Background Diarrhea remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old worldwide. The burden is disproportionately high among children in low- and middle-income countries. Young children are especially vulnerable to diarrheal disease and a high proportion of the deaths occur in the first 2 years of life. Objective The aim of the study was to access factors influencing diarrheal diseases among under-five children in Kanyanda, Luwero District Method A descriptive cross sectional study was employed to assess the factors influencing diarrheal diseases among under-five children in Kanyanda, Luwero District. A total of 279 care takers/mothers of children under-five years were included in this study using non probability, convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were enteredand analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results From the assessment done the prevalence of childhood diarrhea disease was high at 47.7%. age of the child (P=0.00), place where the child was born (P=0.044), duration of breastfeeding (P=0.00), immunization status (P=0.00), maternal age (P=0.00), number of children in the household (P=0.00), maternal education (P=0.00), maternal employment (P=0.02), type of toilets (P=0.00), adult defecation (P=0.00), presence of flies in the kitchen (P=0.00) and domestic animla near house (P=0.00) were independently associate with occurrence of childhood diarrhea. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for going educational, informational and improving on the socio-economic status, sanitation interventions of the respondents to address the factors of childhood diarrhea diseases in order to decrease the rate of childhood diseases among children below five years.

The study was carried out to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice on immunization among care takers of children below five Years in Namuwongo. Many challenges were faced, including accessibility, language barrier as well as intimidation, bearing in mind that Namuwongo is an informal urban settlement, home to many people who are internally displaced persons (IDPs) from zones of violence in Uganda or refugees who fled from neighboring countries such as DR Congo and South Sudan. These residents face many problems, such as unemployment, low quality shelter, high crime rates, drug abuse, poor and insufficient infrastructures and low literacy levels. Problem: Namuwongo village is heavily populated and majority of her inhabitants dwell in congested environments prone to many vaccine preventable diseases. It is one of the suburbs in Kampala that has less educated residents with one health center therefore making it a barrier to utilization of immunization services. Therefore, in case this continues the nation will have persistent mortalities and morbidities. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice on immunization among care takers of children below five years in Namuwongo village. Methodology: The study was carried out from the 25th October, 2014, to 15th November, 2014. 200 participants were interviewed using a researcher administered questionnaire, with the help of research assistants. A cross sectional, descriptive study was carried out to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices towards immunization among the care takers of children who are below five years in Namuwongo community. The data was collected using the researcher administered questionnaires that was presented to the respondents who consented and were willing to take part in the study. Pre-coded self administered questionnaires were administered by the researcher and the research assistants to collect data from the respondents. The data was presented in tables, bars and pie charts.

Caesarean section (CS) is a surgical procedure where an incision(s) is made through a mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver babies (WHO, 2015). WHO, recommends less than 15% of caesarean section deliveries globally but it exceeds that rate most especially in limited resource countries like Uganda where the health care systems are poor. This also results in adverse effects such as wound infection and septicemia. The study was meant to establish the social demographic, individual and health facility related factors contributing to wound infection among caesarean section mothers. A descriptive cross sectional study research design was used where a sample size of 120 respondents was selected by purposive sampling and data was collected using structured interviews. Social demographic factors that contributed to wound infection were; low age 46(38%), low levels of education 55(45%), 50(42%) low incomes, 50(42%) high parity and 51(43%) had a family sizes which made care difficult. Individual factors included; majority had prolonged labour which led to rapture of the tissues, 80(67%) irregular ANC attendance, 46(38%) poor nutrition, 94(78%) poor wound hygiene, 83(69%) lack of caretakers after surgery, 86(72%) resorting to work immediately after caesarean section and 76(63%) wounds after the caesarean section. Health care facility related factors were; majority 89(74%) did not easily access obstetric emergency care where 46(38%) travelled long distances to health facility, 109(91%) did not get all the drugs yet 83(69%) could not manage to buy those drugs which led to 55(66%) of them to use herbs while 68(57%) did not get enough information in the hospital about wound infection control. In conclusion, respondents had low levels of education, with low working experience and large family sizes which could have led to low income. This also could have led to failure to regularly attend antenatal care, access emergency obstetric care and afford to buy drugs after surgery and mothers never maintained proper wound hygiene. The health facility was very distant to most mothers, lacked enough drugs and never gave enough information on wound infection which all led to the problem. The researcher recommends that, enough information about wound infection should be given to mothers, more health centres with maternity services should be constructed should be well facilitated with enough drugs and all equipments.

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the action needed in the case of emergency. It is also a strategy to promote utilization of skilled maternal and neonatal care timely, based on the assumption that preparing for child birth and being ready for complications reduces delay in obtaining this care Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the factors influencing birth preparedness among antenatal women at Kasangati Health center IV Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was employed to assess the factors influencing birth preparedness among antenatal women at Kasangati Health center IV. A total of 368 women attending ANC clinic in Kasangati Health Centre were included in this study using non probability, convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Result: From the assessment done the level of birth preparedness was low at 19.6%. Occupation (OR=0.000), time taken to reach the nearest facility (OR=0.002), distance (OR=0.002), health education at ANC (OR=0.000), number of ANC visit (OR=0.040), giving birth to still birth (OR=0.000) and having babies who developed complication (OR=0.003) were independently associated with birth preparedness Conclusion: The findings highlight the level of birth preparedness is low. The research recommends to ministry of health to sensitize women of reproductive age on birth preparedness. Birth preparedness should also be improved through quality ANC. The government through relevant agencies should encourage the education of the girl child and put in place strategies to increase the average income of women.

Introduction:The case control study was conducted using a convenience method conducted at Mubende enrolled was conducted246 participants 123 participants who had failed on first line(cases) and 123 who had not failed on first line(controls).A supplied convenience method was used. The objectives were:To determine the socio demographic, clinical and personal factors associated with failure of first line ART among the positive clients attending Mubende ART clinic. Results: Majority of the variables were significantly associated with first line treatment failure as reported. Majority of the clients who participated where between 36-45 years(35.8%) while a few who were between 18-25 years (14.2%)failed. Many of the participants who failed were female (54%) and also a big number were widowed (37%).. Participants who did not have formal education are identified to have failed (43.9%). Those who are civil servants (36.6%) were identified to have failed more than other categories. Those clients who were earning more than one hundred thousand shillings (54.2%) were identifies to have failed more than those who earn a monthly income less than 100000/= Area of residence, gender age, monthly income, occupation and marital status were highly associated with failing on first line drugs (p<0.05). Clinical factors were all significantly associated with treatment failure these included :baseline cd4(p<0.001),distance from clients homes(p<0.001),duration on ART(p<0.001),WHO stage(p<0.001),.apart from clinic waiting time(p=0.004) and NVP exposure(p=0.540) and drug availability at the site(p=0.086). and the Personal factors were all significantly associated with first line treatment failure apart from community support groups availability (p=0.883) Recommendations: The Government should put more funding in drug procurement so that there is the strategy of test and treat is initiated this will help to reduce on the HIV transmission rates, reduce on morbidity and mortality rates due to HIV, early initiation will help to improve client s health and hence prolonged stay on first lineetc. In conclusion there are many factors that bring about first line treatment failure there for the government should strengthen the comprehensive HI care and management system.

Background: Globally, infant breast feeding is well recognized since ancient ages as the best feeding method for infants because of its associated benefits including providing immunologic protection against death from infectious diseases, such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections, otitis media, among others. Despite this relevance, breastfeeding rates among women with infants has been stagnated with global statistics indicating that only 45% of new borne are put to the breast within the first hour of birth, and roughly the same proportion of infants less than 1 year of age are exclusively breastfed. In Uganda, available statistics estimate that the current death toll of 141,000 children dying annually could be due to inadequate breastfeeding practices. Therefore, this study sought to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices among mothers towards breast feeding of infants in Kasana H/C IV, Luweero district. Methods: The study employed a cross sectional research design in which opinions were obtained from 113 mothers although only 80 successfully filled and returned the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 70.8%. These questionnaires were coded, tabulated, analyzed and processed using SPSS ver20 from which findings were derived. Results: The findings indicated that knowledge factors were significant predictors of breastfeeding intent among mothers with infants less than one year whereby mothers who had adequate knowledge on the relevance of exclusive breastfeeding were likely to breastfeed their children for longer before adding food supplements. In relation to attitudes, the study revealed that maternal attitudinal factors such as perception of inadequate support from community members, shyness during breastfeeding especially in public, poor perception of breastfeeding in minimizing family expenses were responsible for their failure to comply with the recommended infant breastfeeding practices. Moreover, the study found out inadequate practices to infant breastfeeding including use of pre-lacteal feeds before the recommended age of the infant, less time of exclusive breastfeeding, and use of food supplements. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that knowledge and attitudinal factors are very significant in explaining variations in infant breastfeeding. In the same way, the practices of mothers such as use of pre-lacteal feeds, less time of exclusive breastfeeding and use of food supplements were cited as influential among breastfeeding mothers. Thus, breastfeeding mothers with infants need to pay attention to these factors if they are to maximise the benefits of infant breastfeeding. Recommendations: Based on these findings, the researcher recommended that health workers should ensure dissemination of information to create awareness among mothers on best infant feeding practices especially on issues of frequency of breastfeeding, when to initiate food supplements, benefits and limitations of food supplements. More so, there is need to train midwives on proper customer care skills as this will bridge the gap between mothers and health service providers and this will improve their attitudes.

Background: Worldwide, male attendance of skilled ANC and delivery care remains a challenge to safe motherhood. About 210 million women become pregnant each year with 30 million (15%) developing complications, resulting into over half a million maternal deaths (De Bernis L, et al., 2003). Developing countries account for more than 99% of all maternal deaths; with about a half occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, and a third in South Asia (WHO,2007; UNICEF, 2008). There is also slow progress towards achieving the fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in developing countries (AbouZahr C, 2003). Male involvement in reproductive health has recently been promoted as a promising new strategy for improving maternal and child health (UNFPA, 2000). Main objective: To assess the factors influencing men’s involvement in antenatal care services (ANC) in Kibuli, Makindye Division, Kampala District. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 240 adult men, in a sexual relationship, with at least one child that were residing or working in Kibuli’s informal sector. They were chosen using stratified sampling and simple random sampling and consented to participate in the study. Data was collected at a specific point in time without follow up and then analyzed to facilitate in the description of men’s involvement in antenatal care services in Kibuli. Results: The proportion of men that were involved in ANC in Kibuli, Makindye Division was 147/240 (61.25%). Level of education (P=0.007), Tribe (P=0.015), and Occupation (P=0.0018), were found to be associated with male involvement in ANC. Men that reported knowing the importance of male involvement in their partner’s health (P= 0.000), knowledge on the definition of ANC (P= 0.000) and knowledge on the recommended number of ANC visits (P=0.000) were more likely to be involved in ANC

Nasogastric tube feeding is a very vital among patients with conditions that cannot allow them to feed orally. They are also used for drug administration. The study aimed to assess the knowledge attitude and practices towards the nasogastric tube insertion among the nurses of International Hospital Kampala. The study employed a cross sectional research design. The sample size of 120 respondents who were nurses was selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS. Findings about nurse’s knowledge towards insertion of the nosagastric tube indicated good knowledge. This was because all the nurses had ever heard about it and understood its use and got this information during their formal training. All of them knew the indications for nasogastric tube. Majority 98 (82%) knew the determinants of selecting the nasogastric tube size where they mentioned age, weight, condition of the patient and diagnosis. They 78 (94%) were also aware of confirming the right position where the tube is inserted and this could be indicated by aspiration of the stomach contents. Nurses generally had poor attitude because; majority 75 (62.5%) felt unonformable when inserting the nasogastric tube, 92 (76.7%) would not accept insertion of a nasogatric tube if they fell sick, 72 (60%) believed that all patients feel uncomfortable when inserting it. Nurse had fair practices in NG tube insertion where; 65 (54.1%) introduced and explained the procedure to the patients, 76 (63.3%) checked the position of the tube, 70 (58.3%) kept the tube in a firm and secure position, 67 (55.8%) left the patients in a comfortable position and 59 (49.2%) maintained good hygiene. However; 83 (69.2%) partially prepared for the procedure i.e. swabs, water, stethoscope, gloves, litmus paper, appropriate size of tube, 20mls syringe, 70 (58.4%) partially washed their hands and put on gloves, 56 (46.7%) did not position the patient well in a sit up position with head a bit flexed before inserting the tube, 66 (55%) partially cleaned the nostril, and demonstrated proper insertion of tube from the tip, behind the ear up to the tip of the sternum. In conclusion, nurses were knowledgeable about NGT insertion and its uses but had a negative attitude on its insertion because they did not want it to be used upon them, felt uncomfortable when inserting it due to patients reactions such as sneezing, coughing and unnecessary movements. This could have led to inappropriate insertions that could cause trauma and other side effects to patients. The researcher suggest that, all nurses are given on the job training about NGT insertion so that they develop a positive attitude towards its use which could lead to good practice thus quality service delivery to the patients.

E-learning is widely use globally by most continuing students and provides them with freedo to study whenever they are. The study was descriptive and cross sectional study design in which quantitative approaches of data collection and analysis were used. The study was carried out in three nursing training institutions that included; Public Health College Kyambogo, Nsambya Training School and Mengo School of Nursing and Midwifery. Data was analyzed by SPSS computer program. Results showed that, students factors that influenced the academic performance of e-learners were; majority 48(86%) were females, 25(45%) were 36-45 years, 35(62%0 were married, 53(95%) were employed, 35(62%) had skills in computer use, 41(73%) had personal computers while 45(80%) never had easy access to computers. Gender influenced academic performance by 86.8%, age influenced by 73.3%, employment influenced by 85.1%, computer training influenced by 53.4%, possession of computers influenced by 66.9% and accessibility to internet away from school influenced by 75.6%. Majority 45(81%) of the respondents reported that computers were not readily available were school, 36(65%) reported the school had unreliable internet access and 30(54%) reported the tutors were not readily available at the school. Institutional factors were; availability of computers and tutors at the school were the major institutional factors that influenced academic performance and had a cumulative percentage variance of 73.6%. Ready availability of computers had a factor loading of 92.1% while ready availability of support from tutors while at school was 83.9%. This implied that, neither most students had computers nor enough knowledge to use them while the school never had enough computers and tutors to enable students perform well. The study suggests that, students should buy personal computers, get enough training to use them and partner with internet service providers so that they access internet whenever they are. The school should also ensure that adequate computers are availed to students, provide them with reliable internet and recruit tutors that would always help students during their stay at school and while away from school.

Background: Breastfeeding is an important public health strategy for improving child and maternal morbidity and mortality, and helping to control health care costs. General Objective: The aim of study was to determine the factors influencing exclusive breast feeding practices among the nurses in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted; using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to obtain data from 138 nurses and 4 key informants using a semi structured questionnaires, FGD-guide and interview guide. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) Software Version 18.0 and thematic content analysis for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results: Marital status (X2 = 2.85, OR, 1.06, p-value 0.009) and income (X2 = 0.56, OR1.74, p-value, 0.007) were socio-demographic factors associated with exclusive breast feeding among nurses, institutional factors were; maternity leave (X2 = 0.21, OR, 1.52, p-value 0.001), availability of breast feeding rooms (X2 = 1.09, OR, 1.95, p-value 0.02), work schedule (X2 = 0.59, OR, 2.76, p-value 0.006) and salary (X2 = 0.45, OR, 2.54, p-value 0.003) and medical factors that were; Breast problem (X2 = 0.80, OR, 1.50, p-value 0.004) and mode of delivery X2 = 1.95, OR, 1.10, p-value 0.001). Therefore, marital status and income influenced exclusive breast feeding among nurses, maternity leave, availability of breast feeding rooms, work schedule and salary were institutional factors influencing exclusive breast feeding and medical factors were breast problems and mode of delivery. Recommendations: Policy makers in the Ministry of Health-Uganda with partners should develop a policy targeting nurses and other working professionals to enhance exclusive breast feeding at the workplace.