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Prevalence of home births and associated factors A Cross sectional study in Paicho Sub County, Gulu District, Northern Uganda
(Gulu University, 2026-10) Lalweny Dorah
Background
Home births, prevalent globally at 28% pose significant risks, especially in countries that are under developed. The study focused on prevalence, associated factors, and outcomes of home births in Paicho Sub- County, Gulu District, Uganda.
Methods
Between March and May 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted among women who gave birth in the last 36 months. Data was collected using interview-guided questionnaires and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression in Stata version 14. Snowball sampling, non-probability sampling technique was used to recruit participants in the study.
Results
A total of 394 women with a mean age of 28 6.5 years were recruited. The prevalence of home births approximately 15%, (59/394), with 64% (38/59) attended to by traditional birth attendants 75% (296/394) attended ANC at least 4 or more times. Factors associated with home birth includes ANC attendance > 4 times (aOR-0.02, 95% CI: 0.007-0.029), p=0.002), previous home birth experience (aOR-2.67 (95% CI: 1.40-5.09), p=0.003), and availability of transport means, (aOR=4.87, (95% CI: 1.42-16.65), p=0.003), risks of complications among home birth vs. risk of complication among facility birth (33/59 vs. 40/335), including prolonged labor (31.8% vs. 5.6%), obstructed delivery (4.1% vs. 0.7%), there is higher number of referral among home birth compared to facilities birth (52.5% vs. 7.8%).
Conclusion
Study result show prevalence of home delivery is associated to high risk of complication with high rates of referrals. Promoting group ANC with comprehensive healthcare packages will equip mothers to reduce home births.
Isoniazid Preventive Therapy Initiation and Associated Factors among People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Atiak HCIV, Amuru District, Northern Uganda
(Gulu University, 2026-10) Oneka George Brown
Background: The global annual new TB cases is over ten million in number, particularly among individuals who are immunocompromised. Those living with HIV are particularly at risk and highly likely to progress from the latent stage of TB to active disease. TB remains the most common cause of death among PLWHA, contributing to approximately one-third of HIV-related fatalities. By 2019, only about half (49%) of HIV-positive individuals newly initiated on ART program worldwide had been initiated on IPT. There is limited data on the initiation of IPT in Amuru district, hence the need for study.
Objective: To determine the initiation of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy and establish the factors
contributing to the initiation among eligible patients with HIV on ART in Atiak HCIV in Amuru
District.
Methodology: Secondary data from ART cards in ART Clinic for the period of January to
December 2023 were collected using a prepared checklist. HIV+ individuals on Antiretroviral
treatment and not having active TB were included in the study. Analysis of the data was facilitated
using Stata version 14.0 statistical software.
Results: A total of 427 patient-level data were screened, and a total sample of 425 were enrolled
as study participants through systematic random sampling while 2 participants were eliminated
due to incomplete information. Females constituted over half of the study participants (62.9%),
while 37.41% were males. Participants who had been on ART for durations of 6 to 10 years
constituted the majority (34.8%) of the study participants, while those who had been on care for
less than 1 year formed the least category (5.18%). Initiation of IPT was found to be at 93.41%
(n=397), while non-initiation was at 6.59% (n=28). The duration on ART of more than one year
was found to be associated with initiation of IPT.
Conclusion: The coverage of IPT was found to be 93.41% which is relatively high and supports
the WHO recommendation as well as findings from other studies. Longer duration on ART from
6-10years was associated with high coverage.
Recommendation: Retention in care, which is a core objective of HIV care, is an important factor
in achieving high coverage of IPT. Thus, more emphasis should be put in achieving high level of
retention in comprehensive HIV care as this positively impacts on TB prevention through high IPT
coverage. Appointment keeping should be encouraged as this directly impacts on IPT initiation.
MICROFINANCE LENDING TERMS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN GULU CITY, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2026-06-06) MUSINGUZI ROGER
This study examined the influence of microfinance lending terms on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Gulu City, Uganda. Specifically, the study established the lending terms offered by microfinance institutions, assessed the performance of SMEs accessing microfinance loans, examined the effects of lending terms on SME performance, and explored the moderating role of government policy frameworks. A cross-sectional research design and quantitative approach were employed, involving 221 SME owners and managers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression techniques. The findings revealed that loan accessibility was the most influential lending term, positively contributing to SME growth, profitability, and sustainability. Although interest rates, collateral requirements, and repayment schedules were generally perceived as supportive, concerns regarding affordability and flexibility remained. The study further found that SMEs exhibited moderate levels of growth, profitability, and sustainability, despite challenges related to market expansion and financial stability. In addition, supportive government regulations and SME support programs significantly enhanced SME performance by creating a more favorable business environment. The study concluded that accessible and SME-friendly microfinance lending terms, together with effective government support mechanisms, are essential for improving SME performance. It recommends enhancing loan accessibility, adopting more flexible lending conditions, and strengthening government support programs to promote the growth, profitability, and sustainability of SMEs in Uganda.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of pathogenic Eschericia coli in small scale pig farm
(Gulu University, 2026-10) Auma, Jillian
The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health issue largely driven by antibiotic misuse. Monitoring AMR levels, through bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), is crucial. The research aimed at: 1) determining the prevalence of pathogenic E. coli in small scale pig farms in Gulu City, 2) assessing the antimicrobial resistance profile of E. coli O157 to six frequently administered antibiotics, and 3) determining antimicrobial resistance genes for six frequently administered antibiotics. Fecal samples from small-scale pig farms were analyzed for E. coli using culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), targeting E. coli O157. Positive samples underwent resistance testing using Single Disk Diffusion (SDD), and finally PCR detecting resistance genes for specific antibiotics. The results indicated high prevalence of E. coli (87%) in pig feces, with a 55% prevalence of E. coli O157. E. coli O157 prevalence was associated with pig sex. Alarming antibiotic resistance rates were observed in E. coli O157, particularly to ampicillin (72.7%), erythromycin (65.5%), colistin (47.3%)%), gentamicin (34.5%), streptomycin (25.5%), and ciprofloxacin (7.27%), while 48% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Colistin resistance was associated with pig age, and ampicillin resistance with geographic location. Genotypic analysis identified a high prevalence of resistance genes, including mcr-3 for colistin (73%), aac(6)-Ib-cr ciprofloxacin (71%), ereA erythromycin (65%) , aadA1 streptomycin (56%) , and aac(3)-IV gentamicin (53%). These findings highlight the need for more effective monitoring and management of AMR in animal husbandry.
THE INFLUENCE OF WESTERNISATION ON AFRICAN MARRIAGE PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF THE ITESO IN SOROTI DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2026-10-23) AJOOT SARAH
This study examined the influence of Westernisation on traditional marriage performance among the Iteso of Soroti District and was guided by three objectives: to describe the performance of traditional marriages, to analyse the aesthetics of these performances in the context of Westernisation, and to investigate the role of Western culture and religion in shaping marriage practices. Anchored in African Drama and Postcolonial theories, the study adopted a descriptive research design within a qualitative approach. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and included traditional leaders, religious leaders and married couples in both customary and religious unions. Data were collected using semi structured interviews, focus group discussions and observation, and were analysed thematically in line with the study objectives. The findings revealed diverse marital forms among the Iteso, including monogamy, polygamy, elopement, ghost marriage and religious marriage, each carrying distinct cultural meaning. The study further established that traditional marriage aesthetics remain deeply embedded in cultural values, reflecting a structured system that reinforces social identity and continuity. However, Westernisation has significantly reshaped these practices, leading to the commodification of bride price often linked to educational attainment, as well as the growing influence of Western legal systems on marriage recognition and divorce. The study recommends the integration of traditional marriage practices into educational curricula at upper secondary and tertiary levels to enhance cultural awareness among younger generations, the establishment of community dialogue platforms to facilitate intergenerational engagement on evolving marriage customs, and the incorporation of elements of traditional marriage into formal legal frameworks to ensure their recognition and protection. This study offers a foundational contribution to understanding the changing dynamics of marriage performance among the Iteso in the context of Western influence.