Thomas KiggunduMMed-Internal Medicine (MAK), MBChB (MAK) Host Site: Directorate of Public Health and Environment, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)
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ABOUT THE FELLOWI am a certified Advanced Field Epidemiology Fellowship graduate. I hold a master’s degree of Medicine in Internal Medicine (MMed) from Makerere University (School of Medicine), and bachelors of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from Makerere University (School of Medicine). As an epidemiologist, I have interest in disease outbreak investigations and response, non-communicable diseases, and global health security. During my time as an advanced field epidemiology fellow, I was attached to the Directorate of Public Health and Environment, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Through the in-service training, I have networked and attained skills and competencies in interpersonal and effective communication, teamwork, management and leadership, and support supervision, outbreak investigation and response including data analysis, interpretation and use. Achievements at the Host Site
Fellowship program specific achievements
Summary of Epidemiological Study:Title: Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors in patients attending selected public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda, 2023 Background: Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It affects approximately 22% of the global adult population. In 2014, a national survey found that the regional prevalence of hypertension was highest (29%) in the Central Region of Uganda, which includes the capital city of Kampala. However, in 2017, a survey at a large-volume health facility in Kampala revealed that only 42% of adult outpatients are screened for hypertension. We determined the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among adults in selected public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during August to October 2023 in outpatient departments in the high-volume Kisugu, Kawaala, and Kisenyi Health Center IVs in Kampala District. We selected consecutive consenting participants from the facility triage who were not pregnant and did not require admission. We interviewed participants aged ≥18 years on their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics using a modified stepwise approach to noncommunicable risk factor surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire. Pre-hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure 120-139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80-89 mmHg. Grade 1 hypertension was systolic blood pressure 140- 159 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 90- 99mmHg, and grade 2 hypertension was systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg. Factors associated with hypertension were assessed using logistic regression Results: Of 786 participants, 490 (62%) were female; the mean age was 45 years, and 102 (18%) were pre-hypertensive. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 65% (95% CI: 62-68). Of the hypertensive patients, 37% were newly diagnosed, 37% grade 1, and 45% grade 2. Having hypertension was associated with each 10-year increase in age group (aOR=3.8, 95% CI 2.9–5.0), being female (aOR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.2- 3.4), overweight (aOR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3), obese (aOR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.3–5.5), and having a history of heart disease (aOR=4.9, 95% CI: 2.6–9.3). Conclusion: Two-thirds of adults attending selected public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda were hypertensive, associated with increasing age, overweight/obesity, being female, and having a history of heart disease. There is a need to raise awareness about hypertension and promote preventive measures. Keywords: Prevalence, Hypertension, Uganda Key lessons learnt during the fellowshipDuring the fellowship, I learnt and developed the following skill sets:
Next StepsWith the competencies gained, I hope to be able to continue to serve within the Ministry of Health or related organization in the area of non-communicable diseases which are emerging health threats in Uganda. Pictorial
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