IAA Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Parental Stress and Stigma in Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Low-Resource Settings","authors":"Mugisha Samuel, Edward Bantu, Faith Nakalema","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/122.566011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/122.566011","url":null,"abstract":"The burden on parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is escalating globally, particularly in middle and low-income countries, where access to resources and support is limited. This study aimed to investigate the levels of stress, stigma, and coping strategies among parents of children with ASD in Kawempe Division, Kampala, Uganda. Through a sample of 28 parents drawn from Katalemwa Cheshire Home, data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed very high levels of stress and stigma among parents, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.71 (SD = 0.79) for stress and 3.57 (SD = 0.55) for stigma. These stressors encompassed various domains, including financial difficulties, marital conflicts, and psychological strain resulting from societal discrimination. Parents reported experiencing feelings of shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness, exacerbated by societal misconceptions and the lack of support systems. Notably, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms among parents (45.9%) surpassed previous estimates, indicating a significant mental health burden within this population. Furthermore, the coping mechanisms employed by parents were found to be inadequate, with a grand mean of 1.78 (SD = 0.77) for coping strategies. Positive coping strategies, such as seeking new job opportunities for their children, were limited, while negative coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and rudeness, were more prevalent. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions to equip parents with effective coping strategies and stress management techniques. The study highlights the challenges faced by parents raising children with ASD in low resource settings, shedding light on the psychological, social, and economic burdens they endure. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive support systems, including training programs, workshops, and access to resources aimed at empowering parents and enhancing their well-being. By understanding and addressing the specific stressors and coping mechanisms within this population, interventions can be developed to alleviate the burdens faced by parents, ultimately improving their quality of life and promoting the holistic development of children with ASD. Keywords: Stress, Stigma, Coping Strategies, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Raising children","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140754927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors influencing Teenage Pregnancy among Girls attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi, Uganda","authors":"Alal Levi Tema","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.4858.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.4858.11","url":null,"abstract":"Teenage pregnancy and subsequent childbirth to women less than 20 years of age continue to be a major global public health concern in both developed and developing countries, affecting more than 16 million girls and young women, or an estimated 11% of all births worldwide. This study determined the factors influencing teenage pregnancy among teenage girls aged 13–19 attending ANC at KIU-TH, Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional study design was employed for this study. Quantitative data was collected using structured interviews. Questionnaire tools were checked for their accuracy and data completeness, then the data was coded and entered into Epi Info version 7, then exported into SPSS version 22.0 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the determinant factors. A collinearity diagnostic test was conducted using tolerance to check for collinearity between independent variables and the interaction effect. Variables in the bivariable analysis having a p-value <0.2 were considered for the multivariate analysis to adjust the confounders. The strength and presence of a statistical association were assessed by the OR, p-value, and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Variables with a p-value ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant determinants of teenage pregnancy. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-offit test (p = 0.9289) was used to assess the fitness of the model. A total of 310 adolescents were included in the study, with a response rate of 100%. The majority (39.7%) were aged 16–17, and more than half (59.0%) were from rural areas. The proportion of teenage pregnancies among study participants was 19.0. In the multivariate logistic regression model, age, residence, parents’ marital status, level of education, monthly income, substance abuse, history of use of contraceptives, age of first sexual contact, and awareness of safe sex were statistically significant. The study showed a high prevalence of teenage pregnancy. Age, residence, parents’ marital status, level of education, monthly income, substance abuse, history of use of contraceptives, age of first sexual contact, and awareness of safe sex were found to have a statistically significant association. Keywords: Teenage pregnancy, Childbirth, Girls, Marital status, Age.","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140081029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns on Women's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Uganda's Kampala District","authors":"Victoria A. Nyineizooba, Joel Isabirye","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.3247.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.3247.11","url":null,"abstract":"In Uganda, breast cancer affects 116 out of every 100,000 women. Worldwide, the yearly incidence rate of breast cancer (BRCA) is more than 1 million cases and more than 411,000 deaths. In underdeveloped nations, the survival rate is less than 50%, while in industrialized nations, it is 90%. Studies have shown that this is caused by delayed diagnosis and identification of breast cancer (BRCA), as well as by inadequate understanding, attitudes, and practices about BRCA, its causes, risk factors, and screening methods. Since the success of these campaigns to raise awareness, alter negative attitudes toward BRCA prevention and treatment, and improve the use of screening methods is highly dependent on their influence, the MTN Foundation, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Breast Cancer Action, and Miss University Uganda campaigners have resorted to aggressive awareness and sensitization programs aimed at increasing knowledge, changing attitudes, and improving the practice of all necessary screening procedures. To determine the degree of awareness and exposure, knowledge level, attitude, and screening practice among women in Kampala District, a survey and in-person interviews were employed. The causes of unhealthy habits and their effects were explained by the Health Believe Model and the Attitude Change Theory. The results showed a cursory understanding of BRCA symptoms, causes, genetic testing, BSE, and CBE. Strongly negative emotional and psychological beliefs also impact that attitude. As a result, the study stressed the need of preventive rather than curative methods and acknowledged the contribution of breast cancer campaigns to the cause. Keywords: Breast cancer, Campaigns, Self-examination, Risk factors.","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140435337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Undernutrition among HIV-positive Children of age 1-5 Years attending the ART Clinic in Bushenyi Health Centre IV Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality, Bushenyi District","authors":"Ssesanga Godfrey","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.7885.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.7885.11","url":null,"abstract":"Worldwide, more than 3.4 million children under the age of 5 are infected with HIV. Both acute and chronic malnutrition are major problems for HIV-positive children living in resource-limited settings. In Uganda, the data from ART clinics revealed that up to 23% of mothers and 50% of children who were on treatment have moderate acute malnutrition. To understand undernutrition in HIV-positive children aged 1–5 years in Bushenyi District, western Uganda, a study was conducted in Bushenyi Health Centre IV to determine the common forms of undernutrition, mother awareness of undernutrition, and the management protocol conferred on HIV-positive children. There were 61 participants, of whom 54% were female and 46% were male; 41% were between the ages of 1-2 years; 31% were 5 years; and 28% were 3–4 years. The study indicated that 82% of the guardians had good knowledge about undernutrition, with 18% having little knowledge of the problem in HIV-positive children. In this study, using the z-score in data analysis, there were 3 children who were less than -2 SD (-2 standard deviation), and the overall prevalence of undernutrition was 5%. The guardians were asked whether they had heard about Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in the hospital management of undernutrition in HIV-positive children, and 79% of the respondents confirmed that they had heard about it and that they preferred their undernourished children to be managed with that form from the health units. However, 21% preferred managing their children from home without getting to the health unit. The prevalence of undernutrition in HIV-affected children aged 1–5 years is high, and the majority of the children are underweight with moderate acute malnutrition. Some HIV-positive caretakers still have inadequate knowledge about undernutrition in their children. Some people lack knowledge about the management of undernutrition in HIV-positive children. Keywords: HIV, ART, Malnutrition, Undernutrition","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140435691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated with Malaria in Pregnancy among Women Attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in Fort Portal City, Western Uganda","authors":"Brian Ruvusha Kiiza","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.6069.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.6069.11","url":null,"abstract":"Globally, there was a significant decrease in the number of malaria-risk pregnancies between 2007 and 2020. The risk of Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax malaria increased by 25% in Africa compared to 2007. Due to the fast-expanding population and associated rise in pregnancies in malaria-endemic areas, the number of people at risk in Africa has increased despite malaria rates declining in the region. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with malaria in pregnancy among women attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. This was a single-center health facility-based cross-sectional study. Data was collected using a face-to-face interview through a structured questionnaire from willing participants. After collecting the data, the principal investigator checked the completed questionnaires for consistency and completeness. Data was coded, cleaned, and entered into the computer using Microsoft Excel, and then analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was done to ascertain the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Descriptive statistics were summarized in the form of frequency tables, pie charts, p-values, and odds ratios. A total of 253 pregnant mothers attending ANC were enrolled in this study. The majority (38.3%) of the study participants were aged 30-39 years, attained secondary education (52.2%), earned 100,000–200,000 per month (56.9%), and were housewives (51.0%). In this study, the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy was 10.3%. Age, level of education, income status, and residence, use of an ITN, gravidity, and ANC follow-up were significantly associated with malaria in pregnancy at multivariate logistic regression analysis. Malaria continues to be a major public health issue among pregnant mothers. Age, level of education, income status, and residence, use of an ITN, gravidity, and ANC follow-up were factors significantly associated with malaria in pregnancy. Keywords: Pregnancies, Malaria, Plasmodium, ITN, ANC.","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140435570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Implementation of Malaria Control Strategies among Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Care at Bumanya Health Centre IV in Kaliro District","authors":"Afaayo Benjamin","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.2031.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.2031.11","url":null,"abstract":"Although a high proportion of pregnant women had an antenatal care (ANC) visit at least once during pregnancy, the coverage level of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) and insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa. A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. The outcome of the survey revealed that the majority of participants, 79%, were above 20 years old, with a mean (+/-SD) age of 25.6 (+/-SD) years. The survey also revealed that 62.67% of the participants knew about IPTp; the biggest number of participants (86.67%) reported utilizing IPTp during their current pregnancy, while 13.33% did not take IPTp. Occupation, gestational age, several ANC visits, and information about IPTp were significantly associated with IPTp uptake. The current study explored malaria IPTp uptake among pregnant women attending ANC at Bumanya HCIV. It established that an increased number of ANC visits, providing IPTp information to pregnant women, and the gestational age of pregnancy resulted in increased uptake of IPTp and thus reduced incidences of malaria cases. Keywords: Pregnancy, Women, ANC, IPTp, Malaria, Gestational age.","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140437100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Associated Factors of Urinary Tract Infections among Diabetes Mellitus Patients at KIU-TH from January to December 2022","authors":"Priscilla Kangume","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.7077.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.7077.11","url":null,"abstract":"Globally, an estimated 150 million individuals are affected by urinary tract infections (UTIs) every year, with a significant number of those affected being diabetics. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported that in the year 2019, there were about 60 million cases of patients suffering from diabetes who developed UTIs. The study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of urinary tract infections among diabetic mellitus patients in the medical ward at KIUTH. The objectives were to find out the prevalence and the factors associated with urinary tract infections among diabetic patients in the medical ward of KIU-TH. The study was descriptive, and it involved 87 patient files selected by purposive sampling, in which a checklist was the main tool of data collection. The study showed that female gender was significantly associated with the occurrence of urinary tract infection in diabetic patients at OR 0.17 (0.05–4.29) and PV 0.01. The study also shows that having other disease comorbidities was significantly associated with the occurrence of UTI among diabetic patients at OR 0.58 (0.35-8.07) and PV 0.002. The study also shows that having late diabetic disease among diabetic patients was also significantly associated with the occurrence of UTI among diabetic patients at OR 0.69 (0.35-8.19) and PV 0.004. The study concluded that 48 (55.2%) of diabetic patients had had a urinary tract infection, and therefore the study recommends that diabetic patients should be health educated on the causes and control of UTI so as to prevent their occurrences. The study also recommends that the government increase service provisions like treatments to reduce the occurrence of opportunistic conditions in UTIs, and the patients should be encouraged to seek regular medical checkups so that they monitor disease progression. Keywords: Diabetics, UTIs, Patients, Diabetes mellitus.","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140436616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the Predictive Efficacy of Dipstick Urinalysis for Detecting Urinary Tract Infections in Febrile Children Under Five Years of Age at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria","authors":"N. U. M., Esezobor C. I., Iregbu F. U., Ushie S. N.","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.11.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2024/121.11.19","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to assess the predictive efficacy of dipstick urinalysis in detecting urinary tract infections (UTI) among febrile children under five years of age at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The research involved a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study, analyzing the diagnostic performance of nitrite and leucocyte esterase tests on urine dipsticks. The results revealed low sensitivity but high specificity for both tests, suggesting their potential role in excluding UTI. The findings emphasize the importance of combining dipstick urinalysis with urine culture for accurate diagnosis in febrile children. Keywords: Urinary tract infections, Dipstick urinalysis, Febrile children, Nitrite, Leucocyte esterase, Diagnostic efficacy, Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139959528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anemia as a Prognostic Marker for Disease Progression in HIV Infection","authors":"E. Obeagu, G. U. Obeagu, E. Alum, Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2023/3.2.23310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2023/3.2.23310","url":null,"abstract":"Anemia, a prevalent hematologic manifestation in individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, has garnered considerable attention as a prognostic indicator for disease progression and adverse clinical outcomes. This abstract presents a comprehensive review elucidating the intricate relationship between anemia and the progression of HIV infection, incorporating epidemiological trends, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and prognostic significance. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), anemia remains a frequent complication in HIVinfected individuals, posing substantial challenges to patient management. This paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of anemia's role as a prognostic marker, surpassing its conventional characterization as a hematologic abnormality in the context of HIV infection. Anemia's role as a predictive marker for adverse clinical outcomes in HIV patients is explored, encompassing increased mortality rates, heightened risk of opportunistic infections, accelerated disease progression, and compromised quality of life. The review delves into its prognostic significance, shaping therapeutic decisions and prognostic assessments. This paper encapsulates the criticality of anemia as a prognostic marker for disease progression in HIV infection. Understanding its epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and prognostic significance is pivotal for informed clinical decision-making, prognostic assessments, and optimizing care paradigms in HIV management. Keywords: Anemia, Prognostic Marker, Disease Progression and HIV","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139179789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in Immune Augmentation Strategies for HIV Patients","authors":"E. Obeagu, G. U. Obeagu, E. Alum, Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima","doi":"10.59298/iaajb/2023/1.2.23310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59298/iaajb/2023/1.2.23310","url":null,"abstract":"The management of HIV has witnessed a transformative shift owing to innovative approaches aimed at bolstering immune status in affected individuals. The landscape of HIV treatment has undergone a profound transformation with the emergence of innovative approaches dedicated to fortifying the immune status of individuals living with the virus. This abstract provides a succinct yet comprehensive overview of groundbreaking strategies aimed at augmenting immune health in HIV patients. Encompassing advancements in immunotherapy, personalized medicine, lifestyle modifications, and telemedicine, this overview highlights the promising trajectory and potential impact of these novel interventions in the realm of HIV care. By exploring the multifaceted dimensions of immune enhancement strategies, this abstract sets the stage for a deeper understanding of these innovative approaches and their pivotal role in shaping the future of HIV management. Keywords: HIV, immunotherapy, personalized medicine, lifestyle modifications, telemedicine, immune health, treatment strategies","PeriodicalId":504901,"journal":{"name":"IAA Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139179695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}