Antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine: knowledge, perceptions, and training of clinical health professions students in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important global health concern, projected to contribute to significant mortality, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, perceptions of clinical health professions students towards antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine and confidence level to prescribe antimicrobials. METHODS: An online descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical health professions students across 9 medical schools in Uganda. A semi-structured questionnaire using Kobo Toolbox form was shared among participants via WhatsApp Messenger (Meta, California, USA). Knowledge was categorized using modified Bloom's cut-off. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We surveyed 681 participants, most were pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree (n = 433, 63.6%), with a mean age of 24 (standard deviation: 3.6) years. Most participants (n = 596, 87.5%) had sufficient knowledge about antimicrobial resistance with a mean score of 85 ± 14.2%. There was a significant difference in mean knowledge scores of year 4 (86.6%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p = 0.002) and year 5 (88.0%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p < 0.001). Most participants (n = 456, 66.9%), were confident on making an accurate diagnosis of infection, and choosing the correct antimicrobial agent to use (n = 484, 71.1%). CONCLUSION: Health profession students exhibited good knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and high self-perceived confidence that should be leveraged to foster better future antimicrobial prescription practices. However, they still agreed that a separated course unit on AMR is necessary which responsible authorities should consider to consolidate the efforts.

Factors Associated with Utilization of HIV Testing Services among Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years in Lira District, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: HIV testing remains a problem among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, and yet, HIV testing is a cornerstone in the fight against HIV. However, there is scanty literature on the utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents especially in rural settings. This study is aimed at determining the uptake of HIV testing services and associated factors among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Lira District, Northern Uganda. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study done among 277 randomly selected adolescents aged 10-19 years attending outpatient clinics in Pentecostal Assembly of God (PAG) Mission Hospital, Ngetta Health Center III, and Boroboro Health Center III. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, history of test and receipt of HIV results in the last three months, and facility-related factors affecting uptake of HIV testing services. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression at a 95% level of significance in SPSS version 25. RESULTS: The uptake of HIV testing services was 43% (119/277) among the study participants. Adolescents who had completed primary education (aOR: 5.47; 95% CI: 1.07-28.15; p = 0.042), are employed (aOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.16-6.60; p = 0.022), had used a condom in the last sexual intercourse (aOR: 4.46; 95% CI: 1.78-11.15; p = 0.001), and are involved in HIV testing outreaches (cOR: 10.86; 95% CI: 3.81-30.93; p ≤ 0.001) were more likely to uptake HIV testing services compared to those who had tertiary education, are unemployed, had never used a condom, and are not involved in HIV testing outreaches. CONCLUSION: Utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents aged 10-19 in Lira District, Northern Uganda, is generally low. The Ministry of Health should strengthen HIV testing services targeting adolescents to increase uptake of HIV testing services.