Introduction Dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy (ART) regimens were rolled out as first line HIV treatment in Uganda due to their tolerability, efficacy and high resistance barrier to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They have however been associated with weight gain, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia which are cardiometabolic risk factors of hypertension. We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adults on dolutegravir regimens. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 430 systematically sampled adults on dolutegravir-based ART for ≥ 6 months. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or history of use of antihypertensive agents. Results The prevalence of hypertension was 27.2% (117 of 430 participants) [95% CI: 23.2–31.6]. Majority were female (70.7%), the median age 42 [34, 50] years, with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m 3 (59.6%) and median duration on DTG-based regimens of 28 [15, 33] months. Being male [aPR: 1.496, 95% CI: 1.122–1.994, P = 0.006], age ≥ 45 years [aPR: 4.23, 95% CI: 2.206–8.108, P < 0.001] and 35–44 years [aPR: 2.455, 95% CI: 1.216–4.947, P < 0.012] as compared with age < 35 years, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 3 [aPR: 1.489, 95% CI: 1.072–2.067, P = 0.017] as compared with BMI < 25 kg/m 3 , duration on dolutegravir-based ART [aPR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.001–1.015, P = 0.037], family history of hypertension [aPR: 1.457, 95% CI: 1.064–1.995, P = 0.019] and history of heart disease [aPR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.205–2.484, P = 0.003] were associated with hypertension. Conclusion One in every four people with HIV (PWH) on dolutegravir-based ART has hypertension. We recommend the integration of hypertension management in the HIV treatment package and policies to improve existing supply chains for low cost and high-quality hypertension medications.

Background: The coronavirus disease – 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused devastating effects across all sectors. The closure of schools negatively affected school going children globally. The present study sought to assess the effect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures put in place to curb its spread on the psychosocial wellbeing of school going children in Bududa District, in Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which randomly enrolled school-going children from three conveniently selected sub-counties, Bukalasi, Bushiyi, and Bushika, in Bududa District, Uganda. Pretested standardised semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on education and psychosocial status of the participants. Results: A total of 210 participants were studied. Of this, 122 (53.3%) were male, 203 (96.7%) lived in rural settings, and 155 (73.8%) were staying with both parents. The median age of the participants was 12 (interquartile range: 9 -15) years. One hundred ninety one (90.9%) participants were in primary school. Overall, 154 (73.3%) were worried about not going back to school during the lock down, however, 109 (51.9%) were able to return to school after the easing of the lockdown. Eighty-five (40.5%) participants received reading material at home during lockdown with 64 (30.5%) of the participants accessing teachings through radio. Of the 210 participants, 174 (82.9%) felt worried about the future, 172 (81.9%) felt like they were going to die during lockdown, 141 (67.1%) felt lonely at times, and 129 (61.4%) felt sad or low sometimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quarter (54) of 210 participants faced abuse of which 42 (77.8%) faced physical abuse from parents. Of 31 participants who sought help, 19 (61.3%) went to their parents with none getting help from non-governmental organisations. Fifty (23.8%) participants were engaged in work; 33 (66%) were paid, 4 (8%) were forced to work, and 22 (44%) faced physical challenges at their jobs.Conclusion: There was a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and psychosocial wellbeing of school-going children in Bududa District. A comprehensive child psychological support service should be scaled up to provide support to school going children in vulnerable communities.