Health
Researchers Design Community-led Behavioural Change Model to Control Rate of Type 2 Diabetes among Rural Population
Published
3 years agoon
By Joseph Odoi
Globally the proportion of undiagnosed diabetes is high, standing at 46.5%. In high-income regions like Europe, of all persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), 39.3% are undiagnosed. Low-income countries in Africa have the highest prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, estimated at 66.7%. In Uganda alone, a steady increase in the number of diabetes cases has been observed.
Despite the increasing burden of diabetes in the country, little is known about the socio-cultural norms influencing type 2 diabetes risky behaviors, especially in rural areas to inform action.
In the bid to contribute to data driven interventions, Makerere University researchers with funding from Government of Uganda and Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) carried out a study to understand the patterns of socio-cultural norms in two high incidence districts namely, Busia and Bugiri, in Eastern Uganda.
As part of this study, researchers engaged various health stakeholders who shared their experiences about behaviors factors influencing type two diabetes.
It is upon that background that researchers co-designed a contextual strategy to ensure behavioral change to limit type two diabetes among the rural population under the project titled; “Socio-cultural norms influencing Type 2 Diabetes risks Behaviours – an exploratory to intervention co-design innovative study in two high incidence districts of eastern Uganda”. The strategy was developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Juliet Kiguli, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences at the School of Public Health, Makerere University.
According to Dr. Kiguli, despite evidence confirming a high rate of T2D in Uganda, there is hardly any innovation that speaks to the deep rooted causes of Type 2 Diabetes hence the justification for their new model.
‘’There is enough evidence in Uganda at the national and local/community level confirming a high rate of T2DM, compared to the measures/innovations that try to address the disease. We can argue with confidence that most of the research around T2DM in Uganda and Africa has been largely academic and hasn’t been translated into action at a comparable pace of disease incidence and prevalence. Additionally, since the T2DM is largely a lifestyle disease that is influenced by external factors, exposure and social constructs, the solution to T2DM needs to be socially constructed, and currently, there is no innovation that speaks to the deep rooted causes of T2DM – this is the reason why we designed an evidence based innovation that is socially constructed to address diabetes with prevention in mind too‘’she explained of the model
The Assistant Commissioner Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at Ministry of Health, Dr. Gerald Mutungi who participated in the study’s innovation co-design had this to say;
“This study is unique, I have learnt many things which I had never looked at from a perspective of social norms and I am glad that we are already designing an innovation together with the community stakeholders and influencers to mitigate and reduce T2DM”.
He also tasked researchers to give answers on why people doing their daily activities and living a normal lifestyle still get diabetes.
Approaches behind the model
As part of the behavioral change strategy, the research team came up with the following approaches to their community-led behavior change model.
- T2DM organized diffusion messaging and practices
This approach of the model will work through community-level social networks and will be used to conduct myths bursting sessions, building new positive social norms and spreading them using social networks related to the norm. This approach will be complemented by deliberation and reflection methodologies and the intent is to create shared commitments to change negative and/or maladaptive risky behaviors around T2DM.
- Community-leader-initiated behavior modeling for T2DM
Because of power, control and therefore influence, this approach will target political leaders, religious leaders, cultural leaders, informal community leaders and all individuals with influence to model, demonstrate and promote the recommended behaviors and practices. This will be the first level of establishing reference groups and this approach will complement other approaches.
- T2DM Non-conforming trendsetters and positive deviants.
In the co-design process, evidence shows the existence of trendsetters and positive deviants who are willing and able to be the first movers in initiating positive normative change around T2DM risky behaviors. Their nonconformity to the social norms around T2DM will contribute to the erosion of strong perceptions in favor of the negative gendered social norms that facilitate entrenchment of T2DM risky behaviors. This approach will be complemented by creation of new risky-behavior-specific reference groups that are able to enact alternative social sanctions against T2DM risky behaviors.
On timing of this model, Mr. Ramadhan Kirunda who was key in innovating the model noted that evidence from the social-norms study revealed a disconnect between the health system and the social system constructs at community and family level, yet T2DM risky behaviors are gendered and influenced by power, control and sanction around submission.
‘’Social norms are responsible for the harmful constructions of dominant masculinity engineered by power and control over women, hence the social-cultural acceptance of inferiority on the part of women. Therefore, even on matters of diet, women have to submit and follow what men prefer, and can become violent in asserting their dominance if women don’t comply. It is important to note that while gender-injustice related consequences affect mostly women, gendered social norms undermine the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of age, sex, gender, or income setting. Therefore, our proposed model is informed by this reality, it is inclusive by design since it was co-designed together with all community stakeholders/duty bearers and targets risky behaviors that accelerate T2DM, but also other health outcomes.
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE SOCIAL NORMS STUDY
The main behavioral factors influencing type 2 diabetes were a) consuming processed and added sugar products, b) consuming high cholesterol fatty foods, c) excessive alcoholism, d) smoking (traditional and contemporary), e) mental/psychosocial stress and f) lack of exercise. The analysis shows that dietary factors contribute the greatest threat to the fight against type 2 diabetes in Busia and Bugiri according to the researchers.
In terms of social norm strength around dietary factors, the two strongest norms were “people who don’t prepare fried food are poor people”, “taking tea without adding sugar is mistreatment to your husband” and “Bwita/kalo is our staple food, we eat it daily”. Some of the less strong norms included; “eating greens is mistreatment to your man/husband”, “fat people especially men are respected in the community”, and “A true Samia meal must contain meat or fish daily” said one of the study participants
The strongest social norms around alcoholism.The strongest social norms around alcoholism were “alcohol takes away negative thoughts and stress”, “when you take alcohol with your friends, they can’t abandon you”, “Waragi reduces diabetes because it is sour”, “religion does not allow us to take alcohol” explained one of the key informants.
The social norms around smoking included; “if you want to feel good, you have to smoke”, “most old people and our grandparents lived long and were smokers” and “traditional religion demands and allows smoking of pipes, it’s part of our culture”. Affirmed another study participant
The main social norm around physical exercise was that “men are expected to rest/lie down and wait to be served by women”. They have to sit and wait for food’’ added a participant
On drivers that support norm entrenchment, the researchers outlined easy access to alcohol, gender based violence, cultural set up, poverty, wrong peers, poor parenting, one sided food systems as areas that need serious attention.
MORE ABOUT THE STUDY
The study used Social Norms Exploration Tools (SNET). It was conducted in Eastern region in the districts of Bugiri and Busia in December, 2020. This study covered a total of 4 health facility catchment areas: Bugiri Hospital, Nakoma H/C IV, Masafu Hospital and Lumino H/C III.
A number of data collection methods were used including Focus Group Discussions. Key Informant Interviews, In-depth Interviews, Observation and Photography.
This study builds on previous studies funded by Swedish Embassy and conducted in Iganga and Mayuge by the School of Public Health’s Prof. Guwatudde David, Dr. Barbara Kirunda, Dr. Elizabeth Ekirapa, Dr. Roy Mayega and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University)
The research team consisted of the following researchers: Dr. Juliet Kiguli (Principal Investigator), Dr. Roy William Mayega, Dr. Francis Xavier Kasujja, Mr. Ramadhan Kirunda, Ms. Gloria Naggayi, Ms. Joyce Nabaliisa, Ms. Rita Kituyi, Sr. Nabwire Mary, and Sr. Nampewo Evarine Wabwire. The social norms study was made possible with funding by Mak-RIF (led by Prof. Bazeyo William) and Government of Uganda.
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Health
Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene 2025
Published
1 week agoon
December 17, 2024By
Mak EditorCourse Objectives
The course is intended to strengthen the capacity of practicing workers to successfully identify and manage Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) opportunities and problems by facilitating the acquisition of adequate knowledge, development of skills and attitudes through understanding and use of the 6 essential services of WASH. These are to:
- Monitor WASH status to identify and solve community environmental health problems.
- Diagnose and investigate WASH problems and health hazards in the community.
- Inform, educate and empower people about WASH issues.
- Mobilise community partnerships and actions to identify and solve WASH problems.
- Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility and quality of personal and population-based WASH services.
- Research for new insights and innovative solutions to WASH problems.
Course Structure
The course is an 8-weeks programme of study. Participants will spend 3 weeks (full-time) at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) while 4 weeks will be spent at suitable workplaces / field sites. The final week of the course will be spent at MakSPH for presentation of project / field work, final examination, and the certificate awarding ceremony. This is a day programme and will run from 26th May to 18th July 2025.
Course Modules
- Water Resources Management
- Environmental Sanitation
- Hygiene Promotion
- WASH Policy, Planning and Financing
- Field / Project Work
Mode of delivery of the course includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and field work.
Dates | 26th May to 18th July 2025 | |
Fees | Ugandans | Internationals |
UGX 900,000 | USD 500 |
Who should apply?
- Practicing officers in the WASH sector including those working in local government, non governmental organizations (NGOs) or the private sector.
- Environmental Health workers who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills as a form of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) so as to be better equipped to implement WASH activities.
Entry requirements for admission to the course are Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent with at least 1 year working experience in WASH.
How to apply?
Application forms and procedure can be obtained from the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hospital Complex or from the website below:
https://sph.mak.ac.ug/academics/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash
The deadline for receiving applications is Wednesday 26th March 2025.
For further details, contact:
Course Administrator
Ms. Irene Nassazi
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: inassazi@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256771671354
Course Coordinator
Dr. David Musoke
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: dmusoke@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256788572129
Co-Course Coordinator
Mr. Allan Ssembuusi
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: assembuusi@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256759955067
On 2nd December 2024, Assoc. Professor Bruce Kirenga officially took over as Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University (MakCHS) in a handover ceremony held in the College Board Room. Dr. Kirenga succeeds Professor Damalie Nakanjako, who successfully completed her four-year term.
The ceremony was attended by members of the MakCHS Administrative Board and key university leaders, including Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Chief of Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, & Deputy University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito, among others.
In her remarks, Professor Nakanjako reflected on her time in office with gratitude and pride since she assumed office in December 2020. She expressed her full support for MakCHS in contributing towards training and research in Makerere University.
Professor Nakanjako thanked the university top management for the support rendered to during her term of office as Principal. I thank family, friends and colleagues who supported and allowed me share my time with the college, especially beyond official hours.
Dr. Kirenga, a pulmonologist, researcher, and founding director of the Makerere University Lung Institute, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Makerere leadership and the search committee for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the college. He noted; “It’s a true honour to have been entrusted with this role. The search process was rigorous, but I learned so much from the ideas shared by my colleagues—it was a truly honourable competition.”
With a vision for collaboration and growth, Dr. Kirenga outlined his priorities, including improving staffing, improving relationships with teaching hospitals, and addressing infrastructure needs. He emphasized a leadership style rooted in inclusivity and teamwork, saying, “Let’s create a common vision through consultation and work together. I’ll visit every unit in the college to hear directly from staff about their challenges, needs, and ideas for moving forward.”
Dr. Kirenga also shared plans to establish a forum of past leaders to harness their collective wisdom and ensure continuity in leadership.
Health
Four MakSPH Faculty inducted as Prestigious UNAS Fellows
Published
2 months agoon
November 4, 2024Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty have been inducted for the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, a preeminent nation’s most respected scientific bodies. This is the first time MakSPH is scooping a large number of faculty fellows, which was the highest for a single institution. This prestigious honor was awarded on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Uganda.
The recipients are;
⦿ Professor David Guwatudde, a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the MakSPH where he has been teaching for over 32 years. In the last decade, Dr. Guwatudde’s research interest has been on characterising the epidemiology, evaluattion and effectiveness of appropriate interventions for prevention and control of selected non-communicable diseases (NCD) especially diabetes and hypertension.
⦿ Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi, an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at MakSPH in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A seasoned public health professional in Uganda, he is also a Gates Fellow. Through his expertise in population health and the evaluation of public health interventions, Dr. Makumbi has generated significant evidence that impacts the field. He has published over 300 journal articles and leads the PMA project, which focuses on evaluating schistosomiasis and family planning initiatives in Uganda.
⦿ Dr. David Musoke, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at MakSPH. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee at MakSPH and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH). A graduate of Makerere University, his research interests include environmental health, malaria prevention and community health. He organized the first International Community Health Workers symposium which was held in Uganda, and is an academic editor and reviewer for several journals.
⦿ Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, an experienced clinical researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH. She holds a PhD from the University of Bergen and is also a member of the WHO Immunization and Vaccine-related Implementation Research (IVIR) Advisory Committee. Her key interests include mother and child outcomes, particularly survival and the impact of immunization.
UNAS is an independent, non-profit, and non-political organization, established and founded in October 2000 to provide Uganda with credible, balanced, and evidence-driven guidance on matters of science and development. Membership is drawn from distinguished scientists and scholars who have made significant, lifelong contributions across diverse fields, including natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities.
The UNAS Fellowship remains one of the nation’s most respected scientific bodies, with over 200 members working collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields to address Uganda’s challenges through science and innovation.
Every year, Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) have an opportunity to nominate potential fellows into the academy based on their merit, impact and contribution of the world of Science. A nomination stands substantive once it is seconded by another FUNAS, after which the nominees go through a rigorous selection process by a highly competent committee of scholars in the academy.
Once selected and inducted, fellows in the academy devote their time on honorific activities and service provision through arbitrating on contentious national debates such as whether to provide free social services to refugees and whether to use DDT to control Malaria. Since inception on October 20, 2000, the UNAS has distinguished itself as a premier honorific society for eminent scientists in Uganda. It leverages on the expertise and stature of its members to provide pro bono evidence-informed advice to government and Ugandans on science, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. David Serwadda, an Exemplar Scholar of Makerere University who this year received the prestigious Professor Emeritus title presented the new fellows to the UNAS convention. He described Dr. Nankabirwa as a prolific researcher, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an impressive funding portfolio that includes a number of highly competitive research grants.
On her part, Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa said she was grateful for the recognition and pledged to uphold UNAS values.
“I am very thankful for this recognition, and as I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point, I am reminded that this is not the result of solitary work but of shared aspirations, collaborations, and partnerships. As such, I am very thankful to my nominators and seconders, Prof. David Serwadda and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, as well as to my colleagues, my students, and my family, represented by my mum. To these people and to you, I extend my deepest gratitude. I pledge to uphold the academy’s values, advocate for science-driven policies, and mentor future generations. I will work as hard as I can within this FUNAS,” said Dr. Nankabirwa.
Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi expressed his gratitude and commitment during his recent induction as a fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS). “I am delighted to have been nominated and accepted as a FUNAS. I am truly appreciative and acknowledge the support of all those who have helped me, from my family to my teachers and colleagues—many of whom are here today. They have supported me and brought me to this great podium. I pledge to continue working, supporting, and promoting the health and well-being of the people of Uganda and beyond through science, as well as mentoring others to ensure a sustainable generation that can uphold the health and well-being of Uganda and beyond. I am glad to be here, and thank you very much,” Dr. Makumbi stated.
Dr. David Musoke is a promising researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University’s School of Public Health. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
“I am really delighted and humbled to be joining this elite class of academics and scholars as a fellow of UNAS. It is an honor to join many of my mentors from over the years, including my very own father, who is also a fellow of UNAS and is here today, Prof. Miph Musoke. I wish to thank my family—my parents, wife, and children—for all their support, as well as the research teams we have worked with,” said Dr. David Musoke.
Adding that; “I also extend my gratitude to my mentors from the university, Professor David Serwadda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, for nominating me, along with all the others who have contributed throughout this journey, including funders, collaborators, the community, and everyone else we work with. I look forward to serving in this capacity and upholding the goals and aims of UNAS, especially in the field of Environmental Health and Community Health.”
Professor Guwatudde, a lead investigator in two national surveys assessing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in his country—first in 2014 and again in 2023—expressed his commitment to tackling NCDs as he was recognized by the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).
“I would like to thank the UNAS council, the secretariat, and all members for accepting me as a member,” Prof. Guwatudde said.
“I pledge to contribute in the area of non-communicable diseases. We have conducted extensive research in this country, giving us a clear picture of the NCD burden, a reality that affects us all. I would be glad to share this insight with fellow members,” added Guwatudde.
National academies worldwide provide neutral platforms for experts across disciplines to tackle societal challenges and clarify emerging issues in science, technology, and policy. These institutions play a crucial role in preparing for and responding to global threats such as pandemics. Since its inception, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) has been led by four presidents: Prof. Paul Mugambi (2000-2014), Prof. Nelson Sewankambo (2014-2019), Prof. Peter Mugyenyi (2019-2022), and, since October 2022, Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University—the first female head of the academy.
Prof. Bantebya extended her congratulations to the newly inducted fellows. She emphasized the responsibilities UNAS fellows carry, including upholding the academy’s constitution and contributing to its vision, mission, and objectives. “Our fellows play a critical role in advancing the academy’s goals, and their dedication is vital to our impact on science and policy,” Prof. Bantebya stated.
“Remain academically active. Please listen to that. In meaningful pursuit of academic excellence in your respective areas of expertise. Do not say that now that you have become a fellow, you will stop being academically active. We expect you to continue,” she emphasised.
She also called on the fellows to actively participate in the academy’s conventions, consensus-building efforts, and other activities. Prof. Bantebya emphasized the importance of consensus studies to the academy’s mission, urging fellows to make themselves available when called upon.
“Ensure high standards of conduct based on national and international best practices. We expect you to maintain and ensure high standards yourselves and foster good relations among members as well as with the academy, the general science community, and the public. You also need to meet all the obligations as a fellow of UNAS, whether financial or otherwise, as stipulated,” the Academy President said
A fellow may lose their membership in the academy if they act against the UNAS constitution or bring disrepute to its goals, name, or vision. Membership can also be terminated if a member is convicted by a competent court or authority of a felony or serious crime, or if they are declared bankrupt or of unsound mind.
UNAS’s mission is to foster the welfare and prosperity of the Ugandan people by generating, sharing, and utilizing robust knowledge and insights to deliver independent, merit-based scientific counsel to government and society. As part of the global scientific community, UNAS maintains strong ties with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Network of Science Academies in Islamic Countries (NASIC), the U.S. National Academies, IAP, and TWAS.
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