Student's Journal of Health Research Africa

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SEPTIC ABORTION AMONG WOMEN AGED 15-45 YEARS ATTENDING POSTNATAL CLINIC AT IRAN-UGANDA HOSPITAL, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Winfred Nanambi — 2023-09-15

Background:
Septic abortion is an infection of the placenta and fetus, products of conception, of a pre-viable pregnancy. The purpose of the study was to examine the Factors contributing to septic abortion among women aged 15-45 years attending at IRAN-Uganda Hospital, Kampala district.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to describe factors contributing to septic abortion among women aged 15-45 years attending at IRAN-Uganda Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted in this study that involved observation of a sample of a population or phenomena that are made at one point in time. 30 respondents were involved in the study who were selected using convenient random sampling procedures.
Results:
(43.3%) of the women were aged 20-30 years, the majority of them (83.3%) were Catholics, half of them (50.0%) had never been to school, Majority (46.7%) of them were single. The majority of the respondents (46.7%) were employed, (93.3%) of them reported that the distance from home to the nearest health facility contributed to septic abortion, the majority (66.7%) reported unavailability of healthcare services being part of the factors leading to septic abortion,(56.7%)reported high cost of safe abortion services, (70%) reported that Poor attitude of health workers whereas (86.7%) said long- waiting-time, majority (66.7%) reported that unnecessary requirement like parent’s or spouse consent before providing abortion services led to septic abortion
Conclusion:
Personal factors, socio-economic factors, and health facility-related factors contributed to septic abortions among the respondents hence advocacy is needed to improve and prevent septic abortions among women.
Recommendation;
Septic abortion among women can be reduced and managed by considering and maintaining a balance between regular health education talks about the dangers of septic abortion and all categories of abortions, and mass sensitization of the community against practices of septic abortion.

INFECTION AND PRE-TERM LABOR- A PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Renuka Keshri — 2023-09-15

Background:

Infections of the vaginal canal have been linked to an increased risk of preterm labor. Prenatal screening for genitourinary infections, particularly in high-risk cases, prompt recognition, and treatment reduce the incidence of premature labor.

Methods:

From January 2021 to December 2022, a cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Narayan Medical College and Hospital in Jamuhar, Sasaran, Bihar. A detailed clinical history was collected, including the patient's age, level of education, duration of antenatal care, parity, and obstetrical history. There was a general examination, a systemic examination, and an obstetric examination. Hb, total leucocyte count, blood sugar, blood grouping, HIV, HBsAg, and VDRL tests were performed.

Results:

The prevalence of UTI in preterm labor was 30.1% in 264 cases of preterm labor investigated. The majority of responders (49.4%) were between the ages of 25 and 29. In 77.2% of cases, the patients were booked. UTI was shown to be more common in multipara in my study. The prevalence of UTI in illiterates was 92.4%. The majority of responders were late preterm, with gestational ages ranging from 34 to 37 weeks. E. coli was the most often isolated organism in urine culture.

Conclusion:

To avoid difficulties, all pregnant women should be evaluated for UTI, treated with suitable antibiotics if the culture is positive, and then retested for cure. Furthermore, providing health information to all pregnant women, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, will aid in the prevention of urinary tract infections.

Recommendation:

Checking for infections in pregnant women needs to be done in order to avoid infections before labor. Patients need to be given antibiotics in preterm labor to stop group B streptococcal transmission.

A CROSSECTIONAL STUDY ON THE MIDWIVES’ PRACTICES OF UMBILICAL CORD CLAMPING IN THE GREATER KABALE DISTRICT IN UGANDA.

CONFIDENCE ATUHEIRE — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

Timely and appropriate umbilical cord clamping was found to be key in reducing neonatal death. Despite current guidelines recommending when to clamp the umbilical cord, some midwives in the Greater Kabale District continued to practice immediate cord clamping.

Aim:

The study assessed the practices of umbilical cord clamping among midwives in Greater Kabale District in Uganda.

Methods:

The study employed a cross-sectional study design with a sample size of 174 midwives practicing at 17 public health facilities in the study area. A self-structured questionnaire with a reliability of coefficient 0.87 was used to gather quantitative data for the study. Data was analyzed with descriptive tools of percentage, frequency, mean, and standard deviation. Ethical approval was obtained from the appropriate research committees.

Results:

The study revealed only 35% of the respondents practiced umbilical cord clamping according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended guidelines. The results further revealed that age, job title, facility type, and years in service were statically significant with p-values of less than 0.05.

Conclusion:

Although the WHO recommended delayed umbilical cord clamping, the practice of this procedure is still very low among midwives in the Greater Kabale District. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate and sensitize the midwives on the health benefits of delayed clamping practice to.

Recommendations:

Regular Continuing Medical Education for the midwives is necessary to equip them with updated information and getting informed which can have a great impact on their practice of umbilical cord clamping according to recommended guidelines. Mentorship and support supervision for the health facilities offering maternal health services should be done and emphasize the benefits of DCC to the newborn.

A TERTIARY CARE CENTER-BASED CLINICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE FOETAL OUTCOME OF JAUNDICE IN PREGNANCY.

Babita Kumari — 2023-09-22

Aim:
Irregularity in the liver function runs the maternal and other pregnancy aftereffects. The main aim of the investigation is to examine the fetal outcome of high bilirubin levels in pregnancy.
Methods:
61 pregnant women were examined in this study. The study was done at Nalanda Medical College for 24 months. In the beginning complete history, comprehensive clinical history, and other investigations were done. A systemic review system was used for recording the causes of liver dysfunction in pregnant women. Outcomes were studied in detail.
Results:
There were 61 patients in which the occurrence of jaundice was 1 and was more common in younger patients. 40% of the cases were infected with viral hepatitis, and 30% were suffering from HELLP syndrome.
Conclusion:
The constant problem for pregnant women is jaundice which also has unfavorable results on the neonatal outcome.
Recommendation:
Transfer to a tertiary care center is advocated. If the pregnant woman is at or beyond 34 weeks’ gestation or if there is any evidence of multiorgan dysfunction or severe complication, immediate induction of labor is recommended. Close monitoring of the mother should be continued after delivery.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED CASES OF TYPHOID FEVER AMONG PATIENTS AGED 15-45 YEARS IN SOROTI REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, SOROTI DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Denis Arapu — 2023-09-15

Background:
This study aimed to determine the factors contributing to increased cases of typhoid fever among patients aged 15-45 years in Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Soroti District.
Methodology:
A descriptive study design employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection, a simple random sampling technique was used.
Results:
The majority of respondents 85% had heard of typhoid fever, 52% did not complete treatment for typhoid when they fell sick, 64% of them did not have latrines, and out of the few with them 84% did not have latrines covers and 52% do not know what contaminates water in their community. 42% get their water from the tap, 58% dispose of their wastes in their backyards of homes, 40% eat food from their homes, they do not follow proper hygienic methods of food handling, and 70% do not treat or boil drinking water. half 50% of the respondents move long distances to seek medical services.
Conclusion:
Most people do not complete their treatment for typhoid fever, do not know how typhoid fever is transmitted from one person to another, that there is management of waste, and food, do not boil water for drinking, the majority do not have latrines, move long distances to seek health services, the health facility does not have required laboratory equipment’s to facilitate routine typhoid testing and diagnosis, and gaps in the general examination of patients were discovered.
Recommendations :
Uganda National Water and Sewerage Corporation should improve water supply and treatment, sensitize people on how to prevent communicable diseases through the Centre Disease Control and Prevention through the Ministry of Health and more health workers should be recruited to improve service delivery. People in the community should be encouraged to boil water before drinking and routine of the health facility for general body checkups.

UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES AMONG REFUGEE TEENAGE MOTHERS AT NAKIVALE REFUGEE SETTLEMENT IN WESTERN UGANDA. A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY.

Simon Peter Ecodu — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

Antenatal care is crucial for positive pregnancy outcomes and is dependent on the timing and quality of care. It promotes health education and helps identify and manage maternal complications and risk factors. In Sub-Saharan Africa, pregnancy complications and childbirth are the leading cause of death for women aged 10-19. This study examined teenage mothers' experiences and perceptions of accessing and utilizing antenatal care services in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Isingiro district.

Methodology:

A phenomenological study was conducted on teenage mothers in Nakivale, using a snowball sampling method. Key informant interviews were conducted, lasting 45 minutes -1 hour. Ethical clearance was obtained from Bishop Stuart University REC and informed consent was obtained from participants. Data was analyzed thematically using Nvivo version 12.

Results:

Teenage mothers face challenges utilizing antenatal care services including negative treatment from family and community members. However, positive feelings of responsibility alleviate stress, making early mothers more resilient.

Conclusions:

Access to ANC services is closely linked to its utilization, but societal discrimination against teenage mothers affects ANC utilization. Teenage-friendly spaces in Nakivale significantly influenced access and utilization of ANC services.

Recommendations:

The study suggests establishing customized ANC services for teenage mothers in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Isingiro district, to enhance access and utilization of ANC.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE UPTAKE OF SAFE MALE MEDICAL CIRCUMCISION AMONG MALES AGED 18 TO 49 YEARS AT MASAKA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Gilbert Kabanda — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Objectives: To determine the factors associated with the uptake of Safe Male Medical Circumcision among males aged 18-49 years at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
The study was based on a purposive non-probability sampling method in which 120 were the target but 100 participants fully participated, the study employed a structured questionnaire which was administered by the researcher and the research assistants to collect data.
Results:
The majority of participants; 48% were in the 18-24 age group, protestants were 43%, married were 53% and 38% were farmers. Most respondents 40% had attained primary level of education, 68% had support from a female partner, 59% had SMMC as a choice of type of circumcision and 43% chose TMC because of community respect. The majority of the respondents 38% had the perception that circumcised men enjoyed sex more than circumcised men, 83% were satisfied with SMC and 42% had personal fear of bleeding. More so, most of the respondents 88% were circumcised from Government fertilities, 54% were not referrals from HIV testing fertilities and 87% received health education before SMC services.
Conclusion:
The majority of respondents had female partnership support for VMMC services and also the ma- jority of the respondents were not referrals from HIV testing fertilities. Clients who had Medical circumcision were satisfied with the services and ready to recommend them to their friends and sons.
Recommendations:
The Ministry of Health needs to plan on how to provide continuous health education about male circumcision and this should be done mostly through women and different media in different languages understood by local communities to overcome the beliefs about traditional circumcision to SMC.
The Ministry of Health should also empower HIV testing units to facilitate HIV testing services and health education on SMC which shall increase referrals for the services.

FACTORS INFLUENCING TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING ADOLESCENTS' CLINIC AT KALISIZO GENERAL HOSPITAL, KYOTERA DISTRICT IN UGANDA. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Javiira Tebaggwa Baale — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) defines teenage pregnancy as “a teenage girl usually within the age of 13 to 19 years, becoming pregnant and refers to girls who have not reached legal adulthood, which varies across the world.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional one in which and quantitative method of data collection was used. The researcher utilized simple random sampling on 75 respondents from December 2022 to January 2023. The data collection process was for 10 days using self-administered questionnaires which were filled, cleaned and later analyzed using tables.

Results:

Out of the 75 respondents in the study, the majority57(76%) of the respondents were between (17-18) years old, and 18(24%) of the respondents were between (13-16) years old. Low use of contraceptives was the most cause of teenage pregnancy by 69(92%), the findings revealed that 63(84%) had knowledge about the control of teenage pregnancy, Majority41(65%) knew the use of condoms. Most of the respondents 68(90.67%) reported that teenage pregnancy affects one’s academics as the major health impact.

Conclusion:

According to the findings of the study, the most 69(92%) common cause of teenage pregnancy is low contraceptive use. Most 63(84%) female adolescents had good knowledge about control of teenage pregnancy, and 68(90.67%) reported that teenage pregnancy affects one’s academics.

Recommendations:

The researcher recommends that sex education be included in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools. Adolescents-friendly services be instituted in Health facilities to health educate them on reproductive health services and counsel them on the dangers of pre-marital sex.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE PREVALENCE OF MALARIA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS ATTENDING HEALTH CARE AT ST ELIZABETH MAGALE HEALTH CENTER IV, NAMISINDWA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Jude Moya — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

Malaria remains a major public health problem associated with slow economic development and it accounts for 27.7% of deaths among children under the age of five in Uganda (MOH, NMCP 2014 - 2020). The study, therefore, seeks to determine the factors contributing to the prevalence of malaria among children under five years attending Health care at St Elizabeth Magale Health Centre IV, Namisindwa district.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 caregivers of children below five years in St Elizabeth Magale health center IV from December 2022 to January 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was completed and data were analyzed.

Results:

The prevalence of malaria was high 39(39%) and the factors that were significant with malaria prevalence included: caregivers with little 5% knowledge about other signs/symptoms like convulsions, loss of appetite, and body weakness, 71% were unemployed. Almost half did not own ITNs and environmental factors showed 56% of garbage heaps presence and 54% reported wet /rainy season to be associated with increased cases of malaria among children below five years.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of malaria was high and it was influenced by caregivers’ knowledge about malaria signs and symptoms, level of education, employment status, ownership of ITNs, garbage heaps, and season of the environment.

Recommendations:

The study recommends the need for more awareness campaigns on malaria spread, clinical features, prevention through mass media (electronic and print media), markets, house-to-house sensitization, and traditional and religious leaders.

The people should translate their good awareness of malaria into good preventive practices.

Furthermore, the study recommends more initiatives to be taken toward income-generating activities among people. This will potentially improve access to interventions and proper timely treatment of malaria among children under five years.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS AGED 18 TO 35 YEARS IN KAMPALA SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES BULOBA CAMPUS, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

SHERINA TWAFUNA — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Specific objectives of the study were To determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of menstrual hygiene, among female students aged 18 to 35 years in Kampala School of Health sciences Buloba campus Wakiso district.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a simple random sampling technique to select participants whereas data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire developed by the researcher. The analysis of the data collected was done manually using tally sheets and data was systematically computed into frequency and percentage using findings to generate tables and figures for easy presentation.,
Results:
50 participants out of 50 invited participants fully completed the study. Participants had good knowledge where teachers were the first informants in 80% of the females, 80% correctly defined menstruation, and 94% considered disposable sanitary pads the ideal menstrual absorbent.
They had averagely good attitudes where 60% reported that they felt scared at first menarche, 40% perceived menstruation as unclean or embarrassing, and 86% of the females reported never encountering secondary stigma as a result of menstruation.
They also had good practices towards menstrual hygiene 54% of the females changed their sanitary material two times a day and 34% changed thrice, 74% of females took a bath twice during their period with 94% using water and soap.
Conclusion:
Attitude toward menstrual hygiene among females is still challenging followed by practices and yet knowledge is generally good.
Recommendations:
There is a need to create awareness of healthy menstrual practices, impart reproductive health education including menstrual hygiene, to acquire skills usually through training or workshops, and matters concerning menstrual hygiene should be discussed with female students and solutions sought to improvise on disposal bins and incinerators.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADHERENCE TO ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS ATTENDING THE ART CLINIC AT CHINA-UGANDA FRIENDSHIP HOSPITAL, NAGURU. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Hudson Habasa — 2023-09-15

Purpose of the study:

The purpose of the study was to assess the factors associated with adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy among pregnant mothers attending the ART clinic at China Uganda Friendship Hospital, Naguru To assess the knowledge, demographic factors, and socio-economic factors associated with the adherence to Anti-retroviral therapy among pregnant mothers attending the ART clinic at China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, Naguru.

Method:

The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2022 to January 2023 where study data was collected at once and there were no follow-up of respondents after the study. The participants in the study were selected using a purposive sampling method. Open and close-ended questionnaires were used in data collection.

Results:

Many (55.9%) of the well-adherent mothers were 30 years and above. The majority (97%) of the well-adherent mothers were urban dwellers. The majority (60%) of the respondents earned less than Ush500,000 per month while the minority (7%) earned above Ush300,000 per month. Mothers with a relatively high monthly income were found to adhere better than those with a low monthly income. A majority (96.8%) of the well-adherent respondents had good social support.

Conclusion:

Knowledge about ART adherence and PMTCT is associated with the level of adherence to ART among pregnant mothers attending the ART clinic at China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, Naguru. Demographic factors such as the respondent’s age, place of residence, and level of education were found to be associated with ART adherence. The mother’s financial status, social support, and HIV-associated stigma were some of the socioeconomic factors found to be associated with the adherence to ART.

Recommendations:

Consistent attendance of routine health education and counseling, prescription of drugs for quite a long duration, male partner involvement, and starting up of small scale income generating projects should be advocated for to improve medication adherence.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON FACTORS INFLUENCING RELAPSE IN ALCOHOL USE DISORDER AND MOTIVATION TO STOP DRINKING ALCOHOL.

Ritesh Ranjan — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

Relapse into alcoholism following a successful detox and recovery program is a global public health concern. Despite the enormous burden of alcoholism on the Indian subcontinent, little is understood about the reasons why relapse occurs among people who have been treated for alcohol misuse.

Method:

In my study, 50 male patients who attended both the inpatient and outpatient outpatient departments (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital and had been diagnosed with alcohol dependency (per ICD-10 criteria) were included. Following informed consent and gathering sociodemographic information, the severity of alcohol dependence questionnaire (SADQ), the Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scales (PSLES), and the relapse precipitant inventory were used to correlate the factors that lead to relapse in these alcohol abusers.

Result:

A majority (100%) of the 50 patients included in the study were Male, with 50% coming from age 41-50 and the majority of 60% of patients were educated from high school. Alcohol craving (60%) was discovered to be the most frequent reason for relapse in this group, and 90% of patients displayed moderate to severe stress on the PSLES scale.

Conclusion:

In India, excessive alcohol intake is becoming a significant public health issue. Along with occupational rehabilitation, consistent follow-up with family, peers, and social support is crucial to preventing recurrence. To better comprehend the issue, multi-centric scientific community-based research investigations must be carried out in several different states.

Recommendation:

Sensitization initiatives and health education efforts are desperately needed to raise awareness of the effects of chronic alcohol use among different policymakers, the media, professionals, and the general public.

KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF HEALTH WORKERS TOWARDS HAND WASHING AT LACOR HEALTH CENTER III OPIT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Adam Johnson Wamala — 2023-09-15

Background.
Purpose: The purpose was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of health workers toward hand washing at Lacor Health Center III Opit.
Objectives: To evaluate the level of knowledge of health workers about hand washing at Lacor Health Center III Opit. To establish the attitude of health workers towards hand washing at Lacor Health Center III Opit. To assess the practices of health workers towards hand washing at Lacor Health Center III Opit
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in the collection of data because the design allowed data to be collected at one point in time
Results:
On average 81.2% of the respondents had good knowledge of hand washing and 18.2 of the health workers had little knowledge of hand washing. The majority of the health workers on average 78.4% had a positive attitude towards hand washing and 21.6% of the respondents had a negative attitude towards hand washing. The majority of the health workers on average 72.75% contrarily had poor practices towards hand washing while only 27.25% of the respondents had good practices towards hand washing
Conclusion:
In conclusion, many of the health workers had good knowledge and positive attitude toward hand washing respectively. However, given the vast knowledge and positive attitude, the majority did not apply the knowledge in practicing hand washing. This meant that HAI was still high since few HWs practiced hand washing.
Recommendations:
Hand washing at Lacor Health Center III Opit should be put as a goal in the year planner so that the rate of HAIS goes down. Still, several hand washing facilities like soap, water tanks, water sources, detergents, and others have to be put in place at the facility to enable the process of hand washing.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO ART AMONG ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS ATTENDING NDEJJE HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

IRENE NANKINGA — 2023-09-15

Background:
This was based on study-specific objectives that included; assessing the individual factors, drug-related and healthcare-related factors associated with adherence to antiretroviral treatment among adolescents attending Ndejje Health Centre IV, Wakiso District.
Methodology:
The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design where a sample of 100 respondents who were adolescents between 10 and 25 on antiretroviral treatment was used. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents and data was collected using self-administered questionnaires.
Results:
The level of adherence to antiretroviral treatment was low at 33%. This was far lower than the national target of 90%. This was attributed to individual, drug, and healthcare factors. Individual factors were; gender, age, marital status, Education, place of residence, family size, and religion. Drug-related factors included; having all the drugs they were supposed to take, challenges faced with the drugs, Frequency of taking ARV pills in a day, challenges faced when taking ARVs, and accessibility to ARV drugs. Health-related factors were; getting routine education, having a nearby healthcare facility to pick up the drugs, Distance between the health facility and respondents’ home, and availability of ARV on appointment day.
Conclusion:
The level of adherence to antiretroviral treatment was low. This was attributed to missing taking drugs due to stigma, drug stockouts, failure to get routine education about ART, distance to the health facility, the inadequacy of information given, and long waiting times.
Recommendations:
The researcher recommends that; health education through counseling should be emphasized, drug restocking should be regular, use reminders, facilitate patients with transport fares, and prompt at- tendance to them when they come for drug refills.

CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTATION OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL STRATEGIES IN MANAGEMENT OF PAIN IN LABOR: A STUDY AMONG MIDWIVES IN LUBAGA HOSPITAL, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY.

Joyce Nakyanzi — 2023-09-15

Background:
The study investigated the challenges to the implementation of non-pharmacological strategies in the management of pain in labor among midwives in Lubaga Hospital Kampala District. The focus of the research was on midwives, health facilities, and maternal-related challenges.
Methodology:
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design where a purposive sampling procedure technique was used to obtain a sample of 30 respondents. Data was collected with the use of a questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed quantitatively using Microsoft Excel (2013) and results were presented in the form of tables, figures, and pie charts.
Results:
The majority, 17(60%) of the midwives expressed no need for reducing such pain and therefore, this is a midwife-related challenge to the use of NPLPM. Few of the respondents, 14(46.7%) revealed that uncooperative staff is a health facility-related challenge, while 19(63.3%) reported that, inadequate staff against the high number of mothers in labor is a health facility challenge, 20(67%) reported lack of special training of staff as a health facility related challenge. Majority, 27(90%) reported that socio-economic status is a maternal-related challenge to the implementation of NPLPM.
Conclusion:
Midwives’ believe that there is no need to reduce such pain hence being the greatest midwife challenge. Lack of special training of staff in non-pharmacological pain management is the greatest health facility-related challenge while low socio-economic status is the greatest maternal-related challenge to implementation of NPLPM.
Recommendation:
CMEs should be done to acquit midwives with the knowledge on the use of NPLPM. Health facilities to employ enough midwives who will be able to work on the number of women in labor to ensure the proper use of NPLPM. Furthermore, midwives should embark on using affordable non-pharmacological strategies in the management of pain women go through during labor hence solving the maternal-related factors affecting the implementation of NPLPM.

SANITIZATION, A GROUNDED APPROACH OF VIRAL INFECTIONS AVOIDANCE FOR HUMAN HEALTH: COVID-19, A STIMULUS OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY MODERATION ON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN UGANDAN COMMUNITIES. A DESCRIPTIVE, CROSS-SECTIONAL AND CORRELATIONAL STUDY.

Ssegawa E James Kiggundu — 2023-09-15

Background:

This study established how sanitization for viral infection avoidance stimulates public health policy moderation on communicable diseases, specifically examining existing health policy on viral infection avoidance and shortfalls; establishing how sanitization stimulates policy moderation; how sanitization and policy moderation impact viral infection avoidance for human health in Ugandan communities.

Methods:

The study targeted a population of 1645 based on levels of vulnerability and managing prophylaxis function. A positivistic approach engaged a cross-sectional survey design. Data analysis took descriptive statistics, correlational, and regression analysis. Purposive, simple random sampling was used.

Results:

Existing policies influencing viral infection avoidance performed below 20%, inappropriate, promote creations of remedy extracts, soap solutions, detergents, boiled herbal mixtures steaming with acceptance and compliance revealed at 13.4%, negatively impacting viral infection avoidance by 4.5%, implementation by 46.5%. Policy exhibited low positive correlations with awareness and mindset change contributing 27.1% and 36.7% respectively, impacting sanitization by 13.7%. Sanitization significantly impacted policy by 29.7% twice as much. Eminent change in coefficients of determination from 0.352 models (1) to 0.113 models (2) and 0.025 models (3) suggested regressing the existing main policy to a generically decomposed accommodating inclusion modality supporting efficacy and efficiency.

Conclusions:

Awareness of viral infections was significantly low. Existing policies don’t suggest representative contingency methods, enforcement, implementations, and realistic techniques for viral infections and pathogens avoidance. Sanitization glossily moderates policy grounding it inclusive in enforcing avoidance of candidate viral infections by 29.7% and positively influences viral infections avoidance cumulatively by 48.4%,

Recommendations:

MoH should dedicate sensitization programs for people lacking knowledge of transmission of communicable diseases, provide alternative policies to healthcare livelihood and service delivery instead of locking down areas of high human concentrations, and issue guidelines and standards ensuring sustainable health security for self-provided gargets and remedies to avoid further infection and reinfection due misuse.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF HEALTH WORKERS TOWARDS NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION PREVENTION AT NSAMBYA POLICE HEALTH CENTRE IV, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Phiona Asasiira — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Purpose of the study: The study aimed to determine the study knowledge, attitude, and prac- tice of health workers toward nosocomial infection prevention at Nsambya Police Health Centre IV, Kampala District.
Methodology:
The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design, employing mixed data collection methods where an interviewer-guided semi-structured questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. The study included 50 respondents who were adolescents living in Nsambya parish, Kampala District. Data was analyzed electronically by the use of Microsoft word excel version 2013.
Results of Study:
The study showed results that 84, % HCWs knew that use of PPEs decreases the risk of Nosocomial infection. The study found that there are insufficient PPEs in the hospital hence affecting the good practices towards infection prevention by HCWs.
Conclusion:
Therefore, monitoring the level of knowledge in infection prevention will help to work on the gaps so that the rate of HAIs can be reduced.
Recommendation:
The government should provide Nsambya Police Health Centre IV with the requirements or equip- ment required in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections for example personal protective equip- ment to the health care workers.

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS SAFE MALE CIRCUMCISION AMONG YOUTH RECEIVING MEDICAL SERVICES AT LUGASA HEALTH CENTRE III, KAYUNGA DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Jonathan Econi — 2023-09-15

Background:
Objective: To determine youth’s knowledge about safe male circumcision as well as assess their attitude towards utilization of safe male circumcision services and also determine the practices in utilization of safe male circumcision at Lugasa Health Centre III.
Methodology:
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 88 respondents who were young males aged 15-40 years at Lugasa HCIII in Kayunga District selected by simple random sampling technique and the data was collected by the use of self-administered questionnaires after informed consent of the respondents. Data was entered in MS Excel and analyzed, and descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were used to present data on figures, charts, and tables.
Findings:
The majority of the respondents (97.5%) had never heard about SMC and had obtained information from the VHTs (41.25%). Promoting penile hygiene was the most popular (65%) reason for SMC, over half (52.5%) informed that SMC reduces the risk of HIV infection by 60%. The greatest number of respondents (95%) knew where SMC services can be accessed. The majority (74%) strongly agreed that circumcised males are liked by most women. Most of the respondents (58.75%) were circumcised, with 35% circumcised between 10-19 years of age. Health workers conducted the majority of the circumcision procedures (42.5%) and the majority of the circumcised males (35%) received paracetamol for pain management, and the least (16.25%) were screened for STIs.
Conclusion:
The respondents had good knowledge regarding safe male circumcision and equally had a positive attitude towards safe male circumcision which resulted in favorable practices of utilization of safe male circumcision.
Recommendation:
VHTs should be included to take part in the continuous medical education programs that are conducted regularly at Lugasa HCIII as they are most in contact with the community to spread updated information about safe male circumcision to society.

FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILISATION OF PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST HIV/AIDS AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS. A CASE STUDY OF KOOME ISLANDS MUKONO DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY DESIGN.

JOHN JAMES NALUWOGO — 2023-09-15

Background:
This study, therefore, sought to find out factors influencing the utilization of oral HIV Pre-Exposure prophylaxis among Female Sex Workers in Koome Islands.
Methodology:
Results were obtained using a convenience sampling technique. A target population of 124 respondents was included in the study. A researcher-based questionnaire was designed with relevant questions in line with the study objectives. Data were collected, entered, and analyzed critically using SPSS software.
Results:
PrEP use among FSWs was at 61.3%, and the level of self-perception as being at risk of contracting HIV infection among FSWs was at 96%. The majority of the FSWs were aware of HIV prevention with oral HIV PrEP.
Conclusions:
The study shows high self-perception as being at risk of contracting HIV infection among FSWs causing a high need for utilization of PrEP medicines. There is low utilization of PrEP among FSWs with lower levels of education despite their awareness of PrEP medicines. The findings from the study also show that a high proportion of FSWs would not afford PrEP medicines if they were not freely provided by the government and support organizations. The study findings show that the majority of FSWs did not access PrEP medicines because they were out of stock.
Recommendations:
The government should not only maintain the free provision of oral HIV PrEP medicines but also increase the amount of the medicines supplied to Koome Health Centre III to ensure easy access to and reduce shortages of PrEP medicines. The government should as well ensure a timely supply of PrEP medicines to Koome Health Center III.
Healthcare providers should increase the counseling of FSWs before and after initiating them on PrEP medicines.

FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AT FORT PORTAL REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL KABAROLE DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

IVAN MUHIMBO — 2023-09-15

Introduction
Family planning has been implemented in Uganda though its utilization has reduced, this study was meant to determine factors influencing the utilization of FP among women of reproductive age.
Objectives
This study was aimed at determining the knowledge, health-related factors, and socio-economic factors influencing the utilization of family planning services among women of reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FPRRH) Kabarole district.
Methodology
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that employed a random sampling method to select the participants and its target population was women of reproductive age, a questionnaire was used to collect data and administered by the researcher, Kish Leslie’s formula was used to determine the sample size of 81 respondents.
Results.
The study results revealed that 45% of the respondents were between the ages of (21-30) years, 55% were married, 45% were Batooro, 40% were housewives, 100% of respondents had some knowledge about family planning(FP), 40% got information from media, 39% of the health worker’s attitude was excellent and 67.45% women had never missed their FP option at any of their visits. The majority 75.3% of the women were supported by their partners to use FP and most 65.4% of the women were employed though 60% of women’s cultures were against the use of FP.
Conclusion.
The study results revealed that all the respondents had some knowledge about FP, the majority of the health worker’s attitude was excellent and provided enough information to the clients, and most of the women were supported by their partners to use FP though most cultures were against it.
Recommendations.
From the study, it is recommended that women should seek FP services from government facilities and the Ministry of Health should extend FP services to the lowest health centers like HC II

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE RECURRENCY OF DIARRHEAL DISEASES AMONG THE UNDER FIVES ADMITTED AT PEDIATRIC WARD OF MASINDI GENERAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.

Benjamin Evans Muhumuza — 2023-09-15

Background.
The study aimed to determine the individual factors, the health center factors, and the community factors affecting the recurrence of diarrheal diseases among the under-fives admitted at the pediatric ward of Masindi General Hospital.
Methodology.
A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were applied. The questionnaire method was used to collect data from the caretakers of the under-fives.
Results.
The study found out that 30(38%) of the respondents used a latrine/ toilet for ease themselves, 28(35%) of the respondents used a neighbor’s latrine/ toilet or anywhere else and only 22(27%) respondents did not have a latrine/ toilet to ease themselves. 38(48%) Of the respondents preferred herbal medicines due to being cheap and readily available, 20(25%) of the respondents never used herbal medicine, 12(15%) of the respondents were dissatisfied with conventional medicine and only 10(12%) respondents preferred herbal medicine because it was family/ cultural tradition.
Conclusion.
The study established that the recurrence of diarrheal diseases was mainly due to an interplay between the individual, health center, and community factors such as lack of a toilet/ latrine, poor cleaning of the latrines, poor hand washing behavior and poor knowledge about the recurrence of diarrheal diseases. Inadequate supplies to health centers and inadequate health manpower to provide health services in health centers also contributed to the recurrence of diarrheal diseases among other factors.
Recommendation.
Household members should be taught by trained health personnel about the importance of hand-washing after the use of the latrine, before preparation, and before serving food. More health education seminars should also be held to equip household members with more knowledge. These, among others, were the recommendations of the study.

HOSPITAL-BASED PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF COMPLICATIONS IN CHILDREN WITH SNAKE BITE IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER.

Jnanindra Nath Behera — 2023-09-15

Objective:
We attempted to study the complications of snake bites so that early recognition and institution of proper treatment can save the lives of many children.
Methods:
This Hospital based prospective observational study was conducted in Srirama Chandra Bhanj Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack from December 2020 to November 2022 among children aged 1-14 years with a history of snake bites admitted to our ward, through the outpatient department and emergency department.
Results:
Our study showed, that snake bite cases were predominantly seen in 8 -11 years of age with a male: female ratio of 2.9:1, as these age group children are actively engaged in outdoor games like playing near riverside and bushy areas in playgrounds. Acute markers as depicted by serum LDH, D-Dimer, Fibrinogen, and Ferritin were significantly high among haematotoxic cases due to secondary infection and correlated with cellulitis and necrotic ulcers which accounted for 57.1%.
Conclusion:
Healthcare providers should be made aware that a history of circumstantial evidence such as sleeping on the floor at night with sudden onset of pain abdomen, vomiting, and inability to keep the eyes open should prompt neurotoxic snake bite and ASV as well as Atropine, Neostigmine should be started.
Recommendation:
We recommend spreading more awareness, people should be counseled to use toilets more, to use mosquito nets while sleeping, avoid sleeping on the floor.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS TYPHOID FEVER PREVENTION AMONG PATIENTS AGED 15-50 YEARS, ADJUMANI GENERAL HOSPITAL, ADJUMANI DISTRICT

Chrisatus Anyidi — 2023-09-15

Background:

The purpose of the study was to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the prevention of typhoid fever among patients aged 15-50 years in Adjumani General Hospital, Adjumani District.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional study design with both quantitative approaches. Simple random sampling was used. Data were analyzed manually by use of tally sheets and were entered in the Excel computer program to generate tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results:

The study findings revealed that the overall knowledge of the prevention of typhoid fever among the respondents was generally poor, as most (60%) of the respondents did not know anything about typhoid fever.

Regarding attitude, the majority (70%) of the respondents agreed washing hands with soap helped in preventing typhoid fever, most (60%) agreed that boiling water also helped in preventing typhoid fever, and the majority (84%) were willing to prevent typhoid fever.

In regards to practices half (50%) of the respondents did not know any of the practices that helped in the prevention of typhoid fever, more than half (56%) agreed washing hands with soap helped to minimize typhoid fever infection, the majority (70%) of the agreed on using pit latrine as a fecal disposal facility to minimize typhoid fever infection.

Conclusion:

The general knowledge, attitude, and practices of the respondents towards the prevention of typhoid fever were generally poor which in the end could lead to an increase in the spread of typhoid fever within the district.

Recommendation:

Health workers in Adjumani General Hospital should promote community health-based programs to teach the community the best practices to curb the increasing typhoid fever.

FACTORS INFLUENCING TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING ADOLESCENTS’ CLINIC AT KALISIZO GENERAL HOSPITAL, KYOTERA DISTRICT IN UGANDA. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

JAVIIRA TEBAGGWA BAALE — 2023-09-15

Introduction: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) defines teenage pregnancy as “a teenage girl usually within the age of 13 to 19 years, becoming pregnant and refers to girls who have not reached legal adulthood, which varies across the world.

Objectives of the study: The main objective of the study was to determine the factors influencing teenage pregnancy. Specific objectives were to determine the social economic factors, knowledge about control, and health impacts of teenage pregnancy among these adolescents.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional one in which a quantitative method of data collection was used. The researcher utilized simple random sampling on 75 respondents from December 2022 to January 2023. The data collection process was for 18 days using self-administered questionnaires which were filled, cleaned and later analyzed using tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results: Out of the 75 respondents in the study, the majority57 (76%) of the respondents were between (17-18) years old, and 18(24%) of the respondents were between (13-16) years old. Low use of contraceptives was the most cause of teenage pregnancy by 69(92%), the findings revealed that 63(84%) had knowledge about the control of teenage pregnancy, Majority41 (65%) knew the use of condoms. Most of the respondents 68(90.67%) reported that teenage pregnancy affects one’s academics as the major health impact.

Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, the most 69(92%) common cause of teenage pregnancy is low contraceptive use. Most 63(84%) female adolescents had good knowledge about control of teenage pregnancy, and 68(90.67%) reported that teenage pregnancy affects one’s academics.

Recommendations: The researcher recommends that sexual education be included in the curriculum of the primary and secondary schools. Adolescents-friendly services be instituted in Health facilities to health educate them on reproductive health services and counsel them on the dangers of pre-marital sex.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED USE OF TOBACCO AMONG THE YOUTH AGED 15-35 YEARS, IN KATWE VILLAGE, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

John Kasse — 2023-09-15

Purpose of the study:
The purpose of the study is to assess the factors contributing to the increased use of tobacco among the youth aged 15-35 years in Katwe village, Makindye division
Objectives of the study:
The specific objectives of the study were; to assess the individual factors contributing to the increased use of tobacco among the youth aged 15-35 years in Katwe Villega, to identify the economic factors contributing to the increased use of tobacco among the youth aged 15-35 years and to find out the community factors contributing to the increased use of tobacco among the youth aged 15-35 years in Katwe village, Makindye village.
Methodology:
The study design employed was the descriptive cross-sectional study to address the specific objectives of the study on the sample of 50 respondents using a simple random sampling technique. Some structured questionnaires were designed and used as the data collection tool.
Results of the study:
The majority of the respondents 80% do smoke tobacco 62% smoke smokeless tobacco and 54% got the information from friends, 60% said their parents influenced them to smoke, 82% of the respondents are salary earners 70 % are influenced by the salary to smoke.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the overall results on the individual factors, community factors, and economic factors contributed to the increased use of tobacco among the youth aged 15-35 years.
Recommendation:
The Ministry of Health should increase taxes on tobacco sales to reduce tobacco use by the youth Secondly, it should be imperative that all stakeholders engage in concerted efforts to target both schools and out-of-school youths in tobacco control strategies Also, effective smoking prevention programs should take into account the dominant influences of peer groups in the onset and continuation of smoking.

A TERTIARY HOSPITAL RESEARCH ON OVER WEIGHT/OBESE DIABETIC CONSEQUENCES. A CROSS-SECTIONAL INVESTIGATION.

Amit Kumar — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has exhibited a notable surge in recent
decades, mirroring the concerning trend observed in obesity rates. Of particular concern is the escalating incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among paediatric populations, which has
witnessed a twofold increase.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity and diabetic complications
among diabetic patients in India.
Methods:

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted utilising an established clinical
registry within the confines of a tertiary care facility over a span of 18 months. A
retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of adult individuals diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Results:

The study included 495 people with a 10.5% HbA1c. 91% (n=451) of 495 patients
were obese/overweight. 37.8% (n=187) of diabetics aged 50–59, and 59% (n=292) have had
diabetes for less than 10 years. 29.9% (n=148) had one additional comorbidity (hypertension
or dyslipidemia), while 63.4% (n=314) had two. The prevalence of complications was 18.9%
(n=94) myocardial infarction, 11.1% (n=55) stroke, and 9% (n=45) CKD. Age and
hypertension were significantly associated with diabetic complications (adjusted OR=1.03;
95% CI 1.00 to 1.07; p=0.041 and OR=4.06; 95% CI 1.21 to 13.60; p=0.023).

Conclusion:

In our research, it appears that a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 23 kg/m 2,
which is indicative of obesity or overweight, does not exhibit a significant correlation with
the occurrence of complications. Advanced age and the presence of hypertension, conversely,
demonstrate robust prognostic value in predicting the occurrence of complications.

Recommendation:

Given the current understanding of diabetes, it is advisable to promote
public education targeting the affected population in order to mitigate the associated
complications.

ADHERENCE TO THE ROUTINE NON-PHARMACOLOGIC INTERVENTIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES AT A RURAL HEALTH FACILITY SETTING OF UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Irene Nakimera — 2023-09-15

Background

The study aimed at determining the prevalence of adherence to routine non-pharmacological interventions such as counseling, diet and regular physical exercises among patients in a rural health facility setting of Uganda.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional survey design was used to study 328 Patients who had spent at least 2 years with Chronic Illnesses such as Diabetes, HIV and hypertension accessing services at Luweero Health Centre IV. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the patients during visiting hours at the respective clinics from 20^th of June 2018 to 20^th of July 2018. The data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-Version 20).

Results:

A total of 326 patients with Chronic Illnesses were studied. 236 (72.4%) were having HIV, 54 (16.6%) were hypertensive, 25 (7.7%) were diabetic, and 11(3.4%) were having both HIV and hypertension. The prevalence of adherence to routine counseling is 69.6%, and this is highest among patients with hypertension (81.5%) and lowest among patients with Diabetes ( 56%). The prevalence of adherence to special diet is 71.5%, and is highest among patients with HIV and hypertension and those with HIV alone (91.1%) and lowest among patients with Hypertension (20.4%). The prevalence of adherence to routine physical exercises is 23.0%. This is highest among patients with Diabetes (48%) and lowest among patients with HIV (17.7%).

Conclusion:

Majority (71.5%) of patients with chronic illnesses adhered to special diet, followed by counselling (69.6%) and only 23% of the patients adhered to physical exercises.

Recommendation:

The non-pharmacologic interventionists should design and institute group visiting mechanisms especially among patients that are unmarried if routine adherence is to be improved.

IMPACT OF DIABETES ON LABORATORY MARKERS IN NON-ST ELEVATED ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME PATIENTS- A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Jyoti Prakash Lal Karn — 2023-09-15

Background: The diabetic population is known to be at a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications, particularly in the context of acute coronary syndromes. The present study sought to examine the impact of diabetes on the primary biochemical and hematological indicators in individuals diagnosed with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS).

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study collected data from NSTEACS patients who were admitted and diagnosed using a printed form to record age, comorbidities, and investigation Results. The patients were divided into diabetics and non-diabetics.

Results: Ninety-nine patients were enrolled, 39.4% were diabetic, the mean age of diabetics was (60.7 ± 11.0) years vs. (58.3 ± 13.4) years in non-diabetics; diabetic patients were more to be female 22.9% vs 22.3%, more to have IHD history 59.13% vs 34.8%, more be hypertensive 68.8% vs 54.08%, less to be smokers 32.7% vs 37.7% and hyperlipidaemic 29.2% vs 32.7% when compared to non-diabetic counterparts, however, the differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups did not reach statistical significance apart from the more reported history of IHD in diabetics; p=0.019.

Conclusion: In the context of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), it is noteworthy that diabetes mellitus does not exhibit any significant influence on biochemical and hematological markers, except for elevated blood glucose and serum potassium levels, when compared to individuals without diabetes.

Recommendation: Further investigations are warranted to substantiate these findings and evaluate the prognostic implications of laboratory indicators in individuals with diabetes experiencing acute coronary syndromes, particularly in resource-limited regions where the utilization of more advanced markers may not be feasible.

A COHORT STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE OF LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS AFFECTED WITH SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM.

Nirav Kumar — 2023-09-15

Background:
Numerous studies have identified the presence of adverse cardiovascular effects associated with hypothyroidism. The timely detection of individuals presenting with sub-clinical hypothyroidism yields a beneficial impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates.
Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the potential correlation between subclinical hypothyroidism and left ventricular dysfunction. Additionally, we aim to explore the relationship between systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Materials and Methods:
In this study, a total of 60 cases of subclinical hypothyroidism, as well as 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects, were included. Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) were assessed, and individuals exhibiting subclinical hypothyroidism were subsequently subjected to a two-dimensional echocardiogram (2DEcho).
Results:
A statistically significant decrease was observed in peak early filling velocity (PE) (p<0.001) and early filling time velocity integral (Ei) (p<0.001). The statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the ratio of early and late peak velocities (PE/PA) (p<0.001), the ratio of time velocity integral of early and atrial filling (Ei/Ai) (p<0.001), and the ratio of the early peak to average velocity (PE/M) (p<0.001). The mean ejection fraction (EF) for the hypothyroid patients was 54.8 5.54, which was slightly lower compared to the control subjects who had a mean EF of 55.6 3.45. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant, as indicated by a T-value of 0.48.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that sub-clinical hypothyroidism is associated with notable diastolic dysfunction, while systolic function remains largely unaffected.
Recommendation:
Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism should be regularly monitored for their diastolic function. Any abnormality if detected should be promptly managed to reduce cardiovascular morbidity.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO ANTIHYPERTENSIVES AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING HYPERTENSIVE CLINIC OF MBALE REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL MBALE DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY .

MERCY ALIRO — 2023-09-15

Background:
Adherence to antihypertensive medication is a major challenge today, this study was meant to determine the factors associated with adherence to AHM. The study was to assess the socioeconomic factors, identify the Demographic factors, to determine the Health system-related factors affecting adherence to antihypertensive drugs among hypertensive patients attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Mbale district.
Methodology:
The research design was a cross-sectional study where quantitative approaches were used, the sample size was 97 patients, and was determined using Kish and Leslie formula. The sampling method used was random sampling. Data were analyzed using pencils, pens, and a calculator and then presented using figures, tables, and pie charts.
Findings:
Most of the respondents 42(43.3%) said that they spent more than ugshs10,000 to purchase anti-hypertensive medications per week, 48 (48.5%) respondents said that they spent above ugshs 5000 for transport to the health facility every hypertensive clinic day. The majority of the respondents 55(56.7%) said that their families reminded them when to take their medications, 72 (74.2%) said that they did not receive all their medications from MRRH. 34 (47.2%) of the respondents said that most of the medications prescribed to them were not always available at the facility.
Conclusions:
The study revealed that the patient’s economic status and family support played a vital role in ensuring adherence to AHM, it also revealed that the absence of the prescribed medication and the patient’s inability to access the hospital for reviews was a major hindrance to adherence
Recommendations:
From the study, the researcher recommends that the hospital should put up support groups and ensure continuous education of the patients on the importance of adherence to hypertensive medication and the consequences of non-adherence. The government and its partners should always ensure the timely supply of antihypertensive medicines to the health facility.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS AGED 30-79 YEARS ATTENDING THE HYPERTENSION CLINIC AT HOIMA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Caroline Nabukalu — 2023-09-15

Background:
Hypertension also known as High or Raised blood pressure is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently elevated blood pressure. This study, therefore aimed at assessing factors associated with the prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 30-79 years attending the hypertension clinic at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study design was employed involving both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Kish and Leslie’s method was used in determining the sample size of 75 respondents who were obtained by simple random sampling technique.
Results:
The majority 27(30%) of the respondents with hypertension were aged 60-69 years followed by 20(26.7%) aged 50-59 years, 50(86.7%) were females, 35(46.7%) attained at most primary level of education while 20(26.7%) had no formal education and 48(64%) were living in rural areas. Furthermore, the majority 70(93%) of the respondents did not smoke a cigarette or have a history of cigarette smoking, more than half 40(61.5%) regularly ate vegetables more than 3 times a week, 52(69.3%) did not take alcohol, 72(96%) agreed to stress increasing one’s chances of developing hypertension and 28(37.4%) were classified as being overweight while 27(36%) were obese. There was no significant difference between participants having a relative with hypertension and those who did not.
50(66.7%) identified stress as a risk factor for hypertension while the rest of the risk factors were known to a few of the participants. Knowledge regarding the signs and symptoms of hypertension was good and health workers 45(60%) were identified as the major source from which the respondents had ever first got to hear about hypertension.
Conclusion:
The overall level of knowledge about hypertension among the respondents was average.
Recommendations:
The government in conjunction with the administration and health workers at HRRH should organize regular and comprehensive health education programs and campaigns regarding hypertension.

NCD PATIENT EXPERIENCES ON CHRONIC DISEASE CARE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC. A QUALITATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY DESIGN STUDY IN TWO SELECTED HEALTH FACILITIES IN MBARARA REGION.

ADAM MATSIKO — 2023-09-15

Background: Living with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid and dramatic change in where, when and how care is sought to reduce the risk of virus
transmission. Several reports have confirmed that COVID-19 patients with pre-existing
chronic conditions experience severe disease, worsened health outcomes, and higher
mortality than those without Lack of access to healthcare, poor treatment adherence and lack
of self-care due to physical/social distancing, lockdowns, and disruption in outpatient
services were among the hindrances in the healthcare system despite patients living with
chronic diseases requiring maximum attention and easy access to health care for proper
monitoring. Therefore, important to explore the patient experiences of chronic disease care
during the COVID 19 pandemic in Mbarara region.

Methods: This was an exploratory descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted in randomly selected health centers in Mbarara Region, Southwestern Uganda. People living with chronic diseases receiving care in health facilities around Mbarara Region were purposively sampled for an in-depth interview using an interview guide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed using verbatim in MSWord. The descriptive data analysis was done using Creswell’s six-step model and transcribed by the researcher manually and keywords were identified to represent
the codes.

Results: Participant experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were categorized into four
themes: lifestyle changes, challenges faced during the lockdown, experiences of the
participants diagnosed with COVID-19, preventive measures taken and lessons learnt during
the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: People with chronic conditions experienced a confluence of the COVID-19
pandemic and chronic diseases in the context of difficulty in accessing healthcare and in
recommendation more research should be done to quantify the factors associated with these
patient experiences

A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 AMONG PATIENTS AGED 30-60 YEARS ATTENDING HEALTH SERVICE AT BUKEDEA HEALTH CENTER IV IN BUKEDEA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

William Otigo — 2023-09-15

The purpose of the study: The study was conducted to find out the prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2 among clients 30-60 years at Bukedea Health center IV.

Study objectives: The study objectives were; Prevalence, individual factors and knowledge of patients on diabetes mellitus type 2 among adult clients between age30-60 years.

Methodology: A cross sectional study of 80 respondents was used for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used and data collected using survey and interviewing method was presented and analyzed using descriptive frequencies and percentages using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft word.

Results: There is slightly high prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2 with 38 (47%) having been diagnosed with the condition, 28 (38%) having a family member diagnosed with the condition and 9 (11%) having their sugar levels above 10mm/l, the majority of respondents 68 (85%) were ignorant about the condition, 12 (15%) were weighing above 60kgs ,majority 50 (62%) had gained weight and of which the majority 57 (71%) do not do body exercise, The conclusions: Of the 80 respondents, few had their sugar levels above 10 mm/l, still many had ever been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. and had a family member diagnosed with diabetes mellitus 2,slightly a moderate number of patients had no knowledge about diabetes mellitus, while still a slight majority were weighing above 60 kgs, However a majority of the respondents had gained weight, majority of respondents still don’t do body exercise.

RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD) IN TYPE II DIABETES: EVALUATION OF THE ATHEROGENIC INDEX OF PLASMA, NON-HDL CHOLESTEROL, AND OTHER CARDIAC INDICES.

Vaidehi — 2023-09-15

Background: Diseases related to cardiac problems have caused deaths in about one-third of the world, and the number may rise in the near future. According to the American Heart Association, 65% of the deaths from type II diabetes are caused by cardiac diseases and stroke.

Objective: The main motive of this study was to examine the plasma for its atherogenic index, non-HDL cholesterol, and other indices that could make diabetic patients prone to cardiac diseases.

Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The subjects who were included in this study have type II diabetes. The cases were from Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences in Nalanda, Bihar. This was done on 170 patients. AIP calculator was used for the calculation of AIP values. Statistical analysis was done by using the chi-square test.

Results: According to the study age, body mass index, sex as well and AIP have a strong correlation with TC, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. For less than 10 years, 60 people (60.3%) had been found to be suffering from type II diabetes. A total of 40 (54.1%) people did not have diabetes in their immediate family. 30 people were classified as obese according to BMI.

Conclusion: This study showed that increasing AIP is directly related to cardiovascular risk factors. So, these risk factors influence the AIP indices. Lifestyle change, regular exercising and a healthy diet are recommended based on the study.

A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS AND PREECLAMPSIA.

Ranbir Kumar Singh — 2023-09-15

This review examined the role of oxidative stress in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and metabolic illnesses, including gestational diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress induces hypoxia in the placenta in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH). This hypoxia usually causes a systemic inflammatory reaction in the mother. In physical education, the disease causes kidney inflammation and proteinuria. Proteinuria is characterized by urine 8-oxoGuo excretion in preeclampsia. Due to increased insulin synthesis during pregnancy, oxidative stress is linked to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Unregulated insulin release generates lipid peroxidation agents, which inhibit antioxidant secretion. Therefore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) grow dramatically in the cellular environment, inhibiting glucose delivery to diverse organs.

CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 MELLITUS AMONG ADULTS AGED 45-60 YEARS ATTENDING DIABETIC CLINIC AT KISENYI HEALTH CENTRE IV IN KAMPALA DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY DESIGN.

Arthur Ronald Kamoga — 2023-09-15

Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a type of diabetes mellitus that is very prevalent in Uganda and affects a wide percentage of the adult population. Much as there have been successive interventions in the prevention and control of this non-communicable disease, it is still increasing annually.
Methodology:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted to assess the challenges associated with the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults aged 45-60years attending the diabetic clinic at Kisenyi Health Centre IV and the researchers ought to determine the knowledge, lifestyle factors, and health facility-related factors associated with the management of type2 diabetes mellitus among the same population.
Results:
Study findings revealed that males were the majority65% and stayed in a rural residence 69%. Most of the respondents had sufficient knowledge of diabetes mellitus. More than 80%had knowledge of the definition, types, signs, and causes of diabetes. The majority of respondents said there was a general readiness of facilities to handle diabetes but the health workers needed more training.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the respondents had sufficient knowledge of diabetes mellitus.
Most of the diabetics could define diabetes and knew at least two causes of diabetes mellitus though most thought that taking too much sugar was the most likely cause. The respondents know the types of diabetes mellitus, its signs and symptoms, and the susceptible ages of diabetes mellitus.
Recommendations:
There is a need for the government to therefore prioritize the non-communicable disease treatment and prevention budget, for the health facilities to develop better organizational structures in diabetic clinics and proper stock management. All these will help to reduce the diabetes disease burden in the country at large.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO NON-ADHERENCE TO ANTI-DIABETIC MEDICATION AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS ATTENDING NDEJJE HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abdul Rahim Khalid — 2023-09-15

Background:

The prevalence of Non-adherence to anti-diabetic medication is on the rise across the world. The purpose of this study was to find out the factors contributing to non-adherence to anti-diabetic medication among patients attending Ndejje Health Centre IV, Wakiso district.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional research design was used on diabetic patients aged 18-88 years, selected using a simple random sampling method and questionnaires to collect data which was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and the results were presented as tables, graphs, and pie charts.
Results:
The majority 99.1% had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 57.3% had the disease for less than five years 90.4% reported hypertension as the most experienced comorbidity. 87% reported diabetic neuropathy as the most common complication. The reasons for non-adherence were; drugs being expensive (25%), not understanding the prescriptions (17.5%), and unavailability of anti-diabetics (16%).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, even though the majority of the respondents were adherent to their anti-diabetic medication, 34.3% were non-adherent, and they mentioned drugs being expensive as the biggest reason for this.
Recommendations:
Therefore, the researcher recommends the Ministry of Health ensure that drugs are available at health facilities and prescribers should explain the use, effects, and why these drugs are essential to patients.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADHERENCE TO ANTIDIABETICS AMONG ADULT DIABETIC PATIENTS ATTENDING THE DIABETIC CLINIC OF GOMBE HOSPITAL BUTAMBALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

NAKIWALA JEMIMAH KUTEESA — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Objectives: The major objective was to determine factors affecting adherence to antidiabetic drugs among diabetic patients attending Gombe Hospital.
Methodology:
The research design was a cross-sectional study where quantitative approaches were used, the sample size was 86 patients, and was determined using Kish and Leslie formula. The sampling method used was random sampling. Data were analyzed using pencils, pens, and a calculator and then presented using figures, tables, and pie charts.
Findings:
44(51.20%) reported that age affected their medication adherence 79 (91.86%) patients said that education levels did not affect their medication adherence. 58(67.4%) reported that the drugs pre- scribed to them were expensive. 56 (65%) respondents said that doctors took time to explain to them medication side effects and pill burden management. The majority of the respondents 52 (60%) said that most of the medications prescribed to them were not always available at the facility.58(67.4%) patients reported that it was discomforting to swallow the medication prescribed by the doctors. 58(67.40%) said that they visit the hospital once a month.
Conclusions:
The major health system-related factors affecting adherence were the availability of the prescribed medication in the hospital. In addition, taking a lot of pills a day lowered patients’ adherence and this could be improved by monotherapy. Economic status played a vital role in adherence to anti-diabetes medication for patients to afford the prescribed medication and that patient age played a role in patients' adherence.
Recommendations:
Continuous education of the patients on the importance of adherence to diabetic medication whenever they go for clinic appointments. The government and partnering agencies should always ensure the timely supply of antidiabetic medicines to health facilities to facilitate easy accessibility and continuous availability of drugs to patients. Patients should visit hospitals regularly to avoid escalating complications due to reduced hospital reviews.

THE PREDICTORS AND PROFILE OF HEARING LOSS IN HIGH RISK NEONATES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYTICAL HOSPITAL BASE STUDY.

SANJUKTA PANDA — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Loss of hearing during early infancy leads to delayed development of language, communication, and cognition which affects the social, emotional, and academic achievements of a child. Early identification of hearing impairment improves age-related language and communication skills.
Aim & Objectives:
To find out the prevalence and profile of hearing loss among high-risk neonates in a hospital setup.
Material and Methods:
This was a prospective observational study being conducted over two years at VIMSAR, Bulra, Sambalpur, Odisha. 264 high-risk neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were screened using evoked otoacoustic emission (EOAE) and Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). Neonates who tested refer on EOAE were subjected to BERA and those having a unilateral or bilateral hearing threshold for more than 40 dB in BERA were defined as hearing impaired.
Results:
Most of the study neonates were having multiple significant risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of significant risk factors for hearing loss revealed gestational diabetes of the mother, mechanical ventilation for more than 5 days, hyperbilirubinemia requiring exchange transfusion, hypo-glycemia during the early neonatal period, and duration of hospitalization for more than 5 days were the independent risk factors associated with hearing loss.
Conclusion:
This study implies a high incidence of hearing impairment in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) graduates and a change in the distribution of risk factors for hearing loss. Gestational diabetes, mechanical ventilation for more than 5 days, hyperbilirubinemia with exchange transfusion, neonatal hypoglycemia, and NICU stay for more than 5 days were significant independent clinical risk factors for predicting hearing impairment in high-risk neonates.
Recommendation:
Universal newborn screening for hearing loss in high-risk neonates and early identification of risk factors and exposure reduction should be done, so that the devastating effects of hearing impairment could be prevented before it starts.

THE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PROCALCITONIN AS A BIOMARKER FOR SEPSIS IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS- A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Priyanka Prasad — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

The complicated condition known as sepsis is characterized by life-threatening organ failure brought on by an unbalanced host response to infection. It has received attention for its early detection and rapid supply of antimicrobials because it is linked to considerable morbidity and mortality rates in both adults and children. With higher diagnostic and prognostic utility for bacterial infections, procalcitonin is a recognized biomarker for bacterial sepsis in the non-pregnant population.

Method:

Children who were admitted between January 2022 and December 2022 to the paediatric intensive care unit at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital with sepsis or septic shock ranged in age from 28 days to 14 years. The children were divided into two groups: the septic shock group (SSG; n = 43) and the sepsis group (SG; n = 47). Procalcitonin levels were assessed at admission (T0) and again 12 hours later (T12h), with the following classifications based on the results: 0.5 ng/mL = sepsis improbable; 0.5 to 2 = sepsis possible; 2 to 10 = systemic inflammation; and 10 = septic shock.

Result:

At T0, there were more SSG patients in the highest PCT class than SG patients [SSG: 30 (38.9%) > SG: 29 (36.2%); p<0.02]. In comparison to the other classes, the proportion of SSG patients in this highest PCT class was higher (p<0.02; 10 = 38.9%; 2 to 10 = 28.5%; 0.5 to 2 = 28.5%). Procalcitonin behaved similarly at T0 and T12 hours.

Conclusion:

Sepsis can be distinguished from septic shock by procalcitonin, which can also help with pediatric septic disease diagnosis and may be associated with severity.

Recommendation:

Along with procalcitonin, other definitive tests must also be conducted in context with information from clinical data for sepsis diagnosis.

FACTORS INFLUENCING PREVALENCE OF MALARIA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS ATTENDING PEDIATRICWARD AT HOIMA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, HOIMA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Kamuhaise Gillian — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
The objectives were to determine the prevalence, Socio-demographic, and environmental factors influencing the prevalence of malaria among children under five years attending the pediatric ward at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima district.
Methodology:
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 100 respondents, selected by simple random sampling technique, data was selected using self-administered questionnaires and the researcher assisted in interpreting for the illiterates.
Findings:
The prevalence of malaria among children under five years was (92/100) 92%. Most 92(92%) had ever suffered from malaria, half 50(50%) of the respondents reported the death of children under five years due to malaria, majority 90(90%) reported that malaria was commonest in a rural setting, 90(90%) slept under insecticide-treated nets, all 100(100%) obtained their insecticide-treated nets freely from health centers, majority 80(80%) controlled mosquito population in their area by slashing, all 100(100%) reported that mother’s education influenced malaria prevalence, all 100(100%) reported that malaria was commonest in the wet season, most 99(99%) reported more malaria prevalence in areas(warm) near the equator, most 40(40%) reported more mosquito bites in the grass thatched lastly more than half 76(76%) reported that malaria was more in low land.
Conclusion:
The study found that the prevalence of malaria is very high among children under five years attending pediatric wards in HRRH. This was influenced by being in a rural setting, low level of mother’s education, being peasants, wet season, being near the equator, humidity, and sleeping in grass-thatched houses. Poor control of the mosquito population, and not sleeping in well-ventilated houses with mosquito traps were the other factors
Recommendations:
The government in conjunction with the administration and health workers of HRRH should carry out regular and comprehensive health education programs and campaigns regarding malaria. Supporting and providing easy access to health centers and prompt management of those affected.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE AMONG CARETAKERS OF SICKLERS AT PAEDIATRIC WARD IN MBALE RRH. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Deborah Namajja — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Purpose of the study: The study aims at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the management of sickle cell disease among caretakers of sicklers at the pediatric ward in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study that employed a simple random probability sampling technique to select 100 caretakers of sicklers at the pediatric ward to participate in the study. The questionnaire method was used in the collection of data.
Results:
79(79%) of the caretakers reported pallor as a sign of SCD that requires immediate attention, 71(71%) knew blood transfusion as a treatment option for SCD, and 76(76%) knew the child should drink 10-15 glasses of water per day as a precaution to be taken at home for the child to live healthy. However, the majority of the participants 62(62%) did not know the complications of SCD if not managed well. 86(86%) preferred taking the child to a health facility when they get a sickle cell crisis, 82(82%) agreed that a child with SCD should get regular treatments and 82(82%) agreed that a child with SCD should get regular treatments. 43(43%) reported giving the child painkillers when a child gets a painful crisis and 38(38%) reported ensuring the child drinks enough water to prevent a sickle cell crisis.
Conclusions:
Given the above results, most of the respondents had good knowledge, a positive attitude, and poor practices towards the management of SCD.
Recommendations.
Health workers at Mbale regional referral pediatric unit should offer continuous health education to caretakers to improve their practices towards the management of SCD. The Ministry of Health should introduce a universal newborn screening program for early diagnosis and initiation of comprehensive SCD care for children. Caretakers should adhere to the recommended home-based care immediately after the child is diagnosed to prevent complications.

ASSESING FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE IN PAEDIATRIC WARD AT LIRA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Ogwal Emmanuel — 2023-09-15

Background:
The objective aimed to assess factors associated with the prevalence of anemia in children under five years of age and specifically to assess sociodemographics, evaluate the level of knowledge of caregivers and determine economic factors associated with anemia in the pediatric ward at LRRH.
Methodology:
A hospital-based descriptive and cross-sectional design was employed with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods on a sample size of 96 participants.
Results:
The findings indicated the overall prevalence of anemia at LRRH to be 70.8 % partitioned as follows; severe anemia at 34.38%, moderate anemia at 19.8%, and mild anemia at 16.67% with most affected age groups being 24-35 months with female gender constituting 86.4% while males’ partners had only 13.5%, with majority coming from rural locality that is to say 60.4% compared to urban locality being 39.6%.
Conclusion:
Anemia prevalence at LRRH amounted to 70.8% and Sociodemographic findings showed mostly young mothers of 14-25 and 26-35 years had anemic children signifying early marriage, about knowledge about anemia, its causes, signs, and symptoms, it revealed the majority of the people were familiar i.e. had prior knowledge about the condition and reported infections and fever as the main cause, most identifiable signs and symptoms as conjunctiva pallor, yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin respectively and Economic findings showed most respondents had low-income level (50%) leading to the poorer provision of required foodstuff and low quality of living in their families.
Recommendations :
The GOU through MOH should support regular and routine conduct of prevalence surveys such as a study like this to keep track of its progress and also to invest more in developing its citizens through supporting various Sacco’s within

PRESUMPTIVE TUBERCULAR EMPYEMA THORACIS SCORING SYSTEM (pTESS) IN CHILDREN : AN OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.

Sanjukta Panda — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

Global TB Report 2018 reports that in India, an estimated 2.2 lakh children become ill with tuberculosis (TB) each year (22% of the global TB burden), with a slightly higher burden among males. Pulmonary TB is the most common form in children but the extra-pulmonary TB forms a larger proportion of cases than in adults. Aim & Objective: To find out the diagnostic efficacy of the Scoring system in presumptive tubercular empyema thoracis and the diagnostic accuracy of CBNAAT in the diagnosis of tubercular empyema thoracis.

Material & Method:

41 patients aged 1-14 years were enrolled after written informed consent was obtained from the patients. Children with ATT or preexisting lung disease were excluded from the study. Presumptive TB Empyema was defined on the basis of the revised National Tuberculosis Program (RNTCP). The cutoff score for the scoring system was calculated and retrospectively applied to the 41 subjects and the efficacy was assessed.

RESULT:

pTESS had an area under the curve 0.967(95% CI 0.902-1.000, p-value <0.001)Indicating a good predictive value in predicting tubercular empyema had a sensitivity of 90.91% (58.72% to 99.77%) and specificity 96.67 %( 82.78%- 99.2%), false positive rate 3.33%( 0.08%- 17.22% ), false negative rate 9.09%(23%- 41.28%) positive predictive value 90.91% (58.72%- 99.77%), negative predictive value 96.67% (82.78%- 99.92%), LR+=27.27 LR-=0.09OR-130.5, Youden Index 0.8. The sensitivity of CBNAAT in our study was 36.36% and specificity of 96.67% positive predictive value of 80%, negative predictive value of 80.56%.

Conclusion:

pTESS Scoring System can be used for the diagnosis of TB Empyema.

Recommendation:

Clinical assessment by the pTESS scoring system may be used for diagnosis of TB Empyema in the pediatric age group.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OCCURRENCE OF PNEUMONIA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS AT ISHONGORORO HEALTH CENTRE IV IN IBANDA DISTRICT: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Jibril Semakura — 2023-09-15

Background:
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by among other etiologies, bacteria, or viruses. It is an infection of the lung parenchyma and is caused by a wide variety of organisms in pediatric patients. The study focussed on assessing the socio-demographic, environmental, and health-related factors associated with pneumonia among children under five years.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used using a structured questionnaire amongst 85 respondents who were selected using a systematic sampling method to participate in the study.
Results:
From the study, the majority 50% were married, most 45 had attained primary level, the majority 62% of the respondents were from rural areas, the majority 43% were peasants, and 57% had more than 3 children, Results showed that 475% agreed that there was a window on respondents’ house and more on their house, majority 78% of the respondents were leaving their windows open daily, majority 28(70%) of the respondents were having their household near the street, majority 68% of the respondents were using wood for cooking,
Conclusion:
According to the study results and discussions, it was revealed that factors such as mothers’ age, parents’ level of education, and Household monthly income levels were associated with pneumonia among children aged five years and below Furthermore kind of fuel respondents use for cooking such as wood, respondents were not leaving their windows open daily, the house has less than two windows, not having a window on their house were associated with pneumonia among children aged five years and below.
Recommendation:
The researcher recommends that there should be an organized effort to mobilize communities on health benefits and use kitchens with enough smoke escape roots like windows and/or chimneys and control programs should focus on treatment and prevention of severe pneumonia among children.

A SURVIVAL ANALYSIS ON THE IMMUNE LANDSCAPE OF PAEDIATRIC SOLID TUMOURS.

Khushboo Shrivastava — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
The functional orientation of the tumor microenvironment has been shown in large immunogenomic investigations to play a predictive role in adult solid tumors; however, the paediatric equivalent of this variable has received little attention.
Method:
For four paediatric tumor types (408 patients), Wilms tumor (WLM), neuroblastoma (NBL), os- teosarcoma (OS), clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), and rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RT), we carried out a thorough study of public RNAseq data (TARGET). We evaluated the Immunologic Constant of Rejection’s (ICR) capability to detect an active Th1/cytotoxic response. Additionally, we carried out gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), grouped more than 100 immunological features with good characterization into distinct immune subtypes, and compared the results.
Result:
Higher ICR scores were linked to better OS and high-risk NBL without MYCN amplification survival, but worse WLM survival. The same four major modules previously discovered in adult tumors (TCGA) were revealed by clustering immunological characteristics. These modules classified paediatric patients into six immunological subtypes (S1–S6), each of which had a different prognosis for survival. The S2 cluster, which has low enrichment of the wound healing signature, high Th1, and low Th2 infiltrates, and the S4 cluster, which has the opposite characteristics, demonstrated the best overall survival. Increased T-cell infiltration and worse outcomes were linked to the WNT/Beta-catenin pathway in OS.
Conclusion:
We showed that extracranial paediatric tumors might be categorized by their immunological makeup, revealing parallels with tumors seen in adults. To find diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and to find potential immune-responsive tumors, immunological factors may be investigated.
Recommendations:
Close disease surveillance and genetic evaluation are recommended for patients with certain solid tumors or particular predisposing conditions.

A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF SPECTRUM OF NON-NEOPLASTIC LESIONS OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.

Saurabh Sharma — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

The small and large intestines constitute a significant portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Numerous benign, malignant, and congenital disorders manifest from this anatomical region. Benign aetiologies primarily encompass inflammatory and infectious pathologies. The colon represents the predominant anatomical location for the occurrence of gastrointestinal neoplasia within Western populations.

Aim:

In order to ascertain the pattern, frequency, and location of non-neoplastic lesions impacting the intestine, with the aim of increasing clinicians' awareness of their occurrence within this particular region.

Methods:

A comprehensive analysis was conducted on a total of 500 nonneoplastic gastrointestinal tract (GIT) lesions. The histopathological findings were meticulously examined, in conjunction with an analysis of the spatial distribution of lesions, and a correlation was established between the histopathological findings and the clinical parameters.

Results:

The predominant type of specimens obtained for analysis consisted of bowel resection samples, accounting for 433 cases (86.68% of the total). The remaining specimens were comprised of endoscopic biopsies, totaling 66 cases (13.33%). Non-neoplastic lesions were found to be more prevalent, accounting for 125 cases (83.33%), compared to neoplastic lesions, which accounted for 83 cases (16.67%).

Conclusion:

The meticulous evaluation of specimens, both at a macroscopic and microscopic level, in conjunction with relevant clinical data, serves as a valuable approach to achieving precise objectives and enhancing the patient's overall well-being.

Recommendation:

Lesions that are not considered malignant need to be followed up every year or every two years with the help of EUS or endoscopy to rule out malignancy.

Paediatric non-endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: our experience at an Indian tertiary teaching hospital

Khushboo Shrivastava — 2023-09-15

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a very uncommon malignant tumour in children under the age of 20. The diagnosis of paediatric NPC is challenging due to its relative rarity. This unusual occurrence is frequently linked to delayed diagnosis, which can result in advanced loco-regional illness. Here, we investigate the clinical manifestations, investigations, and treatment of paediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a nonendemic region.

Method: The data from children and adolescents who had been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer served as the basis for this study, which was carried out at the Cardiology and Pathology Departments of a tertiary teaching hospital in the eastern region of India.

Result: In this retrospective analysis, 17 paediatric patients under the age of 18 were enrolled. Between December 2020 and January 2022, they were treated at a tertiary teaching hospital. 17 kids with nasopharyngeal cancer between the ages of 6 and 18 took part in this study. In this study, there were 7 girls (41.1%) and 10 boys (58.8%). NPC diagnosis occurred at a median age of 14 years (interquartile range: 6–18 years). In 15 (88.2%) individuals, neck swelling was the most frequent clinical manifestation, followed by nasal bleeding, nasal block, and hearing impairment in 10 (58.8%), 12 (70.5%), and 11 (64.7%) of cases, respectively.

Conclusion: With the exception of individuals who have distant metastatic disease, children with NPC have a very good prognosis. NPC in children is typically not clinically suspected until the patient is in a late stage. The most important prognostic factor is the TNM staging. Unfortunately, NPC frequently has distant metastases at the time of diagnosis in the paediatric age range and has a tendency to be locally progressed.

CYTOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF MALE BREAST LESIONS: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS IN NORTHERN STATE OF INDIA.

Aruna Gupta — 2023-09-15

Background:

Symptoms of breast sickness commonly include breast discomfort, nipple discharge, and palpable breast lumps. Breast cytology, which involves fine-needle aspiration, nipple discharge smear, and touch preparation, may accurately assess breast specimens. This study's goals are to categorize the different cancers of the breast that breast cytology can diagnose and to assess the clinical sufficiency of narrative reporting of breast cytology results.

Methods:

The medical files of 390 patients who visited the general surgery clinics at the Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda within five years underwent retrospective analysis.

Results:

Neoplastic breast lesions accounted up 75.9% of the overall number of breast lesions, however, all diagnostic breast lesions (n = 94) were non-neoplastic. The ratio of benign to malignant lesions was 2.6:1, with 72.3% of benign and 27.7% of malignant lesions among the neoplastic lesions (n = 214). Gynecomastia (n = 33) and fibroadenoma (n = 136) were the most frequently diagnosed breast lesions in both men and women.

Conclusions:

Both malignant and non-cancerous breast lesions were correctly detected by breast cytology. By comparing our findings with previous observations made by other authors, the conclusion that was drawn was that women were more likely than men to develop neoplastic breast lesions, whereas men were more likely to develop non-neoplastic lesions.

Recommendation:

This hospital is advised to implement a synoptic reporting format that includes the diagnostic categories (C1 to C5) of the United Kingdom's National Health Service Breast Screening Programme in order to resolve the issues related to narrative reporting of breast cytology results.

The ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG PEOPLE RESIDING IN NAMUWONGO, MAKINDYE EAST DIVISION KAMPALA, UGANDA, A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

daniel safari — 2023-09-15

Background:

There is an increasing global concern about Antibiotic resistance causing a serious threat to public health with estimated 700,000 deaths per year and it’s estimated to increase to about 10 million deaths by 2050. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic resistance among people residing in Namuwongo, Makindye East Division, Kampala Uganda.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study among 178 randomly selected participants through a structured questionnaire.

Results:

The majority of the respondents were females 125/178 (70.22%).137 (76.97)of residents agreed that missing an antibiotic dose contributes to antibiotic resistance (mean score of 2.62±0.74). 122 (68.54) respondents agreed that the consumption of antibiotics without a physician's prescription can contribute to antibiotic resistance. (mean score of 2.45±0.85). Majority of respondents agreed that antibiotic resistance is increasing (73.60%, Mean score 2.58±0.75). 135 (75.84) agreed that antibiotic resistance can be accelerated by the overuse of antibiotics. (mean score of 2.61±0.73). 127 (71.35) also agreed that Antibiotics are effective for the treatment of both bacterial and viral infections (mean score of 2.56±0.75). 93.82% agreed that the government should create more awareness of antibiotic resistance.

Recommendations:

Each pharmacy should at least have a basic laboratory so that patients get tested before any prescription, this will curb the unnecessary and wrong usage of antibiotics for illnesses not caused by bacteria. Drug shops should strongly be advised only to dispense medicines, especially antibiotics provided the buyer has a genuine prescription note from a medical doctor, this practice shall thereby reduce self-medication that leads to irrational use of antibiotics in the treatment of viral infection

Conclusion:

There was poor knowledge about the usage of antibiotics in the treatment of viral infections. There is a need to raise more awareness and education on antibiotic resistance, particularly on proper antibiotic usage.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CARDIO-RESPIRATORY CHANGES OF AMARNATH YATRIES AT DIFFERENT HEIGHTS OF YATRA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Dr. Rajendra Kumar — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

More than 3.5 lacs Amarnath Yatries ascend each year to holy Amarnath Cave situated about 3888 meters from the sea level. During ascent for Yatra in the mountains experiences multiple environmental stressors, but the stress unique to high altitudes is the oxygen-deficient atmosphere. This work focused on Physiological cardio-respiratory changes of Amarnath Yatries at different heights of Yatra.
Methods:

An observational study on Blood Pressure, Oxygen Saturation, Respiratory rate, and Pulse rate was conducted among 75 Amarnath Yatries at different heights during Amarnath Yatra from month of June and July in three years 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively, and the researcher himself accompanied those groups during all 3 years after receiving ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee RIMS Ranchi and informed consent from Yatries.
Results:

Oxygen saturation (%) was 97.7±1.8 at Ranchi (control value), this value on exposure to high altitude, at Amarnath Cave (12500 feet) decreased to 75.2±4.3 %. Respiratory Rate (RR) was 15.5±1.8 per minute at Ranchi (control value), this value on exposure to high altitude, at Amarnath Cave (12500 feet) increased to 31.3±2.9 per minute. Pulse Rate (PR) was 87.6±11.9 per minute at Ranchi (control value), this value on exposure to high altitude, at Amarnath Cave (12500 feet) increased to 121.2±10.3 per minute.
Conclusion:

Blood Pressure, Respiratory rate, and Pulse rate of Amarnath Yatries significantly increase while Oxygen Saturation decreases at Holy Amarnath Cave.

ECHO-CARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT IN 1-12 YEARS OF CHILDREN VISITING TERTIARY CARE CENTER.

Amish Kumar — 2023-09-22

Introduction:
Congenital heart defects in neonates can cause serious growth problems, and they can increase the rates of morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: This study is conducted to understand the morphology of the prominent congenital heart defect that is ventricular septal defect in the pediatric population of one to twelve years by performing the eco-cardio graphic study. Also, to derive an understanding of functional defects due to defective morphology.
Methods:
A survey was carried out amongst the 100 children who visited the IGIMS hospital and either presented the symptoms of cardiac defects or were previously diagnosed with ventricular septal defects. In the survey, basic information about the children was recorded, and then an eco-cardiograph was taken using 2D Doppler technology. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis, and the statistical significance of the data was determined.
Results:
Based on the location of the septal defect in the ventricle, they were classified into three categories, near the aortic valve is the peri membranous type, near the muscle of the ventricle, which is the muscular type, and at multiple locations multiple type. The first category defect was among 82%, the second category defect was about 15.5% and the last category defect was about 1.5%. The complexity of the defects increased in certain due to the presence of other cardiac problems. However, the majority of patients had defects of less than 5mm which caused leakage of the blood from systemic to pulmonary circulation.
Conclusion:
The majority of the defects that were observed could be managed or treated with proper intervention if they were detected earlier. This could prevent the defect from progressing to more severe cases.
Recommendations:
When conventional TTE is equivocal, a trans-esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is recommended.

THE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ULNAR NUTRIENT FORAMEN: A MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS.

Mahesh Dhoot — 2023-09-22

Background:
The arteries that provide nutrients to the bone enter the bone of the ulna through the nutrient foramina. During bone grafting, it is necessary to understand the position and number of nutrient foramina to ensure that the bone grafts have a good supply of vessels and that the blood vessels are not damaged. In this research, the morphology of nutrient foramina on the Human ulna bone is studied.
Methods:
100 ulna bones were procured from the anatomy department of Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. The bones were taken for study irrespective of gender or age. The bones were examined to determine the side of the ulna. The bones were thoroughly observed for the position and number of nutrient foramina. The nutrient foramina was located and marked. The bone’s length and distance of the foramina from the end of the bones were determined and put into Hughes’s formula to calculate the foramina index. The data obtained was statistically analyzed.
Result:
The nutrient foramina was located towards the end of the bone. Out of all bones, only 6% had two nutrient foramina; the rest all had one nutrient foramina. The relation of bone length to the number of nutrient foramina was not significant. According to the foramina index calculated, most of the nutrient foramina were located on the anterior part of the third of the middle part of the bone; the mean foramina index was 36.48.
Conclusion:
From this study, the morphology of the nutrient foramina on the ulna bones can be understood. This helps the surgeons during bone grafting to protect the location of the foramina so that the ulna remains vascularized.
Recommendation:
We recommend a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the fracture to assess fragment sizes, displacement, and suitability for primary fixation.

A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF POST-CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFT MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA AND INFARCTION.

B. B. Bharti — 2023-09-15

Patients with obstructive coronary artery disease are advised to undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery to enhance survival and quality of life. Patients receive arterial and venous implants to enhance coronary blood flow. There are factors that can cause periprocedural myocardial necrosis and factors that can cause late recurrent angina following CABG. In this article, an endeavor is made to examine these particulars.

PREVENTION OF DISEASES TRANSMITTED BY THE GIANT AFRICAN SNAIL. A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.

Ibrahim Illia Saidou — 2023-09-15

Background:
The African Giant Snail is considered one of the 100 species most harmful and exotic invaders in the world.
Methodology:
A bibliographic review was carried out in January 2021. References were searched in Pubmed, Medline, and Scelo databases. The Google Scholar search engine was used. The keywords: "communicable diseases", "Achatina fulica", "African giant snail", "exotic invader species", "prevention", and "communicable diseases", were used in the search strategy. Relevant literature or articles recently in English, Spanish, or Portuguese in full text were considered as selection criteria. The analysis of quality, reliability, and methodological validity of the chosen articles allowed us to carry out an adequate review and the selection of 26 bibliographic sources.
Results:
The Achatina fulica measures up to 30 cm. It is an oviparous hermaphrodite and deposits 100 to 200 eggs the first year and then between 500 and 1200. It has a brownish-black body and a reddish-brown conical shell with vertical lines. It serves as an intermediate host of parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause illnesses in humans. The main control measures include the prevention of contact and the mechanical destruction of this vector.
Conclusion:
African Giant snail, disseminated to almost all the tropical regions of the world, produces big damage to agriculture, the flora, the fauna, and human health; the most effective method for its control is the manual gathering of the snail and its eggs for its later destruction, however, most of the population ignores the appropriate forms the eradication and it maintains a low perception of risk.
Recommendation:
This article sought to offer summarized information and recent that allows the medical students to identify the African giant snail and to carry out promotion actions and prevention in the communities that serve them as educational scenarios.

A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON DISEASES TRIGGERED BY MENOPAUSE

Emrana Rahman — 2023-09-15

Menopause is an inherent physiological occurrence encountered by females during the midlife stage. In order to facilitate the effective management of this event among women, it is imperative to ascertain their healthcare information requirements. It is commonly linked with the medical conditions of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and sarcopenia. Sarcopenia encompasses the degenerative process of age-related muscle atrophy, accompanied by a decline in muscular performance. This condition has recently gained recognition within the medical community and is understood to be exacerbated by a deficiency in oestrogen. Osteoarthritis has been found to exhibit a correlation with oestrogen deficiency in recent medical research. A locomotor disability results in a diminished quality of life. Deterioration in musculoskeletal well-being has the potential to advance to a state of frailty, leading to an elevated occurrence of falls and fractures. These subsequent events contribute to an augmented burden of ill- ness and mortality. Healthcare providers and policymakers must prioritize their attention toward this specific cluster of disorders and incorporate preventive measures into national programs aimed at mitigating the utilization of health resources.

A PROSPECTIVE NON-RANDOMIZED STUDY OBSTRUCTION OF GASTRIC OUTLET: OUTCOMES OF ANTRODUODENAL STENTING.

Ravi Keshari — 2023-09-15

Background:
The advanced stage of gastric cancer is commonly characterized by gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), extrinsic lymph node compression, and pancreaticobiliary malignancy. The patient presents with symptoms of gastric discomfort, postprandial epigastric fullness, and recurrent abdominal pain. The act of emesis can lead to significant consequences such as severe dehydration, malnutrition, and a diminished quality of life (QoL). Endoscopic enteral stent implantation has gained recognition as a viable alternative treatment modality for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) due to its favorable safety profile, minimal invasiveness, and cost-effectiveness.
Method:
For five years, a prospective, non-randomized study was conducted on Patients who had a gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) and weren’t candidates for surgery because of the procedure’s high morbidity, refusal, or low nutritional status were suitable if they were over 18. The stent that was utilized was a Wallflex by Boston Scientific Corporation, MA, United States, exposed SEMS with a diameter of 27 mm (22 mm at the mid-body) and lengths of 60, 90, or 120 mm preloaded in a 10 Fr delivery system
Result:
The presence of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Score (GOOS) 1 was observed in three instances 8 instances (53.33%) of those with laboratory evidence of biliary blockage had biliary drainage (50.00% endoscopic and 50.00% surgical). A favorable response to the intervention of oral diet tolerance was observed, with an average duration of approximately 1 day (19 hours) until the patient could tolerate a liquid diet
Conclusion:
The utilization of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) in the management of gastroduodenal malig- nancies is a viable, safe, and effective strategy, especially in individuals with a limited life expectancy or in advanced disease states. This intervention facilitates improvements in both nutritional status and overall quality of life.

SERUM VITAMIN D3 LEVEL IN MIGRAINE PATIENTS- A HOSPITAL BASED CASE-CONTROL STUDY.

Sujata Panda — 2023-09-15

Introduction: The most prevalent type of headache is migraine and it typically presents with a unilateral, pulsatile severe headache lasting from 4 to 72 hours accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and transient neurological symptoms. Also, in recent years Vit D₃ deficiency has emerged as a global public health problem amounting to about 30-80% of children and adults having Vit. D₃ deficiency. The study was to be taken for the role of vitamin D₃ in the severity of migraine patients.

Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Department of ENT and Biochemistry, VIMSAR Burla from January 2023 to June 2023. Age groups of 10 - 60 years of either sex (sample size 65 each) were examined clinically and the severity of migraine was evaluated by MIDAS Score and Biochemical estimation of serum vitamin D₃ level was done by CLIA analyzer (Electra FA). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software version 21.0 (SPSS IBM corporation, Armonk. New York). The p-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results: A total of 65 subjects each from case (clinically diagnosed cases of migraine patients) and control group were evaluated. In the present study, 21 males and 44 females were from the case and 22 males and 43 females were included in control groups. The mean age of males and females were (43.23± 2.3) and (32.58 ± 2.4) in case (42.23± 2.5) and (36.58 ± 2.6) were in control groups. Serum vitamin D₃ level was lower in case groups (18.01 ng/mL) and in control, it was (34.09 ng/mL). The association of serum vitamin D₃ concentration with case and control was highly significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There was a significant deficiency of Vitamin D₃ in migraine patients as compared to control where serum vitamin D3 levels were normal.

DEGLUTITION SYNCOPE IN A HEALTHY 9-YEAR-OLD BOY: FIRST OF ITS KIND IN AFRICA. A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW.

Godfrey Wekha — 2023-09-15

Introduction

Deglutition syncope, also known as swallow syncope is a rear form of situation syncope. It’s a neurally-mediated reflex that occurs during swallowing. This condition has been associated with various esophageal disorders such as esophageal spasm, stricture, and esophageal cancer. In other cases, the cause remains unknown.

Case Report

In this case report, we present the timeline of a healthy 9-year-old boy with deglutition syncope, a rare entity, and the first of its kind in the Sub-Saharan region.

Conclusion

Despite its rarity, healthcare professionals ought to consider deglutition syncope as a diagnosis of exclusion especially in the face of unexplained syncope. Because of associated life-threatening bradycardia, knowledge of the clinical manifestation is equally important for early diagnosis, and institution of care to avert death.

“WAS IT HIS MILK”? A CASE REPORT OF CHLORPYRIFOS AND CYPERMETHRIN MIXED POISONING IN A TODDLER.

Isaac Ebiju — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
The prevalence of organophosphate poisoning has been increasing over the years, with significant hospitalization following the introduction of various pesticides. The inception of different regulating agencies against organophosphate utilization has been effective in developed countries, unlike low- and middle-income countries. Continuous monitoring of vulnerable populations, such as children, and depressed and anxious individuals, is necessary for reducing poisoning cases.
Case:
We discussed a 2-year and 6-month-old male child who was previously healthy and was brought into our pediatric emergency unit of a general hospital with a history of ingestion of fluid that he thought was milk. We present the sequelae of events from the ingestion of the substance until discharge from the facility. Additionally, we elaborate on the different preparations for managing any toddler with organophosphate poisoning.
Conclusion:
Appropriate use of these compounds, instruction of the public about their harmful effects, and restriction of their uncontrolled sales by legal regulations can reduce the incidence of organophosphate poisoning. Promoting emergency management strategies among parents concerning the management of acute poisoning is vital in promoting better children’s outcomes.
Recommendation:
Heath regulation bodies must take an interest in educating health workers and the community concerning organophosphate poisoning and its management, especially in a limited resource setting.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DISPENSING ERRORS AMONG HEALTH WORKERS AT KAWOLO HOSPITAL, BUIKWE DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

HASHURAH NAMUTEBI — 2023-09-15

Background.
The specific objectives of the study were to determine the; individual factors, health facility-related factors, and medicines-related factors contributing to dispensing errors among health workers.
Methodology.
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to address the relationship between the study variables from 50 respondents with a simple random technique to select the study participants.
Results.
56% had ever experienced preventable dispensing errors, 75% didn’t report it, 54% got tempted to be distracted at work, 66% said the quality of prescription writing of fellow workmates was fair, 72% were satisfied with their jobs, 68% noted that their fellow workmates are friendly and 50% had fair computer skills. 52% didn’t have enough dispensers as per the ratio of patients,92% reported that the condition of their working environment was organized, 58% reported that sometimes workmates from different departments accessed the dispensing unit, 70% reported that medicines were assembled on shelves according to pharmaceutical therapeutic order, 60% never had enough space between medicines on shelves in their dispensing units, 90% agreed that the facility had policies related to dispensing. 58% agreed that they had ever experienced drug strength confusion during dispensing, 59% reported endocrine system agents as the classes of medicines they had ever experienced drug strength confusion during dispensing, 78% had never dispensed expired medicines accidentally, 48% had fair labelling strength for medicines, 54% agreed that the packaging of the medicine was decent.
Conclusion.
Poor reporting systems, distraction at work, quality of handwriting skills, unauthorized access to dispensing units, the inadequacy of dispensers as per the ratio of patients, lack of enough space, and drug strength confusion were factors contributing to dispensing errors among health workers.
Recommendations.
The administration should minimize the work overload, limit unauthorized access to dispensing units, and enforce protocol for patient identification and verification of drugs dispensed.

FACTORS THAT HAVE LED TO CONTINUED USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT RUGAZI HEALTH CENTRE IV, RUBIRIZI DISTRICT.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

FLAZIA OWESIGWA — 2023-09-15

Background:

The purpose of the study was to find out the factors that have led to the continued use of herbal medicine among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Rugazi Health Centre IV, district.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed on 50 pregnant women aged between15-45 years using a simple random sampling technique and questionnaires to collect data. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to generate tables, pie charts, and bar graphs for easy presentation of findings.

Results:

All the respondents 50(100%) had ever heard about herbal medicine and used them in their current pregnancy. 58% obtained information from family, (44%) wanted to treat nausea and vomiting. (32%) used ginger and garlic concoctions and (78%) thought herbs had no side effects. Most respondents (78%) did not receive sensitization and counseling about herbal medicine use, (98%) never informed midwives about the herbs they were using, the reason for nondisclosure was they were not asked about it (89%) and fear for midwives’ reactions (20%) Some experienced side effects from conventional medicine and allergies (60%) was the common side effect. Some respondents (57%) used herbs because they are socially and culturally acceptable and (99%) said herbs are cheap and readily available.

Conclusion:

Based on the findings of the study, the overall factors for continued use of herbal medicines during pregnancy were, the belief that herbs were safe, dissatisfaction with the health system, and herbs being free. However, these herbs were not completely harmless.

Recommendation:

The Ministry of Health should carry out sensitization sessions to educate pregnant women about the possible side effects of herbal medicine use in pregnancy to reduce or eliminate the possible side effects since their practice and attitude would cause negative impacts.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SHORTAGE OF DIABETES MEDICINES IN KAKINDO HEALTH CENTRE IV, KAKUMIRO DISTRICT

Felicity Namukisa — 2023-09-15

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SHORTAGE OF DIABETES
MEDICINES IN KAKINDO HEALTH CENTRE IV,
KAKUMIRO DISTRICT

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS NON- PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION AMONG PATIENTS AGED 40 – 75 YEARS IN WAKISO HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

DERRICK BONYO — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

The specific objectives of the study were to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices towards non-pharmacological management of hypertension among patients aged 40-75 years in Wakiso Health Centre IV, District.

Methodology:

The study adopted a cross-sectional study design with a simple random technique as a sampling technique on a sample of 50 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires with semi-structured and open-ended questions written in the English language; data was later analyzed manually and systematically by compiling percentages using Microsoft Excel computer program to generate bar graphs, tables, and pie charts.

Findings:

The knowledge of non-pharmacological management of hypertension showed that; almost all respondents (90%) had ever heard about non-pharmacological management of hypertension, (67%) obtained information health facility. The attitude towards non-pharmacological management of hypertension showed that; (78%) of respondents perceived hypertension to be extremely dangerous to their health, (70%) agreed that non-pharmacological management of hypertension is highly beneficial to their health, (56%) agreed that they could manage hypertension alone with non-pharmacological lifestyle modifications. from practices towards non-pharmacological management of hypertension depicted that; (56%) of respondents reported that they don’t smoke, (44%) daily they carry out physical exercises for 30 minutes, (40%) reported that they rarely add salt to their foods on the table and (52%) commonly feed on carbohydrates.

Conclusion:

The knowledge and attitude towards non-pharmacological management of hypertension were significant impressing though practices prerequisites some improvements to bridge the research gap since a notable number of participants were not entirely adopting self-care non-pharmacological practices

Recommendation:

Health Centre IV administration should sensitively continue to sensitize hypertensive patients on the importance of adopting fully non-pharmacological management practices to control hypertension, with a focus on identifying gaps in the research gap.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS ADVERSE DRUG REACTION REPORTING BY HEALTH CARE SERVICE PROVIDERS WORKING IN AIVEEN PHARMACIES WITHIN CENTRAL DIVISION KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.

Aaron Kudye — 2023-09-15

Purpose of the study:
The purpose of the study was to assess the adverse drug reaction reporting among healthcare service providers in Aiveen pharmacies
Objectives of the study: The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the level of knowledge of reporting ADR“s among healthcare providers, to determine the attitude of reporting ADR“s and to determine the practices of reporting ADR“s among healthcare service providers in Aiveen pharmacies.
Research methodology:
The study employed the descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the specific objectives on a sample of 19 respondents using simple random sampling.
Results of the study:
From the study findings, 76.5% of respondents were not trained on drug safety and ADR reporting, 57.9% were not aware of national ADR reporting guidelines, 78.3% have never seen ADR reporting forms, 84.2% said reporting ADR“s is a professional obligation, 94.7% revealed reporting ADR“s benefit public health, 84.2% had positive attitude towards ADR reporting, 63.2% ever diagnosed on ADR, 78.9% have never reported ADR“s and 73.6% did not report ADR“s to any center neither to pharma- covigilance center, pharmaceutical company nor in hospital DTC and 63.0% revealed that there was lack of reporting forms.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the research study clearly indicates a relatively better attitude but limited knowledge and practice toward ADRs reporting among healthcare professionals working in Aiveen pharmacies.
Recommendation:
The Ministry of Health through the National Pharmacovigilance and Medicine Information Centre (NPMIC) should create awareness of healthcare professionals through regular pieces of training, continuous education, and refresher courses in Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting system. This training could be incorporated into the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program for the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists as part of license requirements for the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in Aiveen pharmacies.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR ADHERENCE TO ARVS AMONG HIV/AIDS PATIENTS ATTENDING ART CLINIC AT WAKISO HEALTH CENTER IV WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY .

HOPE NANYONGA — 2023-09-15

Background:
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors contributing to poor adherence to ARVs among HIV/AIDS patients attending the ART clinic at Wakiso Health Centre, Wakiso District.
Methodology:
The study design used was the descriptive cross-sectional study design.
Results:
The results of the study showed that the individual-related factors were, busy schedules 53.65% and the workplace being very far from the area of picking drugs. The socio-economic related factors that contributed to poor adherence included; unemployment 54%, non-disclosure of respondent’s HIV sero status to their families 30%, negative support from family members 61.8% and the health facility- related factors that contributed to poor adherence to ARVs among HIV/AIDS patients included; longer- waiting time on the day of refill 54%, shortage of drugs at the health facility 66%, bad attitudes from health workers towards the respondents and lack of enough information on the drugs from health workers.
Conclusion:
Based on the overall findings the researcher concluded that busy schedules, workplace being very far from the area of picking drugs, unemployment, non-disclosure of HIV sero status, negative support from family members, longer- waiting time, shortage of drugs, bad attitudes from health workers and lack of enough information on drugs are the major factors contributing to poor adherence to ARVs among HIV/AIDS patients.
Recommendation:
Health education of patients by health workers should be done on dispensing, drug restocking should be regularly done to solve the lack of drugs, reminders should be used for the patients with busy schedules to solve forgetfulness, recruiting adequately trained health care workers in the ART clinic to reduce on the overload and solve the longer-waiting hours, and the government should provide simple jobs to HIV/AIDS patients to solve the unemployment issue and lack of transport fee.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS UTILIZATION OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG FEMALE YOUTH AT NDEJJE HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTION STUDY.

GRACE NABUNYA — 2023-09-15

Background.
The study aimed to find out the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the utilization of emergency contraceptives among female youth.
Methodology.
The study used a cross-sectional study design with a simple random technique as a sampling technique on a sample of 50 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and semi-structured questionnaires; data was later analyzed manually systematically by compiling it in the form of percentage bar graphs, tables, and pie charts.
Results.
Findings from knowledge show that (88%) of the participants had ever heard about emergency contraceptives, (50%) obtained information about emergency contraceptives from the health facility, (82%) knew pills as the type of emergency contraceptive, (64%) knew after un- protected sex as the indicator of EC’s (84%) knew one dose as the recommended dose, (72%) knew within 72 hours as the recommended intervals and (44%) knew pharmacies as the places where they can obtain EC’s.
Attitude towards utilization of EC’s was shown that (60%) of the respondents agreed that the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives in preventing unwanted pregnancies was high, (54%) agreed that emergency contraceptives should be availed to female youth, (74%) were willing to use emergency contraceptives if the need arises.
The practices towards utilization of EC showed that (70%) were sexually active (82%) had ever used emergency contraceptives mostly once in a while as noted by (90%), (80%) had used pills as the emergency contraceptive method they had ever used and (39%) had never used emergency contraceptives because of sexual partner’s disapproval.
Conclusion.
Female youth possessed fairly suitable knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward emergency contraceptives though an infrequent percentage number of participants.
Recommendations.
Ndejje Health Centre IV administration should carry out extensive education and communication programs through community outreaches in areas where female youth are easily accessible to address many misconceptions and myths about emergency contraceptives.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS USE OF ANALGESICS AMONG PATIENTS IN RUBAGA HOSPITAL IN KAMPALA. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

DANIEL FENI — 2023-09-15

Background:

The study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices towards the use of analgesics among the patients attending to hospital in Kampala Uganda.

Methodology:

The study employed was a descriptive cross-sectional in nature, on a sample of 50 respondents using simple random sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaires were designed and used as data collection tool, data was using Microsoft to generate tables, pie charts and bar graphs for easy presentation of findings.

Results:

majority of the respondents (70%) understood analgesics as drugs that relieve and treat pain incidences, 66% of the respondents agreed that analgesics reduce pain in every pain incidences, 90% of the respondents have heard about analgesics as drugs of relieving and treating pain, 56% of the respondents obtained this information from the media and 45% obtained from their friends and family members and 30% obtained from the health workers, 76% of the respondents agreed that taking analgesics to relieve pain has side effects such as dizziness, headache, depression, 86% of the respondent recommended their friends and family members to get advice from health workers before utilizing over the counter medicines, 86% of the respondents agreed that they have used analgesics without consultation of the health workers.

Conclusion:

Patients had good attitude towards the use of analgesics for pain relieve and treatment but, most of them did not have more knowledge about the use of analgesics for treatment and relieving of pain.

Recommendation:

The ministry of health should carry out sensitization sessions to educate the patients about the possible side effects of analgesics and dangers of its use without consultation of the health workers in order to reduce or possibly eliminate the side effects of the drugs and resistances where necessary.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT OF MEDICINES AMONG HEALTH WORKERS AT SOROTI REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, SOROTI DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

IVAN EMWOCHU — 2023-09-15

Background:
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors contributing to poor inventory management of medicines among health workers in Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Soroti District.
The objectives were to determine the individual factors that contributed to poor inventory management of medicines and health facility-related factors that contributed to poor inventory management of medicines among health workers in Soroti regional referral hospital.
Methodology:
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was collected from the respondents using a self-administered questionnaire and a purposive sampling technique was used.
Results:
Regarding individual factors, 6% of the respondents had not taken Integrated Pharmaceuticals Logistics System Training, Pre-service training, and job training like computer maintenance and HMIS, 6% of them had work experience below 3 years, 14% were not happy working in the pharmacy, 32% were not trained or oriented on EMLIP and 94% of the respondents had ever experienced stock-outs during their working experience.
Based on the health facility-related factors, 32% of the respondents said drugs were dispensed from boxes from which they were supplied, 46% of the respondents did not dispense drugs by FIFO, FEFO, and LILO, 72% of the respondents did not arrange drugs in accordance to either ABC or according to pharmacological classes.
Conclusion:
Lack of training or orientation on EMLIP and working experience on stock-outs, poor dispensing according to FIFO, FRFO, and LILO, and arrangement of drugs by ABC and pharmacological classes were the factors contributing to poor inventory management.
Recommendation:
The researcher recommended that the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health should come up with absolute resolutions to combat these problems efficiently and effectively to ensure better and proper methods of inventory management of medicines to improve the welfare of patients’ health-wise.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR INFECTION PREVENTION AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN NDEJJE HEALTH CENTER IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Asina Najjuma — 2023-09-15

Background:
The purpose of the study was to find out the factors contributing to poor infection prevention among health workers at Ndejje Health Centre IV, Wakiso District.
The objective of the study was to determine the factors contributing to poor infection prevention among health workers at Ndejje health center in Wakiso district.
Methodology:
This study adopted a cross-sectional study design with a simple random technique as a sampling technique on a sample of 75 respondents 50 were health workers and 25 were patients. Data were collected using questionnaires; data was later analyzed manually systematically by compiling it inform of percentages using micro soft Excel computer program to generate bar graphs, tables, and pie-charts.
Results:
Findings in health workers-related factors contributing to poor infection prevention were compliance with hand hygiene at 36%, safe infection prevention practices at 36%, attending in-service training on infection prevention bimonthly at 40%, and yearly was 18%.
Findings from health-related factors contributing to poor infection prevention were manual cleaning with washer disinfectors 36%, sterilized equipment’s 40%, enough safety boxes and waste bins for sharps and waste disposal 40
Conclusion.
Poor compliance to hand hygiene, limited use of personal protective equipment like masks, manual cleaning with fewer washer disinfectants, lack of enough safety boxes and waste bins for disposing of sharps and wastes, limited sterilized equipment, health workers not teaching patient about infection prevention practices are the major factors contributing to poor infection prevention among health workers at Ndejje health center iv, wakes District.
Recommendation.
The government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health should make sure that sterilized equip- ment, and personal protective equipment.

ASSESSMENT OF DRUG USE PATTERN AMONG PATIENTS OF OVERACTIVE BLADDER AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY .

Purab Kant Acharya — 2023-09-15

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a serious illness that affects both men and women and becomes more common with age. A large fraction of this population has comorbidities and takes many medicines. To encourage rational drug use in this population the World Health Organization's drug use indicators appear to be an important tool to assess drug use trends.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess medication utilization patterns in patients with OAB attending the Urology OPD.

Materials & Methods: During November –December 2022 this cross-sectional observational research was conducted. The study comprised 51 patients aged 18–60 of both genders. Patients had Overactive Bladder symptoms. The WHO prescription indicators were used to examine these patients' data.

Findings: The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was found to be 3.66 (optimal value 1.6–1.8). An antibiotic was found to be prescribed in 68.63% of encounters (optimal value 20.0–26.8%). The most commonly prescribed form of antibiotic was Ciprofloxacin. 100% of drugs were prescribed by their Generic name. None (0%) of the encounters prescribed an injection. 50.27% of drugs were prescribed from the Essential Drug List (EDL). 29 (74.36%) patients received combination therapy of Tamsulosin + Dutasteride due to BPH. All the study subjects were treated with Beta-3 Agonist Mirabegron for OAB symptoms.

Conclusion: Based on this study's findings, polypharmacy, the prescribing practices for antibiotics, deviates from the WHO-recommended standard. Since antibiotics are frequently overused and expensive, their use must be appropriately monitored. In contrast, generic prescribing and EDL prescribing were not identified as problematic in this study. Further, long-term studies are required to detect irrational use of antibiotics among the study subjects.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AT KAWAALA HEALTH CENTRE IV, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.

Livingstone Kawenyera — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Vaginal candidiasis refers to a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina. This study assessed the factors associated with Vaginal Candidiasis among pregnant women at Kawaala Health Centre IV, Kampala district while specifically seeking to assess the knowledge on vaginal candidiasis health-seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women.
Methodology:
The study adopted a cross-sectional and descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches where a pretested questionnaire designed based on the specific objectives was used to collect data.
Findings:
The majority 55% were between 26-33 years, marital status, the majority 50% of the respondents were cohabiting, 50% of the respondents had attained a primary level of education, religion, Catholic-dominated 51%, majority 78% of respondents had ever heard about vaginal candidiasis, majority 63% of respondents knew that they had vaginal candidiasis after being tested in the hospital, majority 62% of had ever heard about vaginal candidiasis testing, Majority 56% of respondents revealed that they knew the health seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis and Majority 54%of respondents reported that consultation with a general practitioner was the health seeking habits they knew.
Conclusion:
The study therefore concluded that more than 70%) of the respondents had ever heard about vaginal candidiasis, some of the health-seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women such other after being tested in the hospital and by observing signs and symptoms. This indicates that the respondents had a good awareness of health-seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women.
Recommendations:
The government should employ more health workers such that the majority go for outreach services in different areas so that they sensitize women about vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women. Its complications and how they can avoid its services.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG WOMEN BETWEEN 15-49 YEARS TOWARDS UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AT ITOJO HOSPITAL, NTUNGAMO DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Denis Turyasingura — 2023-09-15

Background:
Family planning refers to a conscious effort by a couple to limit or space the number of children they have through the use of contraceptive methods.
Study Objective: The broad objective was to determine the factors affecting the utilization of family planning services among women of reproductive age 15-49 years at Itojo Hospital.
Study Method:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Ntungamo district at Itojo Hospital. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 81 respondents aged 15-49 years and data was analyzed using Excel.
Results:
The study revealed that all the respondents 100% were knowledgeable about family planning meth- ods, the most important source of information was health personnel 63.0%, 53.1% reported that their husbands had a bad attitude and the mostly used family planning method was implanted at 38.2%.
Conclusion:
Most of the respondents were highly knowledgeable about family planning methods. The majority of them had a bad attitude towards family planning as they cited that it causes infertility and contradicts religion. All the respondents had used family planning and the mostly used family planning method was implants.
Recommendation:
There is a need for the government to extend the family planning services up to the village level to increase accessibility by the community, for example through awareness campaigns with help from Community Owned Resource People and VHTs.
Future researchers to look at the factors influencing the choice of family planning methods among women of reproductive age to increase utilization.
The health facility carries out outreach services on family planning services to areas that are far away from the facility to reduce the long distances most respondents have to travel to the health facility.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE UPTAKE OF FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AMONG FEMALES AGED (15-49) AT MARIESTOPES CENTRE MAKERERE- KAVULE, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Racheal Namwanje — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
According to WHO, family planning is the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births.
Objectives of the study:
The main objective of the study was to determine the factors influencing the uptake of family planning services among females aged 15-49 years at Marie Stopes Centre, Makerere-Kavule, Kampala District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional one in which a quantitative method of data collection was used. The researcher utilized simple random sampling on 80 respondents from December 2022 to January 2023 at Marie Stopes Centre Makerere-Kavule. The data collection process was based on the use of self-administered questionnaires which were filled, cleaned, and later analyzed using tables, graphs, and pie charts.
Results:
Out of the 80 respondents in the study, the majority (46.25%) of the respondents were between (20-30) years old, graduates 36(45%), and 45(56%) were marrieds. The study revealed that the leading factors influencing the uptake of family planning at Marie Stopes Centre Kavule included; the cost of family planning services (90%), the age of first sexual intercourse (70%), and accessibility (78%)
Conclusion:
According to the results, factors influencing the uptake of family planning methods included socio-economic factors [i.e. employment status, cost of family planning, level of education], demographic factors [i.e. marital status, age of first sexual intercourse], and health-related factors [i.e. accessibility, age of service providers]. People prefer receiving their family planning services from the private sector compared to the public sector, they also prefer receiving family planning services from service providers who are elderly and experienced, rather than young service providers.
Recommendations :
The researcher recommends that the cost of family planning methods be reduced and service providers be of mixed ages. This will build up trust among family planning utilizers.

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE (15-49) YEARS ON UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AT KASANGATI HEALTH CENTER IV WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

MBULIRO PAULINE MUTIMBA — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
This study assessed the Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Women in Reproductive Age (15-49) Years on Utilisation of Family Planning Services at Kasangati Health Center IV, Wakiso District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 96 respondents who were women of reproductive age (15-49) years at Kasangati Health Center IV in Wakiso District was selected by simple random sampling technique and the data was collected by the use of self-administered questionnaires after informed consent of the respondents. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) version and descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were used to present data on figures, charts, and tables.
Findings:
The majority of the respondents (58%) had knowledge about family planning and had obtained information from the health workers (70.8%), the majority (78%) knew some of the family planning methods mostly condoms (45%). Most of the respondents (70%) would not recommend their female friends to use family planning because they were not health workers (56.3%), males were responsible for making decisions concerning family planning in a family (82.3%),
Conclusion:
The respondents had good knowledge regarding family planning methods however their attitude towards utilization of family planning methods was poor leading to moderately low utilization of the available family planning methods and stopping the use of family planning.
Recommendation:
The Country’s Ministry of Health, through its decentralized systems, should use health workers at the facility and at the community level to sensitize the public on family planning through various forums, including community outreach since the population is more likely to trust information from health workers.

LONGITUDINAL PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF A DISTAL FEMUR FRACTURE CLASSIFIED AS OTA TYPE-C, WHICH IS TREATED WITH A LOCKING COMPRESSION PLATE, IS EXAMINED

Subhendu Naik — 2023-09-15

Background: A research investigation aimed to assess the functional outcomes achieved through the application of locking compression plates for the treatment of OTA type-C distal femoral fractures. These particular fractures constitute approximately 6.97% of all femoral fractures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of locking compression plates in treating distal femur fractures.

Method: Longitudinal prospective study which included a total of 170 patients, comprising both male and female individuals, underwent treatment for distal femoral fractures using locking compression plates. Various parameters including the cause of the wound, affected portion, subtype of fracture, and treatment outcomes were meticulously noted for analysis.

Result: Amongst the 170 patients, 89 of them were males and 81 of them were females. Notably, the leading cause of injury was falls in 38 cases and other causes in 20 cases. In terms of fracture subtypes, there were 70 cases of C¹, 60 cases of C², and 40 cases of C³. When considering laterality, 74 patients had left-sided fractures, while 96 had right-sided fractures. Importantly, these dissimilarities were found to be of statistical significance (P<0.05).

Regarding complications, the study identified four cases of deep infection, two cases of reduction loss, three cases of shortening, and one case of knee stiffness among the patients. Importantly, these complications also demonstrated a statistically significant distinction (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: Locking compression plates have been established to be an effective approach for the treatment of “distal femur fractures”. They offer outstanding sturdiness and contribute to the preservation of limb length and alignment.

Recommendation: The locking compression plate method offers an absolute benefit over the other conventional method, hence this approach should be considered for treating distal femur fractures

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY DONE TO EVALUATE THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF KNEE AFTER ARTHROSCOPIC POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION USING IPSILATERAL PERONEUS LONGUS AUTOGRAFT.

Raman Kumar — 2023-09-15

Background: PCL is one of the major ligaments of the knee joint which stabilizes the tibia on the femur. It prevents posterior translation of the tibia.

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the functional outcome of knee joint after arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using ipsilateral peroneus longus autograft and also to assess the donor site morbidity.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 24 patients in the department of orthopaedics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Sheikhpura, Patna. All patients (male or female; age range 18-40 years) with PCL tear coming in OPD and emergency department of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna; were included in the study.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.5 years with a range from 19 years to 39 years. Most of the patients (37.5%) were in the age group of 25-32 years followed by 33.3% in the age group of 33-40 years, and 29.2% aged 18-25 years. All the patients were males. There was a significant improvement in IKDC and Tegner Lysholm score at 6-weeks, 3-months, 6-months, 1-year, 1.5 years, and 2-years compared with pre-operative IKDC and Tegner Lysholm score. The donor site morbidity was assessed with Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and found to be unaffected.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic single bundle PCL reconstruction using ipsilateral peroneus longus tendon autograft had significant improvement in functional outcome of the knee based on IKDC and Tegner Lysholm score. Ankle function was also found to be preserved based on FADI score at 2-years follow-up.

ENTERAL NUTRITION AND BURN WOUND RECOVERY OF PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS: A CASE OF KIRUDDU NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Susan Nassiwa — 2023-09-21

Background: The study aimed at finding the relationship between normal oral nutrition, use of liquid supplements, tube feeding and burn wound recovery of pediatric patients at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design conducted among caretakers of pediatric burn patients using the prospective sampling method. Socio- demographic factors, medical history, dietary history, 24 hr. recall and biochemical analysis were assessed.

Results: 45 caretakers of pediatric burn patients (mean age = 4.08) were studied. The patients sustained between 02-55% TBSA burns. Majority burns occurred for children aged between 0-5. With (71.1%) largest burns caused by scalds, (20%) flames and (8.9%) chemicals. Overall, 73.3% of pediatric patients placed on normal oral nutrition while 26.7% tube feeding. None of the pediatric patients under study received a liquid supplement. Data analysis of enteral nutrition feeding routes and nutrition outcomes was conducted using the chi square. The results showed that there is a significant and positive relationship between normal oral nutrition, tube feeding and white blood cells (p= 0.005), red blood cells (p= 0.001), hemoglobin (p= 0.000), platelets (p= 0.000), creatinine (p= 0.000), urea (p= 0.000), sodium (p= 0.000), potassium (p= 0.000), chloride (p= 0.000) and albumin (p= 0.002,). The blood cells, protein and biochemical parameters are indicative of wound healing. With linear regression the relationship between normal oral nutrition, tube feeding and albumin was found to be of no significance (p=0.553).

Conclusions: The study illustrated a significant relationship between normal oral nutrition, burn wound recovery and a positive relationship between tube feeding and burn wound recovery of pediatric burn patients at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.

Recommendations: There is need to carry out a biochemical analysis test that includes transferrin, transthyretin, magnesium, zinc and copper as these tests can help in determining the nutrition status of the patients.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 59 MONTHS ATTENDING MOROTO REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL MOROTO MUNICIPALITY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Daniel Laalany — 2023-09-15

Background:
Objectives: Study established factors associated with SAM among children aged 6 months to 59 months attending Moroto Regional Referral Hospital. The specific objectives of the study were to assess demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors associated with SAM among children aged 6-59 months attending MRRH, Moroto municipality in the Karamoja sub-region.
Methodology:
The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. A convenience sampling technique was used. A target population of 152 respondents was included in the study. Research-based questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results:
The prevalence of SAM in children aged 6-59 months attending MRRH is 34.2%. The following factors were significantly associated with SAM: birth order 1-3rd 61.5%, birth interval <2 years 48.1%, rural setting 84.6%, no education background 92.3%, no occupation 82.7%, no stable family income 92.3%, family members >5 71.2%, unsafe source of water 76.9%, breastfeeding < 8 times 69.2%, early or delayed weaning 78.8%, previous infection 67.3%, diarrhea for >1 week 46.3%.
Conclusions:
The findings of this study indicated that birth order, birth interval residence, education level, oc- cupation, family size, source of water, age of weaning, frequency of breastfeeding, previous infections, and diarrhea were major factors associated with SAM among children aged 6-59 months.
Recommendations:
Government through the Ministry of Health should resort to mass screening of children in the Karamoja region to combat the increasing prevalence of SAM in Karamoja. Health education on the importance of family planning should be passed on to them to correctly plan for good birth intervals and manageable family sizes. Emphasis on education for all should be put in place. Management of the underlying conditions, and health education on the importance of breastfeeding should be put in place to fight this epidemic.

FACTORS INFLUENCING FOOD FORTIFICATION AS A MEANS TO COMBAT MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING IMMUNIZATION AT NAKASONGOLA HEALTH CENTER IV. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Arthur Matthew Bukenya — 2023-09-15

Introduction:

Objectives: To determine the factors influencing food fortification as a means to combat malnutrition among children attending immunization whereas the specific objectives were to assess the knowledge of caretakers, ascertain the attitude, and determine the practices affecting food fortification as a means to combat malnutrition among children attending immunization at Nakasongola Health center IV.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the district at Nakasongola Health Center IV. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 100 respondents who had brought children for immunization and data was analyzed using Excel.

Results:

The results from this study revealed that more than 50% of the participants were not aware of the term ‘food fortification’. Most of the participants (86%) were not aware of the fact that the Ugandan government made food fortification compulsory on staple foods and the majority of the respondents reported their source of information as health personnel 63(63.0%). Over 60% of the caretakers reported that they cooked fortified foods in the same way as unfortified foods while 33% cooked the fortified food differently. Most participants (90%) of the respondents think food fortification is important, 22% of the respondents read food labels before buying food while only 2% of the respondents feed their children on fortified food.

Conclusion:

Overall, the study suggests that while there is some level of awareness and positive attitude towards food fortification among caretakers of children attending immunization at Nakasongola Health Center IV, there is still a need for further education and promotion of food fortification practices. This can be achieved through increased awareness campaigns and education by health workers and other stakeholders.

Recommendation:

Education and awareness campaigns should be conducted to increase knowledge about food fortification, its benefits, and the use of fortified foods among the population.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNDER NUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN 2 – 5 YEARS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN BOMBO MILITARY BARRACKS, LUWERO DISTRICT CENTRAL UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY DESIGN.

Anna Alimocan — 2023-09-21

Background:
The HIV epidemic is a major public health concern and is associated with a range of long and short- term health consequences. Children living with HIV/AIDs related illnesses are still among the leading causes of infant mortality. This study sought to determine the factors associated with undernutrition among children 2 to 5yrs living with HIV in Bombo Military Barracks, Luwero District Central Uganda.
Methodology:
The researcher used a descriptive research design to study the study variables. A sample size of 56 participants was selected. Both primary and secondary data sources were used by the researcher. Structured questionnaires, FGDs, and interviews were conducted to collect data, and this data was sorted, edited, coded, and analyzed using SPSS, Dedoose, and WHO Anthro software.
Results:
The findings of the study showed that nutrition status of children is determined by socioeconomic factors and IYCF Practices. More females (60.9%) were enrolled in the study compared to males (39.3%). 6% of girls have a WFH <-3SD, 15% <-2SD, 34% <-1SD and 1% >+1SD. While, 4% of boys have a WFH <-3SD, 9% <-1SD and 26% >+1SD. Children aged between 2 – 3 years are more wasted with a Mean z-Score of -2SD compared to those aged between 4 – 5 years with a mean score of -1SD. This implies that the independent variable directly influences the independent variable.
Conclusion:
Data analysis has as well indicated that most of these children have been breastfed for over 12 months and hence introduced to home-cooked meals at the appropriate time.
Recommendations:
Ministry of health and organizations with nutrition-related programs should take into consideration providing HIV targeted nutrition education.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AGED 19 TO 25 YEARS.

Alicia Isabella Nakibuule — 2023-09-15

Background:

The double burden of malnutrition is an arising issue for developing countries. Furthermore, the burden of non-communicable diseases is developing among the young population. This study assessed the nutritional status and blood pressure of Makerere University students aged 19-25 years.

Methodology:

Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) were collected, and blood pressure readings of 88 university students were measured.

Results:

Results showed that the mean age of the students was 22.13 years. Of the participants, 18% had hypertension while 44% had prehypertension. A higher proportion of male students had hypertension (30%) and prehypertension (49%). The proportion of students with overweight and obesity was 16% and 5%, respectively. BMI showed that more females (24%) were overweight and (10%) obese. WHR and WC results indicated that 20% and 15% of the students had abdominal obesity, respectively. The BMI and MUAC results revealed that 3% and 1% of the students were underweight respectively.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study revealed a concerning prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension as well as overnutrition among University students.

Recommendation:

Therefore, increased awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment are essential.

PENTOXIFYLLINE'S IMPACT ON VENOUS ULCERS: A RANDOMISED STUDY

Yasir Tajdar — 2023-09-20

Objective:

To study the effect of pentoxifylline versus placebo on venous leg ulcers with and without compression therapy.

Methods and Methodology:

Prospective study of factorial design, permitting the simultaneous evaluation of alternative pharmaceutical, bandaging, and dressings materials. The study took place at the Department of General Surgery, I.G.I.M.S., Patna. A total of 40 patients with confirmed venous ulcers were included, after excluding other major causal factors. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either pentoxifylline or placebo. The main outcome measure was the complete healing (full epithelialization) of all ulcers on the study leg.

Results:

Among the patients receiving placebo, 10 out of 19 (53%) achieved complete healing, while among those receiving pentoxifylline, 14 out of 21 (64%) achieved complete healing.

Conclusions:

The study found no significant difference in healing rates between patients taking pentoxifylline and those receiving placebo.

Recommendation:

It is compression therapy that heals the ulcer, not the dressing, so wherever possible the primary dressing of choice should be a simple knitted viscose one. This recommendation may not apply if the wound has high levels of exudate or slough.

ANATOMICAL VARIATION OF RLN ENCOUNTERED DURING THYROID SURGERIES IN TRIBAL POPULATION OF JHARKHAND.

Kumar Gaurav — 2023-09-15

Introduction: The anatomy side and front of the neck, the pharynx, the laryngeal structures, and any anatomical variations in the persistent nerve must be understood before performing thyroid surgery. Both the surgeon and the patient find thyroid surgery challenging due to the architecture of the lower laryngeal nerve. Due to the consequent diversity of anatomical changes, identification and dissection are challenging and delicate. These changes are causes of the persistent nerve’s susceptibility. The various anatomical differences that have been described in the literature are related to the nerve itself and the path that it takes around nearby organs.

Method: During thyroid surgeries, RLN was encountered patients attending the OPD in RIMS, Ranchi during the period of Aug 2022 - July 2023 duration. All patients underwent standard electrocardiography, lung ventilation function testing, clinical biochemistry, hematologic, and coagulation function assessments. All of the included patients' clinically significant vocal cord impairments were ruled out by preoperative laryngoscopy.

Results: In total, 100 individuals who had thyroid surgery on time were comprised of the research. The median age of the 55 women and 45 men who participated in this prospective study was 45.0 years (range, 13-81 years). 120 RLNs, including 65 left- and 55 right-side nerves, were dissected; 65 individuals underwent unilateral exposure, and 39 underwent bilateral exposure.

Conclusion: The recurrent nerve has several different anatomical variations, and the discovery is frequently made intraoperatively. During thyroid surgery, the operator should always be aware of anatomical variance. Regardless of the initial strategy, the surgeon's vigilance and skill prevent recurrence injury even when the recurrent nerve has unexpected anatomical changes.

SPINAL-INDUCED HYPOTENSION REDUCTION WITH ONDANSETRON IN CESAREAN SECTION PARTURIENTS.

Ranjita Mohanty — 2023-09-20

Background:

During surgery in the lower part of the body especially during c-sections done by obstetricians, the favourable way of anesthetizing patients is by giving spinal anesthesia also called subarachnoid block. However, during subarachnoid block, hypotension and bradycardia may occur which has adverse effects on the fetus as well as the mother. The Bezold Jarisch pathway induced by serotonin after the anaesthesia causes the above events. Serotonin acts on 5-HT3 receptors located in the vagal nerve ending of the heart. Ondansetron blocks the activity of serotonin in its receptors.

Aim: This study assesses the effectiveness of ondansetron in blocking the serotonin receptors to prevent hypotension and bradycardia in parturients having c-section surgery which requires subarachnoid block.

Method:

72 women undergoing parturition by c-section were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups randomly. O group consisted of 36 women who were given 4.5mg (2.25 ml) of ondansetron intravenously before spinal anesthesia. S group women also consisted of 36 women who were given 2.25ml of normal saline before spinal anaesthesia. 2ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine was injected intrathecally. Both groups were closely monitored for their heart rate, blood pressure, and requirements of vasopressor agents.

Results:

The reduction of the average pressure in the arteries was lower than 35 minutes in the group that received ondansetron. The incidence of emesis and nausea was lesser among these patients when compared to the other group. The other group had a reduction of mean arterial pressure around 14 min.

Conclusion:

The requirement for vasopressors decreased among the women having c-sections who had been given Ondansetron 4.5 mg intravenously before anaesthesia.

Recommendation:

Ondansetron may be recommended as a prophylaxis for hypotension and bradycardia following spinal anaesthesia; the level of evidence was moderate with a high level of heterogeneity.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WAS CONDUCTED TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF EPIDURAL ADMINISTRATION OF LEVOBUPIVACAINE 0.5% AT A VOLUME OF 20 ML AND ROPIVACAINE 0.75% AT THE SAME VOLUME IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES INVOLVING THE LOWER LIMBS- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Ranjita Mohanty — 2023-09-20

Introduction:

The emergence of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine has marked a new phase in advanced pain management techniques. This study aimed to create a comparative framework and assess the effects of epidural levobupivacaine and ropivacaine in surgeries of the lower limb.

Methodology:

The study involved 100 patients, evenly split into two different groups where each group was assigned 50 candidates. The assignment of patients to these groups was carried out randomly using a lottery-based approach. In Group Levo (n=50), patients were administered 20 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine via the epidural pathway, whereas in Group Ropi (n=50), 20 ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine was administered through the same route.

Results:

The time it took for the sensory block to begin was measured hinged on the completion of the injection until the patient no longer perceived the pinprick sensation. The mean of the onset of time of sensory block reaching up to the T¹⁰ level was 12.04 ± 2.71 minutes in group Levo and 11.13 ± 3.10 minutes in group Ropi. Nonetheless, this variation was determined to significantly lack statistical aspects.

Conclusion:

The results of our study indicated that both drugs exhibited similarities in sensory block attributes. These attributes include the average time it took for sensory blockade to begin and the duration until the highest sensory point was reached.

Recommendation:

During follow-up and discharge planning, limbs should be checked for numbness and/or weakness, and the patient should be asked about urine retention or headache. Usual medication can be resumed on the day of the procedure. If there is significant limb weakness, sensory loss, or headache, an unplanned overnight admission may be necessary.

FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF AXIAL VS COLLATERAL VARICOSITIES.

Himadri Sekhar Kar — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
Varicose veins are one of the most common distressing situations, affecting almost 30-50% of the adult population. Patients experience throbbing pain, heaviness of the limb, bleeding on trivial trauma, and even ulceration. There are many treatment modalities like compression stocking, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and open surgical treatment. Among them, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy has been a widely accepted procedure. It is simple, minimally invasive, and allows patients to return to their baseline activity level quickly. Foam sclerotherapy is the newest addition. Here air is mixed with the liquid sclerosant to create the “foam”, which is injected into the vein under ultrasound guidance.
Aims and Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of foam sclerotherapy in treating axial and collateral varicosities.
Methods:
This study was conducted between August 2020 and July 2022 in Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. 100 patients having varicosity of the lower limb were divided into two groups of 50 patients each: patients having Axial varicosity and Collateral varicosity. Both the groups were treated with foam sclerotherapy and a serial ultrasound was obtained on the 2nd week, 1st month, 6th month, 12th month, and 24th month to see the effectiveness.
Result:
The p-value was statistically insignificant, which implied that there was no significant difference in the outcome of treatment of both axial and collateral varicosities by foam sclerotherapy.
Conclusion:
Foam sclerotherapy is equally effective in treating both axial as well as collateral varicosities.
Recommendation:
To increase the general safety of foam sclerotherapy injection of very viscous foam in the varicose veins should be considered. Also, the patient should not move, specifically their leg for several minutes, and also should not carry out the Valsalva maneuver.

PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CASE SERIES OF UNILATERAL CLEFT LIP AND PALATE TREATED BY PRESURGICAL NASOALVEOLAR SHAPING.

Vikas Kumar — 2023-09-15

Background:
This study is done to assess the effectiveness of presurgical nasoalveolar modeling to rectify a cleft in the lip that is a birth defect.
Methodology:
In this study, a comparison is made between various surgeries performed to assess cleft reduction. This study consisted of 40 patients with cleft lip and palate, and presurgical nasoalveolar modeling was done on these patients. All the patients were infants of more than 2 days and less than 44 days of age. This study was conducted for the surgery performed between two years. Presurgical nasoalveolar modelling was done on the patients and after 6 months another lips modification surgery was performed. To evaluate the study the photographs of before and after the surgery were recorded along with the dental model of the maxilla.
Conclusion:
This study concluded that the PNAM method of treating the cleft lip and palate caused an effective reduction in the cleft lip, and the asymmetry in the nasal bone was improved. This method involves a simple procedure yet maintains the quality of treatment.
Recommendation:
This method is preferable to treat birth defects effectively over the conventional invasive surgical procedure.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVALENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION AMONG POSTOPERATIVE PATIENTS ON THE SURGICAL WARD AT HOIMA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL.

CANTIGEN KYAMULESIRE — 2023-09-15

Background:
Surgical site infections refer to infections occurring up to 30 days after surgery and affecting either the incision or deep tissue at the incision site. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of surgical site infection among postoperative patients in the surgical ward at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design employed quantitative methods of data collection. 50 respondents (postoperative patients) were obtained by simple random sampling technique. Convenient sampling was also employed to select 20 nurses to participate in the study.
Results:
This study established that 7(14%) of the participants had developed surgical site infection, 3(42.9%) of those suffering from diabetes, 1(14.2%) required minimal assistance, 3(42.8%) required moderate assistance and 3(42.9%) required significant assistance, 1(14.3%) was aged less than 20 years, 2(28.9%) were in the 40-49 age group while 4(57.1%) were aged 50 years or greater while none of them smoked or had a history of smoking.
Out of the 7 patients with SSI, 5(71.4%) had emergency surgeries, and 2(28.6%) had elective surgeries. 5(71.4%) did not have their operation site shaved before surgery while 2(28.4%) had shaved. 3(42.9%) of 7 patients with SSI had an operation duration between 1-3hours while 4(51.9%) had a duration of greater than 3 hours. 3(42.9%) had a postoperative stay between 7-14 days while 4(57.1%) had had an operative stay greater than 14 days.
Conclusion.
There was a 14% prevalence of surgical site infection related to illnesses such as diabetes, patient dependence and age 40 years or greater, healthcare factors, emergency surgery, abdominal surgery, not shaving the operation site, operation duration 1 hour or greater and postoperative stay 7 days or more.
Recommendations:
The staff of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, particularly in the surgical department should strengthen preoperative care given to patients before surgery especially those undergoing abdominal surgeries

PATTERN OF OCULAR DISEASES IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY EYE CARE CENTER IN SOUTHERN ODISHA.

Radhakanta Bhoi — 2023-09-22

Objective:
This retrospective study aimed to know the pattern of eye diseases in southern Odisha.
Methods:
A retrospective review of 2348 patients who had attended the OPD of the ophthalmology department, MKCG Medical College Berhampur over 1.5 months. The needed information was taken from patients’ medical records.
Results:
Out of 2348 patients, 1364 (58.1%) were male and 984 (41.9%) were females with male to female ratio of 1.38:1.Refractive error (39.26%) was found to be the commonest ocular morbidity followed by conjunctival disorders (15.33%), cataract (14.6%), corneal disorders (10.52%), posterior segment disorders (5%), miscellaneous (4.77%), lid disorders (4%), trauma (3%), glaucoma (1.75%), and squint (1.15%). The study shows an exceeding number of male patients than females which implies that females are less aware of their health problems and ignorance and education an important causative factors.
Conclusion:
The leading causes of ocular morbidity in this study were refractive error, conjunctival disorder, cataracts, and corneal disorders.
Recommendation:
Preplacement vision screening and periodic vision screening are recommended for jobs that require visual acuity. Vision screening is recommended for post-injury and postoperative examinations.

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL CASE SERIES OF OPHTHALMIC MANIFESTATIONS AND TREATMENT MODALITY OF RHINO-OCULO-CEREBRAL MUCORMYCOSIS DURING SECOND WAVE OF COVID PANDEMIC IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Prativa Behera — 2023-09-15

Aim: During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). In this investigation, the primary objective was to ascertain the ocular manifestations of risk factors encompassing comorbidities and pharmacological interventions employed in the management of COVID-19.

Methodology: This study presents a prospective, observational case series examining patients diagnosed with COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) who exhibited ocular manifestations. The patients included were seen at the eye outpatient department, admitted to the ear, nose, and throat department, and received treatment for COVID-19 at a designated COVID hospital. The study was conducted for a duration of three months, from 1st May 2021 to 30th August 2021.

Results: The majority of cases developed ROCM symptoms between day 10 and day 15 after COVID-19 diagnosis, with 56% developing within 14 days and 44% developing beyond 14 days. Orbital involvement, with stage 3c, comprises the majority (27%) of the total. 73% received intravenous amphotericin B, 56% underwent pa: ranasal sinus (PNS) debridement/ functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), 3% received both orbital exenteration and PNS/ FESS debridement, and 15% underwent orbital exenteration. Intraorbital amphotericin B injections were administered in 22% of cases. The final follow-up revealed a 14% mortality rate.

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus and corticosteroids are the most significant risk factors for COVID-19-associated ROCM development. COVID-19 patients must be followed even after recovery. A successful outcome requires a high index of clinical suspicion, awareness of red flag signs and symptoms, speedy diagnosis, early treatment initiation with amphotericin B, orbital exenteration when indicated, and aggressive surgical debridement of the PNS.

Recommendation: In the case of COVID-19 patients who are suffering from diabetes mellitus and are treated with corticosteroids, physicians should be vigilant and monitor patients carefully for the occurrence of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis.

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS HEPATITIS B VACCINATION AMONG PATIENTS RECEIVING MEDICAL SERVICES AT KASANGATI HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY .

Ethel Maganyi — 2023-09-15

Background:

Hepatitis B Virus infection is a fatal hepatocellular infection that is caused by Hepatitis B virus in the low resource settings like Uganda with a prevalence of 4.3%, Hepatitis B virus infection. Vaccination services have been recommended by the ministry of health to all individuals.

Purpose: The purpose was to determine the knowledge , Attitude and Practices towards hepatitis B vaccination among patients receiving medical services at Kasangati health centre IV .

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice towards Hepatitis B vaccination among patients receiving medical services at Kasangati Health Centre IV.

Methodology:

The study was cross-sectional involving 100 patients at Kasangati Health Centre IV. Simple random sampling was used and information was collected by the researcher using the semi-structured questionnaires that sought information on respondents` social demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practice towards Hepatitis B vaccination. Data was analyzed using Microsoft word and excel.

Results :

The study findings showed that 61% of the respondents had poor knowledge about the number of doses of a complete full dose vaccination , while 39% had good knowledge . Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge about the number of doses necessary for complete hepatitis B vaccination .

Conclusion:

The study found out that majority of the respondents had an average knowledge about Hepatitis B vaccination Therefore this finding clearly shows the risk of Hepatitis B infection of the respondents at Kasangati Health Centre IV in Wakiso District due to average knowledge.

Recommendation:

The ministry of health through Kasangati Health Centre IV should conduct health education campaigns about Hepatitis B vaccination among the people to as to improve their knowledge, attitude and practice towards Hepatitis B vaccination.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO LOW RESPONSE TOWARDS COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG RESIDENTS OF ACOO VILLAGE, KOLE DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.

Monica Amolo — 2023-09-15

Background:
The main purpose of the study was to determine the factors contributing to low response towards COVID-19 vaccination among residents of Acoo village, Kole district.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from December 2022 to March 2023 where a quantitative survey method was used to collect data from A total of 50 respondents were interviewed using questionnaires. The researcher used random sampling techniques to select the respondents for the study.
Results:
The study revealed that 60% had stopped in primary, therefore they lacked knowledge on COVID-19 as well as vaccine uptake. Fear of the side and adverse effects of covid-19 vaccine led to low vaccine uptake because 95% of respondents hesitated to vaccine uptake because of the side and adverse effects of the vaccine.
Low vaccine availability and distribution also contributed to an increase in low covid-19 vaccine uptake, accounting for about 55% of the respondents not being vaccinated.
Worst of all, 37.5(75%) of respondents said there was no sensitization about covid-19 vaccine by health workers, therefore leading to insufficient information among residents on covid-19 vaccine hence low uptake of the vaccine.
Conclusion.
There was a high prevalence of increased covid-19 vaccine hesitancy at 93.3%, and a negative attitude towards covid-19 vaccine uptake was at 63.3%. These were a result of fear of covid-19 vaccine side and adverse effects, Low vaccine availability and distribution, Low level of education, and finally lack of sensitization about covid-19 vaccine.
Recommendation;
There should be a strengthening of rules and regulations governing vaccine uptake and continuous health education on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its complications. Proper planning on the improvement of continuous distribution and availability of the vaccine at the health facility should be emphasized. Sensitization of residents on covid-19 vaccine should be done to improve vaccine uptake.

AWARENESS, PERCEPTIONS AND ACCEPTABILITY OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE IN BUGIRI DISTRICT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

SOLOMON WAMBI — 2023-09-15

Background:

Globally, COVID-19 vaccine uptake has been hampered by misperceptions and conspiracy theories. We investigated people’s awareness, perceptions, and acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine in Bugiri district.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study among COVID-19 unvaccinated adults aged 18 and above. Data were collected in October and November 2021. Data were collected on people’s awareness, perceptions, and willingness to accept the vaccine if availed freely. ‘Acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine’ denoted people’s willingness to accept to take the vaccine if offered to them free of charge. We used an interviewer-administered, pilot-tested, structured questionnaire loaded on a mobile phone to collect data from 465 respondents. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.0.

Results:

Of 465 respondents, 59.05% (n=274) were aged 18-35 years; 52.80% (n=245) were male; 68.97% (n=320) were married; while 68.75% (n=319) attained primary education. Overall, awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine was nearly universal (95.04%, n=441), with no marked difference between males and females. We found favorable perceptions towards the COVID-19 vaccine, with slightly more than three-quarters (76.72%, n=356) agreeing with the statement that people should be willingly vaccinated against COVID-19. When asked about their willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, 60.78% (n=282) reported that they would be willing to accept the vaccine if it was to be given to them free of charge, with a higher of males (75.80%, n=166) indicating that they would be willing to accept the vaccine than their female counterparts (60%, n=147).

Conclusion:

Awareness was nearly universal and respondents had favorable perceptions towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Only six in ten participants would accept the COVID-19 vaccine if availed to them free of charge. Findings suggest increased access to improve uptake.

Recommendation:

Our study findings suggest efforts should be geared towards increasing access to vaccines while reducing associated costs in order to improve acceptance.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF MOTHERS TOWARDS CHILD IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE COMPLIANCE AT MASAKA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, MASAKA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Prosam Nanyondo — 2023-09-15

Background:
The burden of unimmunized children in Uganda is 48% of children under the age of five years who are not immunized at all or partially immunized meaning some of them start immunization but do not complete the immunization schedule.
Objectives:
The study is intended to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices of mothers toward child immunization schedule compliance in Masaka Regional Referral Hospital in Masaka District.
Methodology:
The study was based on a purposive sampling method in which 117 mothers were enrolled in the study; the study employed a structured questionnaire that was administered by the researcher and the research assistants to collect data.
Results:
The majority of the mothers; were in the 20- 35 age group 50.4%, the Baganda tribe 37.6%, married 45.3% and those who attained secondary education level were 49.6%.53.8% defined immunization as the process of administering vaccines to prevent diseases, 45.3% mentioned about 3 child immunizable diseases, 89.7% were sensitized about the importance of immunization towards their children’s health and 63.2% agreed that their children’s immunization schedule was according to the recommended immunization guidelines.
Conclusions:
The study findings indicate that the majority of the mothers know child immunization, its importance on their children’s health when a child needs to be vaccinated, the VPDs, and the recommended sites for different vaccines.
Recommendations:
Based on the findings in the study it is recommended that the government should come up with programs creating awareness concerning the importance of child immunization as well as providing health education to parents about vaccine-preventable diseases.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INCOMPLETION OF IMMUNIZATION AS SCHEDULED AMONG CHILDREN GOING FOR IMMUNIZATION AT NABWERU HEALTH CENTRE III, NANSANA MUNICIPALITY. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Irene Georgina Akongo — 2023-09-15

Introduction

Immunization is a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases and it is estimated to avert 2 to 3 million deaths each year. The agent in a vaccine stimulates the body's immune system to recognize the agent as foreign, destroy it, and "remember" it. In this way, the immune system can more easily recognize and destroy any of these microorganisms in future encounters.

Objective of the study.

The study was intended to determine factors associated with the incompletion of immunization as scheduled among children going for immunization at Nabweru Health Centre iii, Nansana Municipality.

Methodology:

The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved collecting data from 100 respondents and the study employed structured questionnaires administered by the researcher and the research assistants to gather relevant data about factors associated with incompletion of immunization as scheduled among children going for immunization at Nabweru Health Centre iii, Nansana Municipality. Children were got using a systemic sampling technique. Results: Out of the 100 respondents, the Majority, 58(58%) of the children were males. The majority, 51(51%) of the respondents were of rural residence. The majority, 61(61%) gave birth at home. The majority, 64(64%) of the respondents were aware of the threat of vaccine-preventable illnesses. The majority, 56(56%) of the respondents noted that the process was a waste of time.

Conclusion:

The study specifically sought to find out the factors associated with incompletion of immunization among children going for immunization at Nabweru Health Centre iii, Nansana Municipality and found out that there is still a big number of children defaulting immunization as per the immunization schedule.

Recommendation:

The government through the M.H.O of Nansana should emphasize immunization of all children under 5 by providing all necessary resources as well as educating and encouraging caretakers to take their children for immunization.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS OF MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATION IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL: A SURVEY BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Vedprakash Acharya — 2023-09-15

Background: Covid-19 booster vaccination was launched in India on 15 July 2022. Medical and paramedical students play a pivotal role in motivating the general public in a given locality towards a Nation's vaccination drive. The present study aimed to evaluate the student's perspective towards the COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Objective: To assess medical and paramedical students' knowledge, attitude, and awareness of COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out between 14 August 2022 to 12 September 2022 among medical and paramedical students through an online survey questionnaire. The data obtained was tabulated in Microsoft Excel. Study variables were expressed as frequencies/ percentages and graphically represented.

Result: Our study revealed that MBBS (99.5%), Nursing (98.6%), and DMLT (94.8 %) students have good knowledge about the availability of booster vaccination. 97.4% of MBBS, 100% of nursing, and 90.9% of DMLT students want to motivate the general population towards immunization. At the same time 29.1% MBBS, 54.1% nursing, and 24.7% DMLT students were apprehensive about possible adverse effects of the booster vaccination. 56.7% of MBBS, 27% of nursing, and 48.1 % of DMLT students are unaware of the safety of booster doses in pregnancy and lactation.

Conclusion: Awareness of booster vaccination was found to be adequate among the majority of participants. Most were confident with regard to motivating the general public towards vaccination. However, the hesitancy for the same observed towards the vulnerable population could be attributed to the paucity of information about the long-term safety, and efficacy of the booster vaccination.

Recommendation: Messaging around boosters and vaccines needs to emphasize they are safe and convenient to take and that both are important.

CORRELATIONS BETWEEN ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND THE DANGER OF STOMACH CANCER.

Amit Kumar — 2023-09-15

Background/ Aim of study:
Epidemiological and clinical evidence suggest that allergies might be linked to lowered susceptibility to various cancers. Nevertheless, the exploration of connections between allergies and gastric cancer remains limited in existing research. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of examining a comprehensive dataset from a population-based perspective, the study investigated potential links between allergies and gastric cancer.
Method:
Carried out at a tertiary care center in Patna for one year, this cross-sectional study encompassed 500 participants. It focused on analyzing the potential connections between allergies and gastric cancer, taking into account variables such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption to address confounding factors.
Results:
Adjusted for potential confounders, the results of multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated a tendency for a lower risk of gastric cancer among individuals with a history of allergic diseases. However, it’s important to note that these findings did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, when considering gender-specific associations, the multivariable analysis indicated that a history of atopic dermatitis was linked to a decreased risk of gastric cancer in men.
Conclusion:
The study’s findings imply that there might be a connection between allergies and a lower risk of gastric cancer, although this association lacks statistical significance. Moreover, the results indicate that atopic dermatitis, specifically in men, is linked to a decreased risk of gastric cancer.
Recommendation.
It is recommended that researchers referring to this article further evaluate an intensive study on gender-based effects of atopic dermatitis and its correlation with the development of gastric cancer.

FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION OF MEDICAL RECORDS MANAGEMENT ON SERVICE DELIVERY AMONG HEALTH WORKERS AT MASAKA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, MASAKA DISTRICT A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY.

Martha Nakazibwe — 2023-09-15

Background:

The purpose of the study was to determine factors affecting the implementation of records management on service delivery among health workers at MRRH, district.

The specific objectives were to find out; a health competency towards medical records management on service delivery, a health perception towards medical records management on service delivery, and health facility-based factors affecting the implementation of medical records management on service delivery.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study with a simple random sampling technique to select the sample from the study population. A self-administered questionnaire written in English and closed-ended questions was used as a data collection tool. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Results:

Findings related to health competency towards medical records management on service delivery revealed that all respondents had ever heard about medical records management, (44%) knew medical records management endeavors easy retrieval of information, (40%) had fair computer skills, (50%) last attended any workshop on medical records management from a period of 1-2 years, (54%), irregularly manage medical records during service delivery and (52%) noted that medical management time-consuming.

Conclusion:

The researcher concluded that; inadequate computer skills, limited exposure to medical records management workshops, inadequate monitoring and evaluation strong team, lack of enough time, the task was perceived to be hectic, minimal mutual aid among health workers, Scant health workers, inadequate knowledge about the existence of policies and procedures for records management, among health were the overall factors affecting the implementation of medical records management on service delivery.

Recommendation:

The researcher recommended that MRRH administration should set and implement strategies that will enlighten health workers to have CPD points gained used for performance appraisal and promotion whenever opportunities arise to influence the implementation of records management during service delivery.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL SAFETY OF WATER UTILIZED IN THE MEDICAL CELL, MBARARA CITY, SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA, A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

CHRISTOPHER OKENY — 2023-09-15

Introduction:
safe and readily available water is very vital for public health functions whether it is used for drinking, food production, washing, or recreation purposes. This study assessed the physical properties (temperature, total dissolved solids), chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity), and microbiological properties (total coliform counts, Escherichia coli counts) of domestic water utilized in the medical cell, Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda.
Method:
total coliform counts and total Escherichia coli counts were performed on Eosin Methylene blue medium and the organisms were subculture on MacConkey agar. This was followed by biochemical tests on individual bacterial colonies to identify the water contaminant.
Results:
the study revealed that temperature ranged from 21.3oC to 25.5oC, pH ranged from 5.23 to 7.91, electrical conductivity ranged from 110 to 189µS/cm, and total dissolved solids ranged from 54mg/dl to to112mg/dL. Microbiologically, 67.74% of the water samples had total coliform counts >10CFU/100mL and 6.45% had Escherichia coli counts > 0CFU/100mL of the water sample. 47.62% of the isolates were Enterobacter spp, 38.10% Citrobacter spp, 9.52% Escherichia coli, 9.52% Klebsiella spp, 7.14% Salmonella spp and 4.76% Pseudomonas spp.
Conclusion:
microbiologically, the water supply had potential disease-causing pathogens that pose risks of water-borne disease outbreaks to the population.
Recommendation:
The national water and sewerage corporation should inspect the water supply pipelines for leakages and repairs should be made where necessary.
Responsible stakeholders of the Medical cell, Mbarara City should ensure proper disposal of human wastes. Further studies can be done to genotype the microbial water contaminants and or determine their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG ADULT (18-30) YEARS POPULATION IN NDEJJE HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT – UGANDA

Suubi Mariam Nalubega — 2023-09-21

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to identify factors contributing to the prevalence of dental caries among adults in Ndejje Health Center IV, Wakiso District.
Method:
A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at the dental clinic and with both quantitative and qualitative approaches as the research design was conducted at Ndejje HCIV in Wakiso District in February. Altogether 85 respondents were taken and the respondents were men and women between 18-30 years who attended a dental clinic at the facility.
Findings:
More than half of the respondents 64% did not seek dental care in the past 6 months. , majority of the respondents 89% regarded it important to have regular dental visits, and the majority, of the respondents 87%, ascribed to the notion that dental diseases can be treated in the hospital but could not go when the need arises. The study revealed that more than half of respondents 53% brush their teeth once a day whereas only 20% brush after every meal and only 29.5% brush twice.
Conclusions:
The research has reflected less motivation and awareness of dental caries, making people more likely to risk developing caries. All the patients in the present study were informed of their estimated caries risk profile and were encouraged to improve their oral Socioeconomic status, educational level, and poor oral hygiene practices were associated factors for dental caries.
Recommendations :
Adequate policy guidelines for the supply and uptake of Dental health services in all health facilities in Ndejje HCIV. Streamlining the implementation of Oral health care by integrating it with other health programs. The Health facility should do outreach services and adequate mobilization and sensitization through radios and resourceful people to bridge the knowledge gap on dental health care and utilization.

The impact of storage conditions on platelets in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet concentrate (PC)

Lucky Sriwastwa — 2023-09-15

Introduction: The ultimate aim of blood transfusion services is to give recipients whole blood and blood components that are secure, efficient, and potent. Control, assurance, and audit of quality are the foundational elements of quality. Product standards are developed and accurately met through the process of quality control.

Method: In this study, samples of 2.3% PRBCs (50/2155), 9.3% platelet concentrate (42/451), and 3.6% of total whole blood collection (48/1,321) were prepared and tested for haematological parameters of quality control for the period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022. Parameters for 8 samples of platelet concentrate available on day 5, were compared for day 0 and day 5.

Result: Haematological metrics for whole blood, PRBCs, and platelet concentrate underwent quality examination. 50/2121, or 2.3% of the total whole blood collection, was used as a sample for the analysis of haematological parameters. Volume and hematocrit tests were performed on a total of 55 out of 2335 (2.3%) units. With a range of 344–365 mL, the average capacity was 358 mL. With a range of 35.1-48.0%, the mean hematocrit was 42.2%. Between 271 to 389 mL, the mean capacity was 311 mL. The range of the mean hematocrit was 57.3 to 81.9%. There was slight decrease in volume, platelet count and WBC count of platelet concentrates on day 5 as compared to day 0.

Conclusion: For effective and safe blood transfusion services, continuous quality improvement is crucial. As a result, attention should be taken to apply consistent criteria for quality assessment, and objective analysis should be used on a regular basis to verify that consistent values are being followed.

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON COMPARISON OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND ULTRASOUND IN EVALUATION OF ACUTE ABDOMEN AMONG ADULTS

Ashutosh Sharan — 2023-09-15

Background:

In order to reduce radiation exposure, the goal of this study was to examine the roles of computed tomography and ultrasound in the evaluation of acute abdomen. It also sought to determine whether ultrasound alone would be sufficient in most cases.

Method:

For non-traumatic acute abdominal discomfort that lasted less than three days, 50 adult patients visited the emergency room. This prospective observational study was authorized by the institutional review board. The surgery department of Sharan Nursing Home, Motihari, Bihar performed the radiological evaluation of the abdomen using ultrasonography and CT scans (both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced). Trauma and being pregnant were the exclusion factors.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the overall sensitivity of the ultrasound and the CT (p = 0.018). Additionally, there were no appreciable differences between the sensitivity of ultrasound and CT in diagnosing frequent causes of acute abdomen, such as acute cholecystitis, acute appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, and ureteric calculi. Only patients with retro-caecal appendicitis, cases of intestinal blockage where the transition point needed to be defined, and patients with pancreatitis where the CT Severity index needed to be obtained were candidates for CT.

Conclusion:

Considering that ultrasound has been shown to have a sensitivity that is comparable to CT in the majority of clinical scenarios, we conclude that ultrasound should continue to be the primary imaging modality in all patients with acute abdomen in order to prevent radiation exposure. It is also a more economical inquiry. As a result, CT should only be used in a small number of clinical circumstances where ultrasound is severely inconclusive.

Recommendation:

Both CT and ultrasonography tests must be conducted in order to ensure a certain conclusion in acute abdomen cases.

ROLE OF MRI IN EVALUATION OF EPILEPSY IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF JHARKHAND, INDIA- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Raghvendra Pratap Singh, — 2023-09-22

Background:
Childhood epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder. Imaging, especially MRI of the brain, plays a pivotal role in diagnosing the underlying cause. This study aimed to assess the frequency of causative factors of epilepsy detected in MRI.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in the Radiology Department at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, Jharkhand, India from November 2021 to October 2022 in 100 children of 0 to 12 years of age referred from Pediatrics department for an MRI brain scan. MRI of the brain was performed in all cases and findings were analyzed and causes of epilepsy were assessed. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was also done when required for confirmation of diagnosis.
Results:
Positive findings in MRI were detected in 87% of children, and no abnormalities were detected in 13%. The majority of children belonged to the age group of 10-12 years (37%) and were predominantly males (66%). The most common cause of epilepsy was infections (27%) followed by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (22%). Tuberculoma was the most common infective cause of epilepsy in 59.3%. These were further followed by temporal lobe epilepsy and congenital malformations (11% each). The rest were other miscellaneous and idiopathic causes.
Conclusion:
MRI findings were specific to various conditions, helping in the localization and characterization of etiologies and playing a significant role in the evaluation of children who were newly diagnosed with epilepsy, especially those with partial seizures.
Recommendation:
Further research with a larger sample size and meta-analysis is recommended for more conclusive results.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL CONTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PRACTICES FOR IMPROVING MANAGEMENT OF KIBAALE NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH WESTERN UGANDA.

Milton Nuwabimpa Rwiita — 2023-09-15

Background:

Deforestation and forest degradation are recognized as some of the primary causes of global warming, contributing to approximately 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions and thereby posing a significant challenge for climate change in East Africa. Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP) has experienced deforestation and degradation for numerous decades due to population pressure from neighboring communities whose livelihoods depend on crop production and livestock rearing adjacent to the forest. Despite its significance, documentation of community conservation practices surrounding KFNP has been inadequate. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish the contribution of the local community to the conservation of and expansion of KFNP located in South Western Uganda.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional research design was employed, and a sample of 200 respondents from three parishes, namely Bigodi, Busiriba, and Kikoni, which border with KNP and lie along Kamwenge-Fort Portal Road, were selected.

Data were collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions and analyzed through SPSS version 20.

Results:

The results indicate that community-based initiatives play a pivotal role in forest conservation, and the practices of local people aimed at enhancing their livelihoods and reducing illegal activities in the protected area, thereby promoting biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion and recommendations:

The study recommends that local communities should be actively involved in the policy formulation, planning, and management of KFNP. To reduce illegal activities and human-wildlife conflicts and enhance biodiversity conservation in KFNP, training in alternative sources of livelihood, strengthening law enforcement, and the provision of soft loans are recommended.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NURSING PROCESS AMONG NURSES AT ENTEBBE REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, WAKISO DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Doreen Ninsiima — 2023-09-15

Background:
In Uganda, the implementation of the nursing process among nurses is still a very big challenge, especially in many government hospitals. Failure to use the nursing process has led to a lack of continuity of patient care hence delaying the recovery process and outcomes. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors affecting the implementation of the nursing process among nurses at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Wakiso district.
Methodology:
The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design that used quantitative data collection methods. A convenience sampling method was used to select 32 respondents who responded to semi- structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed and presented using Microsoft Excel Programs that presented it in the form of frequency tables, pie charts, and graphs.
Results:
Nurse-related factors were; 25(78.1%) knew less than three steps involved in the nursing process, 18(56.3%) strongly disagreed that the nursing process should be mandatory and 30(93.7%) did not have enough time to use the nursing process. Institutional factors were; 24(75%) did not have policies regarding the use of the nursing process, 27(84.4%) were never supported during the use of the nursing process and 32(100%) reported the absence of designed forms for the nursing process.
Conclusion:
Nurse-related factors ranging from lack of awareness of steps involved in the nursing process, time inadequacy, and negative perceptions towards the nursing process negatively affected the implemen- tation of the nursing process. Institutional factors that hindered the implementation of the nursing process were the absence of designed nursing process forms, lack of motivation, and absence of policies.
Recommendations:
The Ministry of Health should design and supply standard nursing process documentation sheets and Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital should develop policies pertaining implementation of the nursing process, supervision, and motivation of nurses.

The THE BURDEN OF CARING AND PARENTING STYLES USED BY CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL DISORDERS AT BUTABIKA NATIONAL PSYCHIATRIC REFERRAL HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

VIOLET NAKABIRI — 2023-09-15

Introduction; Caring for children and adolescents with mental disorders brings a unique set of stressors and challenges to the whole family. This study aimed to establish the proportion of caregiver burden for children with mental disorders and the parenting styles used by their primary caregivers.

Methodology; this was a cross-sectional study: 74 caregivers for children (1-17 years) receiving care at Butabika hospital were enrolled using consecutive sampling method. Caregiver burden was measured using Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and parenting styles assessed using the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ). Data was analyzed descriptively, using SPSS v25.

Results; the mean age of caregivers 41± 9.7 years and were taking care of children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder 20(27.0%), psychotic disorder 16(21.6%), Bipolar Affective Disorder15(20.3%) and autism spectrum disorder 14(18.9%). The mean caregiver burden score was 41.8 ±21.5 and majority 24(32.4%) had moderate to severe burden with 79.7% at a risk of developing depression. Authoritative parenting style was the most preferred (mean = 4.1±1.0). The study revealed that there is no significant relationship between caregiver burden and parenting styles used.

Conclusion. There is substantial caregiver burden among caregivers of children with mental disorders with many at high risk for depression.

Recommendations; Caregivers using alternative methods of parenting such as permissive and authoritarian need training to adapt the recommended parenting method. We recommend that health workers take a lead role in embracing parent centered programs to support and relieve the parenting stress such as triple P (positive parenting program) for those entering the caregiving role. Further studies to determine association between parenting styles and the caregiver’s quality of life need to be done in order to adapt culturally acceptable interventions.