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Recent Submissions
Bottlenecks and opportunities towards achieving the targeted 95-95-95 HIV services in a rural district in Eastern Uganda
(Health Services gateway, 2022-12-21) Monkya Samuel Namenkere; Ayaa Mary Stella; Sukuku Linda; Kharono Juliet; Mugabi Charles; Chelangat Benina; Mary Abwola Olwedo; Carol Nabasumba; Paul Oboth; Julius Osele; Rebecca Nekaka; Jacob Stanley Iramiot
Background: Uganda has made progress in reducing its HIV prevalence from 7.3% in 2011 to 6% in 2017, however, more needs to be done to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 95% of the population knowing their HIV status, 95% enrolled on treatment and 95% achieving viral suppression. This study aimed to assess the bottlenecks and opportunities towards achieving the 95 95 95 targeted HIV services in the Bukedea district.
Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bukedea district covering males and females aged 18-65 years who had consented to participate in the study. We used a purposive sampling procedure to select our study participants. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and document reviews for quantitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA v 14 whereas qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach.
Results: The challenges were grouped as patient-related, medication-related, and facility-related. The patient-related challenges were stigma, fear of taking the medication, poor nutrition, long distances, alcoholism, busy working schedules, and domestic violence. The medication-related challenges were side effects and pill burden. The facility-related challenges were inadequate pretest counseling and stock-outs. The use of anti-retroviral drugs (ART) was common in piggery and poultry and the sources of these drugs were reported to be the people on ART and the health workers.
The opportunities included home-based counseling, organizing more outreaches, counseling and health education, targeted testing, and strengthening the Village Health Teams (VHT) networks.
Conclusions: The study revealed that the major challenges towards achieving the targeted 95-95-95 HIV services were stigma, inadequate pre-test counseling, fear of disclosure, and poor adherence due to alcoholism, sharing of drugs with animals and partners. The use of anti-retroviral drugs in animal husbandry was common in the Bukedea District.
Keywords
enrolment to care, HIV testing, Viral load suppression, HIV infection, HAART, expert clients, HIV care, Adherence to HIV treatment.
Second-line virologic failure and elevated bilirubin as a potential surrogate marker of ART adherence among people living with HIV in Eastern Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2026) Simiyu Melap Lynnet; Jacob Stanley Iramiot; Rebecca Nekaka; Patrick Okware; Mary Abwola Olwedo; Joshua Epuitai; Paul Oboth; Herbert Itabangi; Lydia V. N. Ssenyonga; Julius Nteziyaremye; David Okia
Second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure remains a challenge in HIV Programs. We conducted a cross
sectional study among people living with HIV on second-line ART in Eastern Uganda to determine the prevalence
and associated factors of virological failure and to assess elevated serum bilirubin as a surrogate marker of
adherence. The prevalence of virological failure was 7.5%. Elevated bilirubin showed poor sensitivity and specificity
for predicting adherence or virological failure. The findings highlight the need for routine viral load monitoring, as
bilirubin is not a reliable surrogate marker of treatment adherence or virological failure.
Keywords Second-line virological failure, Elevated bilirubin, And adherence
Prevalence and factors associated with mental health problems among adolescents living with HIV as screened by youth peers in rural Uganda: A cross-sectional study
(PLOS Global Public Health, 2026-04-29) Mary Abwola Olwedo; Simon Eleku; Emmanuel Ayikobua Tiyo; Richard Mpango; Alex Imalingat; Fred Kirya; Derrick Amone; Hellen Akurut; Nelson Bunani
Adolescents living with HIV face numerous psychosocial challenges that increase their
vulnerability to mental health problems. However, limited evidence exists on the prev
alence and contributing factors among this population in the Teso region of Uganda.
This study assessed the prevalence of mental health problems and associated fac
tors among adolescents living with HIV in the Teso region. A cross-sectional study
was conducted among adolescents aged 10–19 years receiving HIV care in selected
high-volume health facilities in the Teso region. Data were collected using the Home,
Education/Employment, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/Depression
psychosocial assessment tool (HEADSS tool), uploaded onto Kobo Collect for digital
data collection. The data were exported to Microsoft Excel, cleaned, and analyzed
using STATA version 17. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemo
graphic characteristics and estimate the prevalence of mental health problems. Logistic
regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with mental health prob
lems. The prevalence of mental health problems was 35.2%, with suicidal tendencies
being the most common (31%). Factors significantly associated with mental health
problems included staying with one parent (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55-0.92; p = 0.001)
and not working (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.66–11.62; p = 0.03). Mental health problems
are prevalent among adolescents living with HIV in the Teso region. Supportive living
arrangements were protective, while employment was associated with increased risk.
Peer-led screening can aid early identification, emphasizing the need to integrate men
tal health services into adolescent HIV care, strengthen family and caregiver support
Book of Research Abstracts,
(Soroti University, 2025-12-12) Soroti University
Preface
Soroti University is deeply committed to promoting research throughout its
domains of higher and community education. Our central aim is to nurture
a research-based perspective to all our members be this academic or
administrative, as well as promote public awareness on social values in our
country.
I am therefore conveying my sincere gratitude to all individuals who
submitted abstracts that have been published in this Book of Abstracts. The
Abstracts presented illustrate our commitment to the culture of research at
our University.
I
commend our researchers for their dedication to scientific inquiry and
pursuance of excellence which is an essential element towards generating
new knowledge and solutions to problems affecting our communities. I urge
them to remain steadfast in this journey. I am, however, reminding them to do
impactful research that should see change in whatever problem exists in the
communities. My assurance is that the University will continue to support this
effort to enable you to continue with this noble journey.
The University has a Research and Innovation Directorate that provides
overall guidance to our research efforts and strategic direction. The research
activities, and those of our collaborators, are expected to align with this
agenda. However, novel research areas not explicitly included may also be
considered, provided they demonstrate significant social impact and value
to the country.
My gratitude is extended to our partners for their Commitment to strengthening
the University through the kind of research it conducts.
I acknowledge the work of the committee responsible for publishing this first
edition of abstracts from Soroti University. I encourage you to do the same in
the future.
I also extend my appreciation to the School of Graduate Studies, Research
and Innovations in particular, and the University at large for this initiative of
publishing inaugural abstracts of Soroti University.
Finally, to our partners and stakeholders, we encourage you to read and
support the University in its maiden journey in research and other areas that
are essential to the development of our country.
Thank you for your contribution and support.
Prof. J.R. Ikoja Odongo
VICE-CHANCELLOR
Email: vc@sun.ac.ug
Tel:+256(0)773295294/ 0704901939
Advanced Power System Transient Analysis
(THE OPUS COLISEUM., 2025-03-25) Dr.Palanikumar Subramanian; Dr.S. Kaliappan; Dr.Venkata Satya Durga Manohar Sahu
Advanced Power System Transient Analysis provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles and practical aspects of transient phenomena in electrical power systems. The book is designed to equip graduate students, researchers, and practicing engineers with the knowledge required to identify, analyze, and mitigate transient disturbances that occur during switching operations, faults, or sudden changes in circuit conditions. It begins with core theoretical concepts and progressively connects them to real-world applications, emphasizing clarity and practicality through insights drawn from research studies, technical literature, and industrial exposure. Transients, though short in duration compared to steady-state conditions, have a significant impact on voltage and current magnitudes, often leading to equipment damage, system instability, or even large-scale blackouts if not properly managed. The text highlights the importance of understanding these rapid changes to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy. It also discusses preventive strategies and adaptive measures to minimize risks associated with transient events. By integrating foundational theory with applied analysis, the book serves as a valuable resource for addressing emerging challenges in modern power systems, where evolving technologies and complex network dynamics demand robust transient analysis and control techniques