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Level of and Factors Associated with Health Care Waste Management Practices Among Healthcare Workers in Gulu City.
(Lira University, 2024) Onono, Anthony James; Akello, Anne Ruth; Eustes,Kigongo
Background: Healthcare waste management (HCWM) is critical in minimizing risks of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C. Despite global guidelines, healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, poor training, and limited resources. In Uganda, particularly in Gulu City, improper waste disposal methods such as dumping, burning, and burying are prevalent, posing serious health and environmental risks. Objective: This study evaluated the level of HCWM practices among healthcare workers in Gulu City, Northern Uganda, and socio-demographic, individual, and health system factors influencing these practices. Methodology: A mixed-methods design was used, incorporating quantitative surveys with 364 healthcare workers and qualitative key informant interviews across 10 healthcare facilities. Data were analyzed using logistic regression for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: Proper HCWM practices were observed among 81.9% of participants, with high compliance in waste segregation (89.3%), daily disposal (88.5%), and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage (86.3%). Key determinants of waste management practices included training (AOR=2.29, p=0.041), interdepartmental collaboration (AOR=2.69, p=0.004), availability of waste bins (AOR=0.29, p=0.003), and age (AOR=0.26, p=0.044). Qualitative findings emphasized the importance of role modeling, teamwork, and stakeholder partnerships. Conclusion: Gulu City demonstrates strong adherence to HCWM practices, positioning it as a regional leader. However, systemic challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, limited training for younger staff, and resource shortages persist. Recommendations: Continuous training programs, mentorship initiatives, improved waste management infrastructure, and fostering collaboration are essential to sustain and enhance HCWM practices. A multifaceted approach integrating training, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement is critical to mitigating health and environmental risks due to inappropriate waste management practices. Keywords: Level, Factors Associated, Health Care, Waste Management Practices, Healthcare Workers, Gulu City.
Dietary Practices, Nutrient Intake Adequacy and Associated Factors Among Adolescent Girls in Lira District-Uganda.
(Lira University, 2024) Acheng, Agnes; Aloka, Bonny; Opio, Bosco
Background: Adolescents are required to consume 5 or more of the 10 recommended food groups in the last 24 hours to achieve minimum diversity requirement which is a measure of adequacy of nutrient intake. In Uganda 54.3% of adolescents have low dietary diversity rating, as well as poor dietary practices. This study sought to investigate nutrient intake and dietary practice among adolescent girls who are between 10-19 years in Lira district. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study using quantitative data collection methods including 24-hour recall and FFQ to assess dietary practices and nutrient intake of targeted 410 adolescent girls Data analysis was conducted using Stata statistical software version 14, employing univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods, with a 5% significance level. Results: Overall, 74.9% of adolescents had good dietary practices, despite 76.3% skipping breakfast, 41.7% skipping lunch, and 25.1% skipping supper. They met only 35% of their recommended micronutrient intake, with significant deficiencies in Vitamin A, Folate, B vitamins, Iron, Calcium, Lipids, and Energy. Dietary practices were influenced by secondary education (aOR=0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.53, p=0.012), farming (aOR=5.21, 95% CI: 1.34 20.32, p=0.017), semi-urban residence (aOR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.07-8.94, p=0.036), and adolescent unemployment (aOR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.66, p=0.009). Conclusion: The adolescent girls in Lira district have good dietary practice even if several (41.7%) skipped breakfast and 35% have poor intake of micronutrients. Interventions that promote good dietary practice and nutrient intake such as nutrition education, kitchen or home gardening should be promoted.
Solid Waste Management Methods and Land Degradation in Lira City West Division
(Lira University, 2025) Oryema, Patrick; Obici, Gilbert Isaac
This study examined the relationship between solid waste management practices and land degradation in Lira City West Division, where open dumping, unregulated land filling, and informal burning have led to severe environmental consequences, including soil contamination, vegetation loss, clogged drainage, flooding, and public health hazards. The research pursued three objectives: to assess the contribution of open dumping to land degradation, evaluate the impact of landfilling, and analyze the role of composting in mitigating degradation. Using a cross-sectional mixed methods design, data were gathered from 156 residents and municipal stakeholders through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and regression models, while qualitative responses were thematically coded. Findings reveal that open dumping is widespread and strongly associated with visible environmental harm, yet public awareness of its long-term degradation effects remain low. Mismanaged landfilling was similarly detrimental: In contrast, composting was acknowledged for enhancing soil quality but remained underutilized¬-85% reported rarely using it, and only 09% practiced it. Regression analysis confirmed that open dumping significantly exacerbates land degradation, whereas properly managed landfilling and composting substantially reduce it, with the model explaining 61% of the variance. The study concludes that while effective waste management solutions exist, their implementation is hindered by weak institutions, insufficient funding, and limited public awareness. It recommends strengthening regulatory enforcement, increasing investment in waste infrastructure, scaling community-based education to promote composting, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration to support decentralized, context-appropriate innovations essential for reversing land degradation and advancing sustainable urban development in the division.
An Analysis of Gender and Political Glass Ceiling in Apac District Local Governance, Northern Uganda
(East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 2026) Ejang, Mary; Apio, Sarah Okite; Obote, Denis; Okuna, Victor; Akello, Judith Abal
Introduction: Despite the significant endeavor the Uganda government has made to uplift women in political participation, women are underrepresented in elected leadership positions. The paper presents the glass ceiling women encounter in elected leadership positions in the Apac district, northern Uganda. Methods: The researchers used cross-section research design and collected data using researcher-administered questionnaires from 45 respondents from Apac and Akokoro sub-counties. The respondents included female leaders and women political aspirants at Local Council III. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The researchers found that most women who participated in the local governance in Apac district had low formal education attainment, and only 5.9 percent had a bachelor’s degree. Low education level compounded with discriminative cultural values, gender stereotypes and portrayals against female candidates constrained women's political participation. Economically, women lacked ownership over household assets and resources to finance their political campaigns. Female candidates lacked spousal support and faced internal heightened political competition because of their gender. Notwithstanding the challenges, successful women leaders demonstrated resilience to pursue their political path. Conclusion: While the Government of Uganda constitutionally provide leadership prospects, in Apac district, women suffered hidden socio-economic barriers to elected political positions. Thus, implicit gender bias undermines women's participation in leadership and is regarded as followers and not as leaders, justifying women's low participation in competitive elective positions. This paper contributes to the role congruity and social role theories. However, the findings are limited in geographical scope since empirical data covers only two sub-counties in the Apac district, hence not generalizable. The researchers recommend collaborative support from the government, civil society and cultural institutions for women's political participation, including a wide range of mindset change on gender norms and stereotypes. This would enable women to realise their worth as potential leaders.
Coastal Communities’ Tsunami Preparedness: Examining the Utility of Social Network Analysis and Social Capital
(Springer, 2026) Acanga, Alfred; Murale, Venugopalan; Arlikatti, Sudha
This study investigates the role of social network analysis (SNA) and social capital (SC) in enhancing tsunami preparedness among coastal communities, particularly in the Global South. The catastrophic impacts of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami highlighted significant gaps in disaster preparedness, emphasizing the need for improved community resilience through local resources such as SC. Despite advancements in early warning systems, deficiencies in community engagement and the integration of indigenous knowledge into disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies persist. Utilizing a bibliometric analysis of literature from 2013 to 2024, this research addresses two primary questions: the utility of SNA in community tsunami preparedness and the significance of SC in managing tsunami disasters. Findings reveal that while SNA can elucidate community interactions and resource allocation, its application in tsunami contexts remains underexplored. The study underscores the importance of incorporating local knowledge and fostering community participation in disaster management planning. It concludes that leveraging SC and community networks is vital for reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience in tsunami-prone areas, advocating for policy and practice that prioritize these elements in future DRR efforts.