Effects of COVID-19, control measures, and program adaptation on prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission service uptake in Central Region, Uganda.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control measures presented impediments for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programming in Uganda. Nationwide control measures implemented April-June 2020 included a public transport ban and mandatory travel permits for pregnant women to access clinics. Program adaptations instituted for continuity of services included community drug delivery and home-based DNA-PCR testing for HIV-exposed infants (HEI).

Characterisation of Tobacco Use and its Associated Factors Among Older Youths in an Urban Setting: The Case of Wakiso, Uganda.

Introduction: Tobacco smoking increases the risk of death from many diseases, including ischemic heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and other fatal and non-fatal diseases. Efforts have been invested towards cessation of tobacco smoking among youths aged 18-35 years. However, population-based data is limited on tobacco smoking in Wakiso district among youths.

Challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers' perception regarding integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in South Central Uganda: A qualitative study.

Background: Non-communicable diseases are highly prevalent among adults living with HIV, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies. However, a dearth of knowledge exists regarding the health systems challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and the perception of health workers regarding the integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in rural Ugandan settings. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by exploring the health system challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers' perception regarding the integration of non-communicable diseases in routine HIV care in South Central Uganda.

Examining associations between mental health and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (C-NCDs) among older adults in Wakiso, Uganda.

Background: Globally, the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (C-NCDs) and occurrence of multi-morbidity specifically, has been increasing and will continue to rise as life expectancy increases. The burden of mental health disorders has also been rising globally. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), literature on these health issues, which are interrelated, is scarce.

Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines, associated factors and reasons for not taking a vaccine: a cross sectional study among persons aged 13-80 years in Wakiso, Central Uganda.

Background: Vaccination has been recommended as one of the approaches for the control of COVID-19 pandemic. However, adequate vaccine coverage is critical to the effectiveness of the vaccine at population level. Data on acceptability of the vaccine in Ugandan urban areas are limited.

Motivations for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting among youths in Wakiso district, Uganda: a qualitative study.

Background: Efforts have been invested towards cessation of tobacco use among youths aged 18-35 years, however, motivators for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting are limited in Ugandan settings. Therefore, this study aimed to explore motivations for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting in Wakiso district Uganda.

Methods: This study used explanatory sequential method.

Self-Reported Hepatitis B Vaccination Uptake and Associated Factors Among Adults Attending Budwale Health Center in Mbale District Uganda.

Introduction: The introduction of Hepatitis B vaccination in the general community requires understanding the factors that determines its uptake. This is specifically essential for planning, implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the program. This study investigated the uptake and associated factors of Hepatitis B Vaccination among clients attending Budwale Health Center in Eastern Uganda.