The Lubaga Journal of Health Research (LJHR) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by St. Michael Lubaga Training School. The journal provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to share original research, reviews, and innovations that advance knowledge in health sciences and public health practice. LJHR aims to promote evidence-based solutions to local and global health challenges, with a special focus on research relevant to low- and middle-income countries.
St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training School
Practices of eye care nurses in handling ocular emergencies at Mengo Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Background: This study assessed the practices of nurses in handling ocular emergencies at Mengo Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 32 eye care nurses selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing emergency response practices, confidence in management, and availability of emergency equipment. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and Word. Results: The majority of respondents, 20(62%), were female, while 12(38%) were aged between 30–39 years. The findings revealed considerable gaps in the practical management of ocular emergencies. About 20(62%) of respondents reported that they did not perform eye irrigation during chemical eye burns, despite it being an essential first-aid procedure. Additionally, 11(34%) indicated low confidence in managing chemical eye injuries. The study further showed that 21(66%) of nurses lacked access to emergency kits and essential equipment required during ocular emergencies. Furthermore, more than half of the participants had never received updates on emergency eye care management, which negatively affected confidence and consistency in clinical practice. Conclusion: The study found inadequate practical preparedness among eye care nurses in managing ocular emergencies, mainly due to insufficient training, lack of emergency equipment, and absence of updated clinical guidelines. Recommendations: Hospitals should strengthen practical training programs, ensure the availability of ocular emergency kits, and establish regular mentorship and supervision programs to improve emergency eye care practices among nurses.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fred Yiga, Judith Kaziro, Donatus Kimera, Jane Frances Namuddu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge towards adherence to lifestyle modification among type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus presents an escalating global public health challenge, placing a severe structural burden on healthcare systems and community resources worldwide. In Uganda, the disease manifests as a critical chronic health crisis. This study aimed to determine the knowledge towards adherence to lifestyle modification among type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative research methods was conducted among 52 T2D patients using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics (SPSS). Findings were then presented in tables and figures. Results: Overall, the majority of respondents (40.4%) were aged 58 years and above, and 57.7% were male. A majority (84.6%) had received diabetes education, and 55.8% rated their knowledge of diabetes management as very good. Over half (53.8%) were familiar with the recommended dietary guidelines, and 84.6% recognised the importance of a high-fibre diet. Most (69.2%) reported checking their blood glucose daily, and 51.9% identified aerobic exercises as the most beneficial. Conclusion: While most T2D patients demonstrated good knowledge towards lifestyle modification, adherence was hindered by financial challenges and the complexity of required lifestyle adjustments. Recommendation: Healthcare providers should prioritise health education programs, establish patient support groups and implement affordable nutrition and physical activity programs for patients with type 2 diabetes to promote adherence to lifestyle modifications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Victor Tumusiime, Donatus Kimera, Jane Frances Namuddu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Health facility-related factors associated with the use of native medicine during pregnancy among pregnant mothers at Lubaga Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
Background: The use of native medicine among pregnant women, despite having accessible and affordable antenatal care, is alarming, yet this could compromise both maternal and fetal health outcomes. This study assessed health facility-related factors associated with the use of native medicine during pregnancy among pregnant mothers attending the antenatal clinic at Lubaga Hospital, Kampala District. Methods: A cross-sectional study design employing a quantitative method was used to collect data among pregnant mothers attending the antenatal clinic at Lubaga Hospital. In 6 days, 45 respondents were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. Data collected using structured questionnaires was analyzed by microsoft excel (2016) program, and findings were presented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie-charts. Results: Out of 45 respondents; 57.8% were aged 18–28 years, 42.2% were Catholics, 33.3% were Protestants, while 11.1% were Muslims. Over half, 51.1% of mothers were formally employed, 44.5% had attained secondary education, 22.2% had higher education, while 11.1% had no formal education. The majority (73.3%) of the respondents reported less than 30 minutes waiting time at the health facility, (84.4%) reported that health workers were always present, (64.4%) rated the facility as fairly clean, (57.8%) found the opening hours convenient, while (88.9%) reported that drugs were available. However, (62.2%) took 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach the nearest facility. Conclusion: The findings suggest that while the health facility provides high-quality and reliable services, characterized by short waiting times, consistent staff presence, high drug availability, physical accessibility remains a significant challenge, as the majority of mothers still face a substantial travel time to reach the health facility. Recommendation: Mothers should attend scheduled ANC visits consistently to monitor pregnancy progress and receive timely medical interventions. Nurses should explain how hospital medicine complements safe herbal practices, reducing potential risks to both mother and baby.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vivian Namuli, Donatus Kimera, Jane Frances Namuddu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Domestic waste management among market vendors in Kasubi market, Lubaga division, Kampala district, a cross-sectional study.
Background: Poor domestic waste management remains a major public health concern and exposes communities to preventable environmental and health risks. Market vendors play a central role in determining the effectiveness of waste management systems. The study assessed individual, socio-economic, and environmental determinants of domestic waste management among market vendors in Kasubi market, Lubaga division, Kampala district. Methodology: A descriptive market-based cross-sectional study design was used to obtain quantitative data from market vendors in Kasubi Market in the month of August 2025, among 30 respondents, who were obtained through simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Findings were presented using tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. Results: Findings show that, the most, 20(66.7%) were female, 10(33.3%) were male, 10(33.3%) were aged 25-34 years, 8(26.6%) were 35-44 years, 7(23.3%) were above 45 years. Most, 12(40%) had primary level of education, 9(30%) had no formal level of Education, 6(20%) had secondary level of Education, and 3(10%) had Tertiary level of Education. Most, 12(40%) have been in the market vending business for 1-3 years, 10(33.3%) for more than 6 years, and 8(26.7%) for 4-6 years. Two-thirds (66.7%) did not segregate waste, 24(80%) were willing to pay for improved waste collection services, and 25(83.3%) reported that they were not aware of the waste management policy. Most, 20(66.6%) acknowledged the presence of designated waste disposal areas in the market, while 12(24%) lacked adequate knowledge to handle waste generated in the market. Conclusion: Vendors generally showed inadequate knowledge, low socio-economic capacity, limited social support, poor infrastructure, and weak policy awareness, which stifled waste management. Recommendations: Market vendors should engage in waste segregation, participate in clean-up activities, and seek information on proper waste management. Leaders in the Market should strengthen the enforcement of waste management bylaws.
Copyright (c) 2026 Barbrah Namukisa, Nelson Kakande, Donatus Kimera, Jane Frances Namuddu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge on birth preparedness among teenage mothers at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Wakiso District. A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Background: The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge on birth preparedness among teenage mothers at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Wakiso District. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design with quantitative methods of data collection. A convenient sampling technique was used to select 32 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, checked for completeness, and entered into Microsoft Excel 22 for cleaning and analysis. Results were presented in tables and graphs. Results: The majority of the respondents, 22(68.7%), were 19 years old. 27(84.4%) of the participants completed primary education; 21(65.6%) were not married; 26(81.2%) were Christians and 18(56.2%) were living with parents. 90.6% of the participants were giving birth for the first time. Respondents acquired information from family members and friends (62.5%), media (21.9%) and health workers (15.6%). Participants knew birth preparedness to be a sign of responsibility (75%) and that it could reduce delays at the time of birth (18.8). 6.2% of the participants didn’t know its importance. Participants identified components of birth preparedness to be saving money for transport (100%), buying delivery items (71.9%). Conclusion: Teenage mothers had inadequate knowledge about the importance of birth preparedness and the need to buy the baby’s clothes. They were aware of the need to save money for transport and delivery. Recommendations: Entebbe regional referral hospital should arrange an independent antenatal care unit for teenage mothers to teach them about components of birth preparedness, like its importance and buying baby clothes. Health workers should conduct in-depth explanations about birth preparedness, its components and counselling about existing myths about birth preparedness.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sandra Mary Atimango, Barbara Akankunda, Jane Frances Namuddu, Donastus Kimera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interventions To Increase Breast Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women in Nshungyezi Health Centre III, Isingiro District. A cross-sectional study
Background: Uganda has breast cancer age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the interventions to increase breast cancer screening uptake among women in Nshungyezi Health Centre III. Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design employing quantitative data collection by administering a questionnaire to collect data from 30 respondents using simple random sampling. Data was then analyzed and entered manually into the computer using Microsoft Excel 2016, which presented it in the form of tables, graphs, and pie-charts. Results: 16(53.3%) of the participants did not get access to media, 20(66.7%) did not have any workplace interventions about breast cancer screening, and 15(50%) never found brochures or flyers about breast cancer screening. For health facility factors, nearly half 14(46.7%) of respondents never received health provider’s recommendations, 17(56.6%) of respondents reported that the health providers were not giving them flexible appointment time, 15(50%) never received any reminders from healthcare providers, 16(53.4%) reported that the breast cancer screening costs were high, 18(60%) were never contacted by health providers and 18(60%) reported that health care providers were sometimes giving them feedback. Conclusion: Significant individual interventions included adequate access to media, flexible workplace interventions and utilization of brochures and flyers about breasting while health facility interventions that can increase uptake of breast cancer screening. Recommendations: The government should allocate more resources to support breast cancer screening programs, including community outreach, education, and awareness campaigns.
Copyright (c) 2026 Royce Nakalema Matsiko, Teddy Ssemambo Nassanga (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients at Nkozi Hospital, Mpigi District: A cross-sectional study
Background: Caregivers of critically ill patients often experience multiple challenges that affect their psychological well-being, socio-economic stability, and ability to provide effective care. This study aimed to assess the challenges faced by caregivers of critically ill patients at Nkozi Hospital in Mpigi District. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 30 caregivers of critically ill patients at Nkozi Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, psychological, socio-economic, and hospital-related challenges. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures as frequencies and percentages. Results.: The majority of caregivers were females (93.3%), aged between 30 and 39 years (63.3%), and most had attained secondary education (60%). Psychologically, many caregivers experienced emotional distress, with 60% sometimes feeling extreme sadness, 70% always experiencing fear or panic, and 76.7% reporting constant feelings of helplessness. Lack of sleep and extreme tiredness were also common. Socio-economically, 56.7% received limited financial support, 66.7% had limited emotional support, and 70% reported disruption of their work or school routines. Hospital-related challenges included inadequate communication with healthcare providers (66.7%), inconsistent provision of personal protective equipment (76.7%), and limited access to medications (56.7%). However, sanitation was generally rated as good, and most caregivers received mosquito nets. Conclusion: Caregivers of critically ill patients at Nkozi Hospital faced significant psychological, socio-economic, and hospital-related challenges. Emotional distress, limited support systems, poor communication, and inconsistent provision of essential services negatively affected caregiving experiences. Recommendations: The Ministry of Health should strengthen hospital support systems by ensuring a consistent supply of essential medicines and improving service delivery through regular inspections.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruth Namatovu, Jane Francis Namukwaya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors Affecting Uptake of Anti – Helminthic Drugs Among Children Aged 6 To 59 Months at St Joseph’s Nswanjere Health Centre III, Mpigi District. A cross-sectional study
Background: Intestinal helminth infections remain a major public health problem among children under five years in developing countries, contributing to poor nutrition, impaired growth, and reduced immunity. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the uptake of anti-helminthic drugs among children attending St. Joseph’s Nswanjere Health Centre III. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 caretakers of children aged 6–59 months. Data were collected using structured questionnaires focusing on caretaker-related, health facility-related, and social factors influencing deworming practices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures. Results: The majority of caretakers were female (96.7%) and below 30 years (70%). Most had primary education (36.7%) and were mothers to the children (63.3%). Over half of the caretakers (53.3%) believed deworming should be done once a year, indicating poor knowledge of recommended schedules. Many caretakers (56.7%) felt it was unnecessary to deworm children without symptoms, while 50% were unsure about the safety of anti-helminthic drugs. Although drugs were largely available at the health facility (93.3%) and considered affordable (83.3%), long distance to the health centre (86.7%) and lack of health education (60%) limited uptake. Social barriers included reliance on herbal medicine (73.3%), myths about worms being part of childhood (60%), and weak community distribution programs (46.7%). Conclusion: Uptake of anti-helminthic drugs among children was influenced by caretaker knowledge gaps, accessibility challenges, and negative social beliefs. While drug availability and affordability were favorable, poor awareness, long distances, and cultural practices hindered optimal utilization. Recommendations: The Ministry of Health should strengthen community distribution programs and public sensitization on deworming schedules. Health facilities should conduct outreach services and health education to address myths and improve uptake.
Copyright (c) 2026 Joseph Ssenkula, Jane Francis Namukwaya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors Affecting Uptake of Measles-Rubella Vaccination at Lubaga Hospital, Kampala District. A cross-sectional study.
Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the factors affecting uptake of measles – rubella vaccination at Lubaga Hospital, Kampala District. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design that enrolled a sample size of 30 respondents using a simple random sampling method. Data was collected using a researcher – administered structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed and presented in tables and graphs using Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: Results of the study revealed that caretaker-related factors were; 73.3% knew that the MR vaccine is offered at 9 months only, and 56.7% had attended 1 – 3 antenatal visits, and 56.7% had forgotten the return date for MR vaccination. Health facility related factors were; 70% were living within a distance of 5 – 10 kilometres from health facility, 60% reported that operating schedules of the immunization clinic are not favourable, 76.7% reported that the waiting time at the immunization services was 30 minutes to – 2 hours and vaccine related factors were 73.3%) reported that fear of side effects prevent them from seeking MR for their children, 66.7% disagreed that MR vaccine is effective, 60% were not sure whether MR can harm the child. Conclusion: The low uptake of measles rubella vaccines is associated with caretaker, health facility-related, and vaccine-related factors. Recommendation: The Ministry of Health and Lubaga hospital should intensify the health education campaigns about the MR vaccine to increase awareness on the recommended number of doses, effectiveness, and safety of the vaccine.
Copyright (c) 2026 Christine Namayanja, Magdalene Babirye (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A cross-sectional study on Challenges to Effective Clinical Handover Among Nurses at Gombe Hospital, Butambala District.
Background: Effective clinical handover among nurses is essential for ensuring continuity of care, patient safety, and quality health service delivery. This study aimed to assess the challenges to effective clinical handover among nurses at Gombe Hospital in Butambala District. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed involving 30 nurses selected from inpatient and outpatient departments. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics to generate frequencies and percentages. Results: The majority of respondents were female (66.7%), married (66.7%), and working in the inpatient department (60%). Most nurses were certificate holders (70%) and had 10–15 years of work experience (43.3%). Individual-related challenges included limited time for comprehensive handover, with 63.3% reporting they never had sufficient time, and inconsistent documentation of patient care (76.7% sometimes documented). Although 70% acknowledged the importance of handover, only 56.7% felt it was their responsibility. Health facility-related challenges were prominent, including inadequate staffing (86.7%), long working hours with 53.3% working 12-hour shifts, frequent emergencies (60%), and lack of support supervision (63.3%). Additionally, 96.7% reported the absence of appraisal for routine handover, and 90% had not received refresher training. Lack of standardized mandatory handover components was also observed. Conclusion: The study revealed that both individual and health facility-related factors significantly hinder effective clinical handover at Gombe Hospital. Time constraints, inadequate staffing, poor supervision, lack of training, and absence of standardized handover tools were major challenges. Recommendations: The hospital management should strengthen staffing levels, introduce standardized handover protocols, provide regular refresher training, and ensure supportive supervision to enhance effective clinical handover practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Beatrace Nyangoma, Donatus kimera, Jane Francis Namukwaya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0