UCU Digital Institutional Repository(UCUDIR)
Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Digital Institutional Repositoy (UCUDIR). This is the University's official Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of UCU. This growing collection of research includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers, theses, and more.
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- Items in this community present a concise summary of information that can help readers understand, and likely make decisions about, government policies.
- This is a collection of Masters and Doctoral theses and dissertations submitted in electronic format to the Uganda Christian University.
Recent Submissions
The Level and Factors Associated With the Uptake of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods Among Women of Reproductive Age at Kuajok State Hospital (Ksh) in Warrap State, Republic of South Sudan
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-04-14) Ayuel Deng Ayuel Nul
The level and factors associated with the uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age at Kuajok State Hospital (KSH) in Warrap State, South Sudan Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARC), such as Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) and Implants, are among the most effective family planning methods used to delay pregnancy by women of reproductive age who desire future fertility. In Sub-Saharan Africa, there are 48.8 million women of reproductive age (15-49 years). Nearly half of married women want to space their births. However, 22 million fewer than half currently use any contraceptive method, and less than one in seven use a technique. In South Sudan, the total fertility rate is 4.4 children per woman, and family planning
usage remains very low, with only 3% of women using any contraceptive method. As a result, the unmet need for family planning remains high at 29.7%. To determine the level and factors associated with the uptake of LARC methods among women of reproductive age at Kuajok State Hospital We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study, and reproductive-age women were randomly enrolled. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain data on demographic, socio-cultural, and socio-economic factors, as well as facility-based factors. Clinical chart reviews were done to obtain the level of uptake of the long acting reversible contraceptive method. We determined the level of uptake as a percentage of all reproductive-age women and used Multivariate analysis to identify the factors associated with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. The level of significance was set at a p-value <0.05.
The findings revealed that the majority of respondents, 230 out of 288 (79.9%), aged between 20 and 39 years, were significantly more likely to use LARC methods compared to other age groups (p=0.001 and 0.004). Socio-demographic factors were not statistically significant in influencing LARC uptake. However, several socio-cultural and health facility factors, including accessibility and cost of services, were significantly associated with LARC uptake (p<0.000). Additionally, income level was a significant socio-economic factor, with 202 out of 288 respondents (70%) reporting income-related influence on their contraceptive choices (p<0.000). In summary, age, income, cost, and accessibility of services were key determinants of LARC uptake. The study recommends strengthening family planning education and community sensitization, expanding mobile outreach services, integrating reproductive health services into routine care, and improving training for health workers using standardized Ministry of Health curricula. The development and dissemination of culturally appropriate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials are also essential for increasing contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age (15-49 years).
Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Teenagers Seeking Care in Kayunga District Kiyuba
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-04-13) Ivan Kiyuba
Introduction :Birth preparedness and complication readiness the strategy that promotes timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care, targets to improve the quality of pregnancy and its outcomes, thus reducing the delays, pregnant teenagers are more at risk and contribute significantly proportion to the maternal mortality ratios globally.
Objective: To determine the proportion and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant teenagers seeking care in Kayunga district.
Methods: Analytic cross-sectional study conducted at 13 selected health facilities. Consecutive sampling enrolled emancipated minors the pregnant teenagers (13-19years) between > 36 weeks of amenorrhea to two days post-partum. Pregnant teenager considered birth prepared complication ready if attained four indices; 2 mandatory signs spontaneous knowledge of danger signs and identified compatible blood donor plus 2 others among; pregnancy registration, place to give birth, identified skilled birth attendant, transport plan and birth companion. Data captured in excel program exported to IBM SPSS 23.0 and finally STATA for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done. Results: 377 pregnant teenagers’ 1.59% had birth prepared and complication ready despite 94.16% with a birth plan.
Majority 63.4% were 18-19years, 66.0% had no formal /primary education, 79.2% were married and 329 (84.6%) low income with < 500,000UGX monthly expenditure. Occupation of pregnant teenagers and partners were informal and peasantry 316(83.8%) and 335(88.8%) respectively.
Only 3.5% had 8 or more ANC contacts 101(27.2%) started antenatal at less or equal to 12 weeks of amenorrhea. Bivariate; primary level education [X2–11.559-0.009], being married [X2 - 11.520 – 0.003], grass thatched house [X2–10.818–0.004]. Plan giving birth at HC IV, III [X2–16.385–0.006] identified a compatible blood donor [X2– 21.597– 0.001]. Spontaneous knowledge of danger signs;[X2–137.564– 0.000].
Conclusion: Only 1.59% pregnant teenagers were birth prepared and complication ready despite 94.16% with a birth plan.
Bivariate significant factors were primary level education, being married, grass thatched house, plan to give birth at H/C IV and III, identified compatible blood donor and spontaneous knowledge of danger signs.
Linking Markets to Smallholder Agro-forestry Farmers As a Strategy for Poverty Alleviation in the Tropics
(Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2026-04-09) Twaha Ali Basamba; Barnabas Kiiza; Clement Mayanja; Bob Nakileza; Frank Matsiko; Paul Nyende; Elizabeth Bacwayo Kukunda
The objective of the study was to assess factors affecting market participation of agro-forestry smallholder farmers in Uganda. Primary data on household, farm and marketing characteristics were collected from 153 farming households using a semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire. The determinants of market participation were assessed using the Probit model. Descriptive statistics showed that a combination of crop, livestock and tree products were marketed by farmers. The main products included maize, cassava and coffee (crops); firewood and poles (tree products); and birds and goats (livestock products). Results from the Probit model showed that farm size, household size, education level, access to credit and extension visits had positive and statistically significant effects on market participation of farmers in agro-forestry products’ markets. Age of farmer had a negative and statistically significant effect on the participation. Emphasis on improving the quality and coverage of extension services, extending credit facilities to farmers and intensifying agro-forestry training among farmers are suggested as avenues to enhance participation of farmers in agro-forestry products’ markets.
Study of the Effectiveness of the Current Church Measures to Curb Marital Conflicts in Central Busoga Diocese
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-03-26) Fred Samize Galimu
This study examined the effectiveness of the current church measures in addressing marital conflicts in Central Busoga Diocese. The purpose of the study was to evaluate how the church intervenes in marital conflicts and to assess whether these interventions effectively promote reconciliation and stability in Christian marriages. The study employed a qualitative research approach in which data was collected from church leaders and selected church members within Central Busoga Diocese through interviews and
questionnaires. The study focused on key church interventions such as pastoral counseling, premarital counseling, biblical teaching, mediation by church leaders, and marriage seminars. The findings revealed that the church plays an important role in addressing marital conflicts by providing spiritual guidance, counseling, and mediation between couples experiencing marital
challenges. However, the study also found that the effectiveness of these interventions is sometimes limited by factors such as lack of professional counseling skills among church leaders, cultural influences, and limited resources for family ministry programs. The study concludes that although the church remains an important institution in promoting stable marriages, there is a need to strengthen family ministry programs and equip church leaders with appropriate counseling skills to effectively address marital conflicts. The study recommends strengthening premarital counseling programs, providing training for church leaders in pastoral counseling, and establishing structured family support ministries within the diocese.
Prevalence, Factors Associated With Malnutrition Among Children Under Five Years in Al-Shabbah Children’s Hospital-Juba, South Sudan
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-04-09) Osman Mohammed Abduelgabar Ibraheim
Malnutrition is a serious medical condition, which results from relative, absolute, or excess deficiency of one or more essential nutrients in the human body (Mengistu et al., 2013). It is a direct cause of mortality, and a major disabler preventing children who survive to reach their full developmental potential. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among children under the age of five years in Al-Shabbah Children´s Hospital Juba, South Sudan. Specifically, the study sought to determine the association between maternal factors, child related factors, and service factors related with malnutrition among children under the age of five years. The cross-sectional design and logistic regression was the main methods of data analysis.
The findings indicated that 72.9% of children under five years were affected by Malnutrition including 54.3% classified as severely or moderately acutely malnourished (SAM & MAM). Specific nutritional indicators showed that underweight (WAZ) affected 59.9%, wasting (WHZ) affected 60.6%, and stunting (HAZ) affected 24.2% of children, reflecting both acute and chronic undernutrition. Maternal factors were strongly associated with malnutrition of children under the age of five years in Al-Shabbah Children´s Hospital. Children of mothers with no formal education (43.9%) had over three times higher odds of malnutrition compared to those whose mothers had tertiary education (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI: 1.68–7.35, p = 0.001). Lack of postnatal care attendance (49.8% of mothers) also increased the risk (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.10–4.20, p = 0.024). Among child-related factors, children aged 7–18 months (47.6% of the sample) were most vulnerable, highlighting the critical period of transition from exclusive breastfeeding to complementary feeding (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21–0.85, p = 0.015). Male sex and low birth weight were associated with higher malnutrition descriptively but were not significant after adjustment. Health facility factors influenced malnutrition outcomes, with adequate availability and accessibility of services improving child nutrition (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.97–2.50, p = 0.003). Other facility-related factors, including place of care, distance, and health worker attitude, were not independently significant but remain important for program planning.
It is concluded that, At Al-Shabbah Children’s Hospital, 72.9% of children under five are malnourished (54.3% SAM & MAM), with underweight affecting 59.9%, wasting 60.6%, and stunting 24.2%, highlighting a critical need for targeted nutrition interventions. Overall, these findings underscore that integrated interventions are needed, targeting maternal education, postnatal care utilization, age-specific child nutrition interventions, and strengthened, accessible health services, to reduce the high prevalence of malnutrition in children under five.