BackgroundGlobally, most maternal and newborn deaths are within the first week of delivery. Early postnatal-care (EPNC) visits between 2 and 7 days detects early morbidity and averts deaths. However, there is scarcity of information on use of EPNC in Mundri East County, South Sudan. This study investigated factors associated with EPNC use among postpartum mothers in Mundri East County, South Sudan.MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study of 385 postpartum mothers from 13 health facilities. Data was collected by structured questionnaires, entered in EpiData and analyzed with STATA at 5% significance level. Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact and Student’s t-tests were used for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariable analysis.ResultsThe mean age of respondents was 27.9-years (standard deviation: 6.7), 276 (71.7%) were below 30-years, 163 (42.3%) were Muru ethnicity, 340 (88.3%) were single and 331 (86.1%) were unemployed. 44 (11.4%; 95% CI: 8.4–15.0) used EPNC. Poor health services access at government health facilities (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05–0.61; P = 0.006), more than 1-h access to health facility (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.09–0.78; P = 0.015), at least secondary maternal education (AOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 1.14–28.74; P = 0.034) and receipt of PNC health education post-delivery (AOR = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.06–11.33; P = 0.004) were associated with EPNC use.ConclusionsUse of EPNC in Mundri East County, South Sudan was low. It was significantly reduced at government and inaccessible health facilities. However, it increased with receipt of PNC health education after delivery and at least secondary level of education.

Background. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) morbidity is rising in Uganda. However, data are limited about people’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Objective. To determine knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes towards presidential directives and Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines, and adherence to practicing public health preventive measures (KAP) in Uganda. Methods. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 28 and May 19, 2020. Data were collected using online social media platforms, websites, and popular media outlets. We descriptively summarized data and categorized KAP scores as knowledgeable about COVID-19, positive attitude towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines, and adherent to public health preventive measures, respectively. We tested sex differences in KAP using tests of significance and established independently associated factors using modified Poisson regression analysis, reported using adjusted prevalence risk ratio (aPR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. We studied 362 participants with the following sociodemographic characteristics: 86 (23.8%) aged 25-29 years, 212 (58.6%) males, 270 (74.6%) with tertiary or university levels of education, and 268 (74.0%) urban residents. Of the 362 participants, 264 (93.9%) were knowledgeable about COVID-19 (94.1% males and 93.8% females), 51.3% had positive attitudes towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines (51.0% male and 51.8% female), and 175 (48.3%) were adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (42.9% males and 56.0% females). Compared to males, our data shows that females were more adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (aPR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53), knowledgeable about COVID-19 (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.95-1.07), and had positive attitudes towards directives and guidelines (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.82-1.25). Conclusions. This study shows that public health prevention efforts should be directed to closing the identified gaps in KAP among Ugandans in order to halt the spread of COVD-19 in Uganda as well as the East African region.

EPNC was poorly utilized and prioritized. Its use was hindered by protracted hospitalization, care provision at public facilities, maternal unemployment or self-employment, and lack of information.

Background 270 million workplace accidents occur annually. In Uganda, Kampala district has the highest workplace injury and fatality rates. However, information on personal protective equipment (PPE)—hand gloves, hardhats, overalls, safety boots, earplugs, safety harness with lanyard, and face shields—utilization among building construction workers remains scarce. We assessed PPE utilization and determinants among building construction workers in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 385 respondents. Data collected by structured questionnaire was double-entered in EpiData and analyzed in STATA at 5% significance level. Independent determinants of PPE use were established by a stepwise backward logistic regression analysis. Results 305 (79.2%) respondents were males, 290 (75.3%) were 18–30 years, 285 (74.0%) completed secondary education, and 197 (51.2%) were temporary employees. 60 (15.6%) respondents used PPE. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.64; 95% CI: 1.55–28.46; P = 0.011), temporary (AOR = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01–0.27; P < 0.001) and casual (AOR = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.001–0.071; P < 0.001) employment, and previous knowledge of safety measures (AOR = 100.72; 95% CI: 26.00–390.16; P < 0.001) were associated with PPE use. Conclusion PPE use was low in Kampala, Uganda. Building construction companies should implement measures of the Uganda Occupational Health and Safety Act.