Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Dorothy Nagitta
Published on 2024-01-30 08:00:55
Dr Apophia Agiresaasi, with a PhD in Health Sciences, conducted research on the various forms of alcohol use among pregnant women in post-conflict northern Uganda. She also investigated the predictors of alcohol use and the effect of a communication intervention. The study found that 23 percent of respondents reported alcohol use during the current pregnancy. Additionally, it revealed that societal norms and values played a significant role in luring women into drinking during pregnancy.
Dr Susan Atuhairwe, with a PhD in Medicine, explored the safety and effectiveness of task sharing in the management of second-trimester post-abortion care using misoprostol. The results showed that midwives were equally effective, safe, and highly acceptable in providing treatment compared to physicians.
Dr Silvia Awor, with a PhD in Medicine, determined the predictors of pre-eclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes at St Mary’s Hospital Lacor in northern Uganda. The study found that maternal age, nulliparity, and other characteristics were associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia. Dr Awor recommended incorporating the screening for pre-eclampsia into routine prenatal care.
Dr Celestin Banamwana, with a PhD in Public Health, investigated the utilization of Ecological sanitation (Ecosan) technology and microbial risks associated with the use of faecal by-products in Burera District, Rwanda. The study revealed poor utilization of Ecosan technology and a higher estimated annual risk of infections associated with the use of semi-solid faecal by-products.
Dr Doris Kwesiga, with a PhD in Public Health, researched the factors influencing reporting of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes during population surveys in several countries. The study highlighted methodological challenges, community barriers, and individual factors that influenced reporting during surveys.
Dr Sarah Bunoti Nantono, with a PhD in Public Health, explored knowledge levels among 10 – 14 year olds in Jinja primary schools regarding puberty and children’s sexual and reproductive health rights. The study revealed gaps in children’s knowledge and skills in managing puberty and inaccurate knowledge and skills among teachers in teaching about puberty.
Dr Henry Ddungu, with a PhD in Medicine, focused on the optimal use of blood and platelets in supporting patients with blood cancers in Uganda. The study found that there was a high demand for blood products among cancer patients, but blood availability was lower than needed.
Dr Francis Kakooza, with a PhD in Molecular Epidemiology, studied the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae among males presenting with urethritis in Kampala, Uganda. The research aimed to set up a quality-assured surveillance program according to WHO standards and recommended genomic AMR surveillance systems in Africa.
Dr Juma Benson Ouma, with a PhD in Immunology, investigated the immunological and genetic risk factors associated with cognitive and neurological impairment in severe malaria in Ugandan children. The study found that endothelial activation markers contributed to the pathophysiology of severe malaria and were associated with long-term cognitive deficits in survivors.
Dr Francis Xavier Kasujja, with a PhD in Public Health, investigated the effectiveness of type 2 diabetes testing in eastern Uganda. The study revealed that misconceptions about diabetes and reliance on traditional medicine led to delayed diabetes detection. Both FPG and HBA1c tests showed similar sensitivity and specificity in diabetes screening.
Dr Rehema Namaganda, with a PhD in Social Anthropology, studied the meaning of aging and disability in old age and how people with disabilities access and use mobility assistive technology. The study revealed that the use of assistive technology among older persons was based on the social significance, symbolic value, and meaning assigned to them.
