Maya Medical & Health Journal (MMHJ) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal publishing high-quality research in clinical medicine, public health, and allied health sciences. The journal aims to advance evidence that improves patient care, health systems, and population well-being. MMHJ accepts original research articles, systematic reviews, brief reports, case studies, and protocols. All submissions undergo double-blind peer review by subject experts, and the journal adheres to COPE guidelines, ICMJE authorship criteria, and strict anti-plagiarism policies. Published articles are assigned DOIs, archived for long-term access, and made freely available without subscription or embargo to promote global knowledge exchange.
International Paramedical Institute (IPI) Maya.
Factors influencing community involvement in prevention of the spread of malaria among residents of Ibulanku subcounty in Bugweri district. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Community engagement is a critical component for effective malaria prevention and control. This study aimed to determine the factors that encourage or hinder community participation in malaria prevention in Ibulanku Subcounty, Bugweri District. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study employing quantitative methods was conducted between July and August 2024. Using purposive sampling, 50 residents of Ibulanku Subcounty were selected. Data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel. Results: The study revealed that 71% of respondents were male and 69% were single. Christians were about 55% then 21% Muslims. Education level varied with 61% having reached secondary. 19% ended in primary, 11% having reached tertiary and the 9% accounted for the others who never acquired any formal education. Participants had varying occupations with 46% involving in farming. A high proportion (89%) perceived malaria as a serious health problem, and 65% believed traditional practices contribute to its transmission. Economically, 44% had a monthly household income of 100,000-200,000 Ugandan Shillings, and 75% prioritized malaria prevention over other diseases. Environmentally, 71% lived in close proximity to mosquito breeding sites, and 81% reported using mosquito nets. However, 61% faced obstacles in their prevention efforts. Conclusion: Community involvement is significantly influenced by socio-cultural awareness, economic capacity, and environmental factors. High awareness exists, but financial constraints and environmental challenges remain key barriers. Recommendation: Interventions should focus on improving environmental sanitation through slashing and draining stagnant water, addressing socioeconomic barriers through financial support, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services to enhance community engagement in malaria prevention.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maya Medical & Health Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards prevention of malaria among pregnant women attending ANC services at Busolwe hospital in Butaleja district. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Malaria in pregnancy is a serious health risk with many side effects for both the mothers and the unborn babies, and its high level of transmission is highly attributed to inconsistencies in prevention methods like use of ITNs, indoor residual spraying, IPT and many others. This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude and practices towards prevention of malaria among pregnant women attending ANC services at Busolwe Hospital in Butaleja. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 79 pregnant women who were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using Microsoft Word and Excel, and results were presented as tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Results: Majority of the respondents were aged between 26-35 years 43%, married 85% and had attained secondary education. All the respondents had heard about malaria in pregnancy, and 89% of them knew that malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites. 24% of the respondents believed that malaria was a serious health risk during pregnancy.76% believed that ITNs were effective in the prevention of malaria. However, 48% slept under ITNs, and 8% regularly took anti-malarial drugs during their pregnancy. Conclusion: Pregnant women had good knowledge about malaria in pregnancy, with varied attitudes towards its prevention. However, practices were unsatisfactory. Recommendations: Local leaders, with help from the Ministry of Health, through health training programs and monitoring, should continue to sensitise pregnant mothers on the importance of practising malaria preventive methods, especially taking antimalarials and using ITNs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Edwin Wegulo, Joseph Kiwu, Magala M Mayanja (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge on safe male circumcision as an HIV preventive measure among males aged 10 years and above in Katwe-Mulago, Masaka district. A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Background: Safe male circumcision (SMC) is recognised by the World Health Organisation and UNAIDS as an effective biomedical intervention that reduces female-to-male HIV transmission by approximately 60%. Despite its documented benefits, knowledge gaps continue to hinder optimal uptake in many Ugandan communities. This study assessed the level of knowledge regarding SMC as an HIV preventive measure among males aged 10 years and above in Katwe-Mulago, Masaka District. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 79 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Findings revealed that 78% of respondents were aware that male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission. However, only 49% correctly understood that SMC provides partial protection rather than complete immunity. Additionally, 70% acknowledged that SMC is more effective when combined with other preventive measures such as condom use. Healthcare providers were identified as the primary source of information (41%), while community programs accounted for only 15%. Conclusion: Although general awareness of SMC is relatively high, substantial misconceptions persist regarding its effectiveness and role within comprehensive HIV prevention strategies. Strengthening health education campaigns and emphasising combination prevention approaches could improve the accuracy of knowledge and informed decision-making. Recommendation: Targeted community-based sensitisation, particularly through healthcare workers, may enhance the effectiveness of SMC promotion programs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Isaac Ignatius Ssendi, Denis Mungasa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge towards infection prevention and control measures among health workers at Kasangati Health Centre IV, Wakiso district. A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Background: Adherence to IPC measures is critical in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Ensuring that health workers adhere to IPC protocols is crucial for reducing the risk of infection transmission. This study aimed to determine the knowledge towards Infection Prevention and Control measures among health workers at Kasangati Health Centre IV, Wakiso District. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in which quantitative methods of data collection were employed, and 40 HWs were chosen to take part in the study. Simple random sampling technique and Kish Leshli’s formula (1965) was used in sample size determination. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data about: socio-demographic, knowledge, regarding IPC measures among HWs. Results: A total of 77.5% of respondents rated their understanding of hand hygiene guidelines as good or excellent. Additionally, 62.5% correctly identified that hand hygiene should be performed before and after patient contact. Regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), 75% reported being well informed about correct usage during high-risk procedures. Half of the respondents (50%) indicated they could follow national IPC guidelines without assistance. Conclusion: The poor knowledge, mainly due to inadequate regular training on IPC measures and limited resources, was significantly associated with the low compliance with IPC measures. Recommendations: comprehensive and mandatory, regular IPC training is required, and the government should ensure continuous access to essential IPC resources to ensure proper adherence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hashibu Ssekweyama, Joan Mbabazi, Mayanja M. Magala, Joseph Kiwu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge regarding sexual health Education programs among teachers at Wampeewo Ntakke Secondary school Gayaza, Wakiso District: A cross-sectional study.
Introduction: Sexual health education aims to equip young people with knowledge, skills, attitude and values that will empower them to realize their reproductive health wellbeing and dignity. The general objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of secondary school teachers regarding sexual health education programs Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted using simple random sampling, employing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 30 secondary school teachers. The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and word. Results: The study found that 26.7% of teachers identified “More than one component of the package” as the major component of sexuality education, with 23.3% emphasizing “STD’s and HIV/AIDS prevention”. Media (33.3%) and books (23.3%) were the most reliable sources of information. A significant majority (83.3%) of teachers believed that sexuality education is important for adolescents, and 73.3% supported gender inclusivity, advocating for both males and females to receive sexuality education. Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical role of teachers in delivering effective sexuality education programs. Addressing the identified gaps through targeted interventions can enhance the effectiveness of these programs, ultimately contributing to the well-being and development of students. Recommendation: Implementing comprehensive training programs for teachers, ensuring consistent curriculum integration, allocating adequate resources, encouraging parental involvement, advocating for strong policy support, and establishing mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of sexuality education programs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Parvin Grace Asiimwe, Vincent Juuko, Mayanja. M. Magala, Joseph Kiwu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge, attitude and practices towards prevention of Tuberculosis among healthcare workers at Masaka regional referral hospital. A cross sectional study.
Introduction: Globally it is a public threat to all ages of population but most prominent in population with weakened immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices on TB among healthcare workers in Masaka regional referral hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in which quantitative data collection methods and 120 participants were selected to take part in the study. Random sampling technique was used to determine the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was well analyzed using tables accordingly. Results: Of the 120 healthcare workers, majority 39(32.5%) were in the age group 41-49 years, most of the respondents were females being 58(48.3%) than males who were 51(42.5%).Most of the healthcare workers were diploma holders being 57(47.7%), followed by bachelor holders who were 26(21.5%) then certificate level with a number 24(20%) ,then least but not last masters level being 06(5%). Knowledge levels on whether TB is curable was analyzed using a graph 88.3% replied yes as well as healthcare workers attitude on if TB is a stigmatizing disease 89% agreed it was and were well presented. Healthcare workers knowledge on if only patients with active TB spread the infection,77.5% agreed and attitude on if HCWs felt TB was a major threat in Masaka were analyzed using pie charts,95.8% believed it was. Conclusion: majority of participants had good knowledge levels and attitude towards tuberculosis infection control and significant gaps were found in implementing prevention practices among healthcare workers themselves. Recommendation: political leaders need to continue health education and providing necessary supplies for TB control, promote TB prevention and control activities in order to eradicate the infection. Healthcare workers were urged to implement the preventive measures.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards hand hygiene among students of St. Paul and Paulins secondary school aged 18 years and above in Masaka city. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Proper hand hygiene is a fundamental practice for preventing infectious diseases, yet compliance remains inconsistent, especially in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards hand hygiene among students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2024. A sample of 96 students was determined using Slovin's formula and selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed to generate descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 96 students, 56.3% were female, 47.9% were aged 21-23 years, and 71.9% were boarding students. Knowledge was high, with 87.5% aware of the importance of hand hygiene and 83.3% identifying soap and water as the most effective method. Attitudes were positive, with 62.5% strongly agreeing on its importance for health. However, practices were inconsistent. While 72.9% always washed hands after handling garbage, only 57.3% always did so after coughing or sneezing. Conclusion: A disparity exists between high knowledge/positive attitudes and inconsistent practical application of hand hygiene, indicating that awareness alone is insufficient for behavioral change. Recommendation: The school administration should enhance hand hygiene education through interactive training, improve access to and maintenance of handwashing facilities, and implement regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure sustained compliance.