted pregnancies. This study, therefore, assessed the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and associated factors among the youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in January 2023 among 386 young people (15-24 years) in Lira city west division, Lira city. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit our study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. All variables were set by p values less than 0.05 and reported adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. Results: The utilization of SRH services was 42.0% (162/386) among the study participants. Family planning, voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT), and general counseling services were the most utilized SRH services in the past 12 months. Young people who were aware of SRH services (AOR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.74), were aware of a reproductive health facility (AOR, 4.24; 95% CI: 1.62-11.09), discussed SRH issues with peers/friends (AOR, 3.98; 95% CI: 1.53-10.33), had a sexual partner (AOR, 10.00; 95% CI: 4.05-24.69), had sexual intercourse (AOR, 4.59; 95% CI: 2.18-9.69), and had access to SRH services (AOR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.12-6.40) were more likely to utilize SRH services compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: This study showed a low utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Being aware of SRH services, awareness of reproductive health facilities, discussing SRH issues with peers, having sexual intercourse, having a sexual partner, and access to SRH services were independently associated with the utilization of SRH services. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen sustainable multisector approaches aimed at improving awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services among the youth.

Depression, suicidality, substance-use and associated factors among people living with HIV the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are common in people living with HIV (PLHIV) but they are often unrecognized and untreated. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the already limited mental health services in low resource countries such as Uganda, and yet the extent to which the COVID-19 mitigation measures have affected the mental health of PLHIV is not fully known. We aimed to determine the burden of depression, suicidality, substance use and associated factors among adult PLHIV who were seeking care at two HIV clinics in northern and southwestern Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a phenomenological qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional study among 431 PLHIV to determine the burden of depression, suicidality and substance-use disorders at two HIV clinics, at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in northern and southwestern Uganda respectively, during the COVID-19 lockdown. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess for depression and suicidality, and the Michigan Assessment-Screening Test for Alcohol and drugs (MAST-AD) to assess for substance use disorder. We conducted descriptive statistics analysis to determine the burden of the disorders, and logistic regression to determine the associated factors. For the qualitative method we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 PLHIV and did thematic analysis. RESULTS: Of the 431 PLHIV surveyed, mean age was 40.31 ± 12.20 years; 53.1% (n = 229) had depression; 22.0% (n = 95) had suicidality; and 15.1% (n = 65) had substance-use disorder. Female gender (PR = 1.073, 95%CI 1.004-1.148, P = 0.038), lack of formal education (PR = 1.197, 95% CI 1.057-1.357, P = 0.005), substance-use disorder (PR = 0.924, 95%CI 0.859-0.994, P = 0.034) and suicidality (PR = 0.757, 95%CI 0.722-0.794, p = 0.000) were associated with depression after adjusting for confounders. Further analysis showed that being female (PR = 0.843, 95% CI 0.787-0.903, P = 0.000*) and having depression (PR = 0.927, 95% CI 0.876-0.981, P = 0.009) and owning a large business (PR = 0.886, 95% CI 0.834-0.941, p = 0.000*) were significantly associated with having a substance-use disorder. Only depression was independently associated with suicidality after adjusting for confounding factors (PR 0.108, 95%CI 0.054-0.218, p = 0.000*). For the qualitative results, there were three apriori themes: a) Burden of depression, b) substance-use, and c) suicidality among the PLHIV during the COVID-19 containment measures. CONCLUSION: There was high prevalence of depression, suicidality and substance-use disorder in adult PLHIV in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown measures. The three mental health problems seem to have bidirectional relationships and gender has a lot of contribution to the relationships. Interventions aimed at any of the disorders should consider these bidirectional relationships.