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Fiona A, Regina N, Nampima C, Kiyinji F, Lwanira C, Nanyonga RC, Orach-Meza F. Health-Related Quality of Life Perception Among Older Persons with Non-Communicable Diseases in Primary Healthcare Facilities: A Qualitative Inquiry. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.19.24310704. [PMID: 39108524 PMCID: PMC11302615 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.19.24310704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Unveiling the understanding of older persons with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) regarding health well-being is paramount and can translate to increased self-efficiency, independence, and enhanced well-being. However, little is known about older persons' understanding of the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Uganda. The study explored perceptions of older persons with NCDs on HRQoL in central Uganda. Methods This exploratory qualitative study design involved 23 participants recruited from selected Primary healthcare facilities in Central Uganda. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach generated themes that informed the study's qualitative findings. Results The key themes that emerged from the study include holistic well-being, lifestyle modification, and financial stability. The key component of HRQoL that came out clearly from the study was the physical domain. There is a need to embrace a person-centered approach based on the perceptions of older persons on HRQoL, which has the potential to improve well-being and enhance a healthy aging journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atim Fiona
- Nkumba University, Entebbe Road, P.O Box 237, Entebbe, Uganda
- Clarke International University, Kawagga Close, Off Kalungi Road, Muyenya. Block 244|Plot 8244: Bukasa Kyadondo, Kampala-Uganda
| | - Ndagire Regina
- Clarke International University, Kawagga Close, Off Kalungi Road, Muyenya. Block 244|Plot 8244: Bukasa Kyadondo, Kampala-Uganda
| | - Chloe Nampima
- Clarke International University, Kawagga Close, Off Kalungi Road, Muyenya. Block 244|Plot 8244: Bukasa Kyadondo, Kampala-Uganda
| | - Frank Kiyinji
- Nkumba University, Entebbe Road, P.O Box 237, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Catherine Lwanira
- Clarke International University, Kawagga Close, Off Kalungi Road, Muyenya. Block 244|Plot 8244: Bukasa Kyadondo, Kampala-Uganda
| | - Rose Clarke Nanyonga
- Clarke International University, Kawagga Close, Off Kalungi Road, Muyenya. Block 244|Plot 8244: Bukasa Kyadondo, Kampala-Uganda
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Bulamba RM, Nalugoda F, Nkale J, Kigozi G, Ochieng AM, Kyasanku E, Watya S, Olwa VO, Daama A, Nkwanzi V, Kiwanuka D, Mugamba S, Kigozi G, Wagman J, Ekström AM, Nakigozi G, Miller AP. Examining associations between mental health and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (C-NCDs) among older adults in Wakiso, Uganda. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293993. [PMID: 38885211 PMCID: PMC11182548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (C-NCDs) and occurrence of multi-morbidity specifically, has been increasing and will continue to rise as life expectancy increases. The burden of mental health disorders has also been rising globally. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), literature on these health issues, which are interrelated, is scarce. This study assesses the prevalence of C-NCDs, and depressive and anxiety symptomology and examines the relationship between these issues among a sample of older adults in Uganda. METHODS Between 2021-2022, 604 consenting adults aged 35 years and older were surveyed on a broad range of health issues for the ongoing AMBSO Population Health Surveillance (APHS) cohort study in Wakiso district. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize the burden of C-NCDs (e.g. diabetes, hypertension), depression (PHQ-9 using a cutoff of <5 scores for minimal/no and 5+ for mild to severe symptomology) and anxiety (GAD-7 using a cutoff of 5+ scores for mild to severe symptomology). Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were built using STATA software version 16.0 to examine associations between mental health disorders and having at least one C-NCD. Our exposures of interest were depressive and anxiety symptoms and our outcomes of interest was presence of C-NCDs. RESULTS Majority of participants were females (63.6%), median age was 46 (IQR: 39-54). Any C-NCDs prevalence was 18.7%, while 18.9% and 11.4%, had screening scores indicative of depressive and anxiety symptomology, respectively. Three percent (3.2%) had PHQ-9 scores indicative of moderate to severe depressive symptomology. In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, there was 12% increased odds of suffering from C-NCDs for every unit increase in PHQ-9 score (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.10-1.20). Participants with any anxiety symptoms had 2.1 greater odds of suffering from C-NCD compared to those who did not have anxiety symptoms (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.21-3.70). CONCLUSION C-NCDs were prevalent in older adults, particularly among those experiencing mental health symptoms. Screening for C-NCDs and mental health disorders should be integrated into routine health care for older adults in the country. Early screening and identification of these health issues through primary health care could significantly reduce the public health burden attributable to mental health disorders and the incidence of multi-morbidity in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Bulamba
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Nalugoda
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - James Nkale
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Kigozi
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Emmanuel Kyasanku
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Watya
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vitalis Ofumbi Olwa
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Daama
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Violet Nkwanzi
- East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States of America
| | - Deusdedit Kiwanuka
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Mugamba
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grace Kigozi
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Wagman
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Gertrude Nakigozi
- Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda P. Miller
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States of America
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Kibria GMA, Meghani A, Ssemagabo C, Wosu A, Nareeba T, Gyezaho C, Galiwango E, Nanyonga JK, Pariyo GW, Kajungu D, Rutebemberwa E, Gibson DG. Geographical, sex, and socioeconomic differences in non-communicable disease indicators: A cross-sectional survey in Eastern Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003308. [PMID: 38865350 PMCID: PMC11168612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study examined differences in the burden of NCDs and their risk factors according to geographic, sex, and sociodemographic characteristics in a rural and peri-urban community in Eastern Uganda. We compared the prevalence by sex, location, wealth, and education. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were reported. Indicators related to tobacco use, alcohol use, salt consumption, fruit/vegetable consumption, physical activity, body weight, and blood pressure were assessed. Among 3220 people (53.3% males, mean age: 35.3 years), the prevalence of NCD burden differed by sex. Men had significantly higher tobacco (e.g., current smoking: 7.6% vs. 0.7%, adjusted PR (APR): 12.8, 95% CI: 7.4-22.3), alcohol use (e.g., current drinker: 11.1% vs. 4.6%, APR: 13.4, 95% CI: 7.9-22.7), and eat processed food high in salt (13.4% vs. 7.1, APR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.4-2.4) than women; however, the prevalence of overweight (23.1% vs 30.7%, APR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9) and obesity (4.1% vs 14.7%, APR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2-0.3) was lower among men than women. Comparing locations, peri-urban residents had a higher prevalence of current alcohol drinking, heavy episodic drinking, always/often adding salt while cooking, always eating processed foods high in salt, poor physical activity, obesity, prehypertension, and hypertension than rural residents (p<0.5). When comparing respondents by wealth and education, we found people who have higher wealth or education had a higher prevalence of always/often adding salt while cooking, poor physical activity, and obesity. Although the findings were inconsistent, we observed significant sociodemographic and socioeconomic differences in the burden of many NCDs, including differences in the distributions of behavioral risk factors. Considering the high burden of many risk factors, we recommend appropriate prevention programs and policies to reduce these risk factors' burden and future negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulam Muhammed Al Kibria
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ankita Meghani
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Charles Ssemagabo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adaeze Wosu
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tryphena Nareeba
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Collins Gyezaho
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edward Galiwango
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Judith Kaija Nanyonga
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - George W. Pariyo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dan Kajungu
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizeus Rutebemberwa
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dustin G. Gibson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Wandera SO, Golaz V, Kwagala B, Ntozi JPM, Ayuku DO. "These are just finishing our medicines": older persons' perceptions and experiences of access to healthcare in public and private health facilities in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:396. [PMID: 38553700 PMCID: PMC10979571 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited research on the experiences of access to medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in health facilities among older persons in Uganda. This paper explores the perspectives of older persons and healthcare providers concerning older persons' access to essential medicines in Uganda. METHODS It is based on qualitative data from three districts of Hoima, Kiboga, and Busia in Uganda. Data collection methods included seven (07) focus group discussions (FGDs) and eighteen (18) in-depth interviews with older persons. Nine (9) key informant interviews with healthcare providers were conducted. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis (using Health Access Livelihood Framework) was used to analyze the barriers and facilitators of access to healthcare using QSR International NVivo software. RESULTS The key facilitators and barriers to access to healthcare included both health system and individual-level factors. The facilitators of access to essential medicines included family or social support, earning some income or Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) money, and knowing a healthcare provider at a health facility. The health system barriers included the unavailability of specialized personnel, equipment, and essential medicines for non-communicable diseases, frequent stock-outs, financial challenges, long waiting times, high costs for medicines for NCDs, and long distances to health facilities. CONCLUSION Access to essential medicines for NCDs is a critical challenge for older persons in Uganda. The Ministry of Health should make essential drugs for NCDS to be readily available and train geriatricians to provide specialized healthcare for older persons to reduce health inequities in old age. Social support systems need to be strengthened to enable older persons to access healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ojiambo Wandera
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Valerie Golaz
- Institut National d'Etudes Demographiques (INED), Paris, Aubervilliers, France
| | - Betty Kwagala
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James P M Ntozi
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Otundo Ayuku
- Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
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Ingenhoff R, Robertson N, Munana R, Bodnar BE, Weswa I, Sekitoleko I, Gaal J, Kirenga BJ, Kalyesubula R, Knauf F, Siddharthan T. Challenges to Implementation of Community Health Worker-Led Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Screening and Referral in Rural Uganda: A Qualitative Study using the Implementation Outcomes Framework. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:2769-2783. [PMID: 38046984 PMCID: PMC10693197 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s420137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally. The burden of COPD is expected to increase in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). COPD screening and diagnostics tools are often inaccessible in rural settings of LMICs. To contribute to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of Community Health Worker (CHW) interventions, this study aims to understand the facilitators and barriers of implementing a CHW-led COPD screening and referral program in rural Uganda. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from September to October 2022 to explore Community Members, CHWs, and Healthcare Providers (HCPs) perceptions on the challenges of CHW-delivered COPD programming in Nakaseke, rural Uganda. In total, we held eight individual in-depth interviews with CHWs, ten in-depth interviews with HCPs and six focus group discussions with 34 Community Members. Research assistants audio-recorded and transcribed interviews verbatim. The implementation outcomes framework guided the thematic analysis. Results Implementation acceptability was constrained by a lack of COPD awareness, a lack of perceived utility in COPD screening as well as stigma around the diagnostic process. Limited spirometry adoption was also attributed to Community Member accessibility and willingness to participate in the COPD diagnostic referral process. The high patient volume and the complex, time-consuming diagnostic and referral process hindered successful implementation. To enhance program sustainability, all participants suggested increasing CHW support, medication access, decentralizing COPD care and upscaling follow-up of Community Members by CHWs. Conclusion CHW-led interventions remain a potentially critical tool to alleviate barriers to treatment and self-management in settings where access to care is limited. While community-based interventions can create sustainable infrastructure to improve health outcomes, formative assessments of the potential barriers prior to intervention are required. Evidence-based, localized approaches and sustained funding are imperative to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ingenhoff
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité Center for Global Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Richard Munana
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Benjamin E Bodnar
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ivan Weswa
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Isaac Sekitoleko
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Kampala, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Julia Gaal
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Robert Kalyesubula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
- Department of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Felix Knauf
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Trishul Siddharthan
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Gao Y, Mei X, Zhang Y, Bibi R, Tian Y, Gao M, Li X, Lu Y. Exploring learning needs for community education among older adults from the perspective of active aging: a qualitative study in rural China. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37668454 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2023.2253179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Older adults are often excluded from the category of active learning populations in many cultures. However, Active Aging (AA) Framework highlights that regular participation of older adults in community education activities can enhance opportunities for social participation, thereby promoting successful aging within this demographic. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the learning needs for community education among older adults in rural China from the perspective of active aging. Purposive sampling method and maximum difference sampling were used to recruit 18 participants aged 60 and over. Four core themes emerged from the analysis: the need for health knowledge, the need for participating in social activities, the need for social security knowledge, and the need for educational methods. The findings of this study confirm that older adults in a Chinese village setting have diverse learning needs for community education. Awareness of these needs can assist policy makers and healthcare workers in providing tailored curricula and intervention measures to meet their learning needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Mei
- Department of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rashida Bibi
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yutong Tian
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengke Gao
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yixin Lu
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Ingenhoff R, Munana R, Weswa I, Gaal J, Sekitoleko I, Mutabazi H, Bodnar BE, Rabin TL, Siddharthan T, Kalyesubula R, Knauf F, Nalwadda CK. Principles for task shifting hypertension and diabetes screening and referral: a qualitative study exploring patient, community health worker and healthcare professional perceptions in rural Uganda. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:881. [PMID: 37173687 PMCID: PMC10176286 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15704-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A shortage of healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) combined with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes mellitus has resulted in increasing gaps in care delivery for NCDs. As community health workers (CHWs) often play an established role in LMIC healthcare systems, these programs could be leveraged to strengthen healthcare access. The objective of this study was to explore perceptions of task shifting screening and referral for hypertension and diabetes to CHWs in rural Uganda. METHODS This qualitative, exploratory study was conducted in August 2021 among patients, CHWs and healthcare professionals. Through 24 in-depth interviews and ten focus group discussions, we investigated perceptions of task shifting to CHWs in the screening and referral of NCDs in Nakaseke, rural Uganda. This study employed a holistic approach targeting stakeholders involved in the implementation of task shifting programs. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically guided by the framework method. RESULTS Analysis identified elements likely to be required for successful program implementation in this context. Fundamental drivers of CHW programs included structured supervision, patients' access to care through CHWs, community involvement, remuneration and facilitation, as well as building CHW knowledge and skills through training. Additional enablers comprised specific CHW characteristics such as confidence, commitment and motivation, as well as social relations and empathy. Lastly, socioemotional aspects such as trust, virtuous behavior, recognition in the community, and the presence of mutual respect were reported to be critical to the success of task shifting programs. CONCLUSION CHWs are perceived as a useful resource when task shifting NCD screening and referral for hypertension and diabetes from facility-based healthcare workers. Before implementation of a task shifting program, it is essential to consider the multiple layers of needs portrayed in this study. This ensures a successful program that overcomes community concerns and may serve as guidance to implement task shifting in similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ingenhoff
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Richard Munana
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Ivan Weswa
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Julia Gaal
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isaac Sekitoleko
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Kampala, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hillary Mutabazi
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Benjamin E Bodnar
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tracy L Rabin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Trishul Siddharthan
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
| | - Robert Kalyesubula
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability, Nakaseke, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Knauf
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christine K Nalwadda
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Puleh SS, Ikwara EA, Namutebi S, Nakero L, Mwesiga G, Isabirye R, Acen J, Anyolitho MK. Knowledge and perceptions of primary healthcare providers towards integration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services at departmental levels at selected health facilities Lira district, Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:394. [PMID: 37095491 PMCID: PMC10123554 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations conducted among healthcare providers to assess their knowledge and perceptions towards the integration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) related services in Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. This study explored the knowledge and perceptions of primary healthcare providers towards the integration of ART management services at departmental levels in health facilities in Lira district. METHODS We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey that employed qualitative methods of data collection in four selected health facilities in Lira district between January and February 2022. The study involved in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions. The study population consisted exclusively of primary healthcare providers; however, those who were not full-time employees of the participating health facilities were excluded. We used thematic content analysis. RESULTS A significant proportion of staff (especially those who are not directly involved in ART) still lack full knowledge of ART services integration. There was generally a positive perception, with some suggesting ART integration can minimize stigma and discrimination. The potential barriers to integration included limited knowledge and skills for providing comprehensive ART services, insufficient staffing and space, funding gaps, and inadequate drug supplies, coupled with increased workload due to enlarged clientele. CONCLUSION Whereas healthcare workers are generally knowledgeable about ART integration, but their knowledge was limited to partial integration. The participants had a basic understanding of ART services being provided by different health facilities. Furthermore, participants viewed integration as critical, but it should be implemented in conjunction with ART management training. Given that respondents reported a lack of infrastructure, increased workload, and understaffing, additional investments in staff recruitment, motivation through training and incentives, and other means are needed if ART integration is to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Steven Puleh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
| | - Emmanuel Asher Ikwara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Syliviah Namutebi
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Lakeri Nakero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Mwesiga
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Rogers Isabirye
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Joy Acen
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
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Nanono J, Neupane D, Ssekamatte T, Ahumuza E, Kasujja FX, Rutebemberwa E. Service Availability and Readiness of Primary Care Health Facilities Offering Hypertension Diagnosis Services in Wakiso District, Uganda, 2019. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E18. [PMID: 36996407 PMCID: PMC10109518 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.220236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypertension is a growing burden in Uganda and other low- and middle-income countries. Appropriate diagnosis services are needed at primary care health facilities to identify, initiate treatment for, and manage hypertension. This study assessed service availability and readiness as well as facilitators and barriers in primary health care facilities for hypertension diagnosis services in Wakiso District, Uganda. METHODS In July and August 2019, we conducted structured interviews at 77 randomly selected primary care health facilities in Wakiso District. We used an interviewer-administered health facility checklist modified from the World Health Organization's service availability and readiness assessment tool. We also conducted 13 key informant interviews with health workers and district-level managers. Readiness was measured by availability of functional diagnostic equipment, related supplies and tools, and health provider attributes. Service availability was measured by assessing hypertension diagnosis services. RESULTS Most (86%; 66 of 77) health facilities offered hypertension diagnosis services and 84% (65 of 77) had digital blood pressure measuring devices; only 69% (53 of 77) had functional blood pressure measuring devices. Lower-level facilities lacked appropriate blood pressure cuffs for use across age groups: 92% (71 of 77) lacked pediatric cuffs and 52% (40 of 77) lacked alternative adult cuffs. Facilitators for diagnosing hypertension included partners that built health facility staff capacity and funds for purchasing hypertension diagnostic supplies; common barriers were nonfunctional equipment, delays in receiving training, and inadequate staffing. CONCLUSION The results highlight the need for an adequate supply of devices, routine replacements or repairs, and frequent refresher training for health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackline Nanono
- Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Mulago Hill Road, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dinesh Neupane
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Francis Xavier Kasujja
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- The Chronic Diseases and Cancer Theme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
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