Joseph Mugisha
Biographic Data
| ID | 3917991 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Joseph Mugisha |
| GIVEN NAMES | Joseph |
| FAMILY NAME | Mugisha |
| SIGNATURE | MUGISHA J |
| AFFILIATIONS | Uganda Virus Research Institute |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-0199-1518 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 26 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 43 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 26 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2011 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Knowledge of HIV status in a rural Ugandan population with a sustained, generalised HIV epidemic
For people living with HIV, knowledge of their status is essential to access antiretroviral therapies (ART). This knowledge can be measured by population surveys that record self-reported HIV status before offering HIV testing. We conducted a survey among residents of 25 villages in the rural sub-county of Kyamulibwa in Southwest Uganda where there has been a sustained, generalised HIV epidemic. Through the survey we determined the proportions of…
Knowledge, perceptions and practices of parents and community members on sudden unexpected infant death in Central Uganda
Background Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) remains poorly documented in Uganda. We explored parental and community knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to SUID in Uganda. Methods: In 2024, we conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study in Central Uganda involving 41 in-depth interviews (IDI) with mothers (8 cases, 8 controls), fathers (5 cases, 5 controls), and 15 female advisors selected by mothers. Cases were parents who had lo…
Association of disability and 12-year all-cause and cause-specific mortality
INTRODUCTION: Disability is linked to poor health outcomes and increased mortality, yet evidence on this relationship in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. This study investigated the association between disability and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among older adults in Uganda. METHODS: The analysis was based on longitudinal data from the Wellbeing of Older People Study, an open cohort of individuals aged at least 50 years and followed over …
A comparison of verbal autopsy assignment methods to obtain adult cause-specific mortality in two longitudinal studies in Rakai and Kalungu districts of South Central, Uganda
Verbal Autopsy (VA) data determines cause of death (CoD) in settings where certification is lacking, using structured interviews on symptoms and circumstances before death. Various methods are used to interpret this information and assign a probable cause of death. Debate exists over replacing physician reviews with automated methods. We compared physician reviews with two computer algorithms in assigning adult CoD. We used adult (≥15 years) VA d…
Intersecting stigmas
The population of older persons living with HIV is growing globally, yet their lived experiences - particularly regarding stigma and age-based discrimination - remain insufficiently explored. This study examines how intersecting stigmas of HIV and ageism shape the care experiences of older adults accessing HIV care in Uganda. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 older persons (aged 50 and above) on antiretroviral…
Association between breastfeeding duration and educational attainment in rural Southwest Uganda
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is important for early childhood nutrition and health. The positive effects on educational outcomes may be attributed to socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic status is not a strong predictor of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan African countries. Yet, few studies have investigated the association between breastfeeding and educational outcomes in these countries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between breas…
Leaving no one behind
These findings contribute to the evidence of the lack of HIV prevention knowledge among people with disabilities in general populations
Epidemiology of multimorbidity in low-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa
We investigated prevalence and demographic characteristics of adults living with multimorbidity (≥2 long-term conditions) in three low-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa, using secondary population-level data from four cohorts; Malawi (urban & rural), The Gambia (rural) and Uganda (rural). Information on; measured hypertension, diabetes and obesity was available in all cohorts; measured hypercholesterolaemia and HIV and self-reported asthma w…
Cognition in older adults in Uganda
Dementia is an important and growing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, but epidemiological data are lacking. Risk factors may differ from other regions due to high stroke incidence and HIV prevalence. Understanding the epidemiology of cognition in older adults in Africa is crucial for informing public health strategies to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers. The Wellbeing of Older People Study in Uganda is an open cohort of adul…
Changes in self-reported risky sexual behaviour indicators among adults receiving regular risk reduction counselling and optional initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis in an HIV vaccine preparedness …
BACKGROUND: HIV risk reduction counselling may reduce risk-taking behaviours. Yet, concerns remain about risk compensation among individuals initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). OBJECTIVE: We assessed changes in risky sexual behaviour indicators among HIV vaccine preparedness study participants who received regular risk reduction counselling and referral for PrEP in Masaka, Uganda. METHODS: Adults (18-39 years) at high risk of HIV infectio…
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Covid-19 among Healthcare Workers in Uganda
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of COVID-19. However, data on HCWs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are limited. Between September and November 2020, we conducted a questionnaire-based COVID-19 KAP survey among HCWs at three hospitals in Uganda. We used Bloom's cut-off of ≥80% to determine sufficient knowledge, good attitude, and good practice, and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance for stati…
The dapivirine vaginal ring from the perspective of married men in Uganda
Background : Men play a key role in influencing uptake of women's health products, such as female condoms and vaginal microbicides used for family planning and HIV prevention. Method : We explored men's perceptions of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), a vaginal microbicide, in Kalungu District, rural south-western Uganda. In June/July 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 partners of women participating in the DREAM study, a phase 3B op…
Conducting in-depth interviews with and without voice recorders
The use of audio recordings has become a taken-for-granted approach to generating transcripts of in-depth interviewing and group discussions. In this paper we begin by describing circumstances where the use of a recorder is not, or may not be, possible, before sharing our comparative analysis of audio-recorded transcriptions and interview scripts made from notes taken during the interview (by experienced, well-trained interviewers). Our compariso…
For us here, we remind ourselves”
These barriers were similar to those outlined for younger populations in other studies, but were compounded by age. Despite barriers, either due to the exceptional nature of HIV care or overreporting, both ART access and self-reported adherence were better than expected. Older persons living with HIV highlighted health care needs for non-HIV-related illnesses, suggesting while HIV care is adequate, care for the ailments of "old age" is lagging
Social engagement and survival in people aged 50 years and over living with HIV and without HIV in Uganda
This study examined the association between social engagement and survival in people with or without HIV aged 50 years and over in Uganda. We analysed two waves of a survey from two sites in Uganda to assess predictors of mortality between waves. The first wave was conducted between 2009 and 2010 while the second wave was conducted between 2012 and 2013. A standardised questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization study on global AGEin…
They ‘don't cure old age’
Uganda's population is ageing, which comes with increased and varied burdens of disease and health-care needs. At the same time, gerontological care in Uganda remains neglected. This paper examines the factors that cause older Ugandans to delay health-care access. We conduct a thematic analysis of data drawn from nine focus groups held with rural Ugandans aged 60-plus. Our analysis highlights the factors that delay older persons’ access to health…
Chronic disease, risk factors and disability in adults aged 50 and above living with and without HIV
BACKGROUND: Data on the prevalence of chronic conditions, their risk factors, and their associations with disability in older people living with and without HIV are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES: In older people living with and without HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: 1) to describe the prevalence of chronic conditions and their risk factors and 2) to draw attention to associations between chronic conditions and disability. METHODS: Cross-se…
Risk of major depressive disorder among older persons living in HIV-endemic central and southwestern Uganda
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is projected to become the second most common cause of disability by 2020 calling for a better understanding its antecedents across the lifespan and in diverse socio-cultural settings. In this paper we describe the risk factors of MDD among older people (50 years +) living in HIV-endemic central and southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 471 respondents (50 years +) participating in the W…
Gender perspectives in care provision and care receipt among older people infected and affected by HIV in Uganda
The objective of this study was to examine gender roles in the provision and receipt of care among older Ugandans. Survey data on care work were collected in 2009-2010 from 510 older people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, at one rural and one semi-urban site. The questionnaire was adapted from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health survey. The type of care work done by older men and women for children in their households differs, yet, …
Older People’s Perception of Anemia in Rural Southwest Uganda
Anemia prevention and control programs in Uganda should target older people and correct misconceptions about the causes and treatment of anemia
Experiences of HIV-related stigma among HIV-positive older persons in Uganda - a mixed methods analysis
There is limited data on stigma among older HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe the experiences of stigma and disclosure in a cohort of HIV-positive older people in Uganda. Using data from the Wellbeing of Older Peoples' Study of Kalungu (rural site) and Wakiso district (peri-urban site) residents, we measured self-reported stigma levels for 183 respondents (94 on antiretroviral therapy (ART); 88, not on ART) using a stigma sco…
Health, wellbeing, and disability among older people infected or affected by HIV in Uganda and South Africa
OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the health status, emotional wellbeing, and functional status of older people in Uganda and South Africa who are HIV infected or affected by HIV in their families. METHODS: Data came from the general population cohort and Entebbe cohort of the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, and from the Africa Centre Demographic Information System through cross-sectional surveys in 2009/10 using instru…
Caregiving responsibilities and burden among older people by HIV status and other determinants in Uganda
Older caregivers have major caregiving responsibilities in countries severely affected by the HIV epidemic, but little is known about their own health and well-being. We conducted this study to assess the association of caregiving responsibilities and self-perceived burden with caregivers' health, HIV status, background characteristics and care-receiving among older people in South Western Uganda. Men and women aged 50 years and older were recrui…
Data Resource Profile
Population ageing is rapidly becoming a global issue and will have a major impact on health policies and programmes. The World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) aims to address the gap in reliable data and scientific knowledge on ageing and health in low- and middle-income countries. SAGE is a longitudinal study with nationally representative samples of persons aged 50+ years in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russ…
Despondency Among HIV-Positive Older Men and Women in Uganda
Forty people over 60 years of age took part in longitudinal research over the course of a year on the impact of the HIV epidemic in southern Uganda. In this paper we focus mainly on the data from 26 of the 40 who were HIV-positive. While we observed that feelings of depression were frequently experienced by many of the people in our study, the state of 'being depressed' was not constant. Participants regularly expressed economic frustration (beca…
Conducting in-depth interviews with and without voice recorders
The use of audio recordings has become a taken-for-granted approach to generating transcripts of in-depth interviewing and group discussions. In this paper we begin by describing circumstances where the use of a recorder is not, or may not be, possible, before sharing our comparative analysis of audio-recorded transcriptions and interview scripts made from notes taken during the interview (by experienced, well-trained interviewers). Our compariso…
Despondency Among HIV-Positive Older Men and Women in Uganda
Forty people over 60 years of age took part in longitudinal research over the course of a year on the impact of the HIV epidemic in southern Uganda. In this paper we focus mainly on the data from 26 of the 40 who were HIV-positive. While we observed that feelings of depression were frequently experienced by many of the people in our study, the state of 'being depressed' was not constant. Participants regularly expressed economic frustration (beca…
They ‘don't cure old age’
Uganda's population is ageing, which comes with increased and varied burdens of disease and health-care needs. At the same time, gerontological care in Uganda remains neglected. This paper examines the factors that cause older Ugandans to delay health-care access. We conduct a thematic analysis of data drawn from nine focus groups held with rural Ugandans aged 60-plus. Our analysis highlights the factors that delay older persons’ access to health…
Experiences of HIV-related stigma among HIV-positive older persons in Uganda - a mixed methods analysis
There is limited data on stigma among older HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe the experiences of stigma and disclosure in a cohort of HIV-positive older people in Uganda. Using data from the Wellbeing of Older Peoples' Study of Kalungu (rural site) and Wakiso district (peri-urban site) residents, we measured self-reported stigma levels for 183 respondents (94 on antiretroviral therapy (ART); 88, not on ART) using a stigma sco…
Health and functional status among older people with HIV/Aids in Uganda
The systematic exploration of health and well being among older people, using eight self-reported and objective health indicators, showed that basic health problems are very common at older ages and poorly addressed by existing health services. HIV-infected older people, however, whether on ART or not yet on ART, had a similar health and functional status as other older people
Data Resource Profile
Population ageing is rapidly becoming a global issue and will have a major impact on health policies and programmes. The World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) aims to address the gap in reliable data and scientific knowledge on ageing and health in low- and middle-income countries. SAGE is a longitudinal study with nationally representative samples of persons aged 50+ years in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russ…
Despondency Among HIV-Positive Older Men and Women in Uganda
Forty people over 60 years of age took part in longitudinal research over the course of a year on the impact of the HIV epidemic in southern Uganda. In this paper we focus mainly on the data from 26 of the 40 who were HIV-positive. While we observed that feelings of depression were frequently experienced by many of the people in our study, the state of 'being depressed' was not constant. Participants regularly expressed economic frustration (beca…
Health, wellbeing, and disability among older people infected or affected by HIV in Uganda and South Africa
OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the health status, emotional wellbeing, and functional status of older people in Uganda and South Africa who are HIV infected or affected by HIV in their families. METHODS: Data came from the general population cohort and Entebbe cohort of the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, and from the Africa Centre Demographic Information System through cross-sectional surveys in 2009/10 using instru…
Caregiving responsibilities and burden among older people by HIV status and other determinants in Uganda
Older caregivers have major caregiving responsibilities in countries severely affected by the HIV epidemic, but little is known about their own health and well-being. We conducted this study to assess the association of caregiving responsibilities and self-perceived burden with caregivers' health, HIV status, background characteristics and care-receiving among older people in South Western Uganda. Men and women aged 50 years and older were recrui…
Older People’s Perception of Anemia in Rural Southwest Uganda
Anemia prevention and control programs in Uganda should target older people and correct misconceptions about the causes and treatment of anemia
Experiences of HIV-related stigma among HIV-positive older persons in Uganda - a mixed methods analysis
There is limited data on stigma among older HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe the experiences of stigma and disclosure in a cohort of HIV-positive older people in Uganda. Using data from the Wellbeing of Older Peoples' Study of Kalungu (rural site) and Wakiso district (peri-urban site) residents, we measured self-reported stigma levels for 183 respondents (94 on antiretroviral therapy (ART); 88, not on ART) using a stigma sco…
Gender perspectives in care provision and care receipt among older people infected and affected by HIV in Uganda
The objective of this study was to examine gender roles in the provision and receipt of care among older Ugandans. Survey data on care work were collected in 2009-2010 from 510 older people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, at one rural and one semi-urban site. The questionnaire was adapted from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health survey. The type of care work done by older men and women for children in their households differs, yet, …
Chronic disease, risk factors and disability in adults aged 50 and above living with and without HIV
BACKGROUND: Data on the prevalence of chronic conditions, their risk factors, and their associations with disability in older people living with and without HIV are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES: In older people living with and without HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: 1) to describe the prevalence of chronic conditions and their risk factors and 2) to draw attention to associations between chronic conditions and disability. METHODS: Cross-se…
Risk of major depressive disorder among older persons living in HIV-endemic central and southwestern Uganda
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is projected to become the second most common cause of disability by 2020 calling for a better understanding its antecedents across the lifespan and in diverse socio-cultural settings. In this paper we describe the risk factors of MDD among older people (50 years +) living in HIV-endemic central and southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 471 respondents (50 years +) participating in the W…
Social engagement and survival in people aged 50 years and over living with HIV and without HIV in Uganda
This study examined the association between social engagement and survival in people with or without HIV aged 50 years and over in Uganda. We analysed two waves of a survey from two sites in Uganda to assess predictors of mortality between waves. The first wave was conducted between 2009 and 2010 while the second wave was conducted between 2012 and 2013. A standardised questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization study on global AGEin…
They ‘don't cure old age’
Uganda's population is ageing, which comes with increased and varied burdens of disease and health-care needs. At the same time, gerontological care in Uganda remains neglected. This paper examines the factors that cause older Ugandans to delay health-care access. We conduct a thematic analysis of data drawn from nine focus groups held with rural Ugandans aged 60-plus. Our analysis highlights the factors that delay older persons’ access to health…
For us here, we remind ourselves”
These barriers were similar to those outlined for younger populations in other studies, but were compounded by age. Despite barriers, either due to the exceptional nature of HIV care or overreporting, both ART access and self-reported adherence were better than expected. Older persons living with HIV highlighted health care needs for non-HIV-related illnesses, suggesting while HIV care is adequate, care for the ailments of "old age" is lagging
Conducting in-depth interviews with and without voice recorders
The use of audio recordings has become a taken-for-granted approach to generating transcripts of in-depth interviewing and group discussions. In this paper we begin by describing circumstances where the use of a recorder is not, or may not be, possible, before sharing our comparative analysis of audio-recorded transcriptions and interview scripts made from notes taken during the interview (by experienced, well-trained interviewers). Our compariso…
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Covid-19 among Healthcare Workers in Uganda
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of COVID-19. However, data on HCWs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are limited. Between September and November 2020, we conducted a questionnaire-based COVID-19 KAP survey among HCWs at three hospitals in Uganda. We used Bloom's cut-off of ≥80% to determine sufficient knowledge, good attitude, and good practice, and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance for stati…
The dapivirine vaginal ring from the perspective of married men in Uganda
Background : Men play a key role in influencing uptake of women's health products, such as female condoms and vaginal microbicides used for family planning and HIV prevention. Method : We explored men's perceptions of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), a vaginal microbicide, in Kalungu District, rural south-western Uganda. In June/July 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 partners of women participating in the DREAM study, a phase 3B op…
Epidemiology of multimorbidity in low-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa
We investigated prevalence and demographic characteristics of adults living with multimorbidity (≥2 long-term conditions) in three low-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa, using secondary population-level data from four cohorts; Malawi (urban & rural), The Gambia (rural) and Uganda (rural). Information on; measured hypertension, diabetes and obesity was available in all cohorts; measured hypercholesterolaemia and HIV and self-reported asthma w…
Cognition in older adults in Uganda
Dementia is an important and growing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, but epidemiological data are lacking. Risk factors may differ from other regions due to high stroke incidence and HIV prevalence. Understanding the epidemiology of cognition in older adults in Africa is crucial for informing public health strategies to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers. The Wellbeing of Older People Study in Uganda is an open cohort of adul…
Changes in self-reported risky sexual behaviour indicators among adults receiving regular risk reduction counselling and optional initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis in an HIV vaccine preparedness …
BACKGROUND: HIV risk reduction counselling may reduce risk-taking behaviours. Yet, concerns remain about risk compensation among individuals initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). OBJECTIVE: We assessed changes in risky sexual behaviour indicators among HIV vaccine preparedness study participants who received regular risk reduction counselling and referral for PrEP in Masaka, Uganda. METHODS: Adults (18-39 years) at high risk of HIV infectio…
Association between breastfeeding duration and educational attainment in rural Southwest Uganda
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is important for early childhood nutrition and health. The positive effects on educational outcomes may be attributed to socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic status is not a strong predictor of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan African countries. Yet, few studies have investigated the association between breastfeeding and educational outcomes in these countries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between breas…
Leaving no one behind
These findings contribute to the evidence of the lack of HIV prevention knowledge among people with disabilities in general populations
Knowledge of HIV status in a rural Ugandan population with a sustained, generalised HIV epidemic
For people living with HIV, knowledge of their status is essential to access antiretroviral therapies (ART). This knowledge can be measured by population surveys that record self-reported HIV status before offering HIV testing. We conducted a survey among residents of 25 villages in the rural sub-county of Kyamulibwa in Southwest Uganda where there has been a sustained, generalised HIV epidemic. Through the survey we determined the proportions of…
Knowledge, perceptions and practices of parents and community members on sudden unexpected infant death in Central Uganda
Background Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) remains poorly documented in Uganda. We explored parental and community knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to SUID in Uganda. Methods: In 2024, we conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study in Central Uganda involving 41 in-depth interviews (IDI) with mothers (8 cases, 8 controls), fathers (5 cases, 5 controls), and 15 female advisors selected by mothers. Cases were parents who had lo…
Association of disability and 12-year all-cause and cause-specific mortality
INTRODUCTION: Disability is linked to poor health outcomes and increased mortality, yet evidence on this relationship in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. This study investigated the association between disability and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among older adults in Uganda. METHODS: The analysis was based on longitudinal data from the Wellbeing of Older People Study, an open cohort of individuals aged at least 50 years and followed over …
A comparison of verbal autopsy assignment methods to obtain adult cause-specific mortality in two longitudinal studies in Rakai and Kalungu districts of South Central, Uganda
Verbal Autopsy (VA) data determines cause of death (CoD) in settings where certification is lacking, using structured interviews on symptoms and circumstances before death. Various methods are used to interpret this information and assign a probable cause of death. Debate exists over replacing physician reviews with automated methods. We compared physician reviews with two computer algorithms in assigning adult CoD. We used adult (≥15 years) VA d…
Medicine (20 works) · Gerontology (14 works) · Environmental health (11 works) · Cohort (10 works) · Demography (10 works) · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions (10 works) · Psychology (10 works) · Population (9 works) · Cohort study (7 works) · Health care (7 works)