Browsing by Author "Moses Esabu"

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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.
Uptake and Completion of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination by Adolescent Girls Attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in Soroti City, Northeastern Uganda; A Cross Sectional Study
(Journal of Nursing & Healthcare, 2025-02-03) Lydia Dora Nagudi; James Kateregga; Clement Munguiko; Hellen Akurut; Josephine Namujju; Moses Esabu; Ronald Opito
Introduction: Uganda adopted and implemented Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination since 2015 for adolescent girls aged 9-13 years for primary prevention of cervical cancer. However, the vaccine uptake and dose completion have remained relatively low national wide. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the uptake and dose completion of HPV vaccination and associated factors in Soroti city, Northeastern Uganda. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. A sample of 287 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years were selected consecutively from four health centers in Soroti City between March and April 2024. Data was analyzed using Stata statistical software, version 15.0. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to determine the level of HPV vaccine uptake and dose completion. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using modified Poisson regression with robust error estimates to determine association between independent factors and uptake and dose completion. Results were reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and factors whose P-Values were less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 287 adolescent girls, their mean age was 14 years (SD=2.9). Most of the participants were in school, 231(80.5%). Majority, 79 % (n=228) had never heard about HPV Vaccination. HPV Vaccination uptake among the study participants was suboptimal as only 58.8% (n=166) had received at least one dose whereas only 30% (n=86) had completed the two doses of the vaccine. The factors that were significantly associated with vaccination uptake were school enrollment status (P=0.022), religion (P=0.010), and awareness about HPV vaccine (P<0.001), while factors that were significantly associated with completion of HPV vaccination were: School enrollment status (P=0.046) and awareness about HPV vaccine (P=0.007). Conclusion: The uptake and completion of HPV vaccination in Soroti was suboptimal compared to WHO target of 90%. School enrollment status and awareness about HPV vaccine were factors significantly associated with HPV uptake and dose completion. Strengthening the school-based HPV vaccination program and creating awareness about HPV vaccination, in schools, at the health facilities and in the community may significantly improve the HPV vaccination and dose completion in the region.