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- This contains scholarly works in the disciplines of Computing and Information Science
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Recent Submissions
Prevalence, Patterns, and Factors Associated with Hearing Impairment Among Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease in Eastern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Dove Press, 2026-09-02) Christine Olwedo Adoch; Julius Otto; Derrick Amone; Julian Abeso; Nancy Malaika; Kevin Achiro; Martin Chebet; Richard Katuramu; Theoneste Hakizimana; Ivaan Pitua; Kim Andrew Otto; Mary Olwedo Abwola; Augustine Owiny Okejomoe
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) imposes a substantial burden in sub-Saharan Africa, and the cochlea is vulnerable to the vasoocclusion
and chronic anaemia that characterise the condition. Hearing impairment in children with SCD remains poorly described in
Uganda, including the eastern districts around Mbale that carry one of the highest SCD burdens in the country. This study determined
the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with hearing impairment among children and adolescents with SCD attending Mbale
Regional Referral Hospital.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled 225 children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years attending the sickle cell
clinic in a steady clinical state. An audiologist performed pure-tone audiometry, and hearing impairment was defined as a worse-ear
average air-conduction threshold above 20 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, following the World Health Organization definition. Factors
associated with hearing impairment were examined using Firth penalised logistic regression, with crude and adjusted odds ratios
reported with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Hearing impairment was present in 52 of 225 participants, a prevalence of 23.1% (95% CI 18.1 to 29.0). Impairment was
unilateral in 29 and bilateral in 23, and most losses were mild. A central nervous system event (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.54; 95% CI
1.01 to 12.43; p = 0.049) and a history of ear infection (aOR 2.42; 95% CI 1.01 to 5.82; p = 0.048) were independently associated with
hearing impairment. Three or more transfusions showed a comparable association that just missed significance (aOR 2.16; 95% CI
0.99 to 4.73; p = 0.054).
Conclusion: One in four children and adolescents with SCD at this referral hospital had hearing impairment, and the affected children
carried markers of severe disease and middle-ear pathology. Audiometry should be integrated into routine sickle cell care to detect
impairment before it harms language and learning.
Prevalence and risk factors of neonatal sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit at Soroti Regional Referral hospital, Uganda: a retrospective study.
(BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2025-07-03) Saadick Mugerwa Ssentongo; Billy Ojok; Ronald Opito; Bonniface Oryokot; Moses Esabu; Amos Odit; Albert Lubowa; Joseph Okello; Ibrahim Musenze Abu; Cryton Mutambi; Flavia Luwedde
Background Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of newborn mortality globally, accounting for approximately
15% of neonatal deaths in 2018. The burden is particularly high in low-resource settings, with a reported prevalence of
29.92%. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of neonatal sepsis among neonates
aged 0–28 days admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda, to
inform targeted interventions.
Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study among neonates aged 0 to 28 days admitted to
the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Soroti Region Referral Hospital. Systematic random sampling was used
to select medical charts for review. Data on exposure and outcome variables were extracted using a structured
abstraction tool. The primary outcome was neonatal sepsis. Modified Poisson regression was employed to identify
factors associated with neonatal sepsis, reported as adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals
(CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results Among the 276 neonates included, the median age was 2 days (interquartile range of 1.0–4.0), and the
prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 35.5%. The factors significantly associated with Neonatal Sepsis included the
Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (Apgar) Score < 7 (aPR = 1.35, 95% CI; 1.04–1.76, P = 0.025),
breech presentation (aPR = 1.79, 95%CI; 1.26–2.53, P = 0.001), Premature rupture of membranes (aPR = 1.78, 95%CI;
1.35–2.36, P < 0.001), Maternal Intrapartum infection (aPR = 1.78, 95% CI; 1.30–2.40, P < 0.001), presence foul-smelling
amniotic fluid during delivery (aPR = 1.39, 95%CI; 1.06–1.81, P = 0.016), prolonged labour > 8 hours (aPR = 1.32, 95%CI;
1.00-1.72, P = 0.047), undergoing invasive procedures (aPR = 1.38, 95% CI; 1.03-1.82, P = 0.033) and febrile illness during
pregnancy (aPR = 2.18, 95%CI; 1.54–3.08, P < 0.001).
Conclusion Neonatal sepsis was significantly associated with an Apgar Score < 7, having a breech delivery, Premature
rupture of membranes, Intrapartum infection, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, undergoing invasive procedures, prolonged labour > 8 hours, and febrile illness during pregnancy. These findings underscore the need for improved
antenatal care, high-quality obstetric and neonatal care as potential strategies to reduce the burden of neonatal
sepsis. Strengthening early identification and targeted interventions for high-risk neonates is critical to improving
neonatal outcomes in resource-limited settings.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONS AGENDA 2024/2025 TO 2029/2030
(Soroti University, 2025-12-31)
This Research and Innovation Agenda is a strategic policy framework rather than a traditional narrative book. Published by Soroti University's Department of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, it outlines the institution's official blueprint for funding, managing, and prioritizing academic research over a six-year period.
Digital literacy as a strategy for Lifelong Learning in libraries
(African Journal of Library and Information Innovations (AJLII), 2026-07-31) Ashiraf Mabanja; Abdallah A. Lujja
Background: Lifelong Learning, which focuses on the voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge throughout life, not only for personal but also for professional reasons, is a basic competence required of individuals seeking self-realization. Digital literacy, on the other hand, emphasizes individual and community capacities to understand, appreciate, and utilize digital technologies for resourceful purposes in their lives. With the current technological revolution, coupled with globalization, digital literacy has become a vital component of contemporary society.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discuss the role of digital literacy in fostering lifelong learning in libraries.
Methodology: The authors reviewed peer-reviewed articles and conference papers published from 2019 to 2025 and conducted a narrative literature review to examine how digital literacy enhances lifelong learning activities, which are also catalysts for sustainable development.
Results: The study found that digital literacy skills enable one to access information effectively for lifelong learning through using technological tools. The study also found that libraries play key roles in fostering lifelong learning.
Conclusion: The study concluded that digital literacy plays a vital role in promoting lifelong learning in libraries.
Implications: The findings may be used as a basis for designing targeted interventions that will improve lifelong learning through digital literacy strategies among the populace. Librarians can use these findings to assess their library users' digital literacy levels and organize training to improve them.
Open knowledge, stress management, and job performance: A Study of library and information science Professionals in Ugandan academic libraries
(African Journal of Library and Information Innovations (AJLII), 2026-07-31) Stephen Econyu; Elisha Ondieki Makori; Christine Nasimiyu Mayende; Dorothy M. Njiraine; Ibrahim Kabi; Emmanuel Emwos Opio; J.R. Ikoja Odongo
Background: Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in Ugandan academic libraries experience increasing workplace stress caused by heavy workloads, limited institutional support, and rapid technological changes. These challenges negatively affect productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Open knowledge practices such as open access, open educational resources (OER), and open data have emerged as potential strategies for improving professional collaboration and reducing workplace stress.
Purpose: The study examined the relationship between open knowledge practices, stress management, and job performance among LIS professionals in Ugandan academic libraries. Specifically, it explored how stress affects job performance and how engagement in open knowledge practices can help mitigate workplace challenges.
Methodology: A quantitative descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 100 LIS professionals, with a 70% response rate. Data were collected using a self-administered semi-structured online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS.
Results: The findings revealed that workplace stress significantly reduces job performance and contributes to burnout among LIS professionals. However, participation in open knowledge practices enhanced collaboration, strengthened professional confidence, improved coping mechanisms, and increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Conclusion: The study concluded that open knowledge practices and stress management are closely interconnected in influencing employee performance in academic libraries. Strengthening engagement in open knowledge initiatives can support both staff well-being and professional effectiveness.
Implications: The study recommends that academic library management invest in open access infrastructure, continuous professional development, supportive leadership, and mental health support services, to enhance staff well-being, retention, and service delivery in Ugandan academic libraries.