Department of Midwifery

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Browsing Department of Midwifery by Author "Auma, Anna Grace"

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    Healthcare providers’ practice and attitude towards abortion service provision in Gulu city, Northern Uganda
    (Research Square, 2020) Pebalo, Francis Pebolo; Auma, Anna Grace; Obol, James Henry
    Background: Unsafe abortion is a growing public health problem concern globally despite being preventable. The World Health Organization estimates that about 20 million pregnancies results into unsafe abortion globally. The proportion of unsafe abortion has been increasing with developing countries contributing about 97% of unsafe abortions cases including Uganda. Unsafe abortion is among the four leading causes of pregnancy related mortality, injuries, and disability globally. The restrictive abortion laws and religious situation make abortion a highly controversial social issue in Uganda leading to high stigma in the society, and a majority of the healthcare providers are reluctant to perform an abortion even if indicated for fear of possible legal consequences. Methods: We conducted survey among health worker about knowledge of complications, practice, and attitudes of induced abortion between September and November 2019 among 252 healthcare providers in Gulu Municipality, Northern Uganda. Multivariate analysis showed associations between healthcare providers' characteristics and adequate knowledge about abortion complications. Ordinary least square regression analysis found associations between providers' characteristics and their intention for general support, generally not in support, conditional support for abortion provision, as well as their personal attitudes and beliefs against or towards abortion provision. Results: The mean attitudinal score for generally in support, generally not in support, conditional in support, personal attitude, and beliefs against and toward abortion provision were 2.80, 2.71, 2.86, 3.239, and 3.35 respectively. Participants who were married and practice Anglican religion were more likely to have good knowledge of abortion complications, p-values 0.035, and 0.042 respectively, meanwhile participants who were employed in faith-based facilities were more likely to have poor knowledge of abortion complications p-value 0.002. Conclusion: Ministry of Health and stakeholders need to provide training of health workers to improve quality of abortion services. Medical training institutions should ensure that students understand the laws and responsibilities that govern their professional actions with respect to abortion care regardless of their personal views, beliefs, and attitudes.
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    Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Uganda
    (African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, 2019) Epuitai, Joshua; Udho, Samson; Auma, Anna Grace; Nabirye, Rose Chalo
    Background: Intimate partner violence may be more prevalent during pregnancy as women are more vulnerable. Aims: To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 pregnant women. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Intimate partner violence was measured using the revised Conflict Tactile Scale 2. Findings: The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was 27.8%. Household average monthly income, experiences of intimate partner violence before pregnancy and marital conflicts were independently associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Conclusions: Screening should be done during antenatal care among women with low household income, marital conflicts, and history of intimate partner violence before pregnancy to identify and manage cases of intimate partner violence. More research is needed to identify interventions for reduction of intimate partner violence during pregnancy.
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    Knowledge and Perceptions of men towardsVasectomy among men of reproductive age inOtuke District-a cross-sectional study
    (Research square, 2024) Auma, Anna Grace; Madira, Emmanuel; Namukwana, Beth; Izaruku, Ronald; Kabunga, Amir; Wmicheal, Tamrat Endale
    Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of vasectomy as a family planningmethod among men in rural northern Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 624 participants. Sociodemographiccharacteristics, use of vasectomy, number of children, and knowledge of vasectomy were assessed.Perceptions of vasectomy were measured, focusing on cultural, religious, and gender-related aspects. Results: The study revealed a predominantly adult, married, and Catholic population with low educationalattainment. Only 2% of participants had undergone vasectomy, indicating limited utilization. Whileapproximately half demonstrated awareness of vasectomy, negative perceptions prevailed, with 63.5%expressing unfavorable opinions. Cultural and religious beliefs, along with concerns about promiscuity,played a signifi cant role in shaping negative perceptions. The majority believed in male dominance infamily planning decisions, and a considerable portion endorsed sterilization exclusively for women. Conclusion : This study highlights the low utilization and predominantly negative perceptions ofvasectomy among men in rural northern Uganda, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions toaddress cultural and religious misconceptions and enhance education on family planning options. Publichealth campaigns should focus on dispelling misconceptions about vasectomy, particularly addressingcultural and spiritual concerns. Educational programs should target men and their communities,emphasizing the benefi ts of shared family planning decisions. Further research incorporating qualitativemethods could provide a deeper understanding of the cultural aspects infl uencing vasectomyperceptions in this population.
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    Polycystic ovarian syndrome: diagnostic challenges in resource-poor settings (Ugandan perspectives)
    (PAMJ Clinical Medicine, 2021) Pebolo, Pebalo Francis; Auma, Anna Grace; Alobo, Gasthony
    Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility accounting for up to 40% of the reasons for visiting a doctor. The Ugandan government has recognized infertility as a major problem affecting over five million people, yet polycystic ovarian syndrome is not included in the Ugandan Clinical Guidelines, hence it´s not part of the Uganda minimum healthcare package. Lack of guidelines means diagnosis is a challenge and many cases have delayed or no diagnosis. Early diagnosis is good for awareness of associated risks such as infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Clinical laboratories are handy in the diagnosis as well as follow-up of PCOS cases and in most rural settings, these are lacking, confounded by the lack of skilled frontline workers such as gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists.