Background Although Uganda has a relatively low prevalence of smoking, no data exists on cigarette use among military personnel. Studies in other countries suggests military service is a risk factor for tobacco use. Objectives To assess prevalence and risk factors for and costs of smoking among military personnel assigned to a large military facility in Uganda. Design A mixed methods study including focus groups, interviews, and a cross-sectional survey of military personnel. Setting Kakiri Barracks, Uganda Subjects Key informants and focus group participants were purposively selected based on the objectives of the study, military rank and job categories. A multi stage sample design was used to survey individuals serving in Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) from June-November 2014 for the survey (n = 310). Results Participants in the qualitative portion of the study reported that smoking was harmful to health and the national economy and that its use was increasing among UPDF personnel. Survey results suggested that smoking rates in the military were substantially higher than in the general public (i.e., 34.8% vs. 5.3%). Significant predictors of smoking included lower education, younger age, having close friends who smoked and a history of military deployment. Estimated costs of smoking due to lost productivity was US$576,229 and US$212,400 for excess healthcare costs. Conclusion Smoking rates are substantially higher in the UPDF compared to the general public and results in significant productivity costs. Interventions designed to reduce smoking among UPDF personnel should be included in the country’s national tobacco control plan.

INTRODUCTION Studies in several countries indicate that being a police officer is a risk factor for tobacco use. Currently, no such studies have been performed among police officers in Uganda, or in Africa generally. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence and costs of smoking among Ugandan police officers. METHODS A multistage survey model was employed to sample police officers (n=349) that included an observational cross-sectional survey and an annual costanalysis approach. The study setting was confined to Nsambya Police Barracks, in Kampala city. RESULTS Police officers smoke 4.8 times higher than the general public (25.5% vs 5.3%). Risk factors included lower age, higher education and working in guard and general duties units. The findings show that the annual cost of smoking due to productivity loss could be up to US$5.521 million and US$57.316 million for excess healthcare costs. These costs represent 45.

Background: The Ugandan military medical services work together with the civilian public health system to deliver quality healthcare. This Partnership is the mainstay of health service delivery in Uganda. The burden of needle stick injuries (NSIs) is increasing in Uganda’s larger health industry; however, data on needle stick injury in military and public health facilities is lacking. No published data exist on comparative studies for a mix of facilities both military and civilian health settings. This study represents the first time this issue has been studied in a military or public health hospital in Uganda.Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2018 to September 2019 in Kakiri Military and SOS Hospitals in Uganda using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were purposively selected based on the objectives of study, occupation status and department (N = 310). Results: The overall prevalence of NSIs among respondents was 27.2% and prevalence rates for the two facilities was nearly identical. The largest percentage of NSIs occurred during drawing venous blood samples (49.4%). Significant predictors of NSI were gender, occupational status, age, poor knowledge on prevention and post exposure of NSI, and less professional experience. Infection control practices were lacking in both selected health facilities. Conclusion: Over a quarter of HCWs in Uganda reported NSIs, which places them at significant health risk. Fostering the practice of universal precautions, best infection control practices and training of healthcare workers on bio-safety measures can reduce the prevalence of NSIs.Trial Registration: Not Applicable