Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors for infection among children in Uganda: A serial cross-sectional study.

Background: Understanding COVID-19's impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status.

Methods: Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave).

Identifying key challenges and optimizing approaches for training of health care professionals for HPV vaccination programmes.

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a crucial role in building vaccine confidence and promoting vaccination programmes. HCP vaccination recommendations are often the strongest predictor of vaccine uptake, influencing individuals' acceptance of and demand for vaccination. However, HCP training on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination faces challenges in some countries, including Ethiopia, Malawi, and Uganda.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors for infection among children in Uganda: a serial cross-sectional study.

Background: Understanding COVID-19's impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status.

Methods: Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave).

Endoscopic esophageal foreign body removal among children at Lubaga Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy involves examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach and part of the duodenum. Interventional endoscopy in addition to evaluating the upper gastrointestinal tract to make a diagnosis, also offers a treatment benefit. Traditionally, esophageal foreign bodies (FBs) in Uganda were removed using rigid endoscopy.

The effect of group support psychotherapy on adherence to anti-retroviral therapy and viral suppression among HIV positive young people: Study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Several studies have demonstrated an association between psychological risk factors and HIV disease progression. However, there is limited information on the use of psychological interventions to improve HIV treatment outcomes in young people living with HIV.

Objective: This pilot trial aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of group support psychotherapy in improving adherence to anti-retroviral therapy and viral suppression in young people living with HIV in Uganda.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Delayed Puberty Among Adolescents on Boosted Protease Inhibitor-based Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-sectional Study at a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic in Uganda.

Background: Delayed puberty is a recognized phenomenon among children living with HIV type 1 infection but has not been widely reported among adolescents on second-line or newer treatments in high burden settings. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with delayed puberty among adolescents on boosted protease inhibitor-based second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Uganda.

Methods: Between December 2017 and May 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) 10-19 years of age on atazanavir- and lopinavir-based regimens at the Paediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic, Kampala.

Accuracy of Sexual and Reproductive Health Information among Adolescent Girls: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The leading cause of death for girls aged 15-19 years globally is complications from pregnancy and childbirth. Girls have poor access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including information.

Study Objective: To describe the accuracy of SRH information (SRHI) and its associated factors among adolescent girls in Uganda METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among girls aged 13-19 years in an urban district and a rural district.

Optimal utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services among adolescents under group versus focused antenatal care in Eastern Uganda.

Background: Group antenatal care (G-ANC), an alternative to focused ANC (F-ANC), involves grouping mothers by gestational and maternal age. In high-income countries, G-ANC has been associated with improved utilization of health care services like Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services. Some low-resource countries with poor utilization of health care services have piloted G-ANC.

Endoscopic esophageal stenting for advanced esophageal cancer in Lubaga Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Objective: Esophageal cancer is a common malignancy globally. Most patients in sub-Saharan Africa present at advanced stage not amenable to curative therapy. Stenting provides palliation for these patients.

Encouraging improvement in HPV vaccination coverage among adolescent girls in Kampala, Uganda.

Introduction: WHO recommends vaccination against HPV for girls before sexual debut. Uganda started HPV vaccination in 2008 as pilot programs in 2 districts, followed by national roll out in 2015. Despite the availability of vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) in Uganda in the period covered by the study, there was reported low HPV vaccine uptake and completion especially of the second dose in Uganda; with little information available on timely completion of HPV vaccine and the associated factors in Uganda.

Research involvement among undergraduate health profession students in a resource-limited setting: awareness, attitude, motivators and barriers.

Background: Involvement of undergraduate health professions students (HPS) in research will facilitate evidence-based clinical practice among future healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to assess research involvement among undergraduate HPS students and associated factors in Uganda.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online assessment tool sent through WhatsApp groups and E-mail addresses of HPS in 12 medical schools in Uganda between 20th September and 5th October 2021.

Factors associated with readiness to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) among young people (15-24 years) at four HIV clinics in Mulago Hospital, Uganda.

Introduction: Globally, the HIV burden continues to rise among young people despite the discovery of ART. This study assessed demographic and psycho-social factors among young people associated with readiness to be initiated on ART.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among newly diagnosed HIV positive young people aged 15-24 years at 4 HIV clinics at Mulago Hospital.

Orbital compression syndrome in a Ugandan child with sickle cell disease: A case report.

Orbital compression syndrome is a rare acute complication of sickle cell disease that may impair vision. Assessment by a multidisciplinary team incorporates detailed history and physical examination, fundoscopy, and appropriate imaging to exclude infections or neoplasms. Supportive treatment is adequate unless there is evidence of life-threatening space-occupying lesion warranting surgery.

Vitamin D status and associated factors among HIV-infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Kampala, Uganda.

Background: A high prevalence of suboptimal serum vitamin D has been reported among HIV infected children even in countries with high sunshine abundance throughout the year. Vitamin D is a potent immune modulator of innate and adaptive immune responses. Vitamin D regulates immune responses through the vitamin D receptor on CD4 cells.

Defeating Paediatric Tuberculous Meningitis: Applying the WHO "Defeating Meningitis by 2030: Global Roadmap".

Children affected by tuberculous meningitis (TBM), as well as their families, have needs that lie at the intersections between the tuberculosis and meningitis clinical, research, and policy spheres. There is therefore a substantial risk that these needs are not fully met by either programme. In this narrative review article, we use the World Health Organization (WHO) "Defeating Meningitis by 2030: global roadmap" as a starting point to consider key goals and activities to specifically defeat TBM in children.

Transition to adult care: Exploring factors associated with transition readiness among adolescents and young people in adolescent ART clinics in Uganda.

Background: Transition readiness refers to a client who knows about his/her illness and oriented towards future goals and hopes, shows skills needed to negotiate healthcare, and can assume responsibility for his/ her treatment, and participate in decision-making that ensures uninterrupted care during and after the care transition to adult HIV care. There is a paucity of research on effective transition strategies. This study explored factors associated with adolescent readiness for the transition into adult care in Uganda.

Ethical challenges of the healthcare transition to adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics for adolescents and young people with HIV in Uganda.

Background: Whereas many adolescents and young people with HIV require the transfer of care from paediatric/adolescent clinics to adult ART clinics, this transition is beset with a multitude of factors that have the potential to hinder or facilitate the process, thereby raising ethical challenges of the transition process. Decisions made regarding therapy, such as when and how to transition to adult HIV care, should consider ethical benefits and risks. Understanding and addressing ethical challenges in the healthcare transition could ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Barriers and facilitators for transitioning of young people from adolescent clinics to adult ART clinics in Uganda: unintended consequences of successful adolescent ART clinics.

Background: There is a growing number of adolescents and young adults living with HIV (YPLHIV) who require the transfer of care from pediatric/ adolescent clinics to adult Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics. A successful transition is critical for optimum health outcomes, yet facilities may lack infrastructure, human resources (with appropriate knowledge and skills), and a supportive environment, as only 3% of clinics in Uganda caring for YPLHIV have a process for supporting this critical transition from pediatric to adult care, and, facilitators and barriers of a successful transition are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to explore the facilitators and barriers of transitioning among adolescents from adolescent clinics to adult ART clinics.

Depressive symptoms, sexual activity, and substance use among adolescents in Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Adolescents experience high rates of depression, initiation of sexual activity, and substance use.

Objectives: To better understand the demographics of adolescents presenting to an adolescent clinic in Uganda, and to elucidate which factors are associated with depressive symptoms, sexual initiation, and substance use.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed on intake forms obtained during interviews with adolescents presenting to the Makerere/Mulago Columbia Adolescent Health Clinic (MMCAH) in Kampala, Uganda.

Utilization of "prevention of mother-to-child transmission" of HIV services by adolescent and young mothers in Mulago Hospital, Uganda.

Background: Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) has lowered the incidence of paediatric HIV globally. The risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) remains high in Africa, where there is a high prevalence of pregnancy and poor health-seeking behaviour among young girls and women.

Methods: In this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study, we evaluated the utilization of PMTCT services and associated factors among adolescent and young postpartum mothers aged 15 to 24 years at a public urban referral hospital in Uganda.

Paediatric immunisation and chemoprophylaxis in a Ugandan sickle cell disease clinic.

Aim: We aimed to assess the receipt of recommended care for young children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in a central SCD clinic in Kampala Uganda, focusing on standard vaccination and antibacterial and antimalarial prophylaxis.

Methods: A cross-sectional assessment of immunisation status and timeliness and prescribed antibacterial and antimalarial prophylaxis was performed in a sample with SCD aged ≤71 months in Mulago Hospital SCD Clinic. Government-issued immunisation cards and clinic-issued visit records for prescribed prophylaxis were reviewed.

Factors Influencing the Risk of Becoming Sexually Active Among HIV Infected Adolescents in Kampala and Kisumu, East Africa.

About 2.1 million adolescents aged 10-19 years are living with HIV, 80% of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Early sexual activity remains an important risk factor for HIV transmission and potentially result in negative health consequences including onward transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

Making Implementation Science Work for Children and Adolescents Living With HIV.

The global HIV response is leaving children and adolescents behind. Because of a paucity of studies on treatment and care models for these age groups, there are gaps in our understanding of how best to implement services to improve their health outcomes. Without this evidence, policymakers are left to extrapolate from adult studies, which may not be appropriate, and can lead to inefficiencies in service delivery, hampered uptake, and ineffective mechanisms to support optimal outcomes.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Risks Related to Diabetes Mellitus Among University Students in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is on the rise in low-income countries, including Uganda, owing to the 'westernization' of individual lifestyles. It remains unanswered whether the majority of university students who are rapidly embracing 'western' lifestyles have any knowledge of diabetes or perceive themselves to be at risk of acquiring the disease. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risks related to diabetes mellitus among university students in Uganda.