Browsing by Author "Ronald Opito"

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Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis and associated factors among HIV-negative young men in Kagwara fishing community-Serere district, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
(PLOS ONE, 2025-06-04) Alex Omoding; Ronald Opito; Paul Oboth; Francis Okello; Joseph K. B. Matovu
Background Despite the potential efficacy of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in reducing HIV risk, Oral PrEP acceptability remains strikingly varied by populations and locations. We assessed PrEP acceptability and associated factors among at-risk HIV-negative young men. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study design was used. Data were collected among 409 at-risk HIV-negative young men aged 15–24 years living in Kagwara fishing community- Serere district, Uganda between August and October 2023. Quantitative data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviors and concerns about PrEP. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15.0 statistical software. Summary statistics were computed and presented as tables, frequencies and proportions. Bivariate analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with PrEP acceptability. All factors that had p < 0.10 at the bivariate analysis and confounders were entered into the final logistic regression model. All factors with p < 0.05 were considered significantly associated with the primary outcome Results The average age of 409 respondents was 21.8 (Standard Deviation [SD]=1.9) years. Majority, (97.8%, n = 393) had unprotected penetrative sex. PrEP acceptability was high as majority of the participants accepted to use PrEP based on the six constructs of acceptability (93.6%, n = 383). Participants with perceived risk of getting HIV infection had higher odds of PrEP acceptability, (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.23, 95%CI = 1.05–17.04). Participants who knew their partner’s HIV status (aOR=0.25, 95%CI = 0.07–0.88), those who felt embarrassed to ask for PrEP from the facility (aOR=0.12, 95%CI = 0.04–0.39), and those who had stigma associated with use of PrEP (aOR=0.13, 95%CI = 0.04–0.41) had reduced odds of PrEP acceptability. Conclusion We found a high level of PrEP acceptability among young men at risk of HIV acqui sition in Kagwara fishing community. Improving access to PrEP services among high risk young men in the fishing communities may increase PrEP uptake in this population and across similar settings. The Ministry of health needs to use multiple approaches to provide PrEP such as peer-led models, drug distribution points, short message reminders for refills, pharmacies and retail drug shops.
Clinical, Sonographic and Biochemical Profiles of Patients with a Mainz II Pouch Urine Diversion in Rural Uganda. A Case Series
(2025-05-24) Ronald Opito; David Aderu; Joseph Epodoi; Denise Apolot; Ritah Kiconco; Richard Mpango; Jacob Eperu; Fred Kirya
Background: Mainz II pouch urinary diversion is an alternative surgery for patients with an incurable vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). We report six (6) cases of patients who had incurable VVF and were offered Mainz II pouch surgery at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, between 2009 and 2018 and followed up in 2023. Methods: A retrospective review of charts of 6 patients who were offered Mainz II pouch procedure and a cross-sectional assessment of their biochemical, sonographic and clinical profiles five (5) or more years after the procedure at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital were done. All case notes of patients who underwent the Mainz II procedure between 2009 and 2018 were retrieved from the registry and each patient profiled using a standard data abstraction tool. Results: The ages of the six participants ranged between 16 and 65 years at the time of the procedure. Four of the 6 participants had lived with the fistula for less than 10 years. Four participants had only one delivery and the other 2 had five and six deliveries. All the participants had lived with the Mainz II pouch urine diversion for at least five years (5–14 years). One participant (1/6) had hypertension (BP=161/101). Most participants reported nocturnal incontinence. Sonographic findings revealed one-sided mild vesi coureteral reflux with loss of corticomedullary differentiation in two participants (2/6). One of six (1/6) patients had severe vesicoureteral reflux grade 4. The commonest metabolic disorders were compensated metabolic acidosis (4/6). Conclusion: The Mainz II pouch procedure remains a viable option for managing incurable obstetric fistulas. However, the prevalence of metabolic complications, including acidosis and renal impairment, underscores the need for routine biochemical and sonographic monitoring to ensure optimal long-term patient outcomes. Keywords: Mainz II pouch, vesicovaginal fistula, urinary diversion, acidosi
Diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among patients with cervical cancer attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute: a cross-sectional study
(BMC Women's Health, 2023-11-03) Jackie Lalam Lacika; Henry Wabinga; Joseph Kagaayi; Ronald Opito; Christopher Garimoi Orach; Amos Deogratius Mwaka
Background Majority of patients with cervical cancer in the low- and middle-income countries experience long diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. This study sought to determine the factors associated with the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among patients with cervical cancer. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) during October 2019 to January 2020. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with histological diagnosis of cervical cancer were consecutively sampled. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and a data abstraction form. Diagnostic intervals, defined as the time between first visit of a patient to a primary healthcare provider to time of getting confirmed diagnosis, of ≤ 3 months was defined as early & >3 months as late. Pre-treatment intervals, which is the time from histological diagnosis to starting cancer chemo-radiotherapy of ≤ 1 month was defined as early and > 1 month as late. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.0. We used modified Poisson regression models with robust variance to determine socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with the intervals. Results The mean age of the participants was 50.0 ± 11.7 years. The median diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals were 3.1 (IQR: 1.4–8.2) months and 2.4 (IQR: 1.2–4.1) months respectively. Half of the participants, 49.6% (200/403) were diagnosed early; one in 5 patients, 20.1% (81/403) promptly (within one month) initiated cancer chemo radiotherapy. Participants more likely to be diagnosed early included those referred from district hospitals (level 5) (aPR = 2.29; 95%CI: 1.60–3.26) and with squamous cell carcinomas (aPR = 1.55; 95%CI: 1.07–2.23). Participants more likely to be diagnosed late included those who first discussed their symptoms with relatives, (aPR = 0.77; 95%CI: (0.60–0.98), had > 2 pre-referral visits (aPR = 0.75; 95%CI (0.61–0.92), and had advanced stage (stages 3 or 4) (aPR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.55–0.85). Participants more likely to initiate cancer chemo-radiotherapy early included older patients (≥ 60 years) (aPR = 2.44; 95%CI: 1.18–5.03). Patients likely to start treatment late were those who had ≥2 pre-referral visits (aPR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.41–0.98) and those that took 3 - 6 months with symptoms before seeking healthcare (aPR = 0.52;95%CI: 0.29 - 0.95). Conclusion Interventions to promote prompt health-seeking and early diagnosis of cervical cancer need to target primary healthcare facilities and aim to enhance capacity of primary healthcare professionals to promptly initiate diagnostic investigations. Patients aged < 60 years require targeted interventions to promote prompt initiation of chemo-radiation therapy. Keywords Cervical cancer, Diagnostic intervals, Pre-treatment intervals, Advanced stage
Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women Attending Outpatient Department in a Rural District Hospital in Uganda. A Cross-Sectional Study
(International Journal of Women's Health, 2025-08-21) Jimmy Ekinu; Emmanuel Tiyo Ayikobua; Elizabeth Icodu; Hellen Akurut; Olympia Olivia Akot; Steven Oder; John Micheal Opinya; Tonny Egau; David Aderu; Moses Eremu; James Daniel Odongo; Walter Dreak Erabu; Ronald Opito
Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces persistently low cervical cancer screening uptake, averaging only 13% over the past f ive years, with Uganda reporting less than 5%. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake in a rural district hospital to inform targeted interventions that enhance screening coverage for the rural community. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Kaberamaido General Hospital (KGH) outpatient department. A total of 422 participants aged between 25 and 49 years were interviewed and data analyzed using STATA version 16.0. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using modified Poisson regression with robust error estimates to identify key factors associated with cervical cancer screening uptake. Variables with P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of participants was 32 (SD ±7) years. 77.5% (n=327) of participants were married, had primary level of education, 69.2% (n=292), and were unemployed, 89.3% (n=377). Awareness about screening was high as 85.5% (n=360) of respondents had heard about cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening uptake was low, as only 20.4% (n=86) had been screened in the past five years. Factors significantly associated with increased screening uptake, including age older than 35 years, adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR]= 1.7 (95% CI: 1.08–2.69), availability of free government screening services, aPR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.09–2.38), provision of screening service at the nearest health facility, aPR = 2.1 (95% CI: 1.09–3.97), and a positive family history of cervical cancer, aPR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.14–2.65). Conclusion: Our study confirms that cervical cancer screening uptake in Kaberamaido District remains low, highlighting the need for enhanced awareness campaigns and improved access to screening services. Our findings emphasize the need for policies that strengthen community outreach programs and expand cervical cancer screening services at primary healthcare facilities. Keywords: uterine cervical neoplasms, cervical cancer screening, women, cervical cancer awareness
Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women Attending Outpatient Department in a Rural District Hospital in Uganda. A Cross-Sectional Study
(International Journal of Women’s Health, 2025-08-21) Jimmy Ekinu; Emmanuel Tiyo Ayikobua; Elizabeth Icodu; Hellen Akurut; Olympia Olivia Akot; Steven Oder; John Micheal Opinya; Tonny Egau; David Aderu; Moses Eremu; James Daniel Odongo; Walter Dreak Erabu; Ronald Opito
Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces persistently low cervical cancer screening uptake, averaging only 13% over the past five years, with Uganda reporting less than 5%. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake in a rural district hospital to inform targeted interventions that enhance screening coverage for the rural community. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Kaberamaido General Hospital (KGH) outpatient department. A total of 422 participants aged between 25 and 49 years were interviewed and data analyzed using STATA version 16.0. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using modified Poisson regression with robust error estimates to identify key factors associated with cervical cancer screening uptake. Variables with P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of participants was 32 (SD ±7) years. 77.5% (n=327) of participants were married, had primary level of education, 69.2% (n=292), and were unemployed, 89.3% (n=377). Awareness about screening was high as 85.5% (n=360) of respondents had heard about cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening uptake was low, as only 20.4% (n=86) had been screened in the past five years. Factors significantly associated with increased screening uptake, including age older than 35 years, adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR]= 1.7 (95% CI: 1.08–2.69), availability of free government screening services, aPR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.09–2.38), provision of screening service at the nearest health facility, aPR = 2.1 (95% CI: 1.09–3.97), and a positive family history of cervical cancer, aPR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.14–2.65). Conclusion: Our study confirms that cervical cancer screening uptake in Kaberamaido District remains low, highlighting the need for enhanced awareness campaigns and improved access to screening services. Our findings emphasize the need for policies that strengthen community outreach programs and expand cervical cancer screening services at primary healthcare facilities. Keywords: uterine cervical neoplasms, cervical cancer screening, women, cervical cancer awareness
Factors associated with uptake and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among female sex workers in Northeastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study
(PLOS One, 2025-01-24) Ronald Opito; Emmanuel Tiyo Ayikobua; Hellen Akurut; Susan Alwedo; Saadick Mugerwa Ssentongo; Walter Drake Erabu; Lazarus Oucul; Musa Kirya; Lameck Lumu Bukenya; Elly Ekwamu; Abraham Ignatius Oluka; Samuel Kabwigu; Emmanuel Othieno; Amos Deogratius Mwaka
Background Cervical cancer screening program in Uganda is opportunistic and focuses mainly on women aged 25–49 years. Female sex workers (FSWs) are at increased risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. There is limited data regarding the uptake and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among FSWs in Uganda. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with uptake and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among FSWs in Eastern Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 423 FSWs aged 18–49 years attending care at six health facilities serving Key Populations (FSWs, Men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs and people in prisons) in the Teso sub-region. Data was collected using structured investigator administered questionnaire and analyzed using Stata statistical software version 15.0 (Stata Corp, Texas, USA). The primary outcome was uptake of cervical cancer screening measured as the proportion of female sex workers who have ever been screened for cervical cancer. Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in uptake of cervical cancer screening by HIV status. Modified Poisson regres sion model with a robust variance estimator was used to determine association between the outcome variables and selected independent variables including demographic charac teristics. Prevalence ratios (PR) with accompanying 95% confidence intervals have been reported. Statistical significance was considered at two-sided p-values ≤ 0.05. Results The mean age of the participants was 28.1 (±SD = 6.6) years. The self-reported HIV prevalence was 21.5% (n = 91). There were 138 (32.6%) participants who had ever been screened for cervical cancer (uptake), while 397 (93.9%) were willing to be screened (acceptability). There was a significant difference in cervical cancer screening uptake between women living with HIV (WLHIV) and those who were HIV negative, 59.3% vs 26.9% respectively (P < 0.001). The significant factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening included living with HIV, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.53 (95%CI: 1.15–2.07), increasing number of biological children, aPR = 1.14 (1.06–1.24) living near a private not for profit (PNFP) facility, aPR = 2.84 (95% CI; 1.68–4.80) and availability of screening services at the nearest health facility, aPR = 1.83 (95% CI, 1.30–2.57). Factors significantly associated with acceptability of cervical cancer screening included being 40 years or older, aPR = 1.22 (95%CI: 1.01–1.47), having a family history of cervical cancer, aPR = 1.05 (1.01–1.10), and living near a PNFP facility, aPR = 1.17 (95% CI, 1.09–1.27) and having ever screened before, aPR = 0.92 (0.86–0.98). Conclusion Female sex workers living with HIV are more likely to screen for cervical cancer than the HIV negative clients. Cervical cancer screening uptake is relatively low among the female sex workers. However, majority of the FSWs are willing to be screened for cervical cancer if the services are provided in the nearby healthcare facilities. There is need to make cer vical cancer screening services available to all eligible women especially the female sex workers and integrate the services with sexual reproductive health services in general and not just HIV/ART clinics services
Prevalence and factors associated with teenage pregnancy among girls aged 13 to 19 years in Atutur sub-county, Kumi district, Eastern Uganda: a community-based cross sectional study
(Reproductive Health, 2025-06-25) Michael Akol; Ronald Opito; Bonniface Oryokot; Hellen Akurut; James Kalema; Maxwell Chekwoti; John Paul Matovu; Nasta Mayamba Chelimo; Hannah Muwanguzi; Moses Eremu; Samuel Kabwigu
Abstract Background Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing public health issue with profound effects on health, education, and socio-economic outcomes. Rural areas, such as parts of Teso, often face higher prevalence of teenage pregnancy due to socioeconomic challenges. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and associated factors in Atutur sub-county, Kumi district. Methodology The authors employed a cross-sectional study design and sampled 444 teenage girls aged 13–19 years from 12 randomly selected villages in Atutur sub-county, Kumi district in April 2024. They were interviewed using structured researcher administered questionnaire. Data was collected using kobo collect tool, downloaded, cleaned and exported to SPPS version 27.0 for further management and analysis. Descriptive statistics was conducted to determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. After adjusting for covariates, multivariate analysis was conducted using modified Poisson regression to determine predictors of teenage pregnancy. Results were reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and factors whose CI did not contain a null (1.0), with p-value (P < 0.05) for adjusted PR, were considered statistically significant. Results Of the 444 teenage girls, the mean age was 17 (standard deviation = 1.9) years. About one third of the participants, 132(29.7%) had ever conceived. Teenage girls in cohabitation were 3.0 times more likely to have conceived (aPR = 3.0, 95% CI: 2.23–4.10, P < 0.001) compared to those staying with their parents. Teenagers with both parents deceased were 1.9 times more likely to conceive (aPR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.15–3.31, P = 0.032) compared to those whose parents were both alive. Teenage girls who were not satisfied with basic needs provided by parents were 3.3 times more likely to conceive (aPR = 3.3, 95% CI: 2.26–4.85, P < 0.001) compared to those satisfied with the basic needs provided by their parents. Conclusion Teenage pregnancy rates in Atutur sub-county Kumi district was higher than the national average, due to adverse socio-economic situation. Strengthening parental support of the girl child, with legal and community measures to reduce early marriages in rural settings may reduce teenage pregnancy. There is need to make deliberate efforts to provide socio-economic strengthening for the teenage girls to reduce their vulnerability. Keywords Teenage pregnancy, Prevalence, Cross-sectional, Early marriage
Prostate Cancer Among Patients Presenting with Obstructive Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms at a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Uganda
(DovePress Taylor and Francis, 2025-09-30) Willy Kyegombe; Okidi Ronald; Anitah Nimusima; Yakobo Nsubuga; Brenda Nakitto; Christine Nannungi; Joseph Epodoi; Ronald Opito; Eddymond Ekuk
Background: Prostate cancer is currently the second commonest male cancer both globally and in Uganda. Men are often tested after presenting with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We evaluated total prostate-specific antigen patterns (tPSA), digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, histological findings and prostate cancer rates among patients presenting to Mbarara regional referral hospital with obstructive LUTS. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 140 patients aged ≥50 with obstructive LUTS. Data on demographics and severity of LUTS was collected, plus the results of tPSA testing and DRE. Later, digitally guided transrectal tru-cut prostate biopsy was performed, if necessary. Analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists), version 14. Confidence interval (CI) was set at 95% and P at 0.005. Results: The majority of patients had severe LUTS (n=103, 73.57%), with a median tPSA of 14.4 ng/mL. Ninety-nine patients experienced digitally guided transrectal tru-cut prostate biopsy (70.71%; Fisher’s exact test = 0.001). DRE abnormalities were found in 57.14% (n=80) of participants and these carried a higher risk for prostate cancer diagnosis (risk ratio = 5.895; Fisher’s exact test = 0.04; CI 95%: 1.59–21.822). The tru-cut biopsy positivity rate was high, at 46% (45/99; 95% CI: 30.1–46.3); all had prostate adenocarcinoma and the majority (77.78%, n=35) had a total Gleason score of 8 and above. Of those who had a malignancy, more than a quarter were between 60–80 years of age (37.8%, n = 17). There was no statistically significant relationship between LUTs and prostate cancer diagnosis (Fisher’s exact test 2-sided = 0.84). Conclusion: Although severity of LUTS was not predictive of cancer, there was a high rate of advanced prostate cancer among study participants. DRE remains a valuable tool for identifying potential prostate cancer cases, especially in settings where PSA testing may be limited. Further research is needed to explore effective screening strategies and improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer in Uganda. Keywords: prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen, lower urinary tract obstruction, digital rectal examinatio
Return to care of children and adolescents living with HIV who missed their clinic visits or were lost to follow- up: a continuous quality improvement study in Uganda
(2025-05-31) Ssentongo Mugerwa Saadick; Jonathan Izudi; Boniface Oryokot; Ronald Opito; Baker Bakashaba; Abel Munina; kokas Opolo; Daniel Ogwal; Julius Ssendiwala; Kenneth Mugisha
Background While the UNAIDS 95- 95- 95 targets have been met among adults, those for children and adolescents remain suboptimal. This study aimed to improve the return- to- care rates among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) who missed clinic appointments at a county- level rural health facility in eastern Uganda. Methods Between January 2023 and January 2024, we conducted a continuous quality improvement (CQI) study. A CQI committee was established through entry meetings and training, and quality of care gaps were identified through data reviews. We prioritised one gap for CQI through ranking, performed a root- cause analysis using a f ishbone diagram, and developed and ranked improvement changes using the impact- effort matrix. The improvement changes were implemented using Plan- Do- Study- Act cycles. The changes included (1) line listing CALHIV with missed appointments and following up via phone calls; (2) weekly data reviews to harmonise missed appointments and (3) assigning community health workers (CHWs) to trace and return CALHIV to care. We tracked and plotted the proportion of CALHIV returning to care over time to assess improvements. Results Before the implementation of CQI initiatives (August 2022–January 2023), the average return- to- care rate was 35% (baseline). Following the initiation of CQI in February 2023, the average return- to- care rate increased to 59% from February to May 2023 with the introduction of line listing (phase 1), to 69% from June to September 2023 with the implementation of weekly data reviews (phase 2), and to 88% from October 2023 to January 2024 with the involvement of CHWs (phase 3), ultimately reaching a peak of 100% in January 2024. Conclusion The CQI approach improved the return to care of CALHIV who missed clinic appointments, allowing access to optimal care and better health outcomes. These findings should serve as preliminary data for larger randomised studies.
Severe malaria burden, clinical spectrum and outcomes at Apac district hospital, Uganda: a retrospective study of routine health facility based data
(Malaria Journal, 2023-10-25) Emmanuel Ocen; Ronald Opito; Crispus Tegu; Alex Oula; Peter Olupot‑Olupot
Background Most data describing severe malaria (SM) in sub‑Saharan Africa (SSA) are from research settings out side disease endemic areas. Using routinely collected data from Apac District Hospital, this study aimed at determin ing the burden and clinical spectrum of severe malaria. Methods This was a retrospective study that reviewed all paediatric admission records for malaria in the 24 months period from Jan 2019 to Dec 2020 at Apac District Hospital. Data on children aged 60 days to 12 years who at admis sion tested positive for malaria and fulfilled the World Health Organization clinical criteria for surveillance of severe malaria were abstracted using a customized proforma designed to capture variables on social demographic, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. In addition, the tool included laboratory variables for complete blood counts, haemoglobin, and glucose levels. Data were analysed using STATA V15.0. The study had ethical approval from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital REC, Approval No. MRRH‑REC 053/2019. Results A total of 5631 admission records were retrieved for this study period. Of these, 3649 (64.8%) were malaria admissions and 3422/3649 were children below 12years, with only 1864 (54.5%) of children having complete data. Of the 1864 children, 745 (40.0%) fulfilled the severe malaria inclusion criteria. Of the 745 children, 51.4% (n = 381) were males. The median age at admission was 31 months (IQR = 17–60). The most common clinical presentations among children with severe malaria were fever 722 (97.3%), cough 478 (64.2%), and difficulty in breathing 122 (17.9%). The median length of hospital stay was 2 (IQR; 2–4) days and 133 (17.9%) had prolonged hospital stay (> 4 days). Factors independently associated with prolonged hospital stay were, presenting with difficulty in breathing, aOR 1.83 (95% CI 1.02–3.27, P = 0.042) and prostration aOR 8.47 (95% CI 1.94–36.99, P = 0.004). A majority of admitted children, 735 (98.7%) survived, while 10 (1.3%) died of SM. Conclusion A high proportion (40.0%) of malaria admissions were due to SM. Prolonged Hospital stay was associ ated with prostration and difficulty in breathing. Overall mortality was low, 1.3% compared to mortality in the previ ously reported series. This study was able to use routinely collected data to describe the burden and clinical spectrum of SM. Improvement in the quality of data from such settings would improve disease descriptions for policy, monitor ing of epidemics, response to interventions and to inform research.
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.