Academic publications
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Item Understanding Children’s Experiences of Self-wetting in Humanitarian Contexts: An Evaluation of the Story Book Methodology(PLOS Global Public Health, 2023-05-23) Claire Rosato-Scott; Mahbub-Ul Alam; Barbara E. Evans; Joanne Rose; Eleanor Wozei; Dani J. BarringtonLittle is known about how children in humanitarian contexts experience self-wetting. Children can wet themselves due to having the medical condition of urinary incontinence (the involuntary leakage of urine), or due to them not wanting to or not being able to use the toilet facilities available (social or functional incontinence). Self-wetting is a global public health challenge: the physical health of children can suffer; they can miss out on educational and social opportunities; they may face increased protection risks; and the emotional effect on daily life can be significantly negative. The Story Book methodology was developed to facilitate conversations with children aged five to eleven in humanitarian contexts (specifically refugee settlements in Adjumani District, Uganda; and refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh) about self-wetting to understand how humanitarian professionals can best meet the needs of children that wet themselves. This paper has evaluated how far the Story Book methodology meets the specific requirements of conducting research a) in a humanitarian context; b) with young children; and c) on a personal and highly sensitive topic. Data has been used from Story Book sessions held with children in Adjumani District and Cox’s Bazar, and from semi-structured interviews held with adults known to have participated in the planning and/or facilitation of the sessions. The evaluation found that although the Story Book methodology provided deep insights into how children in humanitarian contexts experience self-wetting, it was not always implemented as designed; it is not practical to implement in humanitarian settings; and it was not acceptable to all participants and facilitators as a research tool. Changes have been recommended to improve the methodology as a research tool to better understand how children experience personal health issues, but even with such changes the methodology will remain better suited to non-humanitarian contexts.Item Contemporary Pedagogical Strategies and Learners’ Academic Achievement in National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) in Uganda(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2025-09) Clare Atuhire; Sarah Kizza Nkambwe; Remigio TuryahabweThe study examined the effect of contemporary pedagogical strategies, specifically problem-based learning and learning contracts, in National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) in Uganda. The objectives of the study were to: i) examine the effects of problem-based learning on academic achievement of learners in NTCs in Uganda & ii) analyse the effect of learning contracts on academic achievement of learners in NTCs in Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and was underpinned by pragmatist philosophy with an explanatory sequential type of mixed methods. Data was collected from 681 respondents with the help of questionnaires, Key informant interviews, and document review. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 29 for statistical data, while qualitative data was analysed in themes to draw conclusions for the study. The results revealed that there was a strong positive relationship between learning contracts and completion rate, with a correlation of 0.71 at a p-value of <0.01. Learners in NTCs gained skills and values to enhance their ability to teach and learn in lower secondary schools (pedagogical skills). Further, there was a strong positive relationship between problembased learning and academic achievement of 0.31 with a p-value of < 0.01 on skills. It was concluded that Problem-based learning increased learner engagement and aided them to score better grades, while Learning contracts motivated learners in NTCs to do their coursework, project work, and research. The study recommended continuous professional development and support supervision to teacher trainers so as to enhance their skills in the implementation of contemporary pedagogical techniques, specifically problem-based techniquesItem Effect of Active Teaching and Learning Methodologies on the Academic Achievement of Learners in National Teachers’ Colleges in Uganda(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2025) Clare Atuhire; Remigio Turyahabwe; Sarah Kizza NkambweThe study examined the effect of Active Teaching and Learning (ATL) methodologies on the academic achievement of learners in National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) in Uganda. The objectives of the study were two-fold: i) to examine the effects of learning stations on the academic achievement of learners in NTCs in Uganda, ii) to analyse the effect of project-based learning on the academic achievement of learners in NTCs in Uganda. The study adopted a cross sectional design and was underpinned by pragmatist philosophy with an explanatory sequential type of mixed methods approach. Tools for data collection included questionnaires, which were administered to lecturers and students. Interviews were held with selected Ministry of Education officials, institutional heads and Enable staff. Document review of academic award meeting minutes and portfolios was also done. Data was collected from 681 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 29, while qualitative data was analysed in themes to draw conclusions for the study. Results revealed that there was a strong positive correlation between learning stations and skills learners acquire at learning stations at P<0.01. Further, there was a strong positive correlation between project-based learning and technological skills acquired by learners at P<0.01. It was concluded that, whereas the learning stations were appreciated for promoting peer support, they consumed a lot of time, especially for large classes, and required a lot of technical support from the teacher to learners. The study recommended continuous professional development for teacher trainers, which may help them to apply Active Teaching Learning methodologies effectively for better academic achievement.Item A Phenomenological Study of the Role of Christian Values and Culture in Conflict Resolution Among Christian Couples in Mukono, Uganda(Regent University, 2022) Betty Enyipu AkurutThis qualitative study utilised a phenomenological research design to examine married Christians’ perspectives on the role of Christian values and culture in the resolution of marital conflict. Twelve themes emerged. Two themes for Christian values promote conflict resolution: (a) Christian disciplines and (b) fellowship and instruction. There was one theme: (a) Church teaching on oneness and submissiveness, for Christian values that hinder conflict resolution. Three themes regarding cultural factors that promote resolution of conflict were (a) involvement of others, (b) constructive conflict response, and (c) cultural perspectives. Three themes for cultural factors that perpetuate conflict were (a) unconstructive response to conflict, (b) involvement of others, and (c) finances. One theme, (a) communication, emerged on strategies for resolving conflict. Two themes regarding strategies for preventing future occurrences of conflict were (a) source of income and (b) understanding each other. A few studies exist in the Ugandan context on culture and marital conflict. The findings from this study could help increase understanding of the strategies Christian couples use to resolve conflict and how these strategies help them maintain their marriages.Item Mental Health in Low-income Countries: A Call to Improve Mental Health in Uganda(PLOS, 2025-04-30) Kizito Omona; Nice Barungi Mponye Bashabire; Ritah Bulamu; Bernardine Mugabe; Samuel Ssanyu Balamaga; Betty Enyipu AkurutThe World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community [1]. It is an integral componen of our general health that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make , build relationships and shape the world we live in –and yet it remains a low priority in many low-income countries. Uganda, like many sub-Saharan African countries, faces significant challenges in addressing mental health concerns. The burden of mental illness is exacerbated by poverty, conflict, and a lack of awareness. Supporting and managing the well-being of people is faced with numerous challenges, especially for those who already face a variety of hurdles or difficulties. For example, Mugisha, Bantu & Nakalema [2] explored the mental health impact on parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Uganda. They highlighted stigma, economic hardship, and lack of mental health support services as key factors exacerbating mental health struggles. The results revealed very high levels of stress and stigma among parents, and experiences of financial difficulties, marital conflicts, and psychological strain resulting from societal discrimination were common. Parents reported experiencing feelings of shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness, exacerbated by societal misconceptions and the lack of support systems. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms among parents (45.9%) surpassed previous estimates, indicating a significant mental health burden within this population. Another study examined the intersection of mental health and HIV/AIDS in Uganda and emphasized again, how financial stress, social stigma, and lack of resources all hinder mental well-being within this community [3]. This echoes findings in many other similar studies [4,5]. In this Opinion, we aim to provide an overview of the state of mental health in Uganda, assess existing policies and challenges, and offer possible solutions.Item Few-shot Pneumonia Detection Using Siamese Networks and Transfer Learning on Chest X-ray Images(Discover, 2025-11-12) Droreen Atukunda; Waweru Mwangi; Petronilla MuriithiPneumonia remains a leading cause of mortality among children under five years of age, accounting for approximately 1.6 million deaths annually. Early detection is critical for reducing child mortality; however, traditional diagnostic methods rely on trained personnel and medical resources, often scarce in low-resource settings. Machine learning has emerged as a promising approach to pneumonia detection, but its effectiveness is hindered by the limited availability of labelled data required for training robust models. This study reviews existing machine learning techniques for pneumonia classification, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), transfer learning, and few-shot learning approaches. Furthermore, we propose an optimised few-shot learning model that integrates Siamese networks with transfer learning to improve pneumonia detection using minimal labelled data. The model leverages MobileNetV3 as a pre-trained feature extractor, producing high-quality embeddings that enhance similarity learning within the Siamese framework. Additionally, triplet loss is incorporated to ensure a more discriminative embedding space, facilitating robust classification. Experimental results indicate that our model outperforms conventional machine learning classifiers, achieving an accuracy of 92.04%, precision of 91.20%, recall of 90.32%, and F1-score of 90.09%. The integration of Siamese networks with triplet loss enhances generalisation while mitigating overfitting, making it particularly suitable for resource-constrained environments. These findings highlight the effectiveness of few-shot learning in pneumonia detection, offering a computationally efficient and scalable solution that bridges critical gaps in medical imaging.Item Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Integrated Waste to Use Systems for Uganda(Avanti Publishers, 2021-11-08) Miria Frances Agunyo; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Kukunda Elizabeth BacwayoWaste and sanitation Management is a major challenge in urban areas in Uganda where waste is composed of atleast 70% organic content and is basically collected and disposed of in landfills. While 90% of the sanitation facilities used are onsite systems often requiring additional treatment of sewage and faecal matter sewage yet faecal and sewage sludge treatment plants are few. The projected population increase is expected to further influence urbanization, increasing the need for basic waste and sanitation services. Integrated Waste to Use systems that consider combined management of organic waste streams i.e. biowaste, animal waste, sewage and faecal sludge, could be a viable solution for the urban areas. The systems which consist of a combination of anaerobic digestion, composting, incineration and solar drying technologies promote resource recovery in the form of biogas, briquettes and organic fertilizer. The economic feasibility of the Waste to Use systems was carried out and the results indicated that the feasibility of the systems was positively influenced by the inclusion of the anaerobic digestion process, which allowed for recovery of biogas and digestate as organic fertilizer. Furthermore, a combination of low system investment costs, increased revenues from resource recovery, consideration of equity capital of at least 30%, interest rate of at most 10% and fugitive emissions less than 7 % would positively influence the economic feasibility of the system alternatives.Item Indigenous Technical Knowledge and Its Potential Application to Uganda's Pig Sub-sector(Wiley‐VCH GmbH, 2024-10-22) Junior Senyonga Kasima; Basil Mugonola; Harriet Muyinza; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Geoffrey Akiiki Beyihayo; Kenneth Kidega; James Nokrach; Maxmillan Mpewo; Marx Kisaame; Elly Kurobuza NdyomugyenyUganda's pork consumption is speculated to exceed any other livestock meat consumption by 2050. However, the current trendin pig production may not meet the demand due to pig production constraints such as recurrent disease incidences and highfeeding costs. The proposed modern practices are not cost‐effective, especially for resource‐constrained pig farmers. This review,therefore, synthesises previous studies on the practicability of integrating Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in pig pro-duction to mitigate the prevailing pig production challenges in Uganda. By employing ITK, smallholder farmers have realised that indigenous pig breeds are disease‐resistant and suit the prevailing harsh tropical conditions. In addition, affordable plant‐based concoctions have been developed to cure diseases in pigs. For example, Centella asiatica has been identified as a potentialpurgative for diarrhoeal infections. Integrating pigs in cropping systems has also been adopted as a low‐cost alternative toeffectively feed pigs for optimal performance. Fortunately, most of the ITK options for solving pig production challenges arefeasible in Uganda. Thus, ITK should be embedded in the country's extension system to increase smallholder farmers'awareness about its potential of improving pig production. An ITK‐modern technology integration would probably meet theacceptance and be suitable for commercial pig producersItem Fireplace Folktales from Ankole(Bishop Stuart University Press, 2010) Alice Jossy Kyobutungi TumwesigyeThe folktale is an oral literary genre that can be described as "an ancient short story." It is set in an antique world where trees, animals, and people all talk and understand one another. The olden world of the folktale is very strange, and it is filled with weird and wonderful happenings. It was a form of informal education that took place in the days before the introduction of formal education. In those days, young children would gather around the fireplace and listen to the elders, who would narrate folktales and fables, taking their audiences through riddling sessions, all aimed at inculcating morals in the minds of the youths. The folktales in this book are primarily meant for enjoyment and for the moral uplifting of young children. Teachers of language and literature can also use them for aural comprehension and as a stepping stone to the introduction of literature at the lower secondary school level, and of course scholars of literature, and oral literature in particular, can utilize these folktales in their analyses of the narrative form of the genre. The book is a manifestation of the author's effort towards cultural preservation. Fireplace folktales from Ankole were collected, transcribed, and translated by the author. The transcriber tried as much as possible to retain the original form; that is why the reader will hear a version of English that is more localized than globalized. This is done in order to enhance the originality of the genre. Remember the fireplace tales you may once have heard and aim to tell them to your own children.Item Dance of the Intellect(Fountain Publishers, 2010) Alice Jossy Kyobutungi TumwesigyeItem The Hidden Princess(Millennium Press Limited, 2016) Alice Jossy Kyobutungi TumwesigyeItem Contextualizing AI Ethics in Uganda Through Adaptive Sensitive Reweighting (ASR) for Equitable Microcredit(Oxford Academic, 2025-10-15) Emmanuel Isabirye; Daphne Nyachaki BitaloThis research tackles the pressing ethical concerns of using AI in Uganda’s microcredit sector, namely to develop an adaptive sensitive reweighting (ASR) model to mitigate algorithmic bias and promote equitable access to credit. Traditional credit scoring models— and fairness-aware machine learning algorithms trained on Western-biased data—discriminate against marginalized groups because they are based on formal financial records, reinforcing structural disadvantages. By iterative engagement with Ugandan policymakers, lenders, borrowers, and AI experts, the most significant ethical concerns and context-specific fairness metrics were identified. The ASR approach adaptively adjusts weights for sensitive features such as collateral values and transaction history during model training to enhance fairness. Experimental outcomes on a typical credit scoring dataset demonstrate ASR’s success: the inclusion rate of disadvantaged borrowers is enhanced by 15% with predictive accuracy maintained and key fairness metrics significantly improved. The research provides actionable policy recommendations on implementing ASR-based AI systems in Uganda’s microfinance sector to drive financial inclusion and sustainable development. This study contributes to emerging Majority World scholarship on AI ethics by demonstrating the necessity of situating ethical frameworks and valuing stakeholder perspectives to develop equitable, inclusive AI systems. Our findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, microfinance institutions, and AI practitioners who aim to implement responsible AI in developing economies.Item 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 NamyaloBackground: 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.Item Evaluation of Agricultural Waste-Based Briquettes as an Alternative Biomass Fuel for Cooking in Uganda(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2025-11-13) Omino Joseph Oteu; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Junior Senyonga Kasima; Maxmillan Mpewo; Miria Frances AgunyoWood fuel has been adopted as a feasible alternative to cooking energy sources in efforts to replace fossil fuels. However, the exorbitant use of wood fuel has raised concern as it is the major cause of forest cover loss in Uganda. Briquettes have recommended as as sources of cooking energy potential to to substitute wood fuel. Unfortunately, sawdust, a product of deforestation, is the primary material used in making briquettes in Uganda. This instead augments the problem of fuel-induced deforestation. Agricultural wastes could potentially be converted into briquetting materials for generation of cooking energy, although these are studied in in Uganda. Thus, this study study established potential of agricultural wastes as alternative briquetting materials for use in cooking. Four fuel types: charcoal from Mangifera indica, firewood of Eucalyptus grandis, carbonized and non-carbonized briquettes from agricultural wastes, all from within Mukono District were used for the study. Laboratory based experiments were used to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the fuels. Data were analysed using R software, Ver. 4.2.3. Carbonised briquettes’ mean performance measures were higher than conventional fuels (p≤0.05) and non-carbonised briquettes. The amount of energy required to attain experimental boiling point of water was higher (p≤0.05) in conventional fuels and non-carbonised briquettes than in carbonised briquettes. Duration to boil 5 litres of water was least with the conventional fuel sources. All the fuel sources’ emissions exceeded the maximum range recommended for indoor carbon monoxide levels. However, the particulate matter emission was lower in carbonised briquettes and charcoal than the other fuel sources. Agricultural waste-based carbonised briquettes could effectively be used as an alternative cooking energy source in Uganda. The study recommends conducting cost-benefit analyses on the use of agricultural waste-based briquettes as cooking energy sources.Item Soil Physical and Chemical Properties Under Shea Tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa) at Different Stages of Growth(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2025-11-13) Gertrude Ogwok; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Junior Senyonga Kasima; Maxmillan Mpewo; Peter O. AleleShea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is one of the dominant agro-forestry species in Otuke district of Northern Uganda. Due to its economic importance and, in line with the numerous threats the tree is faced with, there is an urgent need for measures to to conserve species, for example, through incorporating annual food crops in the Shea tree parkland. This, however, requires a better understanding of tree-soil-food crop interactions. A number of studies of this aspect either considered only the mature Shea tree gardens or did not provide a clear distinction between the physiological states of the Shea tree. This was the motivation for this study where we compare variation in soil properties under mature and young Shea tree gardens with sites not having trees in Okwang sub-county, Otuke district. Five soil samples (up to 15 cm deep for top soil and 15-30 cm for sub-soil) were obtained per treatment using a soil auger. Our results show that in the top soil, only percent sand varied among the treatments, while, in the sub-soil, only percentage nitrogen and average phosphorus varied among the treatments. We also found that percentage top soil organic matter and percentage of sub-soil sand had negative strong correlations with maize and soybean yields, while percentage sub-soil clay had a strong positive correlation with maize and soybean yield. We conclude that variations in soil physical and chemical properties under Mature and Young Shea gardens only occur for those properties that have a direct link to tree residuesItem A Framework for Managing Water Quality From Hand-dug Well: A Case of Mutukula Town Council, Uganda(Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-11-13) Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Maxmillan Mpewoa; Junior Senyonga Kasima; Kheria MfuranzimaEffective management of windrow-based composting technology in developing cities is a major challenge, especially for municipal authorities mandated to offer these services. Poorly managed waste composting systems could affect the quality of compost and cause complex environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of compost of a waste composting facility in Mukono municipality, central Uganda. Mature compost samples were collected from windrows in the waste composting facility and the samples analysed for physicochemical parameters (temperature, moisture content, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and potassium) and for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, copper) and metalloids (arsenic). To assess the quality of the compost, the analysed results of the samples were compared with common ranges for compost quality. Concentration of heavy metals ranged between 0.01 mg/l (cadmium) and 0.4 mg/l (copper). Except for alkaline pH (9.1), which was higher than the recommended range for mature compost quality, all physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were within common ranges for compost quality. Moisture content and pH correlated with heavy metals, 0.75 and 0.78, respectively. Mean total nitrogen and phosphorus were 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively, while organic matter was 21.7% and potassium 0.3%. Compost quality did not differ between seasons (P = 0.05). Based on the study results, continuous investigative research is recommended to safeguard the compost quality.Item A Framework for Managing Water Quality From Hand-dug Well: A Case of Mutukula Town Council, Uganda(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2025-11-13) Yosam Tumwebaze; Miria Frances Agunyo; Eleanor Wozei; Sarah Kizza NkambweThis research proposed the adoption of a framework as a supporting tool to enhance the management of the quality of water from hand-dug wells in Mutukula Town Council, Uganda. Although water from hand-dug wells is often considered prone to contamination, no such study has been carried out for Mutukula Town Council. Adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches including the use of surveys, experimentation and tools such as the sanitary inspection package developed by the World Health Organization, the research clearly indicated that not only was the quality of water from the 5 wells considered poor but that the wells also lacked pertinent components such as secure covers, drainage provisions, headwalls among others. Moreover, the absence of regulatory tools/guidelines, and cultural and socioeconomic practices amongst community members further contributed to risks associated with using water from these wells. This research proposes a framework that can be adopted by respective local authorities to enhance management and monitoring of water quality and it incorporates key components of training and capacity building, collective supervision and encouraging regular engagements with the various stakeholdersItem Heavy Metal and Metalloid Concentrations in Agricultural Communities Aroundsteel and Iron Industries in Uganda: Implications for Future Food Systems(Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-11-13) Maxmillan Mpewoa; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Junior Senyonga KasimaPoor management of effluents from steel and iron industries could increase element concentrations in the environment and threaten the health of consumers of food products from these areas. The current study assessed element concentration and physicochemical properties of soils, water, and vegetation from within 200 m around three steel and iron industries. A workable grid-based sampling design guided soil and plant sampling; upstream-downstream water quality comparisons were adapted with upstream as a control sample. Analyses were conducted following procedures by USEPA method 3051A. Element concentration was in the order Mn>As>Zn>Cr>Pb. The concentrations reduced with increase in distance from the industry. There was moderate-to-strong pollution of soils for As, and transfer factor for all elements was >1. In conclusion, industrial activity might have contributed to increased element concentrations in the soils, vegetation, and water sources around the industries. Agrarian activities may only be safely carried out 151m away from the industriesItem Plant Communities as Indicators of Anthropogenic Disturbance on a Peri-urbantropical Wetland of Lutembe Bay Wetland System, Uganda(Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-11-13) Nuubu Takuwaa; Eleanor Wozei; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Geoffrey Malingac; George Kilandeb; Joel KinobeWetland degradation linked to peri-urban anthropogenic pressures is a major threat to wetland biodiversity. However, little is known of the response of biodiversity to this disturbance. Biotic indicator species are useful for assessing the health and ecological integrity of wetlands. This study evaluated patterns of plant species richness and composition and determined species character-icing each of three differently disturbed wetland sites of Lutembe Bay Wetland, a peri-urban Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and an Important Bird Area in Uganda. The study revealed that total nitrogen decreased following wetland degradation, but total phosphorous was not affected; pH values were <5.5, while OM content was low in the lightly and heavily (2.5–4.4%) degraded sites. While plant species richness did not differ among the sites, total species richness was higher in heavily disturbed, compared to lightly disturbed and relatively intact sites. Community composition differed significantly among the three sites. Indicator plant species were then identified which could be employed as a rapid assessment tool to infer the level of degradation in the sustainable management of Afrotropical wetlands by practitioners. Results show that continued unsustainable use of wetlands results in changes in soil properties and plant species composition, highlighting the need to restore anthropogenically disturbed parts of wet-lands and to prevent further degradation of less degraded areasItem HIV/AIDS Stigma: Discussions from Black Female College Students on the Role of Family, Religious Organizations, and Health Institutions in Promoting Dialogue and Dissipating Shame(University of Nebraska Press, 2025-11-12) James Kiwanuka-Tondo; Fay Cobb Payton; Keon PettiwayThe research used focus groups to analyse the perceptions of Black female college students about HIV/AIDS stigma and prevention efforts. Our findings indicate that study participants perceived family, religious organizations and health care institutions as significantly impacting the promotion or dissipation of HIV/AIDS stigma. Awareness and understanding of students’ opinions and perceptions about stigma can assist health care personnel and religious leaders in developing prevention programs and services for individuals and their families within this particular group. This research is funded by National Science Foundation grant.
