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Exploring the contribution of civic education to the fight against substance abuse among the learners in selected secondary schools in Kitwe district in the Copperbelt of Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Civic Education.This study explored the contribution of civic education to the fight against substance abuse among learners in secondary schools in Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Specifically, the study focused on, the contribution of civic education to the fight against substance abuse among learners, classroom practices that teachers of civic education employ to develop civic knowledge, dispositions, skills and values in the fight against substance abuse among learners and, the best teaching approaches that teachers of Civic Education employ to attain acceptable attitudes and behaviors among the learners in Civic Education. Qualitative research approach was used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the contribution of civic education in the fight against substance abuse among learners in secondary schools. Data was generated through interviews from 22 participants. The data collected was analyzed using thematic approach. Findings of the study show that civic education empowers learners with knowledge and skills necessary for them to make informed decisions regarding the effects of substance abuse and how to resist peer pressure. It was also revealed that Civic Education helps to instil and strengthen good morals and values in learners needed to fight substance abuse. Equally, it was found out that through Civic Education, learners are able to develop virtues necessary for them to become agents of change in the fight against substance abuse. On the aspect of classroom practices, it was revealed that lecture method, question and answer method, textbook study, discussions, debate and role play are the classroom practices that teachers of civic education employ to develop civic knowledge, skills and values in the fight against substance abuse in secondary schools. On the best teaching approaches, the study found out that experts and role models, project based and co-curricular activities are the best approaches that teachers of Civic Education can employ to attain acceptable attitudes and behaviors among the learners. The study concludes that Civic Education is vital in the fight against substance abuse because it enlightens the learners on the consequences of substance abuse to their education, health and national development. Based on the findings of the study, the study recommends that Civic education curriculum should also include detailed topics about substance abuse at junior level so that learners are well equipped upon entry at grade eight
The effects of corporate governance on financial performance of selected companies listed at the Lusaka securities exchange.
Get PDFThesis of Masters of Business Administration Finance.This Study examines the influence of corporate governance on the financial performance of companies that are publicly traded on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE). The study uses a sample of eight corporations to examine the correlation and regression analysis of three key governance features: board independence, board size, and audit committees. The study aims to investigate the relationship between these aspects and financial outcomes. The study reveals a direct association between the size of the board and revenue, indicating that larger boards may enhance financial performance by bringing in a wider range of experience and implementing improved governance methods. Nevertheless, there is a clear inverse relationship between
board independence and revenue, suggesting that greater levels of independence may not necessarily be associated with improved financial performance, potentially due to an excessive focus on risk mitigation. The existence of audit committees is directly associated with revenue,
highlighting their significance in enhancing financial transparency and adherence to regulations. This study adds to the discussion on corporate governance in developing economies by emphasizing the subtle impacts of governance frameworks on financial outcomes. It implies that although some governance methods are advantageous, their effects can differ based on the particular circumstances and dynamics of the companies and
marketplaces in which they function
An assessment of critical success factors of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Lusaka, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Accounting and Finance.This research assesses the critical success and failure factors of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Lusaka, Zambia, amid recent closures of six institutions. The study aims to understand factors influencing MFIs' operations in Zambia and proposes measures to enhance critical success factors.
The study employed an exploratory research design to lay the foundation for investigating the critical success factors of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Lusaka, Zambia. The research adopted a mixed research approach to deliver conclusions or inferences concerning the critical success factors of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Zambia. Both quantitative and qualitative strategies were used. Quantitative strategies were utilized to analyse data and draw conclusions about the factors critical to the success of MFIs. Data collected was cleaned, processed, coded and analysed using Microsoft office excel and Microsoft office word for qualitative parts. The study targets 29 registered MFIs by Bank of Zambia in Lusaka, selecting 10 with 60 key informants via cluster sampling. Closed ended questionnaires and questionnaire guide were used to gather quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring ethical considerations. Findings reveal limited funding access, operational efficiency, and financial literacy as primary failure factors. Critical success factors include financial stability, marketing strategies, technology adoption, and outreach to under-served populations. Recommendations include diversifying funding sources, tailored financial literacy initiatives, operational efficiency optimization, and enhanced community engagement. This study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for the sustained success of MFIs in Lusaka
Determinants of gender-based violence (GBV) among women in Zambia : evidence from the 2007, 2013/14 and 2018 Zambia demographic & health surveys (ZDHS).
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science Degree in Public HealthGender-Based Violence can have a devastating impact on the health of women and girls, depriving them of the opportunity to live a safe and secure life, restricting their access to land, education, and other productive resources. This creates a power imbalance that prevents women and girls from having full control of their lives. As a result, women are disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and HIV/AIDs, while their participation in other spheres of life such as politics and decision-making is limited. The study utilized data from the Zambia Demographic Health Surveys (ZDHS) conducted
in 2007, 2013/14, and 2018, focusing on women in the reproductive age group (15-49 years). Analytical methods including descriptive analysis, Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and multivariate logistic regression were employed to test associations with socio economic and demographic factors and establish relationships. Findings revealed that the highest prevalence of sexual GBV reported by women occurred in the age group 45-49 years, represented by 16.6% in the 2018 survey year, 35-39 years with 18.2% in the 2013/14 ZDHS, and 19.4% in the 2007 ZDHS. Only the age group in the 2007 survey year showed statistical significance with a p-value of 0.012. Regarding emotional violence, age group 40-44 recorded the highest prevalence at 34.0% in 2018 ZDHS, while
35-39 was the highest in the 2013/4 ZDHS at 34.0% and 25-29 in the 2007 ZDHS at 27.8%. Age with both severe and emotional violence was statistically significant in the survey years p-value (<0.05). Education was statistically significant in all survey years as the p-values were less than 0.05. Results of chi-square test examining the association between socio-economic and demographic factors and emotional violence in the three survey years, 2007, 2013/14 and 2018 revealed that age, area of residence, educational attainment, marital status, and household wealth index were statistically associated with emotional violence in all survey years, with a p-value less than 0.05. The results also showed that age, educational attainment, marital status was significant in all survey years when employed to determine the association between socio-economic and demographic characteristics of respondents with severe violence. Religion was only significant with severe violence and socio-economic characteristic in 2013/14 ZDHS (p-value 0.040). A multinomial logistic regression model was utilized to assess the likelihood of a woman experiencing various forms of GBV, using the 2013/14 ZDHS data. The independent variables considered were, age of the women, residence, education, wealth index, religion, and region. The results show that age and residence are the most prominent factors
associated with emotional violence. There is a positive and significant association between age and emotional violence, with older age groups between 30-44 and 40-44 years experiencing higher levels of emotional violence as indicated by higher coefficients 0.09 to 0.11. The p-values confirm that these findings are statistically significant, in addition, there is a negative and significant association between rural residence and emotional violence, as indicated by a negative coefficient (-0.07) and a p-value of 0.00. This suggests that women living in rural areas are less likely to experience emotional violence by their partners than women living in urban areas. It is evident that gender-based violence among women of reproductive age group 15-49 years in Zambia is influenced by socio-economic and demographic factors. Factors associated with GBV were highlighted, therefore, any interventions aimed at curbing the
vice should be designed to address the factors associated with the vice
An empirical effectual study of mobile phone banking on the liquidity situation of selected Natsave bank branches of Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration (MBA)The study investigated the relationship between mobile phone banking and the liquidity of selected branches of the National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE) within the Lusaka District, Zambia. The research employed the embedded mixed research design, engaging NATSAVE employees and customers in Lusaka District. A stratified purposive and simple random sampling was utilized, with a sample size of 250 respondents. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and guided interviews respectively. Descriptive and thematic analysis techniques were employed to analyse quantitative and qualitative data within Microsoft Excel and SPSS environment. The findings of this study showed that the mobile banking systems adopted by NATSAVE Bank consisted of services ranging from account balance checking to a more advanced functionalities such as mobile bank deposits and bill payments. Additionally, the study revealed a positive strong (r = 0.83) relationship between mobile banking and NATSAVE Bank’s liquidity. The majority of respondents expressed the belief that mobile banking has no significant impact on the bank’s liquidity. Regarding the solutions tailored to address the potential constraints effecting the mobile banking on NATSAVE Bank’s liquidity, the findings highlighted the following: introduction of transactional limits, encouraging digital savings, offering liquidity management education, introducing dynamic fee structures during peak periods, establishing a liquidity reserve, and fostering strategic partnerships with mobile wallet providers.
The recommendations that emerged from the study were: 1. NATSAVE should adopt adaptive strategies for mobile banking by regularly evaluating and adjusting its services based on customer feedback, industry trends, and technological advancements. 2. NATSAVE should explore strategic collaborations with Fintech innovators to integrate cutting-edge technologies into mobile banking services. 3. NATSAVE should explore innovative ways to engage customers within the mobile banking ecosystem
The effect of personal bank loans on the livelihood of teachers in selected public schools in Lusaka.
Get PDFThesis of Masters in Business administration.This study was conducted in 15 selected schools in Lusaka. The objective of this research was to establish the effect of personal bank loans on the livelihood of teachers in selected public schools in Lusaka. This study investigated the reasons behind teachers' use of personal bank loans in Lusaka, the effectiveness of these loans in meeting their financial needs, and the challenges associated with the loans acquired. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from 100 questionnaires and in-depth qualitative insight from 10 interview guides with head teachers and employees from the Credit reference bureau. Convenience sampling was used to select 15 schools in Lusaka.100 Participants were then
sampled using purposive sampling and given questionnaires. This combination allowed for a comprehensive understanding of loan practices and their multifaceted effect on teachers' lives in selected public schools in Lusaka. The study revealed that teachers primarily sought loans due to economic hardships, buying assets such as cars and land, and unexpected financial emergencies. While loans offered a means for essential purchases and temporary financial relief, they often contributed to a cycle of indebtedness and psychological discomfort. Key challenges included high stress levels, reduced net pays, indebtedness, increased divorce and suicide cases. Personal bank loans offered short-term financial solutions for teachers but posed
long-term risks. The conclusions drawn from this study emphasized the need for a holistic approach to addressing teachers' financial vulnerabilities. Providing access to credit alone was insufficient; it must be accompanied by efforts to improve financial literacy, strengthen support systems, and address the root causes of financial instability. This study recommended financial literacy programs, improved teacher compensation, and the development of teacher-specific loan products. Transparent and fair lending practices were also essential to support teachers' financial stability and avoid unsustainable debt burdens
Effectiveness of malaria case management in under-five children by community health workers in Thyolo and Chikwawa districts in Malawi from 2017 to 2021.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Tropical Infectious Diseases and ZoonosisMalaria is one of the infectious diseases that causes a lot of deaths in under-five children in sub Saharan African countries and continues to be a public health problem. Most of these deaths occur in under-five children residing in remote and hard-to-reach areas where access to healthcare is a challenge because of long distances to the health facilities. The use of community health workers (CHWs) was introduced to improve access to healthcare and to reduce the under-five children’s deaths due to malaria. However, there is limited information in terms of the effectiveness of CHWs in malaria case management in Malawi. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of CHWs in malaria case management in Thyolo and Chikwawa districts of Malawi. This was a retrospective descriptive study design where eight (8) health centres were randomly selected within the catchment area and clusters in each of the selected districts where the CHWs are based. Malaria mortality trends and malaria admission trends were analysed before and after the introduction of malaria community case management. Analysis was done using SPSS, STATA, and R Studio. Tests used were independent t-tests, multiple linear regression, and time trend analysis tests such as Moving Average and Mann-Kendall Trend tests. The results from the years 2017 to 2021 showed that 53% of under-five malaria cases were seen in village clinics in Thyolo district and 38.5% in Chikwawa from the year 2017 to 2021. Further, there was a significant decline in the trends of malaria death rates over time (p = value 0.036). Thyolo district had a decline in mortality from 72.8 per 100,000 in 2013 to 24.7 per 100,000 in 2021, whereas Chikwawa district saw a decline from 99.4 per 100,000 to 36.2 per 100,000. Additionally, a significant mean difference (p = 0.035) was found between the two districts, with Chikwawa district having more cases (M = 9142) than Thyolo district (M = 2235). Admission trends also statistically declined (p = value: 0.034) after the community case malaria programme from 2017 to 2021. Country-wide study will help to establish the effectiveness of CHW for the whole of Malawi. The study recommends a need to continuously support the CHWs, more sensitisation meetings to the communities to continuously access the health services rendered by the CHWs and to consider increasing the age group accessing services by CHWs
Investigating the influences of gender and qualifications on political leadership in Zambia; a case study of Chingola district
Get PDFThesis of Masters in Peace, Leadership, and Conflict Resolutio
HIV diagnosis during pregnancy: stress, coping strategies and experiences of women at selected health facilities in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Midwifery.Background: A diagnosis of HIV usually causes stress in the affected individual because of its lack of cure. In an effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV, pregnant women have to undergo HIV testing during antenatal care. Pregnancy is a sensitive and stressful state as the body of the pregnant woman has to make adjustments throughout in order to maintain the pregnancy and prepare for labour and delivery; and the puerperium. A diagnosis of HIV during pregnancy therefore adds on to this stress. A pregnant woman who is diagnosed HIV positive requires assistance in order to cope positively with the HIV diagnosis and its effects. When positive coping strategies are used, the levels of stress begin to dissipate.
Study aim: The study aimed to ascertain the stress levels, coping strategies and experiences of women diagnosed HIV positive during pregnancy at selected Health facilities in Lusaka district, Zambia
Methods: A longitudinal mixed methods design was used to collect panel data in 3 stages. Stage 1 of the study was done during the participants’s second antenatal visit at around 14-20 weeks gestation, stage 2 was done at around 28-32 weeks’gestation and stage 3 was done at six weeks postdelivery. The quantitative arm used a longitudinal analytical design, while the
qualitative arm used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study population were pregnant women who tested HIV positive for the first time during their current pregnancy, and 100% enumeration was used to select 110 participants for the quantitative data, and out of these, purposive sampling was employed to select 17 participants, for the qualitative data collection. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) were used to collect quantitative data on the levels of stress and the coping strategies used respectively. The stress levels were measured during all the 3 stages of the study and the coping strategies were categorised during stage 2 and 3 of the study. Stress levels were categorised into high, moderate
or low, while coping strategies were either problem focused or emotion focused. The problem focused coping was subdivided into problem focused (problem solving) and problem focused (seeking social support). Quantitative data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to report participants’ demographic characteristics as well as the levels of stress and coping strategies that they used at each assessment period. A Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test tested for differences in stress levels at Stages 1 and 2 of the study, and Kruskal-Wallis test determined the relationship between the coping strategy used and the stress levels. Post hoc comparisons were conducted using Mann-Whitney tests to compare the differences in stress levels among the coping strategies that were used. Qualitative data were collected using a semi structured interview schedule during stage 3 of the study and were analysed manually, using the Braun and Clarke 6-phase coding framework for thematic analysis, which included; familiarisation, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up.
Findings: The major findings revealed that 57.3%, 65.6%, and 37.5% of the participants had moderate levels of stress at stages 1, 2 and 3 of the study respectively. This was followed by those who had high levels of stress (26.4%, 14.4 and 12.5%) at stages 1, 2 and 3 of the study respectively. Over half (54.5 and 62.5%) of participants utilised problem focused (problem solving) coping strategy at stages 2 and 3 of the study respectively. There was a statistically significant median difference between the perceived stress scale (stage 1) and perceived stress
scale (stage 2). We therefore rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the difference between the rank totals of 34.91 (A), 30.71 (B) and 46.43 (C) were significant, H (2, n=73(=6.75, p=.034. There was a statistically significant association between the coping strategy and the levels of stress at stage 2 of the study (p=.001). Post hoc comparisons were conducted using Mann- Whitney tests with a Bonferroni adjusted alpha level of .016 (0.05/3). The difference between the Problem solving group and the seeking social support group was statistically significant (z=-21.252, p=.002), Problem solving group and Emotion focused group (z=-33.327, p=.001). Kruskal Wallis test revealed a statistically significant association
between stress levels and Health facility at Stage 1 (p=.038). Post hoc comparisons using Mann Whitney tests with a Bonferroni adjusted alpha level of .016 (0.05/3) were conducted and revealed a statistically significant difference between the Kanyama and the George group (z=24.638, p=.038). There was also a statistically significant association between participant’s age and stress levels at both stage 1 and 2 of the study (U=627.000, p=.012 at stage 1 and U=498.500, p=.015 at stage 2). Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data and 8 themes emerged which explained the participants’ experiences. Among them were; stress of an HIV diagnosis, ART adherence, disclosure of an HIV diagnosis, staff behaviour, mother baby interaction, and resilience and moving on.
Conclusion: The study revealed that women who are diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy experience stress, and the coping strategy that they utilise determines the increase or reduction of the stress levels. The study recommends the use of the Perceived Stress Scale, and Coping Strategy Indicator at every antenatal and postnatal visit for women diagnosed HIV positive during pregnancy. This will help to identify those who are stressed and enable individualised care to help them to cope; and those using maladaptive coping, to help them employ coping strategies that can help them deal with the stress.
Key words: stress, HIV diagnosis in pregnancy, coping strategy, mother-baby bondin
Development of an early warning system for predicting rock bursts and rock induced displacements in seismically active mining blocks at Mufulira underground mine (deeps section).
Get PDFThesis for a Master of Engineering in Rock MechanicsMufulira Mine has been in operation since 1933. The Mine is situated on the Copperbelt region of Zambia. It is predominantly rich in copper mineralization. Due to increase in mine depth
which currently stands at 1,557 m, the mine has been experiencing geomechanical challenges such as rock failures due to excessive stress changes around some mining blocks. This has
necessitated changes in mining sequences to suit the present geomechanical conditions such as development of de-stressing cross-cuts between 62 and 64 blocks. Additionally, blocks have
been subjected to shotcrete support method to prevent possible rockbursts/rock falls which can endanger safety of men working in these areas. This study applied laboratory geotechnical investigations for intact rock mass to determine unconfined compressive strength (UCS), secant and tangent Young’s Modulus (E Sec and E Tan), and secant and tangent Poisson's Ratio (ν Sec and ν Tan), Brazilian and Triaxial Compressive Strength tests as well as geological field mapping methods to understand the Geomechanics mechanisms controlling rock burst prone mining blocks at Mufulira mine. Laboratory findings indicated high values of Brazilian (Tensile strength) ranging from 7 MPa to 12.1 MPa, Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) ranging from 126 MPa to 226 MPa and Triaxial Compressive Strength ranging from 124 MPa to 466 MPa were obtained. Damage mapping conducted in the footwall drives, cross-cuts and mining drives excavations indicate that there is a changing stress as one moves away from the retreating stope face to the east. An early warning monitoring system at Mufulira mine has been developed through
modification of the existing micro-seismic monitoring system to allow the quantification of exposure to seismicity and provide a logistical tool to guide the effort into the prevention and
control of, and alerts to, potential rock mass instabilities that could result in rock bursts. Two geophones have been interconnected in series and connected to the network system via the
optical fibre junction box within the seismically active mining blocks to enhance accuracy in picking up rockbursts and rockfalls. Geomechanics properties of rocks determined in the
laboratory experiments, geotechnical and geological mapping results were used to suitably place the geophones in suitable proximities within the seismically affected mining blocks.
This modified micro-seismic monitoring system is susceptible to change if mining locations change due to changes in geotechnical and geological parameters such as rock types, jointing
and fracturing