Department of Social work and Social administration

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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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
Chronic physical conditions, multimorbidity and physical activity across 46 low- and middle-income countries
(Springer Link: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity., 2017-01-18) Vancampfort, Davy; Koyanagi, Ai; Ward, Philip B.; Rosenbaum, Simon; Schuch, Felipe B.; Mugisha, James; Richards, Justin; Firth, Joseph; Stubbs, Brendon
There are no nationally representative population-based studies investigating the relationship between physical activity, chronic conditions and multimorbidity (i.e., two or more chronic conditions) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and studies on a multi-national level are lacking. This is an important research gap, given the rapid increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases associated with lifestyle changes in these countries. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between chronic conditions, multimorbidity and low physical activity (PA) among community-dwelling adults in 46 LMICs, and explore the mediators of these relationships. Methods World Health Survey data included 228,024 adults aged ≥18 years from 46 LMICs. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Nine chronic physical conditions (chronic back pain, angina, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, hearing problems, tuberculosis, visual impairment and edentulism) were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to assess the association between chronic conditions or multimorbidity and low PA. Results Overall, in the multivariable analysis, arthritis (OR = 1.12), asthma (1.19), diabetes (OR = 1.33), edentulism (OR = 1.46), hearing problems (OR = 1.90), tuberculosis (OR = 1.24), visual impairment (OR = 2.29), multimorbidity (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.21–1.42) were significantly associated with low PA. More significant associations were observed in individuals aged ≥50 years. In older adults, depression mediated between 5.1% (visual impairment) to 23.5% (angina) of the association between a chronic condition and low PA. Mobility difficulties explained more than 25% of the association for seven of the eight chronic conditions. Pain was a strong mediator for angina (65.9%) and arthritis (64.9%), while sleep problems mediated up to 43.7% (angina) of the association. Conclusions In LMICs, those with chronic conditions and multimorbidity are significantly less physically active (especially older adults). Research on the efficacy and effectiveness of PA in the management of chronic diseases in LMICs is urgently needed. Targeted promotion of physical activity to populations in LMICs experiencing chronic conditions may ameliorate associated depression, mobility difficulties and pain that are themselves important barriers for initiating or adopting an active lifestyle.
A collaborative agenda for health and well-being in Uganda : Medical social workers working with a community church
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2023) Venesio, Bwambale Bhangyi; Denis, Kilama; Sophia, Namuwanga; Friday, Toko; Senkosi, Moses Balyejjusa
According to the National Association of Social Workers (2017), the primary mission of the social work profession is to promote human well-being through adequate satisfaction of human needs, especially the needs of the poor and vulnerable populations. This primary mission in part is related to one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), that is, SDG 3 that focuses on health and well-being. To promote the achievement of this SDG, the Medical Social Work Department at the Naguru China-Uganda Friendship Hospital started a collaboration with Lugogo Baptist Church so as to meet the needs of patients at this hospital. The collaboration was grounded in the fact that in resource- poor countries, there will be needs that are inadequately satisfied. Yet, the inadequate satisfaction of the human needs negatively affects individual’s health and well-being. The chapter starts with a brief background on medical social work practice in Uganda. Here, the history and the role of medical social work are discussed. This is followed by an analysis of domestication of the SDGs in Uganda. The analysis shows that SDGs are domesticated in Uganda through the National Development Plans (NDPs) which are rooted in the Vision 2040. Currently, Uganda is pursuing and implementing the NDP III. A description of the col- laborative agenda between the Medical Social Work department and Lugogo Baptist Church is given. It is shown that it is a mutual collaboration where each party has their roles and responsibilities to meet the well-being needs clearly spelt out. A human needs framework is described where the meaning of human needs and specific examples are given. The human needs that are met through this framework are analyzed. This is followed by the discussion of the achieved health and well-being and the shared roles of the collaborative framework. It is concluded that because of the benefits from this collaboration, medical social workers should engage in collaborations with local and community actors to improve social work interventions since these have critical resources that are plenty, accessible and trusted.
A Conceptual analysis of the nature of relationship between human needs and human well-being in social work
(SAGE Journals, 2022-07-22) Balyejjusa, Senkosi Moses
The concept of human need and human well-being are commonly used in social work literature. However, their relationship remains unexplored. Although there is some literature on the relationship between human needs and human well-being in other fields, there is little literature explicitly analysing the nature of this relationship. Drawing on literature on both human needs and human well-being scholars from disciplines such as development studies, social policy, psychology, social work and so on, I argue that the relationship between human needs and human well-being is constitutive and instrumental-normative; and it is a two-fold relationship. Human needs are constitutive of human well-being, and human needs are preconditions for realising human well-being; they result into human well-being when adequately satisfied. I conclude by noting that this nature of relationship demonstrates that human needs are fundamental in promoting and realising human well-being. One cannot talk about human well-being without human needs. Therefore, social workers should focus on identifying and meeting clients’ human needs in order to promote their well-being.
Correlates of physical activity among community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or older with anxiety in six low- and middle-income countries
(Cambridge University Press: International Psychogeriatrics, 2017-11-08) Vancampfort, Davy; Stubbs, Brendon; Hallgren, Mats; Veronese, Nicola; Mugisha, James; Probst, Michel; Koyanagi, Ai
Given the important health benefits of physical activity (PA) and the higher risk for physical inactivity in people with anxiety, and the high prevalence of anxiety and low PA among the elderly, there is a need for research to investigate what factors influence PA participation among anxious older individuals. We investigated PA correlates among community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years with anxiety symptoms in six low- and middle-income countries. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. PA level was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. 980 participants with anxiety (mean age 73.3 years; 62.4% females) were grouped into those who do and do not (low PA) meet the 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA per week recommendation. Associations between PA and the correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. Results: The prevalence of low PA was 44.9% (95% CI = 39.2–50.7%). Older age, male gender, less consumption of alcohol, mild cognitive impairment, pain, a wide range of somatic co-morbidities, slow gait, weak grip strength, poor self-rated health, and lower levels of social cohesion were identified as significant positive correlates of low PA. Conclusions: Our data illustrate that a number of sociodemographic and health factors are associated with PA levels among older people with symptoms of anxiety. The promotion of social cohesion may increase the efficacy of public health initiatives, while from a clinical perspective, somatic co-morbidities, cognitive impairment, pain, muscle strength, and slow gait need to be considered.
Correlates of physical activity among depressed older people in six low-income and middle-income countries: a community-based cross-sectional study
(Wiley Online Library: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2017-10-10) Vancampfort, Davy; Stubbs, Brendon; Veronese, Nicola; Mugisha, James; Swinnen, Nathalie; Koyanagi, Ai
Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) in older people with depression, many do not comply with the International PA guidelines. Thus, we investigated what factors influence PA participation among 915 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years) with depression in 6 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. The sample was restricted to those with DSM-IV depression or receiving depression treatment in the last 12 months. PA was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were dichotomized into low (ie, not meeting 150 minutes of moderate PA per week) and moderate-to-high physically active groups. Associations between PA and a range of correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. Results The prevalence of low PA was 40.4% (95%CI = 34.8%–46.1%). After adjusting for age, sex, and country, larger household size and unemployment were significant sociodemographic correlates of low PA. Former smoking (vs never), anxiety, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), lower body mass index, bodily pain, asthma, chronic back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hearing problems, stroke, slow gait, poor self-rated health, higher levels of disability, and lower levels of social cohesion were identified as significant negative correlates of PA. Conclusions The current data provide guidance for future interventions across LMICs to assist older people with depression engage in regular PA. The promotion of social cohesion may increase the efficacy of future public health initiatives, while from a clinical perspective, somatic co-morbidities, MCI, pain, and slow gait need to be considered.
Correlates of physical activity among middle-aged and older adults with hazardous drinking habits in six low- and middle-income countries
(Kinetic: Aging and Physical Activity, 2017) Vancampfort, Davy; Stubbs, Brendon; Hallgren, Mats; Lundin, Andreas; Mugisha, James; Koyanagi, Ai
We investigated physical activity (PA) correlates among middle-aged and older adults (aged ≥50 years) with hazardous drinking patterns in six low- and middle-income countries. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Hazardous drinking was defined as consuming >7 (females) or >14 (males) standard drinks per week. Participants were dichotomized into low (i.e., not meeting 150 min of moderate PA/week) and moderate–high physically active groups. Associations between PA and a range of correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. The prevalence of low PA in 1,835 hazardous drinkers (60.5 ± 13.1 years; 87.9% males) was 16.2% (95% confidence interval [13.9%, 18.9%]). Older age, living in an urban setting, being unemployed, depression, underweight, obesity, asthma, visual impairment, poor self-rated health, and higher levels of disability were identified as significant PA correlates. The current data provide important guidance for future interventions to assist older hazardous drinkers to engage in regular PA.
Correlates of physical activity stages of change in people living with HIV in a Ugandan community
(Taylor& Francis Online: Disability and Rehabilitation., 2020-05-29) Vancampfort, Davy; Byansi, Peter Kayiira; Namutebi, Hilda; Nalukenge, Lillian; Kinyanda, Eugene; Bbosa, Richard Serunkuma; Ward, Philip B.; Lukwata, Hafsa; Mugisha, James
The transtheoretical model (TTM) of behavioral change posits that individuals move through five stages of change when adopting new behaviors: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with HIV/AIDS within a Ugandan fishing community in the different physical activity (PA) stages. We also explored differences in variables, motives, and barriers for PA across the stages. Methods: In total, 256 individuals (77 men, 40.5 ± 10.3 years) completed the Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. They were also asked about their most important PA motive and barrier. Results: Seventy-five individuals (29%) were in the (pre-)preparatory stages, 140 (55%) in the action and 41 (16%) in the maintenance stage. Those in the (pre-)preparatory stages had higher PHQ-9 total scores (p < 0.001) and were more likely to report barriers than those in the later stages (p < 0.001). Compared with those in the (pre-)preparatory stage, patients in the action stage experienced less body weakness (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Depression and barriers to PA should be considered in people with HIV/AIDS in low-resource settings when implementing interventions to assist them to become more active.
Correlates of physical activity stages of change in people living with HIV in a Ugandan community
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2020-05) Vancampfort, Davy; Byansi, Peter Kayiira; Hilda, Namutebi; Lilian, Nalukenge; Eugene, Kinyanda; Bbosa, Richard Serunkuma; Ward, Philip. B.; Hasfa, Lukwata; James, Mugisha
Purpose The transtheoretical model (TTM) of behavioral change posits that individuals move through five stages of change when adopting new behaviors: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with HIV/AIDS within a Ugandan fishing community in the different physical activity (PA) stages. We also explored differences in variables, motives, and barriers for PA across the stages. Methods In total, 256 individuals (77 men, 40.5 ± 10.3 years) completed the Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. They were also asked about their most important PA motive and barrier. Results Seventy-five individuals (29%) were in the (pre-)preparatory stages, 140 (55%) in the action and 41 (16%) in the maintenance stage. Those in the (pre-)preparatory stages had higher PHQ-9 total scores (p < 0.001) and were more likely to report barriers than those in the later stages (p < 0.001). Compared with those in the (pre-)preparatory stage, patients in the action stage experienced less body weakness (p = 0.015). Conclusions Depression and barriers to PA should be considered in people with HIV/AIDS in low-resource settings when implementing interventions to assist them to become more active.
Correlates of sedentary behavior in 2,375 people with depression from 6 low- and middle-income countries
(Elsevier : Journal of effective Disorders., 2018-07) Vancampfort, Davy; Stubbs, Brendon; Mugisha, James; Firth, Joseph; Schuch, Felipe B.; Koyanagi, Ai
Sedentary behaviour (SB) is harmful for health and well-being and may be associated with depression. However, little is known about the correlates of SB in people with depression. Thus, we investigated SB correlates among community-dwelling adults with depression in six low- and middle-income countries. Methods Cross-sectional data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. The analysis was restricted to those with DSM-IV Depression or receiving depression treatment in the last 12 months. Self-reported time spent sedentary per day was the outcome. High SB was defined as ≥8 hours of SB per day. The correlates (sociodemographic and health-related) of SB were estimated by multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses. Results In 2375 individuals with depression (mean age=48.0 years; 60.7% female), the prevalence of high SB was 11.1% (95%CI=8.2%-14.9%), while the mean (±SD) time spent sedentary was 215 (±192) minutes per day. Socio-demographic factors significantly associated with high SB were older age and being unmarried, being male and being unemployed. In other domains, no alcohol consumption, current smoking, mild cognitive impairment, bodily pain, arthritis, stroke, disability, and lower levels of social cohesion, COPD, visual impairment, and poor self-rated health was associated with greater time spent sedentary. Conclusion Our data suggest that future interventions seeking to reduce SB among individuals with depression may target at risk groups based on identified sociodemographic correlates while the promotion of social cohesion may have the potential to increase the efficacy of future public health initiatives. From a clinical perspective, bodily pain and somatic co-morbidities need to be taken into account.
COVID-19 and the Motorcycle Taxi Sector in Sub-Saharan African Cities: A Key Stakeholders’ Perspective
(Transportation Research Record, 2022-11-28) Peters, Krijn; Jenkins, Jack; Ntramah, Simon; Vincent, James; Hayombe, Patrick; Owino, Fredrick; Opiyo, Paul; Johnson, Ted; Santos, Rosemarie; Mugisha, Marion; Chetto, Reginald
This article assesses the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the urban motorcycle taxi (MCT) sector in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). MCToperators in SSA provide essential transport services and have shown ingenuity and an ability to adapt and innovate when responding to different challenges, including health challenges. However, policymakers and regulators often remain somewhat hostile toward the sector. The article discusses the measures and restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and key stakeholders’ perspectives on these and on the sector’s level of compliance. Primary data were collected in six SSA countries during the last quarter of 2020. Between 10 and 15 qualitative interviews with key stakeholders relevant to the urban MCT sector were conducted in each country. These interviews were conducted with stakeholders based in the capital city and a secondary city, to ensure a geographically broader understanding of the measures, restrictions, and perspectives. The impact of COVID-19 measures on the MCT and motor-tricycle taxi sector was significant and overwhelmingly negative. Lockdowns, restrictions on the maximum number of passengers allowed to be carried at once, and more generally, a COVID-19-induced reduction in demand, resulted in a drop in income for operators, according to the key stakeholders. However, some key stakeholders indicated an increase in MCTactivity and income because of the motorcycles’ ability to bypass police and army controls. In most study countries measures were formulated in a non-consultative manner. This, we argue, is symptomatic of governments’ unwillingness to seriously engage with the sector. Keywords motorcycle taxis, COVID-19, Sub-Saharan Africa, informal economy, transportation and society, transportation in developing countries, travel behavior
COVID-19 pandemic and the Urban poor: the relevancy of Uganda’s social protection measures
(The Coronavirus Crisis and Challenges to Social Development, 2022-01-01) Atwine, Deborah; Mushomi, John A.
Globally, governments are faced with the double challenge of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the social and economic survival of their citizens. The urban poor are uniquely affected by the impact of the pandemic, requiring comprehensive social protection measures to cushion the poor and vulnerable individuals and families. Informed by a social justice theoretical framework, this chapter focuses on the social protection responses by the Ugandan government against the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of protecting its vulnerable population against life-threatening social and economic risks, the Ugandan government has focused more on controlling the pandemic at the expense of other social services. Findings reveal the exclusionary nature of social protection measures and the tendency of relief strategies to benefit a few undeserving instead of the poor and needy individuals and families; shocks or crises can exacerbate inequalities, and so can policy responses to mitigate the impact of these crises or shocks. The chapter recommends adaptable and flexible social protection strategies that are underpinned by a social justice lens. The chapter further points to the need to establish a specific database to guide social protection for the most vulnerable for now and in case of future emergencies. This goal could be achieved through strengthening community surveillance to maintain the social protection during emergencies and the need for social safety nets for the most vulnerable in society, even in a liberalised society.
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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