Browsing by Author "Rujumba, Joseph"

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    Cultural beliefs and practices on perinatal death: a qualitative study among the Lango community in Northern Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2023-04-03) Arach, Anna Agnes Ojok; Nakasujja, Noeline; Rujumba, Joseph; Mukunya, David; Odongkara, Beatrice; Musaba, Milton W.; Napyo, Agnes; Tumwine, James K.; Nankabirwa, Victoria; Ndeezi, Grace; Kiguli, Juliet
    Background Perinatal death has profound psychosocial effects on women and their families. Sociocultural con texts influence the burden, rituals and bereaved’s support. Little is known about cultural beliefs and practices related to perinatal death. This study explored the cultural perspectives of the Lango community on perinatal death. Methods This study utilised a focused ethnographic design anchored on a symbolic interactionist framework to understand the meanings attached to beliefs and practices on stillbirth or neonatal death among the Lango community in Lira District, Northern Uganda. Participants were sampled purposively for FGD while key informants were identified through snowballing technique. Data were audio recorded in Lango, transcribed, and later translated, a codebook was developed and data entered into Atlas. ti version 8.4.26 and then coded. It was analysed both deduc tively and inductively into themes. Results Stillbirth and early neonatal death both attract similar rituals as would an older child. Burial is not rushed and is attended by family members and close friends. Stillbirths and children that die before naming are buried with out names. Bereaved families are comforted and encouraged about future pregnancies. Currently, Lango associates the deaths to biomedical explanations such as teenage pregnancies, inadequate pregnancy care, health system chal lenges and poor health-seeking behaviour, unlike previously when they were attributed to consequences of unaccep table social behaviours, superstitious beliefs and witchcraft. Antenatal care and health facility childbirths are currently preferred over traditional practices for good pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion Stillbirth or early neonatal death is viewed as the death of a child, different from other settings. Thus, ritu als are performed to honour, create memory, and maintain the connection with deceased babies. Bereaved parents are supported. Health care workers need to provide culturally sensitive support to parents after perinatal loss. The prevailing beliefs of perinatal death cause in terms of biomedical explanations consistent with known determinants and preference for health facility care for prevention creates an opportunity for improving perinatal health. Keywords Culture, Perspectives, Beliefs, Practices, Stillbirth, Perinatal death, Uganda
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    "I thought I was going to die": Experiences of COVID-19 patients managed at home in Uganda
    (PLOS ONE, 2023-12-12) Nakireka, Susan; Mukunya, David; Tumuhaise, Crescent; Olum, Ronald; Namulema, Edith; Napyo, Agnes; Serwanja, Quraish; Ingabire, Prossie Merab; Muyinda, Asad; Bongomin, Felix; Musaba, Milton; Mutaki, Vivian; Nantale, Ritah; Akunguru, Phillip; Ainembabazi, Rozen; Nomujuni, Derrick; Olwit, William; Nakawunde, Aisha; Nyiramugisha, Specioza; Mwa Aol, Pamela; Rujumba, Joseph; Munabi, Ian; Kiguli, Sarah
    Background In Uganda, approximately 170,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 3,630 deaths have been reported as of January 2023. At the start of the second COVID-19 wave, the Ugandan health system was overwhelmed with a sudden increase in the number of COVID-19 patients who needed care, and the Ministry of Health resorted to home-based isolation and care for patients with mild to moderate disease. Before its rollout, the COVID-19 homebased care strategy had neither been piloted nor tested in Uganda. Objective To explore the experiences of COVID-19 patients managed at home in Uganda. Methods This was a qualitative study that was conducted to explore the lived experiences of COVID19 patients managed at home. The study was carried out among patients who presented to three hospitals that were designated for treating COVID-19 patients in Uganda. COVID-19 patients diagnosed at these hospitals and managed at home were followed up and contacted for in-depth telephone interviews. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis with the aid of NVIVO 12.0.0 (QRS International, Cambridge, MA). Results Participants experienced feelings of fear and anxiety: fear of death, fear of losing jobs, fear of infecting loved ones and fear of adverse events such as loss of libido. Participants also reported feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and depression on top of the debilitating and sometimes worsening symptoms. In addition to conventional medicines, participants took various kinds of home remedies and herbal concoctions to alleviate their symptoms. Furthermore, COVID-19 care resulted in a high economic burden, which persisted after the COVID-19 illness. Stigma was a major theme reported by participants. Participants recommended that COVID-19 care should include counselling before testing and during and after the illness to combat the fear and stigma associated with the diagnosis. Another recommendation was that health workers should carry out home visits to patients undergoing homebased care and that COVID-19 treatment should be free of charge. Conclusion COVID-19 home-based care was associated with fear, anxiety, loneliness, depression, economic loss and stigma. Policymakers should consider various home-based follow-up strategies and strengthen counselling of COVID-19 patients at all stages of care.