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The SAVA syndemic is frequently used to describe the co-occurrence of HIV, gender-based violence (GBV), and substance use. In this study we determine the extent to which the typologies of the SAVA syndemic can be described and utilized for intervention strategies among youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. We analyzed the "Kampala Youth Survey 2014," a cross-sectional survey conducted in the spring of 2014, consisting of a convenience sample (N = 1134) of urban youth (12-18 years of age). Descriptive statistics were computed for hypothesized risk factors and demographic variables among the 8 typologies of GBV, HIV, and alcohol use. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to determine statistically significant correlates with each typology. The overall prevalence of GBV was 31.7%, whereas the overall prevalence of alcohol use in the past 12 months was 31.2%. HIV-Positive youth comprised 10.5% of the total sample. Females comprised the majority of the typology with no SAVA components compared to males (55% vs. 45%, respectively), as well as the SAVA syndemic typology (GBV + HIV + ALC +) (58% vs. 42%, respectively). Engaging in commercial sex work (36%), witnessing parental abuse (61%), and depression/suicidality (81%) were all highly prevalent among youth in the SAVA syndemic typology (GBV, HIV, and alcohol use). Sex work and observing parental abuse were associated with the SAVA syndemic typology in the multivariable model. In our study, alcohol rarely coexisted without GBV among the typologies. Therefore, prevention efforts including structural interventions may be particularly warranted in vulnerable populations to address alcohol use, which may directly or indirectly impact GBV and HIV.

In many regions globally, including low-resource settings, there is a growing trend towards using mHealth technology, such as wearable sensors, to enhance health behaviors and outcomes. However, adoption of such devices in research conducted in low-resource settings lags behind use in high-resource areas. Moreover, there is a scarcity of research that specifically examines the user experience, readiness for and challenges of integrating wearable sensors into health research and community interventions in low-resource settings specifically. This study summarizes the reactions and experiences of young women (N = 57), ages 18 to 24 years, living in poverty in Kampala, Uganda, who wore Garmin vívoactive 3 smartwatches for five days for a research project. Data collected from the Garmins included participant location, sleep, and heart rate. Through six focus group discussions, we gathered insights about the participants' experiences and perceptions of the wearable devices. Overall, the wearable devices were met with great interest and enthusiasm by participants. The findings were organized across 10 domains to highlight reactions and experiences pertaining to device settings, challenges encountered with the device, reports of discomfort/comfort, satisfaction, changes in daily activities, changes to sleep, speculative device usage, community reactions, community dynamics and curiosity, and general device comfort. The study sheds light on the introduction of new technology in a low-resource setting and also on the complex interplay between technology and culture in Kampala's slums. We also learned some insights into how wearable devices and perceptions may influence behaviors and social dynamics. These practical insights are shared to benefit future research and applications by health practitioners and clinicians to advance and enhance the implementation and effectiveness of wearable devices in similar contexts and populations. These insights and user experiences, if incorporated, may enhance device acceptance and data quality for those conducting research in similar settings or seeking to address population-specific needs and health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to (a) compute the prevalence of violence exposure types, polyvictimization, and self-reported depression, anxiety, and using substances to cope among youth ages 12–18 years living on the streets or in the slums of Kampala, Uganda, (b) examine the independent associations among orphan status, violence exposure types, and self-reported mental health concerns, and (c) explore the association between polyvictimization and mental health concerns. Data are from a 2014 cross-sectional survey of service-seeking youth ages 12–18 years (N = 1134) in Kampala, Uganda. Violence exposure types explored in this study were: witnessing family physical violence, direct physical abuse by a parent, any rape history, and physical dating violence. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to test study objectives. Over half of the sample (60.5%) reported experiencing at least one type of violence exposure; many youth endorsed self-reported depression (57.8%), anxiety (76.8%), and substance use to cope (37.0%). Exposure to violence was associated with higher odds for self-reported depression, anxiety, and using substances to cope. These findings underscore the urgent need to implement evidence-based interventions among this young, underserved population and their families to prevent violence, improve mental health outcomes, and promote resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-rated physical health (SRPH) has been extensively used to assess health status. In this study, we examine how youth living in the slums of Kampala perceive their physical health and the psychosocial correlates of poor health. Cross-sectional data from the 2014 Kampala Youth Survey (N = 1,134) of youth ages 12–18 years was used to conduct the analyses. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between SRPH, demographic and psychosocial characteristics. Overall, 72% of youth rated their health as 'excellent' or 'good.' Poor SRPH was associated with older age and lower education, but not with sex. Also, orphans (OR = 2.03; 95%CI:1.51–2.72), those who lived on the streets (OR=3.09; 95%CI:2.30–4.15), who did not have electricity (OR = 2.83;95%CI:2.12–3.78), who initiated alcohol use early (OR = 2.08; 95%CI:1.47–2.94), who frequently get drunk (OR = 5.67; 95%CI:2.69–11.96), who were HIV positive (OR = 2.18; 95%CI:1.47–3.23), who had been injured due to their drinking (OR = 2.09; 95%CI:1.44–3.03), who thought about hurting themselves (OR = 2.09; 95%CI:1.60–2.73), and those who often felt lonely (OR = 2.54; 95%CI:1.61–4.02) had higher odds of poor SRPH compared to their peers without these characteristics. Poor SRPH may serve as a marker for multiple health-risk behaviors and severe health disparities among youth in vulnerable and resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and hookah smoking have gained tremendous popularity over the past decade. With the constantly evolving e-cigarette market and potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on users of these tobacco products, research is needed to assess the prevalence and safety of these devices as well as potential public health implications and cessation tools. For this year in review, PubMed was searched from January 2021--December 14, 2021, for articles related to e-cigarettes, vaping-related lung injury, and hookah smoking. Relevant articles addressing the objectives were included in this review. This review focused primarily on articles based on United States populations. Gray literature and nonpublished articles were not included in this review. The 2020 pandemic resulted in a decline in e-cigarette usage among youth (potentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic); however, recent research in 2021 suggests that e-cigarette usage is increasing again among youth. Conflicting evidence exists for e-cigarettes and the risk of COVID-19 infection, but biological plausibility suggests that e-cigarette users are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and more severe COVID-19 infection compared to non-e-cigarette users. Hookah smoking has remained stable across the past several years and remains a primarily social activity among youth. New e-cigarette devices are constantly emerging, resulting in an increased demand to understand the safety of these devices. Additionally, hookah smoking continues to be a concerning public health issue with the increase in hookah bars and venues coupled with lack of policy regulations for hookah smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) among youth living in the slums of Kampala. This analysis is based on a cross-sectional study of youth living in the slums of Kampala conducted in spring 2014 (N = 1,134). The participants (12–18 years of age) were attending Uganda Youth Development Link centers, which serve youth living on the streets and slums of Kampala. Bivariate and multivariable multinomial analyses were conducted to examine risk factors associated with IPV victimization only, IPV perpetration only, and both IPV victimization and perpetration compared with no IPV victimization or perpetration. Among youth who reported having a boyfriend or girlfriend (n = 600), 18.3% (n = 110) reported experiencing both IPV victimization and perpetration, 11.0% (n = 66) reported IPV perpetration only, 7.7% (n = 46) reported experiencing IPV victimization only, and 63.0% (n = 378) reported no IPV experiences. In the multivariable analysis, IPV victimization only was associated with witnessing parental IPV (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.42, 5.48]), experiencing parental physical abuse (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = [1.16, 4.46]), and neighborhood cohesiveness (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = [0.31, 1.69]). IPV perpetration was only associated with experiencing parental physical abuse (OR = 2.86; 95% CI = [1.62, 5.07]). Reporting both IPV victimization and perpetration was associated with non-problem drinking (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = [1.15, 3.57]), problem drinking (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = [1.48, 4.74]), witnessing parental IPV (OR = 2.94; 95% CI = [1.80, 4.80]), experiencing parental physical abuse (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = [1.38, 3.60]), and homelessness (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = [1.14, 3.16]). Levels of IPV victimization and perpetration are very high in this population and warrant urgent attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homelessness poses serious health risks, and those risks may be exacerbated among slum-dwelling youth in the developing world. We administered a cross-sectional survey to youth receiving services from a community organization in Kampala, Uganda. This secondary analysis explores the relationships between homelessness and various health outcomes. We also explored possible moderating relationships between neighborhood support, homelessness, and health. Logistic regression and t -tests were used to model these relationships. Homelessness was associated with all outcomes analyzed, with youth who reported having been homeless having higher odds of reporting poor health (odds ratio [OR] = 12.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.43, 23.92), higher odds of HIV infection (OR = 1.941; 95% CI = 1.274, 2.958), and higher odds of experiencing rape (OR = 3.459; 95% CI = 2.4, 4.987). No moderation by neighborhood support was observed, though this may be due to low variability. Homelessness warrants specific investigative attention due to its strong association with a broad range of negative health outcomes among slum-dwelling youth. Interventions targeting the specific health risks faced by homeless youth in the developing world may improve social welfare service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperoxia activates secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from U937 cells and human alveolar macrophages (AM) and dexamethasone reduces generation of IL-8 and expression of IL-8 mRNA by U937 cells. IL-8 may play a significant role in pulmonary oxygen toxicity pathogenesis. IL-8 generation can be inhibited by therapeutic concentrations of dexamethasone. Hyperoxia also increases the expression of IL-8 mRNA in U937 cells.

An inhibition of neutrophils comprising the bronchial environment modifies polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) via calcium homeostasis. The bronchial lavage fluid contains a molecule that weakens PMN chemotaxis to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) leukotriene B4 and C5a. PMN is deactivated by this molecule via calcium sensitive processes.