Faculty of Social Sciences

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A 10-hours workshop improves physical activity prescription for mental illness knowledge and confidence in health care professionals: a nation-wide multicentre study from Uganda
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021-11) Vancampfort, Davy; Samuel, Kimbowa; Ward, Philip. B.; Kenneth, Onekalit; Hasfa, Lukwata; James, Mugisha
Purpose Lack of knowledge about and confidence in physical activity (PA) prescription for people with mental illness are important barriers for clinical practice in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a 10-hour workshop improved the knowledge and confidence in PA prescription among health care professionals in 13 regional referral hospitals across Uganda. Material and methods 260 health care professionals (age = 40.4 ± 10.8 years; 48% women; 63.8% nurses, 10% social workers, 8.1% psychologists, 7.3% medical doctors, 5.8% psychiatrists, 5% physical or occupational therapists) completed the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire – Health Professionals Version (EMIQ-HP) pre- and post-workshop. Results The EMIQ-HP PA knowledge score (3.1 ± 0.7 versus 1.3 ± 1.3, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.28, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.04–1.52, i.e., large effect) and EMIQ-HP confidence in PA prescription score (3.0 ± 0.8 versus 1.2 ± 1.2, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.91–1.36, i.e., large effect) improved significantly following training. Significantly more benefits and fewer barriers to prescribing PA in busy low-resourced settings were reported. Conclusions Training in PA counseling improved the knowledge and confidence in PA prescription in Ugandan health care professionals. Future research should investigate whether PA uptake in people with mental illness can be improved via additional training of health care professionals.
Accounting Ethical Practices and Financial Reporting Quality :A Case of Mukwano Group of Companies
(International Journal of Academic Accounting, Finance & Management Research(IJAAFMR), 2024-11-11) Nduhura, Twesigye; Natamba, Shadrack; Mugarura, Norman; Siraje, Kaaya
This study aimed at the Accounting Ethical practices and financial reporting Quality by Mukwano group of companies. This study based on three main objectives which were: To examine the effects of disclosure on the Quality of financial reports of Mukwano group of companies, to examine the effects of objectivity on the quality of financial reports of Mukwano group of companies, to examine the effects of integrity on the quality of financial reports of Mukwano group of companies. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research designed with a sample of 40 respondents. Qualitative data was obtained through questionnaires and interviews while Quantitative data was obtained through computation and analysis. The collected data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presentation in the form of tables. The findings of this study reveal that a strong commitment to ethical principles in accounting significantly contributes to the quality of financial reporting. The research identifies key ethical challenges faced by the organization and offers recommendations on how Mukwano Group of Companies can further strengthen its ethical framework to ensure the highest standards of financial reporting. This study not only contributes to the academic discourse on accounting ethics and financial reporting but also provides practical insights for companies striving to improve their financial reporting processes through ethical conduct.
Adaptation and strategic retirement of secondary school teachers
(Public Organization Review, 2021-06-21) Obella, Elisha.; Munene, Kigozi. John C.; Ntayi, Joseph Mpeera.; Kagaari, James.
This study explains strategic retirement amongst Uganda’s secondary school teachers using work adjustment and development theories. Data relating to psychological adaptation and socio cultural adaptation were attained using a cross-sectional quantitative approach. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 356 responses were received out of the 381 questionnaires that were distributed in 112 secondary schools in western and eastern Uganda. Data were analyzed using Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). The authors found that there a significant positive relationship between adaptation and strategic retirement amongst Uganda’s secondary school teachers.
Adherence to physical activity recommendations and physical and mental health risk in people with severe mental illness in Uganda
(Elsevier: Psychiatry Research, 2018-02) Vancampfort, Davy; Probst, Michel; Basangwa, David; De Hert, Marc; Myin-Germeys, Inez; Winkel, Ruudvan; Ward, Philip B.; Rosenbaum, Simon; Mugisha, James
This study investigated cardio-metabolic risk factors among patients with severe mental illness who do or do not meet the recommendations of 150 min per week of physical activity. A secondary aim was to assess whether those that do meet the recommendations report lower levels of mental health symptoms. 107 (60♀) Ugandan in- and outpatients (mean age=34.4 ± 9.7 years) with severe mental illness (depression=7, bipolar disorder=55, schizophrenia=45) completed the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) method and Brief Symptoms Inventory −18. Participants were also screened for abdominal obesity (waist circumference>90 cm), overweight (body mass index≥25) and hypertension (systolic pressure≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure≥90 mmHg).48.6% (n = 52) of patients met the physical activity recommendations as assessed by the PAVS method. 41.1% (n = 44) were overweight, 40.2% (n = 43) had abdominal obesity and 23.4% (n = 25) had hypertension. Those who did not meet the physical activity recommendations were significantly older, had a higher BSI-18 somatisation score, and had a higher risk of overweight [relative risk (RR) = 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.59–4.99], abdominal obesity (RR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.13–2.93), and hypertension (RR = 2.16, 95%CI = 0.99–4.73). The PAVS is a feasible method of assessing physical activity among patients with severe mental illness in a low resource setting. The PAVS may have clinical utility for physical and mental health risk stratification.
The adoption of management controls from a complex adaptive systems respective
(International Journal Vallis Aurea, 2021) Mandre, Joshua; Kagaari, James; Kabagambe, Levi; Ntayi, Joseph
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether self-organisation predicts of adoption of management controls in manufacturing firms. The study employed the lens of complex adaptive systems theory to investigate the research question. The study used a cross-sectional survey to collect data from 202 manufacturing firms with the use of a multi-dimensional self-administered questionnaire Data were analyzed quantitatively using PLS-SEM. The findings indicate a positive relationship between innovativeness, emergence and adoption of management controls. The hypothesis for networks of interaction was not supported.
Allocative inefficiency of general hospitals in poor countries: a case study of Uganda
(East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2021-06) Max, Ajanga
The increasing costs of healthcare arising largely from the growing population and emergence of non-communicable diseases have exerted pressure on healthcare budgets in poor countries. With a funding gap of 7% to realize WHO recommended target of 15 percent of GDP in Uganda, there is a need for hospitals to be efficient in allocation of financial resources in order to provide the required level of healthcare services. Most studies on Uganda have focused on the technical inefficiency of general hospitals and evidence on their allocative inefficiency is limited. Understanding the sources of inefficiency in the allocation of finances in general hospitals in Uganda is important to improve their performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the allocative inefficiency of the general hospitals in Uganda in order to provide a source of misuse of public allocations to a particular general hospital. Panel data from 22 general hospitals for the period 1997-2007 were used. Allocative inefficiency was estimated using Stochastic Frontier Analysis. The findings show that general hospitals are systematically allocatively inefficient in distributing the public funds given to them. The allocative inefficiencies value is high on payments of employee benefits (34.8 percent), followed by the purchase of drugs (29.2%) and lastly, costs on utilities like electricity and water (14.1%). To address the existing allocative inefficiencies, general hospitals in Uganda can improve the process of hiring of labour and management of staff payroll; monitor procurement of drugs, and reduce wastages in the use of utilities.
Analysis of the AU–EU Relations Under the AfCFTA Framework in a Neoliberal Context
(Springer, 2024-05) Kanyamurwa, John Mary; Kaddu, Ronald; Karemire, Robert
This chapter contributes to the plethora of neoliberal evidence that addresses itself to the fundamental regional integration political and economic anxieties, specifically focusing on AfCFTA processes. Employing a political economy approach to qualitatively analyze the AU–EU relations, the chapter analyzes these exchange processes in the context of rampant capitalism effectively ushered in Africa from the late 1980s. We demonstrate that the AfCFTA takeoff in 2021 might not quickly bring easy continental trade leap forward mainly due to uneven returns’ distribution dynamics, structural and logistical AfCFTA challenges and the inevitable neoliberal paradoxes set to adversely shape the agreement’s functionality. We, thus, argue that the integration forces within the AfCFTA parties continue to shape the emerging AU–EU relations, nevertheless, with overall progressive indicators to Africa’s industrial revolution. However, these promises are dependent on appropriate policy options undertaken particularly in the next AfCFTA rounds of negotiations. For AfCFTA to become an effective mechanism for promoting productive AU–EU relations, the analysis recommends profound reconstruction of the agreement provisions in the next rounds of trade discourses to ensure a universally profitable trade regime for all partners.
Analyzing the Effect of Health and Safety Practices on Job Satisfaction: A Case Study of National Drug Authority
(International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR), 2024-10-10) Nduhura, Twesigye; Natamba, Shadrack; Kasirye, Godfrey; Ainebyona, Luckious; Nduhuura, Collins
Employees in the different medical fields are exposed to many hazards at their workplace and this is likely to influence their levels of job satisfaction if the correct measures are not put in place by their employers. The most affected employees are those who work in laboratories. The objective of this study was to determine the perceived influence of occupational health and safety practices on job satisfaction among employees of National Drug Authority. The research design was cross-sectional survey and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using descriptive statistics including percentages and frequencies. Out of the targeted 57 respondents 54 completed their questionnaires representing a response rate of 95%. The research established that occupational health and safety practices influence job satisfaction. Majority of the respondents had a positive perception on the occupational health and safety practices that are in place. They agreed that accident prevention measures in place, wellness programs and health benefits provided by NDA were satisfactory. It established that employees were satisfied with the health benefits, emergency care given to workers injured while on duty. They were satisfied with the wellness programs, health campaigns, health and safety information availed to them, health and safety training and education as well. However, respondents were not as satisfied with the refresher training on health and safety as well as training during change of jobs. With all that, this shows there is a strong relationship between health and safety practices and job satisfaction. It was recommended that NDA facilitate more safety training to equip workers with safety skills which enable reduce accident rates at work and also boost the level of staff job satisfaction so as to keep up with the changing trends in the labor market.
Assessing quality of life in older adults: psychometric properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire in a nursing home population
(Springer Link: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 2020-01-02) Haugan, Gørill; Drageset, Jorunn; André, Beate; Kukulu, Kamile; Mugisha, James; Utvær, Britt Karin S.
Well-adapted and validated quality-of-life measurement models for the nursing home population are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the psychometrical properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire among cognitively intact nursing home residents. The research question addressed evidence related to the dimensionality, reliability and construct validity, all of which considered interrelated measurement properties. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected during 2017–2018, in 27 nursing homes representing four different Norwegian municipalities, located in Western and Mid-Norway. The total sample comprised 188 of 204 (92% response rate) long-term nursing home residents who met the inclusion criteria: (1) municipality authority’s decision of long-term nursing home care; (2) residential time 3 months or longer; (3) informed consent competency recognized by responsible doctor and nurse; and (4) capable of being interviewed. Results Principal component analysis and confirmative factor analyses indicated a unidimensional solution. Five of the original 13 items showed low reliability and validity; excluding these items revealed a good model fit for the one-dimensional 8-items measurement model, showing good internal consistency and validity for these 8 items. Conclusion Five out of the 13 original items were not high-quality indicators of quality-of-life showing low reliability and validity in this nursing home population. Significant factor loadings, goodness-of-fit indices and significant correlations in the expected directions with the selected constructs (anxiety, depression, self-transcendence, meaning-in-life, nurse-patient interaction, and joy-of-life) supported the psychometric properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire. Exploring the essence of quality-of-life when residing in a nursing home is highly warranted, followed by development and validation of new tools assessing quality-of-life in this population. Such knowledge and well-adapted scales for the nursing home population are beneficial and important for the further development of care quality in nursing homes, and consequently for quality-of-life and wellbeing in this population.
Assessing the effectiveness of information and technology on maternal health care access: evidence from Uganda DHS 2016
(East African Journal of Business and Economics, 2024-09-20) Kizza, James; Wasswa, Gabriel; Tumwine, Geoffrey Norman; Mohebbi, Taha; Amwonya, David
Background: The growing importance of information and technology in improving healthcare access, though increasingly stressed, is not adequately researched. Seventy-five percent of maternal deaths in Uganda still arise from preventable diseases, partly due to a lack of awareness. The current study sought to establish the role of information and technology; and other demographic factors that affect maternal healthcare access. Methods: We estimate an ordered logistic regression on the UDHS 2016 data set. The study sample consisted of 11311 mothers aged 15-49. The study model distance and money to measure the severity of accessing health care services. Results: Information and technology play significant roles in improving access to healthcare. The significance increases the higher the frequency. Those who listen to the radio or watch television at least once a week are less likely to report severe problems in accessing health care than those who do not listen or watch at all (-0.11; -030) respectively. Reading newspapers or magazines less than once a week significantly affects healthcare access (-0.09). Possession of a mobile phone improves health care access (-0.60). Aging limits health access while urban residence (0.12), wealth (-0.42), education (-0.26) and partner’s occupation (-0.30) improve maternal health access. Conclusion: Information and technology play an essential role in improving maternal access to health care services and the frequency with which the information is provided matters. Access to maternal health care is positively related to urban residence, more education, a higher level of wealth index, and the partner’s occupation and negatively related to aging.
Assessing wind energy development in Uganda: opportunities and challenges
(Wind Engineering : Sage Journals, 2021-01-01) Wabukala, Benard M; Otim, Jacob; Mubiinzi, Geoffrey; Adaramola, Muyiwa S
In this paper, we utilize a systematic review to assess opportunities and challenges in wind energy development in Uganda. Apart from being an environmentally friendly and renewable energy resource, development of wind energy could boosts economic growth and creates jobs. For Uganda, rising energy demand, need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing electricity access to rural areas, emerge as rational opportunities to invest in wind energy. The main obstacles to wind energy development in Uganda are insufficient wind resource data, high initial investment cost, inadequate research and development, weak infrastructure, and unsupportive policies. For policy, comprehensive wind resource assessment, energy infrastructure investment, financial de-risking, capacity building, and deliberate wind power policy incentives could accelerate wind energy development and consequently contribute to the country’s energy security.
Associations between mild depression and anxiety and physical inactivity among school-going Ugandan adolescents aged 14 to 17 years
(Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 2024-04) James, Mugisha; Tine, Van Damme; Davy, Vancampfort
Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate associations between physical activity levels and emotional and behavioural problems in school-going adolescents aged 14 to 17 years in Uganda. Methods: Two-hundred and five adolescents [median (interquartile range) age = 16.0 (1.0) years; female = 61.9%] completed the interviewer-administered Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire (GAD-7), and the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) measure. Spearman’s rho correlations and Mann–Whitney U-tests were applied. Results: Among 205 adolescents, 97.1% were physically inactive (PAVS < 420min/week), while 64.4% reported either mild depressive (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) or anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5) symptoms. Higher PAVS scores correlated significantly with lower SDQ emotional problems (ρ = −0.23, p < 0.001), lower PHQ-9 (ρ = −0.26, p < 0.001), and lower GAD-7 (ρ = −0.22, p < 0.001) scores. Those with emotional problems (SDQ ≥ 5) (n = 86) were significantly less physically active than those without (n = 119) [30.0 (62.5) versus 60.0 (105.0) min/week, p < 0.001]. Those with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) were significantly less physically active than those without [35.0 (70.0) versus 60.0 (120.0) min/week, p < 0.001]. Conclusion: Physical inactivity and mental health problems are related important public health concerns in school-going adolescents in low-income countries such as Uganda. The efficacy and effectiveness of school-based mental health literacy programs, including physical activity promotion, should be explored in these low-resource settings.
Associations between physical inactivity, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder in people living with HIV in a Ugandan fishing community
(International Journal of STD & AIDS, 2019-09-27) Vancampfort, Davy; Byansi, Peter; Kinyanda, Eugene; Namutebi, Hilda; Nalukenge, Lillian; Bbosa, Richard S; Ward, Philip B; Mugisha, James
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore which variables were associated with physical inactivity in people living with HIV living in a fishing community in Uganda. Secondary aims were to explore the reasons for and barriers to physical activity (PA). Two hundred and fifty-six individuals living with HIV (77 men, 40.5 ± 10.3 years) completed the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Women had a 1.62 (95% CI = 1.01–2.57), those not having a job a 2.81 (95% CI = 2.00–3.94), and those with depression a 5.67 (95% CI = 2.27–14.17) higher odds for not being physically active for 150 min/week at moderate intensity. Employment and depression status were the only independent significant predictors explaining 27.2% of the PAVS variance. Becoming more healthy and energetic again and reducing stress were the most important PA motives, and musculoskeletal pain, body weakness, and lack of time were the most important PA barriers.
Associations of the built environment with physical activity and sedentary time in Ugandan outpatients with mental health problems
(Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2018) Vancampfort, Davy; Stubbs, Brendon; Sallis, James F.; Nabanoba, Justine; Basangwa, David; Oyeyemi, Adewale L.; Kasoma, Sandra S.; De Hert, Marc; Myin-Germeys, Inez; Mugisha, James
This study investigated whether reported neighborhood variables explained variance in time spent walking, exercising, and being sedentary, in addition to mental health and demographic variables among Ugandan outpatients with mental illness. Methods: Ninety-nine outpatients (78 men; 31.1 [8.6] y) of the Butabika National Referral Hospital in Uganda completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Africa, the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Brief Symptoms Inventory-18. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: Seven percent of the variance in walking time was explained by the variance in anxiety/depression and an additional 13% by the variance in perceived mixed land use and the availability of roads and walking paths. Eight percent of the variance in exercise time was explained by variance in age and an additional 6% by the variance anxiety/depression. The availability of recreational space added 8%. Six percent of variance in time spent sedentary was explained by family income, while availability of roads and walking paths added another 6%. Conclusions: This study shows the relevance of availability of roads and walking paths and recreational space for more physical activity and less sedentary behavior in people with mental illness. This is particularly relevant in low-income countries where a rapid urbanization is taking place.
Barriers and Opportunities in Harnessing Geothermal Energy: A Case Study of East Africa
(Journal of Energy Research and Reviews, 2024-11-28) Mutumba, Geoffrey Ssebabi; Twinamasiko, Emmanuel; Kifanta, Sanday; Lule, Simon; Erugu, Elijah
This paper examines geothermal energy applications and development in East Africa. With a large geothermal power potential of 30,000MW, about 5% of this potential has been developed in the region. This study uses secondary data to review source documents, empirical literature and archival information, which was triangulated to obtain greater truths. The findings are that geothermal energy is mainly used for power generation and other direct uses. The outstanding barriers are mainly political, economic, socio-cultural, technological environmental and legal regulatory that should be overcome to achieve robust industrialisation among member countries. The prospects include Reliable Power generation, Diversified clean energy source, employment and direct uses. The concluding remarks include suggesting a policy shift to geothermal power as a clean energy option that is a credible source for sustainable industrialisation. There should be a renewable effort to train human resource, set up geothermal policy to fast truck power development options. This study investigates and brings forth the developments in the geothermal power development. It also highlights the drivers and barriers to geothermal development. It also brings possible policy measures to the social and economic planners in expanding the renewable energy sector.
Barriers, attitudes, confidence, and knowledge of nurses regarding metabolic health screening and intervention in people with mental illness: a pilot study from Uganda
(AJOL: African Health Sciences., 2019-11-06) Vancampfort, Davy; Watkins, Andrew; Ward, Philip B; Probst, Michel; De Hert, Marc; Van Damme, Tine; Mugisha, James
People with mental illness are at an increased risk for developing cardio-metabolic disorders. Routine screening following pharmacotherapy is however unacceptably low in sub-Saharan African countries with less than 1% adequately screened. It is unknown whether this is due to a lack of adequate competences. Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the barriers, attitudes, confidence, and knowledge of nurses regarding metabolic health, prevention and treatment in Uganda. Methods: Twenty-eight nurses (39% female, 30.9±6.9 years) completed the Metabolic – Barriers, Confidence, Attitudes and Knowledge Questionnaire and the physical activity prescription rate item of the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire. Results: More than 75% had a positive attitude towards metabolic screening and intervention and more than 50% were confident in providing smoking cessation advice, and physical activity and nutritional counseling. However, 57% stated that their heavy workload prevented them from doing health screening and promotion activities. There was a negative correlation (ρ=-0.54, P=0.003) between the frequency of physical activity prescription and the perception of the inability of patients to change. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that nurses are generally supportive of metabolic health screening and intervention but their high workload prevents them from implementing metabolic health interventions.
Broadening the scope of social support, coping skills and resilience among caretakers of children with disabilities in Uganda: a sequential explanatory mixed‑methods study
(BMC Public Health, 2022) Mariam, Namasaba; Neo, Kazembe; Georgina, Seera; Ali, A. Baguwemu
Background: Most caretakers of children with disabilities (CWDs) have adverse health outcomes. Approximately 31% of the caretakers have clinical depression in the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 42% of them face severe psychological distress. Caretakers in Africa face additional cultural challenges that undermine their coping skills, access to social support, and resilience. Methods: This study used sequential explanatory mixed methods to examine the relationships of social support, coping skills and resilience among caretakers of CWDs in Uganda. A total of 621 caretakers were surveyed, and 43 of them participated in interviews. Hierarchical cluster analysis and binary logistic regression were conducted to determine coping patterns and predict caretakers’ likelihood of using them. Hierarchical linear regression and thematic analyses then explored the relationships and perceptions of coping skills and resilience related to social support. A joint display was used to integrate results and show the convergence and expansion of quantitative and qualitative results. Results: Quantitative and qualitative findings converged that caretakers who received social support used adaptive coping skills and had higher resilience. Qualitative results expanded the finding that caretakers who received formal social support perceived it as a safer mode of care than informal social support. Conclusions: The study expanded the scope of social support, coping skills, and resilience. Caretakers perceived formal social support from schools as a safe mode of care that enabled them to use adaptive coping skills and have high resilience. Therefore, enrolling children with disabilities in schools at an early age is beneficial for building the resilience of their caretakers.
Cardiorespiratory fitness levels and moderators in people with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(Elsevier: Preventive Medicine, 2016-12) Vancampfort, Davy; Mugisha, James; Rosenbaum, Simon; Firth, Joseph; De Hert, Marc; Probst, Michel; Stubbs, Brendon
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. CRF levels and moderators among people living with HIV (PLWH) are unknown. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to (1) determine mean CRF in PLWH and compare levels with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs), (2) explore moderators of CRF, (3) and (4) explore moderators of CRF outcomes following physical activity (PA) interventions. Major electronic databases were searched systematically for articles reporting CRF expressed as maximum or peak oxygen uptake (ml/min/kg) in PLWH. A random effects meta-analysis calculating the pooled mean CRF including subgroup- and meta-regression analyses was undertaken. Across 21 eligible studies, the CRF level was 26.4 ml/kg/min (95% CI = 24.6 to 28.1) (n = 1010; mean age = 41 years). There were insufficient data to compare CRF levels with HCs. A higher body mass index (β = − 0.99, 95% CI = − 1.93 to − 0.06, P = 0.04), older age (β = − 0.31, 95% CI = − 0.58 to − 0.04, P = 0.02) and the presence of lipodystrophy (β = − 4.63, 95% CI = − 7.88 to − 1.39, P = 0.005) were significant moderators of lower CRF levels. Higher CD4 + counts (β = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.0007 to 0.007, P = 0.016), supervised interventions (P < 0.001) and interventions with a lower frequency of weekly sessions (2 or 3 versus 4 times) (P < 0.001) predicted a better CRF-outcome following PA. CRF levels of PLWH are among the lowest in comparison to other vulnerable populations. More research on the most optimal physical activity intervention characteristics is needed.
Child sexual abuse and situational context: children’s experiences in post-conflict northern Uganda
(Taylor&Francis Online: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 2019) Nyangoma, Anicent; Ebila, Florence; Omona, Julius
Although substantial literature exists on child sexual abuse (CSA), little is known about abuses children encounter in northern Uganda, a post-conflict area. Media reports have indicated a high incidence for CSA. The study, firstly, explored boys’ and girls’ experiences of sexual abuse by adults in this post-conflict region and secondly, interventions directed at improving the current situation of children at risk of child abuse and the survivors were investigated as well. The study was guided by radical feminism and nested ecological framework theories. Semi-structured interviews were conducted involving 43 sexually abused children. Narrative responses were audio recorded and transcribed. Content qualitative analysis was used to understand sexual offenses from children’s perspectives. Participants mentioned the following as the most perilous situations; laxity in parental roles, cultural norms, and practices, patriarchal attitudes, child sexual desires and attitudes, family breakdown and alcoholism. The study found many reported cases of CSA in the region. The results imply the exigent need of separate units specifically for reporting and handling child sexual offenses, need for personnel training on gender issues and filing system in child protection agencies and family programs for both fathers and mothers on child protection strategies for prevention and mitigation of CSA.
Children’s conceptions of peace in two Ugandan primary schools: insights for peace curriculum
(Research in Comparative and International Education : Sage Journals, 2017-03-28) Kagaari, R.K. James.; Nakasiita, Kirabo.; Ntare, Edward.; Atuhaire, Richard.; Baguwemu, Ali.; Ojok, Gerald.; Okumu, S. Auma.; Kaahwa, Goretti.; Byamugisha, Gastone.; Semakula, Paul.; Namusoke, Jane.; Mayengo, Nathan.; Dennis, Barbara.; Thompson, E.Chalmer.
Oppenheimer urged communities all over the world to study how children come to understand peace, conflict, and war. Set in various countries, their review of studies, as well as more recent examinations reveal trends in how children view these phenomena, often differing by gender, age, and extent to which they were exposed to highly dangerous and traumatizing situations, like being forced to be child soldiers or sex slaves. No such research has been published in the contemporary post-war Uganda context. Using focus group methodology, we asked: How might Ugandan primary school children’s stories about peace (traditional and otherwise) help them navigate conflict? What sorts of conflicts do these children observe in their home, school, and community, and how do they describe peace as being resolved by themselves or others? The purpose of our study was to contribute to the knowledge base on peace education in Uganda and to ultimately develop written materials that students can use as part of their learning in their respective schools. Local studies like this one are relevant to the global situation because racial and economic conditions are global phenomena. The local manifestations can speak to those racial and economic conditions as perspectives not often used to put the global situation in relief. This paper explores the findings related to the children’s overarching conceptions of peace and their ideas of peacebuilding, including activities that both hinder and encourage peace. The voices of the children speak strongly of the connection between peace and access to basic necessities in the community.

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