https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/26 Research works from students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences 2026-04-12T01:41:57Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2735 Factors associated with abnormal lung function among university students in Kigali-Rwanda, case of UR-CMHS MVUYEKURE, Leonidas Background: Determinants of abnormal lung function among students living in hostels have not been evaluated. University students commonly come into contact with residential pollution and others different factors in their dorms, which are known to increase the risk of respiratory illnesses including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). COPD are estimated to have contributed to 3 million deaths worldwide which is 5% of all fatalities; and over 90% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), with a global prevalence of 10.3%. The recent study in Rwanda found COPD prevalence of 4.5%. This study aims to find the “Factors associated with abnormal lung function among university students in Kigali-Rwanda”. Methods: The minimum sample size were 220 subjects after the exclusion criterion to be used in this study. Validated questions were used to assess self-reported physical health status like, cough, fatigue, respiratory problems. Spirometry for lung function tests was used to identify abnormalities as the measurement of outcome variable. A typical statistical data analysis method, descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis were employed to assess the degree to which a dependent variable and one or even more independent variables have a linear relationship. Results: The analysis of this study showed that 119(54.09%) participants were female while 101(45.91%) were male, and the prevalence of abnormal lung function were 20.9%. Risk factors for abnormal lung function were found to be building characteristics such as frequency of window opening, freshness of air in the room, and physical wellbeing (OR:4.5; CI: 1.771744-11.45793, P=0.002) were 4.5 times of having abnormal lung function for those who reported poor compared with those who said excellent within specified period before the survey. Conclusion: This is the first research on abnormal lung function conducted in a Rwandan university residence. The prevalence of abnormal lung function showed that, it is the problems for public health which needed a great consideration for the associated factors mainly in the enclosed microenvironment like in the university campuses where students spend much of their time to alleviate the proportion of abnormal lung function. Master's Dissertation 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2734 Piloting adapted informed health choices school resources in out of school context Mukobwawase, Ingrid Marie Background Every day, in our life we face a variety of circumstances in which we must make health-care decisions that affect our health. Such decisions can have a negative impact on our lives if they do not respond to our health needs, and to respond to them, one must have information, understand all the options, risks, and finally be able to make the right choices. Youth especially out of schools, are frequently exposed to unreliable and untruthful information. Giving them the ability to think critically so they can make responsible choices about their health is the best way to eliminate health misinformation in their minds. Methods This was a mixed methods study that employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. We used cross sectional study design and conducted one facility survey of 32 YEGO centers staff using a questionnaire to know the status of the YEGO centers. Using semi structured interviews, two focus group discussions were conducted with 8-10 participants each. We used purposive sampling. We used thematic analysis to explore the context in which we can teach critical thinking about health to out of school youth by using the adapted and translated digital learning resources in two YEGO centers. Results Two YEGO centers, with a total of 80 out of school youth participated in the study along with youth centers facilitators. IHC lessons were taught to the selected youth and we were able to explore the knowledge gained before teaching and after teaching. 71% of the youth, on average, learned more after using the IHC materials. Overall, on how youth experienced learning resources., out of school youth were interested in, and were able to apply the content of the lessons. The results on usefulness, usability, understandability, and desirability of youth revealed that the IHC-adapted resources were very useful. The negative perceptions included understandability and usability. Conclusion Overall, it appears that IHC-adapted resources are feasible in the out-of-school context. This pilot demonstrated that the YEGO center is an enabling environment for teaching critical thinking outside of the classroom. Master's Dissertation 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2733 Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal helminthiases and schistosomiasis among preschool - aged children in Rwanda MUHAWENAMAHORO, Vestine Background: Intestinal helminthiases and Schistosomiasis are among neglected tropical diseases targeted by the World Health Organization for elimination as public health issues by 2030. For this, it is important to determine their distribution and predicting factors, after a decade of mass deworming campaigns. In particular, such information is scarce among pre-school aged children who have not been the target for epidemiological studies and schistosomiasis deworming activities. This cross-sectional study and secondary data analysis focused on preschool-aged children and was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthiases (Ascaris, ankylostoma, trichirus trichura, taenia) and Schistosomiasis, and identify the factors associated with them in Rwanda Method: Data from 4,675 preschool-aged children randomly selected from 17 Districts endemic of schistosoma mansoni were analyzed. Parasitological assessment used Kato Katz techniques. Having at least one intestinal helminthiasis or schistosomiasis was considered as positive outcome. Structured questionnaire for child care guardians, literature, and GIS were used to collect information regarding independent factors. Data were aggregated at village level to calculate village prevalence used in depicting the distribution of intestinal helminthiases and schistosomiasis. Descriptive analysis was performed and the prevalence was assessed as measure of frequency. Chi-squared tests were used in bivariate analysis while logistic regression was done in multivariable analysis. The confidence level was set at 95% and decision was made based on P-value. Odds ratios were assessed as measure of association. In this study, STATA 15 and Arc GIS software were used. Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminthiases and schistosomiasis among preschool aged children was 20.3%. Ascaris was the most prevalent parasite in this study (15%). Being aged more than 24 months, having self-employed parents, residence, fetching water into the lake or waterbody, land cover, clay soil, and high LST are predictors of intestinal helminthiases and schistosomiasis among preschool-aged children in Rwanda. Conclusion: The prevalence of 20.3% is moderate and in the march towards the elimination of these parasitic infections, deworming activities should be coupled with water supply, reinforcement of the use of Early Child Development (ECD), relocating people living in proximity of wetlands and water bodies, and health education are key interventions in preventing preschool-aged children to get intestinal helminthiases and Schistosomiasis. Master's Dissertation 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2732 Level of non-adherence and associated factors among adult HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in Nyamasheke district: a cross-sectional study NKUNDABAZA, Christophe Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been crucial in managing HIV, but its success heavily relies on patient adherence. In sub-Saharan countries, including Rwanda, adherence remains a challenge. Moreover, adult HIV patients count for the most clients on ART in Rwanda with 3.8 % of them in Nyamasheke District. However information regarding adherence to ART among these patients is limited. This study aimed to assess the level of non-adherence to ART and its associated factors among adult HIV patients in Nyamasheke District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 416 participants randomly selected from 22 health facilities. Data was collected through medical record reviews and interviews. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with non-adherence. Data management was done with Ms Excel and analyzed using Stata version 16. Results: Of the 416 participants, 92.5% had adherence levels of 95% or higher, indicating adherence to ART in the past month. However, factors such as age of 15-24 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]:5.76, 95% C.I 1.68 - 19.73), , shorter duration on ART (<5 years) (AOR:3.1,95% C.I 1.11– 8.68), being unstable patients(Patients who attend clinical visits every three months and drugs pick up every month) (AOR:4.08, 95% C.I 1.54 – 10.83) , alcohol consumption (AOR: 4.42,95% C.I 1.79 – 10.9), and forgetfulness(AOR:4.53,95% C.I 1.34. – 15.22) were significantly associated with non-adherence among adult HIV patients. Conclusion: The overall level of adherence found in this study was lower than the WHO standard, underlining the importance of addressing these factors to improve adherence rates and treatment outcomes. The study highlights the need for more intensive counselling and regular follow-up, particularly for HIV patients during their early period on medication, those in unstable conditions, and those who consume alcohol Master's Dissertation 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z