Muni Repository (MR)
This repository contains open access publications of Muni University Library.
Objectives:
- To digitally collect, preserve and provide electronic access to scholarly works and research output of Muni University.
- Increase the visibility and impact of our research, making it easy for researchers, students, policymakers and journalists to reference, replicate, and re-use the work.
- Issue permanent, unique and trustworthy identifiers when creating URLs to access the resource without concern that the location of the resource may change.
How to publish in Muni Repository
- Contact the library through email: libsupport@muni.ac.ug
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Recent Submissions
Effect of exposure to malaria messages on insecticide-treated net use among women and under-five children in Uganda: a propensity score matched analysis
(Springer Nature, 2025-11-10) Mwebesa, Edson; Agbi, Delight Mawufemor; Iha, Daniel Thoya; Agasa, Lameck Ondieki; Mwangi, Ann
Background
Malaria remains a global public health issue, with almost 2.5 million cases and more than 0.6 million deaths each year, of which women and children remain disproportionately affected. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a cornerstone of malaria prevention in endemic malaria regions. Malaria messages (MM) are intended for positive and measurable social, attitude, and behavioural change towards malaria prevention uptake. However, their impact on insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) use has not been sufficiently investigated through rigorous statistical approaches. This study investigated the effect of MM on ITN use among women and children under five years in Uganda using Propensity Score Matched Analysis (PSMA).
Methods
The study utilized the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey (UMIS) 2018 -19 data. Women (n = 8868) and children (n = 6915) datasets were extracted from Individual Women’s and Children’s Data, respectively. The children’s dataset included data on interviewed women (caregivers), household indicators and under-five children’s data, while the women's dataset contains records of every eligible woman in selected households. Propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) was utilized to identify the effect of the MM (intervention) on ITN use (outcome) among women of reproductive age and children under five in Uganda.
Results
The results revealed that 69.3 [95% CI: 67.2, 71.2] of the women and 71.8 [95% CI: 69.1, 74.4] of the children under five years slept under a mosquito bed net the night preceding the survey. The results further revealed a significant and positive effect of exposure to malaria messages on ITN use among exposed women [Average Treatment Effect of the Treated (ATT) = 5.1%, 95% CI: 1.5–8.9%] and under-five children of exposed women [ATT = 4.3%, 95% CI: 1.0–7.6%].
Conclusion
Effective and relevant behavioural change communications, such as malaria messages, are an effective way of influencing the use of ITN. Such an intervention may reduce malaria endemicity, morbidity, and mortality in Uganda.
Mapping the evolution of infrastructural development studies in higher educational institutions: A Bibliometric review of publication trends and influential works (1960–2024)
(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2025-08-26) Atyayi, Noeline Prossy; Ujeyo, Margaret Stella Suubi; Atibuni, Dennis Zami
This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric review of scholarly literature on infrastructural development in tertiary institutions from 1960 to
2024. Using data extracted from the Dimensions database and analysed with VOS viewer software, the review examines 607 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters to map the evolution, growth trajectory, geographic spread, citation impact, and thematic trends within the field. The findings reveal an exponential increase in publications over the past 15 years, reflecting rising global attention to infrastructure in higher education, particularly in the context of sustainability, digital transformation, and equity. India and Nigeria emerged as leading contributors, indicating a regional prioritisation of educational infrastructure amidst expanding student populations. Influential works by Graham-Rowe and Kumar dominate citation networks, shaping discourse on sustainable transport and smart infrastructure. Thematic analysis highlights critical topics such as hybrid learning environments, access equity, technological integration, and the environmental implications of infrastructural investments. Despite this growth, the review identifies research gaps, notably in empirical studies evaluating the impact of infrastructure on academic outcomes and the effectiveness of adaptive infrastructural models. Collaborative networks between developed and developing countries were evident, reinforcing the global relevance of this research domain. The paper emphasises the importance of sustained interdisciplinary inquiry and policy alignment to ensure resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented infrastructure in higher education. The insights derived are invaluable for researchers, institutional leaders, and policymakers aiming to optimise infrastructural investments in response to emerging educational needs.
Missed opportunities in engaging community pharmacies for integrated tuberculosis care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Call to Action.
(American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), 2025-11-06) Izudi, Jonathan; Sekaggya-Wiltshire, Christine; Adithya, Cattamanch
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Community pharmacies, which are often the first point of contact for people with TB, are underutilized in expanding TB care. Engaging community pharmacies in TB care could facilitate personalized adherence counseling, the timely detection and reporting of medication side effects, and the integration of TB and HIV services for individuals with both TB and HIV. Pharmacies can reduce stigma and address social and psychological barriers by offering person-centered care in convenient, accessible settings, including for working people and hard-to-reach communities. Integrating community pharmacies into national TB programs could strengthen adherence, reduce loss to follow-up, improve case detection, and help achieve End TB Strategy goals. The authors of the present study advocate for deliberate policy, training, and data linkages to realize this scalable opportunity, including implementation research.
Indigenous knowledge and plant speciesused as mosquito repellents in the West NileSubregion, Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2025-11-07) Oloya, Benson; Andama, Morgan; Akwongo, Betty; Amagu, Paulino; Opoke, Robert; Candia, Milton; Samanya, Rehemah; Taban, Philliam; Okello, Emoses Agen; Anywar, Godwin
Background
Female Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors for malaria transmission within communities, significantly contributing to the high burden of malaria in Africa overall and Uganda specifically. Many tropical plants have insect-repellent properties and have traditionally been used in their native regions to prevent mosquito bites.
Methods
A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted between January 2025 and May 2025 in five districts of the West Nile Subregion: Adjumani, Moyo, Madi-Okollo, Pakwach, and Obongi. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on indigenous knowledge about mosquito repellents from 57 respondents, who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The ethnobotanical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the informant consensus factor, and preference ranking.
Results
A total of 42 plant species from 40 genera and 25 families were documented as being used to repel mosquitoes. The plants most commonly used for this purpose were: Azadirachta indica A.Juss. (9), Boswellia papyrifera (Caill.) (7), Aeschynomene americana L. (6), Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze. (6), and Ocimum gratissimum L. (5). The most common indigenous method for repelling mosquitoes involves burning either dry cow dung (32%) or dry goat droppings (20%). Most of the plant species belong to the families Fabaceae (10), Lamiaceae (4), and Asteraceae (3). The majority of the plant species used were trees (43%) and herbs (42%), with leaves (42%) and seeds (12%) being the most frequently used plant parts. Except for Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf and M. suaveolens, which are used as live plants for repelling mosquitoes, all other plant species used were prepared by burning or smoking indoors.
Conclusions
Communities in the West Nile Subregion, especially those living along the River Nile, possess rich indigenous knowledge and practices used to repel mosquitoes in their efforts to control deadly malaria.
Advanced HIV disease at diagnosis among newly diagnosed people with HIV in rural eastern Uganda: a retrospective cohort study
(Elsevier, 2025-10-22) Ssentongo, Saadick Mugerwa; Appeli, Saidi; Izudi, Jonathan
Objectives
Advanced HIV disease (AHD) at diagnosis substantially contributes to HIV-related morbidity and mortality but has been understudied. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with AHD at diagnosis among newly diagnosed people with HIV (PWH) in rural eastern Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed PWH between May 2020 and July 2023 across 23 public health facilities in 14 districts in rural eastern Uganda. AHD at diagnosis was defined by a cluster of differentiation 4 count <200 cells/µL or World Health Organization clinical stage 3-4 disease. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify factors associated with AHD at diagnosis.
Results
Among 1233 participants, we found that 24/1233 (1.9%) had AHD at diagnosis. In adjusted analysis, AHD at diagnosis was independently associated with being male rather than female (adjusted odds ratio, 3.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-9.61).
Conclusions
The low prevalence of AHD at diagnosis among newly diagnosed PWH suggests progress toward earlier diagnosis in rural eastern Uganda. Men tended to present with AHD at diagnosis more than women, although the finding is imprecise. Our findings highlight the need for targeted, gender-sensitive interventions to promote early diagnosis and care linkage.