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Ssedyabane F, Niyonzima N, Nambi Najjuma J, Birungi A, Atwine R, Tusubira D, Randall TC, Castro CM, Lee H, Ngonzi J. Prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and associated factors among women attending a cervical cancer clinic in Western Uganda; results based on Pap smear cytology. SAGE Open Med 2024; 12:20503121241252265. [PMID: 38764539 PMCID: PMC11100407 DOI: 10.1177/20503121241252265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are high incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer among females in East Africa. This is exacerbated by limited up-to-date data on premalignant lesions and associated factors in this setting. In this study, we determined the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and associated factors among women attending the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital cervical cancer clinic in Southwestern Uganda. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 364 participants were recruited from among women attending the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital cervical cancer clinic from 1 April to 30 June 2023. On consent, the study nurse collected demographic data and Pap smears, which were microscopically examined and reported by a laboratory scientist and a pathologist following the Bethesda grading system (2014). Statistical analyses were done in STATA version 17, using proportions, Chi-square, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine associated factors at ⩽0.05 significance level. Results The mean age of participants was 41.9 years. A third of all study participants (37.6%, 132/351) were contraceptive users, mostly hormonal contraceptives (87.1%, 115/132). Almost 88% (307/351) had an unknown Human Papilloma Virus status. The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions among our study participants was 6.6% (23/351), of which 73.9% (17/23) were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. More than half (9/17, 52.9%) of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were active hormonal contraceptive users. Use of hormonal contraceptives (OR: 3.032, p: 0.0253), use of intrauterine devices (OR: 6.284, p: 0.039), and any family history of cervical cancer (OR: 4.144, p: 0.049) were significantly associated with cervical intraepithelial lesions. Conclusion The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions was 6.6%, lower than global estimates. Use of hormonal and intrauterine device contraceptives, as well as family history of cervical cancer, were significantly associated with cervical intraepithelial lesions among our study population. Prospective studies are recommended to further understand associations between different types of intrauterine devices and hormonal contraceptives, and cervical lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Ssedyabane
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Josephine Nambi Najjuma
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Abraham Birungi
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, Mbarara Uganda
| | - Raymond Atwine
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, Mbarara Uganda
| | - Deusdedit Tusubira
- Department of Biochemistry, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Thomas C Randall
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cesar M Castro
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hakho Lee
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbarara University of Science of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Kabukye JK, Namugga J, Mpamani CJ, Katumba A, Nakatumba-Nabende J, Nabuuma H, Musoke SS, Nankya E, Soomre E, Nakisige C, Orem J. Implementing Smartphone-Based Telemedicine for Cervical Cancer Screening in Uganda: Qualitative Study of Stakeholders' Perceptions. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45132. [PMID: 37782541 PMCID: PMC10580134 DOI: 10.2196/45132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, cervical cancer (CaCx) is the commonest cancer, accounting for 35.7% of all cancer cases in women. The rates of human papillomavirus vaccination and CaCx screening remain low. Digital health tools and interventions have the potential to improve different aspects of CaCx screening and control in Uganda. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe stakeholders' perceptions of the telemedicine system we developed to improve CaCx screening in Uganda. METHODS We developed and implemented a smartphone-based telemedicine system for capturing and sharing cervical images and other clinical data, as well as an artificial intelligence model for automatic analysis of images. We conducted focus group discussions with health workers at the screening clinics (n=27) and women undergoing screening (n=15) to explore their perceptions of the system. The focus group discussions were supplemented with field observations and an evaluation survey of the health workers on system usability and the overall project. RESULTS In general, both patients and health workers had positive opinions about the system. Highlighted benefits included better cervical visualization, the ability to obtain a second opinion, improved communication between nurses and patients (to explain screening findings), improved clinical data management, performance monitoring and feedback, and modernization of screening service. However, there were also some negative perceptions. For example, some health workers felt the system is time-consuming, especially when it had just been introduced, while some patients were apprehensive about cervical image capture and sharing. Finally, commonplace challenges in digital health (eg, lack of interoperability and problems with sustainability) and challenges in cancer screening in general (eg, arduous referrals, inadequate monitoring and quality control) also resurfaced. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of digital health tools in CaCx screening in Uganda, particularly with regard to improving patient experience and the quality of screening services. It also provides examples of potential limitations that must be addressed for successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnblack K Kabukye
- SPIDER - The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Namugga
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Andrew Katumba
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Hanifa Nabuuma
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Senkomago Musoke
- Global Programs for Research and Training, University of California San Francisco, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Edna Soomre
- SPIDER - The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ghai I, Wagner GJ, Matovu JKB, Juncker M, Namisango E, Bouskill K, Nakami S, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Luyirika E, Wanyenze RK. Increased Knowledge Mediates the Effect of Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention on Diffusion of Cervical Cancer Screening Advocacy Among Social Network Members in a Pilot Trial. Int J Behav Med 2023:10.1007/s12529-023-10217-7. [PMID: 37656308 PMCID: PMC10904666 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10217-7] [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] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention (GC-CCP), a peer-led, group advocacy training intervention, increased cervical cancer (CC) prevention advocacy not only among intervention recipients, but also their social network members (referred to as "alters") who were targeted with advocacy in a pilot randomized controlled trial. We examined mediators and moderators of this effect on alter advocacy, to understand how and for whom the intervention had such an effect. METHOD Forty women (index participants) who had recently screened for CC enrolled and were randomly assigned to receive the GC-CCP intervention (n = 20) or the wait-list control (n = 20). Up to three alters from each participant (n = 103) were surveyed at baseline and month 6. Measures of CC-related cognitive constructs (knowledge, enacted stigma, and risk management self-efficacy), as well as extent of advocacy received from index participants, were assessed as mediators of the intervention effect on alter advocacy using multivariate regression analyses. Alter characteristics were examined as moderators. RESULTS Increased CC-related knowledge partially mediated the intervention effect on increased alter engagement in CC prevention advocacy; those with greater gains in knowledge reported greater engagement in advocacy. No moderators of the intervention effect were identified. CONCLUSION The effect of GC-CCP on alter CC prevention advocacy is enhanced by increased alter knowledge pertaining to CC prevention, causes, and treatment and suggests this may be key for diffusion of intervention effects on increased CC prevention advocacy throughout a social network. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04960748 (registered on clinicaltrials.gov , 7/14/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Ghai
- Frederick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA.
| | | | - Joseph K B Matovu
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda
| | | | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Nakayita RM, Benyumiza D, Nekesa C, Misuk I, Kyeswa J, Nalubuuka A, Murungi T, Udho S, Kumakech E. Factors associated with uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine among school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:362. [PMID: 37420225 PMCID: PMC10329291 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02511-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the most common Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related disease among women. Since 2008, HPV vaccination has been routinely recommended for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls in Uganda as the primary preventive measure for cervical cancer. However, in Uganda, most especially in Lira district, there is limited literature on HPV vaccination uptake and associated factors among girls aged 9-14years. This study assessed the uptake of HPV vaccine and associated factors among in-school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 primary school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. Multistage sampling technique was used to sample eligible participants and data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression at 95% level of significance were used to identify the level of HPV vaccine uptake and predictors respectively. RESULTS HPV vaccination uptake was at 19.6% (95% CI,14.8-25.1) among the school girls aged 9-14 years in Lira City, northern Uganda. The mean age of the girls was 12.11 (± 1.651) years. Predictors that were independently associated with HPV vaccine uptake included; recommendation from health worker [aOR 9.09, 95% CI (3.19-25.88), P ≤ 0.001], taught about cervical cancer at school [aOR,12.56, 95% CI (4.60-34.28), P ≤ 0.001], and exposure to outreach clinics [aOR, 4.41, 95% CI (1.37-14.19), P = 0.013]. CONCLUSION The study found that one in five of the school girls in Lira City, northern Uganda. received HPV vaccine. Girls who were taught about cervical cancer at school, exposure to outreach clinics and received health worker recommendation had more odds of receiving HPV vaccine than their counter parts. The Ministry of Health should strengthen school based cervical cancer education, awareness raising about HPV vaccination and health worker recommendations to improve HPV vaccine uptake among school girls in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renniter Mirembe Nakayita
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Deo Benyumiza
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda.
| | - Catherine Nekesa
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Ivan Misuk
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Julius Kyeswa
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Aisha Nalubuuka
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Tom Murungi
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Samson Udho
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. BOX 1035, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Edward Kumakech
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, P.O. Box 1035, Lira City, Uganda
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Kasonia K, Tindanbil D, Kitonsa J, Baisley K, Zalwango F, Enria L, Mansaray A, James M, Nije Y, Tata DT, Lawal BJ, Drammeh A, Lowe B, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Mounier-Jack S, Nakiyimba F, Obady P, Muhavi J, Bangura JS, Greenwood B, Samai M, Leigh B, Watson-Jones D, Kavunga-Membo H, Ruzagira E, Gallagher KE. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision & utilisation of primary health care services in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kambia district, Sierra Leone & Masaka district, Uganda. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286295. [PMID: 37267240 PMCID: PMC10237403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on essential primary healthcare services at public primary healthcare facilities. METHODS The number of weekly consultations for antenatal care (ANC), outpatient (OPD), immunisations (EPI), family planning (FP) and HIV services, between January 2018 and December 2020, were collected from 25 facilities in Masaka district, Uganda, 21 in Goma, and 29 in Kambia district, Sierra Leone. Negative binomial regression models accounting for clustering and season were used to analyse changes in activity levels between 2018, 2019 and 2020. RESULTS In Goma, we found no change in OPD, EPI or ANC consultations, FP was 17% lower in March-July 2020 compared to 2019, but this recovered by December 2020. New diagnoses of HIV were 34% lower throughout 2020 compared to 2019. In Sierra Leone, compared to the same periods in 2019, facilities had 18-29% fewer OPD consultations throughout 2020, and 27% fewer DTP3 doses in March-July 2020. There was no evidence of differences in other services. In Uganda there were 20-35% fewer under-5 OPD consultations, 21-66% fewer MCV1 doses, and 48-51% fewer new diagnoses of HIV throughout 2020, compared to 2019. There was no difference in the number of HPV doses delivered. CONCLUSIONS The level of disruption varied across the different settings and qualitatively appeared to correlate with the strength of lockdown measures and reported attitudes towards the risk posed by COVID-19. Mitigation strategies such as health communications campaigns and outreach services may be important to limit the impact of lockdowns on primary healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Kasonia
- LSHTM-INRB Research Partnership, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - D. Tindanbil
- LSHTM-COMAHS Research Partnership, Kambia, Sierra Leone
| | - J. Kitonsa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - K. Baisley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - F. Zalwango
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - L. Enria
- LSHTM-COMAHS Research Partnership, Kambia, Sierra Leone
| | - A. Mansaray
- LSHTM-COMAHS Research Partnership, Kambia, Sierra Leone
| | - M. James
- LSHTM-INRB Research Partnership, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Y. Nije
- LSHTM-COMAHS Research Partnership, Kambia, Sierra Leone
| | - D. Tetsa Tata
- LSHTM-INRB Research Partnership, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - B. J. Lawal
- LSHTM-COMAHS Research Partnership, Kambia, Sierra Leone
| | - A. Drammeh
- LSHTM-COMAHS Research Partnership, Kambia, Sierra Leone
| | - B. Lowe
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - D. Mukadi-Bamuleka
- Laboratoire Rodolphe-Merieux, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB-Goma), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - S. Mounier-Jack
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - F. Nakiyimba
- Ministry of Health, Masaka, Masaka District, Uganda
| | - P. Obady
- Ministry of Health, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - J. Muhavi
- Ministry of Health, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - J. S. Bangura
- University of Sierra Leone College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health, Kambia, Kambia District, Sierra Leone
| | - B. Greenwood
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Samai
- University of Sierra Leone College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - B. Leigh
- University of Sierra Leone College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - D. Watson-Jones
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - H. Kavunga-Membo
- Laboratoire Rodolphe-Merieux, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB-Goma), Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - E. Ruzagira
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - K. E. Gallagher
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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