Tonny Ssekamatte

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Verified

Tonny verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

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• Master of Public Health, PhD fellow
• Researcher at Makerere University

Background Globally, stroke is one of the top three leading causes of death and disability. Although several stroke risk factors are modifiable, including hypertension, factors associated with stroke among older patients with hypertension in Uganda remain underexplored. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with stroke among old...

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are critical in preventing the spread of healthcare Associated Infections, including COVID-19. However, there was limited evidence on the status of IPC/WASH in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in Uganda amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which complicated IPC/WASH planning for the...

Background Psychoactive substance use in adults and second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure among children are leading contributors to sleeping problems. Despite this, there is limited data on how these exposures influence sleep patterns in informal settings. Our study assessed the associations between substance use, SHS exposure and sleep disturbances am...

Background Hepatitis B is a significant health problem worldwide, particularly among high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSWs). In Uganda, it is highly recommended that FSWs receive the hepatitis B vaccine. However, there is limited evidence of the level of uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine and associated factors among FSWs in Uganda. This...

Introduction Hand hygiene compliance is one of the key performance indicators for infection prevention and control programmes, patient safety and quality of health services. WHO guidelines and the patient centred approach stress the need to increase patient involvement in hand hygiene promotion in healthcare settings. Patients’ and health care work...

Background Hand hygiene is known to reduce healthcare-associated infections. However, it remains suboptimal among healthcare providers. In this study, we used the Behaviour-centered Design approach to explore the facilitators and deterrents to hand hygiene among healthcare providers in the Kampala Metropolitan area, Uganda. Methods We conducted a...

Abstract Background: Despite hepatitis B virus infection being a vaccine preventable liver disease, 257 million people are estimated to be chronically infected globally making it one of the commonest infections, causing more than 820,000 deaths annually worldwide. Uganda is one of the SSA that continues to be highly endemic with a prevalence of...

Background In Uganda, urban centers face a high prevalence of HIV, exacerbated by misinformation, low testing rates, and non-disclosure of HIV status. However, evidence on the prevalence and determinants of HIV-related misinformation, testing, and disclosure within these urban centers remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence of HIV testi...

Introduction Exposure to Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a risk factor for diarrhoeal diseases, which pose a significant problem in refugee settlements. Refugee populations are exposed to faecal microorganisms through multiple pathways including sub-optimal sanitary facilities, contaminated drinking water, produce and food, flood water, bathing water...

To date, there is widespread use of household chemical products. However, more about caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and chemical safety practices needs to be known, as they are primarily responsible for children's safety, health, and well-being. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach embedded in a mixed-methods sequential explanatory s...

Background Despite the limited evidence, desludging operators remain at a heightened risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study established the prevalence and predictors of WMSDs among desludging operators in Uganda. Methods A digitalized structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data on musculoskeletal d...

Introduction Exposure to Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a leading cause of diarrheal diseases, which pose a significant problem in refugee settlements. Refugee populations are exposed to feacal microorganisms through multiple pathways including sub-optimal sanitary facilities, contaminated drinking water, produce and food, flood water, bathing water...

Background Hepatitis B is a significant health problem worldwide, particularly among high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSWs). In Uganda, it is highly recommended that FSWs receive the hepatitis B vaccine. However, there is limited evidence of the level of uptake of the vaccine and associated factors among FSWs in Uganda. This study aimed...

Introduction Although the use of illicit drugs is common among young people, limited data exists on the use of illicit drugs among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM). We assessed the use of tobacco, marijuana and khat among ABYM to inform the design of harm-reduction interventions. Methods This secondary analysis uses data from a formative study...

Background Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards among welders is one way of reducing global injuries and health costs while improving industrial productivity and Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Addressing the occupational injury burden requires understanding contextual factors for compliance with occupational safety...

We conducted a qualitative study to examine the enablers and barriers influencing the implementation of medical cannabis from the perspectives of practicing doctors and pharmacists within the African context. Interviews were conducted to investigate medical professionals' perceptions and concerns regarding medicinal cannabis. Three major themes wer...

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global public health challenge especially in low-and-middle income countries. Although there are significant global and national efforts to control Hepatitis B, equitable distribution and access to prevention services such as testing and vaccination remains a challenge. Efforts to increase acc...

Aim The aim of the current study was to explore the facilitators and barriers to the utilisation of sanitation-related decision-making support tools among environmental health practitioners in Uganda. Subject and methods A cross-sectional study design, utilizing narratives from 16 key informants in both the public and private sectors was used. Dat...

Background:Despite hepatitis B virus infection being a vaccine preventable liver disease, 257 million people are estimated to be chronically infected globally making it one of the commonest infections, causing more than 820,000 deaths annually worldwide. Uganda is one of the SSA that continues to be highly endemic with a prevalence of 4.3%, associa...

Background Indoor air pollutants (IAP) and household conditions such as dampness, crowding and chemical exposures have been associated with acute and chronic respiratory infections. In Uganda, literature on the effects of IAP on respiratory outcomes in informal settlements is limited. Methods We describe the baseline household characteristics of 2...

Background Cervical cancer is a major public health challenge, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is the recommended primary public health intervention for HPV infection prevention. However, there’s limited evidence on the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescent girls regard...

Background Infants born to HIV-infected mothers are at a high risk of acquiring the infection. The World Health Organization recommends early diagnosis of HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) through deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (DNA PCR) and rapid HIV testing. Early detection of paediatric HIV is critical for access to antiretroviral ther...

Background Despite the limited evidence, desludging operators remain at a heightened risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study established the prevalence and predictors of WMSDs among desludging operators in Uganda. Methods A digitalized structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data on musculoskeletal d...

Background Transwomen (also known as transgender women) are disproportionately affected by all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). The high prevalence of physical, sexual and emotional violence not only predisposes transwomen to HIV infection but also limits the uptake/access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. Despite the high preva...

Background The use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, heroin and marijuana is associated with negative health outcomes such as sexual violence and unintended pregnancies, and risky sexual behaviours. Although there is evidence linking psychoactive substance use and risky sexual behaviours such as inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual...

Introduction: Hypertension is a growing burden in Uganda and other low- and middle-income countries. Appropriate diagnosis services are needed at primary care health facilities to identify, initiate treatment for, and manage hypertension. This study assessed service availability and readiness as well as facilitators and barriers in primary health...

Background Adult substance use may be a significant predictor of sleeping problems, according to extant research. Children exposed to secondhand (SHS) also have a high likelihood of sleep problems. There is limited information on the relationships between exposure to psychoactive substances and subsequent sleep issues in adults and children, partic...

Background The high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) among transwomen is a human rights and public health challenge. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence of sources of GBV support services and the challenges faced by transwomen while help-seeking, especially in transphobic settings like Uganda. This study explored the sources of GBV supp...

Background: Early Initiation of antenatal care (ANC) and at least four visits during pregnancy allow screening and support for a healthy lifestyle and self-care during pregnancy however, community-directed interventions to improve access to these services are rarely explored. Objective: To assess the effect of community health worker (CHW) invol...

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 context, there is limited evidence on the predictors of consistent condom use among young psychoac...

Background The One Health (OH) approach integrates multiple competencies in the prevention and control of disease outbreaks. Through a range of OH competence-based activities, the Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) built the capacity of selected students at Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. This study...

Background Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) are critical indicators of IAQ, yet there is limited evidence of their concentrations in informal urban settlements in low-income countries. Objective This study assessed household characteri...

Solid-waste management is a challenge in many cities, especially in low-income countries, including Uganda. Simple and inexpensive strategies such as solid-waste segregation and recycling have the potential to reduce risks associated with indiscriminate waste management. Unfortunately, these strategies have not been studied and adopted in slums in...

Background Despite the risks involved in welding, there is limited evidence of the knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among welders in small-scale metal workshops. We assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to PPE use among welders in small-scale workshops in Nan...

Background Although pregnancy and child birth-related complications remain a global public health concern, little is known about their prevalence and associated factors. Our study assessed pregnancy-related complications and associated factors among women attending antenatal care at a specialized maternal and child health national referral hospital...

Background Indoor air pollutants (IAP) such as particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) are a leading cause of acute respiratory symptoms, and long-term health impacts such as respiratory diseases, heart diseases and cancers. In Uganda, literature on the effects of IAP on respiratory outcomes in informal settlements is limited. This study i...

Background Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is the recommended primary intervention for HPV prevention. There’s however limited evidence on the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of stakeholders on HPV vaccination in Kampala...

Background De-sludging operators play a critical role in ensuring access to safe sanitation services. De-sludging activities, however, increase the operators’ risk of exposure to physical, chemical, ergonomic, psychological, and biological hazards, which eventually affect their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite immense exposure to occ...

Background Healthcare providers (HCPs) are at an elevated occupational health risk of hepatitis B virus infections. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is one of the measures recommended to avert this risk. However, there is limited evidence of HCPs’ awareness of hepatitis B PEP. Therefore, this study aimed to establish awareness of hepatitis B PEP amo...

Sustaining Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) services in healthcare facilities (HCFs) remain a challenge in the developing world. This is largely attributable to ineffective management systems such as leadership, training, monitoring, financing and accountability, and operation and maintenance (O&M) f...

Background Young psychoactive substance users exhibit high-risk behaviours such as unprotected sexual intercourse, and sharing needles and syringes, which increases their risk of Hepatitis B infection. However, there is limited evidence of screening, and vaccination status of this subgroup. The aim of this study was to establish the predictors of s...

Background The Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has since 2012 conducted pre and in-service One health (OH) trainings with the objective of improving global health security. These trainings aim to build competencies that, enhance a multidisciplinary appr...

Background Infants born to HIV-infected mothers are at a high risk of acquiring the infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends early diagnosis of HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) through deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (DNA PCR) and rapid HIV testing. Early detection of paediatric HIV is critical for access to antiretrovira...

Background Hand hygiene is known to reduce healthcare-associated infections. However, it remains suboptimal among healthcare providers. In this study, we used the Behaviour Centered Design to explore the facilitators and deterrents of hand hygiene among healthcare providers in the greater Kampala Metropolitan area, Uganda. Methods A formative quali...

Introduction Despite global and national efforts in place for the prevention and control of Hepatitis B, there remains a gap in access to hepatitis B prevention services such as testing and vaccination. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence of the geospatial distribution of Hepatitis B services. This study established the geospatial distribution o...

Background Transgender women (also known as transwomen) are disproportionately affected by all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). A high prevalence of physical, sexual and emotional violence not only predisposes transwomen to HIV infection but also limits uptake of HIV prevention, care and treatment services. Despite the high prevalence of HIV a...

Background: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) are critical indicators of IAQ, yet there is limited evidence of their concentrations in informal urban settlements in low-income countries. Objective: This study assessed household character...

Background Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) are critical indicators of IAQ, yet there is limited evidence of their concentrations in urban informal settlements in low-income countries. Objective This study assessed household characteri...

Background Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are critical in preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), including COVID-19. However, there is limited evidence on the status of IPC and WASH in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in Uganda amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed...

Background Psychoactive substance use has an impact on risky sexual behaviour. Globaly, over 275 million people use psychoactive substances, however evidence on the predictors of sex under the influence of these substatnces is scanty. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of sex under the influence of psychoactive substances among young peo...

Background Psychoactive substance use has an impact on risky sexual behaviour. Globaly, over 275 million people use psychoactive substances, however evidence on the predictors of sex under the influence of these substatnces is scanty. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of sex under the influence of psychoactive substances among young peo...

Background Psychoactive substance use has an impact on risky sexual behaviour. Globaly, over 275 million people use psychoactive substances, however evidence on the predictors of sex under the influence of these substatnces is scanty. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of sex under the influence of psychoactive substances among young peo...

Background The prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) towards transwomen remains high andis both a human rights and public health concern. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence of the referral pathways used by transwomen once exposed to GBV. The current study, therefore, aimed to explore the referral pathways and the challenges faced by transwo...

Background Recently, legislative shifts in cannabis regulation away from exclusively prohibitionist controls have been seen in sub-Saharan African countries. However, the extent to which public perceptions are aligned with policy trends is unclear. Given that views concerning cannabis may be influenced by associated legislation we aimed to compare...

Background Universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services is an essential component of keeping young people in school. However, much of the focus has been directed towards meeting the sanitation and hygiene needs of school-going adolescent girls and young women with limited attention to their male school-going counterparts...

Background The One Health (OH) approach integrates multiple competencies in the prevention and control of disease outbreaks. Through a range of OH competence-based activities, the Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) built the capacity of selected students at Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. This study...

Background The Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has since 2012 conducted pre and in-service One health (OH) trainings with the objective of improving global health security through a well-trained multidisciplinary health workforce. These trainings aim to...

Background Despite the development and enforcement of preventive guidelines by governments, COVID-19 continues to spread across nations, causing unprecedented economic losses and mortality. Public places remain hotspots for COVID-19 transmission due to large numbers of people present; however preventive measures are poorly enforced. Supermarkets ar...

Background Psychoactive substance use is a public health challenge among young people in informal settlements. Though rarely examined, psychoactive substance use is linked to sexual expectancies and inhibitions, and consequently high-risk sexual behaviours. This study examined the association between sexual expectancies and inhibitions, and high-ri...

There is growing evidence of the challenges with adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures and the effect of the prevention measures on the health of populations in various parts of the world but with limited documentation in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed COVID-19 awareness, adoption of COVID-19 prevention measures, and the effects of COVID-19 lo...

Background: Update and utilization of modern contraceptives has public health benefits including reduction of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and related maternal mortality. However, paucity of evidence on key indicators of family planning in the informal settlements abounds. Data are usually collapsed within the larger urban communities...

Introduction: The use of contraceptives among adolescents and young adults is one of the most cost-effective strategies to address many sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, including unintended pregnancies, early marriages, and sexually transmitted infections. Despite a high burden of SRH challenges, uptake and unmet needs of modern con...

Background: Initiating antenatal care within the first trimester and making at least four visits during pregnancy are recommended to enable screening and support for healthy lifestyles, well-being, and self-care in pregnancy. Due to glaring evidence on inequalities in access to antenatal care, this study assessed the effect of engaging community he...

Background Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing, and livelihoods of communities. EVD response interventions particularly affect the food value chain, and income security of pig farmers in agro-pastoral communities. Despite the enormous effort of EVD response interventions, there is paucity of inf...

This study assessed latrine characteristics and maintenance practices associated with an extended pit latrine lifetime in an informal settlement in Kampala, Uganda. Data were obtained from 306 respondents on sociodemographic characteristics, their private pit latrine characteristics and latrine lifetime. A modified Poisson regression was used to mo...

Background Alcohol use leads to about 3 million deaths globally. The alcohol industry employs marketing strategies to establish their brands in the lives of young people at a time when addictive behaviors are initiated and reinforced. We conducted a survey among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and asso...

Introduction: A high unmet need for family planning (FP) prevails in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge, awareness creation, and ensuring accessibility are frequently used to increase FP uptake. However, evidence on knowledge or information dissemination about FP among marginalized populations in urban settings in Africa is limited. This study explored...

Background Health facility deliveries are generally associated with improved maternal and child health outcomes. However, in Uganda, little is known about factors that influence use of health facilities for delivery especially in rural areas. In this study, we assessed the factors associated with health facility deliveries among mothers living with...

Background Alcohol use leads to about 3 million deaths globally. The alcohol industry employs marketing strategies to establish their brands in the lives of young people at a time when addictive behaviors are initiated and reinforced. We conducted a survey among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and asso...

Background Alcohol use leads to about 3 million deaths globally. The alcohol industry employs marketing strategies to establish their brands in the lives of young people at a time when addictive behaviors are initiated and reinforced. We conducted a survey among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and asso...

Background Hand hygiene (HH) among healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical for infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare facilities (HCFs). Nonetheless, it remains a challenge in HCFs, largely due to lack of high-impact and efficacious interventions. Environmental cues and mobile phone health messaging (mhealth) have the potential to impro...

Background: Female adolescents and young women have the highest risk of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. Data on the prevalence of STIs among young women in Uganda are limited. In this study, we investigated the time trends and correlates of STIs among adolescent girls and young women (15-24 years) in Uganda. Methods: We...

Background Makerere University implemented a One Health Institute (OHI) in 2016 involving undergraduate students selected from different disciplines. The students were first taken through theoretical principles of One Health followed by a field attachment in communities. The field attachment aimed to expose students to experiential educational oppo...

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is an important occupational health risk among primary healthcare providers (PHCPs). However, there is limited evidence on whether PHCPs’ level of knowledge and attitude can predict better HBV infection prevention practices. This study established the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and HBV in...

Introduction:Access to family planning services remains a challenge particularly in urban informal settlements. The unmet need for family planning in these settlings is high with correspondingly high prevalence of unintended pregnancies that may lead to unsafe abortions. However, there is paucity of quality data on the distribution of family planni...

Background: Child birth in health facilities is generally associated with lower risk of maternal and neonatal mortality. However, in Uganda, little is known about factors that influence use of health facilities for delivery especially in rural areas. In this study, we examined the determinants of mothers’ decision of the choice of child delivery pl...

Background Trans-women sex workers bear the greatest brunt of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Trans-women are 49 times more at risk of HIV infections compared to the general population. However, they remain underserved and continue to grapple with access to and utilisation of HIV/STI prevention services. This study explored bar...

Background Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Healthcare facilities (HCFs) is of significant public health importance. It is associated with a reduction in the transmission of healthcare acquired infections (HAIs), increased trust and uptake of healthcare services, cost saving from infections averted, increased efficiency and improve...

Background Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Healthcare facilities (HCFs) is of significant public health importance. It is associated with a reduction in the transmission of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), increased trust and uptake of healthcare services, cost-saving from infections averted, increased efficiency and improved...

Background Multiple sexual partnerships increase the risk of transmission of HIV and can be exacerbated by substance abuse. However, the association between psychoactive substance use and multiple sexual partnerships among young people in informal settlements of low-income countries is not well known. This study established the prevalence of multip...

Background: Ebola outbreaks have continued to affect the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of communities. In particular, Ebola response interventions affect food value chains, food and income security of pig farming communities. There is paucity of information on the effect of Ebola outbreak on the pig value chain as well there is a gap on the kno...