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Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables: exposure and health risks among consumers from farm-to-fork in Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health of Makerere University.Background: Dietary exposure to pesticides is associated with adverse health effects. This study determined pesticide residue concentrations, potential human health risks and consumers percep\tions towards risk in fruits and vegetables from farm-to-fork in Kampala Metropolitan Area (KMA) in Uganda.
Methods: Pesticides were measured in 160 fruit and vegetable samples and analysed using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Fruits and vegetables consumption information was collected from 2,177 consumers. Pesticide concentrations were compared with European Union maximum residual limits (EU MRLs). Mean values of pesticide concentrations; and fruits and vegetables intake and body weight were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of pesticide residues. EDI values were compared with acceptable daily intakes (ADI) to calculate the hazard quotient (HQ) by age group, and stage of consumption along the chain. A hazard index above 1(HQ > 1) indicated that exposure to pesticides has the potential to induce health risks among the consumers. Semi-structured questionnaires (50), in-indepth interviews (16) focus group discussions (8) were used to collect data on post harvest processing and consumers’ perceptions on potential health risks due to exposure to pesticide residues. Qualitative data was coded deductively and inductively, with recurring ideas organized into categories to form sub-themes and consequently overarching themes.
Results: The major pesticides classes found in the produce (% detection frequency) were organophosphates (91.3%), carbamates (67.5%), pyrethroids (60.0%) dithiocarbamates (48.1%), and neonicotinoids (42.5%). Twenty-seven pesticides either decreased or increased along the chain, with dioxacarb decreasing and methidathion and quinalphos increasing with statistically significant trends. Washing, wiping, peeling and cooking were the post-harvest processing methods that explain the increasing trend for methidathion and quinalphos and descreasing for dioxacarb. Concentrations of fonofos, fenitrothion and fenhexamid were above the European Union MRLs. Hazard quotients based on dietary ingestion scenarios for eighteen pesticides exceed 1, including dichlorvos (444) alanycarb (314), fonofos (68), fenitrothion (62), dioxacarb (55) and benfuracarb (24), indicating possibility of chronic health risk, that decreased with age. Consumers were aware of the potential health risks due to dietary exposure to pesticides, and relied on washing, peeling, drying and cooking or a combination to reduce the risk.
Conclusion: Fruits and vegetables on the KMA markets were found to be contaminated with pesticide residues that have potential to cause chronic health risks from ingestion especially among children. There is urgent need to reduce consumer exposure to pesticide residue in fruits and vegetables.Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA);
Fogarty Global Health Training fellowship,
National Institutes of Health in the United States
Factors affecting perceived utilization of routine health information among health workers in public and private health facilities in Sheema District
No full textEffective utilization of routine health information (RHI) is vital for improving patient care and healthcare planning. However, RHI use is low in low and middle-income countries like Uganda. This study aimed to assess perceived RHI utilization levels and determine related technical, organizational, and behavioral factors among health workers in public and private facilities in Sheema district.
This cross-sectional quantitative study involved 377 health workers across 28 public, 10 private health facilities and DHT members in Sheema district. Data was collected using a structured self-administered Questionnaire. All health facilities were included in the study and participants were selected from a pool of 445 health workers enlisted from facilities and district health workers’ registers. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Health workers reported high RHI utilization (81.0%) levels, with no statistically significant difference between private (82%) and public (81%) facilities (χ2=0.3461, P=0.556). They reportedly used RHI for reporting (94%), planning (90%), and day to day monitoring of health services (90%). Health Management Information System (HMIS) staff (85%), HC IIIs (96%), and the District Health Team (DHT) (98%), reported exceptionally high RHI utilization. Facility level [HC III (AOR =4.1, 95%CI: 1.51, 11.090, HC IV (AOR =9.7, 95%CI: 1.10, 85.69)], indicators visibility (AOR = 5.5, 95%CI: 1.89, 16.10), regular staff meetings (AOR = 4.0, 95%CI: 1.59, 9.87), culture for RHI (AOR = 3.6, 95%CI: 1.06, 11.88), and health workers attitude (AOR = 9.9, 95%CI: 1.09, 91.67), were significantly associated with utilization of RHI.
The study revealed a commendably high level of perceived RHI utilization among health workers in Sheema district. Technical, organizational, and behavioral factors all influenced perceived RHI utilization, with health facility level (HC III & IV), performance indicator display, and culture of RHI use, regular staff meeting, and positive attitudes of health workers as key contributing factors. To improve healthcare service delivery through enhanced RHI utilization, In-charges should prioritize displaying performance indicator targets prominently, fostering a culture of RHI use, and scheduling regular staff meetings. Additionally, the district should allocate sufficient IT resources to lower-level facilities, strengthen health information infrastructure, and conduct workshops and sensitization programs for staff
Novice tutors' experiences and effective tutoring in public primary teachers' colleges in Karamoja sub-region in Northern Uganda.
No full textA Research dissertation submitted to directorate of post graduate training in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of master of Education in Educational foundations and management of Makerere University.This study on the effect of novice tutors’ experience on effective tutoring in public primary teachers’ college was carried out in PTCs in Karamoja sub-region. Specifically, the study was restricted to establishing the effect of novice tutors’ pedagogical experiences on effective tutoring; establishing the effect of novice tutors’ social experiences on effective tutoring; establishing the effect of novice tutors’ managerial experiences on effective tutoring; and establishing the effect of novice tutors’ technical experiences on effective tutoring in Public Primary Teachers’ Colleges in Karamoja. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study used a sample of 93 respondents/participants that included Principals, Deputy Principals, tutors and student leaders in the PTCs in Karamoja sub-region. The study used self-administered questionnaires and face to face interviews to gather the required data that was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed that the novice tutors’ pedagogical, social, managerial and technical experiences accounted for 9.6%, 26.2%, 19.2% and 2.7% of effective tutoring in PTCs in Karamoja respectively. The study concluded that novice tutors’ pedagogical experiences, social experiences, managerial experiences and technical experiences all had a statistically significant effect on novice tutors’ effective tutoring in PTCs in Karamoja sub-region. The study recommended among others that training of tutors in PTCs should emphasize attainment of four experiences because novice tutors need all of them to effectively teach. Further, the study recommended that training of tutors should be more practical than theoretical. The trainees should always try out everything taught to ensure that they gain experiences. Furthermore, the study recommended that for the training of tutors to be more practical, the PTCs should be well-equipped with the requisite technological facilities to ensure that trainees get more hands-on experiences
Determinants of capital structure at UGAFODE microfinance limited (MDI)
No full textA research report submitted to the College of Business and Management Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Master of Business Administration of Makerere UniversityIn the finance literature determinants of Capital structure have been widely debated. Previous studies have mainly focused on microeconomic determinants and research on the Small and Medium Enterprises in Uganda leaving microfinance institutions with a gap or space. The question of what determines the best financing mix that maximizes a firm’s value is still the most debatable issue in corporate finance. Besides, a great deal of previous studies focused mainly on developed countries’ non-financial firms paying little attention to developing countries and financial sector. Therefore, this study attempted to fill the gap by analyzing the capital structure for Microfinance Institutions in Uganda. This paper approached the issues of capital structure by evidencing UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI) in Uganda to uncover the determinant factors of capital structure. To discover what determines capital structure, six explanatory variables (Ownership, Default risk, Profitability, Size, Growth, Age and Tax Shield) were selected and a descriptive analysis was done. The major findings of the study indicated that equity and debt are the major sources of funding for UGAFODE. Profitability, ownership, age and tax-shield were the significant determinants of capital structure in UGAFODE. Credit rationing and issuing debt and equity were selected as the major strategies to optimize the capital structure. In addition to this, pecking order theory and agency theory were used to explain the study. We consider our findings to be in line with overall expectations and believe we add further knowledge which can be applied to the Ugandan business environment.
Keywords: Capital Structure, Determinants, UGAFODE, Profitability, Ownership, Growth, Age and Tax-Shiel
Knowledge attitudes and practices towards premarital medical examination among young unmarried people aged 18-49 years in Lyantonde District, Uganda
No full textIntroduction: Undergoing Premarital Medical Examination (PME) helps couples to ascertain the compatibility of their health status and the likelihood of producing healthy offspring prior to their marriage decisions. This study assessed the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of young unmarried people towards PME in Lyantonde District.
Methods: A mixed methods study using quantitative and qualitative approaches was carried out among 403 randomly selected young unmarried people aged 18-49 years. Quantitative data was collected using a cross sectional study design. Qualitative data was collected through 8 in-depth interviews and 8 key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was done where atlas-ti version 22 was used to help in the analysis.
Results: Less than a quarter 71/403 (17.6%) of participants had sufficient knowledge about PME. Only 47/403 (11.7%) had a positive attitude while 82/403 (20.3%) had good practices towards PME. Individuals aged 28-32 years (APR= 0.44, 95% CI (0.23-0.85), living 2-3 km from a health facility (APR = 0.13, at 95% CI 0.05-0.32), living more than 4 km away from a health facility (APR = 1.55, at 95% CI 1.04 - 2.33) were significantly associated with good practices. Females (APR=1.9, 95% CI (1.01 - 3.60)), individuals aged 33-37 years (APR = 5.1 at 95% CI 1.96 - 13.4), a monthly income of 60,000-199,999 Ugx (APR =0.53, 95% CI 0.32 - 0.91), living 2 to 3 km away from a health facility APR = 0.43 at 95% CI 0.21 - 0.85) were significantly associated with positive attitude. Individuals aged 23-27 years (APR=0.49, 95% CI (0.25 - 0.94), 28-32 years APR= 0.41, 95% CI (0.19 - 0.86) and living more than 4 km away from a health facility APR = 1.92, at 95% CI (1.12 - 3.29) were significantly associated with good knowledge. Qualitative results indicate participants were aware of PME to know each other's health status before marriage. Most information came from health workers and radio programs. Many were unfamiliar with diseases tested beyond HIV. Most prioritized HIV testing and had limited knowledge of other diseases.
Conclusion: There is poor knowledge, attitude and practice towards comprehensive PME beyond HIV testing. Poor knowledge of genetic and sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV indicates a need for health education on the importance of testing for these. Improvements can come through increased healthcare access, health education, sensitization, and premarital counseling
Prevalence and risk factors of porcine cysticercosis in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda
No full textCysticercosis caused by Taenia solium (T. solium) is a neglected zoonotic disease with serious public health implications. It is caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, T. solium. Pigs are intermediate hosts of the worm, existing as cysticerci in their active muscles. Humans being both definitive and intermediate hosts, they are affected with two diseases Taeniasis (infection with the adult tapeworm) and Cysticercosis (infection with the cysticerci). Significantly, T. solium has economically constrained farmers and traders due to losses encountered due to carcasses being condemned at slaughter of infected pigs. Furthermore, the larval stage of the tapeworm has been reported to be the major cause of epileptic cases among humans in Uganda.
This was the first cross sectional study conducted in Kitgum, where serum was collected from 251 pigs in 180 households. Serology was run on the later using apDIA Cysticercosis antigen ELISA kit, a relatively high apparent prevalence of PCC, 26.3% (95% CI: 21.1–31.9%) was obtained. By logistic regression using R statistical package, protective risk factors significantly associated with PCC were not having freely roaming pigs in households (P=0.020), not feeding pigs on brewer waste obtained for free from brewers (p=0.044), the risk factor was lack of knowledge about pork cysts (P =0.007). There were 76% higher odds of pigs being infected with PCC when fed on free feeds from the brewer, 203% higher odds of getting PCC among pigs of respondents who had no knowledge of pork cysts and finally households with free roaming pigs had 58% higher odds of getting PCC. 5 seropositive pigs were procured at prevailing market prices from consenting farmers for full carcass dissection and were all found with cysts in their muscles.
From the findings, there is need to train meat inspectors and ensure all carcasses are inspected at slaughter, deworming of humans should be emphasized to break the cycle of the parasite.BMZ German through International Livestock Research Institute and the One health research centre in East and Central Afric
Trip generation modeling for forecasting travel demand of rapidly expanding Cities. A case of Lira City.
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Civil Engineering of Makerere University.Transportation planning which involves trip generation, trip distribution, modal split, and network assignment processes is very important in urban areas for matching travel demand and transport facilities. Most transportation studies have been undertaken in developed countries but few or none in developing countries due to budget constraints. Direct transferability of existing trip generation models from the developed world to the developing countries is inappropriate as it yields poor results. This caused a need for a local trip generation model for a newly created Lira City located in Northern Uganda. The study used a linear regression technique to develop a trip generation model for forecasting the travel demand of rapidly expanding cities - the case of Lira City. The study collected primary data from 30 traffic analysis zones (TAZs) through household surveys and questionnaires. Household demographics, socio-economic attributes, and trip purposes were used to determine the number of trips generated daily in Lira City. A total of 1,813 households was used for analysis. The study revealed that out of 11,494 trips made daily, 32.3%, 29% 28.1%, and 10.6% were for school, shopping, work, and recreation purposes respectively. The household size, number of persons schooling, and male heads of households highly influenced trip production. The long trip production model had a coefficient of determination R2 value of 0.74 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.93. The R2 value is used to determine the goodness of fit. An R2 value of 0.5 is regarded as the standard. An R2 value below 0.5 is bad, and one above 0.5 is good. The higher it is, the better. To minimize costs for data collection, the researcher developed a short trip production model as a function of variables from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and had a R2 value of 0.73 and RMSE of 0.94. Both models were acceptable for predicting the daily number of trips. The long-trip production model slightly performed better since its RMSE was closer to zero than the short-trip production model. Lira City has limited resources for collecting more household data than what the Uganda Bureau of Statistics provides, such as household income and, the number of car and driving licenses owned; therefore, a short trip production model can be used to estimate the number of trips generated. The trip attraction model was developed as a function of the number of employment opportunities, floor area, number of cars owned, and parking area and had an R2 value of 0.56. It is recommended that Lira City prioritizes the planning of transport infrastructure in Anyomorem, Bazza, Boke, Ongica, and Railway quarters as trip generation rates are high in these zones. Under budget constraints, Lira City should use household data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics on the short trip generation model. Lira City should partner with the private sector to establish good education institutions and commercial services in every administrative unit/zone to minimize home-based trips attracted to the central business city
Health expenditure, maternal health outcomes and inequalities in maternal healthcare utilisation in Uganda
No full textA dissertation Submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics of Makerere University.Uganda’s current maternal mortality rate of 189 per 100,000 live births remains far above the global target of 70 per 100,000. Increasing health expenditure and reducing inequalities in utilisation of maternal health services are key in addressing the high rate of maternal mortality. This study examines the effect of health expenditure on maternal mortality, and the nature and extent of inequalities in utilisation of maternal health services in Uganda. Annual time series data from the World Development Indicators for the period 1990-2022 were used to explore the short run and long run effect of health expenditure on maternal mortality using an autoregressive distributed lag model. The Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2006, 2011 and 2016 were used in equity analysis for utilisation of antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, and a continuum of care, using equity ratios, concentration indices and regressions-based estimations. The results show that domestic government expenditure on maternal health conditions is the most impactful in reducing maternal mortality. Out-of-pocket health expenditures is associated with a decline in maternal mortality. Increasing nurses and reduction in female alcohol consumption significantly reduces maternal mortality. Inequalities in utilisation of maternal health services including quality antenatal care have reduced since 2006 but remained pro-rich. Wealthier women, the more educated and those living in urban areas were more likely to utilize maternal health services compared to their disadvantaged counterparts. Government should increase budget allocations specific to maternal health conditions; invest in training and posting nurses at health facilities to increase access to care. Government should also hold health campaigns against alcohol consumption during pregnancy in order to reduce maternal mortality. Interventions such as targeted vouchers schemes for the poor women; mobile health clinics for antennal care in hard-to-reach rural areas, and provision of quality antenatal care can increase access to maternal health care and subsequently reduce maternal mortality among disadvantaged groups
Electronic records management practices at Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Information Science of Makerere UniversityIn order to improve compliance with legal requirements and access to records when
needed, this study examined Uganda Registration Services Bureau’s (URSB) electronic
records management practices. The study's objectives were to: i) find out the types of electronic
records that URSB creates and maintains, ii) examine URSB's electronic records management
practices, iii) investigate challenges faced in the management of electronic records at URSB,
and iv) propose recommendations improve electronic records management at URSB. The
records life cycle theory served as the study's conceptual framework. Key informant interviews
and observation were used to collect qualitative data for the study in order to pique the
researcher's interest or curiosity about the various research objectives. Eighteen (18) key
informants who were purposively selected by virtue of their offices held and their expert
opinion on the study topic were interviewed.
The study established that there were two major types of electronic records, which
included public electronic records with open access and confidential electronic records, which
are accessible by a few authorized individuals or groups due to their sensitivity. The study
identified electronic records management practices, which included receiving applications,
scanning and tracking the identity generated by the system after journalizing, e-signing,
retrieval of documents, and creation of records. The study identified administrative practices,
which involved role assignments, such as division of labor, supervision of the processes,
quality control, and document verification. The study revealed difficulties with managing the
e-record, including system difficulties, difficulties with employees comprehending technical
tasks, problems with social inclusion, difficulties with providing clients with high-quality
service, and administrative and human resource difficulties. Based on the study findings, it is
recommended that URSB recruits additional employees in order to manage the large number
of clients, open more branches across the nation, invest in Internet connectivity, networks,
websites, and online systems, and train staff in electronic records management
Busia Neighbourhood Redevelopment project.
No full textA PGD project report submitted to the department of Urban Planning and Design in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the award of a post graduate diploma in Urban Planning and Design of Makerere UniversityProposed design area is located in the heart of Wandegeya Parish. It is an area characterized by a lot student activity due to the high student population from the neighbouring institutions that is Makerere University and Mulago National Referral Hospital. There is a mixed- use development pattern of retail activity, motor vehicle garages, petrol stations and student hostels. The site is bordered by Bombo road on the Western side and Lubigi Secondary drain on the Eastern side. The site is approximately 11.136acres.
The proposed redevelopment of the Busia neighbourhood looks at encouraging mixed use development both vertically and horizontally in order to create a vibrant neighbourhood the encompasses the principles of neighbourhood design. These include: Existing Natural areas - Lubigi secondary drainage channel, Katanga community grounds, green undeveloped land near the school; Mix of Land uses which include: Institutional – church, Recreation – Children’s playground, Mixed use buildings – Commercial and Residential, Residential buildings – student hostels, School – School for PWDs; Multi-modal choice by ensuring access to public transport (taxi, bus, bodaboda), NMT corridors, Bicycle lanes. Promotes walkability with approx. 25Km of pedestrian infrastructure. Vehicular traffic through the neighbourhood is restricted and on-street parking is discouraged and promoting a Safe and Secure neighbourhood whereby streets were designed to ensure businesses and residences face the street thus ensuring “eyes on the street” at all times