Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sheila Nabweyambo, Obondo James Sande, Naomi McGovern, Freddie Bwanga, Alfred Ssekagiri, Annette Keesiga, Moses Adroma, Ronald Wasswa, Maxine Atuheirwe, Juliet Namugenyi, Barbara Castelnuovo, Annettee Nakimuli
Summary: In pregnant women in Uganda, plasma levels of VEGF and PlGF were significantly lower in patients with PE, while sFlt1 levels were significantly higher. sFlt1, sFlt1/PlGF ratio, and PlGF may be potential candidates for incorporation into algorithms for PE diagnosis in the Ugandan population.
Article
Surgery
Bruno Chan Onen, Andrew Weil Semulimi, Felix Bongomin, Ronald Olum, Gideon Kurigamba, Ronald Mbiine, Olivia Kituuka
Summary: The Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) is a simple and objective prediction tool that can guide postoperative decision making for patients undergoing laparotomy. This study evaluated the performance of SAS in predicting outcomes for patients at Mulago hospital. The results showed that SAS <= 6 is associated with an increased risk of major complications and/or mortality.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Phiona Ekyaruhanga, Rebecca Nantanda, Hellen T. Aanyu, John Mukisa, Judith Amutuhaire Ssemasaazi, Mukeere John, Palma Aceng, Joseph Rujumba
Summary: This study revealed that more than half of the caregivers delayed seeking healthcare for children with pneumonia symptoms in Uganda. Factors associated with delay included seeking care elsewhere, living far from the hospital, and having a low income. Limited knowledge of symptoms, self-medication, and delayed referral were barriers to seeking care. Key facilitators were access to healthcare workers, support from spouses, and recognition of severe illness symptoms in children.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Caroline Nalukenge, Francis O. Sebabi, Bonny Okello, Jacob Ntende, Lydia Nakiyingi, Damalie Nakanjako, Faith Nakubulwa, Abubakar Kalinaki, Ben Mulinde, Anne A. Musika
Summary: This study evaluated factors associated with ocular injuries among adult road traffic accident patients at Mulago Hospital, Uganda. The results showed that age 30-39 years, male gender, and being a passenger of motor vehicle/cycle were the factors associated with ocular injuries among the participants. It is recommended for passengers of motor vehicles and cycles to use safety measures to reduce the occurrence of eye injuries.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gerald Mboowa, Dickson Aruhomukama, Ivan Sserwadda, Freddy Eric Kitutu, Hayk Davtyan, Philip Owiti, Edward Mberu Kamau, Wendemagegn Enbiale, Anthony Reid, Douglas Bulafu, Jeffrey Kisukye, Margaret Lubwama, Henry Kajumbula
Summary: This study examined the antimicrobial resistance trends in the surgical wards of Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda between 2014 and 2018. The findings showed a sustained increase in resistance to commonly used antibiotics and highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring and antibiotic stewardship.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Francis O. Sebabi, Walter O. Okello, Faith Nakubulwa, Rogers Sempindu, Catherine Driciru, Caroline Nalukenge, Ben Mulinde, Lydia Nakiyingi, Damalie Nakanjako, Grace N. Ssali, Anne A. Musika
Summary: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among patients in Uganda. Financial constraints, no perceived need for cataract surgery, and good unilateral vision were found to be the main factors contributing to delayed surgery uptake among cataract patients.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michael C. Jin, Bina Kakusa, Seul Ku, Silvia D. Vaca, Linda W. Xu, Juliet Nalwanga, Joel Kiryabwire, Hussein Ssenyonjo, John Mukasa, Michael Muhumuza, Anthony T. Fuller, Michael M. Haglund, Gerald A. Grant
Summary: The study investigated factors associated with mortality and quality of life in Ugandan patients with traumatic brain injury using a phone-centered survey. It found that factors such as lower surgery frequency, severe TBI, older age, and female gender were associated with higher inpatient mortality. Higher Glasgow Coma Scale score at discharge was linked to improved long-term survival, while tracheostomy and older age were associated with poorer outcomes.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Victor Ogik, Mark Muyingo, Moses Musooko, Jolly Nankunda
Summary: This study found that about a fifth of babies born at Mulago National Referral Hospital had high umbilical artery lactate levels. Factors significantly associated with high lactate levels included the baby's sex, mother's gravidity, presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and use of oxytocin during labor.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fransisco Msonge, Lusobya Rebecca Clare, Anne A. Musika, Immaculate Atukunda, Caroline Otike, Juma Paul, Elizabeth Nagawa, Eunice Headcraph, Lydia Nakiyingi, Charles M. Yancey, Agaba John, Juliet Otiti-Sengeri
Summary: This study investigated the types of traditional eye medicine (TEM) used, ocular complications, and associated factors among TEM users at the Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) eye clinic in Uganda. The results showed that plant-based products were the most commonly used type of TEM, and a large proportion of users experienced sight-threatening ocular complications, with conjunctivitis being the most frequent manifestation. Living in urban areas and perceiving TEM as easily accessible were significantly associated with ocular complications.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gerald Mboowa, Ivan Sserwadda, Douglas Bulafu, Duku Chaplain, Izale Wewedru, Jeremiah Seni, Benson Kidenya, Stephen Mshana, Moses Joloba, Dickson Aruhomukama
Summary: The study found that reliable data on antimicrobial resistance transmission dynamics in Uganda is scarce, with transmission mainly occurring through human-human interfaces in healthcare settings rather than through human-inanimate environment interfaces.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nelson Twinamasiko, Ronald Olum, Anna Maria Gwokyalya, Innocent Nakityo, Enock Wasswa, Emmanuel Sserunjogi
Summary: The study found that about half of the patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda lack adequate knowledge and practice on COVID-19 prevention. Female patients were three times more likely to have good COVID-19 prevention practices compared to males.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND HEALTHCARE POLICY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Loren K. Barcenas, Roselyn Appenteng, Francis Sakita, Paige O'Leary, Henry Rice, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Catherine A. Staton
Summary: The majority of pediatric TBI patients in this study were male and suffered from road traffic injuries or falls. A small percentage of patients, including children under 18, consumed alcohol before their injuries, with boys being more likely to drink. The need for transfer from the surgery floor to the ICU may indicate a lack of risk identification or worsening injury severity in the emergency department. Interventions should be developed to reduce road traffic injuries, address irresponsible alcohol use, and improve risk identification and stratification in the emergency department.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Badru Ssekitooleko, Bashir Ssuna, Stella Alice Nimanya, Ronald Kiwewa, Yasin Ssewanyana, Emmanuel Nkonge, Emmanuel Bua, Joel Wandabwa, William Ocen, Rosemary Nassanga, Frank Asiimwe, Robert Kalyesubula
Summary: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with major trauma, with a high incidence rate. Risk factors include male sex, delayed presentation, hypoglycemia at admission, and non-operative management. AKI is also strongly associated with mortality in these patients.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Irene Nabaweesi, Ronald Olum, Arthur Brian Sekite, Willy Tumwesigye Suubi, Prossy Nakiwunga, Aron Machali, Richard Kiyumba, Peter Kalyango, Allen Natamba, Yokosofati Igumba, Martin Kyeyune, Harriet Mpairwe, Eric Katagirya
Summary: The study revealed significant antibiotic misuse among patients in Uganda, with males and Muslims more likely to self-medicate, while those employed and with tertiary education are less likely to engage in self-medication.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Charles Batte, Martha S. Namusobya, Racheal Kirabo, John Mukisa, Susan Adakun, Achilles Katamba
Summary: In Uganda, 12% of previously treated TB cases and 1.6% of new cases have MDR-TB. Adherence is crucial for improving MDR-TB treatment outcomes. A study conducted at Mulago Hospital found that 11.9% of MDR-TB patients were non-adherent, with a history of previous DR TB treatment being a significant driver of non-adherence.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Cesia Cotache-Condor, Andie Grimm, Jahsarah Williamson, Vinootna Kantety, Kelsey Landrum, Kristin Schroeder, Catherine A. Staton, Esther Majaliwa, Henry E. Rice, Emily R. Smith
Summary: This study aims to identify factors contributing to delayed childhood cancer care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the goal of guiding strategic interventions to improve timely access to cancer care for children in these regions.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Justine Seidenfeld, Anna Tupetz, Cassandra Fiorino, Alexander Limkakeng, Lincoln Silva, Catherine Staton, Joao R. N. Vissoci, John Purakal
Summary: This study analyzed the experiences of COVID-19 patients in a healthcare system in North Carolina, identifying major themes including COVID-19 knowledge, diagnosis, patient risk perception, medical care experience, and long-term recovery difficulties. The findings provide insights for targeted interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in high-risk communities and enhance the patient experience during the course of COVID-19 illness.
Article
Emergency Medicine
J. J. Hoff, Armand Zimmerman, Anna Tupetz, Lee Van Vleet, Catherine Staton, Anjni Joiner
Summary: In the field of emergency medical services (EMS), complex medical cases often lead to feelings of shame and guilt among EMS personnel. Coping mechanisms vary, but individuals often rely on their colleagues in a sharing environment to adequately process their negative emotions, which is seen as a departure from past practices. Our hope is that future studies will use these findings to identify targets for intervention on negative mental health outcomes in EMS personnel.
PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Catherine Staton, Joao Ricardo Nickenig A. Vissoci, Deena R. El-Gabri, Konyinsope W. Adewumi, Tessa T. Concepcion, Shannon M. Elliott, Daniel A. Evans, Sophie E. Galson, Charles Pate, Lindy Reynolds, Nadine Sanchez, Alexandra Sutton, Charlotte J. Yuan, Alena J. Pauley, Luciano Andrade, Megan Von Isenberg, Jinny Ye, Charles Gerardo
Summary: This review examines patient-level alcohol interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a focus on clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings suggest that brief interventions and motivational interviewing techniques show promise in reducing alcohol use in LMICs.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Gisele dos Santos Rocha, Altair Seabra Farias, Joao Arthur Alcantara, Vinicius Azevedo Machado, Felipe Murta, Fernando Val, Joseir Saturnino Cristino, Alicia Cacau Santos, Mena Bianca Ferreira, Leonardo Marques, Yasmim Vieira Rocha, Andre Sachett, Mailma Costa Almeida, Aline Alencar, Lisele Brasileiro, Erica da Silva Carvalho, Pedro Ferreira Bisneto, Marcus Lacerda, Anna Tupetz, Catherine A. Staton, Joao R. N. Vissoci, Elizabeth Teixeira, Charles J. Gerardo, Fan Hui Wen, Jacqueline Sachett, Wuelton Monteiro
Summary: This study develops and validates a clinical practice guideline for snakebite envenoming (SBE) management in low-resource settings, with a successful validation process.
Article
Substance Abuse
Arthi S. Kozhumam, Carter Lovvorn, Paige O'Leary, Linda Minja, Judith Boshe, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Catherine A. Staton
Summary: This study compares the reporting of patient alcohol use by patients and their family members in Tanzania, finding that family reports could serve as an accurate proxy for patient self-reports. The study also reveals the existence of alcohol stigma in this context, with similar levels among patients and family members.
JOURNAL OF STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
(2022)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Anna Tupetz, Eleanor Strand, Kazi Imdadul Hoque, Mohsina Sultana, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Catherine Staton, Michel D. Landry
Summary: Females in Bangladesh are at significant risk of sustaining serious and life-threatening trauma through scarf injuries in autorickshaws, exacerbated by inadequate care along the trauma care pathway. Interventions aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of basic spinal cord injury care at the community and provider level would likely improve health and functional outcomes.
BMC EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Anjni Joiner, Antonio R. Fernandez, Lee Van Vleet, Jose G. Cabanas, Joseph Grover, Andrew Godfrey, Remle Crowe, Catherine Staton, Juliessa Pavon
Summary: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of older adult EMS patients who fell but were not transported to the hospital. The findings indicate that males, older age groups, and Hispanic/Latino patients had higher odds of non-transport in this population.
PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sophie W. W. Galson, Msafiri Pesambili, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Preeti Manavalan, Julian T. T. Hertz, Gloria Temu, Catherine A. Staton, John W. W. Stanifer
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of hypertension with low awareness, treatment adherence, and control. The emergency department can be utilized as a unique opportunity to improve screening, awareness, and care for hypertension. This study identified barriers and facilitators to hypertension care, which can help in designing interventions to improve blood pressure control and linkage to outpatient care in the emergency department.
Article
Toxicology
Timothy P. Beck, Anna Tupetz, Altair Seabra Farias, Alexandre Silva-Neto, Thiago Rocha, Emily R. Smith, Felipe Murta, Flavio Santos Dourado, Deugles Cardoso, Tatyana A. Ramos, Andre Sachett, Thiago Serrao Pinto, Manuela Berto Pucca, Vanderson Sampaio, Flavia Ramos, Joao Nickenig Vissoci, Jacqueline Sachett, Fan Hui Wen, Catherine A. Staton, Charles J. Gerardo, Wuelton Monteiro
Summary: Snakebite envenomings and other envenomings from venomous animals pose a significant disease burden in Brazil, particularly in the remote Amazon region; In 2021 alone, Brazil reported tens of thousands of envenomings from snakes, scorpions, spiders, and caterpillars; Understanding healthcare resources and practices in the Amazon can inform future interventions and health policies.
Review
Rehabilitation
Armand Zimmerman, Mary Catherine Minnig, Joseph Meela, Anna Tupetz, Janet Prvu Bettger, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Catherine Staton
Summary: Around 10 million people in Tanzania require rehabilitative care, but the access to such care is inadequate. This study aimed to identify and describe the rehabilitation resources available to injury patients in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. The study found 11 organizations offering rehabilitation services, but a greater need for long-term rehabilitative care to connect more patients in the region.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Malin Ardsby, Frida Shayo, Francis M. Sakita, Daniel Wilhelms, Baraka Moshi, Parker Frankiewicz, Lincoln Luis Silva, Catherine A. Staton, Blandina Mmbaga, Anjni Joiner
Summary: This study aimed to assess the ability of emergency units (EU) to provide emergency care in the Kilimanjaro region in Northern Tanzania. The findings showed that although all hospitals were capable of providing emergency services 24/7, there were significant deficiencies in the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome and initial stabilisation manoeuvres for trauma patients. These deficiencies were primarily due to lack of training and resources.
Article
Toxicology
Eleanor Strand, Felipe Murta, Anna Tupetz, Loren Barcenas, Ashley J. Phillips, Altair Seabra Farias, Alicia Cacau Santos, Gisele dos Santos Rocha, Catherine A. Staton, Flavia Regina Ramos, Vinicius Azevedo Machado, Fan Hui Wen, Joao R. N. Vissoci, Jacqueline Sachett, Wuelton Monteiro, Charles J. Gerardo
Summary: This study compares provider perceptions of snakebite envenoming care across different health systems and cultural contexts to inform potential implementation science approaches. The analysis reveals that despite similar core barriers and improvement needs, healthcare professionals in different health systems and sociocultural contexts identified varying requirements and recommendations. Therefore, considering and understanding these differences, and utilizing explicit input from healthcare professionals, is crucial for implementing effective initiatives in snakebite care.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine M. Staton, Kaitlyn M. Friedman, Ashley Phillips, Mary Catherine Minnig, Francis Sakita, Kennedy T. Ngowi, Brian Suffoletto, Jon Mark Hirshon, Monica Swahn, Blandina Mmbaga, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
Summary: The feasibility of the PPKAY intervention in reducing alcohol use among emergency department injury patients in Tanzania was evaluated. The study showed that the intervention was feasible and acceptable, with high rates of recruitment and retention. The results support the need for a full trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the PPKAY intervention in a low-income country.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cesia Cotache-Condor, Hannah E. Rice, Kristin Schroeder, Catherine Staton, Esther Majaliwa, Shenglan Tang, Henry E. Rice, Emily R. Smith
Summary: A composite vulnerability index was developed to assess the risk of mortality associated with delays in care for childhood cancer in LMICs and compare the vulnerability index scores across countries. Factors such as life expectancy, maternal education, fertility rate, availability of treatment services, and country income level were significantly associated with childhood cancer mortality. The highest vulnerability was found in sub-Saharan Africa.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)