Hubert Kairuki Memorial University

Sexual violence (SV) is a profound human rights violation and public health issue worldwide, with significant physical, psychological, and financial impacts. It disproportionately affects women and has both immediate and long-term consequences. In higher learning institutions (HLIs), SV remains prevalent, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where addressing it is challenging due to the lack of context-specific, evidence-based interventions. Generating such interventions first requires robust evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of SV within local settings. This study assessed the prevalence of SV and its contributing factors in Tanzania's HLIs, with the aim of providing insights that can inform the design of context-specific interventions to reduce SV in these settings. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical design. The study was conducted among female nursing students at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, a public institution, and Herbert Kairuki Memorial University, a private institution, in Dar es Salaam. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between sociodemographic factors and SV, followed by multiple logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with SV. Of the 296 participants, 21 (7.1%) reported experiencing SV since enrollment at the university, with fellow students primarily identified as perpetrators. Reporting of SV and legal actions was very low, with only 9.5% reporting incidents and 4.8% taking legal action. Studying at a public university (adjusted odds ratio: 4.939; 95% confidence interval: 1.611, 15.141; p = 0.005) was a statistically significant factor associated with the experience of SV. This study revealed notable SV prevalence among female students in the two HLIs, especially the public institution. Underreporting and lack of legal action persist, with students often perpetrators. Urgent institutional interventions are needed to raise awareness, promote reporting, and target perpetrators.

Abstract Purpose: Timely diagnosis is one of the core pillars of the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative. This study explored the experiences of Tanzanian women in securing a breast cancer diagnosis and gathered their recommendations for enhancing the diagnostic process in a resource- constrained setting. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study involving 14 women who completed breast cancer treatment at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants to ensure cancer survivors who are active as patient advocates were also represented. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interview prompts focused on the participant’s experiences related to obtaining a breast cancer diagnosis. Data were analyzed using the Model of Pathways to Treatment framework alongside a rapid analysis approach to identify healthcare system strengths, barriers to diagnosis, and suggestions for improvement. Results: Participants had a median age of 50 years (range 40–60 years). All participants were cancer survivors, with 71% (10/14) being active patient advocates. Identified strengths within the health system included the availability of primary care and specialized cancer care services, some health insurance coverage, and social welfare support from various healthcare facilities. Barriers to timely diagnosis included financial and logistical constraints, insufficient resources in healthcare facilities and limited breast cancer knowledge among non-specialized healthcare providers. Participants also reported challenges in navigating the health system, complicated referral pathways, delays in receiving biopsy results and poor patient-provider communication. Recommendations for improvement included enhancing patient-provider communication, improving training for primary care providers, reducing costs for diagnosis, strengthening pathology services, and incorporating psychological support in breast cancer care. Conclusion: This study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Tanzania’s healthcare system for breast cancer diagnosis. By preserving the strengths while addressing existing challenges, access to breast cancer diagnostics could be improved. Initiatives aimed at improving breast cancer care should prioritize the implementation of patient suggestions, such as enhancing patient-provider communication and strengthening pathology services including lowering diagnostic costs. Citation Format: Zainab Illonga, Summaiya Haddadi, Kija Luhuti, Beatrice Mushi, Pendo Ibrahim, Msiba Selekwa, Godfrey Philipo, Ryan Fodero, Asteria Kimambo, Nanzoke Mvungi, Edda Vuhahula, Jaime Gilliland, Katherine Van Loon, Elia Mmbaga, Dianna Ng. Barriers to Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Tanzania: Patient Perspectives and Recommendations for Improvement [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 52.

BackgroundTracer studies evaluate the effectiveness of university training by assessing how graduates perform in the job market. This study focused on Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) graduates, aiming to describe their training experiences, application of acquired competencies, and overall stakeholder perceptions to inform BScN curriculum improvement.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed-method design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data concurrently from 2016–2020 BScN graduates (February-May 2023). Graduates and other stakeholders (including educators, employers, and policymakers) in this study were selected from private, public, and faith-based hospitals and universities, colleges, and the Ministry of Health. Quantitative data were gathered via online structured questionnaires adapted and modified from the American International Health Alliance and the Technical Vocational Education and Training tools. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups with graduates, employers, educators, and policymakers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Integration occurred during interpretation to provide a comprehensive understanding of graduates’ experiences, competency application, and stakeholder perceptions of the BScN program.ResultsAmong the 61 graduates who completed the online survey, 37 (60.7%) were female. Most (48; 78.7%) worked as nurses, while 6 (9.8%) were tutors and 3 (4.9%) worked as tutorial assistants. Demonstration was rated the most useful teaching and learning method by 52 (85.2%) respondents, and 47 (81%) rated practical exams as a useful assessment method. These were also supported by graduates and stakeholders who shared their perspectives with regard to the benefits and impact of the BScN program and training quality. Additionally, 54 graduates (94.7%) found the program very useful in preparing them for their professional roles, which aligned with their views on the connection between acquired competencies and job performance. Both graduates and educators highlighted challenges encountered during training and in professional practice. Policymakers and graduates also offered recommendations for improving the program.Additionally, 54 graduates (94.7%) found the program very useful in preparing them for their professional roles, which aligned with their views on the connection between acquired competencies and job performance. Both graduates and educators highlighted challenges encountered during training and in professional practice. Policymakers and graduates also offered recommendations for improving the program.ConclusionThe findings demonstrate that the BScN program is widely regarded by graduates and stakeholders as effective in preparing students for professional practice, particularly through practical teaching methods such as demonstrations and practical exams. While the program’s impact on competency development and job performance was strongly affirmed, the study also revealed notable challenges during training and practice. These insights support the ongoing review and enhancement of the BScN curriculum.

Regular monitoring of the emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum markers of resistance against artemisinin, partner drugs, sulfadoxine, and pyrimethamine is important for the treatment and prevention of malaria in Tanzania. Blood samples were collected from febrile and non-febrile children aged 3 to 59 months in Masasi and Nanyumbu Districts between 2020 and 2021. The samples were subjected to molecular analysis for markers of artemisinin, partner drugs, sulfadoxine, and pyrimethamine resistance, including Plasmodium falciparum kelch (Pfk) 13 gene, P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter gene (Pfcrt), P. falciparum multidrug resistance gene (Pfmdr) 1, P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr), and P. falciparum dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps). A total of 531 blood samples were involved in the analysis. None of the P. falciparum isolates analyzed for Pfk13 carried any of the validated markers of artemisinin resistance. Pfcrt CVMNK wild-type haplotype occurred in 88.9% (271/305) of the parasites, and the mutant CVIET haplotype occurred only in 0.7% (2/305). Conversely, the majority of the parasites (24.2% [48/198]) were carrying Pfmdr1 NFD haplotype, followed by the wild-type haplotype NYD (19.1% (39/198), and the rest were mixed infections. Quintuple mutation IRNI-SGEAA occurred in 54.4% (62/114), and sextuple mutation IRNI-FAKGS occurred only in 0.9% (1/114) of the parasites. No parasite carried any of the validated markers of artemisinin resistance; however, the prevalence of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 resistance markers against the partner drugs reached the saturation point. Sextuple Pfdhfr-Pfdhps mutations occurred only in one patient; therefore, SP remains efficacious for IPTp in the Districts.

There is an increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated infections and malignancies among people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, there is limited literature exploring the intersection of HPV, HIV, and oral health in Tanzania and across sub-Saharan Africa. We reviewed the existing literature on the intersection of HIV, HPV, and oral health in Tanzania. This was a scoping review with the search of key words representing HIV, HPV, oral health, and Tanzania. Since there were no studies that explored the intersection of HIV, HPV, and oral health in Tanzania, the search extended to include studies with the intersection between oral health and either HIV or HPV in Tanzania. 44 studies were eligible for analysis. Only one of them explored the relationship between HPV and oral health, where 4 (6%) of adolescent schoolgirls were detected with HPV-DNA and the paper hinted at the possibility of HPV autoinoculation. There were no articles linking HPV vaccination and oral health. The remaining 43 (98%) studies explored the relationship between HIV and oral health. There has been an increase in oral manifestations in PLHIV in the last two decades, and highly active antiretroviral therapy has been protective against oropharyngeal candidiasis but had no significance on head and neck cancer. Single-dose fluconazole and 35% herbal antifungals were identified to be effective in treating oral candidiasis. No recent studies explored the different facets of dental care among PLHIV. There are no studies exploring the intersection of HIV, HPV, and oral health in Tanzania. Future studies are needed to determine the burden and barriers of HPV-associated oral manifestations among PLHIV in Tanzania and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Interpersonal violence is a significant public health and human rights concern. People living with severe mental illness are especially vulnerable. The Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda aims to end violence. To this end, we gathered information on the prevalence and factors associated with interpersonal violence among one of the most impacted groups: individuals with severe mental illness at Butabika Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2020, including individuals 18 years or older. Data was collected through a socio-demographics questionnaire and nine questions from the modified My Exposure to Community Violence Questionnaire. The assessment evaluated physical or sexual violence experience, frequency, and perpetrator identity. The data was analyzed using STATA version 12 through simple logistic regression to determine the correlation between a single exposure and the outcome of interest, with a significance level of 5%. Among 385 participants, the past year prevalence of overall reported interpersonal violence was about 34%, while physical and sexual reported interpersonal violence were approximately 29% and 11%, respectively. Participants who had perpetrated physical violence had higher odds of experiencing reported interpersonal violence. With increasing age, the odds of experiencing reported interpersonal violence decreased; compared to those aged 18–24 years, those aged 35–44 years had AOR = 0.31 (95% CI: 0.14–0.70, p = 0.005), and those aged 45 years and above had AOR = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.15–0.80, p = 0.013). Reported interpersonal violence was high among the participants. While individuals of older age had lower odds of reporting interpersonal violence, those who had perpetrated physical violence in the past year had higher odds. Screening for interpersonal violence among young patients is recommended. Psycho-education on preventing physical violence should be provided, especially to younger adults. The Ministry of Health should address violence against individuals with mental illness through mass sensitization. A prospective study could investigate risk and protective factors.

Renal diseases pose a significant burden of morbidity and mortality, particularly among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The risks are further compounded by drug-induced renal toxicity, and the growing burden of hypertension, diabetes, and Hepatitis C infections. This study assessed the magnitude and factors associated with renal dysfunction among PLHIV attending clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2022 among 331 PLHIV recruited through a multistage sampling. Renal disease was determined through urine analysis and clinical, demographic, and disease-specific data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The analysis, performed in SPSS version 25, involved descriptive analysis, univariate, and multivariable logistic regression to determine the magnitude and predictors of renal dysfunction among PLHIV. Renal dysfunction was observed in 37 (11.1%) participants. Patients with advanced age were 3.89 times more likely to have renal dysfunction (95% CI: 1.56 – 9.72, p = 0.004) compared to lower age groups. No statistically significant association was found between renal dysfunction and sex, duration from diagnosis of HIV and on ART, ART-based regimen, HIV viral load, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. More than one in ten PLHIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, presented with signs of renal dysfunctions, which was more significant among patients aged 55 and older. Routine screening for renal diseases among PLHIV, especially for patients with advanced age is essential to prevent and control for progression to renal failure.

Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among HIV+ve women. To determine factors influencing utilisation of cervical cancer screening among HIV+ve women attending Cancer Treatment and Care in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Cross-sectional study among HIV+ve women was carried out between September and October 2021; collected using a standardised questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine cervical cancer extent and association of predictors of cervical cancer screening. 230 HIV+ve women aged 21-60 years were interviewed. Only 47% had screened for cervical cancer. Low knowledge of HIV+ve as risk significantly associated with less likelihood to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 0.49, 95% CI (0.253-0.957, P = 0.037)]. Parity of 3 or more was twice likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.124, 95% CI (1.012-4.456, P = 0.046)]; and housewives were 2.5 more likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.594, 95% CI (1.149-5.853, P = 0.002)]. Lack of knowledge on preventive measures was less associated with likelihood to screen [AOR 0.114, 95% CI (0.013-0.972, P = 0.047)]. Lack of knowledge on HIV+ve and prevention, age and parity are likely to influence utilisation of cervical cancer screening services.

BackgroundSubstance use among people living with HIV is associated with poor health, social, and psychological outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence of substance use and associated factors among youth attending HIV care and treatment centers (CTCs) in Dodoma, Tanzania.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out in Dodoma, Tanzania, from February to April 2020 among youth aged 15–24 attending HIV CTCs. Data was collected using sociodemographic, WHO ASSIST Version 3.0, BDI II, and SERAD questionnaires. Data analysis was done using Stata 17. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize continuous and categorical variables. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors independently associated with substance use.ResultsThe prevalence of substance use was relatively low (6.6%). Older youth (20 to 24 years) were 2% less likely to use substances compared to the younger ones (15 to 19 years) (AOR: 0.07; 95% CI 0.01, 0.83). There were statistically significant decreasing odds of substance use with every year increase in age at HIV diagnosis (OR: 1.66; 95% CI 1.14, 2.41). Being unemployed was statistically significantly associated with decreased odds of substance use among this population (OR: 0.03; 95% CI 0.02, 0.33). Youth who had detectable viral loads were significantly more likely to use substances compared to those with undetectable viral loads (AOR: 12.9; 95% CI 1.07, 156.05).ConclusionsDespite the low prevalence of substance use found in this study, it is important to note that late age of HIV diagnosis, employment, and detectable viral load negatively impacted HIV positive youth with regards to substance use. It is recommended that CTCs emphasize routine screening for substance use among youth who have detectable viral loads.