Background Young people (15–24 years) bear the highest burden of new infections and are particularly vulnerable because of their highly risky behavior such as early sexual activity. There is paucity of information on the role of religious leaders in the multi-sectoral fight against HIV/AIDS. We examined the role of religious leaders in the use of HIV prevention strategies among young people. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 among 422 randomly selected young people in Lira district, Uganda. An interviewer administered a questionnaire to the young people in order to collect quantitative data. A total 20 key informants were purposively sampled and interviews were conducted with religious leaders using a key informant’s interview guide. Data was collected on social demographics, HIV prevention messages, and awareness about HIV prevention strategies. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15 using proportions, means, percentages, frequencies, and logistic regression analysis at a 95% level of significance. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and the major themes were generated from the participants’ responses. Results About 57.1% (241/422) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of use of HIV prevention strategies among young people was 69.4%. Factors significantly associated with the use of HIV prevention included completing the primary level (aOR 4.95, p< 0.05), completing at least A level (aOR 8.85, p < <0.05), Awareness of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders (aOR 0.02, p<0.001), religious leaders provided targeted HIV prevention messages (aOR 2.53, p<0.01), Advocacy for abstinence outside marriage and fidelity in marriage (aOR 35.6, p<0.01), Religious leaders preaching about HIV prevention (aOR 4.88, p<0.001). Qualitative data indicated that a section of religious leaders recommended abstinence/faithfulness. Condom use was the most discouraged HIV prevention strategy. However, most religious leaders agree with the fact that they have a role to play in HIV prevention, which includes sensitization, teaching and organizing sermons about HIV prevention. Conclusion The use of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders among young people was nearly 70%. This finding indicates that religious leaders have a role to play in HIV/AIDS prevention among young people in the Lira district. This calls for the involvement of religious leaders in HIV prevention programs tailored to prevent new infections of HIV among young people.

Background: Young people (15-24 years) bear the highest burden of new infections and are particularly vulnerable because of their highly risky behavior. There is paucity of information on the role of religious leaders in the multi-sectoral fight against HIV/AIDS. We examined the role of religious leaders in the use of HIV prevention strategies among young people.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 among 422 randomly selected young people in Lira district. An interviewer administered a questionnaire to the young people in order to collect quantitative data. About 20 key informants were purposively sampled and interviews were conducted with religious leaders using a key informant's interview guide. Data was collected on social demographics, HIV prevention messages, and awareness about HIV prevention strategies. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15 using proportions, means, percentages, frequencies, and logistic regression analysis at a 95% level of significance. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and the major themes were generated from the participants’ responses.Results: About 57.1% (241/422) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of use of HIV prevention strategies among young people was 69.4%. Factors significantly associated with the use of HIV prevention included completing the primary level (aOR 4.95, p< 0.05), completing at least A level (aOR 8.85, p < <0.05), Awareness of HIV prevention strategies by religious leaders (aOR 0.02, p<0.001), religious leaders provided HIV prevention messages (aOR 2.53, p<0.01), Advocacy for abstinence outside marriage and fidelity in marriage (aOR 35.6, p<0.01), Religious leaders preaching about HIV prevention (aOR 4.88, p<0.001).Our qualitative data indicated that a section of religious leaders recommended abstinence/faithfulness. Condom use was the most discouraged HIV prevention strategy. However, most religious leaders agree with the fact that they have a role to play in HIV prevention, which includes sensitization, teaching and organizing sermons about HIV prevention.Conclusion: The use of HIV prevention strategies by religious leaders among young people was nearly 70%. This finding indicates that religious leaders have a role to play in HIV/AIDS prevention among young people in the Lira district. This calls for the involvement of religious leaders in HIV prevention programs tailored to prevent new infections of HIV among young people.

Background Short Births to Pregnancy intervals have been associated with maternal mortality and morbidity as they increase the risk for pregnancy related complications. Modern contraceptive use during postpartum period has proved to be effective in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality through prolonging the birth to pregnancy interval and preventing unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. However little is known about the prevalence of use as well as the factors influencing the use of these modern contraceptives in Lira city, Northern Uganda. Objective To find out the prevalence, barriers and facilitators associated with utilization of modern contraceptive methods among postpartum women at Barapwo Health Centre III and Ober Health Centre III, Lira city, Northern Uganda. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study design. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done by both bivariable and multivariable logistics regression considering p-vale < 0.005 to be significant and a 95% confidence interval. The prevalence was determined quantitatively by ascertaining number of mother who were using modern contraception at the time of study while the factors influencing postpartum modern contraceptive use were obtained both using structured questions and open ended questions. The study included 391 postpartum women who were randomly selected and were receiving care at Ober and Barapwo Health Centre III. Results The prevalence of utilization of modern contraceptives among postpartum women was 49.4%. from multivariable logistics regression, partner acceptance, > 500000 average household income, resumption of menses, 7–12 weeks postpartum, 37–72 weeks postpartum, resumption of sex, ever used contraception, feeling it is okay, health education and counselling on family planning were 13.46, 2.36, 4.42, 2.22, 3.89, 2.82, 2.44, 31.53, 1.78 and 2.38 times respectively more likely to use modern contraception. Conclusion and recommendation: The modern contraceptive use among postpartum women attending Ober and Barapwo health center IIIs is high compared to the national contraceptive use. Therefore, interventions to sensitize the population about the use of these methods should be done to address barriers to uptake.