Publications

Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, particularly in rural areas where access toclean water and sanitation facilities may be limited. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of typhoidfever can inform targeted interventions to mitigate its impact on public health. This cross-sectional study wasconducted at Kyabugimbi Health Center IV (HCIV) in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda. A structuredquestionnaire was administered to patients attending the health center, collecting demographic information andpotential risk factors associated with typhoid fever. Blood samples were collected and tested for the presence ofSalmonella Typhi antigen using Widal test. A total of 1400 patients participated in the study, with an average ageof 1-40 years. The prevalence of typhoid fever among patients attending Kyabugimbi HCIV was found to be 27.15%.Factors significantly associated with typhoid fever included Poor hand washing practices and poor preparation ofdrinking water in communities were significantly associated with increased typhoid fever, indicating the importanceof access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices in preventing the transmission of the disease.The findings of this study highlight the continued burden of typhoid fever in rural areas of Uganda and underscorethe importance of targeted interventions to improve access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygieneeducation. Public health efforts should focus on addressing these factors to reduce the incidence and impact oftyphoid fever in the region.