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CIU MAGAZINE ISSUE 9
Growing our research capacity & visibility
Clarke International University (CIU) remains steadfast in growing its research capacity through various capacity-building initiatives, collaboration, and enhancing research dissemination. This year, the School of Graduate Studies, Research, and Innovations (SGSRI) organized a scientific writing workshop, which was held between the 13th and 16th of November 2023, at the University’s main campus in Bukasa. The scientific writing course attracted thirty-seven (37) researchers from various research institutions, including Mildmay Research Center Uganda, BRAC Uganda, Nkumba University, Kyambogo University, Clarke International University, Public Health Ambassadors Uganda, and the Ministry of Health.
In this workshop, participants were provided with an enriched experience of the scientific writing process from a diverse team of experienced and well-published researchers, journal reviewers, and editors. This included practical lessons on how to write a manuscript effectively and have it published in a high-impact, peer-reviewed journal, practical tips from the editorial viewpoint, and how to effectively communicate scientific findings. The course included a combination of lectures with practical exercises, giving the learner an interactive learning experience. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to meet, greet, and create opportunities for extended collaboration.
After completing the workshop, course facilitators continue to support participants through the completion of their manuscripts for publishing. We thank the capable team of facilitators from our associated institutions, including Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, and the Medical Research Council, Uganda. CIU remains committed to supporting many such capacity-building initiatives towards achieving research excellence. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Research dissemination: Clarke International University at JASHC 2023
Clarke International University (CIU) was ably represented at the 17th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference (JASHC) 2023 held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe, between September 20th and 22nd, 2023. The conference, organized by Makerere University, had the theme: “Advancing Health: Opportunities and Innovations in the face of emerging and re-emerging Global Health Challenges.” Three papers were presented by CIU researchers: Ms. Nakimera Christine, Ms. Margaret Nabiryo, Ms. Miriam Ondia, Dr. Jonathan Izudi, Ms. Ndagire Regina, and Dr. Catherine N. Lwanira.
Ms. Margaret Nabiryo, Ms. Miriam Ondia, and Dr. Jonathan Izudi presented a paper on menstrual hygiene practices of incarcerated women (http://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02462-5). This paper reveals that the menstrual hygiene practices of women are characterized by infrequent changes of menstrual pads, lack of privacy during menstrual hygiene practices, use of poor-quality menstrual hygiene materials, and improper disposal of used sanitary products.
Ms. Christine Nakimera, Phillip Bwajojo, and Dr. Catherine N. Lwanira presented a paper on the prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors of anemia among children aged 6-59 months in Kyangwali Refugee settlement, Kikuube district. This paper reports a high prevalence of anemia (49%) among the children and suggests the need for early initiation of antenatal care, proper nutrition, and good hygiene to reduce the high rates of anemia in the refugee settlement.
Ms. Regina Ndagire et al. presented a paper on HIV viral load suppression among people with mental disorders at two urban HIV Clinics in Uganda (http://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-023-00567-3). This paper suggests that health promotion messaging focusing on the benefits of viral load suppression (VLS) and countering stigma to create a safe environment, along with the active involvement of family members in care, could improve HIV treatment outcomes for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) with mental disorders. We thank the team of researchers who represented CIU at this conference.
