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Biology of ootheca mutabilis on common bean and effect of alternative hosts on its abundance
No full textA dissertation submitted to Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Crop Science of Makerere UniversityCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important crop in eastern and southern Africa by providing 25% total dietary calories, 30 to 60% of protein intake, and is a source of income for the smallholder farmers. The production of common beans is threatened by, among others, damage from insect pests such as Bean leaf beetles (BLBs) (Ootheca spp.). In Uganda, the adult and larvae of O. mutabilis feed on mainly leaves and root system of common bean, respectively, hence causing loss in yield reaching 48.9%. The heavy damage during first season rains often forces some farmers to abandon growing common bean. Due to its polyphagous nature, O. mutabilis survives and reproduces in the absence of common bean, which complicated their management. The information on the biology and ecology with respect to life history and host plant species preference of O. mutabilis would aid the designing of effective control tactics, however such information is lucking. This study determined the developmental biology pertaining to oviposition, morphological changes and development durations of O. mutabilis on common bean, and provided vital information on the abundance of pest’s life stages on alternative hosts, viz. common bean, cowpea, and soybean. The biology was studied while monitoring oviposition and development of O. mutabilis on potted common bean plants in the screenhouse. The host plant effects and interaction with seasons on the abundance of life stages were studied under natural infestation in the field. The field studies were conducted during three seasons (2017B, 2018A and 2018B) at two selected hotspot areas in Arua and Lira districts in northern Uganda. The field experiments were set up following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three host plants (common bean, cowpea, soybean) as treatments, and replicated four times. Results indicated that O. mutabilis females laid in hidden spaces such crevices and below plant debris near plant stalk or protruding roots. The beetles completed their life cycle in the soil, which lasted for 120 days (range: 103 to 137). Egg, larva, and pupa development lasted for 22, 75, and 24 days, respectively. This life cycle is longer than the lifespan of most bush bean varieties implying that larvae and pupae of O. mutabilis remain in the soil after crop maturity. Cowpea with longer maturity and exhibited indeterminate growth habits duration had higher larvae and pupae than common bean, which also suggest higher preference. Adult beetles were observed in the first and second cropping seasons albeit in smaller numbers in the latter than former season. Subterranean larvae were also significantly higher during the 2018A season than in 2017B and 2018B. This means that the crops grown during first season rains are much affected by both foraging adults and subterranean larvae suggesting higher impact on yield than during second cropping season.
It is, therefore, recommended that control tactics must focus on controlling beetle population on alternative hosts most especially cowpea because beetles use these as alternative sources of food for juvenile stages and adults. The control tactic must also target pupae and teneral adults that live in the soil during the second cropping season. The findings from this study are, therefore, useful in informing farmers and pest managers on selecting a set of management tactics and their timing
Factors that influence reporting of adverse drug reactions in private retail pharmacies: A cross-sectional study in Wakiso District
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Public Health Makerere University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Masters of Public Health of Makerere UniversityBackground: Adverse Drug reactions are a significant public health concern, and their reporting is crucial for ensuring drug safety. Health workers in private retail pharmacies are essential sources of ADR reports as they interact with a considerable proportion of the population seeking medication from these settings. However, there is limited literature on the factors influencing ADR reporting practice in pharmacies, particularly in Wakiso district, Uganda. Study Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing ADR reporting among health workers in private retail pharmacies in Wakiso district, Uganda. Materials and methods: This study employed a mixed-methods cross-sectional design. One health worker from each of the 143 surveyed pharmacies in Wakiso district was interviewed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five key informants to gather in-depth insights. ADR reporting practice was assessed using three indicators: detection, documentation, and submission of suspected ADR cases to the National PV Centre (NPC) in the past six months, based on which the ADR reporting practice was classified as good or poor. Prevalence ratios (PR) obtained from a multivariate Poisson regression model were used to measure the association between ADR reporting practice and associated factors. At the same time, thematic analysis was performed for qualitative data. Results: The study found that overall, ADR reporting practice was poor. Among the respondents, 83.9% had encountered suspected ADR cases in the previous six months, but only 15 (12.5%) exhibited good ADR reporting practice by documenting and reporting the suspected cases to the NPC. Less than half (47.5%) of respondents had adequate knowledge of ADR reporting, and a similar proportion (48.3%) had a favourable attitude toward ADR reporting. Good ADR reporting practices were significantly associated with adequate knowledge (aPR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.3–9.8, P =0.0001), in-service training (aPR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.6, P = 0.028), and the existence of ADR data collection forms in the pharmacy (aPR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3–3.1, P = 0.022). Qualitative interviews further confirmed the underreporting of ADRs by healthcare workers despite encountering them.Conclusions. Adverse drug reaction reporting practice among health workers in private retail pharmacies was found to be poor. Staff knowledge, in-service training, and the presence of ADR reporting forms in the pharmacy were significantly associated with good reporting practice. The NPC should implement strategies to enhance health worker knowledge, such as awareness campaigns and incorporating pharmacovigilance into undergraduate curricula. Additionally, facilitating access to ADR reporting forms and strengthening in-service training programs are essential for improving ADR reporting practice in this setting
Symphony of determination of an African young man
No full textA bookSymphony of Determination of an African Young Man" by Israel YK Lubogo is a poignant and inspiring memoir that chronicles the remarkable journey of a young African man navigating through life’s challenges with unwavering determination and resilience. The book opens with a compelling exploration of Israel’s early aspirations and academic achievements, providing a glimpse into his formative years and the foundational values that shaped his character. From overcoming setbacks to seizing opportunities, Israel’s narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. What sets this memoir apart is its deeply philosophical undertones and profound insights into the human experience. Each chapter delves into themes of self-discovery, collaboration, and the courage to confront adversity with optimism. Through vivid storytelling and introspective reflections, Israel invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth. The author’s writing style is both eloquent and evocative, capturing the emotional nuances of his experiences with clarity and depth. His use of poignant quotes from philosophical giants and personal anecdotes adds richness to the narrative, reinforcing the book’s overarching message of resilience and hope. Moreover, "Symphony of Determination of an African Young Man" is not merely a memoir but a call to action—a reminder that each individual has the power to shape their destiny and make a positive impact in the world. Israel’s journey serves as an inspiration to readers of all backgrounds, urging them to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and to embrace life’s challenges with courage and grace. In conclusion, Israel YK Lubogo’s "Symphony of Determination of an African Young Man" is a captivating memoir that resonates with authenticity, wisdom, and profound optimism. It is a book that will leave readers inspired, uplifted, and empowered to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth
Knowledge attitudes and practices among healthcare workers on hepatitis B birth dose vaccination at Kawempe National Referral Hospital
No full textA research dissertation submitted to Directorate of Research and Post Graduate studies as a partial requirements for the award of Masters of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gyneacology of Makerere University.Introduction
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global public health challenge, with approximately 257 million people worldwide affected with chronic infections, with the highest in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority acquire infection through perinatal periods and vaccination is the key intervention to prevent transmission. In Uganda, the Hep B birth dose vaccination was added to the routine immunization schedule in October 2022. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a vital role in the successful implementation of this vaccination program.
The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare workers regarding Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination in Kawempe National Referral Hospital.
Method: A total of 162 healthcare workers were recruited in a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study done at KNRH who directly handle pregnant and post-natal mothers employing stratified simple random, Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire after getting informed consent, checked for completeness, and entered in epidata manager for analysis using SPSS.
Results
Nearly all participants were aware of Hepatitis B-BD vaccination (98.8%) and its preventability (99.4%). However, a notable percentage (42.6%) expressed uncertainty regarding the contraindications, side effects, and dosage of HepB-BD vaccination overall about 56% of participants had good knowledge. Attitudes varied among participants, with around half (52.5%) believing that the vaccine is effective and necessary for all babies, while a significant portion (81.5%) expressed fear of contracting Hepatitis B from administering the vaccine.
Regarding practices, only 45.1% of participants had actively participated in HepB-BD vaccination activities. Nevertheless, a high percentage (95.1%) indicated their willingness to recommend the vaccine to close relatives or friends.
Conclusion; Over half of health workers had moderate to good levels of knowledge and attitudes towards HepB-BD vaccination. However, their practices were rated as poor (66.1%), indicating a gap between knowledge and implementation
Recommendations; Enhance mass sensitization programs for healthcare workers on the significance of HepB birth dose to reduce delays and improve attitudes. Provide mandatory training to all health care workers and utilize health information tools like posters to improve practices in administering and monitoring Hep B birth dose vaccination
Assessing the compliance of kombucha beverage to Uganda national standards
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 Technology Innovation and Industrial Development of Makerere UniversityKombucha, a popular fermented beverage in Uganda, has been embraced for its perceived nutritional and health benefits, despite limited scientific evidence supporting these claims. This study aimed to assess the compliance of Kombucha processing with national standards and therefore the quality of Kombucha products available in the Ugandan market was evaluated. Thirty
randomly collected sample product brands from wholesale shops, retail stores, and supermarkets portioned into alcoholic Kombucha (n=21) and non- alcoholic Kombucha (n=9) were analyzed for microbiological, chemical, and physical labeling characteristics. The certification status of each brand was verified against Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Quality distinctive mark and presence on the list of registered manufacturers. A descriptive survey consisting of structured questionnaires, interviews, observations, and inspections was utilized to obtain quantitative data in order to find any gaps in the application of the US 2037:2019 Kombucha specification. Regression analysis was used to analyze only the independent variables (p 0.05) implying they were meeting the UNBS specification. The PlanDo-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle was used to create a standardization framework for Kombucha drinks by comparing current practices with ISO 22000 standards. Experts in the field who demonstrated its applicability and effectiveness for ongoing improvement within the Kombucha business validated the framework. Overall, this study shows that Ugandan Kombucha manufacturers do not adhere to national regulatory standards, which raises serious concerns about consumer food safety. To get substandard and noncompliant products off the Ugandan market, the regulatory body should step up its efforts to enforce the market
The cascade of care and HIV clinical outcomes for diabetes mellitus among people with HIV at two large HIV Clinics in Kampala, Uganda: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Department of Internal Medicine in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine at Makerere University, College of Health SciencesBackground: The increased survival of people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa has led to a parallel rise in the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to a dual HIV-NCD epidemic. PWH who have uncontrolled DM are at an elevated risk of developing macrovascular and microvascular complications. Integration of services of DM care into HIV clinics is recommended in Uganda to ensure timely identification and treatment of DM among PWH. We aimed to evaluate the DM care cascade and HIV clinical outcomes of PWH with DM at two large HIV clinics in Kampala, Uganda, and explore facilitators and barriers for implementing the DM cascade of care.
Methods: We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study from July to November 2023. Quantitative methods comprised secondary analysis of routinely collected program data of adult PWH at the Mulago ISS and Kisenyi HC IV HIV clinics in Kampala. A subset of this data was used to evaluate HIV clinical outcomes among PWH and DM. We used descriptive statistics to compare baseline characteristics between people with HIV and HIV/DM and a chi-square was used to compare the outcomes between the HIV/DM and HIV/no DM groups. We also conducted six key informants and 12 in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and PWH with DM to explore the facilitators and barriers to HIV/DM service integration. Qualitative results were mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model components.
Results: Of the 6,303 PWH enrolled in care at the two health facilities from January 2020 to December 2022, 704 (11.2 %) were eligible for DM screening. Of these 704 PWH, 415 (59%) were screened for DM, 50 (12%) were diagnosed with DM, and only 31 (62%) were initiated on treatment. None of the PWH with DM achieved glycaemic control. Regarding HIV clinical outcomes, PWH with comorbid DM showed a significantly higher likelihood of being hospitalised (10.5% vs. 1.4%, p<0.001). Furthermore, retention in care was significantly lower for PWH with DM compared to those without (62.9% vs. 81.7%, p<0.001). The primary facilitators of successfully integrating the DM cascade of care were well-trained healthcare providers, access to treatment guidelines, and a patient-centric approach to service delivery. The main barriers to integrated DM care in HIV included insufficient medical supplies, heavy workload, inadequate referral mechanisms for DM care, misconceptions among PWH, and financial limitations.
Conclusion: Multiple gaps were observed along the entire cascade of DM care, yet the prevalence of DM among those screened was high. Improving access to DM care among PWH will require capitalising on the facilitators while overcoming barriers through targeted efforts to improve screening, facilitate initiation of antidiabetic drugs, and monitor patients to achieve glycaemic control.Mak-Implementation Science training program through the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Fogarty International Center grant # D43TW011401
Exploring critical thinking in Makerere University Business School Bachelor of Commerce curriculum
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management of Makerere UniversityCritical thinking skills have gained prominence over the years as some of the essential employment requirements for 21st-century graduate employment. Inculcating critical thinking in the educational processes is of critical importance today, and graduate schools are increasingly questioning the existence of these skills in their processes. This is because the level of youth unemployment in Uganda is relatively high and, in many ways, is being attributed to the lack of, among other things, critical thinking skills in the graduates. To address youth unemployment, the Ugandan Government has focused on BTVET, entrepreneurship, science and industrialization, and youth funding schemes. There is a lot of existing scholarship indicating the centrality of critical thinking dispositions in being employable. However, there is no documented scholary effort that has been put into exploring whether the existing graduate unemployment is related to shortage of critical thinking skills in the curriculum of Uganda's higher education institutions. It is against this backdrop that I decided to explore the nature of critical thinking in the Makerere University Business School Bachelor of Commerce curriculum. To carry out the study, I adopted a qualitative case study design based on constructivist epistemology and rooted in the Hermeneutics philosophical school of thought. I obtained data through document analysis, overt non-participant observation, and focused interviews and used textual analysis to analyze the data. Findings showed that critical thinking was reflected in the MUBS BCOM content in some contexts but not in all. Also, some aspects of critical thinking were prevalent in the curriculum practice but not in all existing practices. I therefore concluded that aspects of critical thinking was prevalent in the MUBS BCOM Curriculum. But a lot more can be done. I therefore recommended that there should be an intentional increase in the prevalence of critical thinking taxonomic words in the curriculum content and deliberate attention to the use of curriculum practice that optimally supports instilling critical thinking skills in learners
Exploring the use of KNN and ANN algorithms in flood susceptibility mapping
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate School in partial fulfilment for the award of Master of Science In Geo-Information Science and Technology of Makerere UniversityFloods are natural disasters that can cause extensive damage to people and property. Climate change, driven by rising global temperatures and shifts in landforms, human activities, and engineering structures, has significantly increased the vulnerability to floods. Establishing early warning systems helps alert communities about impending floods, allowing them to evacuate and take precautions. However, these efforts are hindered by the lack of reliable, up-to-date data showing flood-prone areas, making communities more vulnerable to the devastating impacts of recurring floods. With increased data availability, data-driven models have enabled precise flood susceptibility mapping. This study focuses on data-driven models explicitly using machine learning techniques, specifically K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), to predict which areas in the Mbale district are most vulnerable to flooding. Document review was used to identify the different factors causing flooding. Multicollinearity analysis and feature importance assessment were used to select the most influential factors for parameterizing
the model. Two models that is KNN and Artificial Neural network were parameterized for flood susceptibility mapping. A dataset comprising 354 ground locations (flood-affected and nonaffected areas) was utilized, with 60% allocated for model training and 20% for testing and validation purposes. The accuracy of the models was assessed using metrics which included Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), Area Under the Curve (AUC), Precision, and Sensitivity. Twenty-one factors were identified and ten were selected as the most influencial factors and used as inputs for the predictive models. The results from KNN showed that 20.9% of the study area, predominantly in the central and western part, were susceptible to flooding. The results from ANN identified 11.3% of the study area as flood-prone, primarily along riverbanks and the low-lying regions in the western part. The accuracy assessment showed that the ANN model performed better than the KNN model with a higher AUC (90.14%) and ACC (92.40%). This study provides valuable insights into utilizing data-driven models for flood susceptibility mapping and can be used to improve disaster management strategies
Fintech innovation adaptability
No full textA dissertation submitted to the College of Business and Management Science in partial fulfillment for the award of a Master’s Degree in Financial Services of Makerere UniversityThis study examined how leveraging FinTech innovations enhanced adaptability at KCB Bank. The objectives of the study were threefold: first, to evaluate how the adoption of FinTech innovations improved operational processes at KCB; second, to identify the challenges faced in integrating FinTech innovations; and third, to propose solutions that could address these challenges and enhance effective integration, ultimately improving adaptability and performance at the bank. The research was conducted at KCB's headquarters, with a focus on the main branch located on Kampala Road. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 80 respondents using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The findings revealed that 75% of respondents responded to questionnaires set .They agreed that FinTech innovations had significantly improved operational efficiency, with mobile banking and digital payments receiving the highest approval. Despite these successes, the study identified several key challenges, including regulatory constraints and cybersecurity risks, which were seen as significant barriers to integration. Legacy IT systems and resistance to change were also noted as moderate challenges, though less problematic. To address these issues, the study proposed several solutions, such as upgrading IT infrastructure, increasing investment in FinTech solutions, providing comprehensive training programs, enhancing regulatory compliance, and strengthening cybersecurity measures. Additionally, fostering collaboration with FinTech companies was recommended to facilitate smoother integration and improve service offerings at KCB. These recommendations aimed to enhance adaptability and performance by overcoming the challenges identified in the integration of FinTech innovations at KCB
T cell immune memory and protective correlates in Ugandans with mild Covid-19 disease.
No full textA dissertation report submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science of Immunology and Clinical Microbiology of Makerere University, Kampala.Background: This study explores T cell immune memory and protective correlates in Ugandans with mild COVID-19 disease, focusing on those with low immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels. Understanding the mechanisms that confer protection in the absence of strong humoral immunity is crucial for developing effective therapeutic and preventive strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Objective: To identify T cell correlates of protection in individuals with mild COVID-19 and low IgG antibody responses, aiming to elucidate the role of T cell-mediated immunity in the absence of robust humoral responses. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted using peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals at three time points: month zero (M0), month one (M1), and month six (M6). Participants were categorized into high IgG and neutralizers (HN) and low IgG and non-neutralizers (LNn). Flow cytometry evaluated T cell activation markers, cytokine profiles, and memory T cell subsets in response to SARS-CoV-2 predicted CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes. Results: Significant differences were observed in T cell responses between the HN and LNn groups. LNn individuals exhibited higher net percentages of CD4+/OX40+ cells (P=0.01) and lower percentages of naïve T cells (P=0.04) upon CD4S peptide stimulation, indicating enhanced T cell activation and differentiation. CD4+/CD137+ cells were lower in the LNn group following CD4R stimulation (P=0.02), suggesting reliance on alternative activation pathways. CD8A stimulation revealed that LNn individuals had lower proliferative responses in CD8+ T cells, as indicated by lower Ki67 expression (P=0.02), but higher percentages of terminally differentiated effector memory T cells (TEMRA, P=0.02), highlighting the importance of robust cytotoxic memory T cell responses. Conclusion: The study underscores the crucial role of T cell-mediated immunity in SARS-CoV-2 protection, particularly in individuals with low antibody responses. These findings provide insights into immune mechanisms in mild COVID-19 and suggest potential targets for enhancing vaccine-induced protection in low seroconversion populations