scholarly journals Stereotypes on Nodding syndrome: responses of health workers in the affected region of northern Uganda

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 986 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Mutamba ◽  
C Abbo ◽  
J Muron ◽  
R Idro ◽  
AD Mwaka
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Nodding Syndrome

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal Analysis of Nodding Syndrome in Northern Uganda 1990-2014

Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 180-193
Author(s):  
Kizito Ongaya ◽  
Augustus Aturinde ◽  
Mahdi Farnaghi ◽  
Ali Mansourian ◽  
Gilbert Maiga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatiotemporal Analysis ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Nodding Syndrome

scholarly journals Are health workers reduced to being drug dispensers of antiretroviral treatment? A randomized cross-sectional assessment of the quality of health care for HIV patients in northern Uganda

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 559-565
Author(s):  
Ulrike G Seeberger ◽  
Joseph J Valadez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract High quality of care (QoC) for antiretroviral treatment (ART) is essential to prevent treatment failure. Uganda, as many sub-Saharan African countries, increased access to ART by decentralizing provision to districts. However, little is known whether this rapid scale-up maintained high-quality clinical services. We assess the quality of ART in the Acholi and Lango sub-regions of northern Uganda to identify whether the technical quality of critical ART sub-system needs improvement. We conducted a randomized cross-sectional survey among health facilities (HF) in Acholi (n = 11) and Lango (n = 10). Applying lot quality assurance sampling principles with a rapid health facility assessment tool, we assessed ART services vis-à-vis national treatment guidelines using 37 indicators. We interviewed health workers (n = 21) using structured questionnaires, directly observed clinical consultations (n = 126) and assessed HF infrastructure, human resources, medical supplies and patient records in each health facility (n = 21). The district QoC performance standard was 80% of HF had to comply with each guideline. Neither sub-region complied with treatment guidelines. No HF displayed adequate: patient monitoring, physical examination, training, supervision and regular monitoring of patients’ immunology. The full range of first and second line antiretroviral (ARV) medication was not available in Acholi while Lango had sufficient stocks. Clinicians dispensed available ARVs without benefit of physical examination or immunological monitoring. Patients reported compliance with drug use (>80%). Patients’ knowledge of preventing HIV/AIDS transmission concentrated on condom use; otherwise it was poor. The poor ART QoC in northern Uganda raises major questions about ART quality although ARVs were dispensed. Poor clinical care renders patients’ reports of treatment compliance as insufficient evidence that it takes place. Further studies need to test patients’ immunological status and QoC in more regions of Uganda and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa to identify topical and geographical areas which are priorities for improving HIV care.

scholarly journals Fetal heart rate monitoring practices at a public hospital in Northern Uganda – what health workers document, do and say

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1711618
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Ayebare ◽  
Wibke Jonas ◽  
Grace Ndeezi ◽  
Jolly Nankunda ◽  
Claudia Hanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Fetal Heart Rate ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Fetal Heart ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Heart Rate Monitoring ◽  
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

scholarly journals Conceptualizing Illness: Nodding Syndrome in Northern Uganda

Afrika Focus ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Van Bemmel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Main Stage ◽  
Stunted Growth ◽  
Nodding Syndrome ◽  
Head Nodding ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Political Problem

This paper presents an ethnographic study of conceptualizations of nodding syndrome (NS) in Uganda. NS is a poorly understood condition characterized by repetitive nodding of the head, mental retardation and stunted growth, which affects thousands of children in northern Uganda, South Sudan and Tanzania. Although extensive research for causative agents has been conducted, no convincing single cause has been reported. This study establishes an understanding of different representations of NS and argues that the episodes of head nodding are related to the socio-political body in which they are manifested. Three interwoven approaches towards NS take main stage whereby the syndrome is presented as a biomedical, spiritual and/or political problem. The conceptualizations are linked to different notions of healing and affected families combine various forms of therapy. Through the examination of different narratives, this study disrupts the idea of a singular perspective on illness and pleads for a focus on motion and plurality. KEY WORDS: NODDING SYNDROME, UGANDA, HEALTH, CONCEPTUALIZATION, ANTHROPOLOGY

scholarly journals Factors associated with differential community prevalence of hepatitis E in two sub-counties in Kitgum District in Northern Uganda: A comparative cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Aloyo ◽  
Juliet Kiguli ◽  
Christopher Orach Garimoi ◽  
Eric Nzirakaindi Ikoona ◽  
David Lagoro Kitara
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
P Value ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Heads Of Household

Abstract Background: Hepatitis E is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. During 2009, an epidemic of hepatitis E resulted in 10,437 infections and 167 deaths in Kitgum district.Objective: To investigate factors associated with the differential community prevalence of hepatitis E in two sub-counties in Kitgum District.Methods: We conducted a community survey during the 4th-31st of May 2012 in two Sub Counties in Kitgum District in Northern Uganda. A total of 474 heads of household were recruited using a probability proportional to size through multistage and random sampling methods. Two hundred thirty-four (49.26%) heads of household were from Mucwini, and 241 (50.74%) were from Kitgum Matidi Sub Counties. The questionnaire had an internal validity of Cronbach’s α=0.85. The study was approved by a local IRB. STATA version 10.0 was used for data analysis, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The prevalence of hepatitis E was significantly higher in Mucwini Subcountry 97 (41.99%) than in Kitgum Matidi 63 (26.47%); χ2=12.6; p=0.000. Factors associated with differential prevalence were hand washing after latrine use with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AoR)=0.23,95%CI:0.110-0.646; p=0.003; frequency of communal hand washing AoR=0.53,95%CI:0.330-0.860; p=0.01; patients’ handling by health workers AoR=1.91,95%CI:1.410-2.610; p<0.001; frequency of village health meetings held AoR=0.69,95%CI:0.56-0.85; p<0.001 and awareness of the cause of Hepatitis E AoR=1.42, 95%CI:0.710-1.880; p=0.015.Conclusions: Factors associated with the differential community prevalence of hepatitis E in the two communities were poor personal hygiene, poor community practices and a low level of community awareness about the virus. District and health authorities should put in place measures to improve personal and household hygiene and strengthen community health education on hepatitis E.

Using reproductive health services to address sexual and gender-based violence in post-conflict northern Uganda.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keneth Opiro ◽  
Francis Pebolo Pebalo ◽  
Neil Scolding ◽  
Charlotte Hardy
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Abstract Background Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), including rape and child sexual abuse, remains a significant challenge in post-conflict northern Uganda, including within refugee settlements. Many victims have never sought help from health-related services. Consequently, the scale of the problem is unknown, and SGBV victims’ injuries, both psychological and physical, remain undetected and unaddressed. We hypothesized that health workers in rural Reproductive Health Services could provide a valuable resource for SGBV screening and subsequent referral for support. Methods Our project had three elements. First, Reproductive Health Service workers were trained in the knowledge and skills needed to screen for and identify women who had experienced SGBV, using a questionnaire-based approach. Second, the screening questionnaire was used by reproductive health workers over a 3-month period, and the data analysed to explore the scale and nature of the problem. Third, victims detected were offered referral as appropriate to hospital services and/or the ActionAid SURGE (Strengthening Uganda’s Response to Gender Equality) shelter in Gulu. Results 1656 women were screened. 778 (47%) had a history of SGBV, including 123 victims of rape and 505 victims of non-sexual violence. 1,254 (76%) had been directly or indirectly affected by conflict experiences; 1066 had lived in IDP camps. 145 (9%) were referred at their request to Gulu SGBV Shelter under SURGE. Of these, 25 attended the shelter and received assistance, and a further 20 received telephone counselling. Conclusion Undetected SGBV remains a problem in post-conflict northern Uganda. Reproductive Health Service workers, following specific training, can effectively screen for and identify otherwise unreported and unassisted cases of SGBV. Future work will explore scaling up to include screening in hospital A&E departments, incorporate approaches to screening for male victims, and the impact of taking both screening and support services to rural communities through local clinics with mobile teams.

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