Author: Onjia Racheal
Jinja: Suicide is a significant and complex issue that impacts mental health and society as a whole. It refers to the act of intentionally taking one’s own life as a means of escaping pain or misery. Understanding the factors that contribute to suicide and recognizing the warning signs are crucial in preventing this tragic outcome. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 703,000 individuals worldwide die by suicide each year, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. Suicide affects both men and women, with rates being particularly high among young people aged 15 to 29. Factors…
Jinja: Acne, a common skin problem caused by clogged hair follicles due to a buildup of hair and dead skin cells, can affect individuals of all races. While acne is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults, it can occur at any age. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin ailment worldwide, with an estimated 9.4% of the global population affected. Although acne can impact people of all ethnicities and ages, it tends to be more prevalent in teenagers, with males being more susceptible than females. However, acne can persist into adulthood, and women…
Jinja: Neonatal jaundice is a common condition affecting newborns, characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It occurs due to the presence of bilirubin, a yellow pigment found in red blood cells, in the baby’s bloodstream. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for neonatal jaundice, providing valuable information for parents and caregivers. The primary indicator of neonatal jaundice is the yellowing of the baby’s skin. It is often noticeable in the eyes and may extend to the area under the tongue. As bilirubin levels rise, the chest, tummy, arms, and legs may also…
Jinja: Postpartum depression is a serious issue that affects a significant number of women worldwide. However, the problem remains largely unrecognized and untreated. This article sheds light on the prevalence and impact of postpartum depression, particularly in developing nations, with a focus on the situation in Jinja, Uganda. Through personal stories, expert insights, and available treatment options, the article aims to raise awareness and encourage support for affected mothers. The Silent Struggle; Postpartum depression is a severe depressive episode experienced by some women after childbirth. It is estimated that only about 6 percent of women with postpartum depression seek mental…
Jinja: Hernia continues to be a common condition in Busoga. When an internal bodily component pulls through a tissue wall, a hernia results. Typically, a hernia forms between the hips and chest. You might detect a bulge or enlargement in your groin or stomach. Inguinal and umbilical hernias are the two most typical forms. According to springer Link, the overall hernia prevalence rate in Uganda is 9 percent with or without recurrence, 3 percent with scars and a yearly rate of 5 percent for persons with inguinal hernias. Although hernias can afflict both adults and children, it is believed that…
Jinja: Many women in Uganda have no clue of having fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. The growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and vary in size. They are sometimes known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas. Many women are unaware that they have fibroids because they don’t have symptoms. According to a report written by Care Uganda, it is estimated that at least 25 percent of women by the age of 30 have fibroids in Uganda. Although fibroids are a global burden impacting 80 percent of premenopausal women, they are more…
Jinja: Hibiscus tea which has many health benefits has joined the list of peoples’ favorite drinks. Uganda grows the hibiscus Roselle variety which is better known for its herbal than floral uses. It grows lushly in the wild. Many family growers have taken up hibiscus growing for commercial purposes hibiscus tea which is a vitamin C rich tea has been in use for generations both in Uganda and other parts of the world. It’s prepared by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water and it has a tart flavor. According to Health line, hibiscus tea has a range…
Jinja: Substance abuse has become the major cause of mental health problems among the youth. According to a report by World Health Organization, about 70 percent people have ever used or are still using drugs or alcohol substances. Harmful use of alcohol leads to 3.3 million deaths each year. The report also states that on average everyone in the world aged 15 years or older drinks 6.2 liters of alcohol per year. At least 15.3 million persons have drug use disorders. “Different individuals use or abuse drugs for different reasons for example some university students take so that they focus…
Jinja: Malnutrition is still a threat in Busoga region even after several campaigns have been done to sensitize people. Malnutrition refers to excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization. The double burden of malnutrition consists of both under nutrition, overweight, and obesity, as diet related non communicable diseases. Under nutrition manifests in four forms; wasting, stunting, underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. According to a report by BMC public health, Uganda is among the East African countries with the highest number of undernutrition. About 29 percent or 3 in 10 children below 5 years are stunted while…
Jinja: In as much as Jinja gained a city status, some areas in the city remain in a worrying state. Kikaramoja is situated about 3 kilometers from the city. The name kikaramoja is a reference to the Karimojong people of North Eastern Uganda. Many of them migrated here in the 70s in search for employment in the then vibrant industrial town that Jinja was. This community has lived here for over 45 years. There are no visible demarcations here, but everyone knows where their plot stops. During the day, many residents head to Jinja city for work and return later…