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Reaching out to consumer health information users through academic and public/community libraries partnership: Experience from Kenya
Get PDFConsumer health information has gained prominence worldwide due to the need
for preventive as opposed to curative healthcare. Availability of diverse online
consumer health information (CHI) sources necessitates that public library users
become aware of quality CHI sources as they make important healthcare
decisions. An academic library received a grant for a project on the promotion of
consumer health literacy through public and community libraries in Central and
Upper Eastern Kenya. The first phase of the project carried out a CHI resources
training and provided seed money to two public libraries to acquire consumer
health books. The second phase of the project forms the basis of this paper aimed
to examine the impact of the first phase by evaluating the application of the
information literacy skills gained during the training and by assessing the use of
the consumer health collection by the public. A qualitative approach and survey
design were used. Data was collected from twelve users and nine librarians who
were purposely selected for a Focused Group Interview (FGI). An observation
guide was also used during physical visits on selected public and community
libraries. The results show that many public/community libraries established
health corners/hub after attending the training. There was an increase in queries
and demand for e-resources on diseases and general lifestyle information, a
change of attitude by staff and users towards CHI, improved customer care
services, and heightened image and value of a librarian in the provision of CHI.
Challenges faced included semi-illiteracy among the public, users’ insufficient
time to visit libraries, inadequate training skills and knowledge among library
staff, and insufficient funding. The paper concludes that partnership between
academic and public/community libraries in reaching out consumer health
information users was inevitable and significant in fostering community health
development
Dairy agribusiness strategies and performance of dairy farmers in Nyeri, Kirinyanga, Muranga and Kiambu Counties in Kenya
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of Master in Business Administration, Kenya Methodist UniversityDespite intensive knowledge and skill presumably passed on to the dairy farmers, there is a huge outcry from these farm entrepreneurs of high cost of dairy production and low returns on their dairy farming investment. Nevertheless, a small portion of the farmers have gone ahead to venture into dairy farming as business. This study sought to establish the dairy different investment strategies or combination of investment strategies and their resulting performance in the agribusiness farms. The study focused on the dairy agribusiness strategies of dairy farms in Nyeri, Kirinyanga, Murangá and Kiambu counties of Kenya. The study covered four objectives independent valuables and one dependent valuable. The independent valuables include innovative activities strategies; Operations activities strategies; Training of dairy farmers and value addition strategies. The four independent variables are checking against the farm performance as the dependent variable. Sample size was 384 dairy agribusiness farms. The sample size wasderived using Mugenda &Mugenda sampling formulae applied on the total number of active dairy farmers who delivered milk to Milk Associations (processor, Union, Federation, Cooperative (D.F.C.S.) self-help (S.H.G.), Investment Company) data sourced from Kenya Dairy Board 2015. For data collection questionnaires was the major instrument. Where approvals were given photographs were taken. Data was analyzed using the SPSS computer software, where both descriptive and inferential statistics were derived. Regression analysis was used in estimating the relationships among variables.The study found that innovative activities strategies in dairy agribusiness, dairy agribusiness farming operations activities, training to dairy agribusiness farmers and end product value addition influence the performance in dairy farming in the four counties in Kenya. The study recommends area for further studies to consider other County Governments in Kenya for purpose of making a comparison of the findings with those of the current stud
Relationship between physical working environment and employees performance among non-governmental organisations in Tharaka-Nithi county,Kenya
No full textThe performance of employees plays a critical part with regards to the success or failure of the organization, with the environment within the workplace having a direct impact on their performance. NGO's in Tharaka Nithi County are faced with the challenge of addressing the factors affecting the performance of their employees, the methods of gauging the performance of the employees and the strategies that can be used to improve employee performance. The lack of recent empirical information on the current situation regarding work environment and the performance of employees in the county shows that there have been no investigations carried out in Tharaka-Nithi County recently. The general objective of the study was to find out the relationship between the physical working environment and the performance of employees among NGO's workers in Tharaka-Nithi County. The specific objectives were on employee training, employee communication, employee remuneration and employee work life balance. The study is guided by the Brian Tracy Four Factor theory, the Affective Event theory and the Expectancy theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design that targeted all the 55 employees in the registered NGO's in Tharaka-Nithi County, and all employees took part in the study as it was a census. This study employed the use of questionnaires to collect the data. Construct validity and reliability of instruments were done accordingly. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 23, and descriptive statistics were used to tabulate the percentages and frequencies, while to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables using inferential statistics, the researcher used the chi-square to test the organizations. The study found that employees training influences performance, and the employees are not satisfied with how the training activities are carried out. The results also showed that majority of the employees were dissatisfied with the communication modes. On remuneration, the study found that the reward policy used influences employees performance. However, they disagreed that there is fringe benefit aid to employees. With regards to work-life balance, the study showed that the employees were not given flexibility in terms of their working hours. They also disagreed that the organization provides employees with assistance programs like counselling. Upon testing the hypothesis, the testing for objective one, two and four were rejected while the result for objective three was accepted. The study concludes that training activities are carried out by NGOs in Tharaka-Nithi County, while it was also concluded that the NGOs have not provided their employees with adequate tools for communication. Furthermore, it was concluded that the employees are fairly remunerated, and it was also concluded that the work-life balance is not well addressed by the NGO's. The study recommends that NGOs should come up with clear training policies that are relevant to the employees. Furthermore, it is recommended that employees should be equipped with the relevant communication tools for quick and effective communication. It is also recommended that NGOs should ensure that they continuously review their remuneration policy so as to continuously motivate their workers. Finally, the study recommends that the NGOs should relax their working time so as to cater for the employees work-life balance
Social economic factors that influence academic performance of primary school pupils in Kwanza sub county, Trans Nzoia county, Kenya.
No full textChildren are e'ntitled to a free quality of education. In order to achieve this, in 2008, '. UNESCO came up with the Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by 2015. One of the goal entailed achieving Universal Primary Education. By the year 2015, when the MDG were supposed to have been achieved has come and gone, yet school attendance, especially for girls, is far from being achieved. Consequently, UNESCO came up with Sustainable Development Goals, so as, to continue working on what had not been achieved and to sustain what had already been achieved. In an ideal situation, it is expected that all primary school pupils are exposed to a learning environment characterized by the provision of basic inputs towards their education in form of school fees, stationeries, and good diet. Many children in Kenya drop out of school before completing their primary education. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to assess the social-economic factors that influence academic performance of primary school pupils in Kwanza sub-county, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research design. The target population in this study constituted all the public primary schools in Kwanza Sub-County. The target population in this study consisted of 97 head teachers and 973 teachers, adding up to 1070 respondents. Using 10%, a sample of 10 head teachers and 97 teachers were selected from the respective categories of subjects. The researcher used simple random sampling in which respondents had equal chances to participate in this study. The teachers were drawn from the same schools from which the head teachers were selected. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Both open ended and close ended questions, were developed in line with the research objectives. Open-ended questions enabled the respondents to give their opinions about the study freely. The data collection instruments were pilot tested for validity and reliability before they were fully used for data collection. The researcher personally collected the data at agreed times and after appropriate authorization by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as, the County Commissioner. The data was analyzed with the help of Microsoft Excel version 2016 which helped in computing descriptive statistics which included proportions and percentages. The results obtained were presented using tables, frequencies and percentages. The findings of this study show that low socio¬economic status of the parents have a significantly negative effect on academic performance, as parents are unable to cater for basic needs such as food, uniform and educational resources, for their children. This leads to absenteeism in schools and hence, learners are not able to learn consistently. For academic performance to improve in this region the Government of Kenya must ensure that Free Primary Education programme is consistent by providing learning materials such as books and introduce free lunch programmes to all schools, in order to retain pupils in schools from low socio-economic families. The Government, non-governmental organizations and religious organizations should train parents on the best way of utilizing the resources they have in order to eradicate poverty in the region
Effects of church ministry on family stability among pastors’ families in selected sub-counties in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textA thesis submitted to the School of Education and Social Sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the conferment of degree of Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology of Kenya Methodist UniversityThe family is an important place for individual mental growth. A family affects the growth of every member, and plays an important role in the normal operation process of a social system. Clergy families, however, experience ministry related challenges with potential ramifications on their family stability. This study sought to address the effect of church ministry on family stability among clergy families in selected churches in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to determine the extent to which the clergy‟s work as a preacher affects family stability, to establish the extent to which pastoral care work affects family stability, to determine the extent to which church administration work affects family stability in selected churches in Nairobi and to determine interventions that can be used to help clergy families.. The study was guided by the Structural Family Theory and Family Systems theory. Descriptive survey design was used to analyse data. Stratified sampling method was used. The sample population comprised of clergy and their family members engaged in church ministry with physical presence within Nairobi County. The study targeted 6 selected churches registered with the National Council of Churches of Kenya with a total of 32 local churches. A total of 166 respondents comprising of 64 clergy, 47 spouses of clergy and 55 children of clergy were included in the sample. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Hypotheses were tested using Spearman‟s rank correlation technique at p<.05 and regression analysis to establish the relationship among variables. The results showed that the relationship between preaching work and family stability was not statistically significant across all family members. However, it was found that there was a significant negative correlation between church administration work and clergy family stability from the viewpoint of the children. Further, a statistically significant negative relationship was obtained between pastoral care work and family stability across all family members. However, both pastoral care work and church administration work negatively affected the family functioning and stability of clergy families. It was concluded that only the clergy‟s work as a preacher had no effect on family stability. It was recommended that the church needs to find ways of mitigating negative effects of pastoral care work by professionalizing its human resource systems, compensation policies and procedures. Emphasis needs to be put on work-life balance programs targeting clergy and their families. Among options available to the church include professional counselling and debriefing sessions for clergy and their families, managing expectations from the church congregations and developing peer to peer mentoring programs. To help clergy families, the study recommended use of Multigenerational and Structural Family Therapies in enhancing clergy family stability
Relationship between feeding practices and nutritional status of children under the age of two years in Mugunga, Democratic Republic of Congo
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Science in Human Nutrition of Kenya Methodist University.Malnutrition is the most common childhood nutritional disorder characterised by stunting and wasting in children below two years old due to inappropriate feeding practices. Proper infant and young child feeding practices can improve child survival and promote healthy growth and development. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between feeding practices and nutrition status of children under two years old in Mugunga, Democratic Republic of Congo. This was a descriptive case study involving a total of 206 women/care givers and their under two years old children who attended Mother Child Health clinic at Mugunga Health Centre between June and July 2017 located in Mugunga, one of slums surrounding Goma Town, in the East of the DRC. Breastfeeding initiation immediately after birth was only 7.3% and just 7.8% of children were exclusively breastfed for the first six months. The main reason for stopping to exclusively breastfeed the baby before six months was that women found out that baby continued to be hungry after breast feeding session. The main reason for stopping breastfeeding before two years was because of new pregnancy. Fewer children met the minimum dietary diversity (5.3%) and the minimum acceptable diet (7.3%). There was a high level of malnourished children compared to the acceptable level. The main reasons for not meeting the minimum dietary diversity and the minimum acceptable diet were poverty and lack of knowledge concerning good complementary feeding practices.Our findings, based on Chi-squared test’s results, showed that there is a relationship between feeding practices and nutrition status of children (p value <0.001). Thus, there is a need to institute interventions to improve feeding practices in Mugunga
Influence of information communication technologies on quality of distance teaching and learning in Kenya universities
No full textInformation Communication Technologies (ICTs) are varied. They include different types of network infrastructure that depend on internet connectivity which in turn allows access to various search engines. ICTs have transformed the way people live, work, do business and access education. With advent of ICTs, distance learning has become an alternative and supplement for face to face learning. This study investigated the influence of ICTs on quality of distance teaching and learning in Kenyan Universities. The study was guided by four objectives: to establish the influence of availability of ICTs infrastructure, to determine the influence of utilization of ICTs infrastructure, to investigate the influence of provision of institutional support on use of ICTs and to determine the influence of learner characteristics on use of ICTs. The study was based on Bruner's constructivist theory and Simonson's theory of equivalency. The study was guided by mixed methods research approach. Specifically, convergent parallel design was used. The target population was universities that offer programmes through open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) targeting ODeL directors, lecturers who taught ODeL students, ICT technical staff and ODeL students from the selected universities that offer programmes through this mode. A sample size comprised of (4) ODeL directors, (78) lecturers, ( 4) I CT technical staff and (15 6) 0 DeL students. Stratified, systematic and purposive sampling was used to sample the respondents. Among all the universities that offer ODeL programmes, four universities were purposively sampled for the study. Data was collected by use of document analysis guide, questionnaires and interview guide. Cronbach alpha correlation method was used to compute reliability co-efficient which was 0.8095 which was above 0.7 as expected in social sciences. To ensure reliability in qualitative data, interview guide with highly structured questions, with the same format and sequence of words was used for each participant. Descriptive statistics involving mainly frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyse the data. Logistics Regression, specifically Wald Test, was used to test the null hypotheses. Omnibus test of model coefficients and Hosmer and Lemeshow Tests were used to test the fitness of the models. Data was presented in graphs and tables. Analysis of quantitative data was done using Predictive Analytical Software (PAS) version 20.0. Qualitative data was coded and analysed in themes emerging from the narratives. From the findings, it was established that computers were the most available ICT hardware used in distance teaching and learning in the sampled universities. Despite availability of computers, it was established that video conferencing and audio-conferencing facilities were not available for distance teaching and learning. Universities use Learning Management Systems (LMS) and also online social networking tools to advance distance learning. The study revealed that the institutional support on use ofICTs was the most significant factor that influences quality of distance teaching and learning in selected Kenyan universities. It was concluded that availability of ICT infrastructure, utilization of ICT infrastructure, institutional support on the use of ICT and learner characteristics on the use of ICT were all significant when considered separately. However, when considered as a block, institutional support on use of JCT was the most significant. The study recommended that to enhance quality in ODeL, institutional support on use of ICTs in distance teaching and learning was very critical
Factors influencing performance of guidance and counseling programmes in public secondary schools in Kwale County, Kenya
Get PDFA thesis submitted to the School of Education and Social Sciences in partial fulfillment for the conferment of the degree of Master of Arts in Counseling of Kenya Methodist University.Guidance and counseling services in secondary schools are meant to assist students to develop their academic, social and personal competencies in order to make realistic choices and relevant decisions in life, to reduce indiscipline and students unrest. This means that the success of guidance and counseling programme in a given school can lead to behavior change. It is in this realization that this study was carried out. The aim of the study was to examine the factors influencing performance of guidance and counseling programmes in public secondary schools in Kwale County, Kenya. This study was guided by the following objectives: To examine the influence of teacher counselors training on the performance of guidance and counseling programme in public secondary schools in Kwale County; To investigate the influence of availability of guidance and counseling facilities on the performance of guidance and counseling programme in public secondary schools in Kwale County; and To examine the extent to which students‟ attitude towards guidance and counseling services influence the performance of guidance and counseling programme in public secondary schools in Kwale County. The theories used were the Person Centered Theory (PCT) and the theory of planned behavior. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of this study was 7, 101 students in the upper classes and the 54 guidance and counseling teachers from these schools. 710 students‟ respondents who were randomly sampled through simple random sampling and, then a population census was done on the guidance and counselling teachers from the 54 schools which made a total of 764 sample population. Questionnaires and focused group discussions were the main instruments of data collection that were used. Data was presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that seventy percent of the respondents supported the idea that teachers‟ or counselors‟ training has a significant influence on the performance of the guidance and counseling programmes in public secondary schools in the area. The findings continued to indicate that ninety percent of the respondents supported the idea that guidance and counseling facilities significantly influence the guidance and counseling programmes in their schools. The study concluded that teacher counselors‟ training has a significant influence on the performance of G&C programmes in various schools in Kwale County. Schools have few numbers of trained teachers as guidance and counselor experts and some have not done any effort of supporting their teachers to enroll in guidance and counseling courses so as to enable them implement the programme effectively at various levels. Generally, the findings indicated that students‟ attitude is the most significant factor influencing the performance of guidance and counselling in schools followed by guidance and counselling facilities and finally teacher‟s/counselor‟s training. Based on the results the study recommended that schools need to liaise with the ministry of education and other stakeholders to hire experts/ counselors who are well trained to handle the issues surrounding the development of the youth in the 21st century. Also, schools should set a standalone guidance and counseling office that is fully equipped with guidance and counseling materials and furniture for better performance of guidance and counseling programmes in their schools. Finally, students‟ attitudes towards guidance and counseling need to be stimulated positively for better guidance and counseling results. The students should be sensitized on the importance of seeking for guidance and counseling services and how this can enable them perform better in life
Assessing factors affecting pastoral leadership transition in church: A case of Pentecostal churches in Kenya Molo Sub-county, Kenya.
No full textDue to lack of defined transition structures transition period in many of the pentecostal churches becomes a period which produces considerable anxiety, confusion, ambiguity, and uncertainty. Therefore the study sought to determine factors affecting pastoral leadership transitions among pentecostal churches in Molo Sub-County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives. To find out the pastoral leadership transition mechanism in place in the pentecostal churches in Molo Sub-County, to investigate the extent of the problem regarding pastoral leadership transition within pentecostal churches in Molo Sub-County and to examine factors that affect pastoral leadership transition within pentecostal churches in Molo Sub-County. The finding of the study is of great importance to various stakeholders. The study is of help policy maker in the church to formulate policies to address challenges facing the leadership transition and• enact best policies and procedures in leadership transition. The study employed a descriptive cross sectional research design. This study total target population was 51 pastors and 126 church leaders from pentecostal churches in Molo Sub-County. The pastors and leaders was considered for their involvement in church leadership. The study used Andrew Fishers formula to get
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a sample of 121 respondents. The researcher further used stratified sampling
technique to select a sample from each targeted churches. The study used both primary and secondary source of data. The questionnaires contained both open ended questions and closed ended questions. Closed ended questions allow specific types of responses provided by the researcher while open ended type, the respondents stated responses as they wish. Open-ended questionnaire was used to get opinion from the study subjects. After analysis data was presented in tables due to ease of interpretation information presented in tables. From the findings the researcher concluded majority of churches have no constitution, but some of the churches have formal leadership structures for those who have structure the structures are not effective in leadership transition. Criteria used by churches in leadership transition include negotiated leadership, promotion of juniors, making appointments and through vetting but majority of the churches promote their juniors during leadership succession. Consideration made by churches during pastoral leadership include age, education level, year of service and commitment of the aspire but majority of churches consider education level during pastoral leadership. From the conclusion the researcher recommended that church leadership should establish a criteria for leadership transition which ensure smooth leadership transition, this will reduce chances of existence of splitter groups
Assessment of pre-service nursing students’ perception of competence acquired in skills laboratory training in Bomet medical training college
No full textA Research Thesis submitted to School of Medicine and Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of requirements for the conferment of the degree of Master of Science in Nursing Education of Kenya Methodist UniversityIn recent decades, globally, nursing instructors have tended to use skills laboratory in training skills for pre-service nursing students rather than traditional methods due to benefits such as increased self-confidence and competency levels. The basic nursing skills/procedures taught to these students are of great importance during initiation into clinical placement. This study attempted to assess skills laboratory training program for pre-service nursing students with the aim of identifying infrastructural and staff related factors that influence the program, determine strategies applied and perception of level of competencies acquired by a student after training. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To identify infrastructural related factors that influence pre- service skills laboratory training program; To identify staff related factors that influence pre- service skills laboratory training program; To determine the strategies utilized in skills laboratory and To determine the perception on the level of competency acquired by pre-service nursing students after skills laboratory training program in Bomet Medical Training College. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from respondents. The study was a cross- sectional descriptive survey, where 150 students in the 1st year of study in nursing school, in Kenya Medical Training College, Bomet campus were systematically selected. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS version 22. Analysed data was presented using simple tables, percentages, pie charts and chi-square. The study established that simulation was an effective method of teaching skills in the skills laboratory. Students acknowledged peer teaching was also being utilized. In addition, pre-service nursing students agreed that they are able to collect specimens and take patient’s vital signs. From the findings, respondents agreed that skills laboratory area is adequate to accommodate at least 10 students per session. The study established that most of the respondents agreed that skills laboratory had equipment they needed to practice nursing procedures. The study revealed that skills laboratory trainers were knowledgeable and competent in training skills while. A small number of the respondents agreed that skills laboratory had adequate number of simulated patients equally few agreed that skills laboratory was open every day. Correlation analysis using chi-square at 95% confidence level; revealed a statistically significant association between teaching strategies and perception of competence; performance of skills and perception of competence; infrastructural and staff related factors and perception of competence. The study recommends that; NCK to implement structured skills lab training for pre-service nursing students; other skills lab teaching strategies like peer learning should be utilized more, it is an effective strategy as it ensures students engage more and relieves strained faculty staff. Nursing colleges should schedule daily and after 5pm access strategies to skill labs to enhance skills acquisition