School of Arts and Social Sciences

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Nutritional status and morbidity among HIV/AIDS-affected children aged 6-9 years in Suba district, Kenya
(WFLPublisher, 2008) Were, M.Gertrude; Omo, Ohiokpehai; Kimiywe, Judith; Mbagaya, M.Grace; Owuor, J.B. Okeyo; Joyce Kamau; Dorcas Mbithe
The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to claim lives and render many children orphans. More than 3 million people died from AIDS including half a million children. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 12 million children have been orphaned by HIV and this number is set to increase. HIV/ AIDS orphaned children suffer malnutrition which adversely affects their health. Objective of this study was to establish the magnitude of underweight, stunting and wasting as indicators of malnutrition among HIV/AIDS-affected school children aged 6-9 years in Suba district. A cross- sectional research design was used and setting included Lambwe, Sindo and Ong’ayo primary schools in Suba district. A total of 150 children were sampled from HIV/AIDS-affected households. Anthropometric measurements and guided questionnaires were the main tools of data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS and the Nutri-survey computer software programs. Of the children 8.8% were underweight, 13.3% stunted and 7.6% wasted. Cereals formed the main part of the childrens’ diet, fish was the most consumed protein and vegetable and fruit consumption was low. Total kilocalories taken were 41% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The most reported illnesses which were also confirmed by the doctor’s clinical assessment were malaria (16%), upper respiratory infections (6.1%) and skin infections (8.0%). Primary education was completed by 67.4% of mothers, while only 1.2% had post secondary education. The average monthly maternal income was Ksh 1,550 ($ 24.2). Food security was reported to be low as 64.6% of the households purchased food three months after harvest. HIV/AIDS-affected children suffered underweight, stunting and wasting with morbidity, poverty, low educational and occupational status of the parents/guardians cited as probable determinants. Interventions should therefore focus on improved agricultural production, innovative poverty alleviation methods and education.
Soybean (glycine max) complementation and the zinc status of HIV and aids affected children in suba district, Kenya
(Ajfand online, 2010-03) Were GM; Ohiokpehai; Owuor, J. B. Okeyo; Mbagaya GM; Kimiywe J; Mbithe D; Okello, MM
The HIV and AIDS pandemic continues to ravage families and communities throughout the world particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. The scourge is associated with malnutrition specifically underweight, stunting and wasting among school children most of whom are orphaned by HIV. Subsequently, inadequate food supply at the household level has led to micronutrient deficiencies especially zinc. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of children aged 6-9 years in HIV and AIDS affected households in Suba District and to determine the effect of soybean complementation on zinc status of the children. Suba District, Kenya is resource-poor with high levels of food insecurity and lack of diet diversification. Experimental study design was employed in this study. Multi-stage, stratified and simple random sampling strategies were used to identify a total of 158 HIV and AIDS affected children from rural communities of Suba District who formed the study sample. Of these, one-hundred and six (106) children from both Sindo and Lambwe primary schools were put on a feeding trial; they were fed on corn-soy blend daily for three months. Fifty-two (52) children selected from Ong’ayo Primary School formed the control group and were not put on the feeding trial. Structured questionnaires were used to gather demographic and socio-economic data from mothers or guardians of the children. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were used to assess the nutritional status of children at baseline. Biochemical tests were carried out to determine serum zinc levels of the children between baseline and three months. These tests were analyzed at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Laboratories in Nairobi. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5 and the Nutri-Survey computer soft ware. A probability value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results showed that out of the 158 children, 48 (29.8%) were malnourished; 43.7% were stunted, 22.9% were underweight while 33.3% were wasted. Nearly all (95.7%) the children were deficient in zinc at baseline. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in zinc deficiency from 95.7% (mean 8.41μm/l) to 70.2% (mean 10.2 μm/l) between baseline and three months of the feeding trial. Children in HIV-affected households in Suba District showed signs of underweight, stunting and wasting. Soybean complementation improved zinc status of the children and should therefore be promoted in the entire community to alleviate malnutrition.
E-Insurance: An Empirical Study of Perceived Benefits
(International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2011-11) Odoyo, Fredrick S; Nyangosi, Richard
Community Based Approach to the Management of Nyando Wetland, Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya
(Mcpowl Media Ltd, 2012) Owuor, J. B. Okeyo; Raburu, P.O.; Kwena, F
Tropical wetlands are known to be very productive, providing water and primary productivity upon which large numbers of plants and animal species depend for survival. In the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), wetlands are part and parcel of many water bodies where they are hydrologically and ecologically linked through the supply of water, nutrients and organic matter. In the upper reaches of the LVB, many wetlands have been formed by spring water draining into valley bottoms where the gradient is low and hence water accumulates, hence supporting characteristic biota. Other wetlands are formed as a result of shallow water table in depressions, though most of these are seasonal and their area fluctuates depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Other wetlands in the upper reaches have been formed out of damming of streams and rivers for domestic and industrial water supply. In the middle reaches, springs fed wetlands still dominate, with a few riverine wetlands occurring along the edges of the large rivers. In the lower reaches and floodplains, we have seasonal wetlands that form during the rainy season when rivers over-top their banks. Many of the large wetlands in the LVB are found at the river mouths of the major rivers and in the inshore areas of the lake. Examples include the Nyando Wetland, Yala Swamp, Bunyala Wetland, River Mara Swamp, Mosirori Wetland, Osodo Swamp, Ngegu Wetland and Kuja Delta Wetland. Because of their high productivity, these wetlands are threatened by human activities, exacerbated by high human population growth. Changing land use and intensity in the catchments has compromised their integrity, resulting into sedimentation, poor water quality and eutrophication. There is thus a need for awareness creation, adoption of best management practices at the catchment scale and research, especially in socioeconomics, to help avert the negative influences on the wetlands in the LVB.
The role of ethnomedicine in the provision of primary health care: the case of Iguhu location, Kakamega South District, Kakamega County, Kenya
(2012) Shivachi, Taji
Primary health care is essential health care based on practical,scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost that the community and the country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self-determination. Ethnomedicine is widely recognized .as an important element of primary health care. However, there seems to be little understanding of its actual role, with most studies focusing on the therapeutic value and the efficacy of herbs and other pharmacopoeia, rather than the social, cultural and psychological aspects of the same. Thus, ethnomedicine has still not been given its proper place in health care provision especially at the policy-making level. This study set out to investigate the role of ethnomedicine in the provision of primary health care. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the factors that determine the utilization of ethnomedicine; to find out the preventive and treatment procedures used by ethno medical practitioners; and to investigate the role of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies of ethnomedicine in the prevention and cure of common illnesses and injuries. This study was conducted in Iguhu location, Kakarnega South District, in the Kakamega County of Kenya. The study relied mainly on survey research techniques but supplemented this by observation and secondary data. The sampling unit was the household from which one member was purposively selected. Ethnomedical practitioners were selected purposively through the snowball technique. After data collection, a codebook was developed, and then the data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. This study established that the overall influence of the level of educational attainment on the utilization of ethnomedicine is skewed, with respondents at both extremes of the level of education reporting a high rate of utilization, as opposed to those who have attained only secondary school education. The study also established that religious affiliation, the level of income and occupational activities did not have a significant influence on the patterns of utilization of ethnomedicine. However, the study revealed that age, sex . and marital status had a significant influence on the utilization of ethnomedicine. The study also found that illnesses and injuries perceived to have been caused by . biophysical factors may be prevented and cured by both biomedical and ethnomedical practitioners. However, illnesses and injuries perceived to have been caused by superhuman factors may be prevented by ethnomedical practitioners only employing both pharmacological and non pharmacological therapies. The study detected a very high rate of reported success rates of ethnomedicine. The study concluded that utilization of ethnomedicine remains strongly prevalent in the study area. The study also showed that most respondents mix biomedical and ethnomedical remedial therapies in their health seeking practice. Therefore, ethnomedicine is an integral part of the primary health care system in the study area and other similar rural settings. The study concludes that both ethnomedical and biomedical practitioners show a willingness to cooperate and expressed a desire to learn more from each other.
Community perceptions on the impact of the recession of Lake Victoria waters on Nyando Wetlands
(Scientific Research and Essays, 2012-04-18) Owuor, J. B. Okeyo; Obiero Kevin; Philip Raburu; Elizabeth A, Raburu
Lake Victoria experienced drastic water level changes from October 2005 raising concerns about impact to the livelihood of the communities around the lake. The study investigated impacts of the water level decline on land use changes, wetland resource utilization, household food production, income generation, fish catches, water supply, quality and quantity and biodiversity changes within the Nyando wetlands in Western Kenya. Data was collected between August and December 2006 through in-depth household interviews of 120 randomly selected wetland resource users; key informant interviews (KII), and focused group discussions (FGD). Qualitative description and SPSS computer package Version 11.6 was used for statistical data analysis. Results of the study indicate that receding water levels led to increased availability of land for farming through reclamation and conversion of exposed wetland areas; over-exploitation of macrophytes; increased food production and income generation; and increased conflicts in the use of wetland resources. Water recession also caused shortage of domestic water supply, decrease in fish catches and biodiversity. The study recommends establishment of buffer zones to protect papyrus, formulation of national policies on wetland conservation, creation of alternative sustainable development options, and development of site specific wetland management plan to regulate the utilization of wetland resources.
Payment for environmental services Laying the ground work
(Lake Victoria Basin Commission Secretariat, 2013) Owuor, J. B. Okeyo; Anderson, Kipkoech; Mogaka Hezron
This paper seeks to examine and assess existing and planned policy, legal and institutional arrangements of the East Africa Community (EAC) for implementation of Payment for Environmental Services (PES) schemes. It reviews the various instruments of the EAC and reveals that there are adequate provisions for initiation and implementation of PES in East Africa’s ecosystems. There are examples of PES being implemented in Mt Elgon on both the Kenya and Uganda side of the border, and the Mara River Basin on both the Kenya and Tanzania sides. In the latter, the PES framework is being developed and coordinated by the EAC and Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC). Payment for Environmental Services schemes are a potential approach to of sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, while ensuring sustainable ecosystem services to meet appropriate human and ecological needs in trans-boundary ecosystems of East Africa.
Influence of Human Resource Management Practices on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya
(International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2013-01) Otengah, Wilson; Omolo, Jonathan William; Oginda, Moses N.
The increasing interest in human resource practices is due to the assumption that employees and the way they are managed are critical to the success of a firm . Small and Medium enterprises are emerging as reliable alternatives to poverty alleviation and employment .They however face peculiar challenges that affect their performance . It has been noted in other studies that they lack performance standard, do not attract appropriately trained personnel, have Poor compensation systems and lack of employee involvement.
Effects of terrorism news on readers of newspapers:
(Academic Research International, 2013-07) Owala, Silas Odhiambo; Mohochi, Sangai; Indede, Florence
The media plays an important role in giving the masses information about terrorism. Many developing countries have not in the past had many acts of terrorism that originated directly from those countries and for a long time have had the media in those countries reporting news on terrorist acts in other countries. However in the recent past there has been an increase of terrorist activities in some countries in the developing world. Some of these countries are Nigeria and Kenya. In Kenya the war with Somalia’s militia group Al Shabaab has increased the frequency of terrorist activities. The media in Kenya therefore has been on the spotlight recently concerning its role in providing news related to these incidents. This paper looks at the manner in which TaifaLeo a Kiswahili language daily newspaper presents news on terrorism from both inside and outside Kenya. The main objective was to seek the opinion of readers about the news on terrorism in the daily and find out how the presentation of those news items affected the readers. The study was carried out in four towns in Kenya where circulation of the paper is highest- Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Mumias. The study revealed that the news had mostly social and psychological effects on the readers that led to readers developing attitudes mostly negative towards their neighbours.
Village-Randomized Clinical Trial of Home Distribution of Zinc for Treatment of Childhood Diarrhea in Rural Western Kenya
(PLOS, 2014-05-16) Daniel R., Feikin; Bigogo, Godfrey; Audi, Allan; Pals, L.Sherri; Aol, George; Mbakaya, Charles; Williamson, John; Breiman, F.Robert; Larson, P.Charles
Background: Zinc treatment shortens diarrhea episodes and can prevent future episodes. In rural Africa, most children with diarrhea are not brought to health facilities. In a village-randomized trial in rural Kenya, we assessed if zinc treatment might have a community-level preventive effect on diarrhea incidence if available at home versus only at health facilities. Methods: We randomized 16 Kenyan villages (1,903 eligible children) to receive a 10-day course of zinc and two oral rehydration solution (ORS) sachets every two months at home and 17 villages (2,241 eligible children) to receive ORS at home, but zinc at the health–facility only. Children’s caretakers were educated in zinc/ORS use by village workers, both unblinded to intervention arm. We evaluated whether incidence of diarrhea and acute lower respiratory illness (ALRI) reported at biweekly home visits and presenting to clinic were lower in zinc villages, using poisson regression adjusting for baseline disease rates, distance to clinic, and children’s age. Results: There were no differences between village groups in diarrhea incidence either reported at the home or presenting to clinic. In zinc villages (1,440 children analyzed), 61.2% of diarrheal episodes were treated with zinc, compared to 5.4% in comparison villages (1,584 children analyzed, p,0.0001). There were no differences in ORS use between zinc (59.6%) and comparison villages (58.8%). Among children with fever or cough without diarrhea, zinc use was low (,0.5%). There was a lower incidence of reported ALRI in zinc villages (adjusted RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46–0.99), but not presenting at clinic. Conclusions: In this study, home zinc use to treat diarrhea did not decrease disease rates in the community. However, with proper training, availability of zinc at home could lead to more episodes of pediatric diarrhea being treated with zinc in parts of rural Africa where healthcare utilization is low.
Factors Contributing to Iodide Deficiency in Coast Province of Kenya
(European Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2015) Mbakaya, Charles; Kazungu, Kahindi; Makokha, Anzelimo
Background: Iodide deficiency has serious effects on body growth and mental development. Iodide deficiency disorders are major public health problem in several areas of the world. At least 350 million Africans are at risk of iodide deficiency and are at risk of its complication. In Kenya, iodide deficiency was estimated at 36.8% and 50.7% in the Coast region. This study assessed factors contributing to iodide deficiency in coast region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 292 households in coast region using pretested and structured questionnaires. Multistage sampling technique was used; in the first stage clusters were selected using simple random sampling, and then households were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Bivariate analysis was performed to check on association at p< 0.05. Results: About 26.2% of the respondents utilized adequately iodized salt, 80.1% of salt containers had a cover, and 82.2% stored in dry places. Around 22.6% of the respondents add salt at the end of cooking and 78.4% in the early beginning and end in the middle of cooking. Iodide deficiency was associated with lack of education (OR=3.22, 95%CI: 0.03-0.27, p=0.0436), salt container without cover (OR=2.19, 95%CI: p= .0103) and moist/wet storage place (OR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.12-0.41, p=0.000001). Conclusion:Availability of adequate iodized salt at household level was very low when compared to the WHO recommended levels to prevent iodide deficiency.
Factors contributing to iodide deficiency in coast province of kenya
(European Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2015) Kazungu, KahindI; Mbakaya, Charles Mbakaya2; Makokha, Anzelimo
Background: Iodide deficiency has serious effects on body growth and mental development. Iodide deficiency disorders are major public health problem in several areas of the world. At least 350 million Africans are at risk of iodide deficiency and are at risk of its complication. In Kenya, iodide deficiency was estimated at 36.8% and 50.7% in the Coast region. This study assessed factors contributing to iodide deficiency in coast region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 292 households in coast region using pretested and structured questionnaires. Multistage sampling technique was used; in the first stage clusters were selected using simple random sampling, and then households were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Bivariate analysis was performed to check on association at p< 0.05. Results: About 26.2% of the respondents utilized adequately iodized salt, 80.1% of salt containers had a cover, and 82.2% stored in dry places. Around 22.6% of the respondents add salt at the end of cooking and 78.4% in the early beginning and end in the middle of cooking. Iodide deficiency was associated with lack of education (OR=3.22, 95%CI: 0.03-0.27, p=0.0436), salt container without cover (OR=2.19, 95%CI: p= 0.0103) and moist/wet storage place (OR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.12-0.41, p=0.000001). Conclusion:Availability of adequate iodized salt at household level was very low when compared to the WHO recommended levels to prevent iodide deficiency
Lugha na utambulisho: tofauti katika matumizi ya kiswahili nchini tanzania na Kenya
(Chama cha Kiswahili Africa Mashariki (CHAKAMA), 2015) Mohochi, Sangai
Matumizi ya lugha moja hutofautiana kwa kutegemea mambo kama vile umri, jinsia, tabaka na maeneo ya kijiografia miongoni mwa mengine. Matokeo ya hali ni kuwa matumizi ya lugha huishia kutoa mchango mkubwa katika utambulisho wa watumiaji wake. Makala hii inamulika hali ya matumizi ya kila siku ya lugha ya Kiswahili nchini Tanzania na Kenya, lengo kuu likiwa kutambua na kujadili tofauti mbalimbali zinazojitokeza katika matumizi hayo ya lugha. Makala itatafutia maswali yafuatayo majibu: Ni kwa kiasi gani tofauti katika matumizi hayo ya lugha ya Kiswahili yanawatambulisha wananchi wa nchi hizo mbili? Tofauti hizo zinaweza kusababisha matatizo yoyote katika mawasiliano pamoja na maingiliano ya kila siku katika shughuli mbalimbali? Hali hiyo inaweza kuathiri maendeleo ya kijamii pamoja na ujenzi wa ushirikiano katika eneo la Afrika Mashariki? Nini chaweza kufanyika ili kuelewesha wahusika kuhusu matumizi tofauti ya lugha hiyo ili kuhakikisha kuwa hayawi kikwazo katika mawasiliano miongoni mwa watumiaji wa Kiswahili katika nchi hizo?
Evaluation of advanced wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) lines for stem rust ( Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici ) resistance and yield
(International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR), 2015) Arama, Peter; Cheruiyot, Duncan; Ojwang, Pascal P. Okwiri; Njau, Peter N.; Sridhar, Bhavani
Stem rust disease caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp tritici is a major challenge to wheat (Triticum aestivum) production in Kenya and other wheat growing countries of Africa and Asia. The current study aimed at evaluating sixty four wheat genotypes for stem rust resistance at seedling stage in a greenhouse; as well assessing the genotypes for stability in adult plant resistance to stem rust and yield across three sites in Kenya in an alpha lattice design with three replications. Seedling disease Infection Type (IT) ranged from “0” (immune) to “4” (susceptible), while adult plant infection assessed by disease Coefficient of Infection (CI) and Area Under Disease Progress Stairs (AUDPS) ranged from means of 0.2 to 1.7 and 30.2 to 1174.2, respectively. Mean grain yield ranged from 2.0 to 7.8 t ha-1. Genotype, location and genotype × location interaction for the AUDPS, CI, and yield were significant (P  0.01). There was a significant (P  0.01) linear and inverse relation of grain yield to AUDPS and CI. Considering the disease response, yield potential, and yield stability, genotypes KSL 42 and KSL 3 were consistently well ranked. These genotypes are suitable candidates for utilization in yield and stem rust resistance improvement programs in Kenya and potentially in other major wheat growing areas in Kenya and potentially in other major wheat growing areas globally, where stem rust is significant.
Prevalence of Anaemia and Associated Factors Among Preschool Children (6-59 Months) in Western Province, Kenya
(American Institute of Science (AIS), 2015-04-02) Kisiangani, Isaac; Mbakaya, Charles; Makokha, Anzelimo
Background: Anaemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency globally and of major public health concern in preschool children and pregnant women in developing world. In Kenya current anaemia rates are about 69 % among preschool aged children. Anaemia has adverse health consequences in the children. Objectives: To evaluated the prevalence, severity and risk factors of anaemia in preschool children in an area with intense malaria transmission. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Clusters in an area with intense malaria transmission in western Kenya. Subjects: A total of 125 preschoolers were enrolled aged between 6-59 months. Results: The prevalence of anaemia (Hb<11.0 g/dl) was 25%. It was further divided into moderate (14.2%) and mild (10.8%).Higher risk of presenting anaemia was documented for boys, lower household socioeconomic status, malaria infection and anthropometric deficits. Conclusion: The findings show occurrence of anaemia among preschool children. In addition to malaria, low socioeconomic status, anthropometric deficits, sex are important contributors to the pathogenesis of anaemia in Western province. Improving the case management of malaria is likely to reduce the burden of anaemia. Also to implement effective public health interventions to prevent anaemia in this group, an integrated approach that addresses poverty, nutrition and malaria infection is a must
Assessment of iron status among preschool children (6 to 59 months) with and without malaria in Western Province, Kenya
(Pan African Medical Journal, 2015-05-28) Kisiangani, Isaac; Mbakaya, Charles; Makokha, Anzelimo; Magu, Dennis
Introduction: Iron deficiency is a major public health concern. Globally, iron deficiency ranks number 9 and is responsible for about 60% of all anemia cases among preschool children. In Africa iron deficiency is 43-52% while in Kenya, children under 5 years constitute the largest burden with 69% of them being deficient. There is limited iron deficiency data in Kenya. This study determined haemoglobin levels, serum ferritin levels, nutritional status and P.falciparum malaria infection in preschool children. Methods: A household cross sectional study was undertaken among 125 preschoolers in Western province, drawn from 37 clusters. Systematic random sampling was used for sample selection. Data was collected using pretested structured questionnaires, entered in Microsoft package. Data analysis was done in Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression and differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency (Serum ferritin <12mg/l), anaemia (Hb<110g/l) and plasmodium falciparum malaria were 20.8%, 25% and 6.8% respectively. There was a significant association between iron deficiency and anaemia (OR=3.43, 95% CI: 1.33-8.84, p=0.008). A preschool child with anaemia was 3.43 times likely to be iron deficient compared to a preschool child who was not anaemic. Conclusion: Iron deficiency, anaemia and plasmodium falciparum malaria was prevalent among preschool children. The findings revealed a significant association between iron deficiency and anaemia. Therefore effective interventions to improve iron status will have large health benefits by greatly reducing anaemia in preschool children.
Qualitative Study of Factors Associated with Home Deliveries and Practices in Kilifi County-Kenya
(IJHRS, 2015-11-24) Moindi, O.Rodgers; Mbakaya, Charles; Nyambati, Venny; Habtu, Michael
Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality is a global health challenge and majorities are associated with lack of trained supervision at delivery especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, according to the demographic health survey of 2008/09 indicates a high maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 488 per 100,000, attributed to the high proportion of home deliveries which accounts 56%. Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore and describe factors associated with home deliveries. Methods: Data were gathered using focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) among mothers seeking immunization services in selected health facilities within Kilifi County. The participants were selected purposively. The data was put under themes consistent with the research objectives and then analysed thematically. Result: The predominant factors associated with home delivery identified by this study were Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing, vaginal examinations, degree of pain, sudden onset of delivery, husband’s consent, lack of transport and cost of delivery. There were no major cultural factors associated with home deliveries except administration of herbs during labor to relieve pain. Most of the participants were comfortable with home deliveries once the mother’s and fetus’s health are perceived in good condition. Conclusion: The findings provide vital information on the factors associated with home deliveries and practices in the county. Policy makers, health administrators, managers and caregivers should put in place relevant and effective strategies to mitigate the barriers described above in order to increase facility-based deliveries
Efficacy of Alcoholic Anonymous Programmes on Rehabilitation and Recovery of Alcoholics at one selected Recovery Centre in Kenya
(2016) Okello, Lazarus Millan; Ogolla, Peter Onyango
Alcoholism is one of the chronic problems of a modern society. Many lives have been lost and thousand others ruined as a result of alcoholism. In the recent times, Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) institutions have been the desirable alternative to help rehabilitate alcoholics and restore them to full recovery. However, just how effective Alcoholic Anonymous is remains a subject of wide speculation. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Alcoholic Anonymous center in rehabilitation and recovery of alcoholics. The study adopted the ex-post-facto research design. The study was conducted in Asumbi Alcoholics Anonymous Centre in Homa Bay County of Kenya. The target population was 70 alcoholics registered at the Centre. Stratified random sampling was used to select 59 respondents for the study. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0 Computer programme. Descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages) were used in data analysis. The findings of the study showed that following of the 12-steps process by the clients significantly enhanced rehabilitation and recovery of alcoholics at the AA Centre.
Relationship between Flexible Work-Arrangement and Commitment of Nurses in Public Hospitals in Kenya
(International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, 2016) Okemwa, Denis Okerosi
The study was set to determine the relationship between flexible work arrangement and commitment of nurses in public hospitals in Kenya. The study adopted cross sectional survey design and the target population consisted of 1217 nurses in 27 level 4 and 5 public hospitals. The researcher utilized simple random sampling to select counties that formed the sample of study. Five (5) counties out of forty seven (47) counties in Kenya were selected for the study. Proportionate random sampling was used to select 8 hospitals from the five counties selected. From the 7 hospitals sampled 364 nurses were selected through proportionate simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaires which had both structured and unstructured questions. For data analysis linear regression analysis was used to regress relationship between flexible work arrangement and commitment of nurses in public hospitals in Kenya .It was found out that there is a significant positive relationship between flexible work arrangements and nurses’ commitment in public hospitals in Kenya (β = 0.725, p< 0.01). The study concludes that flexible work arrangement (flexitime, compressed work schedule, shift schedule and job sharing) has a positive significant linear relationship with nurses’ commitment. It recommends that matrons and administrators in public hospitals to develop flexible work arrangements practices that suit individual needs of the nurses and implement them in order to greatly enhance their commitment
Effects of a selected herbal beverage on the full haem ogram, inflammation and serum zinc status of HIV and aids subjects in Nairobi, Kenya, 2010
(Global Journal of Health Sciences, 2016) Nagel, Friederike Deborah; Mbakaya, Charles; Kombe, Yeri;
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish the effects of a selected herbal beverage on the full Haemogram, inflammation and serum zinc status of HIV and AIDS Subjects in Nairobi, Kenya. Methodology: This was a randomized prospective controlled intervention study. The sample size was 100 patients who were recruited from the Association of People living With AIDS in Kenya (TAPWAK) that is based at Nairobi West. The study subjects were recruited upon consent and randomized into the two groups, one group received the herbal beverage and the other a placebo. The intervention was double blinded and unmasking was done during data analysis. Blood samples were taken from the subjects at baseline and periodically, to investigate effects on or changes in the above biomarkers. Means and medians of the biomarkers were compared between and within groups at baseline and at end line. Results: Following the study findings it was possible to conclude that regarding the socio-economic status of the study subjects in both arms were comparable by marital status. Majority of subjects had children who depended on them. By education status, the subjects were comparable between the groups. Most of the subjects had attained some level of education, those on the intervention arm having a higher proportion of more educated persons. While about half the subjects had social support systems, financial support was lacking for close to 80% of the subjects in both arms. Women were a majority in both study arms, one reason could be that they are more willing to get help for issues affecting their health. The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) count was not different at baseline in both groups but almost attained significant difference at the 9th month of intervention, the intervention group having a much lower value (p = 0.074), suggesting that the mode of action of the herbal beverage was via reduction of inflammation. The same was the trend in the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration MCHC, the intervention arm having a lower value than the placebo group (p = 0.088). However, the other hematological parameters were neither different at baseline nor at the 9th month of intervention. The serum zinc values in the intervention and placebo arms were similar at baseline, 3rd, 6th and 9th months and lower than normal values at all time points, suggesting that the intervention had no benefits in repletion of serum zinc levels and / or no effect in improved absorption of serum zinc of the subjects, yet this trace element is critical in human immunity. The median platelet (PLT) count was much lower in the intervention arm than the placebo at the 9th month of intervention (p = 0.045) while they were not different at baseline (p = 0.332), again suggesting that the mode of action of the herbal beverage might be via PLT reduction. Overall, the benefits of the herbal beverage were only marginally better in the intervention arm than the placebo for most of the selected biomarkers assessed in this study. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that despite interesting finding regarding the impact of the ESR count of patients of the intervention group which could suggest that consumption of the herbal beverage in combination with an effective medical based treatment of HIV/ Aids could be promising for improvement of inflammation regulation in the patients. Further studies on that would be of benefit.

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