Research Papers

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Prophetic Medicine (Twibb Nabbawi) Principles in Clinical Practice
(International Journal of Human and Health Sciences DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v8i3.718, 2024-07-04) Naziru, Rashid
Prophetic medicine (Twibb Nabbawi) refers to the advice, the teachings and practices given by the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding disease prevention and treatment as found in both the Quran and the hadith. These include preventive, promotive and therapeutics modalities. They range from hygiene and behavioral practices, dietary/nutritional practices as well as exercises among others. Several countries especially in the middle east, far east, some countries in Europe and America have embarked on the reactivation, research and practice of this noble principles in enriching the medical knowledge as well as the clinical practice of prophetic medicine. This current paper presents the experiences of use and practice of prophetic medicine principles and teachings in Uganda. They also range from preventive, promotive and therapeutic modalities and varies from various health facilities and individual Muslim health professionals under the umbrella of the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda. (IMAU). In conclusion, prophetic medicine is a critical component of clinical care practice that should be adopted for healthcare delivery. Healthcare professionals should adopt its practice to ensure holistic healthcare service delivery.
Uptake of Hepatitis B Treatment Eligibility Tests Among Hepatitis B Patients:
(Aquaint Publications, 2024-08-22) Naziru, Rashid; Mutaryebwa, Felix; Nakya, Joan,Mutyoba; Ssekamatte, Tonny; Aleku, Jerry; Acheng, Frances; Mubarak, Nasur
Background: Despite hepatitis B virus infection being a vaccine preventable liver disease, 257 million people are estimated to be chronically infected globally making it one of the commonest infections, causing more than 820,000 deaths annually worldwide. Uganda is one of the SSA that continues to be highly endemic with a prevalence of 4.3%, associated with poor clinical management of those infected. Objectives: Assess factors associated with the uptake of recommended HBV treatment eligibility tests among hepatitis B Virus patients at\ Yumbe Regional Referral HospitaMethods: Data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Chi square and modified Poisson regression analyses were undertaken to determine association of factors. 01 Focus Group Discussion and 04 Key Informant interviews were conducted to explore factors affecting the provision of recommended hepatitis B treatment eligibility tests. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: 1.01% of patients took all 4 tests and 26.6% received at least one test. Complete Blood Count was mostly consumed, 38.2% while Ultra Sound Scan was the least -7%, 7.5% patients were screened for HIV with 33.3% being HIV/HBV coinfected. 61.3% patients did not take any main test and 31.2% had a main test taken. Only 7.5% had both main tests. Uptake of main tests was associated with timing of tests (χ2 =94.9, P< 0.000), HIV/HBV coinfection (χ2 = 20.46, P<0.000), duration in care, (χ2=68.9, P<0.000), average distance to hospital (χ2 = 15.5,P<0.017). Timing of tests was the only factor statistically associated with uptake of main recommended tests (PR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.210 – 0.92). Facilitators for provision of HBV tests included availability of commodities, HCWs’ knowledge of the treatment guidelines and good infrastructure while barriers were insufficient human resource, commodity stock outs and language barrier. Conclusion: There was poor uptake of recommended tests by HBV patients at YRRH. Health Workers should endeavor to provide all recommended tests before HBV treatment initiation.
Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines, associated factors and reasons for not taking a vaccine
(BMC, 2024) Naziru, Rashid; Daama, Alex; Kasango, Asan; Kigozi, Nalwoga,Grace; Nalugoda, Fred; Bulamba, Robert; Kyasanku, Emmanuel; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Kigozi, Godfrey; Kagaayi, Joseph; Mugamba, Stephen
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. This study examined the prevalence, factors associated with willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine including reasons for not taking COVID-19 vaccine in a predominantly urban population of Wakiso, central Uganda.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards COVID-19 Vaccination Among Students and Staff at the Islamic University in Uganda
(East African Health Research Journal, 2023-11-03) Naziru, Rashid; Nabukeera, Madinah; Kisambira, Zubair Jauhara; Zziwa, Swaibu; Ndagire, Mariam Abbasi; Nakayiza, Faridah
Whereas the burden of COVID-19 has greatly reduced worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality, its impact is still affecting many countries economically, politically as well as in the healthcare systems. There is therefore a need to ensure that the community is protected and safe against the resurgence of the COVID-19 by embracing the vaccination against the disease. Taking up campaign messages about the COVID-19 vaccine, requires the community to have a certain level of understanding and have a good or positive attitude towards the vaccines, all of which influence good practices.
Self-Reported Hepatitis B Vaccination Uptake and Associated Factors Among Adults Attending Budwale Health Center in Mbale District Uganda
(East African Health Research Journal, 2023-08-21) Naziru, Rashid; Ddamulira, John Bosco; Kabwama Ndugwa, Steven; Namutundu, Juliana; Ssentogo, Julius; Daama, Alex; Ajambo, Aidah; Namatovu, Josephine; Mutaryebwa, Felix; Ahumuza, Ronald; Batte, James; Nakayiza, Faridah; Ndagire, Mariam Abbasi
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
Prevalence of Bacteria Contaminating the Hands of Healthcare Workers: An Experience of Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
(International Journal of Human and Health Sciences, 2022-04-02) Nazziwa, Aisha; Lwere, Kamada; Ankarali, Handan; Ankarali, Seyit
Background: The pathogenic bacterium on the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) is considered as the main route of spread of nosocomial infections. Objectives:To determine bacterial contamination of the hands of healthcare workersduring routine patient care in Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study included 70 health care workers, who were actively providing healthcare in the hospital. Doctors, nurses, midwives,laboratory technicians, and pharmacistsof the hospital were included in the study. The hand impressions of the participants were taken on 5% blood agar and processed as per guidelines. The criteria used for identification of bacteria werebased on colony morphology, Gram staining, catalase test (for Gram-positive cocci), coagulase test (for suspected Staphylococcus aureus) and other standard biochemical tests. Results: Out of 70 samples, 62(88.6)% showed growth of microorganisms. The most commonly isolated genus was Bacillus found in 46(74.2%) of isolates, followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococcus(CoNS) found in 39(62.9%) of isolates, Micrococcus 18(29%) of isolates, Pseudomonas found in 13(21%) isolates, Acinetobacter 9(14.5%) and Staphylococus 7(11.3%). Bacillus was found in all 5 midwives (100%), 3(75%) of drug dispensary workers, 9(69.2%) doctors, 3(60%) laboratory technicians and 25(64.1%) of nurses. Prevalence of Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was also found to be highest in 9(69.2%) of doctors, 2(40%) laboratory attendants, 4(10%) laboratory technicians, 3(60%) midwives and 20(51,3%) nurses. The prevalence rate of pathogenic bacteria is highest among doctors followed by nurses.Conclusion: The bacterial contamination on the hands of healthcare workers remains high and measures need to be taken to effectively implement hand hygiene.
On the Use of Bayesian Network Classifiers to Classify Patients with Peptic Ulcer Among Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Patients
(IEEE, 2012) Nazziwa, Aisha; Mohd, Bakri Adam
A Bayesian network classifier is one type of graphical probabilistic models that is capable of representing relationship between variables in a given domain under study. We consider the naïve Bayes, tree augmented naïve Bayes (TAN) and boosted augmented naïve Bayes (BAN) to classify patients with peptic ulcer disease among upper gastro intestinal bleeding patients. We compare their performance with IBk and C4.5. To identify relevant variables for peptic ulcer disease, we use some methodologies for attributes subset selection. Results show that, blood urea nitrogen, hemoglobin and gastric malignancy are important for classification. BAN achieves the best accuracy of and AUC of (0.81) followed by TAN with 72.4 and 0.76 respectively among Bayesian classifiers. While the accuracy of the TAN is improved with attribute selection, the BAN and IBK are better off without attribute selection.
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HAND HYGIENE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AND NURSING STUDENTS IN MASAKA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL
(Journal of Duzce University Health Sciences Institute, 2021) Nazziwa, Aisha; Lwere, Kamada; Ankarali, Handan; Ankarali, Seyit
Aim: The pathogenic bacterium on the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) is considered as the main route of spread of hospital-acquired infections. This study determines the knowledge regarding hand hygiene among medical and nursing students in a Regional Referral Hospital. Material and Methods: 100 students participated in the study. Data was collected using the World Health Organization hand hygiene knowledge questionnaire (revised 2009). The questionnaire contains questions on the participant’s demographics, formal training in hand hygiene and questions to assess hand hygiene knowledge. Descriptive statistics of the variables were computed as Mean±SD and frequencies (n, %). The relationships between the categorical variables were investigated by using Pearson Chi-Square test. Also independent-samples t-test were used to investigate the difference between groups with regard to numerical variables. In all calculations, P< 0.05 is considered as the level of statistical significance. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20 (IBM SPSS statistics, Somers, NY). Results: 90.8% of the students reported receiving formal training in hand hygiene. However only 2% of the students had good knowledge, 74% moderate knowledge and 24% low knowledge about hand hygiene. The study did not find any significant difference in the knowledge level between the students who had received formal training in hand hygiene and those who had not (p=0.392). Also, the mean knowledge score was not associated with gender (p=0.82), or profession (p=0.179). Conclusion: It is of importance to devise effective teaching methods that will help the students retain the knowledge on hand hygiene
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%.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
Preparedness, Identification and Care of COVID-19 Cases by Front Line Health Workers in Selected Health Facilities in Mbale District Uganda
(East African Health Research Journal, 2021) Naziru, Rashid; Nazziwa, Aisha; Nanyeenya, Nicholas; Nabukeera, Madinah; Lwere, Kamada
Introduction The nature of work of Health care professionals exposes them to high risks of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it among themselves, to their patients and subsequently to the general community. Thus, it is essential that frontline health workers are equipped with both material and knowledge to enable them accurately suspect, detect, isolate, and manage COVID-19 cases. Findings have indicated a high prevalence of COVID-19 infections among front-line health workers. The Current Study assessed preparedness, identification, and care of COVID-19 Cases by frontline health workers in selected health facilities in Mbale District.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception on Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Non-health Workers Attending Selected Health Facilities in Mbale City, Uganda
(Science Publishing Group, 2021-10-30) Naziru, Rashid; Zziwa, Swaibu
Introduction Vaccination has for a long time been used for the prevention and control of communicable diseases among children and adults. For the vaccination to be effective in controlling the spread of communicable diseases a significant number of people must be vaccinated and immunized to achieve herd immunity. The success of a vaccination campaign and program depends on the communities' knowledge attitudes and perceptions on vaccines. Uganda is endemic for HBV disease with 10 national prevalence, and therefore needs to have a general community fully vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. The current study assessed the knowledge attitude and perceptions of the community on HBV vaccination. Methods: A cross- section study will be used by administering a questionnaire to all OPD clients who are above 18years at three selected health facilities in Mbale district. Data was analyzed using Stata SE/14. Results: Out of 1020 participants 51.86% (530) were males and 48.14% (492) were females, the majority were between 18-35 years and 35.49% had minimal tertiary level of education.58.8% of respondents had moderate knowledge on HBV disease and vaccination. There was a generally good attitude and perceptions on HBV Vaccination however 62.23% (636) believed that the HBV vaccine was not effective.29.68% (304) of respondents agreed that they would go for vaccination if given an opportunity 56.33% (579) preferred to get them vaccinated from government facilities and 75.53% (772) would recommend others to go for vaccination. Conclusion: More Education and sensitization on the use, availability, and safety of vaccines to the community is highly recommended to improve the knowledge and attitude; Opinion leaders should be given appropriate IEC materials on Vaccines; a study on the uptake of HBV vaccine and associated factors should be carried
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological patterns among the HBsAg negative hospital attendees screened for immunization
(Scientific Reports, 2022-05-06) Kafeero, Hussein Mukasa; Ndagire, Dorothy; Ocama, Ponsiano; Kato, Charles Drago; Wampande, Eddie; Walusansa, Abdul; Kajumbula, Henry; Kateete, David; Sendagire, Hakim
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a highly infectious virus and is endemic in Uganda. It is one of the major etiological agents for liver diseases including liver cancer. In this work, we evaluated the prevalence of the HBV serological markers and the associated socio-demographic factors among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegative persons screened during routine immunization against the virus in eastern Uganda. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire, while that on the serological markers were obtained from serum samples and evaluated by using the 5-panel HBV One Step Hepatitis B Virus Combo Test Device ( FastepR, HBV-P43M). The following markers were evaluated by the panel: HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, and HBeAb. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26), and multinomial logistic regression was used to elicit the adjusted odds ratio. All the analysis were performed at a 95% confidence limit, and a P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The 424 participants included in this study were mainly female (62.3%), married (55.4%) and aged 30 years and above (54.2%). The seropositivity of the HBsAb, HBeAb, HBcAb marker prevalence rates was 48(11.3%), 73(17.2%) and 45(10.6%) respectively. The majority of the participants (327, 77.1%) did not present with any marker. Married paricipants were significantly associated with reduced HBsAb seropositvity rate, whereas young people aged 18–29 years were associated the with increased odds of HBsAb seropositivity (p < 0.05). Male participants were significantly associated with the HBeAb and HBcAb seropositivity (p < 0.05). Similarly, contact with an HBV infected person was significantly associated with HBeAb and HBcAb seropositivity (p < 0.05). Further still, blood transfusion was significantly associated with the increased risk of HBcAb seropositivity (P < 0.05). This study has revealed a prevalence of HBV serological markers among the HBsAg seronegative persons in this community and an increased risk of transmission of the virus in the community. Our findings have key consequences pertaining the interventions that are pertinent in the control and prevention of the spread of the virus among apparently health persons. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the causative agent for liver inflammatory diseases, which, if not diagnosed in a timely manner and subsequently managed, are likely to progress to chronic liver diseases, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer1. The virus has been implicated as one the most common oncogenic virus in humans2. It is a highly transmissible virus and is 50 to 100 times more infectious than Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV). In addition, it has extreme resilience, allowing it to survive for several days on dry surfaces. This complicates its epidemiology and explains the increased chances of intra-familial horizontal transmissions3. Despite the presence of a safe and highly efficacious vaccine, HBV infection is still one of the major global health problems4. The Uganda Population-Based Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2016–2017 survey reported a drastic decrease in the prevalence of HBV in Uganda5. According to this survey, the national prevalence of HBV dropped from 10% in the general population in 20156 to 4.3% in 2016 and 4.1% in 2017, with east-central posting a prevalence of 2.1%. However, HBV is a chronic infection and these data are suggestive of either massive death of the chronically infected persons or a higher level of sero-conversion to HBsAb between the sampling intervals. Nevertheless, the rapid sero-conversion indicated by a high prevalence of the HBsAb with normal levels of the correlates of liver damage over a short period of time seems to be unrealistic. Similarly, the drastic decrease in the risk of infection because of improved immunity or public health awareness appears idealistic. The relative importance of the socio-demographic factors to HBV infection varies from population to population7, and their contribution to community spread of HBV have been previously reported with concordance in some studies and contradictions in other studies8– 12. Understanding these sociodemographic factors related to infection and their relationship with markers of HBV exposure will provide plausible answers to the recent drastic decline in HBV in Uganda. To understand the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus, screening of a large number of people is needed. Serological markers for detection of HBV are diverse13 and include hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B pre-core antibody (HBeAb), hepatitis B pre-core antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). However, in resource limited settings, screening for hepatitis B virus infection is limited to only the HBsAg using the rapid diagnostic test. Unfortunately, the use of a single marker of exposure is associated with vast irregularities in the diagnosis of HBV. This inconclusive diagnosis is likely to mislead clinicians in their decisions when managing the HBV-infected persons as well as the decision to discard donated blood for transfusion by local and regional blood banks. HBV exposure markers have high sensitivity but low specificity, justifying the need to investigate them not in isolation for comprehensive case management and explicit assessment of blood for transfusion. The Anti-HBc is characteristic of a hidden HBV carrier state and/ or resolved disease14. Anti-HBs antibodies are associated with acquired immunity either due to previous exposure and natural response to the virus or due to vaccination15, whereas the Anti-HBe antibody is a marker of the minimally infective phase and disease remission or recovery from the infection16. Thus, as eluded from above, the relative significance of different sociodemographic risk factors for infection, the comparative expression of markers of liver damage and the relative prevalence of different markers of exposure to HBV at the community level can provide constructive clues on the trend of HBV prevalence and infectivity in a population. Consequently, we sought to understand the current state of the risk factors for HBV infection and the prevalence of the markers of immunity against HBV among HBsAg seronegative individuals to justify the drastic reduction in the burden of HBV in Uganda.
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.
SARS-COV-2 B.1.1.529 (OMICRON) VARIANT OUTBREAK
(Innovative technologies in healthcare, 2022-02-28) Naziru, Rashid
The object of research. The study, investigated the clinical presentations of patients who tested Positive for Covid-19 (Omicron Variant), their response to treatment, and the levels of transmissibility of the infection. Investigated problem. As the globe, continent, and nation are struggling with the emergency of the new COVID-19 omicron Virant outbreak there’s not much information known about the behavior of this new threat to enable clinicians, and public health specialists, and policymakers to curb the problem. The main scientific results. The study found that headache, cough, fevers and, general body weakness was the commonest presenting complaints, 3 of the cases reported difficulties in breathing. None of the cases required admission. There was no difference in the severity of the illness and the response to treatment between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated cases. Cases that did steaming as an adjuvant/supplementary treatment reported a shorter duration of symptomatic relief than those that did not. The area of practical use of the research results. The findings will act as a practical guide to clinicians, public health specialists, and policymakers in the management of the COVID-19 Omicron Variant. Innovative technological product. The use of steaming as an adjuvant to symptomatic relief management of respiratory tract infections. Scope of the innovative technological product Omicron Variant produces a less severe illness than earlier variants of COVID-19. The study also reveals that vaccination alone was not effective in the prevention of contraction of the Omicron Variant and other newer variants. However, vaccination may have been advantageous in protecting the cases from progressing to severe disease. Thus, other IPCs measures must be maintained and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccinations should be encouraged. Large-scale on the effectiveness of steaming and other locally made remedies for symptomatic management of respiratory tract infections should be don

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