The impact of donor transition on continuity of maternal and newborn health service delivery in Rwenzori sub-region of Uganda: a qualitative country case study analysis.

BACKGROUND: The transition of donor-supported health programmes to country ownership is gaining increasing attention due to reduced development assistance for health globally. It is further accelerated by the ineligibility of previously Low-Income Countries' elevation into Middle-income status. Despite the increased attention, little is known about the long-term impact of this transition on the continuity of maternal and child health service provision. Hence, we conducted this study to explore the impact of donor transition on the continuity of maternal and newborn health service provision at the sub-national level in Uganda between 2012 and 2021. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative case study of the Rwenzori sub-region in mid-western Uganda which benefited from a USAID project to reduce maternal and newborn deaths between 2012 and 2016. We purposively sampled three districts. Data were collected between January and May 2022 among subnational key informants (n = 26), national level key informants at the Ministry of Health [3], national level donor representatives [3] and subnational level donor representatives [4] giving a total of 36 respondents. Thematic analysis was deductively conducted with findings structured along the WHO's health systems building blocks (Governance, Human resources for health, Health financing, Health information systems, medical products, Vaccines and Technologies and service delivery) framework. RESULTS: Overall, continuity of maternal and newborn health service provision was to a greater extent maintained post-donor support. The process was characterised by a phased implementation approach. The embedded learning offered the opportunity to plough back lessons into intervention modification which reflected contextual adaptation. The availability of successor grants from other donors (such as Belgian ENABEL), counterpart funding from the government to bridge the gaps left behind, absorption of USAID-project salaried workforce (such as midwives) onto the public sector payroll, harmonisation of salary structures, the continued use of infrastructure (such as newborn intensive care units), and support for MCH services under PEPFAR support post-transition contributed to the maintenance of coverage. The demand creation for MCH services pre-transition ensured patient demand post-transition. Challenges to the maintenance of coverage were drug stockouts and sustainability of the private sector component among others. CONCLUSION: A general perception of the continuity of maternal and newborn health service provision post-donor transition was observed with internal (government counterpart funding) and external enablers (successor donor funding) contributing to this performance. Opportunities for the continuity of maternal and newborn service delivery performance post-transition exist when harnessed well within the prevailing context. The ability to learn and adapt, the presence of government counterpart funding and commitment to carry on with implementation were major ingredients signalling a crucial role of government in the continuity of service provision post-transition.

Determinants of postnatal care service utilization among mothers of Mangochi district, Malawi: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal care (PNC) service is a neglected yet an essential service that can reduce maternal, neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality rates in low and middle-income countries. In Malawi, maternal and infant mortality rates remain high despite numerous efforts by the government and its partners to improve maternal health service coverage across the country. This study examined the determinants of PNC utilization among mothers in Mangochi District, Malawi. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 mothers who gave birth in the past 2 years preceding January 1-31; 2016. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select respondents from nine randomly selected villages in Mangochi district. A transcribed semi-structured questionnaire was pre-tested, modified and used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and maternal related factors. Data was coded in EpiData version 3.1 and analysed in Stata version 12. A multivariable logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors was used to identify predictors of PNC utilization using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value of 0.05. RESULTS: The study revealed that the prevalence of PNC service utilization was 84.8%. Mother's and partner's secondary education level and above (AOR = 2.42, CI: 1.97-6.04; AOR = 1.45, CI: 1.25-2.49), partner's occupation in civil service and business (AOR = 3.17, CI: 1.25, 8.01; AOR =3.39, CI:1.40-8.18), household income of at least MK50, 000 (AOR = 14.41, CI: 5.90-35.16), joint decision making (AOR = 2.27, CI: 1.13, 4.57), knowledge of the available PNC services (AOR = 4.06, CI: 2.22-7.41), knowledge of at least one postpartum danger sign (AOR = 4.00, CI: 2.09, 7.50), health facility delivery of last pregnancy (AOR = 6.88, CI: 3.35, 14.14) positively associated with PNC service utilization. CONCLUSION: The rate of PNC service utilization among mothers was 85%. The uptake of PNC services among mothers was mainly influenced by mother and partner education level, occupation status of the partner, household income, decision making power, knowledge of available PNC services, knowledge of at least one postpartum danger signs, and place of delivery. Therefore, PNC awareness campaigns, training and economic empowerment programs targeting mothers who delivered at home with primary education background and low economic status are needed.

Multilevel mixed effects analysis of individual and community level factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the universal right for women to decide freely for themselves when, and how many children they want to have in life, married women in Uganda are less likely to use modern contraceptives as compared to other marital categories. This study examines the individual and community factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda. METHODS: The study used data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey which comprised of 8671 married women aged 15-49 years who were fecund and non-pregnant at the time of the survey. Analysis was done using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. RESULTS: Findings showed that married women who were; Muslims (AOR = 0.78, CI = 0.66-0.91), had more than five children (AOR = 0.76, CI = 0.61-0.98), staying in communities with high poverty (AOR = 0.78, CI = 0.65-0.93), with older age at first birth (AOR = 0.94, CI = 0.92-0.96) as well as having spousal age difference of more than 9 years (AOR = 0.86, CI = 0.76-0.98) were associated with low modern contraceptive use. Women living in communities with higher age at first marriage (AOR = 0.93, CI = 0.88-0.98) or higher sexual debut (AOR = 0.91, CI = 0.85-0.98) were also associated with reduced odds of modern contraception. In addition, older women (AOR = 1.03, CI = 1.01-1.04), having secondary/higher education (AOR = 1.93, CI = 1.58-2.37), living in a rich household (AOR = 1.32, CI = 1.14-1.53), short distance to health facility (AOR = 1.18, CI = 1.06-1.31), high community education (AOR = 1.38, CI = 1.17-1.62), high community exposure to family planning messages (AOR = 1.24, CI = 1.08-1.42), and communities with high proportion of women working (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.06-1.39) were more likely to use modern contraceptives. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that both individual and community factors were important in explaining the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda. Therefore, there is need to invest in community based programs like: family planning outreach services, mass media campaigns and community mobilization activities to help in dissemination of family planning information, increase awareness and promotion in use of modern contraceptives. Also, expansion of higher education and the need to make family planning services available and accessible to areas with limited physical access to health facilities will lead to sustained increase in uptake of modern contraceptives.

Age at first marriage, age at first sex, family size preferences, contraception and change in fertility among women in Uganda: analysis of the 2006-2016 period.

BACKGROUND: Uganda's fertility was almost unchanging until the year 2006 when some reductions became visible. Compared to age at first marriage and contraceptive use, age at sexual debut and family size preferences are rarely examined in studies of fertility decline. In this study, we analyzed the contribution of age at first marriage, age at first sex, family size preferences and contraceptive use to change in fertility in Uganda between 2006 and 2016. METHODS: Using data from the 2006 and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), we applied a nonlinear multivariate decomposition technique to quantify the contribution of age at first marriage, age at first sex, family size preference and contraceptive use to the change in fertility observed during the 2006-2016 period. RESULTS: The findings indicate that 37 and 63% of the change in fertility observed between 2006 and 2016 was respectively associated with changing characteristics and changing fertility behavior of the women. Changes in proportion of women by; age at first marriage, age at first sex, family size preferences and contraceptive use were respectively associated with 20.6, 10.5 and 8.4% and 8.2% of the change in fertility but only fertility behavior resulting from age at first sex was significantly related to the change in fertility with a contribution of 43.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The study quantified the contribution of age at first marriage, age at first sex, family size preferences and contraceptive use to the change in fertility observed between 2006 and 2016. We highlight that of the four factors, only age at sexual debut made a significant contribution on the two components of the decomposition. There is need to address the low age at first sex, accessibility, demand for family planning services and youth-friendly family planning services to young unmarried women such that they can achieve their desired fertility. The contribution of other factors such as education attainment by women and place of residence and their relationship with changes in fertility calls for addressing if further reduction in fertility is to be realised.

Facilitators, best practices and barriers to integrating family planning data in Uganda's health management information system.

BACKGROUND: Health management information systems (HMIS) are instrumental in addressing health delivery problems and strengthening health sectors by generating credible evidence about the health status of clients. There is paucity of studies which have explored possibilities for integrating family planning data from the public and private health sectors in Uganda's national HMIS. This study sought to investigate the facilitators, best practices and barriers of integrating family planning data into the district and national HMIS in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study in Kampala, Jinja, and Hoima Districts of Uganda, based on 16 key informant interviews and a multi-stakeholder dialogue workshop with 11 participants. Deductive and inductive thematic methods were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The technical facilitators of integrating family planning data from public and private facilities in the national and district HMIS were user-friendly software; web-based and integrated reporting; and availability of resources, including computers. Organizational facilitators included prioritizing family planning data; training staff; supportive supervision; and quarterly performance review meetings. Key behavioral facilitators were motivation and competence of staff. Collaborative networks with implementing partners were also found to be essential for improving performance and sustainability. Significant technical barriers included limited supply of computers in lower level health facilities, complex forms, double and therefore tedious entry of data, and web-reporting challenges. Organizational barriers included limited human resources; high levels of staff attrition in private facilities; inadequate training in data collection and use; poor culture of information use; and frequent stock outs of paper-based forms. Behavioral barriers were low use of family planning data for planning purposes by district and health facility staff. CONCLUSION: Family planning data collection and reporting are integrated in Uganda's district and national HMIS. Best practices included integrated reporting and performance review, among others. Limited priority and attention is given to family planning data collection at the facility and national levels. Data are not used by the health facilities that collect them. We recommend reviewing and tailoring data collection forms and ensuring their availability at health facilities. All staff involved in data reporting should be trained and regularly supervised.

Utilization of integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services among women in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: While the rationale for integration of HIV and sexual and reproductive health (HIV and SRH) services is strong, there is paucity of information on which population groups most utilize these services. Such studies would inform policy and programs on integration of services. The overall objective of this assessment is to provide information to researchers, planners and policy makers on the best practices for integrated services in order to maximize feasibility of scaling up. Specifically, this research paper identifies demographic and socioeconomic factors that are most related to utilization of integrated services in Uganda. METHODS: This manuscript uses data from a sample of 9,691 women interviewed during the Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey (UAIS) of 2011. The selection criteria of the study respondents for this paper included women of reproductive age 15 - 49 years. The dependent variable is whether the respondent utilized integrated HIV and SRH services during pregnancy and delivery of the last child, while independent variables include; region of residence, age-group of woman, marital status, rural-urban residence, wealth indicator and educational level attainment. In the main analysis, a binary logistic regression model was fitted to the data. RESULTS: Log-odds of utilizing integrated services were significantly higher among those women with a primary education (OR = 1.2, 95 % CI = 1.0-1.4, p < 0.05) compared to those with no education. Women from the Central part of Uganda were more likely to utilize integrated HIV and SRH services (OR = 1.3, 95 % CI = 1.0-1.7, p < 0.05), further the log-odds of utilizing integrated HIV and SRH services were significantly higher among women residing in Northern region (OR = 1.6, 95 % CI = 1.2-2.2, p < 0.01). The odds of utilization of integrated HIV and SRH services were higher for currently married women (OR = 6.6, 95 % CI = 5.5-8.0, p < 0.01) and the formerly married (OR = 3.4, 95 % CI = 2.7-4.2, p < 0.01), compared to the never married group. The odds of utilizing integrated HIV and SRH services were higher for younger women of ages less than 35 years compared to older women aged 40 - 49 years. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of integrated HIV and SRH services in Uganda is influenced greatly by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. This study contributes to the current debate as it shows the on how best ways to improve HIV and SRH service delivery to the people.

Empowerment, intimate partner violence and skilled birth attendance among women in rural Uganda.

BACKGROUND: There is limited research on how the empowerment of women and intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with skilled birth attendance (SBA) among rural women in Uganda. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate the association between women's empowerment, their experience of IPV and SBA in rural Uganda. METHODS: Using data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), we selected 857 rural women who were in union, had given birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey and were selected for the domestic violence (DV) module. Frequency distributions were used to describe the background characteristics of the women and their partners. Pearson's chi-squared (χ (2)) tests were used to investigate the associations between SBA and women's empowerment; and partners' and women's socio-demographic factors including sexual violence. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between SBA and explanatory variables. RESULTS: More than half (55 %) of the women delivered under the supervision of skilled birth attendant. Women's empowerment with respect to participation in household decision-making, property (land and house) (co)ownership, IPV, and sexual empowerment did not positively predict SBA among rural women in Uganda. Key predictors of SBA were household wealth status, partners' education, ANC attendance and parity. CONCLUSIONS: For enhancement of SBA in rural areas, there is a need to encourage a more comprehensive ANC attendance irrespective of number of children a woman has; and design interventions to enhance household wealth and promote men's education.

Partners' controlling behaviors and intimate partner sexual violence among married women in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the association between partners' controlling behaviors and intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) in Uganda are limited. The aim of this paper was to investigate the association between IPSV and partners' controlling behaviors among married women in Uganda. METHODS: We used the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) data, and selected a weighted sample of 1,307 women who were in a union, out of those considered for the domestic violence module. We used chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regressions to investigate the factors associated with IPSV, including partners' controlling behaviors. RESULTS: More than a quarter (27%) of women who were in a union in Uganda reported IPSV. The odds of reporting IPSV were higher among women whose partners were jealous if they talked with other men (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.22-2.68), if their partners accused them of unfaithfulness (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.03-2.19) and if their partners did not permit them to meet with female friends (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.11-2.39). The odds of IPSV were also higher among women whose partners tried to limit contact with their family (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.11-2.67) and often got drunk (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.15-2.81). Finally, women who were sometimes or often afraid of their partners (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.21-2.60 and OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.04-2.40 respectively) were more likely to report IPSV. CONCLUSION: In Uganda, women's socio-economic and demographic background and empowerment had no mitigating effect on IPSV in the face of their partners' dysfunctional behaviors. Interventions addressing IPSV should place more emphasis on reducing partners' controlling behaviors and the prevention of problem drinking.

Predictors of modern contraceptive use during the postpartum period among women in Uganda: a population-based cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The rationale for promotion of family planning (FP) to delay conception after a recent birth is a best practice that can lead to optimal maternal and child health outcomes. Uptake of postpartum family planning (PPFP) remains low in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about how pregnant women arrive at their decisions to adopt PPFP. METHODS: We used 3298 women of reproductive ages 15-49 from the 2011 UDHS dataset, who had a birth in the 5 years preceding the survey. We then applied both descriptive analyses comprising Pearson's chi-square test and later a binary logistic regression model to analyze the relative contribution of the various predictors of uptake of modern contraceptives during the postpartum period. RESULTS: More than a quarter (28%) of the women used modern family planning during the postpartum period in Uganda. PPFP was significantly associated with primary or higher education (OR=1.96; 95% CI=1.43-2.68; OR=2.73; 95% CI=1.88-3.97 respectively); richest wealth status (OR=2.64; 95% CI=1.81-3.86); protestant religion (OR=1.27; 95% CI=1.05-1.54) and age of woman (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95-0.99). In addition, PPFP was associated with number of surviving children (OR=1.09; 95 % CI=1.03-1.16); exposure to media (OR=1.30; 95% CI=1.05-1.61); skilled birth attendance (OR=1.39; 95% CI=1.12-1.17); and 1-2 days timing of post-delivery care (OR=1.68; 95% CI=1.14-2.47). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing reproductive health education and information among postpartum women especially those who are disadvantaged, those with no education and the poor would significantly improve PPFP in Uganda.

Modern contraceptive use among sexually active men in Uganda: does discussion with a health worker matter?

BACKGROUND: Family planning programs have recently undergone a fundamental shift from being focused on women only to focusing on men individually, or on both partners. However, contraceptive use among married men has remained low in most high-fertility countries including Uganda. Men's role in reproductive decision-making remains an important and neglected part of understanding fertility control both in high-income and low-income countries. This study examines whether discussion of family planning with a health worker is a critical determinant of modern contraceptive use by sexually active men, and men's reporting of partner contraceptive use. METHODS: The study used data from the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey comprising 2,295 men aged 15-54 years. Specifically, analyses are based on 1755 men who were sexually active 12 months prior to the study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, and logistic regression were used to identify factors that influenced modern contraceptive use among sexually active men in Uganda. RESULTS: Findings indicated that discussion of family planning with a health worker (OR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.29-2.66), region (OR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.21-0.77), education (OR=2.13; 95% CI: 1.01-4.47), wealth index: richer (OR=2.52; 95% CI: 1.58-4.01), richest (OR=2.47; 95% CI: 1.44-4.22), surviving children (OR=2.04; 95% CI:1.16-3.59) and fertility preference (OR=3.50; 95% CI: 1.28-9.61) were most significantly associated with modern contraceptive use among men. CONCLUSIONS: The centrality of the role of discussion with health workers in predicting men's participation in family planning matters may necessitate creation of opportunities for their further engagement at health facilities as well as community levels. Men's discussion of family planning with health workers was significantly associated with modern contraceptive use. Thus, creating opportunities through which men interact with health workers, for instance during consultations, may improve contraceptive use among couples.

Barriers to male involvement in contraceptive uptake and reproductive health services: a qualitative study of men and women's perceptions in two rural districts in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Spousal communication can improve family planning use and continuation. Yet, in countries with high fertility rates and unmet need, men have often been regarded as unsupportive of their partner's use of family planning methods. This study examines men and women's perceptions regarding obstacles to men's support and uptake of modern contraceptives. METHODS: A qualitative study using 18 focus group discussions (FGDs) with purposively selected men aged 15-54 and women aged 15-49 as well as eight key informant interviews (KIIs) with government and community leaders was conducted in 2012 in Bugiri and Mpigi Districts, Uganda. Open-ended question guides were used to explore men and women's perceptions regarding barriers to men's involvement in reproductive health. All FGDs and KIIs were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti. RESULTS: Five themes were identified as rationale for men's limited involvement: (i) perceived side effects of female contraceptive methods which disrupt sexual activity, (ii) limited choices of available male contraceptives, including fear and concerns relating to vasectomy, (iii) perceptions that reproductive health was a woman's domain due to gender norms and traditional family planning communication geared towards women, (iv) preference for large family sizes which are uninhibited by prolonged birth spacing; and (v) concerns that women's use of contraceptives will lead to extramarital sexual relations. In general, knowledge of effective contraceptive methods was high. However, lack of time and overall limited awareness regarding the specific role of men in reproductive health was also thought to deter men's meaningful involvement in issues related to fertility regulation. CONCLUSION: Decision-making on contraceptive use is the shared responsibility of men and women. Effective development and implementation of male-involvement family planning initiatives should address barriers to men's supportive participation in reproductive health, including addressing men's negative beliefs regarding contraceptive services.

Modern contraceptive use among women in Uganda: An analysis of trend and patterns (1995-2011).

There is an extensive body of literature concerning modern contraceptive use among women in Uganda. A questionable aspect however is whether the impact of factors associated with modern contraceptive use has remained the same in the recent past. Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data of women in the period 1995-2011 was adopted to establish an understanding of this issue. The focus in the investigations was none pregnant sexually active women. Variations in patterns of modern contraceptive use were assessed by socio-economic and demographic characteristics of women using a logistic regression based on a complex survey design. In the results, an upward trend in modern contraceptive use - from 11.6% in 1995 to 32.1% in 2011 - shows that progress has been made in this regard. Increased odds of modern contraceptive use across the study period were noted among women with primary and post-primary education, those in urban areas, women in the higher wealth quartiles and those with a higher number of surviving children (p < 0.01). Further, reduced odds of modern contraceptive use across the study period were noted among married women and those in cohabiting relationships (p < 0.05). The study however demonstrates variations in the impact of these factors across the study period. All the same, efforts towards enhancing modern contraceptive use in the near future should focus on enhancing: (i) literacy levels of woman particularly, (ii) access to and affordability of the services, and (iii) awareness campaigns on family planning use targeting both men and women.

Multilevel mixed effects analysis of individual and community factors associated with unmet need for contraception among married women in four East African countries.

Background: Despite the use of contraceptives being an expression of a woman's reproductive control, the prevalence of unmet need remains high and a public concern among married women in East Africa. However, limited literature has explored the associated factors in the region. We live in age of leaving no one behind unfortunately many women still have unmet for family planning todate. This study therefore intends to examine the individual and community level factors associated with unmet need for contraception among married women in Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Methods: The study utilizes data from the four recent demographic and health surveys for Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Analyses were conducted using multilevel mixed effects logistic regressions with random community and country level effects. Results are reported using predictive probabilities and margins. Results: This study revealed that: 20%, 22%, 28% and 33% of the married women in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi respectively had unmet need for contraception. Younger women, and those: without formal education, from the poorest households, had ever experienced child loss, whose husbands desire more children than them, and have no access to family planning messages faced a higher probability of unmet need for contraception. This was also true for women living in communities with low usage of modern contraception and those in communities where there is an increasing number of children per woman. Conclusions: The findings reiterate the need for family planning efforts to focus on younger women. Additionally, improved education, economic empowerment, calls for spousal involvement in family planning matters, support for those with child loss, and comprehensive awareness initiatives remain vital to tackling unmet need for contraception.

Prevalence, Associated Factors, Barriers and Facilitators for Oral HIV Self-Testing among Partners of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Wakiso, Uganda.

Background: Oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men is relatively low and still inadequate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Delivering HIVST kits by pregnant women attending antenatal care to their partners is a promising strategy for increasing HIV testing among men. However, even amidst the interventions, most men do not know their HIV status. This study, aimed to determine the proportion of partners who received and used oral HIVST kits delivered by pregnant women, associated factors, barriers, and facilitators for uptake among partners. Methods: We conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study among 380 sampled partners. Lists of partners in the HIVST log books whose women picked an HIVST kit were obtained and systematic random sampling was done to obtain participants. 14 male partners were purposively selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs) to identify barriers and facilitators. We used modified poison regression to determine the association between oral HIVST and independent variables. We used an inductive analysis for the qualitative analysis. Results: Out of 380 participants, 260(68.4%) received an oral HIVST kit from their pregnant women, and 215(82.7%) used the kit for HIVST. Oral HIVST was associated with; Information Education and Communication (CPR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.48-1.82), being reached at home (CPR = 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.08), and being aware of the woman's HIV status (CPR = 1.04, 95%CI 0.99-1.09). In-depth results identified barriers to uptake as, lack of trust in the HIVST kit results, fear of test outcome in the presence of the partner and inclination that the HIV status of their women is the same as theirs, and facilitators included convenience, ease to use, prior awareness of their HIV status, and fear of relationship consequences and breakup. Conclusion: Delivery of oral HIVST kits to men through pregnant women reached a high number of men and achieved a high uptake. Accessing information, education, communication and convenience nature were the major reasons for uptake among men who received the Oral HIVST kit as trust issues of the kit affected use among partners. Scaling up the delivery of oral HIVST kits at all departments of the hospital through women seeking health services is paramount to support HIV screening among men to reach the UNAIDS 95 strategy.

Empowerment, partner's behaviours and intimate partner physical violence among married women in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: There is dearth of knowledge and research about the role of empowerment, partners' behaviours and intimate partner physical violence (IPPV) among married women in Uganda. This paper examined the influence of women's empowerment and partners' behaviours on IPPV among married women in Uganda. METHODS: The 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data were used, selecting a weighted sample of 1,307 women in union considered for the domestic violence module. Cross tabulations (chi-square tests) and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with IPPV. RESULTS: The prevalence of IPPV among women in union in Uganda is still high (41%). Women's occupation was the only measure of empowerment that was significantly associated with IPPV, where women in professional employment were less likely to experience IPPV. Women from wealthy households were less likely to experience IPPV. IPPV was more likely to be reported by women who had ever had children and witnessed parental IPPV. IPPV was also more likely to be reported by women whose husbands or partners: accused them of unfaithfulness, did not permit them to meet female friends, insisted on knowing their whereabouts and sometimes or often got drunk. Women who were afraid their partners were also more likely to report IPPV. CONCLUSION: In the Ugandan context, women's empowerment as assessed by the UDHS has limited mitigating effect on IPPV in the face of partners' negative behaviours and history of witnessing parental violence.

Timing and Quality of Antenatal Care Among Adolescent Mothers in a Rural Community, Uganda.

Background: Most adolescent mothers attend their first antenatal care (ANC) visit later than the recommended time while others do not receive good quality antenatal care (all the required components of ANC such as iron tablets). This study sought to examine the factors associated with timing of the first ANC visit and quality of ANC among adolescent mothers in Uganda. Methods: This study was based on quantitative data from 248 adolescent mothers aged 10-19 years in Luuka district, Eastern Uganda. We selected adolescent mothers who were either pregnant or had infants aged 0-3 months. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with timing and receipt of good quality ANC. Results: The majority of the adolescents (82%) attended ANC for their most recent pregnancy. Of these, 47% made the first visit in the first trimester while 36% received good quality ANC. Having knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy was a determinant of both timing of first ANC visit (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.04-8.06) and receipt of good quality ANC (aOR = 6.57, 95% CI: 1.75-24.65). Other determinants for timing of first ANC visit were mother's age, partner's age, having ever given birth, decision maker on health care and daily earnings. Other determinants for quality of ANC included distance to health facility and knowledge of family planning methods. Conclusion: This study recommends expanding the network of public health facilities further into the rural communities in the district as a means of bringing health services closer to adolescent mothers, deliberate efforts to equip adolescent girls with reproductive health information on pregnancy danger signs, and family planning and empowering adolescent girls to start income-generating activities.

Disruption in Essential Health Service Delivery: A Qualitative Study on Access to Family Planning Information and Service Utilization During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a challenge to public health with profound impact on people's lives. With several mitigation measures implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19, these impacted on access and utilization of general health services including family planning (FP) services. The objective of the study was to understand the extent to which COVID-19 interrupted access and utilization of FP services as well as highlight the challenges faced during the lockdown in Uganda. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in August and September 2020 across the country. A total of 21 key informant interviews among researchers, policy makers, funding agencies, district family planning focal persons, district health officers and service providers with implementing partners were conducted. These were conducted using face to face (7), phone calls (11) and zoom (3) meetings. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were used to identify and generate codes, sub themes and themes. Analysis was done using the thematic framework analysis and results presented in themes. Results: Five themes were identified in this study which included; (i) financial and psychosocial needs, (ii) mobility hindrances, (iii) disrupted service delivery, (iv) responsive reproductive health services. The financial and psychosocial needs themes included: household and individual financial constraints, unpredictable future and community acceptance, loss of employment and unemployment, misconceptions and unintended pregnancies; while mobility hindrances included; restricted movement, high transport costs, and difficulty in finding transport. Conclusion: Results showed that the pandemic had immediate and significant long-term effects on family planning service accessibility, utilization and delivery. The study recommends implementation of telehealth services, country-wide sensitization on use of long-term contraceptive methods, empowering village health teams and making family planning services mandatory and free to all private facilities in order to lower any disruptions during pandemics.

Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and its association with intimate partner violence among women in informal settings of Kampala, Uganda.

Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detected, and COVID-19 associated mortality increased since the first case was confirmed in Uganda. While adherence to WHO-recommended measures to disrupt COVID-19 transmission has since been implemented, it has been reported to be sub-optimal. An increase in intimate partner violence (IPV) cases was linked to enforcement of COVID-19 lockdowns and other preventive measures especially in informal settings of Kampala. We determined the association between adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intimate partner violence among women dwelling in informal settings in Kampala, Uganda. Between July and October 2020, we conducted a three-month prospective cohort study of 148 women living in informal settlements of Kampala during the COVID-19 lockdown and easing of restrictive measures. Participants were surveyed at baseline, at 3-weeks and 6-weeks (endline). The dependent variable was adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures (remained adherent vs poorly adherent) between baseline and endline surveys. This composite outcome variable was computed from implementing all four variables: social distancing, wearing face masks, frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers at baseline and endline surveys. The key independent variable was IPV measured as experiencing at least one form of physical, emotional, or sexual IPV. Covariates were age, education, marital status, household size, occupation, and having problems getting food. Adjusted logistic regression analyses tested the independent association between adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intimate partner violence. Among 148 respondents, the mean age (SD) was 32.9 (9.3) years, 58.1% were exposed to at least one form of IPV, and 78.2% had problems getting food. Overall, 10.1% were poorly adherent to COVID-19 preventive measures during the first COVID-19 wave. After controlling for potential confounders, remaining adherent to COVID-19 preventive measures were more likely to experience intimate partner violence when compared to women who were poorly adherent to COVID-19 preventive measures during the first COVID-19 wave in Uganda [OR 3.87 95%CI (1.09, 13.79)]. Proportions of women in informal settlements of Kampala experiencing at least one form of IPV during the first COVID-19 wave is substantial. Remaining adherent to preventive measures for COVID-19 transmission may increase IPV exposure risk among women living in informal settlements in Kampala. Contextualizing COVID-19 interventions to the needs of marginalized and vulnerable women and girls in informal settings of Kampala is warranted. Processes to integrated violence prevention and response strategies into the Uganda COVID-19 prevention strategy are underscored.

Policy Stringency, Handwashing and COVID-19 cases: Evidence from Global dataset.

Objective: : Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments globally have introduced policy measures to contain the spread of the virus. Popular COVID-19 containment measures include lockdowns of various forms (aggregated into government response stringency index [GRSI]) and handwashing (HWF). The effectiveness of these policy measures remains unclear in the academic literature. This study, therefore, examines the effect of government policy stringency and handwashing on total daily reported COVID-19 cases. Method: : We use a comprehensive dataset of 176 countries to investigate the effect of government policy stringency and handwashing on daily reported COVID-19 cases. In this study, we apply the Lewbel (2012) two-stage least squares technique to control endogeneity. Results: : Our results indicated that GRSI significantly contributes to the increase in the total and new confirmed cases of COVI-19. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the 1st, 4th, and 5th quintiles of GRIS significantly reduce total confirmed cases of COVID-19. Also, the result indicated that while the 1st quintile of GRIS contributes significantly to reducing the new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th quintiles of GRSI contribute significantly to increasing the new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The results indicated that HWF reduces total and new confirmed cases of COVID-19; however, such effect is not robust to income and regional effects. Nonlinear analysis revealed that while GRSI has an inverted U-shaped relationship with total and new confirmed cases of COVID-19, HWF has a U-shaped relationship. Conclusion: : We suggest that policymakers should focus on raising awareness and full engagement of all members of society in implementing public health policies rather than using stringent lockdown measures.

Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Uganda: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: Vaccination toward coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been recommended and adopted as one of the measures of reducing the spread of this novel disease worldwide. Despite this, vaccine uptake among the Ugandan population has been low with reasons surrounding this being unknown. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 1042 adults in the districts of Mukono, Kiboga, Kumi, Soroti, Gulu, Amuru, Mbarara and Sheema from June to November 2021. Data were analyzed using STATA v.15. Barriers to vaccination were analyzed descriptively, while a binary logistic regression model was used to establish the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Results: Overall, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 58.6% (611). Respondents from urban areas and those in the eastern or northern region had increased odds of vaccine hesitancy. Further, higher education level and having knowledge on how COVID-19 is transmitted significantly reduced the odds of vaccine hesitancy. The study also noted individual perception such as COVID-19 kills only people with underlying medical conditions, as well as limited awareness on vaccine types or vaccination areas as the main reasons to vaccine hesitancy. Relatedly, other misconceptions like the ability of the vaccine to cause infertility, or spreading the virus into the body, and acknowledgment of alcohol as a possible cure were other reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: The proportion of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is still high among the population with this varying across regions. This is driven by low education level and limited awareness on the vaccination as well as perceived myths and misconceptions. The study recommends mass sensitization of the population on the benefits of vaccination using various channels as well as rolling out community-based outreach vaccination campaigns across the country.