Quit4Life+: Adapting and Evaluating a Phone-Based Tobacco Use Cessation Program for People Living with HIV in Uganda and Zambia
Introduction
The Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa is open for applications from suitably qualified candidates to coordinate a 5-years study in the field of HIV, tobacco use cessation and mHealth. The project targets young professional with a background in Public Health and clinical medicine from recognized university or any other related field institutions. The candidate should be interested in furthering research skills in the domains of HIV, tobacco control, mHealth, clinical trials and desirous of pursuing a PhD. The project provides opportunities for PhD.
About the Project
The Centre for Tobacco in Africa (CTCA), a constituent entity of Makerere University School of Public health responsible for capacity building and research for tobacco control in Africa. CTCA and the University of Southern California (USC) will be implementing a 5-year research project titled “Quit4Life+: Adapting and Evaluating a Phone-Based Tobacco Use Cessation Program for People Living with HIV in Uganda and Zambia”. This randomized control trial study aims to promote smoking cessation among HIV infected persons through adapting a standard short message service (SMS) for tobacco cessation program and the efficacy of SMS-based program tailored to meet the needs of PLWH (Quit4Life+) in comparison to the current standard of care in Uganda and Zambia.
The study will provide insights into the efficacy, feasibility, and applicability of delivering tobacco cessation interventions through health care professionals at HIV treatment centers in two countries with different tobacco use patterns, policy environments, and health care resources and provide needed information to providers and policymakers looking for cost-effective tobacco cessation interventions to inform scale-up of tobacco use cessation in LMICs worldwide. The project is therefore targeting public health professionals with experience in clinical trials and interested in fortifying their research skills who want to do a PhD.
While the PhD sponsorship is not embedded in the study, the project provides opportunities for a 5-year hands-on practicum the study coordinator will optimize to further his/her research and writing skills. The study coordinator will be expected to participate in teaching and to co-mentoring students interested to conduct research in the fields covered by the study. The candidate will be assigned an academic mentor from within the study team to further his/her career objective.
Scope of Work
The objective of recruiting a study coordinator is to strengthen coordination of the study to attain the project deliverables in the projected timelines. Therefore, the project seeks to recruit a professional responsible for holding the research program together in support of the project goal and specific aims to understand tobacco use cessation among HIV positive clients in health care settings. The search is for a full-time professional to hold the different components of the research project linked and desirous of undertaking a PhD. The successful individual will undergo a 6 months’ probation. The contract is renewable after successful performance appraisal for up to 5 years. In fulfilment of the PhD support, part of the individual salary will pay his/her tuition at Makerere University. The individual will use data from the project to write his/her thesis and also participate in the capacity building activities/session at the School of Public Health.
The study coordinator will;
Develop the quarterly and annual work plans for the project
Draft communication letters and memos for signature by the PI or his/her designate
Schedule and convene virtual/physical meetings
Act as secretary for the meetings
Prepare terms of reference and job descriptions of project staff including field research teams
Coordinate research capacity building activities and keep liaison with the study site teams in the two countries
Ensure the study tools are up to date and protocols are submitted to IRB including renewals
Support the procurement of the needed equipment to conduct the data collection
Field supervision of study activities
Supervision and appraisal of research assistants
Overseeing data management and analysis, maintain, and update the research database for ease of follow up and reference
Ensure quality assurance of the data collected
Tracking progress against targets and documenting the study progress for timely and quality research outputs
Preparing and submitting weekly progress reports to the PI
Planning and management tasks for the smooth running of the research project.
Track progress against targets and document the study process through compilation of monthly reports
Coordinate the consent disclosure language and authorization, data collection, management, analysis and transmission
Generate activity plans and the requisite operational schedules.
Participate in preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual report for review by the PI
Participate is translating research outputs into peer reviewed journal articles, manuscripts, and publications.
Organize dissemination of research information through various dissemination channels
Any other duties related to the study that may be assigned by the PI
Key deliverables along the project path
The required deliverables include;
Study tools
Quarterly and annual work plans & budgets
Performance Reports; Monthly, quarterly annual
Term of references for the various level of the project team
Checklists of project team
A publication per year
Supervision of students at master’s level
Submission of a research grant for funding
A PhD dissertation
Application Procedures
The applicant should submit electronically by 15th January 2022 at 5.00pm EAT;
A cover letter
A detailed Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant research experience
Copies of academic transcripts
A statement of motivation that indicates reasons for applying for this post
Reference letters from two referees with active phone numbers, and email addresses
Address your application EOI[at]ctc-africa.org
Preference will be given to applicants interested in pursuing a PhD and demonstrated ability to contribute to the overall project goal.
Makerere University College of Health Sciences-MAKCHS- Centre of Excellence in Women’s Health in collaboration with Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care Limited received funding from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Enabling Platforms for Maternal Immunization: Uganda (ENABLING Project). The Project aims to identify, characterize, and support the delivery platform, policy, and preparedness requirements for introducing new maternal vaccines. The Project seeks to recruit suitable candidates for the following positions;
Social Scientist, Team Lead (01)
Social Scientist Research Associate (03)
Duty Station: Kampala
Engagement: Full Time
All applications must be submitted to the email: enablingproject71@gmail.com before Monday,29th July 2024 at 23:59hrs EAT
The Centre for Bioethics under Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre (MakBRC) is delighted to announce the MAKERERE BIOETHICS CONFERENCE (MakBC 2024), scheduled to take place on 11th and 12th November 2024 at Hotel Africana, Kampala, Uganda. This year’s theme is ‘Contemporary Issues in Bioethics Practice,‘ and we invite researchers, practitioners, and students to submit their abstracts for presentation.
For more information contact Conference Secretariat:
Department of Anatomy, Last Floor, School of Biomedical Sciences Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda. Email: makbioethicsconference@gmail.com Website: https://chs.mak.ac.ug/makbc2024 Tel: +256 782 363 996 or +256 772 246 681
A Consortium of Researchers from Makerere University School of Public Health/Resilient Africa Network (MakSPH/RAN), Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Somero Uganda together with Safe Bangle Technologies have rolled out a real time domestic violence reporting bracelet.
This roll out was made possible with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the PARTNERSHIPS FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT IN RESEARCH (PEER) program and the National Academies of Sciences.
Dr. Juliet Kiguli, the Principal Investigator from Makerere University, along with Dr. Roy Mayega, Deputy Chief of Party at RAN, and Dr. Agnes Nyabigambo, the study coordinator, initiated the PEER program to identify entry points for testing SafeBangle Technologies (a social enterprise based at Resilient Africa Network (RAN) with a mission to create a safer and more secure environment for women and children through innovative, affordable, and creative technology solutions to curb GBV in Africa.) wearable safety bracelet in the informal settlements. This decision stemmed from findings of increased intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV) in three informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda, following a longitudinal study, geospatial mapping, and interviews. The project, titled ‘The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gender-Based Violence among Women and Girls in Informal Settlements in Kampala,’ highlighted the urgent need for affordable and immediate reporting mechanisms for violence.”
‘’While carrying out a study after the Covid-19 Pandemic, we identified gaps when it comes to reporting and response to Gender Based Violence (GBV) among women in informal settlements. Therefore, we used incorporated the SafeBangle intervention to solve the problem of lack of affordable and immediate reporting mechanisms for violence using a bracelet that reports violence in real time’’ explained Dr. Kiguli.
Innovation details
According to Saul Kabali and Messach Luminsa, the innovators behind SafeBangle from SafeBangle Technologies, hosted at the Resilient African Network Lab. ‘’The inspiration behind SafeBangle came from a deeply personal place. ‘’We heard countless stories of women who couldn’t call for help during moments of danger. We were deeply affected by the story of Aisha, a young woman in a rural village who was attacked while walking home alone at night. With no way to call for help, she felt helpless and vulnerable. This incident made us realize the critical need for immediate reporting alert tools, accessible to women like Aisha. We knew technology could play a crucial role and this incident awakened a strong desire in us to create a solution’’
Saul Kabali, Executive Director and Chief Operations Lead at SafeBangle Technologies explaining how the bracelet works at 2023 Imara Girls Festival exhibition.
“While developing SafeBangle, we tested with the users in both rural and urban contexts. We piloted the innovation around Kampala with support from Digital Human Righs Lab and Naguru Youth Health Network as well as it in five districts of Karamoja region with support from Save the Children and Response Innovation Lab. Right now it has become handy in Kamapala‘s informal settlements. We envision a future where SafeBangle becomes a standard tool in the fight against GBV, ensuring every woman feels safe and secure as it has the potential to transform how we respond to GBV in Africa” added Kabali.
HOW THE SAFEBANGLE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
The SafeBangle is wearable technology similar to a smartwatch that sends an alarm by SMS to people chosen by a woman herself if she feels threatened.
How the SafeBangle Real-time Domestic Violence Reporting Bracelet works.
In terms of the acceptability of the SafeBangle innovation as a solution to GBV among at-risk women in informal settlements Of the 72 adolescent girls and women who received the SafeBangle, 22 activated the reporting button, resulting in 19 receiving immediate and appropriate support, including counseling, police intervention, and health services.
All adolescent girls and women who experienced GBV received a phone call from Somero Uganda to discuss the most appropriate intervention, including counseling, police cases being handled by the probation office, referral for health services, and post-exposure prophylaxis. All the GBV survivors received support and are still receiving continuous follow-up.
Researchers conducted a survey among 644 girls and women in Kinawataka (Nakawa Division) and Bwaise (Kawempe Division) to gain insights into awareness and understanding of sexual and gender-based violence among adolescent girls and women in informal settlements. The survey measured socioeconomic factors, mental health symptoms, and exposure to GBV. Focus group interviews were conducted with a separate sample of women over 18 in the settlements to explore responses to GBV.
Preliminary impact of SafeBangle on tracked survivors.
A tabular representation of the key findings and lessons learned from your study on gender-based violence (GBV)
Key Findings
Lessons learned
Prevalence of GBV. – Overall prevalence: 34.1% of women and girls reported experiencing GBV. – Among adolescents (15-19 years): Over 50% reported experiencing GBV.
– The pandemic highlighted the need for accessible and comprehensive support services for GBV survivors. – Schools emerged as crucial safe spaces for girls, emphasizing their well-being during crises. – Economic independence proved crucial, enabling women to leave abusive environments. – Involving men and boys as allies in GBV prevention efforts is essential.
Age-related trends
– GBV prevalence tends to decrease with increasing age.
Physical and health consequences.
– Women and girls suffered physical violence, injuries, and deaths, primarily from domestic violence and unsafe abortions due to limited healthcare access. – GBV resulted in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) like HIV/AIDS.
Social and economic impact..
– GBV contributed to family breakups, strained marriages due to financial stress. – Economic hardships forced some women and girls into transactional sex, exposing them to further health risks and exploitation. – Pandemic-related job losses and economic constraints increased financial dependence on abusers, trapping women in violent situations. – School closures and increased household responsibilities limited women’s job opportunities and subjected them to sexual harassment.
Psychological effects
– Survivors experienced guilt, shame, anxiety, fear, and suicidal thoughts due to ongoing abuse.
Long-term effects
– Post-COVID-19, survivors faced disrupted education, early marriages, pregnancies, social stigma, and persistent mental health issues.
A tabular representation of the key findings and lessons learned from your study on gender-based violence (GBV)
Reproductive Health Consequences: GBV resulted in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) like HIV/AIDS.
Family Breakdown: The rise in GBV led to family breakups as women fled abusive relationships. Marriages were strained due to increased financial stress.
Transactional Sex for Survival: Desperate for basic needs due to job losses and economic hardship, some women and girls resorted to transactional sex, exposing them to further health risks and exploitation.
One study participant stated, “The time of COVID-19 was so terrible for some of us. We in fact got a lot of diseases from it because you would want to get food and didn’t have money. That way you would be forced to get a man who would use you and pay.” – (FGD_Girls_19–24years_Kinawataka).
Economic Effects: COVID-19 restrictions caused job losses and limited economic opportunities, particularly for women in the informal sector. This increased financial dependence on abusers and trapped women in violent situations.
Limited Access to Employment: School closures and increased household chores limited women’s ability to seek employment, perpetuating gender inequality in the workforce. Some faced sexual harassment from potential employers.
Psychological Effects: Survivors of GBV experienced guilt, shame, anxiety, fear, and even suicidal thoughts due to the constant threat and unpredictability of abuse.
Post-COVID Effects: GBV survivors faced long-term consequences, including disrupted education, early marriage, early pregnancy, social stigma, and persistent mental health issues.
Lessons learned
The pandemic highlighted the need for accessible and comprehensive support services for survivors of GBV, the significance of schools as safe spaces for girls, and the need to prioritize their well-being during crises. Economic empowerment emerged as a significant protective factor for women and girls. Those with greater economic independence were better equipped to leave abusive environments and secure their safety and well-being, while dependent ones suffered abuses. Engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV and involving them in prevention efforts can help promote positive behavior change and foster more equitable relationships.
Recommendations
To address GBV against women and girls, the researchers recommend the following moving forward;
There is need to integrate technology-driven solutions like SafeBangle into national GBV prevention and response strategies. SafeBangle can be a valuable tool for policymakers as cases of violence that would have gone unreported will be brought to light and the would-be victims will be able to get immediate help from trusted relatives and friends.
Provide economic opportunities and vocational training for women and girls to enhance their financial independence and reduce vulnerability to violence. There is therefore a need to introduce education and training programs that empower women and girls, by providing them with skills, resources, and opportunities to start their own ventures and to participate fully in community affairs.
Strengthen and enforce existing laws and policies related to GBV, including laws against domestic violence, child marriage, and sexual assault without discrimination be it for law enforcers, leaders, and employers where such cases were suffocated. Ensure that perpetrators are held accountable through swift and fair legal processes that have no room for corruption.
Establish and promote effective, accessible, and confidential reporting mechanisms for GBV incidents that provide confidence and can be trusted by survivors to enhance reporting of such incidences of GBV. Community Engagement and Involvement: Involve community leaders, religious leaders, and elders in discussions about GBV to promote gender equality, change social norms, and reinforce the message that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.
Launch extensive public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms, report cases of GBV, raise awareness about the consequences of GBV, and promote positive behaviors and attitudes towards women and girls.
Implement comprehensive sexuality education in schools and communities, educating young people about healthy relationships, consent, and reproductive rights to be able to make informed decisions about their own lives and well-being.
Engage men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV, encouraging them to challenge harmful masculinity norms and behaviors. This will help minimize GBV because mostly they are the perpetrators. Strengthening Support for Survivors: Provide ongoing support and follow-up services for survivors of GBV mostly counselling services to aid their recovery and facilitate their reintegration into society.
Provide ongoing support and follow-up services for survivors of GBV, mostly counseling services to aid their recovery and facilitate their reintegration into society.
Provide avenues to seek free or subsidized services by survivors of GBV medical services and legal processes by survivors of GBV to enhance reporting of GBV cases, access to medical care, counseling, legal support, and other essential services.
Encourage and support more research and innovations like SafeBangle to curb incidents of GBV.
A comprehensive and inclusive approach is required. The efforts should involve government institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders, and individuals working together to address the root causes and provide support to survivors.
Involve media in GBV prevention activities and for enhancing campaigns against GBV mostly on radio and TV.
MORE ABOUT THE STUDY
The core project team, included researchers at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) led by Prof. Julia Dickson-Gomez, SafeBangle Technologies, and Somero Uganda, a community-focused NGO, began the project by designing their research protocol and taking a CITI Program course on human subjects social/behavioral research. Team members also met with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSG) in support of the gender-based violence policy process, Ministry of Health and local government. They also established relationships with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Nakawa and Kawempe probation offices to support legal processes for the GBV survivors. SafeBangle Team also received an award from Defenders Protection Initiative.