African health sciences
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African health sciences · Aug 2022
Prevalence and risk factors for visual impairment among elderly patients attending the eye clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda: a cross-sectional study.
The elderly have an increased risk of developing visual impairment (VI). Due to the increase in life expectancy of individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa, the population of the elderly is projected to increase. It is thus postulated that the prevalence of VI will increase which is currently unknown in Uganda. ⋯ In Mulago hospital, the prevalence of VI among the elderly is high with majority of the causes being correctable. We recommend that efforts towards early case identification of causes of VI among the elderly should be a priority.
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African health sciences · Aug 2022
Drugs and alcohol Use patterns among those seeking care in urban rehabilitation centres before and during early months of COVID-19 in Uganda.
There is a rise in alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse in the country but details of the practice are scanty. This paper provides characteristics of clients in the rehabilitation centres, their AOD related practices before and early months of COVID-19, and correlates of repeat treatment. ⋯ Intervention programs should target the educated, the unemployed, young men, their friends, street drug dealers and AOD hotspots.
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African health sciences · Aug 2022
Mobile Phone-based Intervention to promote un-interrupted HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keeping HIV-infected adults away from the health care system during the COVID-19 travel restrictions, presents a challenge to HIV treatment adherence. ⋯ Piloting a MakCHS Health application for patient follow-up was feasible and well-received by HIV treatment providers and patients receiving ART. We recommend scale up of the application to enroll all patients receiving long-term treatment for HIV/AIDS, and subsequently expand to. other HIV treatment programs in similar settings.
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African health sciences · Aug 2022
Use of individual development plans: experiences from junior faculty in the "NURTURE" mentored research program at Makerere University College of Health Sciences.
Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a multi-component career planning worksheet that guides trainees through an iterative self-assessment. This paper provides the first investigation of IDP use and experiences among junior faculty at academic institutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where IDP is seldomly used by trainees. ⋯ IDP was well-received by junior faculty trainees, with several self-management and motivation benefits to the scholars. We recommend that academic programs and faculty at academic institutions in LMIC should consider taking on the IDP approach to promote focused career development for all trainees including junior faculty.