Browsing by Author "Oguttu, Faith"

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    Changes in haematological indices among children with sickle cell disease on hydroxyurea treatment for at least 1 year : a cohort study.
    (PLOS One, 2025) Emuli, Stephen; Tegu, Crispus; Oguttu, Faith; Nantale, Ritah; Ochieng, Paul; Paasi, George; Abeso, Julian; Wamulugwa, Joan; Musaba, Milton W.; Namazi, Ruth; Kiguli, Sarah; Mukunya, David
    Background Sickle cell disease is the 12th cause of under-five mortality in Africa, with over 81,000 deaths attributed to sickle cell disease annually. Hydroxyurea is one of the few disease-modifying therapies available for the management of sickle cell disease. This study aimed to assess changes in haematological indices among children who had been initiated on hydroxyurea for at least one year in a non-trial setting at a regional referral hospital in Eastern Uganda. Methods We conducted a cohort study, which included children who attended the sickle cell clinic from 21/Aug/2024 to 30/Oct/2024. Data were analyzed using Stata version 18.0. We conducted a paired sample t-test comparing the haematological indices of children with sickle cell disease at baseline and at least one year later. Results We included 324 children. Nearly half 155/324 (47.8%) of the participants had good monthly adherence to hydroxyurea. The mean haemoglobin level at follow-up increased by 0.77g/dl (p <0.001) from 7.07g/dl (SD 0.10) at baseline to 7.84g/dl (SD 0.09). There was an increase in the mean corpuscular volume [0.97fl (p=0.645)] and mean corpuscular haemoglobin [0.58pg (p=0.120)]. The white blood cell count decreased by 6.17x103/µl (p<0.001) from 20.77x103/µl (SD ± 0.806) at baseline to 14.60x103/µl (SD ± 0.613) at follow-up. The differential white cell counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils also decreased. Conclusion Hydroxyurea resulted in an increase in mean haemoglobin level and a decrease in absolute and differential white blood cell count. The benefit was more pronounced among children with good adherence to hydroxyurea. We add our voice to calls for continued advocacy for the availability of hydroxyurea for use by children with sickle cell disease in low-resource settings. We also recommend a routine complete blood count to monitor response to treatment and also guide patient management among children with sickle cell disease initiated on hydroxyurea.
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    Incidence and risk factors for clinical omphalitis among neonates in Eastern Uganda using chlorhexidine gel for cord care : a community-cohort study.
    (BMC, 2025) Wogabaga, John; Burgoine, Kathy; Kakuru, Abel; Nambozo, Brendah; Chebet, Martin; Tumuhamye, Josephine; Wanume, Benon; Oguttu, Faith; Musaba, W. Milton; Napyo, Agnes; Wani, Solomon; Olupot-Olupot, Peter; Weeks, D. Andrew; Tylleskär, Thorkild; Mukunya, David
    Background: Omphalitis is a bacterial infection of the umbilicus and/or surrounding tissues, occurring primarily in the neonatal period. Whereas it is known to be a major route of localized and often systemic infection, studies describing incidence and risk factors remain scanty, especially in resource limited settings where the condition is thought to be common. We assessed the incidence and risk factors for omphalitis among neonates born to women who received a birth kit containing chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care after birth in Eastern Uganda. Trial registration for the parent study: The BabyGel trial was registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry-(PACTR202004705649428 Registered 1 April 2020, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/). Methods: We conducted a community-based cohort study between January 2021 and June 2023. This study was nested within the BabyGel trial. Our outcome of interest was clinical omphalitis, defined as purulent discharge from the umbilical cord stump within the first twenty-eight days of life as witnessed by a study midwife. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17.0. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of selected exposures and time to omphalitis. Results: A total of 2052 neonates were enrolled; half of which were female (51.1%). The incidence of omphalitis was 3.0% (62/2052; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9%, 4.4%). The incidence rate of omphalitis was 1.6 cases per 1000 person days (95% CI: 1.1, 2.3). Neonates born at home were twice as likely to develop omphalitis as those born in a health facility (adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) 1.99; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.9). Conclusion: The incidence of omphalitis among neonates in Eastern Uganda was low. Home births carried twice the risk for omphalitis. Use of chlorhexidine coupled with close follow-up of neonates in the community by health workers and community health workers might have reduced the risk of omphalitis. Keywords: Omphalitis, Neonate, Chlorhexidine, BabyGel, Neonatal sepsis, Newborn, Low-resource setting
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    Severe malaria readmissions in Northern Uganda : a cross‑sectional study.
    (Malaria Journal, 2025) Olum, James; Mukunya, David; Nambozo, Brendah; Nantale, Ritah; Oguttu, Faith; Epuitai, Joshua; Lume, Ivan; Wanume, Benon; Olupot‑Olupot, Peter; Amanya, Daphine; Kakuru, Abel
    Background: Malaria is a critical global health issue, particularly for children in endemic regions. However, factors associated with recurrent severe malaria in children under 5 years of age in Northern Uganda are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify factors associated with readmission due to severe malaria within six months post-discharge among children in this age group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Otuke district, encompassing twelve health facilities. A total of 760 caregivers of children admitted with severe malaria were interviewed, and hospital records were reviewed to verify the readmission data. The primary outcome assessed was readmission with severe malaria within six months after initial discharge. Data analysis was performed via Stata version 15.0. Results: The prevalence of readmission with severe malaria among children under 5 years of age was 26.8% (198/739). Factors significantly associated with readmission included having sickle cell anaemia [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.95–3.14)], living in houses constructed with straw and thatch walls [(aPR 2.10; 95% CI (1.19–3.69)] and seeking care after 12 h when the child has a fever [aPR 2.01; 95% CI (1.23–3.29)]. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high proportion of severe malaria readmissions in children under 5 years of age. Sickle cell anaemia, living in houses built using straw and thatch walls and seeking care after 12 h when a child has fever were the key risk factors for readmission with severe malaria. This study highlights the importance of targeted post-discharge interventions, such as prophylactic anti malarials in addition to bed nets, to prevent recurrent infections especially among children with sickle cell disease. In addition, improvements in housing quality and timely treatment of children with malaria are essential for reducing the burden of malaria, particularly in endemic regions. Keywords Children under 5 years of age, Readmission, Associated factors, Severe malaria, Children, Uganda
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    The association between malaria parasite geometrical mean and clinical spectrum of severe disease in a high-transmission setting in eastern Uganda : a cross-sectional study.
    (Wiley, 2025) Egiru, Isaiah Eregu Emma; Namayanja, Cate; Paasi, George; Okiror, William; Ongodia, Paul; Okalebo, Benard Charles; Muhindo, Rita; Abongo, Grace; Oguttu, Faith; Okibure, Ambrose; Okello, Francis; Tegu, Crispus; Mukunya, David; Chebet, Martin; Olupot-Olupot, Peter
    Background: Malaria burden remains significant, especially in high-transmission settings. While some data show an association between severe malaria and high-malaria parasite geometrical mean (GM), few data describe this phenomenon in malaria hightransmission settings. We described the malaria parasite GM and clinical spectrum of severe malaria in Eastern Uganda to advance understanding of its implications on disease severity and patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Eastern Uganda. Children admitted with severe malaria confirmed by microscopy with ages between 2 months and 12 years were enrolled in the study from September 21, 2021, to September 21, 2022. Data were collected on patient sociodemographics, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory parameters, treatment details, and outcomes. From the blood samples collected at the bedside, blood films/smears were made. The malaria parasite count was obtained from the patients’ smears by counting the malaria parasites against 200 white blood cells (WBCs). The GMs of malaria were obtained after the logarithmic transformation of the parasite counts. Data were analyzed using Stata 15, and significant associations were reported at p values of 0.05 at 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 376 children with a mean age of 4.65 years were recruited, of whom 57.71% (217/376) were male. Children under 5 years constituted 61.7% (232/376). The common clinical manifestations were prostration 76.9% (289/376), jaundice 55.6% (209/376), severe anemia 48.4% (182/377), and hemoglobinuria 46.5% (175/376). The overall malaria parasite GM was 12,238.42 parasites/microliter (95% CI: 9166.72–16,339.43). The highest GM of 197,000 parasites/microliter (95% CI:40,817.64–946,368) and the lowest of 8938.185 parasites/microliter (95% CI: 5932.8–13,466.01) were observed in shock and severe anemia, respectively. Inpatient mortality was 3.4%. Conclusion: In malaria high-transmission settings of Eastern Uganda, patients with severe malaria had low parasite GMs similar to those in uncomplicated malaria. Thus, malaria parasite GM should not be relied upon to determine disease severity in these settings.
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    Utilisation of ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence tools among medical faculty in Uganda : a cross-sectional study.
    (MedEdPublish, 2025) Mukunya, David; Nantale, Ritah; Kayemba, Frank; Ajalo, Elizabeth; Pangholi, Kennedy; Babuya, Jonathan; Akuu, Suzan Langoya; Namiiro, Amelia Margaret; Tweheyo, Ronald; Ekak, Steven; Nakitto, Brenda; Nantongo, Kirsten; Mpagi, Joseph Luwaga; Musaba, Milton W.; Oguttu, Faith; Kuteesa, Job; Mubuuke, Aloysius Gonzaga; Munabi, Ian Guyton; Kiguli, Sarah
    Background ChatGPT is a large language model that uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like texts. ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize medical education as it acts as an interactive virtual tutor and personalized learning assistant. We assessed the use of ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among medical faculty in Uganda. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among medical faculty at four public universities in Uganda from November to December 2023. Participants were recruited consecutively. We used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on participants’ sociodemographics and the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. Our outcome variable was the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools. Data were analyzed in Stata version 17.0. Results We recruited 224 medical faculty, majority [75% (167/224)] were male. The median age (interquartile range) was 41 years (34–50). Almost all medical faculty [90% (202/224)] had ever heard of AI tools such as ChatGPT. Over 63% (120/224) of faculty had ever used AI tools. The most commonly used AI tools were ChatGPT (56.3%) and Quill Bot (7.1%). Fifty-six faculty use AI tools for research writing, 37 for summarizing information, 28 for proofreading work, and 28 for setting exams or assignments. Forty faculty use AI tools for nonacademic purposes like recreation and learning new skills. Faculty older than 50 years were 40% less likely to use AI tools compared to those aged 24 to 35 years (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR):0.60; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): [0.45, 0.80]). Conclusion The use of ChatGPT and other AI tools was high among medical faculty in Uganda. Older faculty (>50 years) were less likely to use AI tools compared to younger faculty. Training on AI use in education, formal policies, and guidelines are needed to adequately prepare medical faculty for the integration of AI in medical education. Keywords ChatGPT, medical faculty, Bing, Bard, Uganda, generative AI, medical education
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    Widespread use of ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence tools among medical students in Uganda : a cross-sectional study.
    (PLOS One, 2025) Ajalo, Elizabeth; Mukunya, David; Nantale, Ritah; Kayemba, Frank; Pangholi, Kennedy; Babuya, Jonathan; Akuu, Suzan Langoya; Namiiro, Amelia Margaret; Nsubuga, Yakobo Baddokwaya; Mpagi, Joseph Luwaga; Musaba, Milton W.; Oguttu, Faith; Kuteesa, Job; Mubuuke, Aloysius Gonzaga; Munabi, Ian Guyton; Kiguli, Sarah
    Background Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a 175-billion-parameter natural language processing model that uses deep learning algorithms trained on vast amounts of data to generate human-like texts such as essays. Consequently, it has introduced new challenges and threats to medical education. We assessed the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools among medical students in Uganda. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among medical students at four public universities in Uganda from 1st November 2023 to 20th December 2023. Participants were recruited by stratified random sampling. We used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on participants’ socio-demographics and use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. Our outcome variable was use of AI tools. Data were analyzed descriptively in Stata version 17.0. We conducted a modified Poisson regression to explore the association between use of AI tools and various exposures. Results A total of 564 students participated. Almost all (93%) had heard about AI tools and more than two-thirds (75.7%) had ever used AI tools. Regarding the AI tools used, majority (72.2%) had ever used ChatGPT, followed by SnapChat AI (14.9%), Bing AI (11.5%), and Bard AI (6.9%). Most students use AI tools to complete assignments (55.5%), preparing for tutorials (39.9%), preparing for exams (34.8%) and research writing (24.8%). Students also reported the use of AI tools for nonacademic purposes including emotional support, recreation, and spiritual growth. Older students were 31% less likely to use AI tools compared to younger ones (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR):0.69; 95% CI: [0.62, 0.76]). Students at Makerere University were 66% more likely to use AI tools compared to students in Gulu University (aPR:1.66; 95% CI:[1.64, 1.69]). Conclusion The use of ChatGPT and other AI tools was widespread among medical students in Uganda. AI tools were used for both academic and non-academic purposes. Younger students were more likely to use AI tools compared to older students. There is a need to promote AI literacy in institutions to empower older students with essential skills for the digital age. Further, educators should assume students are using AI and adjust their way of teaching and setting exams to suit this new reality. Our research adds further evidence to existing voices calling for regulatory frameworks for AI in medical education.