Browsing by Author "Nelson Bunani"

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    Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among sexually active youths attending secondary schools in Mbale City, Uganda
    (PLOS Global Public Health, 2025-10-03) Mary Abwola Olwedo; Nelson Bunani
    Sexual and reproductive health of youths constitutes a significant public health challenge because of the high risk for morbidity and mortality. There is low uptake of modern contraceptives among the sexually active youths despite availability. We investigated the factors associated with the uptake of modern contraceptives among youths attending secondary schools in Mbale City. This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 2,690 students from six purposively selected high-volume secondary schools in Mbale City. Data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with modern contraceptive use. The factors associated with modern contraceptive were stratified by sex. Statistical significance was set at 5% confidence level. Out of 2690 participants, 38.0% were sexually active. The proportion of sexually active participants who had ever used modern contraceptives was 60.9%. Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among male participants were not knowing the fertility days of the female (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32-0.77; p = 0.002) and not receiving health education from a health worker (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.30-0.64; p < 0.001). Among females, factors associated with modern contraceptive use were knowledge of fertility days (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.85; p = 0.018), history of abortion (AOR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02-0.62; p = 0.014), and receiving health education from a health worker (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.22-0.59; p < 0.001). Modern contraceptive use was low compared to the national average, with knowledge of fertility days and health education significantly influencing uptake. Among males, lack of fertility knowledge and absence of health education were associated with low use of modern contraceptives. Among females, knowledge of fertility, history of abortion, and health education were key factors. Strengthening school-based sexuality education and increasing health worker-led reproductive health counselling can improve modern contraceptive knowledge and uptake, with gender-specific interventions needed to address barriers to access and use.
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    Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among sexually active youths attending secondary schools in Mbale City, Uganda
    (PLOS, 2025-10-03) Mary Abwola Olwedo; Nelson Bunani
    Sexual and reproductive health of youths constitutes a significant public health challenge because of the high risk for morbidity and mortality. There is low uptake of modern contraceptives among the sexually active youths despite availability. We investigated the factors associated with the uptake of modern contraceptives among youths attending secondary schools in Mbale City. This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 2,690 students from six purposively selected high-volume secondary schools in Mbale City. Data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with modern contraceptive use. The factors associated with modern contraceptive were stratified by sex. Statistical significance was set at 5% confidence level. Out of 2690 participants, 38.0% were sexually active. The proportion of sexually active participants who had ever used modern contra ceptives was 60.9%. Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among male participants were not knowing the fertility days of the female (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32-0.77; p = 0.002) and not receiving health education from a health worker (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.30-0.64; p < 0.001). Among females, factors associated with modern contraceptive use were knowledge of fertility days (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.85; p = 0.018), history of abortion (AOR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02-0.62; p = 0.014), and receiving health education from a health worker (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.22-0.59; p < 0.001). Modern contraceptive use was low compared to the national average, with knowledge of fertility days and health education significantly influencing uptake. Among males, lack of fertility knowledge and absence of health education were associated with low use of modern contraceptives. Among females, knowledge of fertility, history of abortion, and health education were key factors. Strengthening school-based sexuality education and increasing health worker-led reproductive health counselling can improve modern contraceptive knowledge and uptake, with gender-specific interventions needed to address barriers to access and use.
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    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