Browsing by Author "Kazibwe, Francis"

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Cytokine Production in Whole Blood Cultures from a Fishing Community in an Area of High Endemicity for Schistosoma mansoni in Uganda: the Differential Effect of Parasite Worm and Egg Antigens
(American Society for Microbiology, 2003-03) Jones, Frances M; Kimani, Gachuhi; Mwatha, Joseph K; Kamau, Timothy; Kazibwe, Francis; Kemijumbi, Jovanice; Kabatereine, Narcis B; Booth, Mark; Kariuki, Henry C.; Ouma, John H.; Vennervald, Birgitte J; Dunne, David W.; Oseph, Sarah J
The human host is continuously exposed to the egg and the adult worm developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni during chronic infections with the parasite. To assess the cytokine responses induced by these different costimulating stages and how they are influenced by host age and infection intensity, whole blood samples from a cross-sectional cohort of 226 members of a Ugandan fishing community who had been resident in an area with high transmission of S. mansoni for the previous 10 years or from birth were stimulated with S. mansoni egg antigen (SEA) or worm antigen (SWA). SWA-specific gamma interferon (IFN-_) production increased with age, and the levels of SWA- and SEA-specific interleukin 3 (IL-3) were weakly correlated with schistosome infection intensity. The production of most cytokines was little affected by age or infection intensity but was either SEA or SWA specific. One hundred thirty-two members of the cohort coproduced IL-5 and IL-13 specifically in response to SWA, whereas only 15 produced these cytokines, and at much lower levels, in response to SEA. IL-10, IL-4, and IFN-_ were also produced in response to SWA, whereas the response to SEA consisted almost exclusively of IL-10. Our results suggest that, in contrast to what has been described for the murine model of S. mansoni and during acute human infections, chronic intense exposure to and infection with S. mansoni in this cohort resulted in very low levels of response to SEA in vitro in the presence of a vigorousand mixed Th1-Th2 response to SWA.
Diagnosis and treatment of advanced breast cancer
(BMJ, 2009-02) Kazibwe, Francis; N, Murray; J, Winstanley; A, Bennett
Effect of Water Harvesting Practices on Sustainable Maize Production among Smallholder Farmers in Water Scarce Areas of Ibanda District
(Journal of Crop Technology and Agricultural Science, 2023) Muhumuza, Simon; Kazibwe, Francis; Karibwani, Rebbeca
This study was conducted to find out the effect of rainwater harvesting on sustainable maize production in Bisheshe and Nyamarebe Sub counties, Ibanda district. Specifically, the study was conducted to establish the water harvesting practices used by smallholder maize farmers, the relationship between water harvesting and maize yields, community perceptions on water harvesting and the challenges of the maize farmers in water harvesting. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design in which data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation; and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that harvesting improved maize production in Nyamarebe and Bisheshe Sub Counties. This implied that water harvesting can support sustainable maize production in water scarce areas. The study recommends that farmers should be supported to harvest water for sustainable maize production.
Epidemiology and geography of Schistosoma mansoni in Uganda: implications for planning control
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2004-03) Kabatereine, Narcis B; Brooker, Simon; Tukahebwa, Edridah M; Kazibwe, Francis; Onapa, Ambrose W
Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by infection with Schistosoma mansoni is a widespread public health problem in Uganda. Although long known to be endemic, its current distribution within the country equires updating of parasitological data to help guide planned control. We report such data collected between 1998 and 2002 from 201 schools and 68 communities across Uganda. In accordance with epidemiological expectation, prevalence and intensity increased with age, peaking at 10–20 years and thereafter declined moderately with age, whereas intensity declined more rapidly with age, and the prevalence of infection in a school was non-linearly related to the mean intensity of infection. We used geographical information systems to map the distribution of infection and to overlay parasitological data with interpolated environmental surfaces. The derived maps indicate both a widespread occurrence of infection and a marked variability in infection prevalence, with prevalence typically highest near the lakeshore and along large rivers. No transmission occurred at altitudes >1400 m or where total annual rainfall was <900 mm; limits which can help estimate the population at risk of schistosomiasis. The results are discussed in reference to the ecology of infection and provide an epidemiological framework for the design and implementation of control efforts underway in Uganda.
An ethnobotanical documentation of medicinal plants used by local communities around Kibale National Park, A case of Kanyawara, Kanyansowera and Ibura Villages
(Bishop Stuart University, 2016-05) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Kazibwe, Francis; Waisindye, Noah; Anywar, G
Currently there is rapid loss of traditional knowledge and practices due to their dependency on oral transformation, impacts of modern cultural transformation, and rapid land degradation. Ethno botanical documentation of medicinal plant use is generally an appropriate means of identifying potential sources of the new drugs. Research indicates that 74% of plant derived compounds used in pharmaceuticals, retained similar use as used by traditional healers. Motivation to study the conservation status of such medicinal plants can be realized if their local use is scientifically proven by first documenting them and testing them. Current study was carried out to document useful medicinal plants, that are becoming prone to threats of endangerment before scientific interventions are made, in the local communities of Kanyawara, Kanyansowera and Ibura adjacent to Kibale National Park (KNP), located 124km East of Ruwenzori foothills and 20km South East (SE) of Fort Portal Town in western Uganda, in Kabarole District. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and guided questionnaires, house hold respondents were also chosen through random sampling. A total of 45 plant species from 28 families were recorded as useful medicinal plants harvested by people for managing diseases. Of the families encountered Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae had the highest number of species used followed by Bignoniaceae and Rutaceae. Though many plants have been used by the people in the study area to treat diseases, they have not been domesticated but are continuously being harvested from the wild. Such plants are prone to extinction yet could be domesticated for commercial purposes.
Evolutionary Relationships and Biogeography of Biomphalaria (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) with Implications Regarding Its Role as Host of the Human Bloodfluke, Schistosoma mansoni
(Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2001) Kazibwe, Francis; DeJong, Randall J; Morgan, Jess A. T; Morgan, Jess A. T; Lobato Paraense, W.; Pointier, Jean-Pierre; Amarista, Manuel; Ayeh-Kumi, Patrick F. K; Babiker, Ahmed; Barbosa, Constanc¸a S.; Bre´mond, Philippe; Canese, Andre´s Pedro; de Souza, Cecilia Pereira; Dominguez, Claudio; File, Sharon; Gutierrez, Alfredo; Nino Incani, R.; Kawano, Toshie; Kpikpi, John; Lwambo, Nicholas J. S.; Mimpfoundi, Remy; Njiokou, Flobert; Noe¨l Poda, Jean; Vela´squez, Luz Elena; Yong, Mary; Adema, Coen M; Hofkin, Bruce V.; Mkoji, Gerald M; Loker, Eric S.
The wide geographic distribution of Schistosoma mansoni, a digenetic trematode and parasite of humans, is determined by the occurrence of its intermediate hosts, freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria (Preston 1910). We present phylogenetic analyses of 23 species of Biomphalaria, 16 Neotropical and seven African, including the most important schistosome hosts, using partial mitochondrial ribosomal 16S and complete nuclear ribosomal ITS1 and ITS2 nucleotide sequences. A dramatically better resolution was obtained by combining the data sets as opposed to analyzing each separately, indicating that there is additive congruent signal in each data set. Neotropical species are basal, and all African species are derived, suggesting an American origin for the genus. We confirm that a proto-Biomphalaria glabrata gave rise to all African species through a trans-Atlantic colonization of Africa. In addition, genetic distances among African species are smaller compared with those among Neotropical species, indicating a more recent origin. There are two species-rich clades, one African with B. glabrata as its base, and the other Neotropical. Within the African clade, a wideranging tropical savannah species, B. pfeifferi, and a Nilotic species complex, have both colonized Rift Valley lakes and produced endemic lacustrine forms. Within the Neotropical clade, two newly acquired natural hosts for S. mansoni (B.straminea and B. tenagophila) are not the closest relatives of each other, suggesting two separate acquisition events. Basal to these two species-rich clades are several Neotropical lineages with large genetic distances between them, indicating multiple lineages within the genus. Interesting patterns occur regarding schistosome susceptibility: (1) the most susceptible hosts belong to a single clade, comprising B. glabrata and the African species, (2) several susceptible Neotropical species are sister groups to apparently refractory species, and (3) some basal lineages are susceptible. These patterns suggest the existence of both inherent susceptibility and resistance, but also underscore the ability of S. mansoni to adapt to and acquire previously unsusceptible species as hosts.
Field Evaluation of the Meade Readiview Handheld MicroscopeFor Diagnosis of Intestinal Schistosomiasis in Ugandan School Children
(The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2005) Russell Stothard, J.; Kabatereine, Narcis B.; Tukahebwa, Edridah M.; Kazibwe, Francis; Mathieson, William; P. Webster, Joanne; Fenwick, Alan
A novel, inexpensive handheld microscope, the Meade Readiview, was evaluated for field diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis by comparison of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) against conventional compound microscopy as part of a parasitologic survey in nine sentinel schools and a rapid mapping survey across 22 schools in Uganda. Fecal smears from 685 primary school children were examined and the overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni was 45%. However, prevalence by school ranged widely from 0% to 100%. For individual diagnosis the Readiview had a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 96%, a PPV of 95%, and an NPV of 88%. Due to the poorer movement control of the glass slide on the Readiview stage, fecal smears with less than four eggs could be overlooked. At the highest magnification (160×), egg-like objects could be confounding. Estimating prevalence by school was usually within ± 7% of that of conventional microscopy. Since the Readiview is more robust and portable, both in size and weight, and one-tenth as expensive as the traditional compound microscope, a change in the logistics and costs associated with field infection surveillance is possible. This inexpensive microscope is a pragmatic alternative to the compound microscope. It could play an important role in the collection of prevalence data to better guide anthelmintic drug delivery and also empower the diagnostic capacity of peripheral health centers where compound microscopes are few or absent.
The Growth,Reproduction and Survival of Biomphalaria Species in the Field and Laboratory Conditions at Lake Albert in Western Uganda
(International Journal of Development Research, 2016-05) Kazibwe, Francis; Ssemakula, Edward
Bilharzia or Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection of man and is caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. The parasite is transmitted through specific aquatic intermediate hosts in arious freshwater habitats. In terms of socioeconomic and public health importance it is regarded Second to malaria among the parasitic diseases affecting man in tropical and some sub-tropical Countries of the world. To understand the disease transmission patterns better; a study was carried Out on the population dynamics of the snail types (Biomphalaria species) that are responsible for the transmission of the disease. This paper discusses the results of the study that was carried out at Lake Albert, which is one of the most affected areas by Bilharzia disease in the country. The growth, reproduction and survival of two Biomphalaria species at Lake Albert were monitored in the field and laboratory for thirteen and fourteen weeks respectively. Field and laboratory growth curves were constructed for the two Biomphalaria species, Biomphalaria stanleyi and Biomphalaria sudanica. The snails from the natural environment for both species showed a rapid and steady increase in size until they reached maximum growth at about the fourteenth week. As the snails matured, maximum egg production capacity was achieved from the tenth week onwards. The growth of snails in the laboratory was much slower especially for B. sudanica, and the snails never attained the shell diameter levels of the snails in the natural environment within the same period. It took an extra week for snails in the laboratory to reach maturity and to start egg production. By the end of the fourteenth week, the laboratory snails did not appear to haveachieved a level of maximum egg production. There was a negative correlation between the mean generation time and the intrinsic rate of natural increase. These observations stress the importance and requirement of optimum conditions in the habitat of snails for them to maintain their numbers. With global warming and the attendant floods, occurring in many areas of the tropics including Uganda, fertile ground for multiplication of the snails with eventual possibility of spread of bilharzia, can be a big threat. There is a need to be vigilant and identify possible resurgence in snail population that may lead to the spread of bilharzia.
Increases in Human T Helper 2 Cytokine Responses to Schistosoma mansoni Worm and Worm- Tegument Antigens Are Induced by Treatmentwith Praziquantel
(Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2004-07-24) Joseph, Sarah; M., Frances; Klaudia Walter, Jones; Fulford, Anthony J.; Kimani, Gachuhi; Mwatha, Joseph. K; Kamau, Timothy; Kariuki, Henry C; Kazibwe, Francis; Tukahebwa, Edridah; Kabatereine, Narcis B.; Ouma, John H.; Vennervald, Birgitte J.; Dunne, David W.
Levels of Schistosoma mansoni–induced interleukin (IL)–4 and IL-5 and posttreatment levels of immunoglobulin E recognizing the parasite’s tegument (Teg) correlate with human resistance to subsequent reinfection after treatment. We measured changes in whole-blood cytokine production in response to soluble egg antigen (SEA), soluble worm antigen (SWA), or Teg after treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) in a cohort of 187 individuals living near Lake Albert, Uganda. Levels of SWA-induced IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 increased after treatment with PZQ, and the greatest relative increases were seen in the responses to Teg. Mean levels of Teg-specific IL- 5 and IL-10 increased ∼10–15-fold, and mean levels of IL-13 increased ∼5-fold. Correlations between the changes in cytokines suggested that their production was positively coregulated by tegumentally derived antigens. Levels of SEA-, SWA-, and Teg-induced interferon-g were not significantly changed by treatment, and, with the exception of IL-10, which increased slightly, responses to SEA also remained largely unchanged. The changes in cytokines were not strongly influenced by age or intensity of infection and were not accompanied by corresponding increases in the numbers of circulating eosinophils or lymphocytes
Intestinal schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Ugandan schoolchildren: a rapid mapping assessment
(Ministry of Health, 2009) Kazibwe, Francis; J.; Claire; Adriko, Moses; Alinaitwe, Moses; Kazibwe, Francis; B., Narcis; Russell Stothard
Even with a national control programme in place, intestinal schistosomiasis continues to be a major public health problem in school-aged children and other community members in Uganda. This is especially the case in the environments around the Great Lakes, where disease transmission is high, such as Lake Victoria. Moreover, in the most remote areas, some schools might periodically miss large-scale drug administrations owing to inaccessibility. To provide contemporary monitoring and surveillance data, 27 schools along the lakeshore were surveyed with a rapid assessment protocol to determine both prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections. In total, 25 (92.6%) of schools were positive for S. mansoni, with an average prevalence across the surveyed children of 42% and average infection intensity of 634 eggs per gram of faeces. Mean prevalence of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm was 12.9%, 9.3% and 2.4%, respectively. Results from questionnaire data revealed a high level of itinerancy among the children, and a total of 38.2% reported to have never received treatment for schistosomiasis, despite 96% living in districts targeted by the national control programme. A birthplace outside of Uganda was a significant predictor for increased risk of schistosomiasis infection (odds ratio (OR) = 9.6), and being resident at a school for less than a year was significantly associated with absence of praziquantel treatment (OR = 0.3). Univariate regression analysis showed a trend of increasing schistosomiasis towards the eastern region of Uganda, while semivariograms of infection prevalence demonstrated a range of spatial autocorrelation of ~78 km. Soil-transmitted helminth infections were more common in the Western region. Our results emphasise how social and demographic variables such as migration may affect epidemiological trends and confound the impact of existing treatment regimes.
Molecular epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni in Uganda:DNA barcoding reveals substantial genetic diversity within Lake Albert and Lake Victoria populations
(Cambridge University Press, 2009-06) Stothard, J. R.; Webster, B. L.; Weber, T; Nyakaana, S.; Webster, J. P.; Kazibwe, Francis; Kabatereine, N. B.; Rollinson, D.
Representative samples of Ugandan Schistosoma mansoni from Lake Albert and Lake Victoria were examined using DNA barcoding, sequence analysis of two partially overlapping regions – ASMIT (396 bp) & MORGAN (617 bp) – of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1). The Victorian sample exhibited greater nucleotide diversity, 1.4% vs. 1.0%, and a significant population partition appeared as barcodes did not cross-over between lakes. With one exception, Lake Albert populations were more mixed by sampled location, while those from Lake Victoria appeared more secluded.Using statistical parsimony, barcode ASMIT 1 was putatively ancestral to all others and analysis of MORGAN cox1 confirmed population diversity. All samples fell into two of five well-resolved lineages; sub-lineages therein broadly partitioning by lake. It seems that barcode ASMIT 1 (and close variants) was likely widely dispersed throughout the Nilotic environment but later diversified in situ, and in parallel, within Lake Albert and Lake Victoria. The genetic uniformity of Ugandan S. mansoni can no longer be assumed, which might better explain known epidemiological heterogeneities. While it appears plausible that locally evolved heritable traits could spread through most of the Lake Albert populations, it seemsunlikely they could quickly homogenise into Lake Victoria or amongst populations therein.
Profiling lifetime episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding among patients from rural Sub-Saharan Africa where schistosoma mansoni is endemic
(Pan African Medical Journal, 2016-08-03) Opio, Christopher Kenneth; Kazibwe, Francis; Ocama, Ponsiano; Rejani, Lalitha; Belousova, Elena Nikolaevna; Ajal, Paul
Introduction: Severe chronic hepatic schistosomiasis is a common cause of episodes upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is paucity of data on clinical epidemiology of episodes of UGIB from rural Africa despite on going public health interventions to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. Methods: Through a cross sectional study we profiled lifetime episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and associated factors at a rural primary health facility in sub-Saharan Africa were schistosomiasis is endemic. The main outcome was number of lifetime episodes of UGIB analyzed as count data. Results: From 107 enrolled participants, 323 lifetime episodes of UGIB were reported. Fifty-seven percent experienced ≥ 2 lifetime episodes of UGIB. Ninety-four percent had severe chronic hepatic schistosomiasis and 80% esophageal varices. Alcohol use and viral hepatitis was infrequent. Eighty-eight percent were previously treated with praziquantel and 70% had a history of blood transfusion. No patient had ever had an endoscopy or treatment for prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding. Multivariable analysis identified a cluster of eight clinical factor variables (age ≥ 40, female sex, history of blood transfusion, abdominal collaterals, esophageal varices, pattern x periportal fibrosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia) significantly associated (P-value < 0.05) with increased probability of experiencing two or more lifetime episodes of UGIB in our study. Conclusion: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common health problem in this part of rural SSA where schistosomiasis is endemic. The clinical profile described is unique and is important for improved case management, and for future research.
Schistosoma Mansoni in Infants (Aged, 3 Years) Along The Ugandan Shoreline of Lake Victoria
(The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, 2006-01) Odogwu, S. E.; Ramamurthy, N. K.; Kabatereine, N. B.; Kazibwe, Francis; Tukahebwa, E.; Webster, J. P.; Fenwick, A.; Stothard, J. R.
In two complementary epidemiological surveys of villages on the Ugandan shoreline of Lake Victoria, the putative occurrence of intestinal schistosomiasis in the local infants (children aged ,3 years) was investigated. When, during the first survey, 136 mother-and-infant pairs from a total of 12 villages were studied, only 7% of the infants but 45% of the mothers were found to be egg-patent for Schistosoma mansoni infection. The use of dipstick tests for urine-circulating cathodic antigen indicated, however, a much higher prevalence, of approximately 40%, among the infants. In the second survey, urine samples and multiple, not single, stool samples were collected from another 19 mother-and-infant pairs in two of the 12 study villages (Bugoto and Bwondha), and a standardized questionnaire was implemented. The prevalence of egg-patent infection was then found to be markedly higher in the study infants from Bugoto (86%) than in those from Bwondha (25%). A greater level of mother-and-infant water contact, a higher abundance of (infected) Biomphalaria choanomphala, and an unusual lakeshore topology may explain why S. mansoni infection was so much more common in the Bugoto subjects than in the Bwondha. All but one of the infants studied in the second survey were found to be anaemic (with ,110 g haemoglobin/litre). Taken together, these children were less likely to be found infected with hookworm (16%), Hymenolepis nana (11%) or Trichuris trichiura (5%) than with S. mansoni (47%). Infection with the parasites causing intestinal schistosomiasis can be common among the infants living in these lakeshore villages. Although the immediate and later-life clinical impacts of such infection have yet to be elucidated, such infants would probably benefit from regular de-worming. Mothers should be strongly encouraged to visit the nearest health-services clinic, with their infants, for any necessary anthelmintic treatment.
Use of circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) dipsticks for detection of intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis.
(2005) Stothard, J. Russell; Kabatereine, Narcis B.; Edridah M., Tukahebwa; Kazibwe, Francis; Rollinson, David; William, Mathieson; Webster, Joanne P; Fenwick, Alan
An evaluation of a commercially available antigen capture dipstick that detects schistosome circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) in urine was conducted in representative endemic areas for intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis in Uganda and Zanzibar, respectively. Under field-based conditions, the sensitivity (SS) and specificity (SP) of the dipstick was 83 and 81% for detection of Schistosoma mansoni infections while positive predictive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were 84%. Light egg-positive infections were sometimes CCA-negative while CCA-positives included egg-negative children. A positive association between faecal egg output and intensity of CCA test band was observed. Estimating prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis by school with dipsticks was highly correlated (r = 0.95) with Kato-Katz stool examinations, typically within ±8.5%. In Zanzibar, however, dipsticks totally failed to detect S. haematobium despite examining children with egg-patent schistosomiasis. This was also later corroborated by further surveys in Niger and Burkina Faso. Laboratory testing of dipsticks with aqueous adult worm lysates from several reference species showed correct functioning, however, dipsticks failed to detect CCA in urine from S. haematobium-infected hamsters.While CCA dipsticks are a good alternative, or complement, to stool microscopy for field diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis, they have no proven value for field diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis. At approximately US $2.6 per dipstick, they are presently too expensive to be cost-effective for wide scale use in disease mapping surveys unless Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) strategies are developed.
UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES AMONG REFUGEE TEENAGE MOTHERS AT NAKIVALE REFUGEE SETTLEMENT IN WESTERN UGANDA. A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY
(Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2023) Ecodu, Simon Peter; Muhumuza, Benon; Rukundo, Lydia; Kazibwe, Francis
Introduction: Antenatal careis crucialforpositivepregnancyoutcomesandisdependentonthetimingandquality of care. It promotes health education and helps identify and manage maternal complications and risk factors.InSub-SaharanAfrica, pregnancy complications andchildbirthare the leading causeofdeath for women aged 10-19. This study examined teenage mothers’ experiences and perceptions of accessing and utilizing antenatal care services in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Isingiro district. Methodology: A phenomenological study was conducted on teenage mothers in Nakivale, using a snowball sampling method. Key informant interviews were conducted, lasting 45 minutes -1 hour. Ethical clearance was obtained from Bishop Stuart University REC and informed consent was obtained from participants. Data was analyzed thematically using Nvivo version 12. Results:Teenage mothers face challenges utilizing antenatal care services including negative treat ment from family and community members. However, positive feelings of responsibility alleviate stress, making early mothers more resilient. Conclusions: Access toANCservices is closely linkedto itsutilization, but societal discriminationagainstteenage mothers affects ANC utilization. Teenage-friendly spaces in Nakivale significantly influenced access and utilization of ANC services. Recommendations: The study suggests establishing customized ANC services for teenage mothers in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Isingiro district, to enhance access and utilization of ANC.
Utilization of Dental Conservation Methods among School Adolescents in Mbarara Municipality – South-Western Uganda.
(Indo-African Journal of Educational Research, 2015-05) Ibrahim B; Igga; E., Ssemakula; Kazibwe, Francis
Dental conservation methods are those processes that can be utilized to maintain good oral health. They can be instituted at both individual and professional levels like; tooth brushing, amalgam fillings, inlays, among others. Like most other diseases, oral diseases affect all age groups irrespective of their nationality, race, and creed (WHO, 1999). Oral health describes a standard of health of dental and related tissues which enable an individual to eat, speak and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to the general wellbeing.This is stressed further by the Commonwealth Dental Association(CDA) which states that “good oral health is an essential and important component of general health and it is a birthright of every individual in the world”.
WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS FROM GENDER PERSPECTIVE AMONG STAFF OF BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY
(Bishop Stuart University, 2023) Alex, Ogbe; Kazibwe, Francis; Anne, Otwine Tweheyo
In this work, various work-related musculoskeletal disorders were conscientiously studied from a gender perspective among the staff of Bishop Stuart University. A total of 112 staff members consented to participate in the study. 62 were females and 50 were males. The majority of our participants were within the age range of 30-39. The academic staff were 68 and the non-academic staff were 44. The Krejcie and Morgan Table of 1970 was used to determine the sample size. The supporting staff members, visiting lecturers, and part-time staff were excluded from the study. The study was cross sectional and the tool of data collection was Self structured, validated questionnaire. The data collection exercise lasted for 6 weeks, after which the collected data were analysed with SPSS version 25. The results revealed Low back pain, blurred vision, upper back pain, neck pain and shoulder/wrist pain were the common work-related musculoskeletal disorders suffered by the staff members. The study findings revealed that more male academic staff members suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders than their female counterparts. Conversely, the result of the study showed also that among the non academic staff, there were more female sufferers of work-related musculoskeletal disorders than their male counterparts. Nevertheless, it was also noted that there was a concatenation of factors among other things that brought about the work-related musculoskeletal disorders, among staff members judging from Ergonomics standpoint. Such concatenation of factors was poor ergonomic knowledge application at workstation practices, lack of orientation on ergonomics, ergonomically designed working environment, etc.
WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS FROM GENDER PERSPECTIVE AMONG STAFF OF BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY
(Bishop Stuart University, 2023) Alex, Ogbe; Kazibwe, Francis; Anne, Otwine Tweheyo
In this work, various work-related musculoskeletal disorders were conscientiously studied from a gender perspective among the staff of Bishop Stuart University. A total of 112 staff members consented to participate in the study. 62 were females and 50 were males. The majority of our participants were within the age range of 30-39. The academic staff were 68 and the non-academic staff were 44. The Krejcie and Morgan Table of 1970 was used to determine the sample size. The supporting staff members, visiting lecturers, and part-time staff were excluded from the study. The study was cross sectional and the tool of data collection was Self structured, validated questionnaire. The data collection exercise lasted for 6 weeks, after which the collected data were analysed with SPSS version 25. The results revealed Low back pain, blurred vision, upper back pain, neck pain and shoulder/wrist pain were the common work-related musculoskeletal disorders suffered by the staff members. The study findings revealed that more male academic staff members suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders than their female counterparts. Conversely, the result of the study showed also that among the non-academic staff, there were more female sufferers of work-related musculoskeletal disorders than their male counterparts. Nevertheless, it was also noted that there was a concatenation of factors among other things that brought about the work-related musculoskeletal disorders, among staff members judging from Ergonomics standpoint. Such concatenation of factors was poor ergonomic knowledge application at workstation practices, lack of orientation on ergonomics, ergonomically designed working environment, etc.