ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidaemias in women using hormonal contraceptives.DesignCross-sectional studySettingMulago Hospital, Kampala, UgandaParticipantsThree hundred and eighty-four consenting women, aged 18–49 years, who had used hormonal contraceptives for at least 3 months prior to the study.Study outcomeDyslipidaemias (defined as derangements in lipid profile levels which included total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL, triglyceride >150 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein ≥160 mg/dL) for which the prevalence and associated factors were obtained.ResultsThe prevalence of dyslipidaemias was 63.3% (95% CI: 58.4 to 68.1). Body mass index (BMI) (PR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.54, p<0.001) and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (PR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.42, p=0.020) were the factors significantly associated with dyslipidaemias.ConclusionDyslipidaemias were present in more than half the participants, and this puts them at risk for cardiovascular diseases. The high-risk groups were women with a BMI greater than 25 Kg/m2 and those who were on ART. Therefore, lipid profiles should be assessed in women using hormonal contraceptives in order to manage them better.

This study aimed to establish the influence of socioeconomic and nutritional factors on the age of eruption of the mandibular third molar among Ugandans aged 10–20 years.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a dental clinic of Mulago Hospital between January and December 2017. The background information was obtained from the participants using a questionnaire in the form of an oral interview. The anthropometric measurements were obtained using a tape measure and a weighing scale, while dental radiographs were used to determine the eruption stages of the mandibular third molar.Statistical Analysis:The data were analyzed using STATA 13 and summarized using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was inferred at P < 0.05.Results:Participants in the overweight body mass index category were statistically significantly associated with the age of the mandibular third molar eruption (P < 0.05) compared to their normal counterparts. There was no statistically significant association between socioeconomic status and age of eruption of third molar teeth (P > 0.05). Age of eruption was statistically significantly higher among males than females (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The findings of the present study reveal that overweight influences early eruption of the mandibular third molar tooth, although there is no trend between socioeconomic status and the age of eruption of the mandibular third molar.

Aim:This study aimed at establishing the age for third molar eruption among Ugandans aged 10–20 years.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study comprising 471 male and 541 female patients attending Mulago Dental Clinic. Patients’ orthopantomographs were assessed for third molar eruption as described by Olze et al. Age was summarized using means/SD. Jaw and sex differences were assessed using Student's t-test.Results:Complete eruption (Stage D) ranged between 13 and 20 years. The mean age at complete eruption for girls and boys was 17.5–18 years and 18.2–18.6 years, respectively. Mean age was statistically significantly (P < 0.05) lower among girls compared to boys for all third molar teeth (#18, #28, #38, and #48). The difference in mean eruption times between girls and boys was −0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.2–1.0, P = 0.006). At 18 years, 40% or 41% maxillary and 52% or 53% mandibular molars were completely erupted. There were statistically significant differences in eruption between the sexes and jaws for all teeth (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Given the fact that the percentage of erupted third molars by age 18 was found to be <50% on an average in this Ugandan population, we should reconsider the use of third molar eruption as a definitive tool for age estimation in this population.

Background Few studies have evaluated the acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs among young women in sub-Saharan Africa, including in school settings. We evaluated the acceptability of 2 conditions for the self-collection of swabs in secondary schools in Entebbe, Uganda. Methods Assenting girls with parental consent from 3 secondary schools were provided instructions for sampling, and randomly allocated to self-collection of vaginal swabs with or without nurse assistance to help with correct placement of the swab. Swabs were tested for bacterial vaginosis by Gram stain. Participants were followed up after 1 to 2 days and 1 to 2 weeks and invited for a qualitative interview. Results Overall 96 girls were enrolled (median age, 16 years; interquartile range, 15–17 years). At the first follow-up visit, participants in both arms reported that instructions for sample collection were easy to understand, and they felt comfortable with self-collection. Girls in the nurse assistance arm reported feeling less relaxed (27% vs. 50%, P = 0.02) than those in the arm without nurse assistance, but more confident that they collected the sample correctly (96% vs. 83%, P = 0.04). About half (47%) of participants agreed that self-sampling was painful, but almost all (94%) would participate in a similar study again. Qualitative data showed that participants preferred self-collection without nurse assistance to preserve privacy. Bacterial vaginosis prevalence was 14% (95% confidence interval, 8–22). Conclusions In this setting, self-collection of vaginal swabs in secondary schools was acceptable and feasible, and girls preferred self-collection without nurse assistance. Self-collection of swabs is an important tool for the detection, treatment and control of reproductive tract infections in girls and young women.

Introduction: Various guidelines for age estimation based on scientific evidence have been developed by expert groups and bodies internationally. In Uganda, the guidelines and methods being used to estimate the age of juveniles undergoing judicial proceedings are not known. Aim: This study explored the practices and perceptions of the health professionals working with the police towards age estimation for juveniles undergoing criminal proceedings in Uganda. Methods: It was a qualitative study using key informant interviews. Seventeen health professionals working in private clinics and general government hospitals linked to the police were purposively selected. Data were collected using a key informant interview, which allowed the participants to express their views and perceptions concerning the different aspects of the age estimation process. The information gathered focused on the methods used to estimate age and their appropriateness, particularly based on the third molar eruption. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis methodology. Results: It was found that the current practice of age estimation in the country does not fully adapt to international standards and that there are variations among the users. Conclusion: The standardisation of age estimation methods is urgently needed in the country through the use of a multidisciplinary approach and an emphasis on combining methods in order to increase accuracy.