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BACKGROUND: Malaria, a major cause of mortality worldwide is linked to a web of determinants ranging from individual to contextual factors. This calls for examining the magnitude of the effect of clustering within malaria data. Regrettably, researchers usually ignore cluster variation on the risk of malaria and also apply final survey weights in multilevel modelling instead of multilevel weights. This most likely produces biased estimates, misleads inference and lowers study power. The objective of this study was to determine the complete sources of cluster variation on the risk of under-five malaria and risk factors associated with under-five malaria in Uganda. METHODS: This study applied a multilevel-weighted mixed effects logistic regression model to account for both individual and contextual factors. RESULTS: Every additional year in a child's age was positively associated with malaria infection (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.33-1.52). Children whose mothers had at least a secondary school education were less likely to suffer from malaria infection (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.30-0.95) as well as those who dwelled in households in the two highest wealth quintiles (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.27-0.64). An increase in altitude by 1 m was negatively associated with malaria infection (AOR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99). About 77% of the total variation in the positive testing for malaria was attributable to differences between enumeration areas (ICC = 0.77; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions towards reducing the burden of under-five malaria should be prioritized to improve individual-level characteristics compared to household-level features. Enumeration area (EA) specific interventions may be more effective compared to household specific interventions.
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Malária , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Uganda/epidemiologia , Malária/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Características da FamíliaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Uganda has registered an increased investment in family planning (FP) programs, which has contributed to improvement in knowledge of modern contraceptive methods being nearly universal. However, this has not matched the uptake of modern methods or the reduction in the unmet need for FP. This may be explained by the different influences which include health workers, family, and friends. Due to the limited uptake of contraceptive methods, a program on improving awareness, access to, and uptake of modern contraceptives is being implemented in selected regions in Uganda. We, therefore, conducted a formative study to determine the influences on contraceptive uptake at the onset of this program. METHODS: Using a qualitative study design, we conducted thirty-two focus group discussions and twenty-one in-depth interviews involving men and women of reproductive age. We also carried out twenty-one key informant interviews with people involved in FP service delivery. Data was collected in four districts where implementation of the program was to take place. Audio recorders were used to collect data and tools were translated into local languages. A codebook was developed, and transcripts were coded in vivo using the computer software Atlas-ti version 7 before analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review boards and informed consent was sought from all participants. RESULTS: From the study, most married people mentioned health workers as their main influence while adolescents reported their peers and friends. Religious leaders and mothers-in-law were reported to mainly discourage people from taking up modern contraceptive methods. The cultural value attached to having many children influenced the contraceptive use decision among people in rural settings. Other influences included a person's experience and housing. CONCLUSIONS: Health workers, religious leaders, and mothers determine the uptake of contraceptive services. The study recommends the consideration of the role of these influences in the design of FP program interventions as well as more involvement of health workers in sensitization of communities about contraceptive methods.
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Comportamento Contraceptivo , Anticoncepcionais , Masculino , Adolescente , Criança , Humanos , Feminino , Uganda , Anticoncepção/métodos , Serviços de Planejamento FamiliarRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Advocacy for equity in health service utilization and access, including Family Planning (FP) continues to be a cornerstone in increasing universal health coverage. Inequities in Family planning are highlighted by the differences in reproductive health outcomes or in the distribution of resources among different population groups. In this study we examine inequities in use of modern contraceptives with respect to Socio-economic and Education dimensions in seven sub-regions in Uganda. METHODS: The data were obtained from a baseline cross-sectional study in seven statistical regions where a program entitled "Reducing High Fertility Rates and Improving Sexual Reproductive Health Outcomes in Uganda, (RISE)" is implemented in Uganda. There was a total of 3,607 respondents, half of whom were women of reproductive age (15-49 years) and the other half men (18-54 years). Equity in family planning utilization was assessed by geography, wealth/economic and social-demographics. The use of modern family planning was measured as; using or not using modern FP. Concentration indices were used to measure the degree of Inequality in the use of modern contraceptives. Prevalence Ratios to compare use of modern FP were computed using modified Poisson regression run in STATA V15. RESULTS: Three-quarters (75.6%) of the participants in rural areas were married compared to only 63% in the urban. Overall use of modern contraceptives was 34.2% [CI:30.9, 37.6], without significant variation by rural/urban settings. Women in the higher socio-economic status (SES) were more advantaged in use of modern contraceptives compared to lower SES women. The overall Erreygers Concentration Index, as a measure of inequity, was 0.172, p<0.001. Overall, inequity in use of modern contraceptives by education was highest in favor of women with higher education (ECI=0.146, p=0.0001), and the concentration of use of modern contraceptives in women with higher education was significant in the rural but not urban areas CONCLUSION: Inequities in the use of modern contraceptives still exist in favor of women with more education or higher socio-economic status, mainly in the rural settings. Focused programmatic interventions in rural settings should be delivered if universal Family Planning uptake is to be improved.
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Anticoncepcionais , Serviços de Planejamento Familiar , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Uganda/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , EscolaridadeRESUMO
The postnatal period is critical to the delivery of interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. This study examined the timing to resumption of sexual intercourse and associated factors among postnatal women living with HIV (WLWH) in Uganda. A sample of 385 women was drawn from a larger prospective cohort study conducted between 2013 and 2015. We used survival analysis to estimate the postpartum time periods during which women had a higher risk of sexual intercourse resumption within 6 months after childbirth. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine associated factors with sexual intercourse resumption. The cumulative probability of sexual intercourse resumption was lowest (6.2%) in the sub-acute postpartum period (1-45 days since delivery) and highest (88.2%) in the delayed postpartum period (151-183 days since delivery). Having a live-term baby (adjusted HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.85, p = 0.01) and an advanced education (adjusted HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.98, p = 0.04) were associated with a lower risk of sexual intercourse resumption. Desire for another child (adjusted HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.08-1.73, p = 0.01), having a sexual partner (adjusted HR 5.97, 95% CI 3.10-11.47, p < 0.001) and contraceptive use (adjusted HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.65-2.95, p < 0.001) were associated with a greater risk of sexual intercourse resumption. However, only 1 in 4 women who resumed sexual intercourse by the 90th day after childbirth, reported currently using contraception. HIV programs should focus on supporting postnatal women to align the timing of sexual intercourse resumption with their return to contraceptive use. Interventions aimed at improving contraceptive uptake among postnatal WLWH should target the delayed postpartum period.
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Coito , Infecções por HIV , Anticoncepcionais , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Período Pós-Parto , Estudos Prospectivos , Uganda/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In 2012, Uganda started implementing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in line with the WHO 2012 guidelines. This study explored experiences of HIV infected pregnant and breastfeeding women regarding barriers and facilitators to uptake and adherence to lifelong ART. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted in three districts (Masaka, Mityana and Luwero) in Uganda, between February and May 2014. We conducted in-depth interviews with 57 pregnant and breastfeeding women receiving care in six health facilities, who had been on lifelong ART for at least 6 months. Data analysis was done using a content thematic approach with Atlas-ti software. RESULTS: Initiation of lifelong ART was done the same day the mother tested HIV positive. Several women felt the counselling was inadequate and had reservations about taking ART for life. The main motivation to initiate and adhere to ART was the desire to have an HIV-free baby. Adherence was a challenge, ranging from not taking the drugs at the right time, to completely missing doses and clinic appointments. Support from their male partners and peer family support groups enhanced good adherence. Fear to disclose HIV status to partners, drug related factors (side effects and the big size of the tablet), and HIV stigma were major barriers to ART initiation and adherence. Transition from antenatal care to HIV chronic care clinics was a challenge due to fear of stigma and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: In order to maximize the benefits of lifelong ART, adequate preparation of women before ART initiation and on-going support through family support groups and male partner engagement are critical, particularly after birth and cessation of breastfeeding.
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Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Adesão à Medicação/psicologia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/psicologia , Gestantes/psicologia , Adulto , Aleitamento Materno/psicologia , Estudos Transversais , Revelação , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Humanos , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/tratamento farmacológico , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/virologia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Parceiros Sexuais , Estigma Social , Apoio Social , UgandaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Disclosure of HIV positive status to sexual partners is promoted by HIV prevention programs including those targeting the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Among other benefits, disclosure may enhance spousal support and reduce stigma, violence and discrimination. HIV status disclosure and associated outcomes were assessed among a cohort of women, newly initiating lifelong antiretroviral therapy in Uganda between October 2013 and May 2014. METHODS: This was a mixed method study, drawing data from a prospective cohort study of 507 HIV positive pregnant women on lifelong antiretroviral therapy, who were followed for four months to determine disclosure and its outcomes. Women were recruited from three facilities for the cohort study; in addition, fifty-seven women were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews from six facilities. Factors associated with spousal support and negative outcomes were determined using random-effects logistic regression in two separate models, with prevalence ratio as measure of association. In-depth interviews were used to document experiences with disclosure of HIV status. RESULTS: Overall HIV status disclosure to at least one person was high [(375/507), 83.7%]. Nearly three-quarters [(285/389), 73.3%], had disclosed to their spouse by the fourth month of follow up post-enrolment. Among married women, spousal support was high at the first 330/407 (81.1%) and second follow-up 320/389 (82.2%). The majority of women who reported spousal support for either antenatal care or HIV-related care services had disclosed their HIV status to their spouses (adj.PR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.02-1.34). However, no significant differences were observed in the proportion of self-reported negative outcomes by HIV status disclosure (adj.PR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.56-1.42). Qualitative findings highlighted stigma and fear of negative outcomes as the major barriers to disclosure. CONCLUSION: HIV status disclosure to partners by pregnant women on lifelong antiretroviral therapy was associated with increased spousal support, but was impeded by fear of adverse outcomes such as stigma, discrimination and violence. Interventions to reduce negative outcomes could enhance HIV status disclosure.
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Revelação , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Cuidado Pré-Natal , Apoio Social , Adulto , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Humanos , Gravidez , Resultado da Gravidez , Gestantes , Estudos Prospectivos , Estigma Social , Cônjuges , UgandaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Despite its importance in providing evidence for health-related policy and decision-making, an insufficient amount of health systems research (HSR) is conducted in low-income countries (LICs). Schools of public health (SPHs) are key stakeholders in HSR. This paper, one in a series of four, examines human and financial resources capacities, policies and organizational support for HSR in seven Africa Hub SPHs in East and Central Africa. METHODS: Capacity assessment done included document analysis to establish staff numbers, qualifications and publications; self-assessment using a tool developed to capture individual perceptions on the capacity for HSR and institutional dialogues. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were held with Deans from each SPH and Ministry of Health and non-governmental officials, focusing on perceptions on capacity of SPHs to engage in HSR, access to funding, and organizational support for HSR. RESULTS: A total of 123 people participated in the self-assessment and 73 KIIs were conducted. Except for the National University of Rwanda and the University of Nairobi SPH, most respondents expressed confidence in the adequacy of staffing levels and HSR-related skills at their SPH. However, most of the researchers operate at individual level with low outputs. The average number of HSR-related publications was only <1 to 3 per staff member over a 6-year period with most of the publications in international journals. There is dependency on external funding for HSR, except for Rwanda, where there was little government funding. We also found that officials from the Ministries of Health often formulate policy based on data generated through ad hoc technical reviews and consultancies, despite their questionable quality. CONCLUSIONS: There exists adequate skilled staff for HSR in the SPHs. However, HSR conducted by individuals, fuelled by Ministries' of Health tendency to engage individual researchers, undermines institutional capacity. This study underscores the need to form effective multidisciplinary teams to enhance research of immediate and local relevance. Capacity strengthening in the SPH needs to focus on knowledge translation and communication of findings to relevant audiences. Advocacy is needed to influence respective governments to allocate adequate funding for HSR to avoid donor dependency that distorts local research agenda.
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Pesquisa sobre Serviços de Saúde/organização & administração , Faculdades de Saúde Pública/organização & administração , África Central , África Oriental , Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Fortalecimento Institucional/economia , Fortalecimento Institucional/organização & administração , Competência Clínica/normas , Docentes/normas , Docentes/provisão & distribuição , Pesquisa sobre Serviços de Saúde/economia , Humanos , Publicações Periódicas como Assunto/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde Pública/economia , Apoio à Pesquisa como Assunto , Faculdades de Saúde Pública/economia , Recursos HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The role of health systems research (HSR) in informing and guiding national programs and policies has been increasingly recognized. Yet, many universities in sub-Saharan African countries have relatively limited capacity to teach HSR. Seven schools of public health (SPHs) in East and Central Africa undertook an HSR institutional capacity assessment, which included a review of current HSR teaching programs. This study determines the extent to which SPHs are engaged in teaching HSR-relevant courses and assessing their capacities to effectively design and implement HSR curricula whose graduates are equipped to address HSR needs while helping to strengthen public health policy. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional study design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. An organizational profile tool was administered to senior staff across the seven SPHs to assess existing teaching programs. A self-assessment tool included nine questions relevant to teaching capacity for HSR curricula. The analysis triangulates the data, with reflections on the responses from within and across the seven SPHs. Proportions and average of values from the Likert scale are compared to determine strengths and weaknesses, while themes relevant to the objectives are identified and clustered to elicit in-depth interpretation. RESULTS: None of the SPHs offer an HSR-specific degree program; however, all seven offer courses in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree that are relevant to HSR. The general MPH curricula partially embrace principles of competency-based education. Different strengths in curricula design and staff interest in HSR at each SPH were exhibited but a number of common constraints were identified, including out-of-date curricula, face-to-face delivery approaches, inadequate staff competencies, and limited access to materials. Opportunities to align health system priorities to teaching programs include existing networks. CONCLUSIONS: Each SPH has key strengths that can be leveraged to design and implement HSR teaching curricula. We propose networking for standardizing HSR curricula competencies, institutionalizing sharing of teaching resources, creating an HSR eLearning platform to expand access, regularly reviewing HSR teaching content to infuse competency-based approaches, and strengthening staff capacity to deliver such curricula.
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Pesquisa sobre Serviços de Saúde , Saúde Pública/educação , Faculdades de Saúde Pública/normas , Ensino/organização & administração , África Central , África Oriental , Fortalecimento Institucional/organização & administração , Educação Baseada em Competências , Estudos Transversais , Currículo , Educação Médica/organização & administração , Ensino/normas , Ensino/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
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.
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BACKGROUND: Infants born to HIV-infected mothers are at a high risk of acquiring the infection. The World Health Organization recommends early diagnosis of HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) through deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (DNA PCR) and rapid HIV testing. Early detection of paediatric HIV is critical for access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and child survival. However, there is limited evidence of the factors associated with receiving early infant diagnosis (EID) tests of the HIV testing protocol among HEIs in fishing communities in Uganda. This study established the factors associated with receiving EID tests of the HIV testing protocol among HEIs in a hard-to-reach fishing community in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HEIs in selected healthcare facilities in Buvuma islands, Buvuma district. We obtained secondary data from mother-infant pair files enrolled in the EID program using a data extraction tool. Data were analysed using STATA Version 14. A modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with not receiving the 1st DNA PCR test among HEIs enrolled in care. RESULTS: None of the HEIs had received all the EID tests prescribed by the HIV testing protocol within the recommended time frame for the period of January 2014-December 2016. The proportion of infants that had received the 1st and 2nd DNA PCR, and rapid HIV tests was 39.5%, 6.1%, and 81.0% respectively. Being under the care of a single mother (PR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23, p = 0.023) and cessation of breastfeeding (PR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98, p = 0.025) were significantly associated with not receiving the 1st DNA PCR. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that none of the HEIs had received all the EID tests of the HIV diagnosis testing protocol. Receiving the 1st DNA PCR was positively associated with being an infant born to a single mother, and exclusive breastfeeding. Our findings highlight the need for the creation of an enabling environment for mothers and caregivers in order to increase the uptake of early diagnosis services for HEIs. Awareness-raising on the importance of EID should be scaled up in fishing communities. Demographic characteristics such as marital and breastfeeding status should be used as an entry point to increase the proportion of HEIs who receive EID tests.
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Infecções por HIV , HIV , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Estudos Transversais , DNA , Diagnóstico Precoce , Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Caça , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , UgandaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Uganda has implemented lifelong antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission since September 2012. Implementation of this strategy has been met with health provider and client challenges which have persisted up to date. This study explored providers' perspectives on the challenges and countermeasures of the implementation and scale-up of lifelong ART among pregnant and breastfeeding women. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted whereby 54 purposively selected participants from six facilities in three districts of Central Uganda namely; Masaka, Mityana, and Luwero were recruited. A key informant interview guide was used to collect data from the study participants. The data were thematically analysed using Atlas-ti, Version 7. RESULTS: Study participants reported challenges under the themes of 1) inadequacy of HIV service delivery (lack of relevant training, health provider shortages, inadequate counselling, stock-outs of essential HIV commodities); 2) Non-utilization of HIV services (Non-disclosure of HIV- positive results, denial of HIV positive results, fear to be followed up, unwillingness to be referred, large catchment area, lack of transport); and 3) Suboptimal treatment adherence (fear of ART side effects, preference for traditional medicines, low male partner involvement in care and treatment). Strategies such as on-job training, mentorship, task shifting, redistribution of HIV commodities across facilities, accompanying of women to mother-baby care points, ongoing counseling of women, peers, and family support groups were commonly used countermeasures. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights key challenges that health providers face in implementing lifelong antiretroviral therapy services among pregnant and postpartum women. Context-specific, innovative, and multilevel system interventions are required at national, district, health facility, community and individual levels to scale up and sustain the lifelong antiretroviral therapy strategy among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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Infecções por HIV , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez , Gravidez , Lactente , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/tratamento farmacológico , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/prevenção & controle , Uganda , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of Xpert Omni compared with Xpert MTB/Rif for point-of-care diagnosis of tuberculosis among presumptive cases in a low-resource, high burden facility. DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis from the provider's perspective. SETTING: A low-resource, high tuberculosis burden district in Eastern Uganda. PARTICIPANTS: A provider's perspective was used, and thus, data were collected from experts in the field of tuberculosis diagnosis purposively selected at the local, subnational and national levels. METHODS: A decision analysis model was contracted from TreeAge comparing Xpert MTB/Rif and Xpert Omni. Cost estimation was done using the ingredients' approach. One-way deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the most influential model parameters. OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome measure was incremental cost per additional test diagnosed expressed as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS: The total cost per test for Xpert MTB/Rif was US$14.933. Cartridge and reagent kits contributed to 67% of Xpert MTB/Rif costs. Sample transport costs increased the cost per test of Xpert MTB/Rif by $1.28. The total cost per test for Xpert Omni was $16.153. Cartridge and reagent kits contributed to over 71.2% of Xpert Omni's cost per test. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for using Xpert Omni as a replacement for Xpert MTB/Rif was US$30.73 per additional case detected. There was no dominance noted in the cost-effectiveness analysis, meaning no strategy was dominant over the other. CONCLUSION: The use of Xpert Omni at the point-of-care health facility was more effective but with an increased cost compared with Xpert MTB/Rif at the centralised referral testing facility.
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculose , Análise Custo-Benefício , Humanos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genética , Sistemas Automatizados de Assistência Junto ao Leito , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Escarro , Tuberculose/diagnóstico , UgandaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Alcohol use during pregnancy is a preventable risk factor for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorders. Psycho-social and educational interventions have been reported to enable women reduce alcohol intake levels during pregnancy and help improve some health outcomes of unhealthy alcohol use. We set out to assess the effect of a communication intervention on alcohol use during pregnancy in post conflict northern Uganda. METHODS: The study employed a quasi - experimental design to assess the effect of a community health worker led communication strategy on pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes and various patterns of alcohol use using Difference in Difference(DiD). 420 respondents were recruited at baseline as at endline. RESULTS: The communication messages were significantly associated with reduced odds of binge drinking (P = 0.018; OR = 0.09; CI = 0.012-0.66). Also those who received the intervention were less likely to drink frequently (P = 0.80; OR = 0.75; 95%CI = 0.074-7.5) or be harmful alcohol users(P = 0.948). The intervention also positively influenced having fair (ß =0.49;P = 0.217;RRR =1.63)or adequate knowledge(ß = 0.89;P = 0.25;RRR = 2.44) and having positive(ß = 0.37;RRR =1.44;P = 0.46) or fair attitude(ß = 0.19;RRR = 1.21; P = 0.693) although not to a significant level. CONCLUSIONS: The communication intervention affected some patterns of alcohol use among pregnant women and not others. Our results contribute to existing evidence that communication interventions are a promising approach in reduction of alcohol exposed pregnancies. Interventions aimed at promoting alcohol abstinence during pregnancy should be implemented alongside other strategies that address factors that influence pregnant women to drink to achieve maximum results.
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Abstinência de Álcool , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas , Gravidez , Feminino , Humanos , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/prevenção & controle , Etanol , Fatores de Risco , ComunicaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: HIV oral self-testing (HIVST) was rolled out in Uganda in 2018. However, data reported by public facilities show that less than 60% of oral self-tested HIV positive adults were linked to HIV care. This study set out to determine the factors associated with linkage to HIV care among adults with positive HIV oral self-test results in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Nabweru HCIII and Entebbe Hospital in central Uganda. The study reviewed medical records from January 2019 to May 2020 and successfully invited 144 self-tested HIV positive participants for the quantitative interview process. Data on socio-demographics and health-related characteristics were collected. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was used to determine the factors associated with linkage to care. RESULTS: The proportion of participants linked to HIV care was 69.6% (100/144). The majority of the participants were female (71%), with a mean age of 29 (±8) years. Participants within age groups of 31-35 years and 41-60 years, who used directly assisted HIVST, disclosed their HIV status to their sexual partners, are ready to start ART, do not consume alcohol and having a supportive sexual partner were more likely to be linked to HIV care. Single participants, separated/divorced, female, fear unfair treatment after HIV status disclosure and those who fear ART side effects were less likely to be linked to HIV care. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that less than 70% were linked to HIV care. It also shows that HIV status disclosure, readiness to start ART, type of HIVST used, fear of ART side effects, and being divorced/separated negatively associated with linkage to HIV care among self-test HIV positive adults. There is a need for HIV programs to address the above factors to improve linkage to HIV care to realize the national targets towards the UNAIDs 2035 goals.
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Objective: This paper establishes levels and patterns of ability and willingness to pay (AWTP) for contraceptives, and associated factors. Study design: A three-stage cluster and stratified sampling was applied in selection of enumeration areas, households and individuals in a baseline survey for a 5-year Family planning programme. Multivariable linear and modified Poisson regressions are used to establish factors associated with AWTP. Results: Ability to pay was higher among men (84%) than women (52%). A high proportion of women (96%) and men (82%) were able to pay at least Ug Shs 1000 ($0.27) for FP services while 93% of women and 83% of men who had never used FP services will in future be able to pay for FP services costed at least Shs 2000 ($0.55). The factors independently associated with AWTP were lower age group (<25 years), residence in urban areas, attainment of higher education level, and higher wealth quintiles. Conclusion: AWTP for FP services varied by different measures. Setting the cost of FP services at Shs 1000 ($0.27) will attract almost all women (96%) and most of men (82%). Key determinants of low AWTP include residence in poor regions, being from rural areas and lack of/low education.Implications statement: Private providers should institute price discrimination for FP services by region, gender and socioeconomic levels. More economic empowerment for disadvantaged populations is needed if the country is to realise higher contraceptive uptake. More support for total market approach for FP services needed.
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Serviços de Planejamento Familiar , Pesquisa Operacional , Adulto , Anticoncepcionais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Educação SexualRESUMO
BACKGROUND: High uptake and optimal adherence to Option B+ antiretroviral therapy (ART) increase effectiveness in averting mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Option B+ ART uptake, early adherence, and associated factors need to be evaluated in Central Uganda. METHODS: A mixed approaches study was carried out in six health facilities in Masaka, Mityana, and Luwero districts from October 2013 to February 2016. Questionnaires were administered to 507 HIV positive pregnant females seeking antenatal care services. Key informant interviews were conducted with 54 health providers, and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 57 HIV positive women on Option B+ ART. Quantitative data were analyzed using log-binomial regression model to determine factors associated with optimal adherence (taking at least 95% of the prescribed ART), while thematic analysis was used on qualitative data. RESULTS: Ninety one percent of women (463/507) received a prescription of life long ART. Of these, 93.3% (432/463) started swallowing their medicines. Overall, 83% of women who received ART prescriptions (310/374) felt they were ready to initiate ART immediately. Main motivating factors to swallow ART among those who received a prescription were women's personal desire to be healthy (92.3%) and desire to protect their babies (90.6%). Optimal adherence to ART was achieved by 76.8% (315/410). Adherence was higher among females who were ready to start ART (adj. PR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.15-8.79) and those who had revealed their HIV positive result to someone (adj. PR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.46). Facilitators of ART uptake from qualitative findings included adequate counseling, willingness to start, and knowing the benefits of ART. Reasons for refusal to start ART included being unready to start ART, fear to take ART for life, doubt of HIV positive results, and preference for local herbs. Reasons for non-adherence were travelling far away from health facilities, fear of side effects, non-disclosure of HIV results to anyone, and perception that the baby is safe from HIV infection post-delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Uptake of Option B+ ART was very high. However, failure to start swallowing ART and sub-optimal adherence are a major public health concern. Enhancing women's readiness to start ART and encouraging HIV result revelation could improve ART uptake and adherence.
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Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Aleitamento Materno/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Adesão à Medicação/psicologia , Gestantes/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Aconselhamento/métodos , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/prevenção & controle , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/virologia , Cuidado Pré-Natal/psicologia , Uganda , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised the 2012 guidelines on use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The new guidelines recommended lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women irrespective of CD4 count or clinical stage (also referred to as Option B+). Uganda started implementing Option B+ in 2012 basing on the 2012 WHO guidelines. Despite the impressive benefits of the Option B+ strategy, implementation challenges, including cost burden and mother-baby pairs lost to follow-up, threatened its overall effectiveness. The researchers were unable to identify any studies conducted to assess costs and cost drivers associated with provision of Option B+ services to mother-baby pairs in HIV care in Uganda. Therefore, this study determined costs and cost drivers of providing Option B+ services to mother-baby pairs over a two-year period (2014-2015) in selected health facilities in Jinja district, Uganda. METHODS: The estimated costs of providing Option B+ to mother-baby pairs derived from the provider perspective were evaluated at four health centres (HC) in Jinja district. A retrospective, ingredient-based costing approach was used to collect data for 2014 as base year using a standardized cost data capture tool. All costs were valued in United States dollars (USD) using the 2014 midyear exchange rate. Costs incurred in the second year (2015) were obtained by inflating the 2014 costs by the ratio of 2015 and 2014 USA Gross Domestic Product (GDP) implicit price deflator. RESULTS: The average total cost of Option B+ services per HC was 66,512.7 (range: 32,168.2-102,831.1) USD over the 2-year period. The average unit cost of Option B+ services per mother-baby pair was USD 441.9 (range: 422.5-502.6). ART for mothers was the biggest driver of total mean costs (percent contribution: 62.6%; range: 56.0%-65.5%) followed by facility personnel (percent contribution: 8.2%; range: 7.7%-11.6%), and facility-level monitoring and quality improvement (percent contribution: 6.0%; range: 3.2%-12.3%). Conclusions and Recommendations. ART for mothers was the major cost driver. Efforts to lower the cost of ART for PMTCT would make delivery of Option B+ affordable and sustainable.
Assuntos
Antirretrovirais , Infecções por HIV , Custos de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez , Adolescente , Adulto , Antirretrovirais/economia , Antirretrovirais/uso terapêutico , Análise Custo-Benefício , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/economia , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Instalações de Saúde , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/economia , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/tratamento farmacológico , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/economia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/prevenção & controle , Estudos Retrospectivos , Uganda , Adulto JovemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Uganda adopted Option B+ for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in 2012. However, there is limited data on preparedness and organization of Option B+ services. These data are critical in informing PMTCT programs and provision of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all populations. This study explored health providers' experiences of preparedness and organization of Option B+ services in Central Uganda. METHODS: Key informant interviews with 54 health providers from 6 health facilities in 3 districts were conducted. Thematic approach was employed to analyze data. RESULTS: Themes identified on preparedness were training of frontline health providers and provision of Option B+ guidelines, supervision and mentorship, and provision of essential medicines and medical health supplies, whereas those concerning organization were HIV counseling and testing, ART initiation, follow-up, and patient support mechanisms. Innovations like use of expert clients, assessing women's readiness to start Option B+, and retaining women in antenatal care clinic depending on the need are important in provision of Option B+. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into preparedness and organization of Option B+ services which are important in provision of Option B+ and universal ART for all populations. Research around models of follow-up is recommended.
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Instalações de Saúde/normas , Pessoal de Saúde/psicologia , Implementação de Plano de Saúde/normas , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controle , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Gestantes , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Instalações de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Implementação de Plano de Saúde/métodos , Humanos , Lactação , Masculino , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/virologia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , UgandaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In Uganda, most-at-riskpopulations(MARPs) such as fishing communities remain vulnerable to preventable HIV acquisition. Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) has been incorporated into Uganda's HIV prevention strategies. This study aimed at determining SMC utilization and associated factors among adult men in a rural fishing community in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural fishing village in central Uganda. Stratified random sampling of 369 fishermen aged 18-54 yearswas used according to their occupational category; fish monger, boat crew and general merchandise. The dependent variable wasutilization of SMC.A forward fitting multivariable logistic regression model was fitted with variables significant at p≤0.05 controlling for confounding and effect modification. RESULTS: Respondents'mean(SD) age was 30.0(9.3) years. Only8.4%hadSMC and among non-circumcised men, 84.9% had adequate knowledge of SMC benefits while 79.3% did not know were SMC services were offered. Peer support(AOR0.17;95%-CI0.05-0.60) and perceived procedural safety (AOR6.8;95%CI2.16-21.17) were independently associated with SMC utilization. CONCLUSION: In this rural fishing community, SMC utilization was low. These findings underscore the need to inform HIV preventionstrategies inthecontextof peer support and perceptionsheld by rural dwelling men.
Assuntos
Circuncisão Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Circuncisão Masculina/efeitos adversos , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores de Risco , Uganda , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability and performance of cervical cancer (CC) screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) integrated into a rural immunization clinic in Uganda. METHODS/MATERIALS: We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study in rural Uganda. We explored associations between women's characteristics and acceptance of VIA testing. We collected samples for Papanicolaou (Pap) smear testing in a random subset of women and used results from this test as a comparator for assessing VIA performance. RESULTS: We enrolled 625 women of whom 571 (91.4%) accepted and 54 (8.6%) refused CC screening. In the univariate model, age (Odds Ratio (OR)=1.10; p-value<0.001) and employment status (OR 2.00; p-value=0.019) were significantly associated with acceptance of VIA screening. In the multivariate model, no characteristic was independently associated with acceptance of VIA screening after adjusting for other factors. Compared to reference Pap smear, CC screening with VIA had a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 97.7%. CONCLUSIONS: CC screening with VIA is highly acceptable in the setting of rural immunization clinics in Uganda. Studies to assess which screening method would be the most effective and cost-effective are needed before stakeholders can consider adopting screening programs at scale.