Gilbert Habaasa is a dedicated independent researcher on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, Demographic, Education, Economics, health and Social Statistics.
Background: Uganda has low levels of death registration, estimated at two per cent by the Nationa... more Background: Uganda has low levels of death registration, estimated at two per cent by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). There are 56 tribes and over 5 religious denominations with so many social norms and religious practices that could have contributed to low death registration in Uganda. Previous studies on the factors affecting death registration have not assessed the contribution of social norms and religious practices toward low death registration in developing countries.
Methods: A qualitative study design was adopted to examine the contribution of social norms and religious practices toward low death registration in the 3 Health and Demographic Surveillance systems (HDSS) sites of Uganda. The methods of data collection included: focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a document review of the death registration booklet. 6 FGDs, 2 from each HDSS site were conducted comprising 1 female FGD of 10 participants and 1 male FGD of 10 participants. In addition, 26 key informant interviews were conducted with the district
leaders, local council leaders, health care workers, cultural leaders, elderly, HDSS scouts and religious leaders in the 3 HDSS sites.
Results: In the 4 sub-counties and 1 town council where the study was conducted, only 32 deaths were registered with NIRA, the Civil Registration authority in Uganda for the entire year from 1st January to 31st December 2020. The study shows that social norms and religious practices have contributed to the low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda. Social norms and religious practices either hinder or discourage death registration initiatives by the government of Uganda. It was found out that burials that take place on the same day of death discourage death registration. Cultural taboo to announcing the death of infants, neonates, twins and suicides in the community hinder death registration. The burying of a woman at her parent’s house after bride price payment default by the family of a husband discourages death registration. The religious institutions have their own set of rules, practices, and norms, which in most cases discourage death registration. For example, religious leaders refuse to lead funeral prayers for non-active members in religious activities. Results also showed that mixed religions in families bring about conflicts
that undermine death registration. Lastly, results showed that traditionalists do not seek medical treatment in hospitals and this hinders death registration at the health facilities.
Conclusion: The study shows that death registration is very low in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda and that social norms
and religious practices contribute greatly to the low death registration. To overcome the negative effects of social norms and religious practices, a social behaviour campaign is proposed. In addition, community dialogue should be conducted to identify all negative social norms and religious practices, how they are perpetuated, their effects, and how they can be renegotiated or eliminated to bring about high death registration in the 3 HDSS sites of Uganda. Lastly, there is a need for partnerships with cultural and religious leaders to sensitize community members on the effect of social norms and religious practices on low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda.
Background: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five c... more Background: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Sub Saharan Africa. To understand the factors associated with malnutrition among under-five children, a study was conducted in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of Uganda. Method: Cross sectional secondary data of 104 underfive children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts was used. Epi Info programme-Nutrition module and Stata statistical softwares were used in analyses. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and binary logistic regression results were generated. Result: Stunting was found to be the most malnutrition condition with the highest prevalence (38.5 %) in the two districts followed by wasting (16.5 %) and underweight (13.5 %) respectively. Results also showed that children aged 39–59 months were less likely to be underweight than those aged below twelve months. Children of peasant farmers were more likely to be stunted than their counterparts with mothers in p...
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of master of science i... more A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of master of science in population studies of Makerere University
BACKGROUND Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and ... more BACKGROUND Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child health morbidity and mortality. The low use of contraception has been associated with high fertility levels, which is remains a public health concern that efforts have been raised to avert this. We examine the influence history of a previous birth and age at first birth would have on young women's use of contraception. METHODS Using the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data, we examine the predictors of contraceptive use on a sample of 3692 young females in Uganda. While controlling for education and age of respondents, logistic regression analyses were run to provide the net effect of the examined predictors on contraceptive use. The study variables included age of respondents, marital status, age at first birth, births in past five years, socioeconomic status, residence, region, education level, religion, occupation and whether the last child was wanted. RESULTS The ...
Mathematics is seen by society as the foundation of scientific technological knowledge that is vi... more Mathematics is seen by society as the foundation of scientific technological knowledge that is vital in social-economic development of a nation. In fact, studies suggest that mathematics as a subject affects all aspects of human life at different levels. This paper is a rapid systematic review of factors affecting students’ achievement in mathematics. We searched literature on student achievement in mathematics. We used ERIC database and supplemented with Google Scholar and random Google search. Twenty six articles met the final selection criteria and were reviewed. The teaching methods, teachers’ attitude, students’ attitude towards mathematics were noted as key factors in almost all articles reviewed. There seemed to be consistency too that parents can exert a positive influence on their children’s mathematical performance, classroom environment, students’ previous mathematics achievement and gender related factors. Student achievement at secondary level determines whether they wi...
EN - APAI-CRVS Assessment - Annex - Assessment tool, 2014
This assessment tool has been prepared to assist countries in undertaking a comprehensive assessm... more This assessment tool has been prepared to assist countries in undertaking a comprehensive assessment of their Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems and in the development of a national CRVS strategic plan. The assessment tool is developed to guide countries to comprehensively and holistically review their CRVS systems with the objective of generating evidence that will guide the improvement efforts.
Background: Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and... more Background: Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child health morbidity and mortality. The low use of contraception has been associated with high fertility levels, which is remains a public health concern that efforts have been raised to avert this. We examine the influence history of a previous birth and age at first birth would have on young women's use of contraception.
Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child healt... more Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child health morbidity and mortality. The low use of contraception has been associated with high fertility levels, which is remains a public health concern that efforts have been raised to avert this. We examine the influence history of a previous birth and age at first birth would have on young women's use of contraception. Using the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data, we examine the predictors of contraceptive use on a sample of 3692 young females in Uganda. While controlling for education and age of respondents, logistic regression analyses were run to provide the net effect of the examined predictors on contraceptive use. The study variables included age of respondents, marital status, age at first birth, births in past five years, socioeconomic status, residence, region, education level, religion, occupation and whether the last child was wanted. The findings show that only 12%...
Civil Registration is the most reliable and accurate source of complete, continuous and disaggreg... more Civil Registration is the most reliable and accurate source of complete, continuous and disaggregated data in any country, fostering the implementation of an effective monitoring and evaluation system in several sector (health, education, poverty alleviation, etc.). However, in most African countries, censuses and surveys have taken the place of civil registration while they should normally be a complement. A regional assessment study in 44 African countries indicates that CRVS systems are still undeveloped although recent initiates are promising to revitalize these systems that started during colonial periods in some of the countries. Many of the African countries have either conducted comprehensive CRVS assessments or are in the preparations. This is useful in taking stock of their status so that they can scale up the system after correcting some of the challenges that have been hampering. Findings indicate that the demand for civil registration documents as well as vital statistics is still low, a reason that could be also hampering CRVS in Africa. The study notes the regional initiatives through APAI-CRVS and the Medium Term Plan (2010-2015) that are promising a developed system in the near future. A web-based online platform has been developed at the Secretariat for African countries to keep track of their progress in the implementation of CRVS systems.
The study underscores printed census reports as the most preferred mode of dissemination and cite... more The study underscores printed census reports as the most preferred mode of dissemination and cites low usage of online census dissemination approach. The methodology considered 2081 registered undergraduate students of BSTAT, BBS, BPS, BsQE and BsAS registered in semester II of academic year 2008/2009.Simple random sampling was used to determine respondents. Census publications were found to be used mostly in research projects, coursework and examinations as reference. There was low usage of online mechanism. Most students thought that online approach was a complex process. The paper recommends sensitization workshops on census data relevancy, expansion of internet and computer accessibility at ISAE regional project and finally students should venture into cheap online census dissemination approach.
Background: Uganda has low levels of death registration, estimated at two per cent by the Nationa... more Background: Uganda has low levels of death registration, estimated at two per cent by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). There are 56 tribes and over 5 religious denominations with so many social norms and religious practices that could have contributed to low death registration in Uganda. Previous studies on the factors affecting death registration have not assessed the contribution of social norms and religious practices toward low death registration in developing countries.
Methods: A qualitative study design was adopted to examine the contribution of social norms and religious practices toward low death registration in the 3 Health and Demographic Surveillance systems (HDSS) sites of Uganda. The methods of data collection included: focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a document review of the death registration booklet. 6 FGDs, 2 from each HDSS site were conducted comprising 1 female FGD of 10 participants and 1 male FGD of 10 participants. In addition, 26 key informant interviews were conducted with the district
leaders, local council leaders, health care workers, cultural leaders, elderly, HDSS scouts and religious leaders in the 3 HDSS sites.
Results: In the 4 sub-counties and 1 town council where the study was conducted, only 32 deaths were registered with NIRA, the Civil Registration authority in Uganda for the entire year from 1st January to 31st December 2020. The study shows that social norms and religious practices have contributed to the low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda. Social norms and religious practices either hinder or discourage death registration initiatives by the government of Uganda. It was found out that burials that take place on the same day of death discourage death registration. Cultural taboo to announcing the death of infants, neonates, twins and suicides in the community hinder death registration. The burying of a woman at her parent’s house after bride price payment default by the family of a husband discourages death registration. The religious institutions have their own set of rules, practices, and norms, which in most cases discourage death registration. For example, religious leaders refuse to lead funeral prayers for non-active members in religious activities. Results also showed that mixed religions in families bring about conflicts
that undermine death registration. Lastly, results showed that traditionalists do not seek medical treatment in hospitals and this hinders death registration at the health facilities.
Conclusion: The study shows that death registration is very low in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda and that social norms
and religious practices contribute greatly to the low death registration. To overcome the negative effects of social norms and religious practices, a social behaviour campaign is proposed. In addition, community dialogue should be conducted to identify all negative social norms and religious practices, how they are perpetuated, their effects, and how they can be renegotiated or eliminated to bring about high death registration in the 3 HDSS sites of Uganda. Lastly, there is a need for partnerships with cultural and religious leaders to sensitize community members on the effect of social norms and religious practices on low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda.
Background: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five c... more Background: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Sub Saharan Africa. To understand the factors associated with malnutrition among under-five children, a study was conducted in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of Uganda. Method: Cross sectional secondary data of 104 underfive children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts was used. Epi Info programme-Nutrition module and Stata statistical softwares were used in analyses. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and binary logistic regression results were generated. Result: Stunting was found to be the most malnutrition condition with the highest prevalence (38.5 %) in the two districts followed by wasting (16.5 %) and underweight (13.5 %) respectively. Results also showed that children aged 39–59 months were less likely to be underweight than those aged below twelve months. Children of peasant farmers were more likely to be stunted than their counterparts with mothers in p...
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of master of science i... more A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of master of science in population studies of Makerere University
BACKGROUND Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and ... more BACKGROUND Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child health morbidity and mortality. The low use of contraception has been associated with high fertility levels, which is remains a public health concern that efforts have been raised to avert this. We examine the influence history of a previous birth and age at first birth would have on young women's use of contraception. METHODS Using the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data, we examine the predictors of contraceptive use on a sample of 3692 young females in Uganda. While controlling for education and age of respondents, logistic regression analyses were run to provide the net effect of the examined predictors on contraceptive use. The study variables included age of respondents, marital status, age at first birth, births in past five years, socioeconomic status, residence, region, education level, religion, occupation and whether the last child was wanted. RESULTS The ...
Mathematics is seen by society as the foundation of scientific technological knowledge that is vi... more Mathematics is seen by society as the foundation of scientific technological knowledge that is vital in social-economic development of a nation. In fact, studies suggest that mathematics as a subject affects all aspects of human life at different levels. This paper is a rapid systematic review of factors affecting students’ achievement in mathematics. We searched literature on student achievement in mathematics. We used ERIC database and supplemented with Google Scholar and random Google search. Twenty six articles met the final selection criteria and were reviewed. The teaching methods, teachers’ attitude, students’ attitude towards mathematics were noted as key factors in almost all articles reviewed. There seemed to be consistency too that parents can exert a positive influence on their children’s mathematical performance, classroom environment, students’ previous mathematics achievement and gender related factors. Student achievement at secondary level determines whether they wi...
EN - APAI-CRVS Assessment - Annex - Assessment tool, 2014
This assessment tool has been prepared to assist countries in undertaking a comprehensive assessm... more This assessment tool has been prepared to assist countries in undertaking a comprehensive assessment of their Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems and in the development of a national CRVS strategic plan. The assessment tool is developed to guide countries to comprehensively and holistically review their CRVS systems with the objective of generating evidence that will guide the improvement efforts.
Background: Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and... more Background: Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child health morbidity and mortality. The low use of contraception has been associated with high fertility levels, which is remains a public health concern that efforts have been raised to avert this. We examine the influence history of a previous birth and age at first birth would have on young women's use of contraception.
Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child healt... more Globally adolescent fertility has been associated with increased risk to maternal and child health morbidity and mortality. The low use of contraception has been associated with high fertility levels, which is remains a public health concern that efforts have been raised to avert this. We examine the influence history of a previous birth and age at first birth would have on young women's use of contraception. Using the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data, we examine the predictors of contraceptive use on a sample of 3692 young females in Uganda. While controlling for education and age of respondents, logistic regression analyses were run to provide the net effect of the examined predictors on contraceptive use. The study variables included age of respondents, marital status, age at first birth, births in past five years, socioeconomic status, residence, region, education level, religion, occupation and whether the last child was wanted. The findings show that only 12%...
Civil Registration is the most reliable and accurate source of complete, continuous and disaggreg... more Civil Registration is the most reliable and accurate source of complete, continuous and disaggregated data in any country, fostering the implementation of an effective monitoring and evaluation system in several sector (health, education, poverty alleviation, etc.). However, in most African countries, censuses and surveys have taken the place of civil registration while they should normally be a complement. A regional assessment study in 44 African countries indicates that CRVS systems are still undeveloped although recent initiates are promising to revitalize these systems that started during colonial periods in some of the countries. Many of the African countries have either conducted comprehensive CRVS assessments or are in the preparations. This is useful in taking stock of their status so that they can scale up the system after correcting some of the challenges that have been hampering. Findings indicate that the demand for civil registration documents as well as vital statistics is still low, a reason that could be also hampering CRVS in Africa. The study notes the regional initiatives through APAI-CRVS and the Medium Term Plan (2010-2015) that are promising a developed system in the near future. A web-based online platform has been developed at the Secretariat for African countries to keep track of their progress in the implementation of CRVS systems.
The study underscores printed census reports as the most preferred mode of dissemination and cite... more The study underscores printed census reports as the most preferred mode of dissemination and cites low usage of online census dissemination approach. The methodology considered 2081 registered undergraduate students of BSTAT, BBS, BPS, BsQE and BsAS registered in semester II of academic year 2008/2009.Simple random sampling was used to determine respondents. Census publications were found to be used mostly in research projects, coursework and examinations as reference. There was low usage of online mechanism. Most students thought that online approach was a complex process. The paper recommends sensitization workshops on census data relevancy, expansion of internet and computer accessibility at ISAE regional project and finally students should venture into cheap online census dissemination approach.
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Methods: A qualitative study design was adopted to examine the contribution of social norms and religious practices toward low death registration in the 3 Health and Demographic Surveillance systems (HDSS) sites of Uganda. The methods of data collection included: focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a document review of the death registration booklet. 6 FGDs, 2 from each HDSS site were conducted comprising 1 female FGD of 10 participants and 1 male FGD of 10 participants. In addition, 26 key informant interviews were conducted with the district
leaders, local council leaders, health care workers, cultural leaders, elderly, HDSS scouts and religious leaders in the 3 HDSS sites.
Results: In the 4 sub-counties and 1 town council where the study was conducted, only 32 deaths were registered with NIRA, the Civil Registration authority in Uganda for the entire year from 1st January to 31st December 2020. The study shows that social norms and religious practices have contributed to the low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda. Social norms and religious practices either hinder or discourage death registration initiatives by the government of Uganda. It was found out that burials that take place on the same day of death discourage death registration. Cultural taboo to announcing the death of infants, neonates, twins and suicides in the community hinder death registration. The burying of a woman at her parent’s house after bride price payment default by the family of a husband discourages death registration. The religious institutions have their own set of rules, practices, and norms, which in most cases discourage death registration. For example, religious leaders refuse to lead funeral prayers for non-active members in religious activities. Results also showed that mixed religions in families bring about conflicts
that undermine death registration. Lastly, results showed that traditionalists do not seek medical treatment in hospitals and this hinders death registration at the health facilities.
Conclusion: The study shows that death registration is very low in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda and that social norms
and religious practices contribute greatly to the low death registration. To overcome the negative effects of social norms and religious practices, a social behaviour campaign is proposed. In addition, community dialogue should be conducted to identify all negative social norms and religious practices, how they are perpetuated, their effects, and how they can be renegotiated or eliminated to bring about high death registration in the 3 HDSS sites of Uganda. Lastly, there is a need for partnerships with cultural and religious leaders to sensitize community members on the effect of social norms and religious practices on low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda.
Methods: A qualitative study design was adopted to examine the contribution of social norms and religious practices toward low death registration in the 3 Health and Demographic Surveillance systems (HDSS) sites of Uganda. The methods of data collection included: focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a document review of the death registration booklet. 6 FGDs, 2 from each HDSS site were conducted comprising 1 female FGD of 10 participants and 1 male FGD of 10 participants. In addition, 26 key informant interviews were conducted with the district
leaders, local council leaders, health care workers, cultural leaders, elderly, HDSS scouts and religious leaders in the 3 HDSS sites.
Results: In the 4 sub-counties and 1 town council where the study was conducted, only 32 deaths were registered with NIRA, the Civil Registration authority in Uganda for the entire year from 1st January to 31st December 2020. The study shows that social norms and religious practices have contributed to the low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda. Social norms and religious practices either hinder or discourage death registration initiatives by the government of Uganda. It was found out that burials that take place on the same day of death discourage death registration. Cultural taboo to announcing the death of infants, neonates, twins and suicides in the community hinder death registration. The burying of a woman at her parent’s house after bride price payment default by the family of a husband discourages death registration. The religious institutions have their own set of rules, practices, and norms, which in most cases discourage death registration. For example, religious leaders refuse to lead funeral prayers for non-active members in religious activities. Results also showed that mixed religions in families bring about conflicts
that undermine death registration. Lastly, results showed that traditionalists do not seek medical treatment in hospitals and this hinders death registration at the health facilities.
Conclusion: The study shows that death registration is very low in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda and that social norms
and religious practices contribute greatly to the low death registration. To overcome the negative effects of social norms and religious practices, a social behaviour campaign is proposed. In addition, community dialogue should be conducted to identify all negative social norms and religious practices, how they are perpetuated, their effects, and how they can be renegotiated or eliminated to bring about high death registration in the 3 HDSS sites of Uganda. Lastly, there is a need for partnerships with cultural and religious leaders to sensitize community members on the effect of social norms and religious practices on low death registration in the 3 HDSS sites in Uganda.