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The status of occult HBV infection in a high endemic region : risk of community HBV transmission and reactivation
No full text7 p. : mapsObjectives Occult hepatitis B virus (OBI) infection, characterized by the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of detectable HBsAg in the blood, is considered a potential hidden pathway for HBV transmission and reactivation, which can lead to liver cancer. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of OBI in a region of Uganda with high HBV endemicity, in order to help explain variations in HBV distribution within the country.
Results Among the 387 participants who tested negative for HBsAg, the majority were women (240 individuals, 62.0%), married (242 individuals, 62.5%), and aged 30 years or older (207 individuals, 53.5%). The OBI was detected in 21 participants (5.43%). Most of those with OBI were 30 years old or younger (13 individuals, 61.9%), male (12 individuals, 57.1%), had normal liver enzyme levels, and showed an average viral load of 194.4 IU/mL with a standard deviation (SD) of ± 122.05
Modern contraceptive use among young women in Kampala slums : research findings from the TOPOWA study
No full text19 P. :Unintended pregnancies among adolescent and young women in low- and middle-income countries pose major public health challenges, underscoring the need for improved access to modern contraceptives. This study examined prevalence, preferences, and correlates of modern contraceptive use among young women living in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda, to inform targeted interventions. We analyzed baseline data from The Onward Project on Wellbeing and Adversity (TOPOWA), an NIH-funded, multi-component prospective cohort study on mental health among women aged 18–24 years. In 2023, 300 participants were recruited from three sites (Banda, Bwaise, Makindye). Interviewer-administered surveys assessed contraceptive choices, lifestyle, and demographic factors. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine correlates of contraceptive use. Among participants, 66.0% had ever used contraception, 40.0% were current users, and 38.0% reported modern contraceptive use. Multivariable analyses showed that having a consistent partner (PR = 3.28; 95% CI: 1.90–5.67), engaging in sex work (PR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.46–3.02), older age (PR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.16), and having children (PR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.12–2.66) were associated with higher modern contraceptive use. Findings highlight important gaps in sustained contraceptive use and the need for tailored interventions addressing economic, social, and educational barriers to improve reproductive health in this low-resource setting
Nutritional, phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of the red and white malakwang (hibiscus species) leaves
No full textMalakwang (Hibiscus species) is a common vegetable in Uganda diets. This study established the nutritional, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activities of the red and white malakwang leaves. Malakwang leaves were harvested six weeks after germination. Nutrients and phytochemicals were quantified and qualified using the methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and HighPerformance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2- Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. The quantity of crude fat was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the white malakwang leaf samples (6.9 %) than the red (3.3%). The red had significantly higher (p<0.05) quantities of calcium (1753.6 mg), magnesium (1814.4 mg), iron (233.4 mg), vitamin A (RE) (952.7 µg) and vitamin E (22.8) per 100 g when compared to the 1522.2 mg, 1297.9 mg, 179.7 mg, 857.6 µg, and 16.8 µg, respectively for the white malakwang leaves. The white malakwang leaf samples had higher (p<0.05) quantities of flavonoids (25.7 %) and alkaloids (5.5) than the 20.7 % and 2.1 %, respectively for the red malakwang leaves. The red malakwang leaf extract had more mucilage and coumarin contents than the white malakwang leaves. The white and red leaf extracts scavenged 61.3% and 52.7% of DPPH radicals, respectively, which are similar to the 62.2% scavenged by vitamin C. Malakwang leaves could significantly contribute to dietary intake of crude fibre, essential oil, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A (RE), C and E and phytochemicals hence suggesting a correlation with the cultural health claims for improving breast milk production, appetite, immunity and healing of sores and wounds. Further studies on the evaluation of nutrients and phytochemicals in malakwang leaves are recommended to approve the results of this study. Experimental trials in humans could be performed to evidence the effect of malakwang leaves on breast milk production and healing of sores and wounds. Also, the determination of essential fatty acids and the effect of preparation and postharvest methods are recommended for further studies
Economic growth through gender parity: evidence from education, labour, and governance in Uganda
No full textP. (1-17) ;This study examines the extent to which gender parity in education, labour force participation, and governance influences Uganda's economic growth. It investigates whether progress in these dimensions of gender equality leads to sustained economic benefits by analysing both short- and long-run effects using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and annual data from 1997 to 2023. The results reveal contrasting effects: while educational parity has a positive but statistically insignificant long-run impact, suggesting that increased female enrolment alone is insufficient for economic transformation, labour force parity exerts a significant negative longrun effect due to structural inefficiencies, such as occupational segregation and under-employment. By contrast, governance parity, measured by female representation in parliament, demonstrates a significant short-run positive effect, indicating that inclusive decision-making can yield immediate economic gains, although its long-run effect remains statistically insignificant due to institutional constraints. These findings highlight the need for structural reforms to enhance the quality of female employment, institutional governance effectiveness, and the alignment between education and labour market demands. Policymakers should prioritize gender-sensitive policies that foster productive employment, strengthen governance reforms, and improve economic returns on educational parity to maximize the contribution of gender equality to economic growth. This study provides empirical evidence supporting gender-inclusive economic strategies, offering valuable insights for Uganda and similar economies in sub-Saharan Africa
Prioritising non-native pest species to inform plant health biosecurity policy decisions and to safeguard agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and livelihoods in Uganda /
No full text16 p.In recent years, various invasive species have been introduced to sub-Saharan Africa, partly due to insufficient information about potential invasions, which has led countries to respond reactively rather than proactively. This information can be gathered through horizon scanning. Using the CABI Horizon Scanning Tool, 9,071 pest species have been identified as unreported in Uganda. A subset of 1,517 was prioritised for rapid risk assessment based on guidelines that evaluated the likelihood of entry and establishment, the magnitude of socio-economic and environmental impact, as well as potential pathways of introduction. These pest species included 357 arthropods, 130 bacteria, 74 chromista, 417 fungi, 19 molluscs, 124 nematodes, nine protists, and 387 viruses and viroids, of which 360 of the 1,517 were reported as invasive. Vectors and vectored organisms were also assessed to determine their associated risk. Management actions were recommended for 618 species, which included 160 arthropods, 70 bacteria, 30 chromista, 174 fungi, six molluscs, 41 nematodes, three protists, eight viroids, and 126 viruses. These pest species either attained an overall risk score of 54 and above or a lower score for specific pest species. The actions included targeted surveillance, regulation supported by pest risk analysis, contingency planning, publicity, management by the industry, and research. This information is vital for risk monitoring and management and can be utilised by countries in the East African Region
Conceptualizations of Africa. African Studies and Research Forum Series
No full textIn this chapter, we elucidate the state of E-learning and the way forward in higher education in Africa. We look at E-learning as an emerging discipline, the progress achieved in education through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and specifically the Internet, the multiple definitions that have emerged during the past few decades, and the advance in the uptake in African institutions of higher education to suggest a way forward. Since this chapter is an exploration of the state of the field, it is a critical review. The chapter familiarizes stakeholders in education with current knowledge and trends in E-learning in higher education in Africa. This offers an understanding of the progress, the steps taken to implement E-learning, and the way forward. The pertinent question that emerges is the following: Why evaluate E-learning in African higher education? The answer to this question is a simple one. Basically, since the education landscape worldwide has changed following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which made E-learning a requirement, and is no longer a peculiar way providing education by specific institutions and departments, mainly those offering distance education, stakeholders in higher education in Africa have to take steps to fully integrate E-learning in teaching and learning. This chapter provides insights for the implementation of E-learning in higher institutions of education in Africa. But, in order to do this effectively, we deem it very important to show how E-learning has conceptualized the continent
The epidemiology of hepatitis b virus infection in Uganda after two decades of vaccination : a meta-analysis and metaregression
No full text16 p.Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a public health threat in Uganda, despite the introduction of the HBV vaccine and its inclusion in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) more than two decades ago. This study aimed at providing up-to-date information on the epidemiology of HBV in Uganda and inform the way forward when designing the interventions to control and prevent the virus.
Methods: A systematic search for records published between 1st January 2002 and 30th June 2024 from PubMed and African Journal Online (AJOL) was done from which data on the overall and subgroup prevalence of HBV was extracted. Both the random and fixed effect models were used to pool data for the overall and sub group metaanalysis.
The overall and subgroup trend of HBV prevalence over the last two decades was evaluated by metaregression modelling. The predictors of HBV infection were analysed by using odds ratio (OR). The I2 index in the primary records was used to evaluate the heterogeneity. Publication bias in the primary studies was assessed by using
Egger’s test and funnel plot asymmetry. All analyses were done at 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: A total of 34 original studies were included in the data synthesis with a pooled sample size of 81,416 individuals. The pooled prevalence of HBV was 8.3% but varied with region and study group. It was highest in the eastern region (p < 0.05) and among the community-based studies (p < 0.05). By meta-regression modelling, there
has been an overall decrease in the prevalence of HBV since the integration of the vaccine as part of the EPI in 2002 (p < 0.05) and in the central, eastern and northern regions. Conversely, there was an increase in the prevalence of HBV in western Uganda with a strong temporal explanatory power (R² = 0.700). Familial contact with an HBV infected
person; odds ratio (OR) = 3.85, p = 0.006 was the most significant risk factor for HBV infection. In contrast, age < 20 year; OR = 0.52, p = 0.016 was protective against HBV infection.
Conclusion: Despite the significant progress registered in reducing the prevalence of HBV since the integration of HepB vaccine as part of the EPI, there are still regional and cohort specific disparities in the prevalence of HBV in Uganda. Thus, different interventions should be designed in tandem with the differences in the prevalence by specific
groups and regions
Diabetes and exercise: unlocking the potential for effective management and prevention
No full textDiabetes mellitus is a progressive, chronic metabolic disorder predominantly defined by glucose
dysregulation, insulin resistance, and defective insulin secretion. It affects more than 460 million individuals
globally with a heavy burden on health sector, economy, and individual's life. This narrative review paper
looks at a cost-effective intervention with a potential to contribute to prevention of the disease, regulate
condition, and prevent complications. Exercising regularly has a positive impact on glycemic control,
improved insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors like lipid profiles, blood pressure, and promoting
overall cardiovascular and psychological well-being. It addresses critical function of exercise in the
management of diabetes through consideration of its physiological mechanisms, exercise type, and clinical
benefits of regular exercise. It investigated safe and effective exercise prescription protocols for diabetic
patients from aerobic, resistance to flexibility and high-intensity interval training. Although the benefits have
been demonstrated, barriers such as physical impairment, comorbidities, low knowledge and motivation
prevent individuals from exercising. Addressing these barriers need a multi-sectoral solution to reconcile
behavioral support, patient education, electronic health interventions, and policy advocacy. It calls for
personalized exercise regimens, longer interventions focusing on diabetes complications, and
interprofessional collaboration between healthcare, fitness, and mental health professionals. It highlights
research gaps the impact of exercise on durable glycemic control
Upcycled art production from post-consumer textile waste to foster environmental sustainability awareness
No full textUpcycling has emerged as one of the counteractive ways of revitalizing discarded materials from their waste streams, preventing environmental harm. Although notable research has been conducted on how various waste materials can be upcycled, a visible gap remains for textile waste, making the industry rated among the most destructive to the environment. The paper set out to creatively upcycle post-consumer textile waste (PCTW) through art, to foster environmental sustainability awareness. Exploratory design was employed to produce six textile woven artworks, communicating the dangers of poor textile waste management such as air, water and soil pollution. Visual data (images) were randomly collected from a sample of Kampala (Uganda)’s outskirts, depicting PCTW management challenges. Further, PCTW was purposively selected from personal collections, family and friends. Artworks were executed using tapestry and soumak weaving textile construction techniques. Findings depict the potential of creative upcycling of PCTW in reducing textile waste amounts disposed of in the environment, to promote environmental sustainability awareness. The study demonstrates PCTW as an alternative sustainable material for art production, with a possibility to transform livelihoods and communities. Finally, it contributes to achieving the UN 2030 SDGs Goals 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action
Unveiling the variability and chemical composition of AL Col
No full textIn this study, we present analysis of TESS photometry, spectral energy distribution (SED),high-resolution spectroscopy, and spot modeling of the α
2 CVn-type star AL Col (HD 46462).
The primary objective is to determine its fundamental physical parameters and investigate its surface activity characteristics. Using TESS short-cadence (120 s) SAP flux, we identified a rotational frequency of 0.09655 d
−1(Prot = 10.35733 d). Wavelet analysis reveals that while the amplitudes of the harmonic components vary over time, the strength of the primary rotational frequency remains stable. A SED analysis of multi-band photometric data yields an effective temperature (Teff) of 11,750 K. High-resolution spectroscopic observations covering wavelengthrange 4500–7000 Å provide refined estimates of Teff = 13,814 ± 400 K, log g = 4.09 ± 0.08 dex, and υ sin i = 16 ± 1 km s−1. Abundance analysis shows solar-like composition of O II, Mg II, S II, and Ca II, while helium is under-abundant by 0.62 dex. Rare
earth elements (REEs) exhibit over-abundances of up to 5.2 dex, classifying the star as an Ap/Bp-type star. AL Col has a radius of R = 3.74 ± 0.48R⊙, with its H–R diagram position estimating a mass of M = 4.2 ± 0.2M⊙ and an age of 0.12 ± 0.01 Gyr, indicating that the star has slightly evolved from the main sequence. The TESS light curves were modeled using a three-evolving-spot configuration, suggesting the presence of differential rotation.
This star is a promising candidate for future investigations of magnetic field diagnostics and the vertical stratification of chemical elements in its atmosphere