Catherine Lutalo Mwesigwa, MDPPH
Nominated From: University of Washington
Research Site: Makerere University
Research Area: Oral health and oral health care in HIV pediatric populations
Primary Mentor: Ana Lucia Seminario
Research Project
Feasibility of integrating oral health in the primary care of HIV-positive pediatric patients in a low-resource setting
Children living with HIV/AIDs (CLWHA) in low-resource settings experience a high burden of oral conditions due to biological and other risk factors. These conditions may affect their quality of life. Without any special attention to oral health in the primary HIV-care setting, they accumulate dental treatment needs. Furthermore, low-income healthcare systems are faced with poor prioritization of oral health, disintegrated care and poor referral systems.
Research Significance
In order to achieve comprehensive HIV-care, evidence is needed to show that interventions work in low-resource settings. This study, therefore proposes to determine the feasibility of incorporating oral health promotion in primary pediatric HIV-care and the effectiveness of an oral health curriculum developed in another setting.
Advice for Potential Candidates
There are multiple health-related problems that affect care in vulnerable populations, the solutions might be multiple and complex but look for ways of how to contribute to the solution, albeit in a small way.
Publications
Mentors
