Mulago Hospital

About: Mulago Hospital is a healthcare organization based out in Kampala, Uganda. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 542 authors who have published 545 publications receiving 34804 citations.

Breast cancer guidelines for Uganda (2nd Edition 2008).

Abstract: Breast cancer in Uganda is the third commonest cancer in women coming only next to cancer of the cervix and Kaposi's sarcoma. The incidence of breast cancer in Uganda has doubled from 11: 100,000 in 1961 to 22:100,000 in 19951,2,. Many patients are often seen in late stages thus the outcome of treatment is mostly unsatisfactory. The present day knowledge of this disease does not have any effective primary prevention. It is thus imperative that efforts should be made to detect the disease in its early stages. Mammography has been found to be useful but it is not feasible for mass screening in Uganda, as there is a limited number of units accessible to the general public. Public education towards Breast Self Examination (BSE) should be propagated because it is practical and affordable 3. These guidelines were compiled by the Uganda Breast Cancer working group whose objectives are to improve the quality of life of the breast cancer patients and their families by working towards encouraging early detection; harmonize treatment, referral of patients and to create a reference document for health workers dealing with breast cancer. In addition it aims at creating awareness about breast cancer to health workers and the community and to be part of the National Cancer Society creating a breast cancer registry and cancer control program. This edition is an updated version of the one published in 20034. This version highlights the importance of Breast Self Examination (BSE), which is still practical and affordable though it is discouraged in other resource rich settings. It includes a section on pathological specimen reporting in an effort to information sharing and therefore decision making. It includes a section on prognostication. It presents a relaxed view on and recommends Breast conserving surgery a different stand from the previous edition and lastly it presents a one-page reader friendly, at a glance overview of Breast cancer treatment for easy reference by the user.

Life Events Associated With Major Depression in Ugandan Primary Healthcare (PHC) Patients: Issues of Cultural Specificity:

Abstract: Objective: The study compared life events experienced by depressed patients seen at primary healthcare (PHC) centres with those among healthy community controls.Method: Data was collected from 74 depressed patients and 64 unmatched controls from village locales of patients. Interview instruments included the depression module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Interview for Recent Life Events (IRLE). Associations between type of respondent and demographic variables were examined. Statistical comparisons were done for the two groups on other variables.Results: Most depressed patients were single by marital status, lacked formal employment and had less post-primary education.They had experienced more life events; job changes, discomforting working hours, unfavourable working conditions, and job losses; personal health problems; loss of valuables; difficulties with intimate partners and family members' marital problems. Independent life events were more among depressed patients a...

Venereal disease in East Africa

Abstract: 1,000 consecutive cases of venereal disease have been analysed, and the social factors facilitating the spread of this group of diseases are examined and discussed. It is suggested that the latter assume a very significant role, and that any effective eradication programme must take social factors into consideration.

Characteristics of pyogenic odontogenic infection in patients attending Mulago Hospital, Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract: Predisposing factors of pyogenic odontogenic infection include dental caries, pericoronitis, periodontitis, trauma to the dentition and the supporting structures or complications of dental procedures. The infections are usually polymicrobial involving normal endogenous flora. We characterised pyogenic odontogenic infection in patients attending Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Of the 130 patients, 62 (47.7%) were female. The most frequently involved fascial spaces were: the buccal, 52 (25.4%); submasseteric, 46 (22.4%) and the submandibular space, 36 (17.5%). Dental caries was the most prevalent predisposing factor, particularly of the lower third molar teeth. Viridans Streptococci Group and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequent bacterial isolates: 23.5% and 19.4%, respectively. All Viridans Streptococci isolates were resistant to penicillin G, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (cotrimoxazole), ampicillin and tetracycline, but susceptible to vancomycin. All Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to cotrimoxazole and ampicillin while retaining susceptibility to vancomycin, cefotaxime, linezolid, moxifloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Thirty five (26.9%) patients were HIV infected and the HIV status did not significantly influence the pattern of odontogenic infection. Dental caries was the most prevalent predisposing factor for pyogenic odontogenic infection. High prevalence of bacterial resistance to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole suggests the need for regular antibiotic susceptibility tests of isolates and rational use of antibiotics in the management of these infections. Prevention requires strengthening of oral health in the community.