Muni University

Background: Stroke continues to be a primary cause of death and disability which mainly affects patients who have high blood pressure. The research set out to determine how often strokes occur together with their associated clinical risk factors in this specific patient group. Methods: Our research applied a quantitative method to perform a cross-sectional study which included 1,024 patients who had hypertension. Our research team conducted an analysis of 15 variables which included numerical data about patient age and their blood pressure readings and cholesterol measurements and categorical data about their gender and their heart disease status. Our research team conducted statistical analyses to identify which factors most strongly predicted the development of stroke in our patient population. Variables significant only in univariate analysis (p<0.05) but not retained after adjustment are displayed in the Univariate‑only section. ORs are plotted on a logarithmic scale, follows conventions consistent with Stata 17, data analysis through descriptive statistics and machine learning approaches while using Python and Excel as their main software applications. Results: Our research findings demonstrated that 25% of patients with hypertension developed strokes while age emerged as the most critical factor which increased stroke risk. The highest occurrence of 45% appeared in patients who were 70 years old or older. The research showed that glucose levels above 126 mg/dL together with obesity defined by a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher served as important predictive factors which achieved statistical significance through p-values of 0.002 and 0.01. The presence of heart disease was also linked to increased stroke risk (p 0.001), emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments in this demographic. Conclusion: The research findings reveal an urgent requirement for focused treatment programs which target adjustable risk elements including patient age and high blood sugar levels and excess body weight in people with hypertension. Our research shows that active control of these risk elements will lower the chance of stroke development which proves that patients need to follow specific lifestyle changes and maintain their health through scheduled checkups to achieve better results for their condition.

Uganda implemented the antiretroviral therapy (ART) optimization program in July 2019, based on an eligibility rule. ART optimization targeted individuals with prior viral load (VL) < 1000 copies/mL, while those with VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL continued with non-optimized regimens. We assessed the effectiveness of ART optimization on VL suppression among children and adolescents with HIV (CAWH) in Uganda. We also assessed the compliance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics with the eligibility rule and its effect on ART optimization. Therefore, we designed a quasi-experimental study using data from 21 urban and rural HIV clinics. The exposure was ART optimization, defined as the initiation or transition of CAWH on dolutegravir or a protease inhibitor (boosted lopinavir). Children and adolescents with HIV on an optimized ART regimen formed the exposed group, while those on a non-optimized ART regimen comprised the nonexposed group. The primary outcome was VL suppression, defined by VL < 1000 copies/mL after ≥6 months of ART optimization. We assessed the effectiveness of ART optimization on VL suppression using 2-stage least squares instrumental variable regression due to imperfect compliance with the eligibility rule across the clinics. We also established the effectiveness of the eligibility rule on ART optimization for individuals just below and just above the cutoff. Sensitivity analysis was performed using a noncausal approach. We analyzed data from 2999 CAWH aged ≤19 years and found an overall VL suppression of 76.1% (2282/2999). We found that ART optimization showed a trend toward improved VL suppression (risk ratio [RR] 1.81, 95% CI: 0.79-4.14). However, compliance with the rule was only for 2.6% of the participants, and the rule did not improve ART optimization (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.88-1.05). Overall, ART optimization, guided by an eligibility rule, did not achieve the target of ≥95% VL suppression among CAWH across the 21 public HIV clinics in Uganda, partly due to low compliance with the rule, although it showed a trend toward improvement. Addressing context-specific biological, behavioral, social, and structural barriers is needed to optimize VL outcomes.

ABSTRACT Uganda is home to remarkable biodiversity, supports diverse ecosystems ranging from glacier‐topped mountains, tropical rain forests, to semi‐arid systems, has a well‐established and effective protected areas system, and benefits substantially from nature tourism. However, Uganda will face significant challenges if it is to maintain these riches. For example, the country's population is growing rapidly and is expected to surpass 100 million by 2050, more than 80% of households depend directly on natural resources for their livelihoods, and agricultural land has expanded by about 1% per year. Furthermore, Uganda is one of the world's most climate‐vulnerable countries, and flooding and droughts are predicted to become much more common. Such changes will increase demands on natural resources, including those in protected areas. Uganda's government is aware of these challenges and has become a regional leader in environmental policy by taking a proactive approach. However, Uganda is struggling to educate its citizens and build the capacity for effective protection. Here we evaluate Uganda's conservation status and the threats to biodiversity from societal and climate change. We consider the current capacity and institutional infrastructure available to conserve the country's biodiversity, focusing on training and research, policy implementation and capacity in the field. Despite major challenges, clear pathways to a bright future are available.

Purpose: The study aims to assess the deterrents to quality financial reporting in corporate organizations and provide an acceptable solution to address the identified challenges. Methodology: The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires; the unit of analysis was corporate organizations based in Lira, Uganda, and the unit of inquiry was employees. The study assessed discriminant validity among the latent variables using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio, and correlations among the latent variables were computed. To enhance validity and reliability, the study addressed common method bias. A structural equation model was also developed to assess its predictive value and the strength of relationships among the latent variables. Results: The study found that high-quality reporting is associated with good accounting standards. A positive change in financial reporting strategies improves the quality of financial reporting. It is also noted that the use of qualified staff and ICT would enhance the quality of financial reporting. Implications: Corporate organizations that apply sound accounting standards, integrate ICT, and empower boards to perform oversight roles in accordance with established policies will always grow faster. Originality: This study examined the often overlooked, yet significant aspects of quality financial reporting in most corporate organizations, whereas the existing literature focuses primarily on regulatory issues and compliance. The study focused on specificities and hindrances to accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.

Refugee populations experience significant psychological stress in host countries. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened pre-existing vulnerabilities and also presented new vulnerabilities for substance use. The study was conducted to examine the pattern of substance use during and after the COVID-19 pandemic among youth residing in a rural refugee settlement camp in north-western Uganda. The study was conducted in a refugee settlement camp in north-western Uganda. We used an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework to explore substance use among young people. We conducted eight in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions among youths between the ages of 18-30 years. We identified two master themes: (1) trauma led us to substance use and (2) desire for belonging and identity kept us in substance use. Young people recounted stories of trauma which served to initiate and promote substance use among them. COVID-19 restrictions on social isolation, social distancing and military enforcement of the restrictions exacerbated previous experiences of trauma resulting in substance use. Refugees, who were already separated from their families in the host country, engaged in substance use following further parental and social isolation, loneliness and reduced support systems in refugee camps. The reduced financial support, unemployment, closure of businesses and schools provided additional motivation to engage in substance use among young people. Surviving the refugee camp heightened the need for belonging to a group. The desire to belong in, to fit in and to stand out in the group altogether served to provide further avenues for substance use among young refugee populations. Interventions for substance use among refugee youth, particularly during a pandemic, ought to consider the complex landscapes for refugees and their multiple layers of vulnerabilities. Peer pressures and group influence should be given special considerations while planning mitigation measures.

Information security in institutions of higher learning is a persistent challenge that requires immediate attention. The plethora of reported information security breaches in higher education institutions (HEIs) corroborates this. This study reviews 358 articles from reputable journals and databases, synthesized following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses framework, to examine the information security practices of HEIs in the last 5 years. This study reveals that information security in HEIs is best advanced through a holistic strategy that integrates adaptive policy frameworks, continuous and context‐specific training, resilient organizational culture, and judicious deployment of technological innovations. While existing approaches have improved compliance and risk mitigation, persistent gaps in implementation, resource allocation, and cultural alignment limit their overall impact. By synthesizing insights from policy, training, cultural, and technological perspectives, this research underscores the need for socio‐technical approaches that recognize human behavior as a pivotal determinant of institutional resilience. Furthermore, the analysis highlights how emerging technologies, such as AI‐driven threat detection and blockchain, can only achieve their transformative potential when embedded within inclusive governance structures and culturally supportive environments. The contribution of this study lies in demonstrating that sustainable cybersecurity in higher education requires a shift from fragmented interventions toward integrated, system‐wide frameworks that harmonize people, processes, and technology. Such an approach not only strengthens protection of academic and research assets but also provides a foundation for long‐term adaptability in the face of evolving cyber threats. The study advances an information security conceptual model and identifies gaps for areas of further research.

The convergence of drone technology, cloud computing, and intelligent decision-making is revolutionizing precision forestry. However, deploying large-scale drone networks in smart forestry faces challenges such as trust, security, data integrity, and autonomous coordination. This survey examines how combining Blockchain technology with deep Q-learning (DQL) can address these issues within cloud-enabled drone networks. Drawing on 102 peer-reviewed sources published between 2022 and 2025 from reputable platforms such as ACM Digital Library, Frontiers, Wiley Online Library, PLoS, Nature, Springer, ScienceDirect, MDPI, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Taylor &amp; Francis, Sage, and Google Scholar, this work highlights recent advancements in secure and intelligent drone ecosystems. Blockchain provides a decentralized, tamper-resistant framework for validating transactions and securing data exchange among autonomous drones, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of environmental data. This is critical in forestry, where data manipulation and unauthorized access pose significant risks. Complementing this, DQL enables drones to make autonomous decisions by interpreting real-time environmental data and learning from past experiences, allowing drones to adjust their flight paths, optimize resource utilization, and enhance data collection in dynamic forest environments, such as wildfires or illegal logging operations. Together, Blockchain and DQL create a resilient, scalable architecture that supports secure, real-time, and intelligent forest monitoring. This framework lays the groundwork for developing autonomous and trustworthy drone networks that promote sustainable and climate-smart forestry management.

OP 2: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 4, B210 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 14:30 - 15:30BackgroundForcibly displaced Persons (FDPs) have a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes. While a healthy diet is a core component in the control and management of diabetes, access to food is complicated in emergency settings. Few studies focus on the intersection between mobility and food access by FDPs with diabetes at various stages of forced displacement, particularly in the Global South.AimThis paper examines how mobility affects food access and continuity of care for Sudanese and South Sudanese FDPs with diabetes during flight, on arrival, and after settlement in the host country.MethodsIt draws on data from photovoice and in-depth interviews with 30 refugees and asylum seekers in Nyumanzi Reception Centre and Settlement, as well as 10 key informant interviews with stakeholders in Adjumani District, Northern Uganda. Data collection took a community based participatory approach involving refugees as peer researchers.ResultsWe found that adherence to dietary recommendations is constrained by various challenges at different points. During transit, FDPs prioritize survival, not managing the illness. On arrival at the reception centre, adherence to dietary recommendations is difficult because FDPs have limited choice regarding the composition and timing of meals. In the settlement, FDPs suffer food insecurity due to reduced and/or discontinued food rations, insufficient land for cultivation, and poverty due to limited economic opportunities.ConclusionForced displacement complicates adherence to dietary requirements for diabetic patients at different phases of their migration journey. Proper diabetes care requires continuing dietary adjustment; lack thereof increases the vulnerability of these FDPs. This calls for special considerations for FDPs living with diabetes if continuity of care is to be attained.