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.
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- Contact the library through email: libsupport@muni.ac.ug
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Recent Submissions
Management of competency-based curriculum: secondary school student teachers’ experiences in Northern Uganda
(Gitoya Centre for Academic Research and Dissemination (G-CARD), 2026-02)
This study synthesized the experiences of student teachers deployed across selected secondary schools in Northern Uganda. Specifically, it examined the administrative support provided to student teachers and the challenges they encountered during the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, data was collected from 151 Bachelor of Science with Education student teachers through reflective journals and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed variability in school-level support, including limited orientation, inconsistent mentorship, irregular professional development and weak instructional supervision. Findings indicate that insufficient administrative support exacerbates the challenges, limiting student teachers’ ability to apply learner-centered pedagogy, conduct continuous assessment and facilitate experiential learning. The study concludes that robust administrative structures, structured mentorship, sustained professional development, adequate resource provision and proactive community engagement are critical for ensuring fidelity in CBC implementation. These insights offer evidence-based guidance for policymakers, school leaders and teacher educators to strengthen school-level support and improve competency-oriented teaching and learning in resource-constrained contexts.
Utilization of malaria control interventions and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Lira City, Northern Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2026-03-09) Apio, Everline; Angwech, Harriet; Opio, Bosco; Okwir, Gustavio; Opoke, Robert; Malinga, Geoffrey Maxwell; Opiro, Robert
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Uganda, with prevalence in Lira City rising sharply in recent years despite ongoing interventions. Women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable, yet little is known about their use of available preventive measures. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and utilization of malaria control interventions, and examined factors influencing their uptake.
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 629 randomly selected women of reproductive age in Lira City. Quantitative data were collected using semi structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), intermittent preventive treatment (IPT), and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Chi-square tests were used to examine associations, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of utilization. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically to explore barriers to uptake, and findings were triangulated with quantitative results for validation and deeper interpretation.
ITN utilization was high (84.1%), IPT uptake moderate (68%), and IRS coverage low (32.8%). Almost all participants (96.8%) were knowledgeable about ITNs, mainly gained through health workers, and expressed positive attitudes toward malaria prevention (mean score: 4.34, SD = 0.67). While most (91.9%) perceived IRS as effective, concerns included bad odor and discomfort (51.7%), doubt about safety (21.9%), and effectiveness (17.3%). Age, type of house, challenges faced with nets, marital status, and exposure to health education were significant predictors of utilization.
Despite widespread ITN use, IRS uptake remains limited due to persistent concerns and misconceptions. Strengthening targeted health education, addressing community fears, and improving access to interventions are critical for enhancing malaria control in high-transmission settings like Lira City.
Impact of eight or more antenatal care visits on intermittent preventive treatment of malaria uptake during pregnancy and facility-based delivery in Ghana: a propensity score matched analysis
(Springer Nature, 2026-02-24) Agbi, Delight Mawufemor; Mwebesa, Edson; Jimmy, Abraham Isiaka; Valère, Salako Kolawolé; Kerich, Gregory Kibet
Introduction
Maternal and malaria-related morbidity remain major public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eight or more antenatal care (ANC8+) contacts to enhance maternal and child health, but its effect on malaria prevention and delivery outcomes is not well established. This study examined the impact of ANC8 + visits on facility-based delivery and optimal uptake of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy (IPTp-SP).
Methods
Data were drawn from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, including women aged 15–49 years who had given birth within the three years preceding the survey. Propensity score matching was applied to estimate the effect of ANC8 + visits on facility-based delivery and uptake of at least three IPTp-SP doses.
Results
Only 38.7% of women met the ANC8 + threshold. Among all respondents, 85.4% delivered in a health facility, and 66.5% received three or more IPTp-SP doses. After matching, ANC8 + attendance increased the likelihood of facility delivery by 8.2% points (ATT = 8.2, 95% CI: 4.6–11.9) and optimal IPTp-SP uptake by 11.1% points (ATT = 11.1, 95% CI: 6.8–15.4).
Conclusion
Adherence to WHO’s ANC8 + recommendation significantly improves facility-based delivery and malaria prevention during pregnancy. Strengthening policies that enhance ANC attendance, particularly among socioeconomically and geographically disadvantaged groups, is essential for advancing maternal and child health in Ghana.
Profiledistribution and health risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in indoor dust from urban households in Uganda, East Africa
(Elsevier, 2026-02-03)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination of various environmental compartments continues to attract scrutiny due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity, following their widespread application over the years as surfactants and stain repellents. Studies have indicated that environments, including dust, may serve as sources of human exposure. However, little is known about the prevalence of PFAS and their associated health risks in indoor environments from the sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda. Herein, we collected samples of indoor household dust from the floors of residential houses (n = 43) in Kampala, Uganda, to assess the levels and associated health risks of PFAS to the exposed humans. Of the 11 targeted PFAS, only 8 were detected in the collected samples. The mean level of ∑8PFAS in household dust was 427 ng/g, with a maximum concentration of 2850 ng/g. 10:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (10:2 FTOH), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) predominated among the neutral and ionic PFAS, respectively. Source apportionment revealed food packaging, semiconductor materials and textiles as the major sources. The calculated hazard quotients (HQs) due to exposure to PFAS, and their sums (∑HQs) in our study for both adults and toddlers, were all less than 1, suggesting negligible non-carcinogenic risk. Despite the low estimated exposure via dust ingestion and dermal contact, compound-specific toxicological profiles of PFAS, their potential for interactive effects, and the presence of additional exposure routes underscore the urgency of regularly investigating indoor PFAS-related health risks.
Exposure of urban population to organophosphate esters and novel brominated flame retardants via indoor dust: Occurrence, sources and health risks in Uganda, East Africa
(Elsevier, 2026-01-29)
Indoor environments are critical exposure pathways to flame retardants, yet data from Africa remain scarce. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in indoor dust from Ugandan households, establishing baseline data for East Africa. Dust samples collected from homes in Kampala were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Concentrations of total OPEs (Σ5OPEs) and total NBFRs (Σ4NBFRs) ranged from 1520 to 102,000 ng g−1 and 214 to 6600 ng g−1, respectively. Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and 2,4,6-tribromophenyl allyl ether (TBP-AE) dominated OPE and NBFR profiles, respectively. Chlorinated OPEs contributed most to ΣOPEs, reflecting emissions from building materials and consumer products. Principal component analysis indicated household items, electrical equipment, and floor finishes as the major emission sources. Estimated human exposure doses showed that ingestion was the dominant route, with children more exposed than adults. Hazard index (HI) values were below 1 for all compounds, indicating negligible non-carcinogenic risk. Carcinogenic risk (CR) values ranged from 10−6 to 10−12, suggesting minimal lifetime cancer risks, though children exhibited relatively higher vulnerability. Compared with global datasets, OPE and NBFR levels in Kampala were within lower-to-median range but represent the inaugural dataset for sub-Saharan Africa. These findings provide a crucial regional reference for indoor flame-retardant exposure and highlight the need for extended studies across multiple indoor microenvironments to evaluate the long-term exposure pathways and inform safer chemical management.