Background : Exposure to violence in childhood has long-term negative consequences; however, there is a notable gap in studies examining the relationship between violence against children (VAC) and risky sexual behaviors within refugee populations. We investigate the association between exposure to violence in childhood and engaging in risky sexual behaviors among youths in refugee settings in Uganda. Methods :We analyzed data from 18–24-year-olds enrolled in the 2022 Uganda Humanitarian Violence against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS), the first-ever HVACS conducted across all 13 refugee settlements in Uganda. Statistical associations between exposure to physical, sexual, or emotional violence, witnessing physical violence in the home or in the community and engaging in risky sexual behaviors, defined as one or more of early sexual debut, transactional sex, sex with multiple partners and unprotected sex with a non-spousal partner, were examined using chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Analyses were conducted separately for males and females. Results : A total of 622 females and 395 males were interviewed. The prevalence of risky sexual behaviors was 30.6% (95% CI: 23.4% - 38.9%) among females and 33.2% (95% CI: 22.2% -46.5%) among males. Risky sexual behaviors were higher among female participants who experienced sexual violence in childhood, with twice the odds of engaging in such behaviors (AOR=2.2; 95% CI=1.2–4.1, p=0.018) compared to those not exposed to sexual violence in childhood. Male participants who witnessed physical violence in the community had higher odds of engaging in risky sexual behaviors (AOR=1.9; 95% CI=1.1–3.3, p=0.03. Conclusion : Engaging in risky sexual behaviors among adolescents and young people in humanitarian settings in Uganda is associated with gender-specific prior exposures to violence in childhood. Addressing risky sexual behaviors among adolescents and young people in humanitarian settings requires an age and gender life-course approach starting from childhood violence prevention efforts to reduce exposure to both individual and community-level violence, specifical sexual, physical, and witnessing physical violence in the community.

INTRODUCTION:Normal pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular changes that enable adaptation to the pregnancy state. We sought to describe the haemodynamic changes from prepregnancy to very early pregnancy in women planning to conceive in southwestern Uganda. METHODS:In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled women in southwestern Uganda planning to conceive. Brachial and central blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, and peripheral vascular resistance were assessed prepregnancy and repeated in very early pregnancy. RESULTS:We studied 86 women with a mean age of 27.8 years (SD ± 4.4). The mean gestational age was 7 (±2) weeks at the time of repeat blood pressure measurement. Brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in very early pregnancy (116 ± 11 to 114 ± 8 mmHg and 68 ± 6 to 65 ± 5 mmHg, respectively; P  < 0.001). Central systolic and diastolic blood pressure also decreased (112 ± 10 to 109 ± 8 mmHg, P  = 0.003 and 68 ± 6 to 65 ± 5 mmHg, P  < 0.001, respectively), as did peripheral vascular resistance (1450 ± 581 to 1311 ± 276 dyn/s/cm 5P  = 0.038). There was no significant difference in cardiac output (5.3 ± 1.2 vs 5.5 ± 1.1 l/min P  = 0.146) or stroke volume (64 ± 13 to 66 ± 12 ml, P  = 0.172). CONCLUSION:Significant haemodynamic changes occur in very early pregnancy. Using late first trimester measurements as a baseline for pregnancy induced changes may not be suitable for understanding the full extent of pregnancy induced haemodynamic changes, or provide a reliable substitute for prepregnancy states.

Background Globally, over a billion women of reproductive age (WRA) suffer from some kind of undernutrition micronutrient deficiencies, and/or anemia as a result of inadequate dietary diversity. This leads to poor maternal and child health outcomes, however, there is limited research on population level research on minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W). This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of MDD-W among WRA in Uganda. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of data from the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) survey conducted across 55 Ugandan districts between May and September 2022. Women of various ages were interviewed across 5 study subgroups that this study used to construct its study population (WRA). Descriptive analyses, tests for outcome differences, and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression were conducted at a 5% statistical significance level using STATA version 17. The results were reported using Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) as the measure of the outcome. Results The study analyzed responses from 29,802 WRA with a mean age of 27.8 (± 6.8) years. Only 8.8% (95% CI 8.5–9.3) achieved the MDD-W, the least proportion was observed in the South-Central region (3.13%). In the adjusted analysis, WRA who were older than 25 years (aOR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1–1.3, p < 0.001), had secondary education (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7, p = 0.003) or above (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.2, p < 0.001), and used modern contraceptives (aOR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.3, p = 0.01) were more likely to achieve the MDD-W. Conversely, WRA who travelled longer distances to the nearest household water source (aOR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9, p = 0.002) and those residing in larger households (aOR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.0, p = 0.019) were less likely to achieve the MDD-W. Conclusion A low proportion of WRA met the MDD-W. Age, education level, household sizes and use of modern contraception were predictors of MDD-W among WRA in Uganda. MDD-W-related program efforts in Uganda should strengthen multisectoral collaboration with prioritization of younger women, education, household sizes and access to safe water sources.

Abstract Background The initiation and use of family planning (FP) services within the first 12 months following childbirth, postpartum family planning (PPFP), promotes safe motherhood by reducing unintended pregnancies and ensuring appropriate pregnancy spacing. However, there is a paucity of information on PPFP uptake from community surveys. This study aimed to quantify the reported use of PPFP and identify predictors and barriers to PPFP uptake from a large community survey. Methods We analysed data collected from the 2021 Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) survey, a cross-sectional community and household survey that covered 68 districts in Uganda. The survey uses small sample sizes to designate health or administrative geographical areas which are assessed to determine whether they achieved the pre-determined target for defined indicators of interest. We abstracted and analysed data collected from mothers of children aged 12 months or younger on reproductive health and FP. PPFP use was defined as the reported use of modern FP by the mother or their partner. Associations were measured using Pearson’s chi-square test at 5% significance. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for variables that were significantly associated with PPFP use to identify the predictors of PPFP. Results Overall, 8103 mothers of children aged less than 12 years were included in the analysis; the majority of mothers, 55.8% (4521/8103) were above 24 years while 11.7% (950/8103) were 19 years and under. 98% (7942/8103) of the mothers attended at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit and 86.3% (6997/8103) delivered at a health facility. Only 10% (814/8103) of mothers who participated in the survey reported PPFP use at the time of the survey. Reporting of PPFP use was 5 times higher among mothers of children aged 7–12 months (AOR 4.9; 95%CI 4.1–5.8), 50% higher among mothers with secondary education (AOR 1.5; 95%CI 1.0-2.3), 80% higher among breastfeeding mothers (AOR 1.8; 95%CI 1.3–2.4) and 30% lower among those that didn’t receive a health worker visit within 3 months preceding the survey (AOR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–0.8). Among 4.6% (372/8103) who stated a reason for non-use of PPFP, the most cited reasons for not using were breastfeeding 43% (161/372), fear of side effects 26.9% (100/372), respondent/partner opposition 17.6% (48/372) and infrequent sex 12.1% (48/372). Conclusion The analysis showed a low proportion of PPFP uptake among mothers of children under 12 years. Possible barriers included child age, education, a health worker visit, and side effects and perceived benefits of possibly improperly implementing lactation amenorrhea method. Integration of social, community and health services could provide a more holistic approach to improving PPFP uptake.

Uganda has made notable progress in improving child nutrition indicators, albeit not fast enough to meet global targets. Navigating the landscape of child nutrition in Uganda demands attention, particularly in light of the necessity for a minimum acceptable diet (MAD) for children aged 12-23 months. While the focus on local nutritional planning is crucial, the absence of routine-specific nutritional status data creates a significant information gap. To bridge this void, this study used datasets from the 2021 Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) survey. Data were analysed using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression (clustering districts based on regional boundaries) at a 5% statistical significance level using STATA version 17. Of the 7,111 children surveyed, 3,256 (49.20%) received the minimum meal frequency, 695 (9.80%) received the minimum dietary diversity, and only 380 (5.34%) received the MAD. There was a notable variation in the proportion of children that received the MAD across regions and districts. Children living in urban areas, children whose mothers had a higher education, and children whose mothers had a diverse diet were more likely to receive the MAD. Children were less likely to receive the MAD if they lived in a household that did not receive a health worker visit within the year. These findings suggest a need to prioritize initiatives aimed at increasing dietary diversity among children in Uganda. This could be done through a variety of approaches, such as leveraging the use of home gardens to boost nutrition through diverse crop cultivation, demonstration gardens, and offering nutrition counselling through village health teams.

Background: Kidney disease burden is raising worldwide, raising a need to closely monitor high risk populations for swift response. However, there is limited data on the prevalence of abnormal kidney function and outcomes among patients admitted at regional referral health facilities in Uganda which are the first points of care for most patients in the country. We determined the prevalence of abnormal kidney function and 90-days outcomes among patients admitted on medical ward of Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted among adult patients admitted on medical wards between September 2020 to March 2021. Patients were enrolled if they met the following inclusion criteria: a) ≥18 years of age, 2) provided written informed consent, 3) had phone contacts to help with patient follow up. Spot urine sample was collected to assess for proteinuria and a blood sample was collected to assess serum creatinine levels. Abnormal kidney function was defined as decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate < 90 ml/minute /1.73m² or proteinuria of ≥1+ on spot urine dipstick. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-Epi formula. Patients with abnormal kidney function were followed up at 90 days post enrollment to determine their outcomes.Results: Were enrolled 357 patients. The overall prevalence of abnormal kidney function was 32.8% (117/357), 08 (2.2%) patients having proteinuria alone, 68 (19.1%) having decreased eGFR alone, and 41 (11.5%) having both proteinuria and decreased eGFR. The median age of 117 patients with abnormal kidney function was 52 (IQR 39-70) years and majority were males (54.7%). Of the 117 patients with abnormal kidney function, 108 were followed up to 90-days. The 90 days mortality was 69.4% (75/108), and 13.0% (14/108) had progressed to chronic kidney disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of abnormal kidney function was high and the many had adverse outcomes including death and progression to chronic kidney disease. To reduce on these adverse outcomes, patients at risk or with abnormal kidney function may benefit from basic screening and use of management protocols for kidney disease.

Abstract Background Despite estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) being the best marker for kidney function, there are no studies in sub-Saharan Africa comparing the performance of various equations used to determine eGFR. We compared prevalence of kidney disease determined by proteinuria of ≥ + 1 and or kidney disease improving global outcomes (KDIGO) eGFR criteria of < 60 ml/minute/1.73m2 determined using three creatinine-based equations among patients admitted on medical ward of Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. Methods This was a prospective study conducted among adult patients admitted on medical wards between September 2020 to March 2021. Spot urine samples were collected to assess for proteinuria and blood samples were collected to assess serum creatinine levels. Kidney disease was defined as proteinuria of ≥ 1 + on spot urine dipstick and or KDIGO eGFR criteria of < 60 ml/minute/1.73m2. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using three creatinine-based equations: a) Full Age Spectrum equation (FAS), b) chronic kidney disease-Epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) 2021 equation, c) CKD EPI 2009 (without and with race factor) equation. CKD was determined after followed up at 90 days post enrollment to determine the chronicity of proteinuria of ≥ + 1 and or KDIGO eGFR criteria of < 60mls /minute/1.73m2. We also compared prevalence of CKD determined by KDIGO eGFR criteria of < 60mls /minute/1.73m2 vs age adapted eGFR threshold criteria for defining CKD. Results Among the 357 patients enrolled in the study, KDIGO eGFR criteria of < 60mls / minute determined using FAS and CKD-EPI 2009 without race factor equations and or proteinuria of ≥ + 1 showed the highest overall prevalence of kidney disease at 27.2%. Prevalence of confirmed CKD at 90 days was highest with proteinuria ≥ + 1 and or KDIGO eGFR criteria of < 60mls/min determined using CKD EPI 2009 without race factor Equation (15.1%). Conclusions Use of KDIGO eGFR criteria of < 60mls / minute /1.73m2 using FAS and CKD-EPI 2009 without race equations identifies the largest number of patients with CKD. Health care systems in sub-Saharan Africa should calculate eGFR using FAS equations or CKD-EPI 2009 without race equations during basic screening and management protocols.

Background Dipping of blood pressure (BP) at night is a normal physiological phenomenon. However, a non-dipping pattern is associated with hypertension mediated organ damage, secondary forms of hypertension and poorer long-term outcome. Identifying a non-dipping pattern may be useful in assessing risk, aiding the decision to investigate for secondary causes, initiating treatment, assisting decisions on choice and timing of antihypertensive therapy, and intensifying salt restriction. Objectives To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with non-dipping pattern and determine the effect of 6 months of three antihypertensive regimens on the dipping pattern among Black African hypertensive patients. Methods This was a secondary analysis of the CREOLE Study which was a randomized, single blind, three-group trial conducted in 10 sites in 6 Sub-Saharan African countries. The participants were 721 Black African patients, aged between 30 and 79 years, with uncontrolled hypertension and a baseline 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Dipping was calculated from the average day and average night systolic blood pressure measures. Results The prevalence of non-dipping pattern was 78% (564 of 721). Factors that were independently associated with non-dipping were: serum sodium > 140 mmol/l (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.17–2.51, p -value 0.005), a higher office systolic BP (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p -value 0.003) and a lower office diastolic BP (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99, p -value 0.03). Treatment allocation did not change dipping status at 6 months (McNemar’s Chi 2 0.71, p -value 0.40). Conclusion There was a high prevalence of non-dipping among Black Africans with uncontrolled hypertension. ABPM should be considered more routinely in Black Africans with uncontrolled hypertension, if resources permit, to help personalise therapy. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and causes of non-dipping pattern and if targeting night-time BP improves clinical outcomes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02742467).

Background Although WHO recommends cotrimoxazole (CTX) discontinuation among HIV patients who have undergone immune recovery and are living in areas of low prevalence of malaria, some countries including Uganda recommend CTX discontinuation despite having a high malaria burden. We estimated the prevalence and factors associated with malaria parasitaemia among adults living with HIV attending hospital outpatient clinic before and after discontinuation of CTX prophylaxis. Methods Between March and April 2019, 599 participants aged 18 years and above, and attending Kitgum hospital HIV clinic in Uganda were enrolled in a cross study. A standardized questionnaire was administered and physical examination conducted. A finger-prick blood sample was collected for identification of malaria parasites by microscopy. The prevalence of parasitaemia was estimated and compared among participants on and those who had discontinued CTX prophylaxis, and factors associated with malaria parasitaemia assessed. Results Of the enrolled participants, 27 (4.5%) had malaria parasites and 452 (75.5%) had stopped CTX prophylaxis. Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia was significantly higher in participants who had stopped CTX prophylaxis (5.5% versus 1.4% p = 0.03) and increased with increasing duration since the discontinuation of prophylaxis. Compared to participants taking CTX, those who discontinued prophylaxis for 3–5 months and >5 months were more likely to have malaria parasites (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.64, 95% CI 0.37–7.29, p = 0.51, and aPR = 6.06, 95% CI 1.34–27.3, P = 0.02). Low CD4 count (< 250cells/mm 3 ) was also associated with increased risk of having parasites (aPR = 4.31, 95% CI 2.13–8.73, p <0.001). Conclusion People from malaria endemic settings living with HIV have a higher prevalence of malaria parasitaemia following discontinuation of CTX compared to those still on prophylaxis. The risk increased with increasing duration since discontinuation of the prophylaxis. HIV patients should not discontinue CTX prophylaxis in areas of Uganda where the burden of malaria remains high. Other proven malaria control interventions may also be encouraged in HIV patients following discontinuation of CTX prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION:Incomplete understanding of TB transmission dynamics in high HIV prevalence settings remains an obstacle for prevention. Understanding where transmission occurs could provide a platform for case finding and interrupting transmission.METHODS:From 2012-2015, we sought to recruit all adults starting TB treatment in a Ugandan community. Participants underwent household (HH) contact investigation, and provided names of social contacts, sites of work, healthcare and socializing, and two sputum samples. Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture-positive specimens underwent 24-loci MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping. We sought to identify epidemiologic links between genotype-matched cases by analyzing social networks and mapping locations where cases reported spending ≥12 hours over the one-month pre-treatment. Sites of spatial overlap (≤100m) between genotype-matched cases were considered potential transmission sites. We analyzed social networks stratified by genotype clustering status, with cases linked by shared locations, and compared network density by location type between clustered vs. non-clustered cases.RESULTS:Of 173 adults with TB, 131 (76%) were enrolled, 108 provided sputum, and 84/131 (78%) were MTB culture-positive: 52% (66/131) tested HIV-positive. Of 118 adult HH contacts, 105 (89%) were screened and 3 (2.5%) diagnosed with active TB. Overall, 33 TB cases (39%) belonged to 15 distinct MTB genotype-matched clusters. Within each cluster, no cases shared a HH or reported shared non-HH contacts. In 6/15 (40%) clusters, potential epidemiologic links were identified by spatial overlap at specific locations: 5/6 involved health care settings. Genotype-clustered TB social networks had significantly greater network density based on shared clinics (p<0.001) and decreased density based on shared marketplaces (p<0.001), compared to non-clustered networks.CONCLUSIONS:In this molecular epidemiologic study, links between MTB genotype-matched cases were only identifiable via shared locations, healthcare locations in particular, rather than named contacts. This suggests most transmission is occurring between casual contacts, and emphasizes the need for improved infection control in healthcare settings in rural Africa.

Introduction There is limited data on the effects of alcohol on immunological response among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the relationship between hazardous alcohol use and CD4+ T-cell count, among PLHIV in Uganda. Methods PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years were enrolled in a cohort study at the Infectious diseases clinic Kampala, Uganda. Alcohol consumption was assessed at enrolment (baseline) and 6 monthly thereafter using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT). The CD4+ T-cell counts, assessed at baseline and over the next 12 months were compared between alcohol use strata, using linear mixed effects regression. Using longitudinal mediation analysis methods, we estimated the effect of alcohol induced ART non-adherence on CD4+ T-cell count. Results Of the 1566 participants enrolled, 863(44.1%) were non-alcohol users (AUDIT score = 0), 433(27.7%) were non-hazardous (AUDIT score 1–7) alcohol users while 270 (17.2%) were hazardous (AUDIT score ≥ 8) alcohol users. The overall median (IQR) baseline CD4+ T-cell count was 356 (243–516) cells/μl. There were no differences in the median baseline CD4+ T-cell count between hazardous and non-hazardous alcohol users compared to non-alcohol users in both the non-ART (p = 0.43) and ART group (p = 0.77). The mean CD4+ T-cell count over 12 months was not different between hazardous alcohol users and non-alcohol users (non-ART group p = 0.88 and ART group p = 0.62), nor between non-hazardous alcohol users and non-alcohol users (and non-ART group p = 0.66 and ART group p = 0.20). Alcohol use was not associated with a significant natural direct effect on CD4+ T-cell count (1.37 95%CI [-1.78, 4.52] cells/μl, p = 0.39) but had a statistically significant natural indirect effect on reduction of CD4+ T-cell count (-0.91 cells/μl [-1.36, -0.45], p < 0.001) mediated through ART non-adherence. Conclusion Hazardous alcohol use among PLHIV was not directly associated with lower CD4+ T-cell count but had a significant natural indirect effect on CD4+ T-cell count mediated through ART non-adherence. Among PLHIV with lower than expected CD4+ T-cell count, alcohol consumption should be excluded as an underlying factor for non-adherence to ART and any interventions targeting alcohol use should tackle possible ART non-adherence.

There are limited data on the prevalence of risky sexual behaviours in individuals failing first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) and changes in sexual behaviour after switch to second-line ART. We undertook a sexual behaviour sub-study of Ugandan adults enrolled in the Europe-Africa Research Network for the Evaluation of Second-line Therapy trial. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect sexual behaviour data and, in particular, risky sexual behaviours (defined as additional sexual partners to main sexual partner, inconsistent use of condoms, non-disclosure to sexual partners, and exchange of money for sex). Of the 79 participants enrolled in the sub-study, 62% were female, median age (IQR) was 37 (32-42) years, median CD4 cell count (IQR) was 79 (50-153) cells/mu l, and median HIV viral load log was 4.9 copies/ml (IQR: 4.5-5.3) at enrolment. The majority were in long-term stable relationships; 69.6% had a main sexual partner and 87.3% of these had been sexually active in the preceding six months. At enrolment, around 20% reported other sexual partners, but this was higher among men than women (36% versus 6.7 %, p<0.001). In 50% there was inconsistent condom use with their main sexual partner and a similar proportion with other sexual partners, both at baseline and follow-up. Forty-three per cent of participants had not disclosed their HIV status to their main sexual partner (73% with other sexual partners) at enrolment, which was similar in men and women. Overall, there was no significant change in these sexual behaviours over the 96 weeks following switch to second-line ART, but rate of non-disclosure of HIV status declined significantly (43.6% versus 19.6%, p<0.05). Among persons failing first-line ART, risky sexual behaviours were prevalent, which has implications for potential onward transmission of drug-resistant virus. There is need to intensify sexual risk reduction counselling and promotion of partner testing and disclosure, especially at diagnosis of treatment failure and following switch to second- or third-line ART.

ABSTRACT Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) offers prolonged protection against malaria, but its impact on Plasmodium falciparum drug sensitivity is uncertain. In a trial of intermittent preventive treatment in schoolchildren in Tororo, Uganda, in 2011 to 2012, monthly DP for 1 year decreased the incidence of malaria by 96% compared to placebo; DP once per school term offered protection primarily during the first month after therapy. To assess the impact of DP on selection of drug resistance, we compared the prevalence of key polymorphisms in isolates that emerged at different intervals after treatment with DP. Blood obtained monthly and at each episode of fever was assessed for P. falciparum parasitemia by microscopy. Samples from 160 symptomatic and 650 asymptomatic episodes of parasitemia were assessed at 4 loci (N86Y, Y184F, and D1246Y in pfmdr1 and K76T in pfcrt ) that modulate sensitivity to aminoquinoline antimalarials, utilizing a ligase detection reaction-fluorescent microsphere assay. For pfmdr1 N86Y and pfcrt K76T, but not the other studied polymorphisms, the prevalences of mutant genotypes were significantly greater in children who had received DP within the past 30 days than in those not treated within 60 days (86Y, 18.0% versus 8.3% [ P = 0.03]; 76T, 96.0% versus 86.1% [ P = 0.05]), suggesting selective pressure of DP. Full sequencing of pfcrt in a subset of samples did not identify additional polymorphisms selected by DP. In summary, parasites that emerged soon after treatment with DP were more likely than parasites not under drug pressure to harbor pfmdr1 and pfcrt polymorphisms associated with decreased sensitivity to aminoquinoline antimalarials. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under no. NCT01231880.)

We evaluated the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention (MI) counseling in reducing alcohol consumption among persons living with HIV/AIDS in Kampala, Uganda. Persons living with HIV/AIDS with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool (AUDIT) score ≥3 points were randomized to either standardized positive prevention counseling alone or in combination with alcohol brief MI counseling. The mean change in AUDIT-C scores over 6 months was compared by treatment arm. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) AUDIT-C scores were 6.3 (2.3) and 6.8 (2.3) for control and MI arms ( P = .1) at baseline, respectively, and change in mean AUDIT-C score was not statistically different between arms over the 6 months ( P = .8). However, there was a statistically significant decrease in mean AUDIT-C score (−1.10; 95% confidence interval: −2.19 to −0.02, P = .046) among women in the MI arm. There was a nondifferential reduction in alcohol consumption overall, but MI appeared effective among women only. Studies with more than 1 counseling session and evaluation of gender differences in treatment response are needed.

ObjectivesTargeting high Tuberculosis (TB) transmission sites may offer a novel approach to TB prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to characterise TB transmission sites in a rural Ugandan township.MethodsWe recruited adults starting TB treatment in Tororo, Uganda, over 1year. Fifty four TB cases provided names of frequent contacts, sites of residence, health care, work and social activities, and two sputum samples. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture-positive specimens underwent spoligotyping to identify strains with shared genotypes. We visualised TB case social networks, and obtained, mapped and geo-coded global positioning system measures for every location that cases reported frequenting 1month before treatment. Locations of spatial overlap among genotype-clustered cases were considered potential transmission sites.ResultsSix distinct genotypic clusters were identified involving 21 of 33 (64%) MTB culture-positive, genotyped cases; none shared a home. Although 18 of 54 (33%) TB cases shared social network ties, none of the genotype-clustered cases shared social ties. Using spatial analysis, we identified potential sites of within-cluster TB transmission for five of six genotypic clusters. All sites but one were healthcare and social venues, including sites of drinking, worship and marketplaces. Cases reported spending the largest proportion of pre-treatment person-time (22.4%) at drinking venues.ConclusionsUsing molecular epidemiology, geospatial and social network data from adult TB cases identified at clinics, we quantified person-time spent at high-risk locations across a rural Ugandan community and determined the most likely sites of recent TB transmission to be healthcare and social venues. These sites may not have been identified using contact investigation alone.ObjectifsCibler les sites de transmission elevee de la tuberculose (TB) peut offrir une nouvelle approche pour la prevention de la TB en Afrique subsaharienne. Nous avons cherche a caracteriser les sites de transmission de la TB dans un township rural en Ouganda.MethodesNous avons recrute des adultes debutant le traitement de la TB a Tororo, en Ouganda sur un an. 54 cas de TB ont fourni les noms des contacts frequents, le lieu de residence, les soins de sante, le travail et les activites sociales, et deux echantillons d'expectoration. Les specimens a culture positive pour Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) ont subi un spoligotypage pour identifier les souches avec des genotypes partages. Nous avons visualise les reseaux sociaux des cas de TB et obtenu des mesures de systeme de positionnement global cartographie et geocodees pour chaque endroit que les cas ont declare avoir frequente un mois avant le traitement. Les lieux de chevauchement spatial parmi les cas regroupes genotypiquement ont ete consideres comme des sites potentiels de transmission.ResultatsSix regroupements genotypiques distincts ont ete identifies, impliquant 21/33 (64%) cas genotypes de cultures positives de MTB; aucun d'eux partage a domicile. Bien que 18/54 (33%) cas de TB partageaient des liens de reseaux sociaux, aucun des cas de regroupement genotypique ne partageait des liens sociaux. En utilisant l'analyse spatiale, nous avons identifie des sites potentiels de transmission TB au sein du regroupement pour cinq des six regroupements genotypiques. Tous les sites sauf un etaient des lieux de soins de sante et sociaux, y compris des sites de consommation de boisson, de culte et des marches. Les cas ont rapporte passer la plus grande proportion du temps par personne (22,4%) dans la periode de pretraitement dans des lieux de consommation de boisson.ConclusionsEn utilisant les donnees d'epidemiologie moleculaire, geospatiales et des reseaux sociaux a partir des cas de TB adultes identifies dans les cliniques, nous avons quantifie les temps par personne passes dans des endroits a risque eleve dans une communaute rurale ougandaise et determine les sites les plus probables de transmission recente de la TB, qui sont les lieux des soins de sante et sociaux. Ces sites pourraient ne pas avoir ete identifies en utilisant la seule recherche des contacts.ObjetivosCentrarse en los lugares con una alta transmision de TB podria dar un enfoque novedoso a la prevencion de la TB en africa sub-Sahariana. Hemos buscado caracterizar los lugares de transmision de la TB en un poblado rural de Uganda.MetodosDurante un ano se reclutaron adultos que comenzaban el tratamiento para la TB en Tororo, Uganda. De 54 casos de TB se obtuvieron nombres de contactos frecuentes, lugares de residencia, cuidados sanitarios, trabajo y actividades sociales, asi como dos muestras de esputo. A las muestras de esputo positivas mediante cultivo para Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) se les realizo espoligotipado para identificar cepas con genotipos compartidos. Hemos visualizado las redes sociales de los casos de TB, mapeado y obtenido coordenadas de geolocalizacion global para cada lugar que los casos reportaban haber frecuentado un mes antes de iniciar el tratamiento. Las localizaciones de superposicion espacial entre casos agrupados por genotipo, se consideraban como lugares potenciales de transmision.ResultadoSe identificaron seis conglomerados genotipicos distintivos que involucraban 21/33(64%) casos de MTB positivos mediante cultivo y genotipado; ninguno compartia casa. Aunque 18/54(33%) casos de TB compartia su red social, ninguno de los casos genotipicamente agrupados compartia vinculos sociales. Utilizando un analisis espacial, identificamos lugares potenciales dentro del conglomerado para la transmision de TB para cinco de los seis conglomerados genotipicos. Todos los lugares menos uno eran centros sanitarios o sedes sociales, incluyendo lugares para beber, culto y plazas de mercado. Los casos reportaron haber pasado la mayor parte proporcional de persona-tiempo antes del tratamiento (22.4%) en los bares.ConclusionesUtilizando datos de epidemiologia molecular, geoespaciales y de redes sociales de casos de adultos con TB identificados en clinicas, hemos cuantificado las personas-tiempo empleada en lugares de alto riesgo a lo largo de la comunidad rural de Uganda, y determinado que los lugares con mayor probabilidad de transmision reciente de TB eran los centros sanitarios y las sedes sociales. Estos lugares podrian no haberse identificado si se hubiesen investigado solamente los contactos.

Short-medium term studies from sub-Saharan Africa show that, despite high early mortality, substantial loss to program, and high rates toxicity, patients on antiretroviral treatment have achieved outcomes comparable to those in developed settings. However, these studies were unable to account for long term outcomes of patients as they stayed longer on treatment.We aim to describe ten years outcomes of one of the first cohort of HIV positive patients started on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa.We report 10-years outcomes including mortality, retention, CD4-count response, virological outcomes, ART regimens change from a prospective cohort of 559 patients initiating ART and followed up for 10 years Uganda.Of 559 patients, 69.1% were female, median age (IQR) was 38 (33-44) years, median CD4-count (IQR) 98 (21-163) cell/μL; 74% were started on stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine, 26% on zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz. After 10 years 361 (65%) patients were still in the study; 127 (22.7%) had died; 30 (5%) were lost to follow-up; 27 (5%) transferred; 18 (3%) withdrew consent. The probability of death was high in the first year (0.15, 95%, CI 0.12-0.18). The median CD4 count increased from 98 to 589 cell/μL (IQR: 450-739 cell/μL) with a median increase of 357 cells/μL (IQR: 128-600 cells/μL); 7.4% never attained initial viral suppression and of those who did 31.7% experienced viral failure. Three hundred and two patients had at least one drug substitution while on first line after a median of 40 months; 66 (11.9%) of the patients were switched to a second line PI-based regimen due to confirmed treatment failure.Despite the high rate of early mortality due to advanced disease at presentation the outcomes from this cohort are encouraging, particularly the remarkable and incremental immune-recovery and a satisfactory rate of virologic suppression.

INTRODUCTION:Alcohol use by persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) negatively impacts the public health benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Using a standardized alcohol assessment tool, we estimate the prevalence of alcohol use, identify associated factors, and test the association of alcohol misuse with sexual risk behaviors among PLWHA in Uganda. METHODS:A cross-section of PLWHA in Kampala were interviewed regarding their sexual behavior and self-reported alcohol consumption in the previous 6 months. Alcohol use was assessed using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT). Gender-stratified log binomial regression analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with alcohol misuse and to test whether alcohol misuse was associated with risky sexual behaviors. RESULTS:Of the 725 subjects enrolled, 235 (33%) reported any alcohol use and 135 (18.6%) reported alcohol misuse, while 38 (5.2%) drank hazardous levels of alcohol. Alcohol misuse was more likely among subjects not yet on ART (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] was 1.65 p=0.043 for males and 1.79, p=0.019 for females) and those with self-reported poor adherence (aPR for males=1.56, p=0.052, and for females=1.93, p=0.0189). Belonging to Pentecostal or Muslim religious denominations was protective against alcohol misuse compared to belonging to Anglican and Catholic denominations in both sexes (aPR=0.11 for men, p<0.001, and aPR=0.32 for women, p=0.003). Alcohol misuse was independently associated with reporting risky sexual behaviors (aPR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.07-2.60, p=0.023) among males, but not significant among females (aPR=1.29; 95% CI: 0.95-1.74, p=0.098). Non-disclosure of HIV positive status to sexual partner was significantly associated with risky sex in both males (aPR=1.69; p=0.014) and females (aPR 2.45; p<0.001). CONCLUSION:Alcohol use among PLWHA was high, and was associated with self-reported medication non-adherence, non-disclosure of HIV positive status to sexual partner(s), and risky sexual behaviors among male subjects. Interventions targeting alcohol use and the associated negative behaviors should be tested in this setting.

Background. Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) in schoolchildren offers a promising option for malaria control. However, the optimal drug and dosing regimens for IPT remain to be determined.Methods. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 740 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years living in a setting of high malaria transmission in Uganda. Enrolled children were randomized to dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) given once a month (IPTm), DP given once a school term (4 treatments over 12 months, IPTst), or placebo and followed for 12 months. The primary outcome was the incidence of malaria over 12 months. Secondary outcomes included parasite prevalence and anemia over 12 months. Analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis.Results. In the placebo arm, the incidence of malaria was 0.34 episodes per person-year and the prevalence of parasitemia and anemia was 38% and 20%, respectively. IPTm reduced the incidence of malaria by 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88%-99%, P < .0001), the prevalence of asymptomatic parasitemia by 94% (95% CI, 92%-96%, P < .0001), and the prevalence of anemia by 40% (95% CI, 19%-56%, P < .0001). IPTst had no significant effect on the incidence of symptomatic malaria or the prevalence of anemia, but reduced the prevalence of asymptomatic parasitemia by 54% (95% CI, 47%-60%, P < .0001).Conclusions. Monthly IPT with DP offered remarkable protection against clinical malaria, parasitemia, and anemia in schoolchildren living in a high-malaria-transmission setting.