Browsing by Author "Wanume, Benon"

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    Baseline infection prevalence, risk factors and treatment outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis in Northeastern Uganda : a cross-sectional study.
    (PLOS One, 2025) Sagaki, Patrick; Twa-Twa, Mutwalante Jeremiah; Mulalu, Posiano; Wanume, Benon; Olupot-Olupot, Peter
    Introduction Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) also known as Kala-azar is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) of public health importance. Despite being a disease of a long history, the condition remains poorly studied especially in East Africa. For instance, whereas, the geographical location of the disease is known, there is a stark paucity of data on the burden, risk factors and clinical outcomes of this condition in Northeastern Uganda. Therefore, the disease picture in these settings is incomplete. The overarching aim for this study was to describe pre-elimination prevalence, associated factors and treatment outcomes of VL in Moroto District. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in which community cases were identified at baseline. They were followed up at Amudat Hospital Kala-azar Treatment Centre for the treatment outcomes. We used a customized data collection tool to elicit data on demographic characteristics, socio-economic and anthropometry. Data were entered on excel database and exported to Stata software for analyses. Proportions and measures of central tendency were computed. Binary associations were determined using Chi-square statistical test. In addition, variables independently associated with VL were determined via logistic regression analyses. At follow up stage, the outcomes were determined. Results The overall prevalence of VL infection in Moroto district was 5.21% (95%CI: 3.15% - 8.48%) with varying county level prevalence at Matheniko, Tepeth and Mororo at 6.90%, 4.49% and 3.61%; respectively. The common risk factors for VL infection included lack of knowledge of habitat for Sand flies, AOR 5.33 (95%CI: 1.69–16.82). Patients with VL presented with ever, headache, abdominal pain and swelling, coughing, night sweats, diarrhea, fatigue, breathlessness, and nose bleeding. The average hospitalization for VL was 17 days. All the patients who were treated at the hospital cured. Conclusion The prevalence of VL in Moroto district was 5.21% and within elimination threshold. The high-risk factors for VL infection included lack of knowledge about the habitat for Sand flies. The average hospitalization for VL was 17 days.
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    Factors associated with willingness to use ecological sanitation toilets in Katine sub county Soroti district Uganda: a cross sectional study
    (Springer Nature, 2025) Ikiring, Osako Betty; Okia, David; Okolimong, Charles; Alunyo, Patrick Jimmy; Katuramu, Richard; Khainza, Tabitha Annet; Mukunya, David; Matovu, K. B. Joseph; Musoke, David; Olupot-Olupot, Peter; Wanume, Benon
    Ecological sanitation (EcoSan) toilets provide a sustainable approach to waste management by converting human excreta into usable agricultural inputs. Despite their environmental and health benefits, uptake remains low in many settings. This study investigated the proportion of community members in Katine sub-county, Soroti district, Eastern Uganda, who had ever used EcoSan toilets, their willingness to use them, and the factors associated with this willingness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 395 residents using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics estimated the proportions of prior use and willingness to use EcoSan toilets. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with willingness. Analyses were conducted in Stata 18, and results are presented in tables and figures. Only 18.5% (73/395) of respondents had used EcoSan toilets, and 13.7% (54/395) expressed willingness to use them. In multivariable analysis, key factors negatively associated with willingness included awareness of Ecosan toilets (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.06, 95% CI 0.02–0.16; p<0.0001), willingness to use sanitized fecal matter (AOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02–0.17; p<0.0001), and perceived ease of use (AOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.48; p=0.001). Adoption of EcoSan toilets remains low in this setting, primarily due to limited awareness, cultural reservations, and usability concerns. Community sensitisation, culturally appropriate messaging, and user centered toilet design are essential to improving uptake in similar rural environments. Keywords Ecological sanitation, Willingness, Rural sanitation, Uganda, Waste reuse
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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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    Tuberculosis treatment success rate and its predictors among TB HIV co-infected patients in East and North Eastern Uganda.
    (Springer Nature, 2025) Omara, Godfrey; Bwayo, Denis; Mukunya, David; Nantale, Ritah; Okia, David; Matovu, K. B. Joseph; Wanume, Benon; Alunyo, Patrick Jimmy; Olupot-Olupot, Peter
    TB/HIV co-infection is associated with poorer treatment outcomes compared to TB alone. This study assessed the TB treatment success rate and its predictors among TB/HIV co-infected patients in East and North Eastern Uganda. A retrospective cohort design was used, involving 324 patients treated between July 2019 and July 2021 at three regional referral hospitals. Treatment success, defined as completing therapy with or without bacteriologic confirmation, was achieved by 71.9% of patients (95% CI 67–77%). Loss to follow-up was 12%, mortality 9.9%, treatment failure 0.3%, and 5.2% were not evaluated. Patients lacking sputum monitoring at five months were significantly less likely to achieve treatment success (aRR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34–0.66). These findings underscore the importance of effective follow-up to improve outcomes for TB/HIV co-infected patients. Keywords Tuberculosis, Treatment success rate, Treatment outcomes, HIV, Uganda