Academic publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/16

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The Impact of Strategic Leadership and Committee Practices, Ethics Training, and Whistleblowing on Fraud Prevention in Churches
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024-05-24) Wasswa Asaph Senoga
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of strategic leadership and committee practices, ethics training, whistleblowing, and their effects on the Fraud prevention of Churches. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 12 surveys conducted in the church of Uganda dioceses in central Uganda. Regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the impact of Strategic leadership and Committee practices, ethics training, whistleblowing, and fraud prevention. Findings – The findings revealed that strategic leadership and committee practices, ethics training, and whistleblowing significantly contribute to positive fraud prevention for Church finances. Practical implications – In order for Churches to prevent fraud, serious emphasis on strategic leadership, ethics training, and whistleblowing is vital. Originality/value – According to the author’s understanding, this is one of the first empirical studies to assess the impact of strategic leadership and committee practices, ethics training, and whistleblowing on fraud prevention in the Church of Uganda.
Effectiveness of Regulatory Compliance, Auditing, Physical Assets Control Practices on Financial Performance in Churches
(International Journal of research innovation in social science, 2023-04-22) Wasswa Asaph Senoga
The purpose of this study is to explore the effect control practices of compliance with rules and policies, internal auditing, and Physical access control to assets and financial documents in enhancing the financial performance of churches. The study was guided by agency theory. The positivist philosophy guided the selection of appropriate methodologies for this research. It adopted a survey research design with a quantitative approach to explore the relationship between the variables and test hypotheses. This study used primary data gathered from questionnaires issued to twelve church leaders in the central dioceses of the Church of Uganda. Cronbach’s alpha was applied to test the reliability of the research instruments. A multiple regression model using SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the obtained data and test the hypotheses. The findings demonstrated that compliance with rules and policies, internal auditing, and Physical access control to assets and financial documents have a substantial influence on the financial performance in the administration of church money. Based on the findings, the church management should develop effective compliance with rules and policies, internal auditing, and Physical access control to assets and financial documents to improve the church’s financial performance.
Effect of Financial Skills, Knowledge, and Attitude on The Financial Behaviour of Clergy
(International Journal of Reseach and Innovation in Social Science, 2025-09-01) Wasswa Asaph Senoga
Financial literacy, covering knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward money, may empower clergy to make more discerning financial decisions. This study examined how the financial knowledge, skills, and attitudes of clergy in the Mukono diocese influenced their financial behaviour. The data collection approach employed was quantitative research, and 94 clergy from the Mukono diocese were selected using purposive sampling. We employed multiple linear regression analysis. The results reveal that financial knowledge, financial skills, and financial attitudes all exert a significant effect on financial behaviour. We evaluated hypotheses H1, H2, and H3, and all three were affirmed. The independent factors X1 (financial skills), X2 (financial knowledge), and X3 (financial attitudes) significantly positively influence the dependent variable (financial behaviour). This survey indicates that clergy possess considerable financial acumen. Clergy can demonstrate responsibility and awareness by utilizing their financial skills, knowledge, and attitudes to make more insightful decisions.
Institutional Mediation and Teacher Engagement: A Contextual Model for ELearning Uptake in Uganda's Universal Secondary Education Schools
(East African Nature & Science Organisation, 2025-09-17) Nantagya Grace Ssebanakitta; Joel Yawe Masagazi; Mary Kagoire Ocheng; Kyakulumbye Stephen
This study, titled "Institutional Mediation and Teacher Engagement: A Contextual Model for E-Learning Uptake in Uganda's Universal Secondary Education Schools," investigates the strategies employed by teachers to overcome barriers to e-learning adoption within low-resource educational settings. Specifically, it explores how teachers in Kampala-based USE schools adapt to infrastructural, institutional, and pedagogical challenges, and proposes a contextual model to guide future integration efforts. Guided by the overarching objective to identify teacher-led strategies for navigating e-learning challenges, the study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, combining quantitative data from 393 teachers and qualitative insights from 10 headteachers across all USE schools in Kampala City. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with rigorous procedures to ensure validity, trustworthiness, and triangulation. The findings reveal that teachers employed a combination of personal, peer-based, and institutionally facilitated strategies, including the use of personal devices, offline content sharing, peer mentorship, rotational scheduling, and community-supported ICT resource mobilization. Despite their creativity and adaptability, these coping mechanisms were often fragmented, inconsistent, and dependent on individual initiative rather than system-wide planning. Qualitative insights underscored the critical role of empathetic leadership, flexible budgeting, and informal CPD structures in supporting these grassroots innovations. Drawing on Constructivism, Connectivism, Technology-Mediated Learning Theory (TMLT), and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study developed the Institutionally Mediated E-Learning Uptake Model (IMELUM). This model highlights the dynamic interplay between infrastructural readiness, leadership support, teacher competence, and institutional culture as key mediators of sustainable e-learning engagement. The study concludes that while teacher-led coping strategies are commendable, they are insufficient without systemic institutional support, strategic policy alignment, and sustained investment. It recommends formalizing grassroots innovations into national digital education frameworks, strengthening school-level professional development, and incentivizing collaborative partnerships. Suggested directions for further research include: evaluating the long-term impact of peer mentorship on e-learning competence, assessing the role of institutional leadership in sustaining digital transformation, and investigating scalable funding models for ICT integration in secondary schools.
The Effect of Accountability, Transparency, And Integrity of Church Leaders on Fraud Prevention in The Management of Church Funds
(International Journal of Reseach and Innovation in Social Science, 2023-01-01) Wasswa Asaph Senoga
The purpose of this study is to explore the present practices of accountability, transparency, church leaders’ integrity, and fraud prevention activities in handling church finances. The study was guided by agency theory, Stakeholders theory, and the Theory of Planned behavior. The positivist philosophy guided the selection of appropriate methodologies for this research. It adopted a survey research design with a quantitative approach to explore the relationship between the variables and test hypotheses. This study used primary data gathered from questionnaires issued to twelve church leaders in the central dioceses of the Church of Uganda. Cronbach’s alpha was applied to test the reliability of the research instruments. A multiple regression model using SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the obtained data and test the hypotheses. The findings demonstrated that accountability, transparency, and Integrity of Church leaders have a substantial influence on the prevention of fraud in the administration of church money. Based on the findings, the church management should develop effective accountability, Transparency, and integrity system to attract potential donors and make church money management affordable.
Information Sources, Gender and Risk Perceptions Understanding Health Behavior in Times of Crisis
(A Journal of the East Africa Communication Association, 2025-08) Samuel Kazibwe; Angela Napakol
The purpose of this research was to establish whether gender differences influenced the health seeking behavior of Ugandans during the peak of the COVID – 19 Pandemic. The Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework. The study used survey method, specifically online and physical questionnaires to collect data. For the online questionnaires, Google Forms were developed and shared through email, on WhatsApp groups and on Facebook. Contrary to the existing literature, the paper discovered that the health behaviors of respondents during the COVID – 19 crises in Uganda were not strictly gendered. Previous research has frequently characterized gendered health behaviors in binary terms, casting women as health-conscious and risk-averse, and men as risk-prone and disengaged. However, the data from this study reveal a more intricate and context-dependent pattern. For instance, both female and male respondents largely rejected conspiracy theories regarding vaccine safety and COVID-19 mortality, indicating a shared skepticism toward misinformation and a collective inclination toward evidence-based interpretations of the pandemic. In sum, although gender continues to play a salient role in shaping health-seeking behavior, particularly in the face of novel health risks, this study underscores that these behaviors cannot be solely or uniformly attributed to gender.
Application of Cadherin cRNA Probes in Brains of Alzheimer’s Disease
(Springer Nature, 2024-03-17) Zhou He; Du Shijia; Fred Gendi; LI Haoyue; Fu Jia; Chang Cheng
The cadherin superfamily molecules, functioning as cell adhesion molecules, are recognized to play roles in both physiological and pathological processes. The cadherin-based adherent junction (CAJ) is believed to interact with presenilin-1 (PS-1), suggesting that disruptions in CAJ structures might contribute to neurodegeneration, potentially leading to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Yet, the specific expression patterns of cadherin superfamily mRNA remain somewhat ambiguous. This research utilizes in situ Hybridization (ISH) to examine the expression and localization of cadherin mRNA in AD mouse model brains. Long cRNA probes targeting cadherin revealed endogenous mRNA expression in brain sections. Interestingly, senile plaques in the AD mouse brain are also bound to these probes. This binding, however, may not exclusively denote cadherin mRNA, as ISH detected both antisense and sense cRNA probes. Our data suggests that while antisense cRNA probes effectively detect cadherin mRNA expression in AD brain cells, their association with senile plaques might not specifically signify cadherin mRNA expression.
Treadmill Exercise Improves Brain Energy Metabolism, Motor, and Cognitive Functions in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Mice Model
(Research Square, 2022-08-24) Feifei Pei; Fred Gendi; Yuan Wang; Haoyue Li; Shijia Du; Susu Cui; Jia Fu; Cheng Chang
More evidence shows that the brain energy demands are enormous. This study aimed to examine the metabolism changes in the brain of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) mice model and to evaluate how treadmill exercise enhances brain metabolism. We used unilateral carotid common artery ligation mice model to simulate the clinical HIE patients. Several behavior tests were used to evaluate the motor and cognitive function impairment, western blot and immunofluorescence were used to assess the metabolism related protein changes in the different groups. Meanwhile, the HIE mice models were randomly divided into exercise training group (HIE-T) which were subjected to four weeks of treadmill exercise training and non-exercise training group (HIE-NT). The results revealed that there was decreased expression of glucose transporters GLUTs in HIE and an enhanced expression of monocarboxylate transporters MCTs, which is an important part of energy metabolism adaptation. After the period of treadmill exercise training, the expression of GLUT1 as well as MCT1 increased in the motor cortex of HIE mice model. Moreover, the mitochondrial cristae and edges were clear and intact under Transmission electron microscope compared with HIE-NT group. This suggests that increased brain energy attributed to treadmill exercise training shows promising therapeutic potential for HIE.
Mitochondrial Proteins Unveil the Mechanism by Which Physical Exercise Ameliorates Memory, Learning and Motor Activity in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Rat Model
(MDPI, 2022-04-11) Fred Gendi; Feifei Pei; Yuan Wang; Haoye Li; Jia Fu; Cheng Chang
Background: Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive and motor functions, promoting neurogenesis and demonstrating therapeutic benefits in neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, it is crucial to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which this occurs. The study aimed to investigate and evaluate the effect of swimming exercise on the changes of mitochondrial proteins in the brains of rats with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods: the vertical pole and Morris water maze tests were used to assess the animals’ motor and cognitive functions, and western blot and immunofluorescence of brain tissue were used to assess the biomarkers of mitochondrial apoptosis and cristae stability in response to exercise training. Four groups of rats were used: (1) sham sedentary group (SHAM, NT), (2) sham exercise training group (SHAM, T) (3) hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy sedentary group (HIE, NT), and (4) hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy exercise training group (HIE, T). Results: animals with HIE showed motor and cognitive deficits, as well as increased apoptotic protein expression. Exercise, on the other hand, improved motor and cognitive functions while also suppressing the expression of apoptotic proteins. Conclusions: By stabilizing the mitochondrial cristae and suppressing the apoptotic cascade, physical exercise provided neuroprotection in hypoxic ischemia-induced brain injury.
Students’ Health Seeking Behaviour and its Rationale at Uganda Christian University
(Texila International Journal, 2018-09-28) Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Carabine, Deirdre; Kikule, Ekiria
Uganda Christian University’s records of 2013-2014 show that approximately 30% of the 3,300 students in the Easter Semester did not register for and therefore could not use the University’s health services. This study analysed Uganda Christian University students’ health seeking behaviour in order to identify their preferred health care services and rationale for their choice, and the barriers to the University’s health system. A cross-sectional and mixed design was applied. Data was collected with a questionnaire administered to a sample of 424 Uganda Christian University students in April 2015. Quantitative data was analysed with SPSS 16. Qualitative data was analysed by content analysis. Most students came from urban (51%) or peri-urban (23.4%) homes and had parents or guardians with post-secondary school education (80%). Most of the students used the university’s Allan Galpin Health Centre (78%) when in need of health care but given choice, they would prefer other health facilities, especially those nearest. The most frequent reason for choice was convenience. The females perceived their state of health differently from the males (p-value 0.03) and they had more unmet health needs. Barriers include unavailability of needed services, long queues, poor customer care, lack of trust in the service, waiting to see if the health problem would resolve and lack of relevant information. The findings are similar to those from studies done in similar contexts. Key influencers of health seeking behaviour were convenience and gender. Unavailability of needed services and customer care issues were barriers to the University health services.
Investigation of the Practices, Legislation, Supply Chain, and Regulation of Opioids for Clinical Pain Management in Southern Africa: A Multi-sectoral, Cross-National, Mixed Methods Study
(Elsevier, 2018-03-03) Namisango, Eve; Allsop, Mathew; Powell, Richard A.; Friedrichsdorf, Stefan J.; Luyiraka, Emmanuel B.K.; Kiyange, Fatiya; Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Ntege, Chris; Garanganga, Eunice; Ginindza-Mdluli, Mavis Ntombifuthi; Mwangi-Powell, Faith; Mondlane, Lidia Justino; Harding, Richard
Sub-Saharan Africa faces an increasing incidence and prevalence of life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. These conditions are associated with a significant burden of pain linked to high morbidity and disability that is poorly assessed and undertreated. Barriers to effective pain management partly relate to lack of access to opioid analgesia and challenges in their administration. To identify country-specific and broader regional barriers to access, as well as the administration of opioids, and generate recommendations for advancing pain management in Southern Africa. A parallel mixed methods design was used across three countries: Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Three activities were undertaken: 1) a review of regulatory and policy documentation, 2) group interviews, and 3) a self-administered key informant survey. Barriers to accessing opioid analgesics for medical use include overly restrictive controlled medicines’ laws; use of stigmatizing language in key documents; inaccurate actual opioid consumption estimation practices; knowledge gaps in the distribution, storage, and prescription of opioids; critical shortage of prescribers; and high out-of-pocket financial expenditures for patients against a backdrop of high levels of poverty. Policies and relevant laws should be updated to ensure that the legislative environment supports opioid access for pain management. Action plans for improving pain treatment for patients suffering from HIV or non-communicable diseases should address barriers at the different levels of the supply chain that involve policymakers, administrators, and service providers. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018;55:851e863. 2017 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Students’ Health Seeking Behaviour and its Rationale at Uganda Christian University
(Texila International Journal, 2018-09-28) Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Carabine, Deirdre; Kikule, Ekiria
Uganda Christian University’s records of 2013-2014 show that approximately 30% of the 3,300 students in the Easter Semester did not register for and therefore could not use the University’s health services. This study analysed Uganda Christian University students’ health seeking behaviour in order to identify their preferred health care services and rationale for their choice, and the barriers to the University’s health system. A cross-sectional and mixed design was applied. Data was collected with a questionnaire administered to a sample of 424 Uganda Christian University students in April 2015. Quantitative data was analysed with SPSS 16. Qualitative data was analysed by content analysis. Most students came from urban (51%) or peri-urban (23.4%) homes and had parents or guardians with post-secondary school education (80%). Most of the students used the university’s Allan Galpin Health Centre (78%) when in need of health care but given choice, they would prefer other health facilities, especially those nearest. The most frequent reason for choice was convenience. The females perceived their state of health differently from the males (p-value 0.03) and they had more unmet health needs. Barriers include unavailability of needed services, long queues, poor customer care, lack of trust in the service, waiting to see if the health problem would resolve and lack of relevant information. The findings are similar to those from studies done in similar contexts. Key influencers of health seeking behaviour were convenience and gender. Unavailability of needed services and customer care issues were barriers to the University health services.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Anaemia among Clients of the AIDS Support Organisation-Entebbe, Uganda
(Texila International Journals, 2021-12-28) Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Nakyeyune, Lydia; Seguya, Henry; Kikule, Ekria
Anaemia, a common hematological disorder in HIV infection, compromises the quality of life and treatment outcomes. At The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), Entebbe, the records for the 2016-2018 period show a 10% prevalence of anaemia which is lower than that in literature where it is said to be up to 95%. This study determined the prevalence, type, severity, and determinants of anaemia among people living with HIV and AIDS who receive care from TASO Entebbe in Uganda. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 624 TASO clients. A checklist identified the clients’ Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) combination and viral load. The selected clients’ Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated to assess their nutritional status. A Fully Automated Humacount 60TS Three-Part Hematology Analyzer was used to measure hemoglobin and to do a full blood count. A blood film from each sample was manually examined for the type of anaemia. Data analysis was done with Stata MP 15. The prevalence of anaemia was 44.4%, and the anaemia was mostly mild (54.15%) to moderate (40.80%). Anaemia of inflammation was the commonest type (>58%). Gender, viral suppression, nutritional status, nutritional education, marital and economic status were significantly associated with the anaemia. Duration on ART had a protective effect, but this was not statistically significant. The prevalence of anaemia (44.4%) among the TASO-Entebbe Uganda clients was high, but the anaemia was mostly mild to moderate (>94%) and of inflammation type (>58%). Management of anaemia in HIV requires intentional screening since it compromises treatment outcomes.
Health Risk Associated with Near-Road Ambient Air Concentration of Particulate Matter in Mukono Municipal Council, Uganda
(Texila International Journals, 2021-03-31) Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Kizza-Nkambwe, Sarah
More than 98% of urban centres exceeding 100,000 people in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), do not meet the WHO air quality limits. Data on air pollution from LMICs is scarce. We measured the mean concentrations of near-road PM2.5 in the period of Aug.-Dec. 2020, described the Mukono Municipality’s near-road populations’ exposure to PM2.5, and assessed the associated health risk. PurpleAir PA-II laser particle counters, measured near-road ambient air PM2.5 concentration in Mukono Municipality during the period of 09/1/20 to 12/04/20. Excel Toolpak was used for data analysis and the health risk assessed with the WHO AirQ+ tool. The mean ambient near–road PM2.5 in Mukono Municipality were 30.97, 33.84 and 47.74 ug/m3for background, near-unpaved and near-paved roads, respectively. Mukono Municipality’s population was exposed to ambient PM2.5 concentrations higher than the WHO annual limit of 10 ug/m3. This level of air pollution is associated with preventable annual premature deaths of up to 133.11 per 100,000 population. Vehicles were assumed to be the predominant source of near-road ambient air PM2.5 pollution. The Municipality’s population was exposed to near-road ambient air PM2.5 exceeding the WHO annual limit by as much as *4.7 for the paved roads, *3.3 for the unpaved roads and *3 for the background. This leads to increased risk of preventable premature deaths in the Municipality.Mukono Municipality could monitor PM2.5; guide developers to placebuildings more than 100 meters away from roadsides and should promotepolicies for newer vehicles on Ugandan roads.
Effects of Lifting COVID-19 Lockdown on Ambient Air Particulate Matter and Associated Health Risk at Uganda Christian University’s Main Campus, Mukono
(Texila International Journal, 2020-09-30) Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Kizza-Nkambwe, Sarah
Lockdowns control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus and are associated with improved air quality. Uganda imposed a lockdown beginning March 18th and begun easing it on the 2nd of June 2020. This study analysed ambient air PM2.5 at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) main campus during and after the lockdown. Health risk reflected by avoidable premature deaths associated with poorer air quality due to lifting of the lockdown was also estimated. Laser particle counter, Purple Air PA-II, measured ambient Air PM2.5 concentration at UCU main campus for the lockdown period of 8th April to 30th June 2020. Excel Toolpak was used for data analysis and the health risk assessed with the World Health Organisation’s AirQ+ tool. The 24-hour ambient mean PM2.5 count was 16.61 μg/m³ during the lockdown and it increased to 35.57 μg/m³ on lifting of the lockdown. The increased PM2.5 is associated with a higher risk of preventable premature deaths. Vehicles using adjacent roadways were the likely source of ambient air PM2.5 at UCU. Ambient air PM2.5 during the lockdown was moderate on the Air Quality Index and it deteriorated to unhealthy for sensitive people during the lifting of the lockdown which raised the risk of preventable premature deaths. Air quality at UCU main campus could be improved by planting a wide vegetation fence next to the adjacent roads, using cleaner fuel in the University’s kitchen, lobbying for paving Bishop Road and placing new buildings away from roads. These would improve health including Covid-19 outcomes.
The Health and Socio-Economic Status of the Buvuma Main Island Community in Buvuma District, Uganda
(Texila International Journal, 2020-09-30) Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Kikule, Ekiria; Mugarura, Evatt; Semuju, Stephen; Kusiima, Maureen; Ubomba Jaswa, Peter; Kanyesigye, Edward
Uganda Christian University’s Department of Public Health with Buvuma District local government, the local communities and the local Anglican Church of Uganda conducted a study to assess the household health and socio-economic status of communities on Buvuma’s main island. The Study design was cross-sectional and descriptive. The sample was 212 households and data were collected using Pretested Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informants Interviews. Most respondents (59.9%) were female, aged 18-59 years (89.9%) with primary education (48.1%). About 21% of respondents had no formal education. Housing was mainly (73.1%) one or two roomed with earthen floors in 84.4%.; the lake was a source of water in 41% of households and water was used untreated in 36.8% of households; latrine coverage was 62.7%. Wood (70.5%) and charcoal (29.5%) were the energy sources for cooking and solar energy was used for lighting in 54.3% of the households. Malaria was the commonest cause of morbidity; 100% of households had nets, but 32.1% did not use them. 92% of mothers received antenatal care but 88.2% delivered in health facilities. Income was mostly from subsistence farming (74%) with per capita income of 20,000 to 50,000 Uganda shillings for 45% households. Most income (54%) was spent on children’s education. About 50.9% of respondents did not own land but 89.6% had a garden to grow food. Overall, the study community, in a hard to reach island district, had poorer health and socio-economic indicators than the Country.
Adherence to Self-care Practices among Diabetes Mellitus Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Eastern Uganda
(International Scientific Indexing, 2023-06-30) Kiruyi, Samuel; Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Higenyi, Emmanuel; Rajab, Kalidi; Walusimbi, David; Ansiima, Sheila; Kitutu, Freddy Eric
Adherence to self-care practices among diabetes mellitus patients is vital in achieving optimal glycemic control and delaying the progression of the disease complications. There is limited information regarding diabetes self-care among diabetic patients in Eastern Uganda, where the disease is most prevalent. The aim of this study was to determine the level of adherence to diabetes mellitus self-care practices and the associated factors among adult diabetic outpatients at a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda between September and October 2020, on a sample of 156 diabetic patients recruited through systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data through self-report. Descriptive and Logistic regression analyses were conducted using STATA version 15.0, and a 5% level of significance. Most of the study participants were female (63.8%) with an average age of 52.3 years (SD 13.8). The prevalence of adherence to self-care was 36.5%. The factors associated with adherence to self-care were good diabetes knowledge (AOR=2.5; 95% CI= 1.2-5.3, p = 0.016), and high self-efficacy (AOR=3.9; 95% CI= 1.8 – 8.7, p = 0.001). Less than half of the patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda adhere to self-care practices. Patients ought to receive comprehensive, consistent, and contextualized diabetes education to enrich their knowledge, as well as a boost of their self-efficacy through interventions like counseling, positive feedback, role models, and peer education.
Drug and Therapeutics Committee Structure and Roles in Hospitals: A Scoping Review
(International Scientific Indexing, 2023-12-29) Kiruyi, Samuel; Nagadya, Catherine; Walusimbi, David; Mukooza, Edward Kibikyo; Higenyi, Emmanuel; Rajab, Kalidi
Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs) have been identified and promoted as a fundamental model in advancing the rational management and use of essential medicines and health supplies in hospitals since the 1970s. However, there is still a scarcity of comprehensive literature on their current structure and actual roles performed in various countries. We conducted a scoping review using the Pubmed and ResearchGate databases and included eligible articles published between 2010 and 2023, to assess the structure and roles performed by hospital DTCs. The database search yielded 47 potential records, but only seven of these were eligible for inclusion. Studies included were from both highincome and low- and middle-income countries. The structure of DTCs is generally similar across these countries, with minor contextual variations. All DTCs are heterogeneous in composition and contain both medical and non-medical staff. The DTC leadership comprises a chairperson who is usually a senior clinician, and a secretary who is usually a pharmacist. The majority of the DTCs have at least one sub-committee, and antimicrobial stewardship is the most common. The DTCs still perform their customary roles, although their role scope is expanding. In some countries, the DTCs have taken on additional roles due to the evolving medicines management and use problems, and technologies. There is however still a dearth of recent primary data on the structure and roles of DTCs in many countries. We recommend more primary research to understand the status of DTCs in various countries and to provide more insights into the existence and functionality of the DTC sub-committees.
BRCA1 Protein Expression in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and Associated Clinicopathological Factors in Uganda
(Wiley, 2024-10-21) Okecha, Tonny; Abila, Derrick B.; Nabbale, Dorothy L.; Katongole, Fauz; Yahaya, James Joseph; Lukande Robert; Kalungi, Sam; Nalwoga, Hawa
BRCA1 gene dysfunction seen in epithelial ovarian carcinomas often results from germline mutations, somatic mutations, and promoter methylation. Identi0cation of tumors with loss of BRCA1 protein expression has shown to have therapeutic and prognostic implications. *e aim of this study was to determine the expression of BRCA1 protein in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and the associated clinicopathological characteristics. This was a cross-sectional laboratory-based study that used para5n-embedded tissue blocks of patients histologically diagnosed with EOC from January 2010 to August 2018. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological con0rmation and with immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a mouse-derived monoclonal antibody MS110 for BRCA1 protein expression. *e association between BRCA1 protein expression and independent variables was determined using Pearson’s Chi-square test. A total of 104 tissue blocks from patients with EOC were included in the study with a mean age of 48.7 ± 12.8 years. Serous tumors were the most common which comprised 74.0% (77/104) of all the tumors and majority of them 75.3% (58/77) were high grade. Loss of expression of BRCA1 protein expression was found in 33.7% (33/98) of all the cases. *ere was no statistically signi0cant association between BRCA1 expression and age of patients, tumor grade, and histological subtype. There is a high expression of altered BRCA1 expression in tissues of EOC. Although it has not shown association with age of patients, histology types, and tumor grade, further studies need to assess its inCuence of the survival of cancer patients with EOC.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with hypopharyngo-esophageal foreign bodies impaction: a cross-sectional study
(Wiley, 2025-03-18) Kabazzi, Edrisa; Namwagala, Justine; Alunga, John R .; Byaruhanga, Richard; Okecha, Tonny; Yahaya, James Joseph
Ingestion of foreign bodies (FBs) is an emergency condition which may be associated with challenges for their removal. We aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypopharyngo-esophageal foreign bodies (HP-EFBs) impaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mulago national referral hospital in Uganda from August 2018 to May 2019. The study consisted of 150 patients aged 6 months to 49 years with suspicion of HP-EFBs impaction. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to determine factors associated with HP-EFBs. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The median age of the patients was 7.1 (4.3–16.4) years, and males accounted for the majority (64%, n = 96) of the patients. Clinically, majority (62.0%, n = 93) of the patients had dysphagia. The prevalence of HP-EFBs was (33.3%, n = 50). Majority (76.0%, n = 38) of the FBs were coins. Being aged ≤5 years (aOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 2.18–3.39, P = 0.043), being a child attending school (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.56–4.92, P = 0.037), and being under caretakers aged ≤25 years (aOR = 6.83, 95% CI = 1.88–24.79), P = 0.003) were associated with increased risk of HP-EFBs impaction. This study has shown increased risk of HP-EFBs impaction particularly in male children and those attending school. Also, patients who were under younger caretakers had increased odds of HP-EFBs impaction. There is a need for caretakers and teachers at school to provide emphasis for children to always have precaution to avoid impaction of FBs.

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