Browsing by Author "Josephine Namyalo"

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Breastfeeding Practices and Experiences Among Working Mothers: A Case Study of Teachers and Nurses in Uganda
(Chritian Journal for Global Health, 2025-11) Emmanuel Otieno; Stella Asayo; Teopista Agutu; Josephine Namyalo
Background: Uganda’s exclusive breastfeeding rate remains high at 94%, despite significant malnutrition rates with nearly 1 in 4 children under 5 suffering from stunting. Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infant growth and development. This study aimed to investigate breastfeeding practices and experiences of primary school teachers and nurses in Uganda. Methods: This qualitative study employed a case study design to collect data from 50 respondents — primary school teachers and nurses working in Mukono Municipality between October 2023 and February 2024. All breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 0-6 months were included. In-depth and key informant interviews were done to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Results: Breast feeding primary school teachers and nurses indicated experiencing heavy workloads, tight work schedules, and minimal institutional support towards practicing breastfeeding. As such, most breastfeeding mothers did not successfully achieve the goal of breastfeeding their infants exclusively. Conclusion: In order to improve infant health outcomes in Uganda, it is essential to address the barriers that hinder exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. This can be achieved through policy occupational health interventions that protect breastfeeding and promote inclusivity and work life balance for mothers.
Silent Struggles: Menstrual Hygiene Challenges Faced by Female University Students in Uganda
(Texila International Journal of Academic Research, 2026-01-30) Josephine Namyalo; Mukooza Edward; Faith Musinguzi; Emmanuel Otieno; Robert Basaza
Menstruating individuals face barriers in managing their periods safely and with dignity, especially in low-and middle–income countries like Uganda. Menstrual health interventions have focused on schoolgirls, assuming university students have fewer challenges. However, female university students in Uganda face significant challenges. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore challenges faced by female university students in Central and Southwestern Uganda through a socio-ecological perspective. A phenomenological design was used. A sample of 88 participants was purposively selected using a two-stage stratified sampling technique. Four focus group discussions and 16 key informant interviews were conducted to collect data. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using NVivo 12 software. These were complemented by structured observations of WASH facilities. The socioecological model (SEM) is a public health framework that describes how health is impacted at multiple levels including individual, interpersonal, community, organizational and policy levels. Key themes were identified, and challenges contributing to menstrual hygiene were categorized as per the SEM. The findings showed that female students experienced physical pains and missed classes hindering their education. Also, linking menstruation to sorcery led to fears related with disposal of menstrual absorbents and inadequate WASH infrastructure, which contributed to poor menstrual hygiene management reflecting systemic failures at universities. Many female students had knowledge gaps about menstrual hygiene management based on biases of cultural taboos and practices. They lacked confidence in managing their menstruation while at university, highlighting the need for universities to establish programs and policies that promote their well-being and academic success.