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Atukunda EC, Mugyenyi GR, Haberer JE, Siedner MJ, Musiimenta A, Najjuma JN, Obua C, Matthews LT. Integration of a Patient-Centered mHealth Intervention (Support-Moms) Into Routine Antenatal Care to Improve Maternal Health Among Pregnant Women in Southwestern Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2025; 14:e67049. [PMID: 40105879 PMCID: PMC11966083 DOI: 10.2196/67049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2025] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) interventions that leverage social support (SS) can improve partner involvement and pregnancy experiences and promote antenatal care (ANC) attendance and skilled births. In our previous studies, we used behavioral frameworks to develop a user-centered mHealth-based, audio SMS text messaging app to support pregnant individuals to use maternity care services in rural Uganda (Support-Moms app). In our pilot study, we observed high intervention uptake, acceptability, and feasibility, as well as increased ANC attendance and skilled births. OBJECTIVE With the promising pilot data, we propose a type 1 hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial to test if this novel patient-centered automated and customized mHealth-based SS intervention is effective and cost-effective enough to warrant future large-scale implementation into Uganda's routine maternity care. METHODS We will physically recruit 824 pregnant women at <20 weeks of gestation living in Mbarara and Mitooma districts, southwestern Uganda, and randomize them (1:1) to receive standard of care or the Support-Moms app, with at least 2 of their identified social supporters. Our primary outcome will be the proportion of skilled births. Secondary outcomes will include number of ANC visits, institution-based delivery, mode of infant delivery, preterm birth, birth weight, SS, obstetric complications, and deaths (maternal, fetal, and newborn). We will assess other implementation, service, and client outcomes through study records, the mHealth platform, and questionnaires with all women in the intervention, their social supporters, health care providers (HCPs), and managers from participating facilities. We will conduct face-to-face in-depth exit interviews with 30 purposively selected intervention participants and 15 facility HCPs and managers to explore implementation strategies for scale-up. Annual maternity resource allocations, costs, number of ANC visits, and deliveries will be assessed from facility records up to 36 months after implementation. We will estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios concerning cost per additional HCP-led delivery, per death averted, and per quality-adjusted life year gained as cost-effectiveness measures. RESULTS This study was funded in September 2023. Ethics approval was obtained in February 2024, and actual data collection started in March 2024. As of January 2025, 75% (618/824) of all projected study participants provided consent and were recruited into the study. Participants are expected to be followed up until delivery, and 15% (124/824) have so far exited. Data analysis for the trial is expected to start as soon as the last participant exits from the study. The qualitative interviews will start in April 2025, and data will be analyzed and published as soon as data collection is done, which is expected in March 2027. CONCLUSIONS We are testing the feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of implementing Support-Moms into routine maternity care from individual and facility perspectives. We hypothesize that Support-Moms will be an effective and cost-effective strategy to improve maternity service use for women in rural Uganda and similar settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05940831; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05940831. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/67049.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of Medicine and Center for Global Health, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Department of Medicine and Center for Global Health, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Celestino Obua
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Buser JM, Pebolo PF, August E, Rana GK, Gray R, Jacobson-Davies FE, Kumakech E, Endale T, Auma AG, Smith YR. Scoping review of qualitative studies on family planning in Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003313. [PMID: 38959214 PMCID: PMC11221757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Family planning (FP) is an essential component of public health programs and significantly impacts maternal and child health outcomes. In Uganda, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the existing literature on FP to inform future research and programmatic efforts. This scoping review aims to identify factors shaping the use of FP in Uganda. We conducted a systematic search of eight scholarly databases, for qualitative studies on FP in Uganda. We screened the titles and abstracts of identified articles published between 2002-2023 and assessed their eligibility based on predefined criteria. We extracted data from the 71 eligible studies and synthesized the findings using thematic analysis and the Ecological Systems Theory (EST) individual, interpersonal, community, institutional, and policy-level determinants. Findings reveal the interplay of factors at different socio-ecological levels influencing family planning decisions. At the individual level, the most common determinants related to the EST were knowledge and attitudes of FP. Interpersonal dynamics, including partner communication and social support networks, played pivotal roles. Community-level factors, such as cultural norms and accessibility of services, significantly influenced family planning practices. Institutional and policy-level factors, particularly a healthcare system's quality and policies, also shaped use. Other themes included the intersection of HIV/AIDS on FP practice and Ugandan views of comprehensive abortion care. This scoping review underscores the intricate socio-ecological fabric shaping FP in Uganda. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of FP, improve access to services, and address social and cultural norms that discourage contraceptive use. Policymakers and program implementers should also consider gender dynamics and power imbalances in FP programs to ensure they are equitable and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Buser
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Pebalo F. Pebolo
- Department Reproductive Health, Gulu University Faculty of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Ella August
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- PREPSS (Pre-Publication Support Service), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Gurpreet K. Rana
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rachel Gray
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Faelan E. Jacobson-Davies
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Edward Kumakech
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Tamrat Endale
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anna Grace Auma
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Yolanda R. Smith
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Achola R, Atuyambe L, Nabiwemba E, Fredrick M, Orach CG. Factors associated with family planning use among refugee and host populations in Adjumani district, West Nile, Uganda: a comparative study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:754. [PMID: 38468212 PMCID: PMC10929096 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18103-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uganda currently hosts an estimated 1.5 million refugees. The refugees have challenges in accessing family planning (FP) services in the host country. The study aimed to investigate factors associated with FP use among host and refugee populations in Adjumani district, Uganda. METHODS A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021 in three refugee settlements and their host communities in Adjumani district. A total of 1,310 respondents, (664 refugees and 646 host) were randomly selected using multistage cluster sampling and interviewed. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA V.15. Descriptive and Multivariate analysis performed. RESULTS We found that modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR) was 30.2% (32.2% for host and 28.2% for refugees). Multivariate analysis showed that women who live singly (AOR = 2.25, 95%, CI: 1.56 -3.84), completed primary education [AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.27-2.16], acquired skills [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 2.11-2.47], have the desire for another child [AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.45- 9.60], have stayed in the study area between 3-5 years [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.46-3.42] were statistically significantly associated with FP use among both refugee and host populations. The key barrier to FP use by host was harassment of women and separation/divorce for not consulting the family members. Whereas amongst the refugees, they do not want to use FP methods. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed low FP use amongst both populations in Adjumani district. The main factors associated with FP use amongst refugee populations included marital status, level of education, type of occupation, and duration of stay in the study area whereas amongst the host is the marital status. Main reasons for not using FP methods included fear of side effects by hosts and not wanting to use FP by refugees. There is need to sensitize both communities about the benefits of FP at community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roselline Achola
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Nabiwemba
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Makumbi Fredrick
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christopher Garimoi Orach
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Davy-Mendez T, Sarovar V, Levine-Hall T, Lea AN, Sterling SA, Chi FW, Palzes VA, Luu MN, Flamm JA, Hare CB, Williams EC, Bryant KJ, Weisner CM, Silverberg MJ, Satre DD. Characterizing Unhealthy Alcohol Use Patterns and Their Association with Alcohol Use Reduction and Alcohol Use Disorder During Follow-Up in HIV Care. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1380-1391. [PMID: 36169779 PMCID: PMC10043049 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03873-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes of PWH with unhealthy alcohol use, such as alcohol use reduction or progression to AUD, are not well-known and may differ by baseline patterns of unhealthy alcohol use. Among 1299 PWH screening positive for NIAAA-defined unhealthy alcohol use in Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2013-2017, we compared 2-year probabilities of reduction to low-risk/no alcohol use and rates of new AUD diagnoses by baseline use patterns, categorized as exceeding: only daily limits (72% of included PWH), only weekly limits (17%), or both (11%), based on NIAAA recommendations. Overall, 73.2% (95% CI 70.5-75.9%) of re-screened PWH reduced to low-risk/no alcohol use over 2 years, and there were 3.1 (95% CI 2.5-3.8%) new AUD diagnoses per 100 person-years. Compared with PWH only exceeding daily limits at baseline, those only exceeding weekly limits and those exceeding both limits were less likely to reduce and likelier to be diagnosed with AUD during follow-up. PWH exceeding weekly drinking limits, with or without exceeding daily limits, may have a potential need for targeted interventions to address unhealthy alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Davy-Mendez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 130 Mason Farm Rd., CB #7030, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Varada Sarovar
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Tory Levine-Hall
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra N Lea
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Stacy A Sterling
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Felicia W Chi
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa A Palzes
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell N Luu
- Oakland Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Jason A Flamm
- Sacramento Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - C Bradley Hare
- San Francisco Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Center of Innovation for Veteran Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kendall J Bryant
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism HIV/AIDS Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Constance M Weisner
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | - Derek D Satre
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
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Barnabee G, O’Bryan G, Ndeikemona L, Billah I, Silas L, Morgan KL, Shulock K, Mawire S, MacLachlan E, Nghipangelwa J, Muremi E, Ensminger A, Forster N, O’Malley G. Improving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis persistence among adolescent girls and young women: Insights from a mixed-methods evaluation of community, hybrid, and facility service delivery models in Namibia. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:1048702. [PMID: 36545490 PMCID: PMC9760915 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1048702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the potential for community-based approaches to increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), there is limited evidence of whether and how they improve PrEP persistence. We compared PrEP persistence among AGYW receiving services through community and hybrid models in Namibia to facility-based services. We subsequently identify potential mechanisms to explain how and why community and hybrid models achieved (or not) improved persistence to inform further service delivery innovation. Methods Data were collected from PrEP service delivery to AGYW over two-years in Namibia's Khomas Region. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to estimate survival curves for PrEP persistence beyond three-months after initiation and report the cumulative probability of persistence at one- and three-months. Persistence was defined as any PrEP use within three months after initiation followed by a PrEP refill or previously prescribed supply of at least 30 days at the three-month visit. Interviews were conducted with 28 AGYW and 19 providers and analyzed using a deductive-inductive thematic approach. Results From October 2017 through September 2019, 372 (18.7%) AGYW received services through a facility model, 302 (15.1%) through a community model, and 1,320 (66.2%) through a hybrid model. PrEP persistence at one- and three-months was 41.2% and 34.9% in the community model and 6.2% and 4.8% in the hybrid model compared to 36.8% and 26.7% in the facility model. Within the community and hybrid models, we identified three potential mechanisms related to PrEP persistence. Individualized service delivery offered convenience and simplicity which enabled AGYW to overcome barriers to obtaining refills but did not work as well for highly mobile AGYW. Consistent interactions and shared experiences fostered social connectedness with providers and with peers, building social networks and support systems for PrEP use. PrEP and HIV-related stigma, however, was widely experienced outside of these networks. Community-to-facility referral for PrEP refill triggered apprehension towards unfamiliar PrEP services and providers in AGYW, which discouraged persistence. Conclusion Service delivery approaches that offer convenience and simplicity and foster social connectedness may reduce access barriers and increase social support enabling AGYW to self-manage their PrEP use and achieve improved PrEP persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gena Barnabee
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Gillian O’Bryan
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lylie Ndeikemona
- Directorate of Special Programmes, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Idel Billah
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Lukas Silas
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Karie L. Morgan
- Center for Data Management and Translational Research, Michigan Public Health Institute, Okemos, MI, United States
| | - Katherine Shulock
- Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS), Washington State Department of Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Ellen MacLachlan
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Josua Nghipangelwa
- Oshikoto Regional Directorate, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Omuthiya, Namibia
| | - Elizabeth Muremi
- Khomas Regional Directorate, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Alison Ensminger
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Norbert Forster
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Wakida EK, Atuhaire CD, Karungi CK, Maling S, Obua C. Mbarara University Research Training Initiative: Experiences and Accomplishments of the MEPI Junior D43 TW010128 Award in Uganda. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2021; 12:1397-1410. [PMID: 34887692 PMCID: PMC8650769 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s339752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2015, Mbarara University of Science and Technology was awarded the Mbarara University Research Training Initiative (MURTI) under grant number D43 TW010128 to build capacity of junior faculty to become the next generation of researchers in Africa. In this paper, we document the experiences and achievements of the research capacity building efforts at MUST. METHODS We conducted a descriptive evaluation study which involved document review and in-depth interviews. We used "Reach" and 'Effectiveness' from the RE-AIM framework to guide the document review, and the organizational theory of implementation effectiveness to guide the in-depth interviews. RESULTS In the MURTI program, we conducted 17 short courses between August 2015 and July 2021, a total of 6597 attendances were recorded. The most attended courses were responsible conduct of research (n = 826), qualitative research methods (n = 744), and data management (n = 613). Thirty-three fellows were recruited and funded to conduct mentored research leading to 48 publications and 14 extramural grant applications were yielded. From the in-depth interviews, the participants appreciated the research training program, the enhanced research skills attained, and the institutional capacity built. They attributed the success of the program to the training approach of using short courses, readiness of the junior faculty to change, and the supportive environment by the mentors and trainers in the program. CONCLUSION The D43 TW010128 research training grant-built capacity for the junior faculty at MUST, enhanced their research skills, promoted research capacity institutionally and provided career development for the junior faculty. This was possible due to the positive attitude of the junior faculty (organizational readiness) to change and the supportive environment (mentors and trainers) during implementation of the grant. These two factors provided a favorable institutional climate that guaranteed success of the funding goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith K Wakida
- Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Clara D Atuhaire
- Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Christine K Karungi
- Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Celestino Obua
- Office of the Vice Chancellor, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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