Recent publications
Functional gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea continue to affect children under five years in low-income countries. Incorporating health-enhancing bioactive compounds such as prebiotics in diet offers a promising solution. This study investigated prebiotic potential of oligosaccharides extracted from improved varieties of millet (Seremi 2, Naromil 2), sesame (Sesim 2, Sesim 3), soybean (Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 6N), and sorghum (Narosorg 2, Narosorg 4), commonly consumed in Uganda. These were compared to their respective indigenous variety. This study employed standardized methods for optical density measurement, culture preparation, and oligosaccharide extraction to evaluate prebiotic properties. We investigated whether plant-based oligosaccharides could enhance the effectiveness of probiotics, specifically Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (ATCC 14917) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 7469), in antagonizing common enteric pathogens (Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 13076) and Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022)). Approximately 4–8 log CFU/ml of each probiotic was incubated in 2% w/v oligosaccharide extracts at 37 °C to evaluate the influence of the extracts on their growth, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and antagonistic activity. Maximum cell density, which exceeded the minimum recommended probiotic cell density (6 log CFU/ml), was achieved during 24-h incubation period. The probiotics exhibited optimal growth in extracts of Sesim 2, Maksoy 3N, Narosorg 2 and indigenous millet variety resulting in a 68–84% increase in cell densities. The concentration of SCFA concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in soybean-based oligosaccharides. Both probiotics antagonized growth of Salmonella and Shigella by more than 40% when cultured on Sesim 2, Maksoy 3N, Narosorg 2 and indigenous millet variety, while maintaining the probiotic cell densities above the minimum recommended level. These varieties show great potential as functional ingredients for developing synbiotic-rich foods to promote gut and public health. However, to evaluate the oligosaccharides prebiotic efficacy, in vitro fermentation using fecal microbiota and in vivo studies are necessary to determine gut microbiota changes and interactions.
This paper evaluated the accuracy of indigenous soil fertility assessment approaches commonly used by smallholder farmers in comparison to scientific soil testing to determine better performing indigenous approach for soil fertility assessment. The extent of soil fertility misclassification and its correlates were also assessed from a sample of 461 input subsidy project beneficiaries in Uganda using descriptive statistics, a binary probit model, and a multivariate probit model. Our findings reveal that vegetation cover, weeds, soil colour, and previous yield indicators were associated with 71%, 67%, 66%, and 61% levels of misclassification, respectively. The Probit model results revealed that the plot size and land tenure system had a significant positive association with misclassification. These results suggest that the farmers' likelihood of misclassifying soil fertility using indigenous approaches significantly increased as plot sizes increased. Additionally, farmers who owned land were more likely to misclassify their soil fertility status than those who rented it. This implies that the most reliable soil fertility assessment approach is the objective scientific soil testing for better soil monitoring and health management decisions.
While our trial was not sufficiently powered to draw definitive conclusions, we demonstrate that T. indica L. fruit juice may improve lipid metabolism and blood pressure homeostasis. This study lays the groundwork for future full-scale trials.
In Fort Portal, Uganda, artemisinin resistance-associated mutations in Plasmodium falciparum Kelch13 (n = 126) were present in 4.8% (675V, 561H, and 441L). A mutation of unknown relevance, 490T, occurred in 9.5%. PfMDR1 variants suggested increased lumefantrine tolerance (N86, 100%). Mutation 500N was absent, and 199S occurred in 12.8%. The latter is of unknown relevance. These data indicate an incipient emergence of artemisinin resistance in a crucial location between Rwandan and Ugandan resistance hotspots and hardly affected DR Congo.
The purpose of this study was to explore the context-based determinants of turnover intention among in-service teachers in Lira City. We used a qualitative research approach and phenomenological research design to explore the determinants of turnover intention among primary school teachers. A total of 68 participants were selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected using an Interview Guide and a Focus Group Discussion guide. Data analysis was done using NVivo 15. The research question was explored using Thematic Analysis. Among the predictors that emerged as major context-based determinants of turnover intention among primary school teachers include; negative societal attitude, job demand, low salaries, limited promotion opportunities, career mismatch, poor motivation, harsh work conditions, health or personal conditions, old age, despotic leadership styles, limited professional growth opportunity, policy and administrative biases. Nuances of both personal and environmental constructs that look insignificant yet very influential in triggering turnover intention were explored hence contributing to the existing body of knowledge. It was therefore concluded that turnover intention is triggered by not only personal conditions but also environmental factors. Based on the field findings and conclusions, the researchers therefore strongly recommended the need for; salary enhancement, workload balancing, welfare improvement, establishment of better conditions of work, provision of equal promotion opportunities, prevention of career mismatch among teacher trainees, promotion of professional development, prioritization of teachers in all domains so that societal negative perspectives are reshaped and provision of financial incentives, fringe and contingent benefits. Keywords: Determinants, Environmental Conditions, Personal Factors, and Turnover Intention
Introduction : Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for viral suppression and improved health outcomes among people with HIV. Female sex workers (FSWs) may face unique barriers to ART adherence, but data on their adherence levels and associated factors remain limited. The study was conducted to determine the level of ART adherence and associated factors among FSWs. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Fort portal City among 206 FSWs between July 2024 and August 2024. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on level of ART adherence and associated factors among female sex worker aged above 18 years and currently on ART using consecutive sampling method. ART adherence was assessed using self-reports and validated using records. Logistic regression was used to infer factors which were significantly associated with poor adherence to ART. Results In our study, 78% of the FSWs had good adherence (adherence >95%), 22% had ever stopped taking ART, while 14% had missed taking ART in the last two weeks from the study period. The main reasons for poor adherence were travelling/moving to a new place (32%), forgetfulness (29%), and food scarcity (13%), imprisonment (5.4%), hospital admission (5.4%), non-disclosure (5.4%), and side effects (5.4%). Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)(aOR 2.59 (95% CI: 1.10-6.1) and having one child (aOR 8.69 (95% CI: 1.4-53.91) was significantly associated with poor adherence to ART among FSWs. Conclusion Our study indicates optimal ART adherence practices among FSWs. Poor adherence was associated with forgetfulness, food scarcity and travelling to a new place. Having one child and experiencing IPV significantly increased the odds of failing to adhere to ART medications. We recommend Measures that reinforce the Ugandan policy that aims at community mobilization and sensitization to both men and women about the dangers of IPV in relationships.
Colocasia esculenta (Taro) is widely cultivated tuberous crop, extensively harvested in tropical and subtropical regions for its starchy rhizomes (corms). Taro leaves are low in calories and rich in protein, dietary fibre, and essential minerals. The corms serve as a primary source of starch (70-80%) and are commonly consumed as staple vegetables. Traditionally, taro has been recognised for its diverse pharmacological activities, including anticancer antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and anti0melanogenic effects. Recent studies have identified various bioactive compounds in taro, including flavonoids, steroids, and β-sitosterol, which contribute significantly to its therapeutic potential and health-promoting effects. However, taro also contains anti-nutritional factors such as tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalates, phytates and amylase inhibitors, which may pose health risks and affect its bioavalibility. This review aims to elucidate the allergenic and anti-nutritional components of taro and their potential health implication, emphasising the need for appropriate processing techniques to enhance its safety and nutritional value.
Although extensive research has assessed the role of perceptions in technology adoption, their role in facilitating the adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) among small-scale farmers has received limited attention. The purpose of the research was to assess the effect of perceptions on the adoption of SAIPs. Data were gathered from 320 smallholder maize farmers in Eastern Uganda using a cross-sectional survey. Chi-square was used to compare perceptions of SAIPs among adopters and non-adopters. A binary logistic model was used to compute the effect of perception and institutional and socio-economic factors on farmers' adoption of SAIPs. Results revealed that adopters had higher perceptions of benefits associated with SAIPs than non-adopters, while non-adopters perceived SAIPs as more risky and costly than adopters. Econometric results show that perceived benefits, access to extension services, credit, and market nearness positively affected the adoption of SAIPs. Perceived risks and costs influenced SAIPs' adoption negatively. The study recommends strengthening extension services and farmers' training programs to create awareness of SAIPs' benefits. Extension services should focus on demystifying negative perceptions harbored by smallholder farmers towards SAIPs about costs and risks through frugal and hands-on extension techniques. Policies and development programs should consider farmers' perceptions to foster the adoption of SAIPs.
Introduction: Access to safe water is a public health problem in Western Uganda with 34% of the population in Bunyangabu district not able to access safe water. Despite the declaration by WHO that access to safe water is a human right and the Uganda government recent investment in protection of public water sources, a significant proportion of the people in Bunyangabu district Western Uganda, still lack access to safe water for drinking and household use. This study was aimed at determining the proportion of safe water access and the associated factors associated to safe water access among households in Bunyangabu District -Western Uganda. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 329 household heads in Bunyangabu district Western Uganda between 22/03/2024 and 30/11/2024. Simple and stratified random sampling methods were used to select the study area and the respondents. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the relationships between safe water access and various independent variables, including demographics, social economic, and administrative factors. Results: The findings revealed that adequate safe water access was 66.3%. Comparatively, 33.7% lacked adequate access. Socioeconomic factors that significantly influenced access to safe water among household’s include household size (aOR = 0.574; p = 0.004; CI 0.450–2.270), age of the household head (aOR = 3.228; p < 0.001; CI 1.154–9.023). Sex of the household head (aOR = 0.767; p < 0.001; CI 0.475–1.239), and income of the household head (aOR = 7.12; p = 0.024; 0.538–2.417). The administrative factor that was associated with safe water access was functionality of the water user committees (OR = 7.142). CI 4.285 to 11.93 P < 0.001 Conclusion: The proportion of people accessing safe water in Bunyangabu district is still low (66.3%.) when compared the National target of 85%. The factors associated to the low access to safe water among households include number of house hold members, age of the household occupants, sex of the household head, income of the household head and presence of a functional water user committee.
This study investigated the effect of processing (roasting and malting) and crop variety on fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) profile of millet, sorghum, soybean, and sesame varieties commonly consumed in Uganda. Two elite varieties and one indigenous variety for each crop were analyzed. Monosaccharide and polyols content was determined by HPLC-UV method, while disaccharides and oligosaccharide were determined using Megazyme kits. The elite varieties of soybean (Maksoy 3 N), Millet (Seremi 2) and sorghum (Narosorg 2) exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower oligosaccharide content compared to indigenous varieties with percentage differences ranging from 10.2 to 73.9%. Additionally, Maksoy 3 N and Narosorg 2 also exhibited significantly lower (p < 0.05) excess fructose content compared to the indigenous variety. Malting was more effective than roasting (p < 0.05) in reducing FODMAP categories and total FODMAP content. Malting effectively reduced excess fructose in all grain types to the recommended levels of <0.15 g/100 g compared to roasting. Moreover, malting reduced total oligosaccharides and total FODMAPs in soybean and sesame by more than 50%. However, this reduction did not achieve the recommended threshold of 0.3 g/100 g for total oligosaccharides and 0.5 g/100 g, for total FODMAPs which are a criterion to categorize low FODMAP diets. Malting conditions should be optimized to enhance its effectiveness in producing low FODMAP foods. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate grain variety and processing techniques that modify FODMAP content in foods that can be used for dietary therapy of gastro-intestinal disorders among vulnerable population.
Background
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection imposes a substantial global disease burden and represents a critical public health concern. The persistently low uptake of HPV vaccination poses a significant obstacle to reducing cervical cancer incidence, particularly in remote rural areas of developing nations.
Objective
This study aims to assess the extent of Human papilloma virus vaccine coverage among adolescents and explore the associated determinants to facilitate enhanced planning strategies within the Kabarole district.
Methodology
Employing a cross-sectional survey approach, data were gathered from 240 adolescent girls residing in the Kabarole district between 01/09/2022 and 18/10/2022. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the relationships between HPV vaccination uptake and various independent variables, including demographics, HPV knowledge, and health system factors.
Results
Of the 240 adolescents enrolled, the overall prevalence of uptake of HPV vaccination was 63%. The uptake of human papilloma was associated with demographics knowledge about HPV and health systems factors. The multivariate analysis showed that parents who completed secondary level of education were 4.1 times more likely to take their children for HPV vaccination compared to parents whose education level was primary or had no formal education (AOR = 4.06; 95%CI (1.69 - 6.87); p = 0.004). Distance from home to facility was associated with uptake HPV vaccination. Participants who came from the distance of more than 5 km were 60% less likely to uptake HPV vaccination compared to those who come from 5km or less (OR = 0.4; 95%CI (0.34 – 0.89); p = 0.006). Results further revealed that parents whose knowledge about HPV vaccination was moderate were three times more likely to take up HPV vaccine compared to those whose knowledge was low (OR = 2.99; 95%CI(1.14 – 7.87); p = 0.026).
Conclusion
HPV vaccination uptake was at 63% and relatively lower than national average. Education of parents, Knowledge of HPV vaccination and distance to facility were factors significantly associated with uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine.
Sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) are highly recommended for smallholder farmers due to their positive impact on farm production and productivity. However, farmers remain reluctant to adopt SAIPs resulting in low agricultural productivity in Uganda. This study assessed the institutional and socio-economic factors affecting the adoption and adoption intensity of SAIPs amongst smallholder maize farmers in Eastern Uganda. Primary data were collected from 320 maize farmers in Kamuli and Jinja districts using a pretested questionnaire. The binomial logistic and generalized Poisson regression models were used to compute the predictor variables of adoption and adoption intensity of SAIPs respectively. Results showed that improved maize varieties, conservation tillage, legume intercrop, integrated soil fertility management (ISFM), and integrated pest management (IPM) were adopted by 58, 36, 44, 52, and 56% of the farmers. Institutional factors i.e., group membership, access to all-weather roads, credit, and extension information were the significant predictors of the adoption and the adoption intensity of SAIPs. Socio-economic factors i.e., market-oriented farming influenced both the adoption and adoption intensity of SAIPs, age of family head, family labour use, household size, and dependence ratio, only positively influenced the adoption intensity of adoption of SAIPs. The policy implications of this study include the need to strengthen agricultural extension institutions and streamline extension information disseminated to farmers to enhance the adoption of SAIPs. Farmers should be advised to utilize cheap credit services such as village savings and loan associations to facilitate the adoption of SAIPs.
Background
Despite advances in antibiotic therapy and microsurgery, the management of Gustilo and Anderson type IIIA and B open tibia fractures continues to pose a considerable challenge in developing countries. This has evolved from historical immediate amputation to modern approaches that prioritize both aesthetics and functional outcomes. Nonetheless, a consensus on limb salvage versus amputation remains elusive, prompting the development of prognostic limb scoring systems. Our study assessed the predictive accuracy of the Ganga Hospital Open Injury Severity Score (GHOISS) for early failure of limb salvage in Gustilo type IIIA and B tibia injuries.
Methods
This was a prospective study that examined open tibia fractures at two tertiary hospitals in the emergency and orthopaedic units between June and October 2023. Fifty-three (26 IIIB and 27 IIIA) satisfied the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four injuries (type IIIA) in paediatric patients that had met the inclusion criteria were excluded from analysis to ensure homogeneity and generalizability of the results due to their small numbers. The severity of injury for each Gustilo type III A and B tibia fracture was determined using the GHOISS, and limb salvage decisions were made irrespective of the GHOISS. Follow-up was extended for up to fourteen days to assess the necessity of secondary amputation in salvaged limbs.
Results
Among 49 Gustilo type IIIA and B tibia fractures, 43 were successfully salvaged, while 6 necessitated amputation (4 primary, 2 secondary). A GHOISS of 13 demonstrated maximum specificity (90.7%) and sensitivity (83.3%) in predicting amputation, with an AUC of 0.923 (95% CI 0.804–0.977), indicating strong discriminatory accuracy.
Conclusion
The GHOISS reliably predicted outcomes in patients with Gustilo type IIIA and B tibia fractures, with a score of 13 demonstrating optimal sensitivity and specificity above which early failure of limb salvage is anticipated.
Malnutrition is a burden among young children in Uganda due to inadequate intake of the required nutrients. Inadequate nutrient intake is partly caused by the use of plant based foods to wean infants. The plant based foods are high in calories but limited in other essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals. This study aimed to develop maize-based composite flour enriched with locally available legumes namely; beans and soybeans and Rastrineobola argentea powder. Two formulations of maize-based composite flours with beans, soybeans and Rastrineobola argentea were made with one containing roasted beans and the other with unroasted beans. Flour blends were produced by mixing 55:20:20:5 (Maize: beans: soybeans: Mukene (Rastrineobola argentea) powder, w/w) while 100% maize flour was used as the control. The proximate composition results were: moisture content (5.03 to 5.32%), crude protein (10.11 to 19.00%), carbohydrate (63.17 to 79.60%), crude fat (3.96 to 4.52%) and crude fiber (2.10 to 4.40%). Energy content was between 332 and 377 kcal/100 g. Mineral content were: Calcium (14.80 to 1869.12 mg/100 g), Iron (1.45 to 58.97 mg/100 g). Functional properties results obtained were: water absorption capacity (150.71 to 305.00%), oil absorption capacity (86.01 to 200.00%), bulk density (0.63 to 0.83 g/ml), swelling power (2.6 to 7.8%), and solubility (0.5 to 19.0%). The substitution of maize flour with beans, soybean and Rastrineobola argentea had significant reduction in the overall sensory acceptability of porridge. Addition of beans, soy and Rastrineobola argentea powder flour resulted into maize based composite flour with high peak (490.33 to 839.33 cP), trough viscosity (467.00 to 803.33cP), set back (1124.00 to 1721.33cP) and final viscosities (1591.00 to 2524.67cP). Peak time (5.93 min) and pasting temperature (86.40 to 89.867 °C) of the composite flour were lower than those of maize flour (peak time; 6.93 min, pasting temperature; 93.67 °C). It was concluded that the addition of beans, soybeans flour and Rastrineobola argentea powder to maize flour enhanced the nutritional and functional properties of the composite flours. Therefore, the developed composite flour can be used in the management of undernutrition in developing countries.
This paper presents a one-dimensional Bresse system with thermoelasticity of type III and constant delay. The objective is to investigate and establish the asymptotic behavior of vibrations in a circular arch problem coupled with damping due to the thermal effect subject to constant delay feedback. By applying the semigroup method, we prove that the system is well-posed. Furthermore, with some assumptions on the delay feedback and wave speeds of propagation, we prove that the dissipation through this thermal effect is solely sufficient to counteract the time delay effect and the vibrations in the displacements, thus causing exponential and polynomial energy decay of the system’s solution. Our stability results are achieved by employing the multiplier technique, which mainly involves constructing an appropriate Lyapunov functional equivalent to the system’s energy.
Background
The number of cesarean sections among women with a previous scar has continued to increase in Uganda. Such women can opt for a trial of labor, and the success rate for spontaneous vaginal delivery is 60–80%. This study assessed the preference and determinants of delivery mode among pregnant women with one cesarean scar.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among pregnant women who were attending antenatal care in two public hospitals in Uganda from 1st September to 1st October 2022. Kish Lisle formula was used to get a total sample of 169 pregnant women with one previous scar and nonrecurring indication for cesarean section. These were consecutively recruited into the study, and a modified Poisson regression was performed to identify factors associated with the preferred mode of delivery.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 28 (4.88) years. Out of 169 women, the majority 137 (81%) preferred a trial of labor. Mothers who preferred to have more than four children were more likely to opt for a trial of labor (aPVR = 0.27, CI;1.01–1.49, p = 0.009). Mothers who were concerned about the cost associated with cesarean section were more likely to choose a trial of labor (aPVR = 1.2, CI;1.01–1.49, p = 0.03), and mothers who perceived that a cesarean section affects body image (aPVR = 3.06, CI;1.39–6.75, p = 0.03) and being employed (aPVR = 0.84, CI:0.74–0.96, p = 0.01) were more likely to prefer a cesarean section.
Conclusion
Trial of labor after cesarean remains the preferred mode of delivery among women. The desire to have more children and concern about medical expenses increased the likelihood of having a vaginal birth preference. Women with body image concerns and being employed increased the likelihood of a cesarean section preference. It is recommended to consider a trial of labor after cesarean section for all women with nonrecurring indications for cesarean section. Empowering women through health education on the risks and benefits of cesarean section helps them make an informed choice.
Maize, regarded as a staple economic crop, attracts special global attention with the aim to enhance its production. Foliar fertilisation offers a complementary method to traditional soil fertilisation amongst resource-limited agricultural systems, providing a more efficient solution to nutrient deficiencies, especially in suboptimal soil conditions. This study aimed to analyse foliar fertiliser formulation research directions and their application in maize production. A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Bibliometric analyses were performed using the VOSviewer software (version 1.6.17). The changes in the publication trends of documents were tested using the Mann–Kendall test. The production effects of foliar fertilisation were independently synthesised. The results showed a strong positive increase in publication trends regarding maize foliar fertilisation (R² = 0.7842). The predominant nutrients that affected maize production were nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. The timely foliar application of nutrients corrected deficiencies and/or sustained nutrient supply under several abiotic stresses. Foliar application at critical growth stages like flowering and grain filling boosted carbohydrate and protein content, lipid levels, kernel size, mineral content, and the weight of the maize grain. This review identified important research gaps, namely genotype-specific responses, interactions with other agronomic practices, and long-term environmental effects.
Background
HIV-related stigma remains a key barrier to the attainment of the UNAIDS global goal of ending AIDS by 2030. Due to the social and contextual nature of HIV-related stigma, community-based interventions may be more effective in addressing it. In this review, we synthesized evidence on the effectiveness and features of community-based interventions against HIV-related stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Psych INFO, and Web of Science were searched in July 2023. We also searched Google Scholar and reference lists of all selected studies. Included studies were randomized controlled trials, mixed methods studies, as well as pre-test and post-test studies that evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based intervention to reduce HIV-related stigma in the general population or among specific groups. Data extraction was done using a pre-designed and pre-tested form. We performed a synthesis without meta-analysis, utilizing Fisher’s method to combine p-values, to demonstrate evidence of an effect in at least one study. Additionally, we applied framework thematic analysis to qualitatively synthesize the intervention characteristics of the included studies.
Results
A total of nine journal articles were included, largely with a high risk of bias. Results from the combined p-values provide strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing HIV-related stigma in at least one of the studies (p < 0.001, X² = 73.1, 18 degrees of freedom). Most studies involved people living with HIV (PLH) alone as intervention recipients and as intervention implementers. Community members with unknown HIV status were involved in only 2 studies. The intervention strategies were largely information sharing through workshops and training as well as individualized counselling. In few studies, additional support in the form of referrals, nutritional supplements, and adherence support was provided to PLH during the interventions. Most studies were judged to be of moderate to high cost except in 3 where the intervention implementers were PLH within the community, volunteering in the home-based support approach. The involvement of community members in the design of intervention strategies was not seen in all the studies.
Conclusion
Community-based interventions appear to be effective in reducing HIV-related stigma. However, more robust randomized trials are needed to provide stronger evidence for this effect. Although these interventions have been multifariously developed in Sub-Saharan Africa, comprehensive strategies involving the stigmatized and the “stigmatizers” in a social change approach are lacking. The application of strategies without the involvement of community members in their design takes away a sense of community responsibility, and this threatens the sustainability of such interventions.
Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42023418818.
Introduction
Female sex workers (FSWs) in Uganda experience numerous barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We used the planned behavior theory to help explore the enablers and barriers to ART adherence among FSWs. Understanding the barriers to ART adherence may help contribute to the development of interventions to improve ART adherence among the FSWs.
Materials and methods
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Fort portal City. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews among FSWs who had been taking ART for at least six months. Furthermore, six key informant interviews were conducted with healthcare workers and leaders of the FSWs initiative. Data collection lasted for two months. Thematic deductive analysis was applied to analyse the data through the lens of the theory of planned behavior.
Findings
The attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influenced adherence to ART. Positive attitudes including perceived benefits of ART, and experiencing positive outcomes from taking ART were seen to enable its adherence. Subjective norms such as social support, disclosure of HIV status, seeing others take ART, and aspirations of longer life enabled ART adherence. Taking ART in the morning, responsive and respectful healthcare workers, and availability of food/basic needs facilitated compliance with ART adherence. Negative attitudes such as misconceptions and fear of side effects hindered ART adherence. Social disapproval of sex work and or HIV, lack of social support, gender-based violence, non-disclosure, stigma, and abandonment hindered the use of ART among FSWs. Socio-economic constraints (e.g., food scarcity), and occupation-related factors (substance use, incarceration, busy and predictable schedules, and abrupt migrations) were the additional barriers to ART adherence.
Conclusion
ART adherence among FSWs was influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Addressing these barriers in ART adherence through targeted interventions could facilitate ART adherence and improve health outcomes among FSWs.
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