Adherence to viral load testing guidelines, barriers, and associated factors among persons living with HIV on ART in Southwestern Uganda: a mixed-methods study.

Background: Uganda adapted Viral load (VL) testing for monitoring HIV treatment success and virologic failure. However, there is a paucity of data on how the VL testing guidelines are followed in practice in the HIV clinics. This study determined the adherence to national guidelines on VL testing, barriers, and associated factors in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART in southwestern Uganda.

'There is nowhere to take the child': a qualitative study of community members' views on managing early childhood substance use in Mbale, Uganda.

Background: Harmful alcohol use by 5-8-year-old children has been identified in Mbale District, Uganda. To further examine this finding, the present study explores the experiences and perceptions of community members regarding how childhood substance use (before age 10) is managed in this area.

Methods: We conducted eight focus group discussions with 48 parents of children aged < 10 years and 26 key informant interviews with teachers, health workers, child protection workers, police, local stakeholders, brewers, and others.

Understanding patterns of family support and its role on viral load suppression among youth living with HIV aged 15 to 24 years in southwestern Uganda.

Background: Active family support helps as a buffer against adverse life events associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence. There is limited data available to explain how family support shapes and affects individual healthcare choices, decisions, experiences, and health outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLWH). We aimed to describe family support patterns and its role in viral load suppression among YLWH at a rural hospital in southwestern Uganda.