Background: Reproductive health care services are a system of providing for the reproductive and sexual need and rights of the community. Reproductive health covers issues such as access to sexual health rights including the prevention of STIs/ STDs, adolescent health and access to family planning services (UNAIDS 2014). Reproductive health services and reproductive needs for men involve a number of services including but not limited to safe sexual behavior, prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections and diseases especially HIV/AIDS, use of contraceptive methods, risk prevention and safe sex practices as well as fertility services Objectives: To determine the factors influencing utilization of reproductive health services among Somali men in Kisenyi slum in Uganda in the period of June to August, 2016. Methods and Results: This study took up a descriptive cross-sectional design involving the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Majority of the Somali men in the study 265 (69%) did not utilize reproductive health. Only 119 (31%) of the respondents reported to be utilizing reproductive health services. The most utilized reproductive health service was contraceptive services by 91 (76.5%) of the respondents followed by reproductive health education 61(51.3%) and treatment of STIs by 52 (43.7%) of the respondents. The least utilized reproductive health services were fertility treatment 11 (9.2%) and prostate cancer screening. Conclusion: The utilization of reproductive health services among Somali men was low at 31% of the study population. Among those who utilized reproductive health services, the reproductive health services utilized included contraceptive services, HIV testing and counseling, treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), reproductive health education, fertility treatment and prostate cancer screening.

Background; Tobacco use which includes direct tobacco smoking, use of smokeless and indirect use of tobacco through exposure to smoke from tobacco smoke is a single most cause of avoidable or preventable death in the whole world. Second hand smoke has been attributed to be a major preventable cause of death globally. Tobacco use among youths has become a public health concern globally as several studies have revealed that it‟s the leading cause of mental health among youths Problem statement; According to reports from UBOS (2011) the percentage of male youth smokers in Kampala increased from 12 percent to 19 percent and female youths tobacco smokers increased from 11 percent to 15 percent. Despite the tobacco control laws and some of the measures put in place the practice remains largely unregulated among the youths in Kampala especially in Makindye Division. Objective; To determine the factors that influence tobacco use among youths 18 – 35 years in Makindye Division -Kampala district. Methods; The design was a descriptive cross sectional study which was used to determine the factors influencing the tobacco use among youths. The study populations were the youths aged 18-35 years both male and female in Makindye division Kampala district both in and out of school. The study undertook probability sampling techniques. The multistage random sampling technique; first the researcher randomly sampled Makindye East and West. Data collection techniques included both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The quantitative data collection method involved questionnaires and qualitative data involved a key informant interview interviews and observations. Results; The socio -demographic factors which had an influence on the use of tobacco among the respondents in Makindye division were age with (p=0.003), sex (p=0.001), education level (p=0.010), marital status (p=0.021) having friends who smoke (p=0.001) and then having parents who smoke (p=0.006). Socio- economic factors were found to have an influence on the use of tobacco among the respondents. Specifically, these were the employment status (p = 0.004), the average monthly incomes (p=0.002), and the type of residence (p=0.024). Higher rates of use of tobacco were observed among the youth who were employed, the youth who reportedly earned between 300,000 – 600,000/= and those who stayed in urban areas. Advertisements of cigarette smoking had a strong influence (p=0.001) where respondents who had seen the advertisements used tobacco more than those who had not, having material with tobacco product brand logo on it was also significant for (p=0.001), for which the respondents who had the materials used tobacco more than those who did not have them. Conclusions; This study has shown that frequency of tobacco use among youth in Makindye is on the steady increase and there is ominous need to engage this social vice which is eating very deep into the youth community of Makindye division. Recommendations; Community leaders and residents in Makindye division need to come up with interventions to mitigate the culture of tobacco use as part of life and empower their future generations to have healthy, tobacco-free lives. There is need for intervention among secondary school students so as to prevent possible continued trend of tobacco use. Essential components of such a programme should include raising awareness on the detrimental effects of tobacco dipping, chewing and smoking on health among secondary school students.

The study was carried out basing on the topic “Factors influencing dispensing of class B controlled medicines without prescriptions in community pharmacies.” The main objective was to assess the knowledge levels on class B controlled medicines by persons dispensing in community pharmacies, to determine the adherence to the regulations of class B medicines in community pharmacies and to determine commonly dispensed class B controlled medicines in community pharmacies. The study employed a descriptive cross sectional survey design where both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used with the help of questionnaires and interview guides to collect data from the field. All data was grouped and analyzed in a statistical way where by data was presented in tables showing frequencies and percentages. The major findings of the study were; Concerning the knowledge levels of respondents on class B controlled medicines by persons dispensing in community pharmacies, most of them lacked enough knowledge about class B controlled drugs, most of the persons dispensing group B medicine are found to be dispensers and also gender and age have no influence on the knowledge of class B drugs of the dispensing persons also concerning the relationship of respondents on the knowledge of class B controlled drugs; there was statistical significance between dispensing class B controlled drugs without prescription and knowledge about class B drugs, there is no significant relationship between gender and age on the knowledge of class B controlled drugs. Pertaining the adherence of respondents to the regulations of class B medicines in community pharmacies; most pharmacies dispense class B medicine without prescription, most dispensing persons in community pharmacies do not adhere to regulations of class B controlled drugs, most of pharmacies are also unlicensed, have staff that are untrained, and sell medicine that may be of uncertain quality or that they are not allowed to dispense. It was concluded that most of the local pharmacies don’t adhere to rules and regulations of the national drugs authority in dispensing group B controlled medicine The most commonly dispensed class B controlled medicine included antimicrobials and Analgesic as class B medicines. The study recommends that; the government through the ministry of health should put strict rules and regulation governing pharmacies, there should be community sensitization, the parliament of Uganda should pass laws restricting people from starting up drug shops in rural areas without a recognized license and also a penalty should also be given to a person found buying drugs from unlicensed drug shops. The areas for further studies include; effects of distributing controlled medicines without prescriptions and factors limiting rural pharmacies to adhere to rules and regulation concerning dispensing class B controlled medicine.

Introduction The purpose of this study was based on determining the factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services by somali mothers in Kisenyi Health Center IV. To determine the factors, the study thus further focussed on the specific objectives of assessing the socio-demographic factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services, identifying the Health facility related factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services and determining the individual factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services. Methodology A descriptive cross sectional study design was used. A total of 296 Somali women were selected and analyzed. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software to obtain the uni-variate and Bi-variate analysis of results. Results Findings generated by the descriptive analysis of the total 296 respondents revealed that the socio-demographic factors of level of education (X2=15.88, P=0.002) and occupation (X2=14.68, P=0.000) were significantly associated with PNC utilization. Among the personal factors, parity (X2=3.46, P=0.006), and use of ANC (X2=22.36, P=0.012) were significantly associated with utilization of PNC services. The health facility factors of Place of delivery (X2=5.277, P=0.000), distance to the facility(X2=4.605, P=0.023), and availability of health workers (X2=21.73, P=0.000) were also significantly associated with utilization of PNC services among the Somali mothers. Conclusion The level of the utilization of PNC was high at (60.8%). More qualitative and quantitative study is necessary to explore the factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services by somali mothers in Kisenyi Health Center IV with more emphasis on socio-demographic, individual and health facility factors. Thus increasing maternal education, poverty reduction which involves education and empowerment of women by providing them with skills that can assist them make appropriate livelihood can work as strategies to improve postnatal care utilization in Uganda. Recommendations The results from this study suggest that public health policies aimed at reducing maternal and newborn morbidities and mortalities in Uganda should include strategies to improve postnatal care utilization through: increasing maternal education, poverty reduction which involves education and empowerment of women by providing them with skills that can assist them make appropriate livelihood.

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem affecting people, with 107 countries having areas at risk of transmission containing close to 50 percent of the world’s population. In Uganda malaria is the most common disease and a leading cause of mortality. Since 2006, the Uganda Ministry of Health together with Non Governmental Organizations have promoted and donated ITNs to vulnerable groups of people but the malaria occurance has remained prevalent among slum dwellers of Kampala and no study has been done on the factors influencing proper and regular use of ITNs among these dwellers. Main objective: To investigate factors affecting proper and regular use of Insecticide Treated Nets among slum dwellers of Katanga and Kivulu in Kampala. Methodology: A census of 289 households which had at least one ITN was conducted in Katanga and Kivulu slums. The household heads were asked whether they possessed at least one ITN in the house in order to include or exclude the household. A questionnaire that had questions on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of the respondents on ITNs was administered. An observation of state of ITNs was done for the households that owned them. Univariate, bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression statistical analyses were used in the study. Results: Of 289 surveyed households, 109 (37.7%) were proper ITN users compared to the 180 (62.3%) improper ITN users. Out of the 289 respondents 187 (64.7%) reported to be regular ITN users compared to the 102 (35.3%) irregular ITN users. Most of ITNs that were being used had holes 180 (62.3%) and this was considered improper use while 109 (37.7%) nets had no holes. The high proportion of torn ITNs suggests there is very limited protection against mosquito bites at night and therefore a high risk of malaria transmission. The problems reported for improper and irregular use include; ITNs causing excessive heat, suffocation, discomfort and itching, insufficient nets, inadequate space, difficulty in hanging the net, torn ITNs, size and shape of ITNs. At a bivariate analysis, Gender was associated with irregular use of ITNs (P=0.017), problems like ITNs causing itching and discomfort had significant association with improper use (P=0.023). At bivariate and multivariate level of analysis, the rest of the variables such as age, education level, occupation, marital status, heat and suffocation caused by sleeping under ITNs were found to have no significant relationship with both proper and regular use of ITNs (P>0.05). Despite the fact that respondents had a high knowledge on; how malaria is transmitted at 91%, how malaria is prevented at 88.9%, how ITNs prevent malaria at 96.5% and how frequent to use ITNs at 94.8%, they were still improperly and irregularly using ITNs. Conclusion: Reported and observed factors such as torn ITNs, insufficient ITNs, inadequate living space, shape and size of the ITNs, difficulty in hanging the net, excessive heat, itching and discomfort caused by sleeping under a mosquito net, have contributed to improper and irregular use of ITNs in Katanga and Kivulu slums and this explains the increasing malaria incidences in these areas. Therefore, KCCA, donor projects, organizations together with the Ministry of Health should frequently educate slum dwellers on how to properly and regularly use ITNs if success in reducing malaria related morbidity and mortality is to be registered in Kampala slums.

Background: Cancer patients often experience moderate to severe pain, therefore effective pain assessment is required by nurses. Optimum management of pain among cancer patients requires proper assessment of the intensity, location and nature of pain. This ensures comfort to the patient and their care givers. It was therefore essential to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices associated with pain assessment among nurses. Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design to study 67 participants, comprising of nurses who were directly handling cancer patients at Uganda cancer Institute. The participants were selected using simple random sampling methods. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was then analyzed using SPSS, and presented in form of frequency tables, graphs and pie-chats. Results: The study revealed that; the majority of the respondents (85%) had a high level of knowledge on pain assessment while 13% and 2% had moderate and low level of knowledge respectively. In addition, majority of the respondents had a positive attitude towards pain assessment, while a third of them had a neutral attitude towards pain assessment. Furthermore, the study indicated that there were good practices regarding pain assessment among the nurses. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings highlight the need to continuously improve nurses knowledge, attitude and practices through continuous professional development on pain assessment to keep them up to date with current information on assessment of pain among cancer patients.

Background Pain assessment is critical to optimal pain management interventions. While pain is highly a subjective experience, its management necessitates objective standards of care. Pain assessment should be ongoing (occurring at regular intervals), individualized and documented so that all individuals involved in patient’s care understand the pain problem. Acute and chronic pain if not properly assessed can result in inadequate pain management outcomes and can negatively affect the physical, emotional and psychosocial wellbeing of patients. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess factors influencing pain assessment and management among nurses at Case Medical Centre Kampala. Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was employed to assess factors influencing pain assessment and management among nurses at Case Medical Centre Kampala. A total of 50 nurses from the hospital were included in this study using non probability, convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered in epi-info 3.5.4 which was transferred using stat transfers into access and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: From the assessment done, years of working experience(X2=11.73, P=0.003, 95% CI), the units/ward which a nurse worked (X2=13.52, P=0.002, 95% CI), being aware about pain assessment(X2=30.95, P=0.000, 95% CI), knowing the importance of pain assessment (X2=21.46, P=0.000, 95% CI), have received training on pain assessment, pain assessment tool and pain management (X2=5.83, P=0.004, 95% CI), availability of pain assessment tools(X2=19.41, P=0.000, 95% CI), if pain assessment tools were important (X2=7.25, P=0.000, 95% CI), availability of the pain assessment tools, attitude that pain tools help in effective pain assessment (X2=10.00, P=0.000, 95% CI) , availability of guidelines regarding pain assessment in the wards (X2=17.54, P=0.000, 95% CI), influence of the guidelines on the way one assesses and manages pain (X2=, P=12.490.003, 95% CI) and availability of pain tools in the ward always (X2=19.41, P=0.000, 95% CI) had a significant influence on the assessment and management of pain. Conclusion: pain assessment and management is affected by knowledge, attitude of the nurses on pain assessment, pain assessment tools and pain management, availability of pain assessment tools and hospital set standards on how to manage pain. Thus, providing adequate pain assessment tools, regular training and supervision on pain assessment and management are recommended to improve the problems of inappropriate pain assessment and management.

Background: The study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and practice about breast selfexamination among women in Namuwongo Zones A and B in February 2017 with an aim of preventing breast cancer among women. Methodology: The study was carried out using a descriptive cross sectional design where 143 respondents were used. These were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected through self administered interviews and data was analysed by Microsoft excel and Chi-Square Tests. Results: Majority 81 (56.3%) of the respondents were between 18 and 30 years, 84 (58.7%) were married, 65 (45.7%) had secondary education, 50 (34.8%) were housewives, 118 (82.4%) were Christians and 131 (91.4%) had never had family members who suffered from breast cancer. Respondents had good knowledge about breast self examination because; all of them had ever heard of it where 77 (54.2%) heard from the media. Many rightly knew the signs of breast cancer 106 (73.8%). 112 (78.4%) knew that breast cancer could be detected early enough through physical identification of the signs and symptoms. 110 (77.2%) knew the right age BSE should be carried (above 19 years) and 123(85.8%) knew that it could be done by palpating with the palm and a minimum of three fingers. However, they did not know that it was only for females 82 (57%) and did not know it should be carried out weekly. Majority had negative attitudes towards breast self-examination because; 106 (74.1%) perceived BSE as a sex abuse action and obscene, 89 (62.2%) believed could never know whether they had breast cancer through BSE and 75 (52.4%) didn’t know BSE helps in prevention of breast carcinoma. Respondents’ practices towards breast self-examination were generally poor. In the first instance few had ever performed BSE. The few; 55 (38.3%) who had ever done it, never did it regularly where 32 (58.6%) of them examined their breasts monthly, 31 (38.9%) had last examined their breasts six months ago and mainly did it in the evening 24 (46.2%). Conclusion: Despite having good knowledge about BSE, they had negative attitude towards it where they did not believe that could detect breast cancer themselves which deterred their will to perform BSE. The researcher therefore suggests enhancing health education and sensitization to all females about the prevalence of breast cancer and the importance of BSE. Recommendation: Extensive health education campaigns should be provided to the community. Nurses should play role in developing a collaborative care model to provide education to the public.

Background: The use of blood to patient management is potentially a lifesaving maneuver, which necessitates critical care. Consequently, demand for blood has greatly increased over the years. Despite several advances in the use of blood and its components in alleviating several ailments, challenges related to transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) such as haemoparasites still stand, and transmission of haemoparasites through blood transfusion potentially negates the progress made in malaria control in malaria endemic areas. This study established the prevalence of haemoparasites in voluntary blood donors of Kampala donating blood to Nakasero National Blood Bank. Methods: This was a laboratory based cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach carried out on all voluntary blood donors from 6th August to 28th September, 2018. Blood from the collected donor bag was used to make a thick and thin film for haemoparasites investigation. These were stained using Giemsa, and microscopically examined. Data was analyzed as proportions using 95% confidence interval. Results: Of the 384, the prevalence of haemoparasites among donors was established as 2.86% (11/382). The distribution of haemoparasites was seen in 3 (27.3%) females, and 8 (72.7%) male donors. Their ABO distribution was group A (3, 27.3%), group B (1, 9.1%), and group O (7, 63.6%). The haemoparasites were all Plasmodium species, of which 90.9% (10 out of 11) were Plasmodium falciparum, and only one was Plasmodium malariae. Conclusion: Based on this study, it was observed that haemoparasites occur in blood for transfusion, with Plasmodium species being the most prevalent. To this, the risk of transfusion transmissible malaria needs to be taken into account, and routinely screen all donors in order to enhance the safety of the blood supply chain from donors to recipients by means of appropriate diagnostic

Introduction: Hepatitis B viral infection is a significant global public health problem, highly contagious and a cause of the world’s most common liver infection. In Uganda, HBV infection is highly endemic with national prevalence of about 10% (WHO, 2010).Vaccines were introduced in Uganda since 2002 and was expected to give 90- 100% protection against HBV infection (WHO, 2012), yet in 2010,14 people out of 20 cases reported in the district hospital of Moyo died of the HBV infection (Warom, 2013). Objectives: The study was conducted to determine the individual, socio-economic and health facility factors influencing prevalence of HBV infection among adults aged (18-45 years) in Moyo town council, Moyo district. Methods: In this research a cross sectional study design was used where 348 respondents in MTC, Moyo district were involved. Sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula based on an assumption that 50% of the adults aged 18- 45 years in Moyo district were knowledgeable about HBV infection, 5% marginal error, and a non-response rate of 10% was used. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used and data collection was done using researcher administered questionnaire and Key Informants Interview guide. The responses were then entered in SPSS 16.0 within which it was statistically analysed using chi- square statistical test values, those considered significant with a (p<0.05) were further analysed at bivariate logistic regression. Results: According to the study, age groups between 24- 35 had the highest number of respondents infected with HBV 163(42.4%) that accounts for 16 out of the total number 29 of those who were infected. Secondary education was associated with prevalence of HBV infection (uOR= 2.607, 95% CI: 0.998- 6.807, p= 0.050), those who said HBV is not airborne were more likely to get infected of HBV compared to those who said HBV is not airborne(uOR= 8.557, 95% CI: 1.117- 65.532, p= 0.039), respondents who reported that HBV is got through sharing utensils were less like to be infected(uOR= 0.354, 95% CI: 0.129- 0.973, P= 0.044) and those who admitted that condom use prevents them from enjoying sex (uOR= 0.303, 95% CI: 0.094- 0.977, p= 0.046) were more likely to get infected of HBV compared to those who said that condoms were not available(uOR= 0.239.95, 95% CI:0.098- 0.584, p= 0.002). Conclusion: Level of education was significant in relation to the prevalence of HBV, Knowledge deficiency among respondents and those who said that condoms prevent them from enjoying sex were more likely to get infected of the HBV and were contributory factors to the high prevalence of HBV infection in the district, therefore there is need for community sensitization, screening and vaccination. Recommendation: There is need for training of all health workers to increase their knowledge on HBV infection, community sensitization on the transmission routes and prevention of HBV, lobbying for funds from government and non- governmental organizations in order to acquire screening test kits and vaccines for HBV for mass screening and vaccination of the community