BackgroundHypertension is an important contributor to global burden of disease and mortality, and is a growing public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. However, most sub-Saharan African countries lack detailed countrywide data on hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors that would provide benchmark information for design of appropriate interventions. We analyzed blood pressure data from Uganda’s nationwide NCD risk factor survey conducted in 2014, to describe the prevalence and distribution of hypertension in the Ugandan population, and to identify the associated factors.MethodsThe NCD risk factor survey drew a countrywide sample stratified by the four regions of the country, and with separate estimates for rural and urban areas. The World Health Organization’s STEPs tool was used to collect data on demographic and behavioral characteristics, and physical and biochemical measurements. Prevalence rate ratios (PRR) using modified Poison regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with hypertension.ResultsOf the 3906 participants, 1033 were classified as hypertensive, giving an overall prevalence of 26.4%. Prevalence was highest in the central region at 28.5%, followed by the eastern region at 26.4%, western region at 26.3%, and northern region at 23.3%. Prevalence in urban areas was 28.9%, and 25.8% in rural areas. The differences between regions, and between rural-urban areas were not statistically significant. Only 7.7% of participants with hypertension were aware of their high blood pressure. The prevalence of pre-hypertension was also high at 36.9%. The only modifiable factor found to be associated with hypertension was higher body mass index (BMI). Compared to participants with BMI less than 25 kg/m2, prevalence was significantly higher among participants with BMI between 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 with an adjusted PRR = 1.46 [95% CI = 1.25–1.71], and even higher among obese participants (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with an adjusted PRR = 1.60 [95% CI = 1.29–1.99]. The un-modifiable factor found to be associated with hypertension was older age with an adjusted PRR of 1.02 [95% CI = 1.02–1.03] per yearly increase in age.ConclusionsThe prevalence of hypertension in Uganda is high, with no significant differences in distribution by geographical location. Only 7.7% of persons with hypertension were aware of their hypertension, indicating a high burden of undiagnosed and un-controlled high blood pressure. Thus a big percentage of persons with hypertension are at high risk of hypertension-related cardiovascular NCDs.

PA levels in Uganda are high, mostly achieved through travel and work-related activities of moderate intensity.

Background: Inappropriate infant and young child complementary feeding practices related to a lack of maternal knowledge contributes to an increased risk of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality. There is a lack of data regarding the effect of nutrition education on maternal knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices as part of a supplementary feeding intervention targeting infants and young children with moderate acute malnutrition in low-income countries like Uganda. Objective: To determine whether nutrition education improves knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices of mothers with infants and young children diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition. Methods: A cross-sequential study using a pretest-posttest design included 204 mother-infant pairs conveniently sampled across 24 randomly selected clusters. Weekly nutrition education sessions were embedded in a supplementary porridge intervention for 3 months. Mean scores and proportions for knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices were determined at baseline and end line. The difference between mean scores at the 2 time points were calculated with the paired t test analysis, while the proportions between baseline and end line were calculated using a z test analysis. Results: Mean scores for knowledge, dietary diversity, and meal frequency were higher at end line compared to baseline (P < .001). Handwashing did not improve significantly (P ¼ .183), while boiling water to enhance water quality improved (P < .001).

While much focus has been put on rural household food insecurity, with increasing urbanisation leading to urban slum formation, food insecurity is potentially on the rise particularly among women of reproductive age (WRA). We determined the prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity among women aged 18-49 years in Makindye slums of Kampala capital city, Uganda. In a community based cross-sectional study, we recruited a random sample of 573 women aged 18-49 years, resident in the slums for at least one year prior to the study. Quantitative data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires while qualitative information was obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Multivariable logistic regression (using STATA® 13) and manifest content analysis methods were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Of the 573 participants, 60.7% were aged 20-34 years, 53.7% were married/cohabiting, 12.2% had no formal education and 82.5% lived in rented homes. Overall 88.5% of the women were food insecure of which 68.4% were severely food insecure. Factors that increased likeli hood of food insecurity were; socioeconomic factors such as absence of electricity in the household (AOR; 2.2, 95%CI: 1.05-4.86, p = 0.036) and having more than one school going child (AOR; 2.6, 95%CI: 1.42-4.89, p = 0.002). Qualitative findings indicate that food insecurity is indeed a problem among women in the slums with unemployment, high food prices, poverty and increasing number of household members reported as the major causes of food insecurity. The prevalence of food insecurity among women in Kampala slums is high. These findings suggest the need to invest in economic empowerment of women with emphasis on those living in deprived communities.