Global, regional and national burden of depressive disorders and attributable risk factors, from 1990 to 2021: results from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study.

Background: Depressive disorders pose a significant global public health challenge, yet evidence on their burden remains insufficient.

Aims: To report the global, regional and national burden of depressive disorders and their attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2021.

Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 were analyzed for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.

Longitudinal Trends in Physical Activity Among Older Adults With and Without HIV in Uganda.

Introduction: Physical Activity (PA) and its links to frailty, quality of life (QoL), and other comorbidities in older Ugandans living with HIV remain under-explored.

Methods: We analyzed data from three annual assessments of older people living with HIV (PLWH) and age- and sex-similar people not living with HIV (PnLWH). We fitted linear generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression models to estimate the correlates of PA, including demographics, frailty, QoL, HIV, and other comorbidities.

Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of isolated from pullets through final raw product in the processing plant of a conventional broiler complex: a longitudinal study.

Unlabelled: are Gram-negative, rod-shaped, entero-invasive foodborne bacteria and are frequently detected in chicken houses and facilities of poultry broiler complexes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, critical entry points, and movement pattern of along different stages of a complex. A total of 1,071 environmental samples were collected from 38 production houses (8 pullet, 10 breeder, and 20 broiler), a hatchery, 6 transport trucks, and a processing plant.

Pulmonary granuloma formation during latent infection in C3HeB/FeJ mice involves progression through three immunological phases.

is a fungal pathogen that can cause lethal disease in immunocompromised patients. Immunocompetent host immune responses, such as formation of pulmonary granulomas, control the infection and prevent disseminated disease. Little is known about the immunological conditions establishing the latent infection granuloma in the lungs.

Compliance with maternal HIV retesting for pregnant women attending care in selected health facilities in Namutumba district, Uganda.

Background: Retesting for HIV during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum is crucial for identifying new infections and ensuring timely interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Uganda's national guidelines recommend that pregnant women be retested in the 3rd trimester or during labor/delivery. However, limited information exists regarding adherence to these guidelines, which may affect the effectiveness of PMTCT efforts.

Determinants of continuation on HIV pre-exposure propylaxis among female sex workers at a referral hospital in Uganda: a mixed methods study using COM-B model.

Background: Female sex workers (FSWs) have the highest HIV prevalence in Uganda. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been recommended as a key component of the HIV combination prevention strategy. Although patient initiation of PrEP has improved, continuation rates remain low.

Review of Impact of Risk Reduction Sessions on Sexual Behaviors in HIV Prevention Trials: Insights from Africa.

Over the past two decades, numerous HIV prevention trials have targeted thousands of young African women, aiming not only to reduce transmissions through biomedical interventions but also to promote safe sexual practices through intensive risk reduction sessions. The primary objective of this study was to review the impact of risk reduction sessions in HIV prevention trials conducted in Africa. We assessed changes in sexual behaviors among women enrolled in various biomedical intervention trials across the African region using both visual and quantitative evaluations.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Exchange Orientation in the Relationship Between Mentoring Experiences and Mentoring Intentions: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study utilized a cross-sectional design to determine the relationship between positive and negative mentoring experiences and intentions to engage in future formal mentoring and the mediating role of aspects of social exchange theory particularly Negotiated Exchange Orientation and Perceived Organization Support. The study was conducted among 303 nurses and midwives working in acute care hospitals in Uganda. The results showed that, in the negative mentoring model, Perceived Organization Support fully mediated the relationship between lack of mentor expertise and willingness to participate in formal mentoring programs (B = -0.

Prevalence of neonatal sepsis and associated factors among neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda.

Background: Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among neonates. An estimated 5.29-8.

Baseline infection prevalence, risk factors and treatment outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis in Northeastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) also known as Kala-azar is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) of public health importance. Despite being a disease of a long history, the condition remains poorly studied especially in East Africa. For instance, whereas, the geographical location of the disease is known, there is a stark paucity of data on the burden, risk factors and clinical outcomes of this condition in Northeastern Uganda.

Therapeutic Potential of Microgreens Extract in Alleviating Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in Wistar Rats.

Microgreens of Brassica plants have attracted increasing research interest in the management of the prevailing epidemic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of their high nutritional value. This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects of Microgreens Ethanolic Extract (BMEE) in type-2 diabetic rats. For the normoglycemic assay, rats were divided into five groups and received a single oral dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of BMEE while the control groups received distilled water and Glibenclamide.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease.

Acute coronary syndrome is the leading cause of death worldwide, with the highest rates occurring in low-income global regions. This is possibly due to increasing levels of urbanization, which are accompanied by changes in diet and lifestyle, the most common risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Risk factors for CAD are divided into traditional and non-traditional risk factors.

A dataset of blood slide images for AI-based diagnosis of malaria.

Malaria is a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Timely and accurate diagnosis of malaria is vital to reduce the caseload and mortality rates associated with malaria The use of microscopy in malaria screening is the gold standard recommended method by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In Uganda, utilization of microscopy is challenged by insufficient expertise to interpret the images accurately, affecting the efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy of malaria detection and diagnosis.

Changes in susceptibility of to antimalarial drugs in Uganda over time: 2019-2024.

Background: The treatment and control of malaria in Africa is challenged by drug resistance, including transporter, folate pathway, and PfK13 mutations that mediate resistance to aminoquinolines, antifolates, and artemisinins, respectively. Characterization of drug susceptibility informs optimal control strategies.

Methods: We characterized ex vivo susceptibilities to nine drugs of isolates collected from individuals presenting with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in eastern (2019-2024) and northern (2021-2024) Uganda using a growth inhibition assay and the dihydroartemisinin (DHA) ring survival assay (RSA).

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Responsible Self-Medication Among Pharmacy Students: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Uganda.

Purpose: Rational self-medication (SM) practice among healthcare students is essential to promote the safe, effective, and economical use of medicines for self-diagnosed conditions. The study aimed to assess pharmacy students' knowledge, attitude, and practice about responsible self-medication.

Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Ugandan pharmacy students for one month from March 1 to March 31, 2024.

The Minimum Dietary Diversity For Women Indicator Can Be Extended To Children And Adolescents aged 4-15 Years As A Proxy Population Indicator For Good Micronutrient Adequacy Of Diets In Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Background: The response to the global call for more data on children's and adolescents' diets and nutrition is limited by the lack of straightforward practical indicators to track their diet quality. On the basis of a food group score compiled from 10 food groups (FGS-10), the minimum dietary diversity for women, calculated as FGS-10 ≥ 5, is a validated proxy population indicator for better micronutrient intake adequacy for adult women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objectives: This study aims to validate FGS-10 and its related cutoffs against micronutrient intake adequacy in 4-15-y-old children/adolescents in LMICs.

Factors That Affect the Adoption of Fertilizer Among Cocoa Farmers in Developing Countries: A Review.

Sub-Saharan Africa's adoption of inorganic fertilizer lags behind other developing nations, creating limitations for small-holder cocoa producers. Using the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory, articles assessing inorganic fertilizer (non)adoption by cocoa producers in Sub-Saharan Africa are reviewed. Factors influencing adoption fell into two major categories: socioeconomic characteristics of the potential adopter and characteristics of the innovation itself.

Patterns and Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

Background: Dyslipidemia in Sub-Saharan Africa has been on the disproportionate rise among diabetes patients across various contextual settings due to its patterns and associated factors. This study determined the patterns and factors associated with dyslipidemia among diabetes patients attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH).

Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at HRRH between October 2022 and January 2023, enrolled 375 adult diabetes patients consecutively from diabetic outpatient clinic.

Climate Change and Veterinary Medicine: A Call to Action for a Healthier Planet.

Climate change is rapidly transforming ecosystems and reshaping the landscapes of animal health, with profound consequences for public health, food security, and biodiversity. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of natural disasters are driving the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. These environmental shifts endanger the health and welfare of animals and the delicate balance between human populations, livestock, and wildlife.

Ugandan Physician Attitudes towards a Potential, Local Trauma Fellowship Program.

Background: In low-income countries, clinicians trained through a context-specific trauma surgery fellowship program (TFP) can help reduce injury-related mortality to levels closer to those observed in higher-resource settings. Successful implementation, however, hinges on buy-in from local clinicians. We therefore assessed clinician support for a potential TFP in Uganda, considering perceived need, curricular recommendations, barriers, and motivating factors.

Community health system capacities and capabilities within an evolving community health policy framework: mixed methods study of stakeholders in central Uganda.

Objectives: Empowering communities through identifying and unlocking community capacities and capabilities is vital for improving community health systems. This study assessed the community health system's status quo and readiness for implementing a government-led, partner-supported community health worker project.

Design: A mixed methods cross-sectional study.

Validation of the contraception-focused Preference-aligned Fertility Management Index in Uganda and Nigeria.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate construct validity of the contraception-focused "Preference-aligned Fertility Management" (PFM) Index, a new person-centered and rights-based outcome measure, in Nigeria and Uganda.

Study Design: We analyzed survey data from convenience samples of new users of contraception and nonusers of contraception in Uganda and users of contraception in Nigeria. PFM Index scores were calculated by combining two indicators: indicator 1 assessing alignment between desire to use contraception and actual use; indicator 2 evaluating whether users' current methods are desired.

Prevalence and contributors to anaemia among children aged 6 to 59 months in Kyangwali Refugee settlement, Western Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Anaemia is a major cause of morbidity among children under five years in Uganda. However, its magnitude among refugee populations is marginally documented. In this study, the prevalence and contributors to anaemia among children 6 to 59 months in Kyangwali refugee settlement in Western Uganda was determined.

Community-based interventions against HIV-related stigma: a systematic review of evidence in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: HIV-related stigma remains a key barrier to the attainment of the UNAIDS global goal of ending AIDS by 2030. Due to the social and contextual nature of HIV-related stigma, community-based interventions may be more effective in addressing it. In this review, we synthesized evidence on the effectiveness and features of community-based interventions against HIV-related stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Management of environmental impacts of fossil fuel use in refugee camps through transition to renewable energy infrastructure: Case studies in Uganda and Bangladesh.

Many refugee camps exist for decades but associated infrastructure needs are only planned for the very short term, including provision of power. This study advocates a shift in approach to sustainable electrification of essential services in refugee camps for lighting, refrigeration, health, water, education, alongside camp operations. Qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted in refugee camps in Uganda and Bangladesh which assessed the electrical supply needs across such categories.