Background Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of human life. Women have an increased risk of undernutrition than men. Undernutrition can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes and intergeneration cycle of undernutrition. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and the associated socio-economic determinants among adult women of reproductive age in Uganda.  Methods A population based cross-sectional survey was conducted and 4,640 non-pregnant and non-post-partum women aged 20 to 49 were analyzed. Two stage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and data were collected using validated questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the association between socio-economic determinants and stunting and underweight using weighted data in SPSS version 24.  Results The prevalence of underweight and stunting were 6.9% and 1.3% respectively. Women who belonged to middle (aOR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.25-4.99), poorer (aOR = 3.07, 95%CI 1.57–5.97) and poorest wealth index (aOR = 3.60, 95% CI 1.85–7.00) were more likely to be underweight compared to the richest. Belonging to rural residence (aOR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.41–0.96), Western (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.20–0.44), Eastern (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.28–0.63) and Central regions (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.72) was associated with less odds of being underweight. Region was the only variable significantly associated with stunting. Wealth index was not significantly associated with stunting.  Conclusion The prevalence of undernutrition in Uganda among women is less compared to most of the neighboring countries. There is need to address the socio-economic determinants including poverty, residence and reducing regional inequalities.

Background AIDS remains one of the world’s most serious health challenges affecting more females than men. The differences in the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among gender groups stem from biology, sexual behaviour and socially constructed gender differences between women and men in roles and responsibilities, access to resources and decision-making power. It could also be due to the females’ status in society which could be justified by lower economic and decision making ability. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of gender in the spread of HIV among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia; with the view of developing gender sensitive HIV and AIDS prevention strategies. Methods The study used sequential mixed method with quantitative and qualitative paradigm. During first phase of the study, health facility based descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 422 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Forty participants were recruited by purposive sampling from representatives working in reproductive health or related fields. Results About 83.2% of respondents reported that sexual intercourse discussion should be initiated by male partners. This showed that majority of respondents were dependent on their male partners in decision-making regarding sexual matters in their relationship. Multiple sexual partners were common among the respondents. One third of the respondents reported to have had intercourse with more than one partner during the past twelve months of the study period. Higher proportion of respondents (61.4%, n=259) had never used condom during sexual intercourse with their partner/s. As a result these risky sexual practices are a potential threat for spread of HIV and AIDS among women. Thus developed guidelines would alleviate the existing problems through implementation of strategies of HIV and AIDS prevention to enhance women’s status at household and different administrative structure level. Conclusion Gender disparities in relation to negotiating sexual relations among the study respondents were found to be still relevant. The culture that has placed men at the helm of leadership in sexual matters is strongly upheld and that includes who recommends use of preventive measures and who regulates when and how to enter into a sexual relationship. Guidelines for gender sensitive prevention strategies if applied appropriately would educate women and men to make decision about what directly affects their health / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This thesis adapts a life course approach in epidemiology to endometriosis. Endometriosis is a highly prevalent chronic disease affecting women in reproductive age. Firstly, the topic of this disease is introduced, the situation and current knowledge in Australia is discussed. Positive changes in a national level are presented. Secondly, early life exposers and maternal behaviour are investigated as possible risk and protective factors. A systematic review of early life factors identified a low birthweight and formula feeding of infants as risk factors for the development of endometriosis. Lastly, the relation of birthweight, weight at childhood and endometriosis was analysed using data of Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Other risk and protective factors were evaluated and included into the analysis. Logistic regression was used for determination of statistical significance. High weight at 10 years old was found to be a protective factor against endometriosis.

Background AIDS remains one of the world’s most serious health challenges affecting more females than men. The differences in the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among gender groups stem from biology, sexual behaviour and socially constructed gender differences between women and men in roles and responsibilities, access to resources and decision-making power. It could also be due to the females’ status in society which could be justified by lower economic and decision making ability. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of gender in the spread of HIV among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia; with the view of developing gender sensitive HIV and AIDS prevention strategies. Methods The study used sequential mixed method with quantitative and qualitative paradigm. During first phase of the study, health facility based descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 422 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Forty participants were recruited by purposive sampling from representatives working in reproductive health or related fields. Results About 83.2% of respondents reported that sexual intercourse discussion should be initiated by male partners. This showed that majority of respondents were dependent on their male partners in decision-making regarding sexual matters in their relationship. Multiple sexual partners were common among the respondents. One third of the respondents reported to have had intercourse with more than one partner during the past twelve months of the study period. Higher proportion of respondents (61.4%, n=259) had never used condom during sexual intercourse with their partner/s. As a result these risky sexual practices are a potential threat for spread of HIV and AIDS among women. Thus developed guidelines would alleviate the existing problems through implementation of strategies of HIV and AIDS prevention to enhance women’s status at household and different administrative structure level. Conclusion Gender disparities in relation to negotiating sexual relations among the study respondents were found to be still relevant. The culture that has placed men at the helm of leadership in sexual matters is strongly upheld and that includes who recommends use of preventive measures and who regulates when and how to enter into a sexual relationship. Guidelines for gender sensitive prevention strategies if applied appropriately would educate women and men to make decision about what directly affects their health / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)