Lira Hospital

Abstract Background Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) is a key strategy for preventing adverse maternal outcomes. In Uganda, particularly in the northern region, little is known about women’s preparedness for childbirth and potential emergencies. This study assessed the level of BP/CR and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), Lira City, northern Uganda. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), Northern Uganda. A total of 291 participants were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a researcher-administered structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, individual practices, community factors, and components of birth preparedness and complication readiness. BP/CR was defined based on key preparatory actions, including identification of place of delivery, skilled birth attendant, emergency transport, financial savings, and potential blood donor. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were generated, and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with BP/CR at a 95% confidence level. Results Of the 291 women who were pregnant when we interviewed them, 208 (71.5%) were classified as well-prepared for childbirth and for complications related to that event. The two most common ways that these women said they were preparing for childbirth were by saving money for delivery (199/291 or 68.4%), and by knowing where to go in case there are problems during delivery (191/291 or 65.6%). The least common way that these women said they were preparing for childbirth was by having identified someone who could provide her with blood if she needed it (104/291 or 35.7%). Using logistic regression to adjust for other factors, being better-prepared for childbirth was associated with having a known place to go to obtain funds for delivery (adjusted OR = 4.04; 95% CI = 1.01–9.09), receiving help from a partner during pregnancy (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.25–3.54), being knowledgeable about BP/CR (adjusted OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.04–6.29), and having knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Also, attending at least four prenatal care visits was associated with an increased likelihood of BP/CR. Conclusion Birth preparedness and complication readiness was relatively high among pregnant women attending ANC at LRRH; BP/CR was influenced by a combination of individual, household, and health-system-related factors. Strengthening targeted ANC counseling, promoting male partner involvement, and institutionalizing routine BP/CR assessment tools within antenatal clinics may further improve maternal preparedness and contribute to better pregnancy outcomes.

Background: Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by infected female mosquitoes, remains a significant public health issue, particularly in malaria-endemic regions. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of malaria and its relationships with knowledge and practices of malaria prevention among Prime gravidas in Lira City, Northern Uganda.  Methods:  A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2024 in Lira City. Collected data were coded and entered into SPSS software version 23 and descriptively analysed for frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic Regression analysis was done to determine associations between the variables.  Results:  83.6% of the respondents were of the Lango tribe, 64.9% were in the second trimester of their pregnancy, 59.1% were in the age bracket of 20-29 years, 56.0% were married,  43.1% attained secondary level of education, 225(53.7%), were suffering from malaria diagnosed by a qualified health worker, currently or in the past 1 month and had the cardinal symptoms of malaria, 89.3% of them had headache as a symptom. 341(81.4%) had a fair overall knowledge of malaria. 407(97.1%) reported to have heard about malaria, 381(90.9%) heard about malaria from health workers, 210(50.1%) heard that malaria kills/is a killer disease, 405(96.7%) said that malaria is spread by mosquitoes, 363(86.6%) identified fever with chills and rigors as the signs and symptoms of malaria in pregnancy. Results from multivariate analysis show that a PG with poor knowledge about malaria (AOR at 95% CI:3.117) was more likely to suffer from malaria (p<0.05).  Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of malaria among Prime gravidas. There was a significant association between knowledge, practices, and the prevalence of malaria among Prime Gravidas in Lira City, Northern Uganda.  Recommendation: Health education programs should be implemented to improve PGs' knowledge of malaria.

ABSTRACT Drought poses a critical challenge to Agro-pastoral adaptive capacity globally.. While, Agro-pastoralists use innovations to adapt, empirical evidences in Uganda’s cattle corridor are limited. This study aimed at assessing how Agro-pastoral innovations enhance adaptive capacity. We used a cross-sectional survey to interview 426 households in six districts to gather insightful data, and statistical analyses including Principal component analysis, Instrumental Variable regression model and student t-test were employedOur findingsrevealedthat agro-pastoral households were proactively responding to the impacts of drought by making strategic innovations in crop varieties, livestock types, fodder, and water harvesting techniques believed strengthen their adaptive capacity. Fodder making emerged as the most preferred innovation among households in central and southwest sub-regions, followed by improved crop and livestock varieties. Additionally, food banking was identified as the most significant innovation for households in the Northeast, underscoring the pivotal role of watering crop and creation of water points for livestock in bolstering adaptive capacity. Fodder making offered feeds, during period of drought and income; accounting for; 43.4%, 43.7%, and 51.2% of the household’s total income in the Central, Southwest, and Northeast respectively. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the urgent need to scale up indigenous innovations; water harvesting technologies using both surface and ground tanks, strengtheninglocal fodder production systems and integrating indigenous innovations into national drought adaptation policies taking into consideration the heterogeneities likely to be pervasive in Uganda’s cattle corridor.

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a significant public health concern globally, particularly among vulnerable populations such as infants. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV contributes significantly to infant and child HIV-related mortality. In Uganda, up to 3200 children aged 0 to 14 years die due to HIV-related causes annually, which is highly concentrated in areas heavily affected by HIV, like Lira city. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the prevalence of seroconversion and its associated factors among HIV exposed infants receiving care at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Lira City, northern Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study design which used a retrospective approach. 217 patient files of infants under 18 months at the Early Infant Diagnosis Clinic of Lira Regional Referral Hospital from February 2021 to February 2024 were systematically selected. Quantitative methods of data collection using a standardized data extraction form were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 to obtain results. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done considering the p-values of 0.2 and 0.05 respectively as levels of statistical significance and data was presented in form of tables and pie-chart.ResultsThere were 217 case records reviewed and the results showed that; The seroconversion rate among exposed infants was 7.3% (16/217), and several factors including infants’ sex (aOR 36.177; 95%CI:(1.747–749.045), P = 0.020), Infant’s nutrition status (aOR 437.186; 95%CI: (5.248–36,422.893), P = 0.007), Infants’ mode of feeding (aOR 10.565; 95%CI: (1.171–96.990), P = 0.036) and Maternal viral load suppression status during lactation (aOR 27.971; 95%CI:(1.049–745.899), P = 0.047) were found to be significantly associated with seroconversion.ConclusionThe seroconversion rates among exposed infants in Lira City are higher than the national estimate of 6.9%. Even now that there has been reduced support towards HIV/AIDs services, stakeholders including midwives, the ministry of health and local leaders should align efforts on strengthening appropriate infant feeding counseling, timely ART initiation for newly tested mothers and adherence counselling for unsuppressed mothers and continuously monitoring PMTCT programs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-025-06191-6.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is among the leading causes of mortality and efforts to end TB by 2030 are underway by World Health Organization and the Ugandan Government. TB is a common opportunistic infections affecting people living with HIV (PLWH) infection, with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) being most severe and often fatal form. In sub-Saharan countries, such as Uganda, TBM diagnosis and treatment poses significant challenges with high mortality, especially among PLWH. This case series analyzes the burden and prognosis among TBM patients admitted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda between September 2021 and January 2025. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted on secondary data from 20 adult patients diagnosed with TBMutilizing CSF GeneXpert Ultra between September 2021 and January 2025. Data were compiled from patient hospital files and clinical records. Descriptive analyses were conducted on demographics, antiretroviral therapy (ART) history, CSF GeneXpert diagnostics, CD4 cell counts and mortality outcomes. Results: Among the 20 participants identified with TBM, 65% (13/20) were male with a mean age of 35.3 years (SD 10.1), and mean CD4 cell count of 150.9 cell/mm3. In-patient mortality was 60% (12/20) and eight (40%) 408/20) were discharged home, and overall, short and long-term mortality was 70% (14/20). However, 25% (2/8) died from home within four months of discharge. Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and TB medications (36%), malnutrition (36%), delayed diagnosis, delayed initiation of ART and low CD4 < 100 cells/mm3 contributed to mortality. Conclusion: This case series reveals that TBM prognosis is poor with a high mortality. Patients died had poor adherence to (ART), delayed initiation of ART regiment, and malnutrition. Intensive adherence counselling is highly recommended to newly diagnosed HIV patients to reduce the burden of TBM. Additionally, further research to establish outpatient care and the factors related to post-hospital mortality.

The study aimed at exploring the rationale for and psychological effects of ability grouping in secondary schools. It was anchored mainly on the reference group theory. Following a qualitative approach and an explorative and phenomenological design, the study was conducted among 14 participants, that is, head teachers and students who were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using themes and subthemes; hence, thematic analysis. Findings from interviews and focus group discussions reveal that schools adopt ability grouping practices for purposes related to enabling customised instruction, enhancing peer learning, optimising academic potential, improving learning outcomes and managing classrooms. The psychological effects of ability grouping emerged as those related to students’ self-esteem, confidence, motivation, engagement, identity, stigma and anxiety. In conclusion, ability grouping must be carefully planned and implemented to avoid its negative effects on learners. It is therefore recommended that schools and stakeholders involved in ability grouping take into account the psychological effects of the practice and adopt strategies that enhance support and self-esteem, reduce stigma, train teachers and consider parents’ views and feelings about the practice. Schools must practise flexible grouping, continuous assessment, training and ongoing teacher professional development and monitoring, and equitable distribution of materials and resources.

IntroductionImmediate postpartum modern contraceptive uptake among postpartum women gives over 95% assurance of contraception and reduced chances of short interval pregnancies resulting in improved maternal and child health outcomes. The drivers of its uptake among women are vital in designing interventions aimed at improving and scaling up its uptake. The study therefore explored the drivers of uptake of immediate postpartum modern contraceptives by postpartum women in Lira City, northern Uganda.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was used. A face-to-face key informant interview was used to collect data from 15 key informants (healthcare providers) working in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Data were analyzed using Atlas.Ti and thematic analysis was done. The approach enabled an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon from service providers.ResultsThe barriers to uptake of immediate postpartum modern contraceptives were health system constraints like commodity unavailability, lack of staff training, and inadequate staffing, knowledge and skills gaps of providers. Limited knowledge, religious and cultural beliefs, male partners objection, inadequate access to information, peer influence and fear of side effects were key barriers from recipients of care. The major facilitators include availability of commodities, improved staffing level, staff training, and timely education and counselling.ConclusionThis study highlights that the uptake of immediate postpartum modern contraceptives is hindered by both health system and client-related barriers. Presence of trained staff, availability of contraceptive commodities, improved staffing levels, and timely counselling and education were identified as key facilitators. Addressing both health system and individual barriers through strengthening health systems, targeted provider training, male involvement, and enhanced community education may improve the uptake of immediate postpartum modern contraceptives.

The present study validated the measures of Schein’s Theory of Organisational Culture (TOC) within the context of full-time academic staff at Kyambogo University. Drawing on Schein’s (1980) conceptual framework, organisational culture was operationalised in terms of three core dimensions: artefacts, espoused beliefs and values, and basic underlying assumptions. This cross-sectional study employed a sample of 192 full-time academic staff from Kyambogo University. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM), specifically partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS software, were employed to examine the presence and structure of the three constructs outlined in Schein’s TOC. Descriptive results indicated that artefacts, espoused beliefs and values, and basic underlying assumptions were prominently exhibited among the academic staff. Furthermore, the PLS-SEM analysis confirmed that the indicators used to measure these constructs were valid and reliable representations of the underlying theoretical dimensions. The study concluded that the indicators utilised to measure the three constructs of organisational culture, as theorised by Schein, are both valid and reliable within the context examined. It is recommended that future researchers adopt these indicators when operationalising the constructs of TOC in similar academic or organisational settings

Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among children under five. The introduction of the malaria vaccine presents an opportunity to reduce malaria-related deaths. However, the success of vaccination campaigns depends on community acceptance and willingness to vaccinate. This study aimed to assess the pooled acceptance and willingness to adopt the malaria vaccine in sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on variations across regions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online, was performed. Studies reporting on malaria vaccine acceptance and willingness among caregivers of children under five in sub-Saharan Africa were included. Data were extracted and analysed using STATA, with heterogeneity assessed through the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed based on region and pre- and post-COVID periods. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. A total of 1611 records were identified, and 34 studies met inclusion criteria after screening. Of these, 25 studies with a combined sample of 25,867 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled acceptance rate for the malaria vaccine among caregivers of children under five in sub-Saharan Africa was 82% (95% CI: 73%-90%), while the pooled willingness rate was 80% (95% CI: 70%-90%). Subgroup analyses showed no statistically significant differences in acceptance or willingness by COVID-19 period or region, though the lowest acceptance (53%) was reported in the DRC. High heterogeneity was observed (I2 > 99%), and publication bias was indicated in the willingness outcome (Egger's test, P = 0.002). The findings indicate high levels of acceptance and willingness among caregivers to vaccinate children under five against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting strong community readiness for vaccine rollout. However, the observed heterogeneity and potential publication bias highlight the need for context-specific strategies and further high-quality studies to support implementation and uptake across diverse regions. Systematic review registration The protocol has been registered with PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023480528.