Browsing by Author "Acen, Joy"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors Associated with Intrauterine Device use among Women of Reproductive age attending Family Planning Clinics at Mbale District
    (Lira University, 2022) Ayeko, Jackson; Kumakech, Edward; Acen, Joy
    Background: Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) is among the most effective contraceptive methods in the market with increasing use globally. The use is predominant in few parts of the world, with sub-Saharan Africa relying on other methods. In Uganda, IUCD utilization remains very low at 1.5% compared to other methods despite several interventions by the government. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with IUCD use among women of reproductive age attending family planning clinics in selected public health facilities within Mbale District. Methodology: A facility based cross-sectional study was used among randomly selected women who came to obtain different contraceptive methods in the selected public health facilities. Information was obtained face-to-face by trained research assistants using a pre-coded structured questionnaire. Factors associated with IUCD use were identified by multi-variable binary logistic regression models using the backward stepwise method. Results: After running multi-variable binary logistic regression, IUCD use was associated with women who were employed (Adjusted OR=14.00, 95% CI;2.80-70.07), those who wanted to wait for 6-10 years before having the next pregnancy (Adjusted OR=12.19, 95% CI;1.35-110.08), and those who thought IUCD was associated with cancer (Adjusted OR=0.15, 95% CI;0.03-0.68). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study re-enforced the need to reach out with contraceptive methods especially IUCD to women who have a busy schedule and also points out the need for proper counselling to ensure that women who plan to stay for long should be counselled to also consider IUCD use which has a longer duration of action. Further, proper health education is needed through different channels to address the issues of myths and misconceptions which hinders utilization of IUCD. Keywords: Intrauterine Device, Women of Reproductive age, Family Planning Clinics, and Family Planning
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors Associated with IUCD Use Among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Family Planning Clinics at Mbale District.
    (Lira University, 2022) Ayeko, Jackson; Kumakech, Edward; Acen, Joy
    Background Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) is among the most effective contraceptive methods in the market with increasing use globally. The use is predominant in few parts of the world, with Sub-Saharan Africa relying on other methods. In Uganda, IUCD utilization remains very low at 1.5% compared to other methods despite several interventions by the government. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with IUCD use among women of reproductive age attending family planning clinics in selected public health facilities within Mbale district. Methodology A facility based cross-sectional study was used among randomly selected women who came to obtain different contraceptive methods in the selected public health facilities. Information was obtained face-to-face by trained research assistants using a pre-coded structured questionnaire. Factors associated with IUCD use were identified by multi-variable binary logistic regression models using the backward stepwise method. Results. After running multivariable binary logistic regression, IUCD use was associated with Women who were employed (adjusted OR= 14.00, 95% CI; 2.80-70.07), those who wanted to wait for 6 -10 years before having the next pregnancy (Adjusted OR= 12.19, 95% CI; 1.35-110.08), and those who thought IUCD was associated with cancer (Adjusted OR= 0.15, 95% CI; 0.03-0.68). Conclusion In conclusion, the study re-enforced the need to reach out with contraceptive methods especially IUCD to women who have a busy schedule and also points out the need for proper counselling to ensure that women who plan to stay for long should be counselled to also consider IUCD use which has a longer duration of action. Further, Proper health education is needed through different channels to address the issues of myths and misconceptions which hinders utilization of IUCD.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy Among Refugees and Host Nationals of Palabek Refugee Settlement, Lamwo District, Uganda.
    (Lira University, 2022) Okiror, Emmanuel Okello; Acen, Joy; Sharon, Bright Amanya
    Background: Uganda’s teenage pregnancy prevalence of 25% is remarkably high. However, in northern Uganda where Palabek Refugee Settlement is located, the prevalence is higher at 31%. Teenage pregnancy is a well-documented public health burden with an approximated sixteen million girls aged 15–19 years old giving birth each year; of these 12 million are from Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions and 10 million are unintended. Several environmental factors, including education, socio-economic status, local socio-cultural norms, the availability of contraceptives, and occupational opportunities affect refugees and host nationals alike. Because of the unique nature of the refugee community, factors driving the high prevalence of teenage pregnancy in this population need to be identified to devise context-specific preventive strategies. Aim: To determine the factors associated with teenage pregnancy among refugees and host nationals of Palabek Refugee settlement, Lamwo district, Uganda. Methods: This was a cross sectional study utilizing quantitative methods of data collection using a structured questionnaire as a data collection tool. The respondents were selected by simple random sampling. Data was entered into excel, cleaned, and loaded into SPSS V.26 for processing and analysis which was done at Univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Results: Refugees were two times more likely to getting pregnant than the host nationals (OR: 1.793, C.I; 1.092 to 2.943. The prevalence of teenage pregnancy among respondents was 41.7% and that of early marriages was 29.9%, an evidence of high prevalence of teenage marriages. The following factors were significantly associated with teenage pregnancy status – age group of the respondent, school attendance, marital status of the teenager, occupation of teenager, age at first sex, alcohol use, teenager’s mother’s level of education and person teenager lives with all with p < 0.001; media exposure (p=0.005); history of sexual abuse (p=0.049); whether parents of the teenager were divorced/separated or not (p<0.033) and cultural norms on sex (p=0.025). Conclusion: The burden of teenage pregnancy is still significant in these communities. The factors associated with teenage pregnancy in the refugee and host communities are not different from those in other contexts. Therefore adopting and or formulating strategies directed to mitigate these factors will help in reducing the soaring teenage pregnancies witnessed especially among the refugee populations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Female-controlled dual protection methods: Prevalence, predictors, experiences and perceptions among young women living with HIV in northern Uganda–A mixed-method study protocol
    (PLoS ONE, 2023) Kumakech, Edward; Acen, Joy; Musinguzi, Marvin; Ebong, Doryn; Okello, James
    Study background The use of dual protection methods among young women living with HIV (YWLHIV) aged 15–24 years in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is poorly researched despite the double risk of unintended pregnancy and HIV. Even more scanty is literature on the use of female-controlled dual protection methods. We propose to determine the female-controlled dual protection prevalence, and the predictors among YWLHIV in northern Uganda. The study will also explore the YWLHIV’s experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection methods. Materials and methods This study will employ a mixed-methods design. The study area will be Lira district and Lira city located in northern Uganda. The setting for recruitment of participants will be the public health facility–based anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinics. These ART clinics serves a total of about 1,771 YWLHIV. A sample of 425 YWLHIV will be selected by stratified random sampling from the ART clinic registers. The three strata of interest will be the YWLHIV attending the ART clinic at referral hospitals, health centers level IV (primary healthcare centers), and health centers level III (dispensaries). The primary outcome will be the use of the femalecontrolled dual protection methods. The outcome will be measured by asking the YWLHIV ‘what methods under their control as YWLHIV do they use to protect against both unintended pregnancy and HIV during sexual intercourse with their male partners.’ The questionnaire also has measures for the unintended pregnancy, HIV status, and the potential predictors. Qualitative component of the study will be in-depth interviews of the participants about their experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection. methods. Data collection was still ongoing at the time of first submission of this study protocol to the journal (14th March 2023). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 will be used for the statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate regression analyses will be used to establish the prevalence, associated factors and the predictors of the outcome respectively. The statistical significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval will be considered. In-depth interviews will be manually analyzed using a thematic analysis approach for codes, themes, and categories.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures among health workers in regional referral hospitals in northern Uganda: a cross sectional online survey [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]
    (F1000Research, 2021) Amanya, Sharon Bright; Nyeko, Richard; Obura, Bonniface; Acen, Joy; Nabasirye, Caroline; Nakaziba, Rebecca; Oyella, Florence; Afayo, Victor; Okwir, Mark
    Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) has increasingly been underscored as a key tool for limiting the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and safeguarding health workers from infections during their work. Knowledge and compliance with IPC measures is therefore essential in protecting health workers. However, this has not been established among health workers in northern Uganda in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures among health workers in regional referral hospitals in northern Uganda. Methods: An online cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among health workers in regional referral hospitals within northern Uganda. A structured questionnaire was distributed to health workers via WhatsApp messenger. Sufficient knowledge was considered at a correct response score of ≥80%, while adequate compliance was rated ≥75% of the maximum score. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Results: Of the 213 health workers approached, 75 (35%) participated in the study. The majority were males, 39(52%) and the mean age was 36.92 years. Of the 75 participants, 52(69%) had sufficient knowledge of Covid-19 IPC while 51(68%) had adequate compliance with Covid-19 IPC. Adequate compliance was significantly associated with training in Covid-19 IPC (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, (1.04-7.88); p=0.039), access to Covid-19 IPC materials at workstations (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, (1.06 - 8.09); p=0.036), and having strong institutional support (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, (1.08 – 8.74); p=0.031). However, there was no significant relationship between knowledge and compliance with IPC (p=0.07). The socio demographic characteristics of health workershad no statistically significant relationship with Covid-19 IPC knowledge or compliance. Conclusion: Our results show fairly good knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 IPC among health workers in northern Uganda. There is need for more training and provision of guidelines to promote compliance with Covid-19 IPC. Keywords Infection prevention and control, knowledge, training, compliance
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Knowledge and perceptions of primary healthcare providers towards integration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services at departmental levels at selected health facilities Lira district, Uganda
    (BMC Health Services Research, 2023) Puleh, Sean Steven; Ikwara, Emmanuel Asher; Namutebi, Syliviah; Nakero, Lakeri; Mwesiga, Godfrey; Isabirye, Rogers; Acen, Joy; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth
    Background Investigations conducted among healthcare providers to assess their knowledge and perceptions towards the integration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) related services in Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. This study explored the knowledge and perceptions of primary healthcare providers towards the integration of ART management services at departmental levels in health facilities in Lira district. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey that employed qualitative methods of data collection in four selected health facilities in Lira district between January and February 2022. The study involved in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions. The study population consisted exclusively of primary healthcare providers; however, those who were not full-time employees of the participating health facilities were excluded. We used thematic content analysis. Results A significant proportion of staff (especially those who are not directly involved in ART) still lack full knowledge of ART services integration. There was generally a positive perception, with some suggesting ART integration can minimize stigma and discrimination. The potential barriers to integration included limited knowledge and skills for providing comprehensive ART services, insufficient staffing and space, funding gaps, and inadequate drug supplies, coupled with increased workload due to enlarged clientele. Conclusion Whereas healthcare workers are generally knowledgeable about ART integration, but their knowledge was limited to partial integration. The participants had a basic understanding of ART services being provided by different health facilities. Furthermore, participants viewed integration as critical, but it should be implemented in conjunction with ART management training. Given that respondents reported a lack of infrastructure, increased workload, and understaffing, additional investments in staff recruitment, motivation through training and incentives, and other means are needed if ART integration is to be implemented
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Parents’ Readiness to Vaccinate Their Children Aged 5 to 17 Years Against Covid-19 and Its Associated Factors in Lira District, Uganda
    (Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 2023) Puleh, Sean Steven; Kigongo, Eustes; Opio, Innocent Ojok; Akech, Stella Immaculate; Opollo, Marc Sam; Achan, Everlyne; Acen, Joy; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Acup, Walter; Amir, Kabunga
    Background: Data on parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 is still scarce. This study assessed parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 and factors associated in Lira district, Uganda. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey employing quantitative methods was conducted between October and November 2022 among 578 parents of children aged 5–17 years in 3 sub-counties in Lira district. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including means, percentages, frequencies, and odds ratios. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between the factors and the readiness of parents at a 95% level of significance. Results: Out of 634 participants, 578 responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 91.2%. The majority of the parents (327, 56.8%) were female, had children aged between 12 and 15 years (266, 46.4%), and had completed primary education (351, 60.9%). Most of the parents were Christian (565, 98.4%), married (499, 86.6%), and had been vaccinated against COVID-19 (535, 92.6%). Results also indicated that 75.6% (ranging from 71.9% to 78.9%) of the parents were unwilling to vaccinate their children for the COVID-19 virus. The predictors of readiness were the age of the child (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.97–4.20; p=0.05) and lack of trust in the vaccine (AOR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.95–5.71; p0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years was only 24.6%, which is suboptimal. The predictors of hesitancy were the age of the child and a lack of trust in the vaccine. Based on our results, the Ugandan authorities should provide health education interventions targeting parents to combat mistrust with respect to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine and highlight the benefits of the vaccines. Keywords: children, minors, hesitancy, readiness, vaccination
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Parents’ Readiness to Vaccinate Their Children Aged 5 to 17 Years Against Covid-19 and Its Associated Factors in Lira District, Uganda
    (Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics Dovepress, 2023) Puleh, Sean Steven; Kigongo, Eustes; Opio, Innocent Ojok; Akech, Stella Immaculate; Opollo, Marc Sam; Achan, Everlyne; Acen, Joy; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Acup, Walter; Kabunga, Amir
    Background: Data on parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 is still scarce. This study assessed parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years against COVID-19 and factors associated in Lira district, Uganda. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey employing quantitative methods was conducted between October and November 2022 among 578 parents of children aged 5–17 years in 3 sub-counties in Lira district. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including means, percentages, frequencies, and odds ratios. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between the factors and the readiness of parents at a 95% level of significance. Results: Out of 634 participants, 578 responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 91.2%. The majority of the parents (327, 56.8%) were female, had children aged between 12 and 15 years (266, 46.4%), and had completed primary education (351, 60.9%). Most of the parents were Christian (565, 98.4%), married (499, 86.6%), and had been vaccinated against COVID-19 (535, 92.6%). Results also indicated that 75.6% (ranging from 71.9% to 78.9%) of the parents were unwilling to vaccinate their children for the COVID-19 virus. The predictors of readiness were the age of the child (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.97–4.20; p=0.05) and lack of trust in the vaccine (AOR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.95–5.71; p0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that parents’ readiness to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 17 years was only 24.6%, which is suboptimal. The predictors of hesitancy were the age of the child and a lack of trust in the vaccine. Based on our results, the Ugandan authorities should provide health education interventions targeting parents to combat mistrust with respect to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine and highlight the benefits of the vaccines.