Browsing by Author "Muyinda, Herbert"

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    Cultural responses towards the aftermath of suicide among the Acholi in northern Uganda
    (International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2018-07-02) Mugisha, James; Muyinda, Herbert; Hjelmeland, Heidi; Kinyanda, Eugene; Vancampfort, Davy; Knizek, Birthe Loa
    Suicide is a public health problem in Uganda among indigenous societies, and different societies manage its aftermath differently. Aim: To explore how the Acholi in Northern Uganda manage the aftermath of suicide. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in Gulu district, a post-conflict area in Northern Uganda. We conducted a total of four focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 key informant (KI) interviews. KI interviews were conducted with community leaders, while the FGDs were conducted with members of the general population. We analysed the data by means of Grounded Theory. Results: Our findings indicate that rituals form a large part in managing suicide among the Acholi. Study communities practised distancing (symbolically and physically) as a way of dealing with the threat of suicide. Conclusion: Distancing was organized into two broad themes: affect regulation and securing future generations. It is recommended that public health interventions should utilize cultural institutions in the prevention of suicide.
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    Prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt: associations with psychiatric disorders and HIV/AIDS in post-conflict northern Uganda
    (AJOL: African Health Sciences, 2016) Mugisha, James; Muyinda, Herbert; Kagee, Ashraf; Wandiembe, Peter; Kiwuwa, Stephen M.; Vancampfort, Davy; Kinyanda, Eugene
    Research on the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt, and cormorbid psychiatric disorders in post-conflict areas is still limited. Aim: We explored the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt, associated psychiatric disorders and HIV/AIDS in post-conflict Northern Uganda, an area that experienced civil strife for over two decades. Methods: A total of 2400 respondents (aged 18 and above) and randomly selected in three districts (Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya), were interviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for associations between suicidality (suicidal ideation and attempt) and psychiatric cormorbidities. Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt were 12.1 % and 6.2 % respectively. Suicidality was significantly (P<0.001) higher among respondents with major depressive disorder (adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 9.5; 95%CI= 7.4, 12.1) and post-traumatic stress disorder (adjusted OR =2.4; 95%CI= 1.6, 3.6). Men had lower odds of ideating or attempting suicide compared to women (adjusted OR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.38, 0.82). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of suicide ideation and attempt indicate a major public health problem in post-conflict Northern Uganda. Effective public mental health programs that that target both suicidality and psychiatric co-morbodities will be vital. Special attention should be given to women in post conflict Northern Uganda.