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Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors among Children Aged 6-59 Months, Born to Adolescents and Young Mothers in Otuke District, Northern Uganda
(Lira University, 2024) Ogwang, Oyom George; Aloka, Bonny; Bakesiima, Ritah
Introduction Children aged 6-59 months old are vulnerable to malnutrition, which can hinder growth, development, and increase their susceptibility to infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among children, born to adolescents and young mothers in Otuke district. Methodology: The study used community-based cross-sectional survey. 500 child-mother pairs were sampled using cluster multistage sampling technique. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard nutritional tools. Data were analyzed with STATA version 17, applying logistic regression to examine associations, expressed as Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence level and statistical significance at p<0.05 Results: The study revealed a high burden of malnutrition in Otuke District, with 37.6% of children affected. Stunting affected 4.2% of children. Wasting was found in 13.2%, with more boys being affected than girls. Underweight prevalence was at 28.6%, higher in boys (34.3%). Maternal education was protective (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04-0.52, p = 0.003), with children of educated mothers having reduced risk. Poor housing conditions and harmful cultural practices increased the risk (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.50-7.44, p = 0.003) and (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.31- 0.87, p=0.014) respectively. Conclusion: The study highlighted a high prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years, particularly among boys. It emphasized the importance of addressing underlying factors such as maternal education, housing conditions, and harmful cultural practices. Recommendation: The study recommends targeted nutritional interventions to address root causes and reduce the burden of malnutrition in this vulnerable age group.
Utilization of Dental Services and Associated Factors Among Adults Aged 18-45 Years in Lira District
(Lira University, 2025) Ojok, Stephen; Okello, Nelson; Musinguzi, Marvin
Introduction: Oral health has been neglected globally and yet it has a high burden especially in low- and middle-income countries like Uganda. Uganda has one of the highest burdern of oral health conditions globally and yet utilization of the oral health services is still low especially in Northern Uganda. The main objective of the study is to determine the factors associated with utilization of dental care services among adults aged 18-45 years in Lira district. Methodology: this was a quantitative crosssectional study that was conducted in Lira District. Multistage sampling was used to select 576 respondents. Data was collected using a researcher administered structured questionnaire that was adopted, modified and pretested. Data was analysed in 3 levels including Univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Ethical approval was obtained from GUREC-2022-292 and permission to conduct the study was obtained from the relevant authorities. Results: The response rate of the study was 90%. Utilization of oral health services was 20% among adults aged 18-45 years in 6 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that adults aged 18-45 with incomes above 1,000,000 UGS have higher odds of using dental services (AOR=7.77, p=0.002). Those with no formal education (AOR=0.26, p=0.016) and poor attitudes (AOR=0.58, p=0.025) have lower odds. Cultural influence increases service use (AOR=4.84, p<0.001), and private not-for-profit facilities show higher utilization (AOR-4.66, p=0.001). Conclusion: 2 in 10 of the adults aged 18-45 years of age utilize oral services in 6 months. Higher income and positive cultural influences were associated with increased dental service utilization. Conversely, lack of formal education and negative attitudes towards dental care were linked to lower usage. Additionally, private not-for-profit facilities were found to be preferred for dental care. Recommendation: The Government should support promotion of oral health. The ministry of health should increase utilization of oral health services through raising awareness and improving the quality of services
Incidence, Time to Treatment Interruption and Associated Factors Among Tuberculosis Patients in Pakwach District, Westnile Region, Uganda
(Lira University, 2024) Okello, Edmund; Opollo, Marc Sam; Ocen, Francis
Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasing global problem and treatment interruption remains an important challenge for the care givers and the patients diagnosed with the infection. Globally, the proportion of tuberculosis treatment interruption has persisted at 6% from 2012 to 2019 and the World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified Uganda among 30 high tuberculosis burdened countries with treatment interruption rate of up to 11%. This study aimed to determine the incidence, time to treatment interruption and associated factors among tuberculosis patients in Pakwach district, West Nile region, Uganda. Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in seven Diagnostic and Treatment Units (DTUS) in Pakwach district. The sample size was determined using the formula(Camargo et al., 2019). A total of 195 participants on tuberculosis treatment were selected using simple random sampling, data was extracted from unit tuberculosis registers and client cards using a predesigned data extraction tool. Results: A total of 48(25%) patients interrupted treatment, with the median time to treatment interruption at 9 weeks. Baseline weight (aHR: 0.93, p-value: 0.004) and comorbidity status (aHR: 2.80, p-value 0.048) were significantly associated with TB treatment interruption. Other factors including HIV co-infection, Gender, TB treatment history, and treatment after initial loss to follow-up were not significantly associated with treatment interruption. Conclusion: Treatment interruption was at 25% in Pakwach district. Having a higher baseline weight at treatment initiation and absence of comorbidity were significantly associated with decreased occurrence of treatment interruption. Thus, regular follow-ups and nutritional support is highly recommended among TB patients in the study setting. Key words: Treatment interruption, Tuberculosis, Patients, Care-givers
Uptake And Determinants of HIV Postnatal Retesting Among Postnatal Mothers In Amolatar District, Northern-Uganda
(Lira University, 2024) Ojok, Isaac; Ocen, Francis; Amito, Freda Oceng
Abstract Introduction: HIV/AIDS remains a global health challenge, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate burden. In 2022, approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide. Postpartum HIV retesting can help identify new maternal HIV infections and prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Guidelines recommend retesting HIV negative postnatal women, but data on implementation are limited. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the uptake and factors influencing postnatal HIV retesting among mothers who initially tested negative for the virus during their antenatal care at Amolatar HCIV in Amolatar district of Uganda. Methodology: This was a descriptive facility-based cross-sectional study conducted using quantitative research methods. A total of 246 Study participants were selected through a systematic random sampling process. Data analysis was carried out using STAT version 15 for 97.6% (n=240) enrolled in the study with statistical significance set at 95% confidence level, and results were presented as narratives, charts and tables. Results: Uptake of HIV postnatal retesting was at 77.5% (n=186) . Majority who retested did so at six months postnatal (62.4%, n=116), followed by 29.0% (n=54) at three months. A small percentage retested at nine months 5.4% (n=10), and 3.2% (n-6) fell into other categories. Unemployed women were significantly more likely to undergo postnatal HIV retesting compared to their employed counterparts (AOR=4.01, 95% CI: 1.73-9.25, p=0.001). Additionally, women with five or more children were less likely to retest for HIV postnatally compared to those with 14 children (AOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.12-0.86, p=0.023). Conclusion: The findings highlight a high retesting rate, indicating promising efforts to prevent MTCT. However, barriers exist, particularly for women with higher parity. The study recommends targeted education campaigns, support groups, and continued research to address these challenges, with a focus on engaging healthcare providers and policymakers to enhance program effectiveness. Key words: Uptake, Determinants. HIV AIDs, Postnatal Retesting, Postnatal Mothers, AIDs related illnesses, mother to child transmission, Postpartum
Determinants of Perinatal Mortality in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital
(Lira University, 2025) Ocaya, Dennis; Kambugu, Caroline Nabasirye; Otim, Tom Charles
ABSTRACT Background: Perinatal mortality remains a global public health concern with the highest burden in the developing countries. Uganda is among the top 50 countries in the world with highest perinatal death rate estimated at 38 deaths per 1,000 births. In Northern Uganda, the perinatal death stands at 43 deaths per 1,000 births. To improve perinatal survival, there is a need for a better understanding the persisting risk factors for these deaths. Study aims: The study sought thought to identify the determinants of perinatal mortality in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda. Method: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted by reviewing hospital delivery records from January to September 2024, in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. Results: There were 2,734 deliveries registered at the hospital between January to September 2024. One hundred and fifty-five babies were included in this study, (52 (34%) cases and 103 (66%) controls). The mean age of the mothers was 25 years (Range=15-38). The majority were rural dwellers (82, 52.9%), had formal education (146, 94.2% ), but majority are peasants (102, 65.8%) earning less than Ugx. 100,000 per month. The significant predictors of perinatal mortality were; Prematurity (AOR-10.98, CI: 1.04-11.51, p=0.046), inadequate uptake of IPT-SP (AOR-7.76, CI: 2.97-20.27, p<0.001), history of pregnancy loss (AOR-5.73, CI: 1.77-18.62, p=0.004), and substance abuse/drug abuse (AOR-3.99, CI: 1.36-11.70, p-0.012). Urban residency (AOR=0.38, CI: 0.15-0.95, p-0.038) was found to be protective compared to rural dwelling. Conclusion: Rural residency, prematurity, low uptake of IPT-SP, recurrent pregnancy loss and substance use/drug abuse were the major predictors of perinatal mortality in the study setting. Given these determinants of perinatal mortality, there is need to strengthen the capacity of local health care system to improve the quality and accessibility of basic and comprehensive obstetric care in the region.