Makerere University

About: Makerere University is a education organization based out in Kampala, Uganda. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 7220 authors who have published 12405 publications receiving 366520 citations. The organization is also known as: Makerere University Kampala & MUK.

Widowhood, remarriage and migration during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda.

Abstract: Recently the levels of widowhood have increased in countries of sub-Saharan Africa that are afflicted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This paper reviews the cultures of several societies in Uganda in relation to the treatment of widows. Using a data set based on a sample of 1797 households covering east, south and western Uganda, the study finds higher proportions of widows than widowers. Over half of widowers compared to one quarter of widows remarry. Reasons for remarriages of widowers and widows are discussed. While younger widows migrated from their late spouses’ homes more than the older ones, the pattern of the widowers shows that those in ages 20-34 migrated most. Deeper analysis indicates that widowed people who moved away from their deceased spouses’ homes did so for reasons other than the death of their spouses. The widowers were more likely to move than the widows and the unhealthy ones migrated more than the healthy ones. Widowhood all over the world is characterized by grief, bereavement, rituals, forced remarriages, harassment, rejection, loneliness, poverty and relatively high mortality. However the situation of widows and widowers largely depends on country, society, religion and economic systems. In the most developed countries of USA, UK, Canada and New Zealand, widows and widowers are associated with more poverty and higher mortality rates than other groups in the society. Hill et al. (1986) and Morgan (1989) reported that high percentages of widows were immediately pushed into poverty by the death of husbands. Jones and Goldblatt (1987) and New Zealand (1981) noted higher mortality levels among the widowed in Britain and New Zealand. In her extensive study of widows in Chicago, USA, Lopata (1979) argues that in order for the widow to be socially integrated into the support systems, she needs four factors in her favour. The first factor is the society with its composition and culture. Secondly, the community within which the widow lives can help her overcome much of her sadness. This includes a favourable neighbourhood and working environment. Thirdly the widow’s recovery from her problems depends on the support she gets from the family of her late husband whose attitude towards widowhood is an important factor. Lastly, the personal resources available to the widow will assist her. These include people and groups she is associated with such as her parents, siblings, children and friends.

Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. infections in mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Abstract: For conservation purposes and because of growing ecotourism, some mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) populations have been habituated to humans. Fecal specimens (n = 100) of nonhabituated and human-habituated gorillas (5 populations; 6 age classes) were tested for Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts by conventional staining and immunofluorescent antibody (IFA). Cryptosporidium sp. infections (prevalence 11%) were not restricted to very young gorillas but were observed in 3-yr-old to >12-yr-old gorillas; most of the infections (73%) occurred in human-habituated gorillas. The prevalence of Giardia sp. infections was 2%; 1 nonhabituated gorilla was concomitantly infected. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. in the gorilla stools were morphologically, morphometrically, and immunologically undistinguishable from a bovine isolate of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Mean concentration of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts in gorilla stools was 9.39x10(4)/g, and 2.49x10(4)/g, respectively. There was no apparent relationship between oocyst concentration and gorilla age, sex, or habituation status. Most Cryptosporidium sp. infections found in gorillas with closest proximity to people may be a result of the habituation process and ecotourism. This study constitutes the first report of Cryptosporidium sp. infections in the family Pongidae, in the free-ranging great apes, and in the species of gorilla.

Structure and composition of benthic macroinvertebrates of a tropical forest stream, River Nyamweru, western Uganda

Abstract: Benthic invertebrates from River Nyamweru, a tropical forest stream in western Uganda were sampled bimonthly between April and December 1997 using a modified Hess Sampler. A total of 3708 benthic fauna from thirteen taxonomic orders were collected. Benthic samples were dominated by Diptera (mainly Chironomidae) representing over 60% of all the organisms, followed by Ephemeroptera. Benthic invertebrate densities ranged from 63 ± 9.03 organisms/m2 to 300 ± 33.36 organisms/m2, with higher densities occurring during the dry season and lower densities during the wet season. The benthic community structure in River Nyamweru reflected mainly collectors and scrapers as the most important groups (83%), while predators were very rare (3.1%). River discharge influenced benthic abundance, with more invertebrates at lower discharge and fewer invertebrates at higher discharge. The applicability of the River Continuum Concept to tropical forest stream situation is discussed.

Belief in divine healing can be a barrier to antiretroviral therapy adherence in Uganda.

Abstract: Although recent data suggest high levels of adherence to expanding antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in resource-limited settings, the culture-specific barriers to adherence are poorly understood. In a prospective observational study, we found that 1.2% of patients discontinued ART because of a belief in spiritual healing. Spiritual beliefs should be an important part of ART adherence counselling in resource-limited settings, requiring close collaboration between HIV care programmes and religious leaders to identify common goals and ensure successful treatment.