Nursing Midwifery Commons^™

Anaemia In Pregnancy In Rural New South Wales: A Retrospective Study Of Prevalence, Risk Factors, And Guideline Adherence, Yuanwei Zhang, Esther Adama, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To determine the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in rural New South Wales (NSW) and assess the alignment of screening and treatment practices with the 2020 Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines (APCG).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study at the Regional Hospital using records from 301 women who gave birth between 1st January and 4th September 2024. Data were sourced from eMaternity and PowerChart systems, focusing on haemoglobin and ferritin levels, demographic factors, iron deficiency risk factors, and birth outcomes.

Results: Iron deficiency was identified in 61.8% of women, with 6.0% diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). These rates were lower …

Co-Design And Feasibility Testing Of A Midwife-Led Birth Debrief: An Implementation Science Project, Kate Buchanan, Phoebe Backhouse, Leanne Graham, Amy O’Meagher, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The period spanning pregnancy, birth and postpartum is characterised by psychosocial as well as physiological changes: many women experience new or worsening mental ill-health during the perinatal period. Midwives play a critical role in supporting and promoting psychosocial health by providing mental health education, counselling and screening. Often this includes a post-birth conversation, guided reflection, or debrief. Information about the effectiveness and experiences of specific and structured midwife-led birth debrief is scant. Aim: Our study aimed to assess the perceived effectiveness, experiences and implementability of a midwife-led birth debriefing intervention in one Australian maternity unit. Methods: A Type II …

Midwifery Student Attrition In Australia: A Scoping Review, Terri Downer, Tanya Capper, Olav Muurlink

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem: Global literature suggests that attrition rates from entry-to-practice midwifery programs are increasing. However, little is known about student attrition in the Australian context.

Background: Australia faces a growing midwifery shortage, prompting calls to increase program enrolments. Evidence from the United Kingdom shows high and rising attrition in entry-to-practice programs. In Australia, the scale of midwifery student attrition and the factors influencing it remain largely underexplored.

Aim: To identify and synthesise existing Australian literature on factors influencing midwifery student attrition.

Methods: A search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL Ultimate, Embase, MIDIRS, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases was conducted with key data …

Strategies To Improve Outcomes Of Obstetric Emergencies In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review, Serah Wachira, Ruth Wagathu, Beth Waweru, Rose Maina, Abednego Ongeso, Constance Sibongile Shumba, Benard Mutwiri, Diana Mbattude, Cliff Aliga, Lucy Kisaka, Peter Gatiti

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Obstetric emergencies remain a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite increased access to facility-based deliveries and emergency obstetric care. Improving outcomes requires not only life-saving clinical interventions but also effective health system strategies. This review mapped published evidence on strategies used to improve outcomes of obstetric emergencies in SSA.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify strategies reported in the literature to improve outcomes of obstetric emergencies in SSA.

Methods: The review was reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and CORE identified studies published between January …

Forty Years In The Making: Reporting On The Co-Creation Of A National Roadmap For Birthing On Country Services For The Best Start To Life, Res Mccalman, Anneka J. Bowman, Roianne West, Kristie Watego, Jyai Allen, Claire Clack, Sue Kildea, Sue Kruske, Melanie Briggs, Cleone Wellington, Rebecca Coddington, Yu Gao, Isabella Garti, Sascha Kowalenko, Sarah Ireland, Catherine Austin, John D. Boffa, Marah Prior, Kelsie Kahl, Bettina Chaseling, Sarah Khaw, Emily Armstrong, Donna Hartz (Kamilaroi), Yvette Roe (Njikena Jawuru)

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

For over 40 years, First Nations communities in Australia have called for community-controlled birthing and maternal–infant health programs that restore First Nations-led, community-controlled birthing systems grounded in cultural authority and sovereignty. ‘Birthing on Country’ services have demonstrated improved First Nations maternal–infant health outcomes, more babies kept out of the child protection system, and reduced health system costs. Restoration and expansion of Birthing on Country services across regions has been inconsistent, and has lacked support for national implementation. In 2022, a large national gathering (‘Best Start to Life’) was co-hosted in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). The focus was Birthing on Country service …

Advancing Paternal Perinatal Mental Health: Integrating Qualitative Evidence, Theory, And Measurement Science, Rachael Elizabeth Schmitz

Nursing and Health Sciences

Aim: To advance understanding of paternal perinatal mental health through the integration of qualitative evidence, mid-range theory, and conceptual framework development.

Background: Existing scholarship largely emphasizes prevalence and symptom identification of paternal post partum depression, with limited integration of fathers lived experiences into theory development and assessment frameworks, and mental health nursing practice. Greater integration of qualitative evidence, theory, and measurement science may strengthen the recognition and assessment of paternal distress.

Methods & results: This integrative paper synthesizes findings from a phenomenological study of fathers with postpartum depression, the Reciprocal Adaptation in Postpartum Fathers mid-range nursing theory, and the P- …

Internet Use And Decision-Making Processes Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ayça Balmumcu, Endam Çetinkaya Ak, Sabriye Uçan Yamaç

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restricted access to in-person health services, especially in rural areas. This increased reliance on the internet for health information and decision-making was particularly notable among pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate the role of internet use in decision-making among pregnant women.

Methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study examined 384 pregnant women living in a rural district of Turkey who attended family health centers for prenatal care. Data were collected using the Internet Decision-Making Scale in Pregnancy and a questionnaire assessing internet use patterns during the pandemic.

Results: Pregnant women demonstrated …

The Efficacy Of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block As An Adjunct To Spinal Anesthesia For Cesarean Delivery: An Evidence Synthesis And Implementation Toolkit, Alyssa Hebert, Alex Potts, Gabriela Robertson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Postoperative pain hinders cesarean delivery recovery and overall patient experience. Although spinal anesthesia with intrathecal opioids remains the standard of practice, associated side effects and concerns regarding opioid exposure highlight the need for effective opioid-sparing strategies. Anesthesia providers play a critical role in advancing postoperative pain management through evidence-based protocol development, provider education, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize maternal outcomes. The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides somatic analgesia to the anterior abdominal wall by targeting the thoracolumbar nerves (T6–L1) and has increasingly been incorporated into multimodal postoperative pain management strategies for abdominal surgery. Nevertheless, a gap remains in obstetric …

Standardizing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Education To Improve Patient Knowledge And Care Consistency In A Prenatal Clinic Setting, Wynn Zara

Master's Projects and Capstones

The gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) group visit framework aims to improve consistency of GDM education by standardizing referral processes, educational materials, staff workflows, and patient communication. Although evidence-based GDM education supports patient self-management and improved maternal-fetal outcomes, variability in education delivery contributed to inconsistent care within the outpatient maternal-fetal medicine setting. This quality improvement project was conducted in an outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic in Santa Clara County serving pregnant patients diagnosed with GDM. To address this gap, a standardized GDM group visit framework was developed and implemented using structured educational resources, referral criteria, and communication workflows. The intervention was evaluated …

Integrating Matrescence Into Birth Worker Practice: A Practice Improvement Project, Kelsey B. Green

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect 20–25% of mothers worldwide and are a leading cause of maternal complications. Stigma, fragmented care, and limited provider training leave families vulnerable, while birth workers offer trusted, continuous support.

Problem: Birth workers' maternal mental health (MMH) training is minimal and often excludes matrescence, the developmental transition to motherhood, limiting their ability to distinguish normal adjustment from clinical PMADs and delaying intervention.

Methods: A single-group, pre-/post-test design evaluated a matrescence-informed workshop at Roots Community Health's 2nd Annual Symposium. Anonymous surveys measured knowledge, attitudes, and confidence, analyzed with Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and …

Attrition Of The Midwifery Workforce: Understanding Factors Associated With Leaving The Profession, E. Brie Thumm, Amy H. Goh, Elizabeth G. Phillips, Zachary Giano

College of Health Professions Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To understand why advanced practice midwives (certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives) leave the workforce.

STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: A multi-method, multi-source investigation included secondary analysis of certification data of advanced practice midwives and a cross-sectional online survey with closed- and open-ended items. Advanced practice midwives' active certification data were used to compare self-reported demographic characteristics of advanced practice midwives who reported working in the discipline of midwifery to those who did not (n = 9704). A survey was conducted in 2022 with individuals who allowed their certification to lapse between 2017 and 2021 (n = 303) and individuals who …

The Future Midwife: A Prisma Scoping Review Of Education, Transition, And Work Readiness Among Midwifery Students, Danielle Gleeson, Tracey Tulleners, Jessica Elliott, Dianne Stratton-Maher, Liz Ryan, Jillian Mcculloch, Geraldine Roderick, Thenuja Jayasinghe, Joanne Buckley, Jamie May Newman, Helen Nutter, Jo Southern, Lisa Beccaria, Georgina Sheridan, Tess Trinder, Haiying Wang, Tao Wang, Sita Sharma, Linda Ng, Jing Yu Tan, Daniel Terry

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Preparing midwifery graduates to be confident, competent, and resilient is essential for workforce sustainability, yet students report a disconnect between academic preparation and clinical realities. Increasing care complexity, workforce shortages, and variable clinical learning environments globally highlight the need to examine how educational strategies support effective transition to practice. Objective: To map and synthesise the evidence regarding educational approaches, learning experiences, and transition-to-practice factors that influence preparedness for professional practice among midwifery students, and to identify gaps in the existing literature to inform a coherent and future-ready educational framework.

Methods: A PRISMA-ScR-guided scoping review was conducted across seven databases. …

Digital Teaching In Midwifery Education Since 2021: A Literature Review Of Trends, Technological Advancements And Challenges, Michelle Gray, Kristina Vogel, Annette Bernloehr, Terri Downer, Melanie Welfare, Nicola H. Bauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To produce an updated synthesis of digital learning and teaching approaches in midwifery education since 2021. Background: Globally, there is an increasing trend towards using digital technologies in midwifery education with little examination of trends, terminology or impact by midwifery academics. Design: A comprehensive literature review. Methods: Ten databases were searched (2021–March 2025) guided by JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting, resulting in 36 empirical studies focusing on digital technologies used with midwifery students. The review mapped recent technological developments, associated benefits and emerging challenges. Results: Digital innovations were in 15 countries and ranged from immersive virtual reality, augmented and …

Maternal Prenatal Anxiety And Risk Of Preterm Birth And Low Birthweight: Evidence From A Cumulative Meta-Analysis With Stability Thresholds, Bereket Duko, Desta, Biniyam Sahiledengle, Yohannes Tekalegn Efa, Tenaw Tiruye, Lisa Whitehead, Gavin Pereira, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: We conducted cumulative meta-analyses to quantify the degree to which maternal prenatal anxiety impacts preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW), and to identify when findings reached stability, enabling confident recommendations for early interventions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL (EBSCO), ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to May 7, 2025. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Inverse variance weighted random-effects cumulative meta-analysis was performed to pool adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with sequential inclusion of newly published studies. Stability thresholds were computed to assess sufficiency …

Factors Impacting Western Australian Midwives' Intention To Stay: A Mixed Methods Study, Christine Atkinson, Dianne Bloxsome, Zoe Bradfield, Kate Buchanan, Sarah Dawson, Frances Finch, Sadie Geraghty, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem Midwifery workforce sustainability remains a critical concern for maternity services. Existing literature predominantly focuses on burnout and attrition, offering limited insight into what influences midwives’ decisions to remain within specific workplaces. Background Midwives consistently report strong professional commitment alongside growing workforce instability. National data indicate that uncertainty about current roles does not necessarily reflect disengagement from the profession. Understanding workplace-level influences on retention is therefore essential for targeted workforce strategy. Aim To examine how workplace stress and satisfaction with the practice environment are associated with Western Australian midwives’ intention to stay in their current job and in the profession. …

Birth Satisfaction, As Measured By The Birth Satisfaction Scale–Revised (Bss-R), And Its Role In Predicting Breastfeeding Duration, Maternal-Infant Attachment, And Postpartum Depression, Molly Parker

University Honors Theses

Birth satisfaction has been consistently associated with improved maternal outcomes such as reduced postpartum depression (PPD), stronger maternal-infant attachment, and longer breastfeeding duration. However, the extent to which birth satisfaction independently predicts these outcomes remains unclear. This study examined whether birth satisfaction, as measured by the Birth Satisfaction Scale–Revised (BSS-R), predicts postpartum depression, maternal-infant attachment, and breastfeeding duration in a longitudinal cohort.

Data were drawn from the Prenatal Environmental And Child Health (PEACH) study. Birth satisfaction was assessed at 12 months postpartum using the BSS-R. Postpartum depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), maternal-infant attachment using the …

Poor Compliance With Private Nursing And Midwifery Practice Guidelines In Urban Settings In Uganda, Dan Muramuzi, Edson Atwine, Barbara Okiror, Mercy Muwema, Christine Nimwesiga, Laban Muteebwa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Optimal compliance with private practice guidelines is one of the core components of quality improvement in nursing and midwifery professions. Private nursing and midwifery practice guidelines in Uganda were introduced in 2019. However, little has been documented about compliance with these guidelines, despite playing a crucial role in ensuring safe nursing and midwifery practice and maintenance of professional standards.  We assessed the compliance with private nursing and midwifery practice guidelines of Uganda (2019) and explored barriers to optimal compliance with these guidelines in private health facilities licensed by the Uganda Nursing and Midwifery Council (UNMC) in Kampala Metropolitan …

Assessing Impact Of Heat Waves On Pregnancy And Lactation Amidst Climate Change: A Scoping Review., Susan Anyango, Grace Nakate

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: The escalation of heat waves, attributed to climate change, represents a global public health concern, with pregnant
and lactating women identified as particularly vulnerable due to Physiological and hormonal changes.

Aim: To review the existing research on the effects of heat waves on pregnancy and lactation, identifying potential health risks and outcomes.

Methods: A structured search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted using terms related
to heat waves, pregnancy, lactation, and climate change. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed empirical
studies in English.

Results: Heat waves are linked to increased risks of preterm labor, low …

Descriptive Qualitative Study Of Nursing Students' Perceptions And Behaviors During Student-Led Class Sessions In Uganda, Proscovia Nakaye, Veronica Nakkonde, Mercy Muwema, Grace Nakate

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Student-led class sessions are a pedagogical approach where students actively engage in the learning process, influencing content, activities, and pace. This method fosters independent learning, communication skills, and teamwork. While some studies have shown the effectiveness of student-led sessions, nursing students often exhibit challenges, such as inattention and negative attitudes, affecting the quality of learning and patient care. Understanding nursing students' perceptions and behaviors in this context is essential for improving nursing education.

Methods: This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore nursing students' perceptions and behaviors during student-led class sessions at Uganda Christian University. Sixteen direct-entry nursing students …

Prevalence Of Teenage Pregnancy And Associated Factors Among Adolescent Girls In Bobi Subcounty, Northern Uganda., Grace Auma, Margaret Alioru, Geoffrey Kaujju, Grace Nakate

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Methodology: A Cross-sectional study design. A survey was conducted among 4893 married girls aged 15-19 years using quantitative methods. Quantitative data was collected through the structured questionnaire, which was administered, data was collected and entered in EPI-INFO 2020 software, and was cleaned and analyzed using STATA version 15.0. Binary logistic regression was done to examine the factors independently associated with teenage pregnancy. A multistage sampling technique was used.

Results: Our study showed that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Bobi Sub-County, Omoro District, is high at 27.5%. Significant Factors contributing to the likelihood of teenage pregnancy included those …

Structures And Processes Of Critical Care Nursing Practice: Insights From Four Ugandan Intensive Care Units, Dominic Ogwal Savio, Edrisa Ssemwanga, Winter Patrick, Lameck Ssemogerere, Cliff Aliga

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Breastfeeding Promotion For Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas), Olivia Czerwonka

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is the exposure in utero to drugs with the incidence in the United States increasing from 4 to 6.3 per 1000 births (Wei et al., 2023). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a breastfeeding support intervention to increase breastfeeding frequency and reduce hospital length of stay of newborns with NAS. A tailored multicomponent guideline based upon the current Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as established by WHO and UNICEF (2017) was implemented. Mothers of infants diagnosed with NAS were recruited using convenience sampling from a Northwest Indiana Hospital. Key stakeholders within the …

Community Perceptions Of A Hospital-Based Doula Program In Mobile, Alabama, Sarah Laney

Honors Theses

Background: The maternal mortality ratio in the United States is much higher than the mortality rate for women who live in other countries with similar Human Development Index scores. Black women are more likely to die than their white counterparts. Most of these deaths are preventable. Patients feel like they are being ignored, or that they are not being seen. Doula care is a possible solution to these problems.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess patient understanding and perception of doulas as well as comparing desire for doulas to demographics and past experiences to search for relationships. …

Clinical Pathway For Rhogam Administration In The Emergency Department, Lauren Kyzar, Amy Bigham

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Background: Clinical pathways in emergency departments (ED) are designed to standardize patient care and reduce variability in clinical practice. In a rural hospital setting, the ED management of RhoGAM administration in pregnant patients with vaginal bleeding varied by provider with no standard of care achieved. This approach raised concerns about potential patient safety issues.

Methods: In response, the local emergency department medical director, in conjunction with local perinatal providers developed a clinical pathway to standardize care and optimize RhoGAM administration. The clinical pathway was implemented to the local ED providers over a three-month period. Retrospective chart review for Type and …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Prenatal Care In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery Phd, Cnm, Aprn, Shelby Greene Bsn, Rn, Lauren Griffin Bsn, Rn, Destiny Lewis Bsn, Rn, Lauryn Lewis Bsn, Rn, Bryleigh Newberry Bsn, Rn, Brittany Scott Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: This paper examines the historical development of prenatal care in the United States, tracing its evolution from informal, home—based management to structured, evidence-based systems that are central to maternal and fetal health.

Aims: The specific aim of this project was to determine how prenatal care evolved in the United States.

Methods: A historical methods approach was used. Historical documents were reviewed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to find relevant resources. Relevant articles were reviewed by the research team and analyzed for components regarding the development of prenatal care. All members of the research team reviewed the articles and …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Childbirth In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery, Kayleigh Berg Bsn, Rn, Emily Greer Bsn, Rn, Marsha Hedgecough Bsn, Rn, Emma Holden Bsn, Rn, Halle Ingle Bsn, Rn, Alexis Tolbert Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: The purpose of this project is understand the historical development of childbirth from early documentation of birth in the home to modern day obstetrics, where most deliveries occur in the hospital. Approximately 3.5 to 4 million births occur each year in the U. S.

Aims: The aim of this study is to understand the historical development of childbirth in the U.S. with a particular emphasis on maternal autonomy. Depending on the amount of materials available, the research may be limited to the Appalachian Region.

Methods: Using a historical method, materials were located that traced the trajectory of childbirth from …

Global Trends In Bioterrorism And Biosecurity Research Publications (1997–2025): A Scopus Bibliometric Analysis, Festus Mulakoli, Samuel Gesaka, John Mbataru

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Bioterrorism and biosecurity preparedness are critical pillars of global public health protection and resilience of health systems worldwide. Although this field has grown over the past few decades, there remains limited clarity on how research efforts have evolved and where critical gaps persist, particularly regarding global collaboration and emerging biological threats. To address this, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to map publication trends, influential contributors, and collaboration networks in bioterrorism and biosecurity from 1997 to 2025. This study analyzed global research output, collaboration, and thematic evolution in bioterrorism and biosecurity and identified gaps relevant to preparedness and policy. …

Developing A Pediatric Pain Curriculum For Pediatric Anesthesia Fellows In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Delphi Study, Anisa Bhettay, Rebecca Gray, Romy Parker, Nikki Allorto, Abigail Amponsah, Brian Anderson, Lillian Baranzila, Charles Carapinha, Susan Carolus, O' Brien Kyololo

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Comprehensive pain management in children requires a specialized skillset, with a limited number of clinicians possessing the level of expertise required to successfully navigate the complexities of holistic care. The emergence of pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs in sub-Saharan Africa presents an opportunity to embed a pediatric pain curriculum for trainees, improving the availability of specialist skill and knowledge in the field. Existing pain curricula fall short in addressing the sociocultural aspects of pediatric pain identified through research as being unique to the African context, and do not include elements of leadership and advocacy training required to navigate the complexities …

The Effect Of Midwife-Led Continuous Labor Support Care On Delivery Mode And Timely Initiation Of Breastfeeding In Primigravida Women In Northwest Ethiopia: A Hybrid Type I Implementation Study, Mengstu Melkamu Asaye, Aragaw, Eden Bishaw Taye, Kihinetu Gelaye Wudineh, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Midwife-led continuous labor and childbirth support reduces the episiotomy rate and increases the rates of vaginal delivery and early initiation of breastfeeding. However, no studies have yet been conducted in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of midwife-led continuous labor and childbirth support. A quasi-experimental study involving 419 primigravida women compared an intervention given by trained midwives at two hospitals to routine at two others. Data were collected from July to December 2024 through interviews and record reviews. The McNemar test was used to compare changes, with a p-value of less than 0.05. Midwife-led continuous labor support increased …

Prevalence Of Undiagnosed Dyspepsia, Associated Factors, And Its Relationship With Quality Of Life Among Undergraduate Health Program Students At Makerere University In Uganda, Shamim Nabidda, Christine Atuhurra Kabahinda, David Wagaba, Samuel Okellodepartment Of Clinical Epidemiology And Biostatistics, School Of Medicine, College Of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Derrick Mugisha, Evan Atwebembeire, Happy Unith, Lule Daniel, Andrew Marvin Kanyike, Ibrahim Edrisa Mutebi, Mark Kaddu Mukasa, Joan N. Kalyango

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction:  Dyspepsia affects 6.9% of people globally and significantly impairs quality of life, yet it often remains undiagnosed. Undiagnosed dyspepsia (UD) affects up to one-third of patients and is prevalent among students due to stress, irregular eating, and self-medication. In Uganda, limited access to endoscopy results in many cases being undiagnosed, yet recent data among health program students remains scarce.

Objective:  To determine the prevalence of UD, associated factors, and its relationship with QoL among undergraduate health program students at Makerere University.

Methods:  This was a cross-sectional study involving 378 undergraduate health program students from Makerere University between March and …