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Background Despite the global rise in the number of nurses upgrading from Registered Nursing (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), studies have indicated that successful role transition is difficult once the nurses return to their previous workplaces. Guided by the Transitional Theory, this study investigates the factors that influence the transition from basic to advanced roles among RN to BSN nurses in Uganda, Africa. Methods This study employed a descriptive correlational design. Using convenience sampling, fifty-one (51) RN to BSN nurses completed the semi-structured questionnaires. Results All the study participants (100%) described themselves as having transitioned from RN to BSN role. In bivariate linear regression, personal factors that were found to predict successful role transition included holding a managerial role, being aware and prepared for the role transition, and positive role transition experiences. Role transition motivators that predicted successful role transition included: job promotion, internal desire for self-development, and career development. One community factor – that is the support of doctors/physicians during the RN to BSN transition – predicted unsuccessful role transition. Societal factors deterring successful role transition included lack of support from other colleagues and the perception that BSN learning was not applicable to the RN clinical setting. In multivariate linear regression, only sub-scales of personal factors such as advanced skills mastery and positive personal experiences predicted successful role transition. Conclusion The study suggests that personal factors influence successful role transition more than external factors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12912-019-0345-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BackgroundDespite overall increase in HIV testing, more men than women remain untested. In 2018, 92% of Ugandan women but only 67% of men had tested for HIV. Understanding men's needs and concerns for testing could guide delivery of HIV testing services (HTS) to them. We assessed the prevalence of testing, associated factors and men's perspectives on HIV testing in urban and peri-urban communities in Central Uganda.Methods and findingsWe conducted a parallel-convergent mixed-methods study among men in Kampala and Mpigi districts from August to September 2018. Using two-stage sampling, we selected 1340 men from Mpigi. We administered a structured questionnaire to collect data on HIV testing history, socio-demographics, self-reported HIV risk-related behaviors, barriers and facilitators to HIV testing. We also conducted 10 focus-groups with men from both districts to learn their perspectives on HIV testing. We used modified Poisson regression to assess factors associated with HIV testing and inductive thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators. Though 84.0% of men reported having tested for HIV, only 65.7% had tested in the past 12-months despite nearly all (96.7%) engaging in at least one HIV risk-related behavior. Men were more likely to have tested if aged 25-49 years, Catholic, with secondary or higher education and circumcised. Being married was associated with ever-testing while being widowed or divorced was associated with testing in past 12-months. Men who engaged in HIV risk-related behavior were less likely to have tested in the past 12-months. Qualitative findings showed that men varied in their perspectives about the need for testing, access to HTS and were uncertain of HIV testing and its outcomes.ConclusionsRecent HIV testing among men remains low. Modifying testing strategies to attract men in all age groups could improve testing uptake, reduce gender disparity and initiate risk reduction interventions.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a national standard for midwifery mentorship in Uganda, part of a wider project which aimed to develop a model of mentorship for Ugandan midwifery using the principles of action research. It aims to stimulate debate about strengthening the capacity of a health regulatory body, midwifery twinning partnerships and the use of international health volunteer placements. Design/methodology/approach Model of mentorship for Ugandan midwifery was a 20-month project implemented by the Royal College of Midwives UK and the Uganda Private Midwives Association. Following a situational analysis, the project was structured around three action reflection cycles, participatory workshops, individual twinning relationships between UK and Ugandan midwives and peer exchange visits. The capacity of the Ugandan Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) to develop a standard for midwifery mentorship was assessed. A capacity building programme was then designed and implemented to develop the standard for midwifery mentorship. Findings The capacity of UNMC was increased and the standard was developed though has yet to be validated and adopted. However, this intervention may not be replicable as a stand-alone intervention because its success was inextricably linked to the wider programme activities and support structures. Originality/value This is the first paper describing midwifery twinning to strengthen the capacity of a regulatory body to develop practice standards.