Browsing by Author "Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly"

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    “I am alone and isolated”: a qualitative study of experiences of women living with genital fistula in Uganda
    (2015-09) Barageine, Justus Kafunjo; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Byamugisha, Josaphat K.; Tumwesigye, Nazarius Mbona; Almroth, Lars; Faxelid, Elisabeth
    Background: Globally, 2–3 million women are estimated to have a genital fistula, with an annual incidence of 50,000–100,000 women. Affected women remain silent within their communities, and their experiences often go unnoticed. Our objective was to explore the experiences of Ugandan women living with genital fistulas to understand how their lives were affected and how they coped with the condition. Methods: We conducted 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 56 purposively selected women with a genital fistula seeking treatment at Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Data were transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Women with a fistula were living a physically changed and challenging life, living socially deprived and isolated, living psychologically stigmatised and depressed, and living marital and sexual lives that were no longer joyful. The women’s experiences were full of life changes and coping strategies, and they used both problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies to deal with the challenges. They devised ways to reduce the smell of urine to reduce the stigma, rejection and isolation. While trying to cope, the women found themselves alone and isolated. Women either isolated themselves or were isolated by society, including by close relatives and their husbands. Their sex lives were no longer enjoyable, and generally, women felt a loss of their marital and sexual rights. Conclusion: Women with a fistula make adjustments in their lives to cope with the physical, social, psychological and sexual challenges. They use both problem- and emotion-focused coping to minimise their sense of isolation, as well as the rejection and stigma associated with fistula. These findings are essential for counselling patients, families and community members affected by a fistula. In similar contexts, health programmes should go beyond fistula closure and target communities and families to reduce the stigma and isolation faced by women with genital fistula.
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    Stigma gets in my way: Factors affecting client-provider communication regarding child bearing among people living with HIV in Uganda
    (2018-02-20) Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Goggin, Kathy; Finocchario-Kessler, Sarah; Woldetsadik, Mahlet Atakilt; Mindry, Deborah; Birungi, Josephine; Wagner, Glenn J.
    Introduction Many HIV-affected couples living in sub-Saharan Africa desire to have children, but few quantitative studies have examined support for their childbearing needs. Our study explored client-provider communication about childbearing and safer conception among HIV clients in Uganda. Methods 400 Ugandan HIV clients in committed relationships and with intentions to conceive were surveyed. Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to childbearing, and use of safer conception methods were assessed, including communication with providers about childbearing needs, the correlates of which were examined with bivariate statistics and logistic multivariate analysis. Results 75% of the sample was female; 61% were on antiretroviral therapy; and 61% had HIV-negative or unknown status partners. Nearly all (98%) reported the desire to discuss childbearing intentions with their HIV provider; however, only 44% reported such discussions, the minority (28%) of which was initiated by the provider. Issues discussed with HIV providers included: HIV transmission risk to partner (30%), HIV transmission risk to child (30%), and how to prevent transmission to the child (27%); only 8% discussed safer conception methods. Regression analysis showed that those who had communicated with providers about childbearing were more likely to have been diagnosed with HIV for a longer period [OR (95% CI) = 1.09 (1.03, 1.15)], while greater internalized childbearing stigma was associated with lower odds of this communication [OR (95% CI) = 0.70 (0.49, 0.99)], after controlling for all bivariate correlates and basic demographics. Conclusions Communication between HIV clients and providers about childbearing needs is poor and associated with stigma. Innovations to mitigate stigma among clients as well as training to improve health worker communication and skills related to safer conception counseling is needed.
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    Uptake and correlates of cervical cancer screening among HIV-infected women attending HIV care in Uganda
    (Taylor & Francis Online, 2017-10) Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Bwanika, John Baptist; Beyeza-Kashesya, Jolly; Mugerwa, Shaban; Arinaitwe, Jim; Matovu, Joseph K. B.; Gwokyalya, Violet; Kasozi, Dickson; Bukenya, Justine; Makumb, Fred
    Objective: This study assessed uptake and correlates of cervical screening among HIV-infected women in care in Uganda. Methods: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey of HIV-infected women in care was conducted from August to November 2016. Structured interviews were conducted with 5198 women aged 15–49 years, from 245 HIV clinics. Knowledge and uptake of cervical screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination were determined. Correlates of cervical screening were assessed with modified Poisson regression to obtain prevalence ratios (PRs) using Stata version 12.0. Results: Overall, 94.0% (n = 4858) had ever heard of cervical screening and 66% (n = 3732) knew a screening site. However, 47.4% (n = 2302) did not know the schedule for screening and 50% (n = 2409) did not know the symptoms of cervical cancer. One-third (33.7%; n = 1719) rated their risk of cervical cancer as low. Uptake of screening was 30.3% (n = 1561). Women who had never been screened cited lack of information (29.6%; n = 1059) and no time (25.5%; n = 913) as the main reasons. Increased likelihood of screening was associated with receipt of HIV care at a level II health center [adj. PR 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–2.76] and private facilities (adj. PR 1.68, 95% CI 1.16–3.21), knowledge of cervical screening (adj. PR 2.19, 95% CI 1.78–2.70), where to go for screening (adj. PR 6.47, 95% CI 3.69–11.36), and low perception of risk (adj. PR 1.52, 95% CI 1.14–2.03). HPV vaccination was 2%. Conclusions: Cervical screening and HPV vaccination uptake were very low among HIV-infected women in care in Uganda. Improved knowledge of cervical screening schedules and sites, and addressing fears and risk perception may increase uptake of cervical screening in this vulnerable population.