Predictors of Hepatitis B screening and vaccination status of young psychoactive substance users in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda

Barriers and facilitators of integrated hepatitis B, C, and HIV screening among pregnant mothers and their newborns attending maternal and newborn clinics in Koboko District, Uganda: A qualitative inquiry of providers' perspective

Background

HIV and HBV remain significant public health challenges characterized by high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, especially among women of reproductive age in Uganda. However, both HIV and HBV patients are managed in separate clinics with separate staff even though they all receive ART. Patients with HBV do not receive routine counselling and education, and there are limited resources for laboratory investigation coupled with a high loss to follow-up. This study set out to "assess barriers and facilitators of integrated viral hepatitis B C and HIV care model to optimize screening uptake among mothers and newborns at health facilities in Koboko District, west Nile sub-region, Uganda".

Methods

A cross-sectional grounded theory qualitative approach was employed in an institutional setting (HC IIIs). Data was audio recorded using a recording device during the key informant interviews and was transcribed after all interviews were conducted. Data was then analyzed using framework analysis.

Results

The following facilitated integration: High prevalence, and therefore burden of hepatitis B infection in West Nile region, team spirit by the health workers, reduced long waiting time, availability of medical products such as HBV and HCV test kits, integration of HBV and HIV into HMIS2 form and availability of support from implementing partners such as Infectious Dease Institute which offered mentorship and training on integration and support supervision.

Conclusion

Barriers to integration included; knowledge gap among health care workers, lack of transport for patients, language barriers during health education, inadequate human resources for health, stock-out of testing kits for HBV and HCV, lack of HMIS 2 column to capture HCV data, lack of funds to facilitate follow up of patients after referral for further investigation upon suspected cases of HBV and HCV. The study participants recommended; Promoting the integration of HBV, HCV, and HIV into routine health services; ensuring a constant supply of HBV, and HCV test kits to avoid stock-out; Engaging VHTs/Community health volunteers to support follow-up of patients and conducting health care workers performance reviews; addressing the issue of inadequate human resource; and finally dealing with misconceptions at community level about HBV and HCV diseases which hinder access to services.

Predictors of consistent condom use among young psychoactive substance users in Kampala's informal settlements, Uganda

Introduction

The use of psychoactive substances increases the likelihood of unprotected sexual intercourse with individuals whose health status is not known, and consequently sexually transmitted infections, especially among young people. Despite this risk, there is limited evidence of the predictors of consistent condom use among young psychoactive substance users (YPSUs) in informal settings. This study examined the predictors of condom use among YPSUs in Kampala's informal settlements, Uganda.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 768 YPSUs. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect respondent data on condom use. Data were analysed using Stata version 15.0. Prevalence ratios (PR) were used to determine the predictors of consistent condom use.

Results

Out of the 744 YPSUs, only 37.4% of the respondents reported consistent condom use in the last 30 days. The prevalence of condom use was statistically lower among young people aged 20-24 years (35.4%) compared to those aged 18-19 years (43.7%), and among the married (17.3%) compared to respondents with a "single" marital status (43.0%). Being married (PR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30-0.59), longer duration between meeting the most recent partner and having initial sexual contact with them (7 months to 1 year: PR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36-0.88; more than a year: PR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17-0.75) was negatively associated with consistent condom use. Spending less than 24 h between meeting the most recent partner and having initial sexual contact was positively associated with consistent condom use (PR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.24-2.08).

Conclusion

The prevalence of consistent condom use in the last 30 days among YPSUs was low. Marital status and the duration between meeting the most recent partner and initial sexual contact predicted consistent condom use. There is a need to intensify awareness on the importance of consistent condom use among young people.