Determinants of Primary Pyomyositis in Northern Uganda.

Aim: To describe the determinants of primary pyomyositis in Northern Uganda. Study Design and Setting: A case-control and a cohort study designs were conducted in Hospitals in Northern Uganda. Methods: Primary pyomyositis patients were consecutively recruited and followed to discharge. Controls had minor trauma and were age and sex matched with cases. Patients were admitted, investigated (clinical features, imaging, hematology, clinical chemistry and histology from muscle biopsy); managed surgically and followed up to discharge. Those that did not meet the inclusion criteria for diagnosis histologically were excluded. Ethical approval was obtained from Gulu University IRB. Results: The determinants of primary pyomyositis were: HIV positivity with low CD4 counts (<250 cells/ml) (χ2=11.748; p<0.001; aOR 11.292 at 95% CI (0.698,182.707) (p=0.088)); clinical features of immunosuppression/AIDS (χ2=12.70; p<0.001; aOR 6.50 at 95% CI (0.000,2.500) (p=0.850)); High serum creatinine level (χ2=20.191; p<0.001; aOR 6.070 at 95% CI (0.289,127.545) (p=0.317)) and Low serum albumin (malnutrition) (χ2=103.247; p<0.001; aOR 226.004 at 95% CI (13.449, 3797.786) (p<0.001)). Conclusion: The determinant of primary pyomyositis was low serum albumin (malnutrition) while clinical features of immunosuppression/AIDS, high serum creatinine level and HIV positivity with low CD4 counts were risk factors but not independent predictors of this disease.

Nodding Episodes and High Anion Gap in a 13 Year Old Child with Nodding Syndrome: A Case Report.

Introduction: Nodding syndrome is an unknown neurological disorder affecting children in Northern Uganda, South Sudan and Southern Tanzania. The patient in our case report is, to the best of our knowledge, the first with the syndrome that has been serially followed up for more than three months and the information obtained provides important clue to the possible risk factor to the syndrome. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old boy diagnosed in Atanga Health Centre III using World Health Organization (WHO) surveillance case definition as probable Nodding syndrome was referred to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital with pyomyositis of abdominal wall muscle and head nodding which was not responding to treatment. Serial anthropometry and laboratory investigations including, haematology, clinical chemistry, biochemistry and muscle biopsy were conducted in a period of 3 months and compared to the nodding episodes. Complete blood count showed leucocytosis with immature granulocytes and atypical lymphocytes mainly during the infective phase of the pyomyositis but returned to normal as a result of the surgical procedure, Incision, Drainage and Debridement (I, D & D) of pyomyositis of the anterior abdominal wall muscle combined with administration of antibiotics and analgesics. The liver enzymes were high throughout the period of admission in Gulu Hospital. The renal parameters and serum electrolytes were within normal ranges during the nodding free periods but it was deranged during the nodding episodes. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed a focal mass on the right internal and external oblique muscles of the abdominal wall. Histology of the muscle showed a non-specific inflammation of the abdominal muscles with mass necrosis of the muscle and thrombosed blood vessels. These findings highlight the concurrent existence of pyomyositis in a child with Nodding Syndrome but whose nodding episodes were pronounced during the periods with imbalanced electrolyte pattern and with high anion gap. In conclusion: Nodding syndrome is an unknown neurological disorder affecting children whose nodding episodes are probably related to the high Anion Gap metabolic acidosis.

High Prevalence of Malnutrition among the Above Thirteen with Primary Pyomyositis in Northern Uganda.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with primary pyomyositis among patients and controls who were age and sex matched. Study Design and Setting: A case-control study was conducted at Gulu Regional, Lacor, Kalongo, Kitgum and St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Northern Uganda. Study Duration: Study was conducted from September 2011 to November 2013. Methods: Primary pyomyositis patients were consecutively recruited to these Hospitals and were age and sex-matched with controls selected during the same period. History, physical examinations, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood samples for haematology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry and muscle biopsy for histology were obtained. Those that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. The study was approved by the Ethics and Review Committee of Gulu University Medical School. Results: During the study period, 63 patients and 63 controls were recruited; 29 females and 34 males. Among primary pyomyositis patients, 59 (93.7%) had malnutrition while there were 2 in the control group, giving a prevalence of 3.2%.The matched analysis produced an aOR of 449.875 with a 95% CI (79.382, 2549.540; p<0.001) for malnutrition. Among the cases, 16 (25.4%) fulfilled the Clinical Case Definition (CCD) for AIDS, compared to 2 (3.2%) among the controls. The adjusted Odds ratio for the difference in fulfilling the CCD for AIDS between cases and controls was statistically significant aOR of 10.383 with a 95% CI (2.275, 47.397; p<0.001). Conclusion: Primary pyomyositis is a common health problem in Northern Uganda. It is evident that malnutrition is the most common risk factor in Primary pyomyositis especially among the above thirteen year olds in Northern Uganda.

Incidence of Sigmoid Volvulus in Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study Design.

Aims: To determine the incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda. Study Design: A cross-sectional (2 years retrospective and one year prospective) study design was conducted on patients’ medical records and those admitted, surgically managed or referred from the 19 hospitals in Northern Uganda. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted in 19 hospitals in Northern Uganda from January 2010 to December 2012. Methodology: A cross sectional study design with a two year retrospective and one year prospective studies were conducted to determine the incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda. All patients’ records with a diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus in 19 hospitals were included in the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the IRB of Gulu University Medical School and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCS&T). Data analysis was conducted using STATA/IC version 12.1. Results: The incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda was 251.8 per 100,000 surgical populations in 2 years. Most cases occurred in the dry season particularly from December to April and least observed from May to November. Middle aged and elderly male were the most commonly affected. Conclusion: The incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda was 251.8 per 100,000 surgical populations in 2 years. The proportion of bowel obstructions due to sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda was 23.4% and similarly comparable with the proportion found in other African countries and higher than those in developed countries.

Factors influencing Outcome of Management of Sigmoid Volvulus in Northern Uganda: A Prospective Observational Study.

Aims: To determine the factors that influence outcome of management of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda Study Design: A prospective observational study was conducted on 103 sigmoid volvulus patients admitted and surgically managed in 19 hospitals in northern Uganda and followed-up postoperatively for 30 days. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted in 19 hospitals in Northern Uganda from January 2012 to December 2012. Methodology: One hundred and three patients with sigmoid volvulus were consecutively recruited and admitted in 19 of the 20 hospitals in Northern Uganda and were surgically managed by resection and primary anastomosis or Hartmann’s procedure or double barrel colostomy. Patients 13 years and above with sigmoid volvulus and who had consented/Assented were included in the study and followed up to the 30th postoperative day. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of Gulu University Medical School. Data analysis was carried out using STATA/IC version 12.1. The outcome events observed were uneventful recovery morbidity and mortality. Results: Eighteen patients (17.48%) developed complications including wound sepsis 10(9.7%); wound dehiscence 8(7.7%) and anastomotic leak 8(7.7%). There were 8 deaths, thus giving a mortality rate of 7.7%. The factors associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality were hypernatraemia (RR=14.9; 95% CI: 1.46-152.9) and ileosigmoid knotting (RR=4.94; 95% CI: 1.30- 18.78). Resection and primary anastomosis had a better outcome compared to the Hartmann’s procedure (RR=0.15; 95% CI: 0.02-0.099). Conclusion: The risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality of sigmoid volvulus management were preoperative hypernatraemia and ilio-sigmoid knotting. Hartmann’s procedure was associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality than resection and primary anastomosis.

Primary Pyomyositis: Its Socioeconomic Effects; A Community Overview. A Qualitative Study Design.

Aims: To assess the community’s views on the socioeconomic effects of primary pyomyositis to patients, family, health facilities and community. Study Design: A cross-sectional study design using qualitative research methods Place and Duration of Study: Gulu Regional and other Hospitals in Northern Uganda from September 2011 to November 2013. Methodology: The study was conducted among patients with primary pyomyositis, next of kin, health workers and opinion leaders on their views on the socioeconomic effects of pyomyositis. Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews were used to obtain qualitative information. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Gulu University IRB and the National Council of Science and Technology (UNCS&T). Thematic content analysis was used for analysis of this qualitative data. Results: Primary pyomyositis has several socioeconomic effects to patients, family, health facilities and communities. The effects of the disease ranges from simple disability to inability to earn a living thus deepening the economic status/crisis of individuals, families and communities. It creates series of social problems that make local leaders become less useful to their communities and also sets-in marriage related problems. Education of the school going children are usually affected leading to school dropout. Conclusion: There is a wide range of socioeconomic effects of primary pyomyositis to the population of Northern Uganda and it is presented with a number of socioeconomic effects similar to those chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis among Children with Nodding Syndrome (NS) in Northern Uganda: Case Series.

Aims: To conduct a hormonal and biochemical studies on 10 patients with diagnosis of probable Nodding Syndrome (NS). Study Design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Atanga Health Center III in Pader District in Northern Uganda in September 2012. Methodology: We recruited consecutively 10 children with probable Nodding Syndrome who had been admitted for symptomatic management of seizures, injuries resulting from falls and nutritional rehabilitation. History, physical examinations, biophysical measurements (anthropometry) and blood investigations including serum electrolytes, liver function tests, thyroid hormones and vitamin D assays. Ethical approval was obtained from Gulu University Institutional Review Committee. Results: All children had severely low serum calcium and bicarbonate levels and a high Anion Gap. Thyroid hormones and vitamin D assays were largely normal. Conclusion: Children with Nodding Syndrome undergoing treatment for seizure control and nutritional rehabilitation have high Anion Gap metabolic acidosis.

Assertiveness and attitudes of HIV/AIDS orphaned girls towards education in Kampala (Uganda)

Whereas HIV/AIDS prevalence has been declining in Uganda from 30 to less than 10 in the last 2 decades; the number of HIV/AIDS orphaned girls in secondary schools is still high and girl children have tended to carry the heaviest burdens of family responsibilities thereby adversely affecting their assertiveness and attitudes towards education. Assertiveness is a critical life skill that enables a person to state an opinion; claim a right; or establish authority and it is important to improve attitude towards education. This study examined the relationship between assertiveness and attitude towards education of HIV/AIDS orphaned and non-orphaned adolescent school girls in Kampala. The California Psychological Inventory (CPI) Dominance (Do) Assertiveness Scale and the Attitude Scale were administered to 225 students consecutively selected from 6 secondary schools in Kampala. HIV/AIDS Orphaned girls had lower levels of assertiveness and most had a negative attitude towards education compared to non-orphaned girls. Girls orphaned to HIV/AIDS were less assertive compared to those orphaned by other causes. There was a positive relationship between assertiveness and attitude towards education among orphaned adolescent secondary school girls in Kampala. Girls orphaned to HIV/AIDS were less assertive compared to other school girls and have a poor attitude towards education

Self-Esteem and Attitudes of Girls Orphaned to HIV/AIDS towards Education in Kampala, Uganda.

Aims: To examine the relationship between self-esteem and attitudes to education among orphaned and non-orphaned adolescent secondary school girls in Kampala. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Psychology, School of Education, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda between June and October 2005. Methodology: Questionnaire including the socio-economic indicators, Rosenberg General Self-Esteem Scale and the Attitude Scale were administered to 225 students who were selected by simple random sampling in six secondary schools in Kampala, Uganda. Results: Orphaned girls had lower self-esteem and most had a negative attitude to education compared to non-orphans. However, girls orphaned to HIV/AIDS had a higher self-esteem compared to those orphaned by other causes and there was a positive correlationship between self-esteem and attitude towards education among orphaned adolescent girls in Kampala, Uganda. Conclusion: Non-orphaned girls have a higher self-esteem than orphaned girls. Non-orphaned girls have a more positive attitude to education compared to orphaned girls. Girls orphaned to HIV/AIDS have slightly higher self-esteem than those orphaned by other causes, but had the worst attitude to education. Recommendations: A special needs program should be designed to support orphan girls in secondary school so as to enable them perform better in their education. Additional study should be conducted among secondary school boys to compare the effects of orphan hood to their education and to see whether there are some disparities in the two genders of the same age group.

Knowledge and Misconceptions about HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) among the Post-Conflict Youths of Gulu; Northern Uganda. A Prospective Study Design

Background: Uganda has been reported as the most successful country in Africa in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS from 18 to 6.4 over the last two decades. There is evidence to suggest that despite a significant decline between 1992 and 2002; HIV prevalence has stagnated over the last 5-9 years at between 6.1 and 6.5 and it is rising in some parts of the country such as Gulu. This rise are thought to be due to the high levels of stigma and superstition preventing HIV counseling and testing (HCT). WHO reports in 2009 showed that only 20 of Uganda's populations knew their HIV sero-status. This study was designed to find out the knowledge; misconceptions; attitude and practices of youths of Gulu about HCT. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gulu; Pece among the youths 15 to 35 years. An in-depth interview using a questionnaire was administered to youths of Commercial Road Sub-ward. Informed consent and ethical approval was obtained and 86 respondents were interviewed. Results: Ninety three percent of respondents had knowledge about HCT and 97.7 were able to mention two or more of its benefits. Most (88.4) agreed on public disclosure of their HIV status and 84.9 would encourage others to undertake it. Only 36.1 of respondents had undertaken HCT while the rest had not undertaken it due to fear of stigmatization. Conclusion: There is adequate knowledge; good attitude but poor practice and misconceptions to HCT. The young adults in Gulu should be supported in a special program to enable them undertake HCT and access other services for HIV/AIDS prevention