Background Involvement of undergraduate health professions students (HPS) in research will facilitate evidence-based clinical practice among future healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to assess research involvement among undergraduate HPS students and associated factors in Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online assessment tool sent through WhatsApp groups and E-mail addresses of HPS in 12 medical schools in Uganda between 20th September and 5th October 2021. Results We enrolled 398 participants with a mean age of 23.9 ± 3.7 years. Of this, 267 (67.1%) were male. One hundred twenty (30.2%) participants previously participated in a research activity: 90 (58.4%) as research assistants, 39 (25.3%) published as first authors, and 25 (16.2%) as co-authors. Training on the conduct of research was received by 242 (65.8%) participants, and 326 (81.9%) had intentions of conducting research in the future. Factors influencing participation in research activities were, age ≥ 25 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.9, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.2–3.2, p = 0.012), being male (aOR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2–3.6, p = 0.008), and being in a clinical year i.e., year 3 (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1–9.3, p = 0.033), year 4 (aOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1–9.5, p = 0.028) and year 5(aOR: 11.6, 95% CI: 3.2–42.1, p < 0.001). Lack of funds (79.6%), and mentorship (63.3%) were reported as major barriers to research. Conclusions Despite a high proportion of HPS showing interest in getting involved in research, less than one-third reported previous involvement. Addressing barriers such as funding could potentially improve research involvement and output among undergraduate HPS in resource-limited settings.

Background: Involvement of undergraduate health professions students (HPS) in research will facilitate evidence-based clinical practice among future healthcare partitioners. This study aimed to assess research involvement of undergraduate students and associated factors in Uganda.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online assessment tool sent through WhatsApp groups and E-mail addresses of HPS in 12 medical schools in Uganda between 20th September and 5th October 2021.Results: We enrolled 398 participants with a mean age of 23.9±3.7 years. Of this, 267 (67.1%) were male. One hundred twenty (30.2%) participants previously participated in a research activity: 90 (58.4%) as research assistants, 39 (25.3%) published as first authors, and 25 (16.2%) as co-authors. Training on the conduct of research was received by242 (65.8%) participants, and 326 (81.9%) had intentions of conducting research in the future. Factors influencing participation in research activities were, age ³ 25 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.9, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.2‑3.2, p=0.012), being male (aOR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2 - 3.6, p=0.008), and being in a clinical year i.e., year 3 (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1 -9.3, p=0.033), year 4 (aOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1 - 9.5, p=0.028) and year 5(aOR: 11.6, 95% CI: 3.2 - 42.1, p<0.001). Lack of funds (79.6%), and mentorship (63.3%) were reported as major barriers to research.Conclusions: Despite a high proportion of HPS showing interest in getting involved in research, less than one-third reported previous involvement. Addressing barriers such as funding could potentially improve research involvement and output among undergraduate HPS in resource-limited settings.

Background: Use of herbal medicine (HM) for the treatment and prevention of the coronavirus disease -2019 (COVID-19) has been reported worldwide. In this study, we aimed to assess the perceptions, attitude and practices of healthcare professionals (HP) students in Uganda concerning HM use in the management of COVID-19 illness.Methods: We conducted an online, cross-sectional study using quantitative methods among HP students across the 12 medical schools in Uganda. Undergraduate HP students aged 18 years and older, from 1st to 5th year of study, pursuing various programs were recruited. Blooms cut-off of 80% (score of ≥ 24 /30) was used to determine good perception and a positive attitude towards HM use. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with HM use.Results: A total of 350 participants responded. Of this, 223 (63.7%) were male. The median age of all participants was 23 (IQR=19-56) years. Majority (n=234, 66.9%) were pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). All participants reported awareness on HM use in the management of COVI-19. Fifty-four (15.4%) respondents had a good perception towards HM use, with students in their first year of study having 3-fold the odds of having good perception compared to those in their fifth year (aOR: 2.9, 95% C. I: 1.1-8.1, p=0.037). Participants pursuing Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPHAR) had 4.2-fold higher odds of having a positive attitude towards HM use compared to those pursuing MBChB (aOR: 4.2, 95% CI:1.8-9.9, p=0.001) and those in first year had 2.7-fold higher odds of having a positive attitude towards HM use compared to participants in fifth year of study. (aOR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2-6.3, p=0.019). Participants with positive attitude towards HM use (aOR=63.7, 95% CI=12.8-316.4, p<0.001), pharmacy students (aOR=2.6, 95% CI= 1.1-6.4, p=0.035), allied health program students (aOR=3.6, 95% CI=1.1-11.6, p=0.032), those with good perception (aOR=3.3, 95% CI=1.6-6.5, p<0.001) and positive attitude (aOR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2-5.9, p=0.013) were more likely to recommend use of HM in the management of COVID-19.Conclusion: Awareness of HM use was universal among the participants. However, despite a high proportion of the participants reporting negative perception and attitude towards HM use, at least one- third use HM when they had COVID-19.

Introduction: Globally, the HIV burden continues to rise among young people despite the discovery of ART. This study assessed demographic and psycho-social factors among young people associated with readiness to be initiated on ART. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among newly diagnosed HIV positive young people aged 15-24 years at 4 HIV clinics at Mulago Hospital. Readiness was measured as a self-report by the individual to the question,“How ready do you feel to start ART? Results: Of the 231 young people enrolled, the mean age (SD) was 20.7years (+/-2.8) and most were female (66.2%). Majority were very ready (53.3%) and very motivated (51.1%) to start ART. Higher treatment readiness was associated with being female (95% CI [5.62, 8.31], p=0.003), thinking that ART cures HIV (95% CI [0.43, 0.86], p=0.005), history of having unprotected sex (95% CI [0.79, 0.87], p=<0.001), anticipating negative HIV results (95% CI [0.26, 0.88], p=0.017), internalized stigma (95% CI [0.83, 0.98], p=0.018) and knowledge of positive ART effects for others (95% CI [0.84, 0.93], p=<0.001). Conclusions: Understanding the underlying factors associated with ART readiness among young people can inform strategiesto support and increase individuals’ readiness to initiate ART and early engagement in care. Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy Readiness; Young people; Sub-Saharan Africa.