Browsing by Author "Nalukwago Fadhiila"

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    A Framework for Monitoring Elders with Underlying Medical Conditions Using Wearable Technologies: A Case Study of Non-Communicable Diseases
    (2024) Nalukwago Fadhiila
    The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a growing concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of disease is transitioning from infectious diseases to NCDs, which are also the principal causes of morbidity globally. Of the 97,600 deaths in Uganda in 2016, NCDs accounted for 1 in 3. These diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide, and carry a huge cost that extends beyond health and trap people in poverty. In all countries, the poorest and most vulnerable populations are those most at risk and the least likely to have access to the services they need to detect and treat NCDs. The evolving technologies therefore, have changed traditional health care into smart health care, enabling people to frequently monitor their health remotely, by adopting Wearable Technologies (WT) to track NCDs. This study was therefore carried out in Masaka City and Masaka District, with the overall aim of designing a smartwatch wearable technology framework that would aid in the application of WT in combating NCDs, among the elderly. The specific objectives of this research were: 1) to investigate the current health status of the elderly people in Masaka; 2) to find out the currently used technologies in monitoring the NCDs; 3) to design a WT framework and 4) to evaluate the framework. In the Ugandan context, there are no WT frameworks taken into account by medical personnel and their patients, which leaves a gap worth a research study. Although Ugandans have used SMS alerts to monitor patients, the technology is not dedicated to the elderly and has no capacity to consistently monitor elderly patients remotely. A mixed research approach, supported by the pragmatism philosophy and abductive approach was used to collect descriptive data, and adopted a cross sectional time horizon. Questionnaires were validated and approved by the Ethical Review Committee (REC). Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from a target population of the elderly who were 60 years of age and above, while the analysis tools used were SPSS and NVIVO. The Slovenes formula was used to compute the sample size of 388 elderly people from whom, data was collected using simple random sampling, Cluster random sampling and Quota sampling techniques. Interpretation of the qualitative data, was based on the themes, and patterns that emerged from the videos. The findings of the study indicated that majority of the elderly suffer from at least one of the NCDs, hypertension being the most common NCD at 86.5% of the respondents, and no registered WT framework in the area. It was concluded that, a WT framework was designed based on the gaps identified from previous studies and the UTAUT-3 model constructs, plus other additional features like language, confidentiality and information quality, to test acceptance levels of WT among the elderly for enhanced health care services delivery.
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    Community Development Initiatives and Poverty Alleviation in Kapchorwa District, Uganda
    (2024) Nalukwago Fadhiila
    This dissertation encapsulates a comprehensive study aimed at understanding community development and poverty alleviation initiatives within a population of 104,580 individuals, with a sample size of 398 respondents. The primary objectives encompassed assessing the effectiveness of various development interventions, elucidating community perceptions and needs, and formulating recommendations for future initiatives. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized surveys and interviews to collect data. The survey questionnaire, consisting of structured statements, addressed diverse aspects of community development, while interviews provided qualitative insights. Analysis involved both quantitative techniques, such as frequency distribution and percentage calculation, and qualitative examination of interview responses. The findings underscored positive perceptions regarding the impact of skill training programs on livelihood improvement, income generation, and self-reliance. Microfinance services garnered favorable views, with significant contributions to economic activities and financial security noted. Infrastructure development projects were deemed beneficial, particularly in enhancing the quality of life and generating employment opportunities. Cultural preservation initiatives were widely supported for their role in strengthening community identity and attracting tourism. Additionally, positive acknowledgment was given to employment creation efforts, access to health services, literacy programs, and government support for education. In conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of tailored interventions that address specific community needs and challenges. Despite positive perceptions, barriers to accessibility and effectiveness were identified across various initiatives. The findings highlighted the significance of community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous assessment in achieving sustainable development outcomes. Recommendations drawn from the study include enhancing the accessibility and outreach of skill training and microfinance programs, conducting comprehensive evaluations of cultural preservation initiatives, fostering community involvement in infrastructure projects, and implementing targeted programs for youth entrepreneurship and adult education. Ensuring gender inclusive approaches and continuous monitoring of development initiatives are also recommended for ongoing refinement and improvement. Overall, this report furnishes valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to guide future interventions and initiatives aimed at holistic community development and poverty alleviation.