Browsing by Author "Okwi, Andrew Livex"

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    Knowledge, Attitude, and Beliefs of Communities and Health Staff about Echinococcus granulosus Infection in Selected Pastoral and Agropastoral Regions of Uganda
    (Journal of Parasitology Research, 2018-05) Othieno, Emmanuel; Ocaido, Michael; Mupere, Ezekiel; Omadang, Leonard; Oba, Peter; Okwi, Andrew Livex
    A descriptive cross-sectional survey was done to determine knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of the communities and health workers about cystic echinococcosis (CE) in pastoral region of Northeastern (NE) and agropastoral regions of Eastern (E) and Central (C) Uganda. Overall a total of 1310 participants were interviewed. Community respondents from NE region were more aware of CE infection than those from Eastern (OR 4.85; CI: 3.60–6.60; p < 0.001) and Central (OR 5.73; CI: 4.22–7.82; p < 0.001) regions. 19.8% of the respondents from EA region had positive attitude towards visiting witch doctors for treatment compared with 62.0% and 60.4% from NE and Central regions, respectively (p < 0.001). Notably, the awareness of CE increased with level of education (P< 0.001). There was no statistical difference between male and female respondents as far as awareness of CE was concerned (). 51.7% of the community respondents from Central believed CE is caused by witchcraft, compared with 31.3% and 14.3% from NE and EA regions, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between health staff regarding their knowledge, attitude, and beliefs about CE infection (p >0.05). None of the participants knew his/her CE status. The communities need to be sensitized about CE detection, control, and management and health staff need to be trained on CE diagnosis.
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    Risk Factors Associated With Cystic Echinococcosis in Humans in Selected Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Areas of Uganda
    (International Journal of One Health, 2017-02) Othieno, Emmanuel; Okwi, Andrew Livex; Mupere, Ezekiel; Zeyhle, Eberhard; Oba, Peter; Chamai, Martin; Omadang, Leonard; Inangolet, Francis Olaki; Siefert, Ludwing; Ejobi, Francis; Ocaido, Michael
    Aim: It was to determine the risk factors responsible of occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) of humans in the pastoral and agro-pastoral (PAP) in Uganda. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in districts: Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit and Amudat in Karamoja region; in agro-pastoral communities of Teso region, in the districts of Kumi and Bukedea; Nakasongola district in Central region and in Kasese district in the Western region. People were subjected to voluntary ultrasound screening for CE. Those found positive to CE on ultrasound screening were interviewed using a special designed form to find out the probable predisposing factors for acquisition of CE infection. Predisposing factors considered were location, age, sex, dog ownership, occupation, water source, and religion. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify key risk factors. Results: In Karamoja region, being female, age beyond 40 years and open spring water sources were the risk factors. While for Nakasongola age beyond 40 years was a risk factor. In Kasese dog ownership, age >60 years and being a Muslim were risk factors. In Teso region dog ownership and age >60 years were the risk factors. Conclusion: Being a pastoralist, a female, increasing age beyond 40 years, open spring water sources, dog ownership and being a Muslim were the risk factors for CE in PAP areas in Uganda.