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Effects of aerobic exercise on health outcomes and quality of health in people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy
No full text40 - 52 p. ;HIV remains a global major public health issue and the cases in developing countries are so high. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) plays a big role in reducing the morbidity and mortality among the people living with HIV (PLHIV). The ART is associated with long-term side effects including an increased risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These complications negatively impact the quality of life of PLHIV, necessitating holistic approaches to care. While ART controls viral replication, complementary strategies, including lifestyle interventions like exercise, are essential to mitigate NCDs. Exercise, particularly aerobic and resistance training, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and psychological well-being in PLHIV. Specific exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and weight training can help manage NCDs effectively when tailored to an individual’s fitness level and health needs. Supervised exercise programs, led by professionals such as clinical exercise physiologists, are critical to ensure safety, optimize benefits, and encourage adherence. These programs could be integrated into HIV care to provide structured and effective interventions. In limited resource countries, access to exercise facilities, and a lack of trained professionals present significant barriers to implementing exercise programs for PLHIV. Additionally, cultural misconceptions and a lack of awareness about the role of exercise in health management hinder uptake. However, from the reviewed papers, research gaps exist regarding context-specific exercise protocols, the long-term benefits of supervised exercise, and how to best implement these programs in resource-limited settings. In conclusion, structured exercise programs hold great potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for PLHIV on ART. Addressing existing barriers and conducting further research are essential to maximize the impact of exercise as a tool for managing NCDs in this population
Forecasting the thermal degradation depending on the kinetics of dracaena Draco lignocellulosic fibers using an artificial neural network
No full text27 p.In order to forecast the thermal degradation of Dracaena draco plant fibers (DDFs) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at heating rates ranging from 5 to 30°C/min, this study employed artificial neural networks (ANNs). Hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin break-down were represented by the three different degradation stages that were seen. The enhanced ANN27 model successfully captured pyrolysis behavior and degradation patterns, achieving a high prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.99966). The model performed well at lower heating rates (5 and 10°C/min), but because of bias and heteroscedasticity, adjustments are required at higher rates (15–30°C/min). In contrast to the experimental averages of 131.244 kJ/mol, 109.269 kJ/mol, and 131.694 kJ/mol, respectively, kinetic analysis showed that the ANN27-predicted activation energies (Ea) were 133.420 kJ/mol (KAS), 53.692 kJ/mol (FWO), and 133.784 kJ/mol (STR). Without requiring a lot of testing, our ANN method provides insights into DDF thermal behavior and optimizes processing settings by properly forecasting degradation curve
Discussing the epidemiology of COVID-19 model with the effective numerical scheme
No full text14 p.COVID-19 is a contagion that’s container lead to lung difficulties such as pneumonia and, in the greatest severe circumstances, serious respirational disease. In response to these challenges, the present research proposes and analyses an SEIQR model with a nonlinear recovery and incidence rate.
The appearance aimed at fundamental threshold quantity (R0) is established, which is critical to the stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria. A non-standard Finite difference (NSFD) Scheme is developed and for the model, and the denominator function is select so that the proposed structure maintains solution boundedness. It is demonstrated that the NSFD scheme is not dependent on the step size produces superior outcomes in totally admirations. The Jacobian approach is employed to establish the local stability of the disease free equilibrium, while Schur-Cohn conditions are used for the endemic equilibrium point in the the discrete NSFD scheme. The Enastu Criterion and the Lyapunov Function are used to demonstrate the global stability of the disease free and endemic equilibria. Numerical simulation are also presented to discuss the benefits of the NSFD scheme and to validate the theoretical conclusions. Calculated simulations show that the NSFD method preserves the important aspects of the continuous model. As a result, they generate estimates that align consistently with the model’s solutions
Effect of Consumption of Cape Gooseberries on blood glucose control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Kampala, Uganda : a protocol for a randomized controlled trial
No full text63-70 p.Purpose: This study seeks to examine the efficacy of Cape gooseberries (Physalis peruviana) in regulating blood glucose levels, contributing to diabetes management. By exploring this cost-effective treatment option, this study could inform public health policies, empower communities to use local resources for managing chronic diseases, and encourage further studies on indigenous foods, ultimately enhancing the understanding of their potential to prevent diseases and promote health. Patients and Methods: A 12-week randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 200 diabetic patients recruited from St. Francis Nsambya and Mulago hospital diabetes clinics. The intervention group will consume 80 grams of fresh gooseberry per day in addition to regular diet and the control group will only consume their regular diet. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) will be assessed at baseline and bi-weekly, while the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Adherence will be assessed through food intake diaries, bi-weekly group meetings, and Short Message Service (SMS) reminders. Statistical analysis will be conducted using SPSS. Descriptive statistics will summarize baseline characteristics for both theintervention and control arms. Independent t-tests will compare differences between the intervention and control arms. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant. The primary outcomes are change in the levels of FBG and HbA1c levels. The secondary outcomes are rates of adherence and reported side effects. Discussion: The study is expected to provide evidence that daily consumption of Cape gooseberries improves FBG and HbA1c in patients with T2DM. Positive results could support the integration of indigenous fruit into the dietary recommendations, offering a potentially less expensive strategy for T2DM management and inform future research and public health interventions
Assistive Technologies for Inclusion of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Students and Academic Staff: A Call to Action for Library and Information Science Professionals in Uganda
No full textP. (1-70) ;Assistive technology (AT) is “any product whose primary purpose is to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence and thereby promote their well-being. For people with disabilities, AT has the potential to improve functioning, reduce activity limitations, promote social inclusion, and increase participation in education. University libraries are mandated to provide assistive technologies, adequate space, resources, and services suitable to support and meet teaching, learning, and research needs for all users, including persons with disabilities. However, it was hitherto unknown how university libraries in Uganda facilitate accessibility to library facilities services to meet the unique needs of deaf or hard-of-hearing students and academic staff. The current paper aimed to generate rich insights into the digital inclusion needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students and academic staff, and to explore how university libraries in Ugandan higher education institutions facilitate the accessibility, adoption, and application of assistive technologies for teaching, learning, and research. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study utilized two semi-structured questionnaires and two interview guides to gather data from DHH students, academic staff, and librarians at four public universities in Uganda. The recruitment of DHH participants was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Ethical clearance was granted by the Aids Support Organisation (TASO) Research Ethics Committee on July 27, 2023 (Ethics reference number: TASO-2023-237). Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS ver. 21), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis, with selected verbatim quotations used to corroborate the quantitative findings.
This paper has unearthed digital inclusion needs of DHH Students and Academic Staff, including access to high-speed internet, sufficient bandwidth, university websites with captions, software that translates a signer’s words into text, captioning software, video editing software, multimedia mobile phone applications, LCD Projectors, personal computers, mobile phones, assistive technology technical support, digital and assistive technology training, and sign language interpretation which must be met for them to taking advantage of library resources as services that are available to all other users. In addition, the paper has revealed that Libraries are inaccessible because DHH Students and Academic Staff cannot afford the hardware, software, and peripheral equipment and data required to access technology-supported resources, systems, content, and services; the majority of Libraries did not conduct staff capacity building on basic knowledge of assistive technologies, digital and assistive technology training. Furthermore, the libraries did not train DHH students and academic staff in accessing databases, using Google Suite, and Mendeley, Endnote, and Zotero to manage citations and references. Libraries also did not identify and evaluate the Digital literacy training needs and lacked a clear strategy for meeting the digital literacy needs of DHH academic staff and students. Together these hindered the DHH Students and Academic Staff from effectively adopting and applying these technologies for teaching, learning, and research. Overall, the finding revealed a great mismatch between the existing library-related assistive technology services and resources and the digital inclusion needs of students and staff with hearing impairments. Given the important role of academic libraries in promoting digital inclusion, especially for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) academic staff and students, the paper recommends that University Libraries prioritize the development of a digital inclusion policy to guide the design and implementation of initiatives that improve access to library resources and services for DHH individuals
Bridging the gap : examining the role of funding adequacy in stem programme completion in Ugandan public universities
No full text441-465 p.The persistent under-enrolment of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates continues to impede Uganda’s socio-economic development and technological advancement. Despite increased access to the university through programmes like the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB), it is difficult not to wonder whether funding such programmes is sufficient to guarantee timely completion in STEM-based programmes. The study examined the effects of adequate loan financing on programme completion among undergraduate students studying STEM programmes in universities in Uganda. Based on surveys of 430 students and interviews with 12 staff members from four public universities, this research presents the views of students and staff on loan sufficiency, the impact of loans on academic performance, and significant financial issues. It is exposed that although 61.1% of the participants used loans, only 29% agreed that tuition fees and other education expenses were adequately funded (M = 3.13, SD = 0.79), whereas 78.9% did not believe that the loans were enough to meet non-academic costs such as accommodation and food (M = 2.29, SD = 0.88). In addition, only 45.2% of the students perceived that the loans had facilitated finance for unforeseen financial emergencies (M = 2.87, SD = 0.74). Regional cost differences supported inadequacy perceptions (M = 3.01, SD = 0.71). Linear regression analysis also identified programme completion as the most significant predictor, with funding adequacy (β = 0.32, p < .001), accounting for 36% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.360). These findings add pressure to policy revision that would increase loan amounts, improve flexibility, and address imbalances in location. This research contributes to the educational equity policy discourse and demonstrates how insufficient funding continues to hinder Uganda’s efforts to build STEM capacity
Leveraging artificial intelligence for postharvest aflatoxin management in Ugandan groundnuts- a structural equation modeling approach
No full text61-69 p. ;This study evaluated the influence of artificial intelligence-driven constructs on postharvest aflatoxin management in groundnuts using structural equation modeling (SEM) guided by the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model with a sample of 268 participants. The model looked at how advanced feature extraction, real-time monitoring and decision support, and healthy groundnut detection directly and indirectly affected the control of aflatoxin. The results showed that real-time monitoring and decision support had a strong and positive effect on postharvest management (β = 0.591, p < 0.001), emphasizing how important AI-driven real-time information is for better decision-making. Although healthy groundnut detection and advanced feature extraction showed positive effects, their direct impacts on management were marginally insignificant (p = 0.062 and p = 0.094, respectively). However, both predictors strongly influenced healthy groundnut detection, which emphasizes the value of intelligent sensing and feature-based classification. The SEM showed very good fit results (χ² = 0.00, RMSEA = 0.000, CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.000), and the model accounted for 71.5% of the variation in the variables it measured. These findings point out the transformative value of AI systems in improving aflatoxin postharvest management through advanced monitoring and detection technologies
Knowledge and attitude of nosocomial infection prevention and control precautions among healthcare personnel at Kiruddu Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda
No full textBackground
A key concern for global public health is nosocomial infections. Essential to the fight against nosocomial infection, is healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes. Therefore, this study investigated healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward nosocomial infection at the Kiruddu Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out at Kiruddu Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. We selected the participants using simple random sampling. Data were collected from a total of 78 healthcare personnel using pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaires. We used SPSS version 20.0 for data analysis and applied descriptive statistics to present the frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between independent factors and knowledge and attitude (KA) ratings on hospital-acquired infection (HAI) prevention. P-values less than 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.
Results
Among the different categories of health workers, doctors exhibited the highest level of knowledge. There was a significant association between knowledge scores and occupation (χ2LR = 25.610; P = 0.000). The mean knowledge scores across different infection prevention aspects were as follows: hand hygiene (82.2 ± 18.9), PPE use (71.8 ± 23.1), sharp disposal and sharp injuries (59.2 ± 25.7), and waste management (57.4 ± 29.9). Notably, 20.5% of participants did not change PPE between patients, and 44.9% indicated that their workload negatively impacted their ability to follow infection prevention standards.
Conclusion
The study highlighted gaps in healthcare personnel’s knowledge and attitudes toward infection prevention. It is therefore important to provide regular targeted training programs emphasizing underrepresented areas, PPE availability, strengthen policy enforcement, and integrate infection prevention education into medical and nursing curricula
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious leaders in Uganda
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for all categories and communities of people the world over. Its impact on religious practice, religious congregants, and all mankind has been profound. Precursory studies have underscored the significant contribution of religious leaders in mitigating the pandemic. However, few studies exist on the impact of the pandemic upon clerics in their own right as individuals and frontline agents in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, religious leaders are not distinct from other categories of persons and are, therefore, not exonerated from the effects of the pandemic. It examines their contact with the disease, and how they were affected in carrying out COVID-19 mitigating measures. Using qualitative methods of enquiry, forty religious leaders from Christian denominations and the Islamic faith formed the study population. It was established that religious leaders experienced physical, psychological, and socio-economic hardships emanating from their personal experience of the disease on one hand and as societies’ frontline mitigating agents against the pandemic on the other. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among clerics in Uganda varied according to religious affiliation, gender, and rural-urban divide. In attempts to provide auxiliary support to mitigate the pandemic and attend to their own struggles, clerics suffered a double tragedy of trauma. The pandemic experience also changed clerics’ opinions as they attempted to manage and adapt to the situation
The prevalence of depression and anxiety and associated factors among school-going adolescents in poverty and conflict-affected settings in Uganda
No full text36 p.Background
Schools could play a vital role in mental health care, particularly in low-income countries such as Uganda. An understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of mental health symptoms among school-going adolescents is essential for designing effective school-based interventions in Uganda This is important given Uganda’s regional disparities, where adolescents in post-conflict areas may face higher exposure to trauma and limited access to mental health care compared to those in non-conflict regions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among school-going adolescents aged 14 to 17 years in both post-conflict and non-conflict settings. It also examines factors associated with moderate depressive and anxiety symptoms in both settings.
Methods
In total, 2845 school-going adolescents (1,273 boys; 16.3 ± 1.0 years) were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 – adolescent version, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and self-report items on food insecurity, health and wealth status, history of childhood abuse and neglect and level of physical activity. Logistic regression models were applied to examine predictors of moderate to severe levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Results
Findings indicate that 67.5% (n = 1905) reported at least mild, 34.1% (n = 962) at least moderate, 12.7% (n = 359) at least moderate-severe and 4.9% (n = 138) severe symptoms of depression, while 65.6% (n = 1860) at least mild, 27.5% (n = 777) at least moderate and 7.8% (n = 219) severe symptoms of anxiety. In the multivariable analyses, female sex, food insecurity, poor self-reported health, co-morbid anxiety symptoms, and a history of abuse and neglect were all significantly associated with a higher odds of moderate symptoms of depression, while female sex, living in a post-conflict setting, food insecurity, poor self-reported health, co-morbid depressive symptoms, and a history of abuse were all significantly associated with a higher odds of moderate anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions
A substantial proportion of school-going adolescents in Uganda report at least moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Government and public sector agencies should re-evaluate their strategies at both family and school levels, particularly in underserved settings. Schools can serve as platforms for screening-and-referral pathways and group-based psychosocial programs, while the health system should strengthen capacity for co-occurring conditions