Faculty of Health Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://localhost:4000/handle/20.500.12309/11

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 57

ANALYSIS OF NON-LINEAR TRANSMISSION OF EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AND THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONTROL INTERVENTIONS IN HOSPITAL
(Islamic University Journal, 2015-06) Nazziwa, Aisha; Babangida, Bala Garba; Noor, Kasim; Adiukwu, Roseline Nwawure; Ngaloru, Stellamaris Ngozi; Mafuyai, Yaks Mabur; Obi, Edith Nkeiru; Onwunali, Magnus Chibueze; Obanny, Adolphus
Epidemiological data on infection outbreaks are challenging to analyze, despite improved control interventions Ebola virus Disease (EVD) remains a serious risk in Guinea (West Africa) with 607 reported cases and 406 deaths recorded (66.8%) as of 20th August, 2014.In this study we use modified epidemiological modeling SEIR to analyze data from an Ebola outbreak in Guinea from 22nd march – 20th August,2014 We use Bayesian inference with non – linear transmission times incorporated into augmented dataset as latent variables. Despite the lack of detailed data, most data sets record the time on symptom onset but transmission time is not observable. We inferred from such dataset records using structured Hidden Markov Models HMMS. Infectivity is determined before and after public health interventions for hospitalized cases. We estimate the number of secondary cases generated by an index case in the absence of control interventions (Ro). Our estimate of Ro is 1.57 (CI95 0.82-1.92) and the mean value of estimated detection rate is 0.75 (CI95 0.59 -0.93) with a coefficient of correlation between 𝛽 and v as – 0.23. We perform sensitivity analysis of the final epidemic size tothe time of intervention, which ensures the uniqueness and the global stability of the positive endemic equilibrium state.
Anastomosed triplicated branches of the superior cerebellar arteries: a rare case of cerebral arterial plexus
(2018) Nagawa, E; Aremu, A.B; Kiryowa, H
Triplications of the superior cerebellar arteries are rare cases but when present are culminating factors to thromboembolism and arterisclerosis leading to infarction of areas supplied. We present a rare case of arterial plexus, where there were not only triplicated branches of the superior cerebellar but these anastomosed forming a single branch that later bifurcated normally lateral to the cerebral peduncles. This kind of formation is attributed to embryological malfusions of primitive neural arteries towards the basilar trunk. Anastomosis can be clinically important in neurovascular surgery ligation therefore caution should be taken not to damage the forming branches.
Antioxidant activities of Hydro-ethanol and Saponin extracts of Terminalia schimeperiana root
(Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2017) Awotunde, O.S; Dhanabal, S.P; Rajeshkumar, Raman; Chasitainya, MVNL
In this present paper we have investigated the Antioxidant activity of Hydro-ethanol and Saponin fractions of Terminalia schimperiana root for its free radical scavenging activity by adopting ABTS and DPPH in vitro methods. The extracts were investigated for the antioxidant activity using 2, 2 - diphenyl, 1- picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2 azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity, reducing capacity and competition with DMSO. The result suggested that the polar Hydro-ethanol fraction was found to have potent DPPH antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 19.36± 0.436 μg/ml and ABTS scavenging activity with IC50 value of 0.9420± 0.011 μg/ml, while the Saponin fraction has moderate DPPH scavenging activity with IC50 of 59.33± 0.417 μg/ml and moderate ABTS scavenging activity with IC50 value of 2.273± 0.036 μg/ml (Rutin DPPH IC50 value= 14.5±0.29 μg/ml, Rutin ABTS IC5O value= 0.2976± 0.012 μg/ml, Ascorbic acid ABTS IC50 value= 2.62± 0.20, Ascorbic acid DPPH IC50 value=9.51± 0.22).
Assessing Knowledge and Practices of the Community towards Corona Virus Disease 2019 in Mbale Municipality, Uganda
(East African Health Research Journal, 2021-05-21) Naziru, Rashid; Nazziwa, Aisha; Kantono, Rehema; Kasujja, Hassan; Zziwa, Swaibu
Background: The Corona virus disease, first identified in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China, is a respiratory illness caused by Novel Corona Virus also known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS Cov.2). The disease is characterised by; dry cough and shortness of breath with difficulty in breathing and at least 2 of the following; fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of test and smell. Uganda in general and Mbale in particular has people of diverse culture, religion and ethnic background as well as diverse socio economic activities with various practices. This multi-cultural environment creates differences in perception of information and practices. Most cultures encourage socialisation through social functions like attending weddings, funerals, work places and gatherings and Muslims who have to go for congregation prayers in the mosques 5 times a day among others. This puts such communities at risk of spreading the disease very fast and slow in adapting to control measures Aim: In this study, we aimed at assessing knowledge and practices of the community towards COVID 19 in Mbale municipality. Methods and Materials: A cross section study was used; Data was obtained using a Questionnaires to a sample of 355 respondents and an observation tool was also used to observe behaviour patterns and practices of 776 participants towards the control measures of COVID-19. Results: There was a total of 355 respondents with 208 /355 (58.59%) male and 147/355 (41.4%) female. 149/355(42%) possessed good knowledge, 131/355(36.9%) had moderate knowledge and 75/355(21%) had a little knowledge on COVID-19. Participants who were single and aged between 21-30 years were found to be more knowledgeable than other groups (P value=.001 and P value=.003 respectively).The source of COVID 19 information was mainly from television and radios 124/248 (50%) and social media 34/248 (21.8%) and the least source of information being 14/248(5.6%) and 9/248(3.6%) from health workers and Religious leaders respectively. 496/776 (64%) of the respondents observed, washed their hands and only124/776 (16%) of the respondents wore face masks. 98/776 (12.6%) were seen shaking hands and 15/776(2%) were seen hugging. Conclusion: Use of appropriate and well-designed Health education materials on radios, televisions and social media platforms like Facebook and twitter among others can be effective means of communication since they can reach the highest number of people. Ministry of Health should design ways for systematically integrating both political and religious leaders in Health Education Campaigns. Government should provide facemasks and enforce their use. A study to assess the ability of both political and religious leaders in health promotion campaigns should be carried out.
Assessing the Learning Environment at Habib medical School, Islamic University in Uganda
(International Journal of Human and Health Sciences, 2017-01) Nazziwa, Aisha; Lwere, Kamada; Tebetyo, Zakia; Ankarali, Handan; Ankarali, Seyit
The learners’ environment is crucial for development of professionals. In Uganda, there was no studies assessing the learning environment have been found. Objective: This study was performed to assess the undergraduate students’ perceptions of medical education in general and educational environment in a newly established faculty of medicine in Islamic University in Uganda. Materials and Methods: The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM), a validated inventory was distributed among undergraduate students in the first year of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery study. This scale consists a 50 item inventory each of the50 items is scored on a 5-point Likert scale (0 to4). Results: The average total DREEM score was found to be 127.5 (maximum point is 200 in the scale) for the students. This score was interpreted according to the practical guide of McAleer and Roff those students’ perceptions of their learning environment were more positive than negative. In addition, the descriptive values of 5 sub- dimensions of the scale were found as follows. The Perceptions of Learning dimension average is 33.69 ± 6.10, the Perceptions of Teachers dimension average is 25.89 ± 4.44, Students’ Academic Self-Perception 23.35 ± 3.91, Perceptions of Learning Atmosphere dimension average 29.83 ± 7.01 and Social self-perceptions dimension average 13.90 ± 3.92.Only the mean Social Self Perceptions sub-dimension score were below the expected average score (maximum score/2), and all of the other mean of dimensions were higher than the expected average. The best score is obtained from Perceptions of Learning. The items with low scores (less than 2) on the DREEM questionnaires were identified as in need of rehabilitation. Conclusion: On the whole, the study showed that the students’ perception of the educational environment and the teaching delivered were positive but the student’s social self-perception was not good. Measures to improve student’s social self-perception will be adopted.
Assessment of the Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures of Covid-19 among Market Vendors in Sironko District
(Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 2021-08-24) Kudamba, Ali; Walusansa, Abdul; Ssenku, Jamil E.; Okurut, Shaban A.; Namagembe, Habib; Nakitende, Sumayah; Mubajje, Muhamad Shaban; Kafero, Hussein Mukasa
Introduction: Coronavirus disease is one of leading causes of deaths in recent times that has surpassed cardiovascular and other respiratory diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) setup Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been adopted by the different governments to curtail its spread. Nonetheless, information on the adherence to the SOPs amongst market vendors is not well elucidated. Moreover, markets are centers of convergence of many people which increases the risks of community transmission. Therefore, our study, investigated theextent of the adherence to the SOPs amongst market vendors in Sironko district. Methodology: A quantitative study with cross-sectional design was adopted with a sample size of 221 randomly selected participants. Pretested structured questionnaires were used in the data collection. Categorical data was presented in tables and graphs with frequency (%). Pearson’s Chisquare (X2) was used to examine the statistical significance of our results. The analysis was done by using the statistical software MedCalc version 20.0008. All the analyses were done at 95% level of significance and a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 221 participants were involved: 126, 57 % female, 80, 36% aged between 31-40 years and 158, 72% married. Fever, dry cough, chest pain, arches & pain loss of speech & movements were the most reported signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (p<0.0001). Most of the respondents were aware of the SOPs, hand washing soap and adequate water were readily available (p<0.0001). The commonly implemented SOP was wearing face masks (p<0.0001). The radio talk shows & broadcasting were the main sources of information(p<0.0001). The inadequate facemasks and limited finances constrained the Implementation of SOPs (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Most market vendors were aware of the COVID-19 SOPs and claimed they adhered. However, there is need to carry out a qualitative study to confirm the above claims.
Bayesian Network Classification of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
(Universiti Putra Malaysia Press (Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology), 2014) Nazziwa, Aisha; Mohd, Bakri Adam; Shamarina, Shohaimi; Aida, Mustapha
The source of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) remains uncertain in patients presenting without hematemesis. This paper aims at studying the accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of the Naive Bayesian Classifier (NBC) in identifying the source of GIB in the absence of hematemesis. Data of 325 patients admitted via the emergency department (ED) for GIB without hematemesis and who underwent confirmatory testing were analysed. Six attributes related to demography and their presenting signs were chosen. NBC was used to calculate the conditional probability of an individual being assigned to Upper Gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) or Lower Gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). High classification accuracy (87.3 %), specificity (0.85) and sensitivity (0.88) were achieved. NBC is a useful tool to support the identification of the source of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients without hematemesis
Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Isolates from Ward Fomites
(British Biotechnology Journal, 2016) Segujja, Farouk; Mwambi, Bashir; Drago, Charles Kato; Lubowa, Nathan Musisi; Mugambwa, Joseph; Wabuyi, Patrick
Aim: The study was conducted to determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among isolates from ward fomites at Kiwoko Hospital and to detect resistances in the form of Macrolide Lincosamide StreptograminB (MLSB), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Extended Spectrum β Lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC, and Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) pathogens. Study Design: Laboratory based cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in various wards and sections at Kiwoko Hospital, a rural setting in the central region of Uganda, between January and June 2015. Methodology: We recruited 290 samples from the Surgical, Medical, Maternity and Pediatric wards as well as the Out Patient Department (OPD) at Kiwoko Hospital for the study. Samples were taken by swabbing the different surfaces and instruments which included; sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, beds, nurses’ stations, staff/visitors’ chairs, door handles, patients’ crepe bandages, curtains, switches, and sink handles among others. Susceptibility testing was done using the disc diffusion methods by Kirby Bauer for phenotypic expression of MLSB resistances, MRSA, MSSA, ESBL, MDR and AmpC. Co-resistances exhibited by isolated ESBL producers were also phenotypically tested. Results: Of the 290 surfaces and instruments swabbed, 57.59% (CI= 49.18 - 67.01) carried bacterial pathogens and by using standard surface agar plating methods, Staphylococcus aureus was the mostly isolated pathogen 43 (25.75%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 35 (20.96%), Escherichia coli 31 (18.55%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 20 (11.98%), Enterococcus faecalis 12 (7.19%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 10 (5.98%), Proteus mirabilis 9 (5.39%), Bacillus spp. 4 (2.40%), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 3 (1.80%). Among enterobacteriaceae, 5 (6.67%, CI= 2.16 – 15.56) were identified as AmpC producers and 16 (21.33%, CI= 12.19 - 34.64) as ESBL producers out of which 4/16 (25.00%, CI = 6.81 – 64.01) showed ESBL co-resistance. Of the 43 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 9.30% were MRSA (CI = 2.53 - 23.82) and 90.70% MSSA (CI = 64.49 - 100). In MLSB resistance patterns, 23.26% of the total S. aureus isolates were constitutive MLSB while 6.98% showed inducible MLSB as 27.91% exhibited an MS phenotype. Out of all the isolates recovered from fomites, 27/167 (16.17%, CI = 10.65 – 23.52) were identified as Multi Drug Resistant (MDR). Conclusion: Hospital fomites harbored resistant pathogens that could well persist for a long period of time thereby predisposing patients to Hospital acquired infections. Therefore, routine screening of clinical samples for MLSB, ESBL, AmpC, MRSA and MDR could significantly monitor potential treatment failures in the management of resistant bacterial infections spread by pathogens on ward items and surfaces at Kiwoko Hospital, Uganda.
Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Isolates from Ward Fomites
(British Biotechnology Journal, 2016) Segujja, Farouk; Mwambi, Bashir; Drago, Charles Kato; Lubowa, Nathan Musisi; Mugambwa, Joseph; Wabuyi, Patrick
Aim: The study was conducted to determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among isolates from ward fomites at Kiwoko Hospital and to detect resistances in the form of Macrolide Lincosamide StreptograminB (MLSB), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Extended Spectrum β Lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC, and Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) pathogens. Study Design: Laboratory based cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in various wards and sections at Kiwoko Hospital, a rural setting in the central region of Uganda, between January and June 2015. Methodology: We recruited 290 samples from the Surgical, Medical, Maternity and Pediatricwards as well as the Out Patient Department (OPD) at Kiwoko Hospital for the study. Samples were taken by swabbing the different surfaces and instruments which included; sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, beds, nurses’ stations, staff/visitors’ chairs, door handles, patients’ crepe bandages, curtains, switches, and sink handles among others. Susceptibility testing was done using the disc diffusion methods by Kirby Bauer for phenotypic expression of MLSB resistances, MRSA, MSSA, ESBL, MDR and AmpC. Co-resistances exhibited by isolated ESBL producers were also phenotypically tested. Results: Of the 290 surfaces and instruments swabbed, 57.59% (CI= 49.18 - 67.01) carried bacterial pathogens and by using standard surface agar plating methods, Staphylococcus aureus was the mostly isolated pathogen 43 (25.75%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 35 (20.96%), Escherichia coli 31 (18.55%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 20 (11.98%), Enterococcus faecalis 12 (7.19%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 10 (5.98%), Proteus mirabilis 9 (5.39%), Bacillus spp. 4 (2.40%), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 3 (1.80%). Among enterobacteriaceae, 5 (6.67%, CI= 2.16 – 15.56) were identified as AmpC producers and 16 (21.33%, CI= 12.19 - 34.64) as ESBL producers out of which 4/16 (25.00%, CI = 6.81 – 64.01) showed ESBL co-resistance. Of the 43 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 9.30% were MRSA (CI = 2.53 - 23.82) and 90.70% MSSA (CI = 64.49 - 100). In MLSB resistance patterns, 23.26% of the total S. aureus isolates were constitutive MLSB while 6.98% showed inducible MLSB as 27.91% exhibited an MS phenotype. Out of all the isolates recovered from fomites, 27/167 (16.17%, CI = 10.65 – 23.52) were identified as Multi Drug Resistant (MDR). Conclusion: Hospital fomites harbored resistant pathogens that could well persist for a long period of time thereby predisposing patients to Hospital acquired infections. Therefore, routine screening of clinical samples for MLSB, ESBL, AmpC, MRSA and MDR could significantly monitor potential treatment failures in the management of resistant bacterial infections spread by pathogens on ward items and surfaces at Kiwoko Hospital, Uganda.
Classification models for predicting the source of gastrointestinal bleeding in the absence of hematemesis
(Basic Research Journal of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, 2013-08) Nazziwa, Aisha; Mohd, Bakri Adam; Shamarina, Shohaimi
Management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding necessitates the identification of the source of bleed. The source of bleeding which is clear in patients presenting with hematemesis, is unclear in the absence of it. Logistic regression, decision tree, naïve Bayes, LogitBoost and KNN models were constructed from non endoscopic data of 325 patients admitted via the emergence department (ED) for GIB without hematemesis. The performance of the models in predicting the source of bleeding into upper gastrointestinal bleeding or lower gastrointestinal bleeding was compared. Overall the models demonstrate good performance with regards to sensitivity specificity, PPV, NPV and classification accuracy on the simulated data. On the GIB data, the naive Bayes model performed best with a prediction accuracy and sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 85% and area under curve of 92%. Classification models can help to predict the source of gastrointestinal bleeding for patients presenting without hematemesis and may generally be useful in decision support in the ED. The models should be explored further for clinical relevance in other settings
Comparative Detection of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus by the two Commonly used Assays of NSP ELISA and RT-PCR in Uganda with Quantitative Real Time RT-PCR on Field Samples
(Global Journal of Medical Research, 2016) Mukasa, Hussein Kafeero
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a viral disease of Ungulates; both Artiodactyla and Perissodactyla. The mortality rates are low in adult animals but it affects milk yield and international trade. In endemic countries, diagnosis can be based on clinical signs. But these are shared by other vesicular diseases, so a laboratory is needed to confirm the disease. In Uganda the commonly used assays for the laboratory diagnosis of FMD are NSP ELISA and RT-PCR. Serology using ELISA techniques may fail to distinguish between vaccinated and new infection so compromising its sensitivity. The gel passed PCR is involves a lot of advance sample treatment increasing errors due to carry over which also compromises its sensitivity. This work reports comparative the detection of foot-and-mouth virus by NSP ELISA and RTPCR with real time PCR which was taken as the gold standard. The assays were compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity and disease prevalence and likelihood ratios. A total of 176 cattle were used from which samples that included epithelial tissues (17.05%) and oral swabs (84.09%) were collected from outbreak cases in Eastern Districts of Mbale and Budaka.
Comparison of the Naive Bayes Classifier and Instance Based Learner in Classifying Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
(MATEMATIKA, 2013) Naziwa, Aisha; Mohd, Bakri Adam; Shamarina, Shohaimi
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a medical emergence that results in high medical costs and death. Management of this disease requires ascertaining the cause of bleeding. The cause of bleeding is classified into esophageal and gastric causes. Based on health survey data, this study compares the accuracy of the naive Bayes classifier and an instance based learner in the classification of the cause of bleeding. The two classifiers are learned and trained on data collected from patients admitted for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The naive Bayes classifier achieves a classification accuracy of 71% accuracy compared to 68% of the instance based learner
COVID-19 in the Eyes of Community Leaders in Selected Rural Districts in Eastern Uganda
(Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021-05-14) Walusansa, Abdul; Iramiot, Jacob S.; Mpagi, Joseph L; Kudamba, Ali; Okurut, Shaban A.; Namuli, Aidah; Wasige, Godfrey; Nabuuma, Hawa; Kafeero, Hussein M.; Lubowa, Muhammad; Ssenku, Jamilu E.
Introduction: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is one of the topmost global hindrances to human existence. Rural settings have been reported to be more vulnerable in some parts of the world. In Uganda, community leaders in rural villages are among the immediate personnel mandated to support compliance with preventive guidelines, and to identify and report/deliver COVID-19 cases to health units. We examined the potential risks of COVID-19 transmission, knowledge levels, perceptions and opinions of Village Council Leaders (VCLs) in selected districts in Eastern Uganda, to support the design of risk-based COVID-19 control measures in rural settings, to protect lives better. Methodology: A convenience sample of ten VLCs were purposively selected in three districts in Eastern Uganda. Pretested questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to assess the knowledge levels, perceptions, and opinions of respondents about COVID-19. An observational survey was also conducted to examine the barriers to effective control of COVID-19, with reference to health guidelines set by the Ugandan government and the World Health Organization. Data was analyzed using HyperRESEARCH 2.8 software, and STATA version-15.0. Results: Eighty percent of VCLs reported that they were formally engaged in the fight against COVID-19, and the common means of engagement were; dissemination of COVID-19 information by word of mouth, regulation of public events, and monitoring of visitors that come from distant places. All clients reported having received some information about this pandemic, but there was generally low knowledge on some vital aspects: 70% of the respondents did not know the meaning of COVID-19; 100% were uninformed on these common symptoms; headache, sore throat, nausea, and loss of taste & smell; 10% did not know if willingness to conform to health guidelines may affect COVID-19 prevention, and they believed that domestic animals are viable vectors. Radio was the commonest source of COVID-19 information, but it was confounded by poor quality of radio-signals. Most respondents were of the view that in the communities they lead; inaccessibility to authentic health information, financial constraints, and belief that COVID-19 is a fallacy, were some of the leading obstacles to the fight against the pandemic. Low awareness and misconceptions on COVID-19 could be explained by; technological challenges, low literacy levels, and dissemination of wrong information about this pandemic. From the observational survey, the major factors which might intensify the risk of COVID-19 spread were: scarcity of requirements for hand hygiene, face protection, violation of health guidelines and directives, porous borders, terrain, and use of potentially polluted open water sources. Conclusion: Communities in Eastern Uganda are vulnerable to the drastic spread of COVID-19 due to challenges related to: low awareness, poor compliance with preventive guidelines, finances, technology, terrain, illiteracy, scarcity of protective wear and hygiene resources. Awareness creation, material aid, execution of preventive rules, and more research on COVID-19 are warranted.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Prevalence and Associated Factors among Students and Staff (A Case of Islamic University in Uganda)
(Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior, 2022-03) Naziru, Rashid; Nabukeera, Madinah; Nazziwa, Aisha; Aremu, Abdulmujeeb Babatunde; Araphat, Ummusalam; Kyejussa, Yusuf
Determinants of compliance with the occupational health and safety practices among metal welders in Jinja municipality-Jinja district Uganda
(OIMICS International, 2018) Oluwole, Ilori; Nwanna, Kevin; Afolabi, K.K; Ademola, Sulayman A; Aremu, A.B; Mujeeb, Salam
Background: Compliance with the occupational health and safety measures at workplace is an important step towards providing a healthier welding workplace; especially in developing countries like Uganda where such measures are commonly not well-considered. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the work environment and individual determinants of compliance with the occupational health and safety practices among metal welders in Jinja municipality-Jinja district. Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design using both qualitative and quantitative method of enquiry. Simple random sampling and convenience sampling were used to assess the welders. Structured interviews and key informant interview were used to obtain data from the welders. Data analysis was done using the SPSS. Results: Only 50% (120) of the welders in Jinja municipality complied with the welding occupational health and safety practices. Regularly checking and maintenance of welding plant and equipment (p=0.000, X2=33.771), supervisor often remind workers of the potential risks and hazards in their workplace (p=0.000, X2=48.614), supervisor always consulting welders for suggestions about how to improve safety (p=0.004, X2=8.103), type of material used for welding (X2=10.112, p=0.006) and the number of employees per welding enterprise (X2=18.898, 0.008) were the work environment conditions that had statistical significant influence on compliance to occupation health and safety practices among welders in Jinja municipality. Duration in the welding profession (X2=8.654, p=0.034) and thought of getting injured easily while welding (X2 = 8.515, p=0.004) were the individual factors that have a statistically significant influence on compliance to occupational health and safety practices among the welders in Jinja municipality. Conclusion: There is an average level of compliance with occupational health and safety practices among welders in Jinja district. Basically only half of the welders in the Municipality are compliant mainly due to welding work environment characteristics/factors. Recommendations: Orientation, awareness, development of standard rules, enforcement of the safety codes and conducts were the recommendations necessary to improve the compliance to occupational health and safety practices among welders.
Development of Plasmodium falciparum specific naïve, atypical, memory and plasma B cells during infancy and in adults in an endemic area
(Bio Med Central, 2017) Lugaajju, A; Reddy, S. B.; Wahlgren, M; Kironde, Fred; Persson, K. E. M.
Background: B-cells are essential in immunity against malaria, but which sub-sets of B-cells specifically recognize Plasmodium falciparum and when they appear is still largely unknown. Results: Using the flow cytometry technique for detection of P. falciparum specific (Pf+) B-cells, this study for the first time measured the development of Pf+ B cell (CD19+) phenotypes in Ugandan babies from birth up to nine months, and in their mothers. The babies showed increases in Pf+ IgG memory B-cells (MBCs), atypical MBCs, and plasma cells/blasts over time, but the proportion of these cells were still lower than in the mothers who displayed stable levels (5, 18, and 3%, respectively). Pf+ non-IgG+ MBCs and naïve B-cells binding to P. falciparum antigens were higher in the babies compared to the mothers (12 and 50%). In ELISA there was an increase in IgG and IgM antibodies over time in babies, and stable levels in mothers. At baby delivery, multigravidae mothers had a higher proportion of Pf+ IgG MBCs and less Pf+ naïve B-cells than primigravidae mothers. Conclusions: In newborns, naïve B-cells are a major player in recognizing P. falciparum. In adults, the high proportion of Pf+ atypical MBCs suggests a major role for these cells. Both in infants and adults, non-IgG+ MBCs were higher than IgG MBCs, indicating that these cells deserve more focus in future.
Differences in affinity of monoclonal and naturally acquired polyclonal antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens
(2015) Reddy, S. B.; Anders, R. F.; Cross, N; Mueller, I; Senn, N; Stanisic, D. I.; Siba, P. M.; Wahlgren, M; Kironde, Fred; Beeson, J. G.; Persson, K. E. M
Background: Malaria is a major global cause of deaths and a vaccine is urgently needed. Results: We have employed the P. falciparum merozoite antigens MSP2-3D7/FC27 and AMA1, used them in ELISA, and coupled them in different ways using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and estimated affinity (measured as kd) of monoclonal as well as naturally-acquired polyclonal antibodies in human plasma. There were major differences in kd depending on how the antigens were immobilized and where the His-tag was placed. For AMA1 we could see correlations with invasion inhibition. Using different immobilizations of proteins in SPR, we could see only moderate correlations with levels of antibodies in ELISA, indicating that in ELISA the proteins were not uniformly bound and that antibodies with many specificities exist in natural immunisation. The correlations between ELISA and SPR were enhanced when only parasite positive samples were included, which may indicate that high affinity antibodies are difficult to maintain over long periods of time. We found higher kd values for MSP2 (indicating lower affinity) compared to AMA1, which might be partly explained by MSP2 being an intrinsically disordered protein, while AMA1 is globular. Conclusions: For future vaccine studies and for understanding immunity, it is important to consider how to present proteins to the immune system to achieve highest antibody affinities.
Discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS by health care students of Islamic University in Uganda
(Akamai University, 2017) Inuwa, A; Nafiu, Lukman Abiodun; Habu, H; Maigari, B; Haruna, A; Gagare, A.A; Aisha, M.K; Namutebi, Sarah
In May 2016, the World Health Assembly developed the Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV for 2016–2021 which strives to ensure zero HIV related discrimination especially in health institutions and settings. The main objective of this study is to determine the influence of HIV/AIDS fear, knowledge and attitude on discrimination of PLWHA by health care students. A cross sectional design was used for the study while stratified sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) while bivariate (chi square) was used to make inference regarding the entire population. Results indicate that a majority, 133 (67.2%) of the respondents, were found to have low levels of discrimination. Over half of the respondents, 114 (57.6%), entertained high fear on HIV/AIDS issues. Almost all the respondents, 189 (95.5%), had high knowledge of HIV/AIDS. On HIV/AIDS related attitude majority of the respondents, 115 (58.1%), had positive attitudes. Fear and knowledge do not influence discrimination of PLWHA, while attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients influences discrimination of PLWHA. The findings on the level of discrimination of PLWHA by health care students calls for concerted efforts by the management of IUIU, tutors in School of Nursing and relevant HIV/AIDS agencies and donors to harmonize strategies and actions towards addressing discrimination of PLWHA in order to achieve global and national aspirations of zero discrimination. There is need for tutors in School of Nursing to ensure appropriate delivery of HIV/AIDS instruction targeting behavioral (negative attitude) aspects of HIV/AIDS discrimination in order to ensure its reduction and possible termination.
Disproportionate Distribution of HBV Genotypes A and D and the Recombinant Genotype D/E in the High and Low HBV Endemic Regions of Uganda: A Wake-Up Call for Regional Specific HBV Management
(Hindawi, 2022-01-11) Mukasa Kafeero, Hussein; Ndagire, Dorothy; Ocama, Ponsiano; Kato, Charles Drago; Wampande, Eddie; Kajumbula, Henry; Kateete, David; Walusansa, Abdul; Kudamba, Ali; Kigozi, Edgar; Katabazi, Fred Ashaba; Namaganda, Maria Magdalene; Ssenku, Jamilu E.; Sendagire, Hakim
Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of liver-related diseases. In Uganda, there is a regional disparity in the HBV burden. Our study was aimed at establishing the circulating genotypes in a low and a high endemic region to give plausible explanations for the differences in regional burden and guide the future management of the disease. Methods. A total of 200 HBsAg-seropositive subjects were recruited into the study by convenience sampling. The HBsAg Rapid Test Strip (Healgen Scientific Limited Liability Company, Houston, TX77047- USA) was used to screen for HBsAg while the Roche machine (Roche, Basel Switzerland/Abbot Technologies (USA)) was used to determine the viral load. The Chemistry Analyzer B120 (Mindray, China) was used for chemistry analysis. For HBV genotyping, total DNA was extracted from whole blood using the QIAamp® DNA extraction kit. Nested PCR amplification was performed using Platinum Taq DNA Polymerase (Invitrogen Corporation, USA) to amplify the 400 bp HBV polymerase gene. Purification of nested PCR products was performed using Purelink PCR product purification kit (Life Technologies, USA). Automated DNA sequencing was performed using BigDye Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit on 3130 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA). The NCBI HBV genotyping tool (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/genotyping/formpage.cgi) was used for determination of genotype for each HBV sequence. Pearson’s chi-square, multinomial logistic regression, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for the analysis. All the analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and MedCalc software version 19.1.3 at 95% CI. A p < 0:05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Majority of our study subjects were female (64.5%), youth (51.0%), and married (62.0%). Overall, genotype A was the most prevalent (46%). Genotype D and the recombinant genotype D/E were proportionately more distributed in the high endemic (38.2%) and low endemic (36.5%) regions, respectively. Genotype D was significantly more prevalent in the high endemic region and among the elderly (p < 0:05). Genotype D was significantly associated with elevated viral load and direct bilirubin (p < 0:05). The recombinant genotype D/E was significantly associated with elevated viral load (p < 0:05). Similarly, genotype A was significantly associated with elevated AST and GGT, lowered viral load, and normal direct bilirubin levels (p < 0:05). Conclusion. There is disproportionate distribution of genotypes A and D and the recombinant genotype D/E in the low and high endemic regions of Uganda. This probably could explain the differences in endemicity of HBV in our country signifying the need for regional specific HBV management and control strategies.
Effect of Missing Value Methods on Bayesian Network Classification of Hepatitis Data
(International Journal of Computer Science and Telecommunication, 2013-06) Naziwa, Aisha; Mohd, Bakri Adam; Shamarina, Shohaimi
Missing value imputation methods are widely used in solving missing value problems during statistical analysis. For classification tasks, these imputation methods can affect the accuracy of the Bayesian network classifiers. This paper study’s the effect of missing value treatment on the prediction accuracy of four Bayesian network classifiers used to predict death in acute chronic Hepatitis patients. Missing data was imputed using nine methods which include, replacing with most common attribute, support vector machine imputation (SVMI), K-nearest neighbor (KNNI), Fuzzy K-means Clustering (FKMI), K-means Clustering Imputation (KMI), Weighted imputation with K-Nearest Neighbor (WKNNI), regularized expectation maximization (EM), singular value decomposition (SVDI), and local least squares imputation (LLSI). The classification accuracy of the naive Bayes (NB), tree augmented naive Bayes (TAN), boosted augmented naive Bayes (BAN) and general Bayes network classifiers (GBN) were recorded. The SVMI and LLSI methods improved the classification accuracy of the classifiers. The method of ignoring missing values was better than seven of the imputation methods. Among the classifiers, the TAN achieved the best average classification accuracy of 86.3% followed by BAN with 85.1%.

Browse

Browsing Faculty of Health Sciences by Title