Lira University

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) constitutes a significant public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings, and has been correlated with diminished utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services. Despite the implementation of various interventions in Uganda, IPV remains prevalent, particularly in the suburban regions of Kampala. We examined the association between IPV and ANC utilization among women in the suburbs of Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 398 women aged 15 to 49 who had given birth within the past 12 months and resided in the suburbs of Kampala between September 2024 and May 2025. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire comprising three sub-sections: socio-demographic characteristics, IPV, and utilization of ANC services. IPV was evaluated utilizing the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale 2 (RCTS2). Data analyses included descriptive statistics and Poisson regression to assess associations. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The majority of participants were aged 25–34 years (49.7

Developing reliable pseudopotentials for orbital-free density functional theory (OF-DFT), especially for transition metals, remains a significant challenge. In this study, we provide a theoretical framework for analyzing pseudization strategies for OF-DFT calculations. From the analysis arises a proposed pseudization method which involves constructing local pseudopotentials by targeting existing Kohn-Sham DFT pseudopotentials through an optimized effective potential procedure. We produce four distinct sets of local pseudopotentials and evaluate their accuracy and transferability on the set of transition metal elements. Our results indicate a substantial improvement over previously available pseudopotentials. Although current OF-DFT functionals still only reach a qualitative accuracy for transition metals, our newly developed pseudopotentials provide a rigorous framework for further methodological advancements.

Domiciliary care is a midwifery continuity of care given to a mother by midwives in the hospital, clinic, or home during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium. While evidence exists on the benefits of continuity of midwifery care models to women and neonates, little is known about the perceptions of women who received domiciliary midwifery from midwifery students in Uganda. This study explores women’s perceptions of midwifery continuity of care provided by Bachelor of Midwifery students. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Lira city, Uganda, from April to August 2024. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interviews among eighteen purposively selected postnatal women who received domiciliary care from Bachelor of Midwifery students. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic technique and NVivo version 20. The analysed data revealed that women appreciated the continuity of care received. Thematic analysis identified four themes: experience of care, empowerment through knowledge and skills, access to the health care system, and innovation approach to care, as well as 12 sub-themes from the study. The study’s findings show that women had positive experiences with the rendered care as it provided an opportunity for continuity of information and care. They felt empowered with knowledge, skills and information that they had not received in their previous deliveries and wished for the continuation of this care. There is also a need for stakeholder involvement and support to ensure continuation, maximize the impact of the care, and ensure the sustainability of the program.

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, affects people of all genders and ages. However, few studies have examined how communities in endemic areas perceive gender roles as factors influencing infection and control. This study explored the perceptions of farming (Kyaterekera) and fishing (Ndaiga) communities along Lake Albert in Uganda's Kagadi District regarding gender roles and their role in schistosomiasis infection. Using an ethnographic design, we conducted 10 key informant interviews and 18 focus group discussions with 150 participants. Data were analysed thematically. Participants from both settings recognised that gender roles influence infection risk differently for men and women. Societal expectations and gender stereotypes were seen as contributing factors. Farming men often perceived bilharzia as a lake-side issue. Drug side effects were a shared concern, but women in fishing communities preferred using herbs and prayers, while men favoured hospital visits. Gender roles and perceptions of schistosomiasis risk vary by gender and location. Common themes include societal expectations, stereotypes and concerns about treatment. Gender-specific interventions, such as gender-sensitive campaigns and inclusive decision-making, could help effectively control the disease.