Dr
David Musoke
Current Organisation
Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
Current Job Title
Senior Lecturer
Biography
Publications
Background
Although proper management of electronic waste (e-waste) is key to preventing disease and protecting the environment, there is no clear mechanism for its management in Uganda. This study assessed knowledge, perceptions, and practices of e-waste management among consumers in Kampala city, Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among people who used, repaired, or sold electronics (consumers). Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection using a sequential explanatory strategy were utilized. The quantitative survey involved 640 study participants, while qualitative interviews included 18 key informant interviews with stakeholders and six focus group discussions with 57 consumers. Modified Poisson regression was used to establish associations with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, and qualitative data analysed thematically.
Results
Two-thirds (67.7%; 433/640) of electronics consumers had poor knowledge on the management of e-waste. More than three-quarters 79.1% (506) of the consumers had positive perceptions towards e-waste management. Consumers perceived e-waste as harmful to human health and the environment. Participants in informal employment were 0.96 times less likely to have positive perceptions towards e-waste management compared to those in formal employment (adjusted PR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99). Mobile phones and televisions were the most owned e-waste with only 7.96% (18/226) and 13.2% (7/53) disposed off, respectively. Selling e-waste to repair shops and donation were the common disposal options.
Conclusion
Knowledge on proper e-waste management is poor among electronic consumers in Kampala, Uganda, though most have positive perceptions. There is need for increased awareness on e-waste management to prevent its effects on health and the environment. Special attention should be towards sensitisation on e-waste handling practices before disposal and final disposal options available.
Project Title
Integrated malaria prevention in rural communities in Uganda: an implementation research
EDCTP Project
TMA2020CDF-3189
EDCTP Program
EDCTP2
EDCTP Project Call
Career Development Fellowship (CDF)
Host Organisation
| Department | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Makerere University - School of Public Health | UG |
Project Objectives
1. Undertake trainings to enhance my knowledge and skills be able to become an independent researcher in public health. 2. Improve my ability to design and implement longitudinal research on integrated malaria prevention. 3. Gain additional experience in research communication. 4. Write a grant application to conduct an RCT on integrated malaria prevention. 5. Enhance my career growth at Makerere University.
Study Design
Observational study
Project Summary
Background: Despite numerous efforts and resources invested in insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) in recent years locally and globally to prevent malaria, the disease continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa including Uganda. The World Health Organization has recommended appropriate combinations of non-chemical and chemical methods of malaria vector control in the context of integrated vector management. However, studies that have used multiple methods for malaria prevention have mainly focused on ITNs and IRS. Therefore, integrated malaria prevention, which advocates the use of several malaria prevention methods in a holistic manner beyond ITNs and IRS including improving housing quality, early closure of doors on houses, and environmental management, is being explored. Research: This study explored integrated malaria prevention in rural communities in Uganda as an approach to complement existing malaria control strategies. The project completed a systematic review on integrated malaria prevention (that was published in Malaria Journal), conducted implementation research using photovoice (that was published in PLOS Global Public Health), as well as developed a protocol for a future main randomised controlled trial (RCT) on integrated malaria prevention in Uganda. The systematic review and implementation research provided information that was used during developing the protocol for the main RCT, as well as during the ongoing writing of a grant application for a proposed optimization trial on integrated malaria prevention using multiphase optimization strategy (MOST). This trial will aim to develop an intervention that delivers the best outcome of reduction in the occurrence of malaria while considering resource constraints, such as money, time and human resources. This research on integrated malaria prevention builds on previous related studies conducted by the research team which were well received by the community and showed promise in contributing to national and global efforts in control of the disease. The findings from the study have been disseminated extensively at several conferences, workshops and seminars locally and globally. A community dissemination workshop following the implementation study will inform local practices on preventing malaria hence contributing to reducing morbidity and mortality. The final project dissemination workshop was recently held that involved several national-level stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, students and other faculty. This workshop not only shared the evidence on integrated malaria prevention but also inspired many early career researchers at Makerere University School of Public Health to advance their public health research careers in Uganda.