Browsing by Author "Pebalo Pebolo, Francis"

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    Characteristics of the COVID-19 Patients Treated at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy, 2022) Okot, Christopher; Baguma, Steven; Alema Onira, Nelson; Odong Agings, Willis; Arwinyo, Baifa; Elima, James; Apiyo, Paska; Layet, Paska; Pebalo Pebolo, Francis; Acullu, Denis; Oloya, Johnson Nyeko; Oyat, Freddy Wathum Drinkwater; Oola, Janet; Aloyo, Judith; Ikoona, Eric Nzirakaindi; Kitara, David Lagoro
    Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe respiratory disease that results from infection with a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). One of the most critical issues related to the COVID-19 is the high rate of spread, millions of people have been infected around the world, and hundreds of thousands of people have died till now. However, reports from Africa paint a different picture of the SARS-CoV-2 and its effects on the population. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of the COVID-19 patients treated at the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital and determine factors associated with COVID-19 manifestations, socio-demographic characteristics, and treatment outcomes from March 2020 to October 2021. Methods: A retrospective data abstraction of all COVID-19 hospital admissions registered in the Gulu Health Management Information System (HMIS) database and other tools were conducted. The period of study was from March 2020 to October 2021. Data that met the inclusion criteria were consecutively abstracted from the Gulu Hospital HMIS database. A local IRB approved the study. SPSS version 25.0 was used for data analysis, and a p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Data suggests there were three waves of COVID-19 in Uganda. Those with comorbidities, e.g., Diabetes mellitus 38(5.7%), hypertension 83(12.5%), cardiovascular diseases 58(8.7%), HIV and AIDS 61(9.2%), and other comorbidities such as liver cirrhosis and Hepatitis B 40(6.0%) were more susceptible and presented with more severe forms of the disease. Antibiotics 662(99.7%), steroids 73(11.0%), vitamin C 564(84.9%), Ivermectin 7(1.1%), and Vitamin D 24(3.6%) were the most used medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Most COVID-19 patients were unvaccinated 661(99.5%). However, the recovery rate was 632(95.2%). The commonest complications were pneumonia 60(9.0%), chronic fatigue 49(7.4%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) 37(5.6%), depression 20(3.0%), systemic infections 19(2.9%), nightmares 15(2.3%) and septic shock 8(1.2%). The Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) on factors associated with recovery were treatment with steroids AOR=138.835 at 95% CI:12.258-1572.50;p<0.000 and Vitamin D AOR=31.4780 at 95% CI:1.902520.98; p=0.016. Conclusion: This study showed successful management of COVID-19 patients in low-resource settings with a recovery rate of 95.2%. The admission pattern suggests Uganda had three waves of COVID-19, contrary to the official government position of two. Treatment with steroids and Vitamin D is associated with the recovery among COVID-19 patients. There is a need to conduct more extensive studies on the role played by the two drugs in the successful recovery of COVID-19 patients.
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    Exploring the utilization of postabortion care services and related factors among women at a tertiary health facility in Gulu, Northern Uganda
    (Sega Sexual and Reproductive Health Across Africa: Challenges and Opportunities, 2024-10-11) Ayikoru, Jackline; Opee, Jimmy; Bongomin, Felix; Atim, S.Fiona; Pebalo Pebolo, Francis
    Background: Abortion-related complications are the third leading cause of maternal mortality in Uganda, accounting for approximately one-fourth of all maternal deaths. Most are preventable through adequate use of the full package of postabortion care (PAC) services. Objective: We aimed to assess the level of utilization of PAC services and the associated sociodemographic, obstetric, gynecological, and system-related factors at a high-volume tertiary health facility in Northern Uganda. Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women receiving PAC at the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital from March 2023 to June 2023. Participants were recruited consecutively and exit interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. Methods: Utilization of PAC was defined as the use of four or more of the following: counseling, emergency treatment, family planning services, linkage to other sexual and reproductive health services, and community health service provider cooperation. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of PAC utilization. Results: A total of 364 participants were enrolled in the study. Overall, 21.1% (n = 77) of the participants had used four or more PAC services. Having a supportive partner (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.88, p = 0.006), knowledge on PAC services (aPR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.19–2.48, p = 0.004), low parity (aPR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.16–4.35, p = 0.016), nulliparity (aPR: 2.4 95% CI: 1.19–4.73, p = 0.014), and provision of privacy(physical privacy during prescription, counseling, procedures) (aPR: 2.3 95% CI: 1.14–4.47, p = 0.02), were significantly associated with utilization of PAC. Overall, only one in five participants utilized four or more PAC services. Use of four or more PAC services was significantly associated with women having a supportive partner, knowledge of PAC services, low parity, nulliparity, and provision of privacy while receiving PAC services. Conclusion: Approaches such as advocating male partner involvement, bridging the knowledge gap through health education, and promoting respectful care may improve the utilization of PAC services.
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    Exploring the utilization of postabortion care services and related factors among women at a tertiary health facility in Gulu, Northern Uganda
    (Sega Publisher Sexual and Reproductive Health Across Africa: Challenges and Opportunities, 2024-10-11) Ayikoru, Jackline; Opee, Jimmy; Bongomin, Felix; Akello, Harriet; Atim, S.Fiona; Pebalo Pebolo, Francis
    Background: Abortion-related complications are the third leading cause of maternal mortality in Uganda, accounting for approximately one-fourth of all maternal deaths. Most are preventable through adequate use of the full package of postabortion care (PAC) services. Objective: We aimed to assess the level of utilization of PAC services and the associated sociodemographic, obstetric, gynecological, and system-related factors at a high-volume tertiary health facility in Northern Uganda. Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women receiving PAC at the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital from March 2023 to June 2023. Participants were recruited consecutively and exit interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. Methods: Utilization of PAC was defined as the use of four or more of the following: counseling, emergency treatment, family planning services, linkage to other sexual and reproductive health services, and community health service provider cooperation. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of PAC utilization. Results: A total of 364 participants were enrolled in the study. Overall, 21.1% (n=77) of the participants had used four or more PAC services. Having a supportive partner (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.88, p=0.006), knowledge on PAC services (aPR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.19–2.48, p=0.004), low parity (aPR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.16–4.35, p=0.016), nulliparity (aPR: 2.4 95% CI: 1.19–4.73, p=0.014), and provision of privacy(physical privacy during prescription, counseling, procedures) (aPR: 2.3 95% CI: 1.14–4.47, p=0.02), were significantly associated with utilization of PAC. Overall, only one in five participants utilized four or more PAC services. Use of four or more PAC services was significantly associated with women having a supportive partner, knowledge of PAC services, low parity, nulliparity, and provision of privacy while receiving PAC services. Conclusion: Approaches such as advocating male partner involvement, bridging the knowledge gap through health education, and promoting respectful care may improve the utilization of PAC services.
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    “We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda
    (Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, 2024-10-31) Opee, Jimmy; Opiro, Keneth; Manano, Priscilla; Sikoti, Margret; Ayikoru, Jackline; Akello, Harriet; Laker, Fiona Gladys; Wolters, K. Maria; Awor, Silvia; Pebalo Pebolo, Francis; Bongomin, Felix
    Background Female Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) play a crucial role in advocating for, delivering modern contraceptive methods (MCM) to reproductive-age women and potential users. Despite the high frequency of women seeking healthcare annually, less than half receive adequate contraceptive counseling and services. Investigating FHCWs’ adherence to these practices and understanding the obstacles they encounter is essential. This study aimed to explore challenges with utilization of MCM among FHCWs at the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor (SMHL) and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), Northern Uganda. Qualitative data were explored using the principles of descriptive phenomenology to gain deeper insights into the experiences of twenty (20) FHCWs. Results Findings revealed various challenges faced by FHCWs, including patient barriers such as religious beliefs, contraceptive myths, fear of side effects, and provider barriers like lack of knowledge, training, and discomfort. Additionally, health system barriers like limited time and competing priorities were identified. Conclusion Female Healthcare workers experience challenges with utilization of MCM. Efforts should focus on enhancing contraceptive services, particularly in faith-based facilities and among married individuals. Besides, addressing perceived barriers at the patient, provider, and system levels through comprehensive health education, ensuring method availability, and provider training is imperative.
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    “We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda
    (BMC Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, 2025-10-31) Opee, Jimmy; Opiro, Keneth; Manano, Priscilla; Sikoti , Margret; Ayikoru, Jackline; Akello, Harriet; Laker, F.Gladys; Wolters, K.Maria; Awor, Silvia; Pebalo Pebolo, Francis; Bongomin, Felix
    Background Female Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) play a crucial role in advocating for, delivering modern contraceptive methods (MCM) to reproductive-age women and potential users. Despite the high frequency of women seeking healthcare annually, less than half receive adequate contraceptive counseling and services. Investigating FHCWs’ adherence to these practices and understanding the obstacles they encounter is essential. This study aimed to explore challenges with utilization of MCM among FHCWs at the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor (SMHL) and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), Northern Uganda. Qualitative data were explored using the principles of descriptive phenomenology to gain deeper insights into the experiences of twenty (20) FHCWs. Results Findings revealed various challenges faced by FHCWs, including patient barriers such as religious beliefs, contraceptive myths, fear of side effects, and provider barriers like lack of knowledge, training, and discomfort. Additionally, health system barriers like limited time and competing priorities were identified. Conclusion Female Healthcare workers experience challenges with utilization of MCM. Efforts should focus on enhancing contraceptive services, particularly in faith-based facilities and among married individuals. Besides, addressing perceived barriers at the patient, provider, and system levels through comprehensive health education, ensuring method availability, and provider training is imperative. Keywords Utilization, Modern contraception methods, Female healthcare workers, Gulu University Teaching Hospitals, Northern Uganda