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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Healthcare Professionals in Selected Intensive Care Units, Bui Division, Cameroon
No full textDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Clinical PsychologyPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent occupational hazard among healthcare professionals working in intensive care units (ICUs), where frequent exposure to trauma, critical illness, and death contributes to significant psychological distress. Despite the global recognition of PTSD among frontline workers, limited evidence exists from fragile health systems in sub-Saharan Africa, and no prior studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in this context. Guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model, Vicarious Trauma Theory, and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, this study assessed the prevalence of PTSD, examined socio-demographic influences, established comorbidities, and evaluated the efficacy of EMDR therapy among ICU healthcare professionals in selected general hospitals in Kumbo, Bui Division, Cameroon. A quasi-experimental pre-/post-test control-group design was applied. At baseline, a census of ICU staff (N = 134) was conducted, with 67 participants allocated to the treatment group and 67 to the control group. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), while depression and anxiety were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Attrition across study phases was systematically recorded, with retention at endline being 76.1%. Findings revealed an exceptionally high prevalence of probable PTSD, with 94.8% of participants meeting the clinical threshold at baseline. PTSD symptom severity did not significantly differ by socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, ICU experience, role, or working hours, indicating the pervasive nature of PTSD risk across subgroups. Comorbidities were widespread, with depression present in 82.8%, anxiety in 85.1%, and burnout risk in 80.6% of participants, underscoring the clustering of adverse mental health outcomes. Evaluation of EMDR therapy demonstrated marked effectiveness. In the treatment group, mean PCL-5 scores dropped from 40.92 at baseline to 19.33 at midline and 8.80 at endline, while scores in the control group remained stable (44.20, 43.06, and 43.24, respectively). Repeated measures ANOVA confirmed significant main effects of time (η²p = .903), group (η²p = .862), and group × time interaction (η²p = .891), all p < .001. ANCOVA analyses further showed that EMDR effects remained significant at both midline and endline after adjusting for baseline PTSD. By endline, 100% of treatment participants achieved remission compared to only 5.9% of controls, χ²(1, N = 102) = 90.67, p < .001. This study provides robust evidence that ICU healthcare professionals in Cameroon face an alarming burden of PTSD and related comorbidities, highlighting an urgent need for systemic mental health support in fragile health systems. EMDR therapy was shown to be highly effective, producing rapid and sustained reductions in PTSD symptoms and achieving complete remission in the treatment group. These findings establish EMDR as a promising, culturally adaptable intervention with the potential to transform trauma care for healthcare professionals in similar low-resource contexts. Integrating EMDR therapy, enhancing systemic and workplace supports, and conducting localized research to mitigate PTSD among ICU professionals, particularly in resource-constrained and high-conflict healthcare settings, is recommended.Daystar Universit
Disruptive Innovations and Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Telecommunication Firms in Kenya: A Case of Airtel Kenya Ltd
No full textMaster of Business Adminstartion in Strategic ManagementRecent statistics by the Communication Authority (CA) indicate that for the last five years, Airtel has lost an estimated 40% of market share to Safaricom Plc (CA, 2022). This puts long term viability and competitive edge of Airtel in doubt thus creating problem of sustainable competitive edge. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to establish the effect of disruptive innovations on sustainable competitive advantage of Airtel Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to establish disruptive innovations practiced at Airtel Kenya; to assess sustainable competitive advantage of Airtel Kenya Ltd and to analyze the effect of disruptive innovations of sustainable competitive advantage of Airtel Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya. The Resource-Based View, Diffusion of Innovation Theory as well as the Schumpeterian Theory were used to underpin the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted targeting 230 staff from the sales and marketing as well as information and communication technology (ICT) departments at Airtel Kenya. Stratified random sampling was adopted to sample 146 respondents. Primary data was collected with aid of structured questionnaire that had undergone pretesting to determine reliability. While experts and supervisors helped to determine content and construct validity, Cronbacah Alpha computed from pre-test study data was used to determine reliability with the value 0.7 as the threshold. The findings were analyzed through SPSS guided by frequencies and percentages as well as multiple regression analysis and presented using tables and figures. The findings on the first objective indicate that disruption innovation at Airtel Kenya was practiced in varying magnitude ranging from new market disruptive innovation followed by high end disruptive innovation and lastly low-end innovation. On the second objective, while of the respondents believed that there was stability of the market share, believed that the profit trend of Airtel Kenya had been stable. The finding on the third objective indicate that at 5% level of significance, low end disruptive innovations exerted the greatest positive and significant effect on sustainable competitive advantage of Airtel Kenya followed by high end disruptive innovations and lastly new market disruptive innovations. The study concluded that disruptive innovation was practiced at Airtel Kenya in varied magnitudes and it significantly predicted its sustainable competitive advantage. The study recommended that strategy and innovation managers working at Airtel Kenya should divert more resources in low end and high-end disruptive innovation as compared to new market disruption in order to achieve long term competitive edge and leverage its products like Airtel Money to increase its uptake especially among the bottom of the market customers.Daystar Universit
The Effectiveness of Faith-Based Organisations in Conflict Transformation in Kenya: A Case of Isiolo Interfaith Network
No full textMaster of Arts in Diplomacy, Development and International SecurityThe study investigated the effectiveness of faith-based organisations in conflict transformation , using a case study of the Isiolo Interfaith Network (IIN). Three objectives guided the study: To evaluate the influence of IIN's conflict transformation programs on reducing inter-community conflicts in Isiolo County, Kenya; To examine the impact of religious values and principles in shaping the conflict transformation activities and interventions of IIN and to explore the sustainability of FBO-led peace initiatives in the long-term conflict transformation process in Isiolo County, Kenya. John Paul Lederach's theory of conflict transformation was the basis for the study. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data. A structured questionnaire was administered to community members, yielding 119 usable responses (response rate 85 percent). Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and multiple regression, were conducted to examine determinants of perceived effectiveness. Complementary qualitative data were collected through five key informant interviews (KIIs) and three focus group discussions (FGDs), and were analyzed thematically to contextualize and expand on survey results. Findings revealed that IIN is widely perceived as effective in reducing inter-communal tensions and fostering peaceful coexistence, with 69–82 per cent of respondents reporting positive influence. Trust in faith leaders and the promotion of religious values such as tolerance, forgiveness, and love emerged as central to IIN’s credibility and impact. However, the study found limited evidence that IIN addresses the structural root causes of conflict, such as resource competition and youth unemployment. Sustainability also emerged as a challenge. While community involvement and inter-institutional collaboration are strong, only half of the respondents agreed that IIN has built enduring local capacity, with heavy reliance on donor funding, and a few key leaders identified vulnerabilities. The study concluded that faith-based organisations can play a crucial role in rapid response, trust-building, and short-term conflict de-escalation. To enhance long-term impact, it recommends strengthening local capacity, diversifying funding, and embedding interfaith initiatives into county-level governance and conflict prevention frameworks.Daystar Universit
Organizational Capabilities, Government Regulations and Performance of Mwalimu National Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementSavings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) have emerged as pivotal players in enhancing financial inclusion, supporting economic development, and empowering communities in Kenya. Despite the vital role played by SACCOs, their performance has remained inconsistent and, in some cases, unsustainable, with many struggling to remain competitive in the face of changing regulatory frameworks, technological demands, and human resource challenges. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of organizational capabilities, government regulations and the performance of Mwalimu National Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to examine the effect of Human Resource Capabilities on the performance of Mwalimu National SACCO; to assess the effect of Technological Capabilities on the performance of Mwalimu National SACCO; to establish the effect of Financial Capabilities on the performance of Mwalimu National SACCO; and to evaluate the moderating effect of Government Regulations on the relationship between organizational capabilities and the performance of Mwalimu National SACCO. The study was anchored on the Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Balanced score card framework and Institutional Theory. This study employed an explanatory research design. The study target population included 98 senior and mid-level managers at Mwalimu National SACCO. The research used primary data, collected using a structured questionnaire. A pretest was conducted on 10 senior and mid-level managers at Harambee SACCO. Data collected was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0. Descriptive analysis showed high ratings across human resource (M=4.12, SD=1.06), technological (M=4.16, SD=1.04), and financial capabilities (M=4.15, SD=1.07), while performance was rated highest (M=4.18, SD=1.06). Government regulations were also positively perceived (M=4.13, SD=1.11). Correlation results indicated significant positive relationships between organizational capabilities and performance, strongest for technological capabilities (r=0.608, p<0.05). Regression analysis showed organizational capabilities explained 39.1% of performance variance (R²=0.391), while adding government regulations increased explanatory power to 45.7% (R²=0.457). However, moderation testing revealed that the interaction effect was insignificant (β=-0.629, p=0.098). Strengthening SACCOs through enhanced organizational capabilities not only improves institutional sustainability but also aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063 by fostering financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and resilient cooperative development.Daystar Universit
Assessing Public Communicators’ Use of Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Enhanced Service Delivery in Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Corporate CommunicationAdoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, is a critical enabler of efficiency, responsiveness and innovation. Government communication, which remains central to building public trust and increasing public buy-ins into government policies and programmes, is also undergoing a digital transformation. This has necessitated the understanding of how those driving it perceive emerging technologies like AI. Existing global research indicates AI’s has transformed and eased the delivery of service in sectors such as healthcare, security, insurance, public service and education. Locally, AI studies have primarily focused on private media and digital content creation, leaving a significant research gap on AI use in public sector communication. This study assessed the extent to which Public Communicators at the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications (SDBT) view AI as being useful, easy to use, and potentially challenging, in delivering government communication. Anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research uncovers perceptions towards AI adoption in daily communication roles such as content creation, media monitoring, crisis response, writing, and citizen engagement. The researcher conducted interviews on nine (9) Public Communicators, purposefully selected at the SDBT. An explorative research design, was deployed and thematic analysis deployed to find that AI technologies embedded in communication tools, were in application within Kenya’s government communication spheres including SDBT. The Research, also found out that the Public Communicators perceived AI technologies as useful and easy to use, however, pointed out ethical concerns of AI misuse and lack of proper policy frameworks to regulate its deployment into government communication activities. As Kenya integrates AI into platforms like e-Citizen, while implementing the Kenya AI Strategy as well, this study recommends the enactment of a policy on AI technology deployment. The research also recommends the development of AI technologies, designed to offer solutions to Public Communicators, further aligning with government policies. Also, the professional development quest among the public communicators, with recommendations to equip them with proper kills to navigate the communication landscape with AI technologies.Daystar Universit
Assessment of Factors Influencing Vicarious Trauma and Coping Strategies among Healthcare Workers at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMASTERS in Clinical PsychologyHealthcare workers in high-acuity mental health settings face elevated risks of vicarious trauma (VT) due to repeated exposure to patients’ distressing experiences. This study examined the level, coping strategies, and determinants of vicarious trauma among healthcare workers at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH), Kenya’s primary psychiatric facility. Guided by Compassion Fatigue Theory, Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory, and Constructivist Self-Development Theory, the study used a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 121 participants selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Vicarious Trauma Questionnaire (VTQ) and analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics in SPSS version 25. Results showed that most healthcare workers experienced low to moderate levels of vicarious trauma, with emotional and cognitive impacts being the most pronounced. Adaptive coping strategies, particularly problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches, were most common, while maladaptive coping was rare. Hospital-related factors had a significant negative correlation with vicarious trauma (r = –.396, p < .001), indicating that supportive institutional environments reduced trauma levels. In contrast, healthcare worker–related factors such as experience and training showed a weaker positive relationship. The study concludes that vicarious trauma among healthcare workers at MNTRH is prevalent but largely mitigated by adaptive coping and supportive workplace conditions. It recommends implementing trauma-informed policies, continuous mental health training, and psychosocial support programs to enhance resilience among staff. Further research should explore long-term patterns of VT and evaluate targeted interventions in similar high-stress healthcare contexts.Daystar Universit
Effects of Short-Term Employment Contracts on Teachers ' Mental Health in Private Secondary Schools in Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in Counselling PsychologyThis study examined the effects of short-term employment contracts on teachers' mental health in private secondary schools within Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County. Its objectives included determining the prevalence of chronic stress, assessing anxiety levels, exploring the relationship between depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and contract duration, and investigating the coping strategies the teachers used. The study was guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and the Self-Determination Theory. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting teachers under contractual agreements, with data collected through the Depression Anxiety & Stress Scale (DASS-21), the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and the Brief COPE inventory. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression methods, while qualitative insights were obtained from open-ended responses. The study targeted 110 teachers, and 90 of them responded successfully to the questionnaire making an 81.8% response rate. Results showed that nearly half of the respondents (46.7%) experienced moderate to extremely severe stress, marked by agitation, nervous energy, and difficulty relaxing. Anxiety was especially prevalent, with 46.7% reporting extremely severe anxiety and 17.8% severe anxiety, accompanied by cognitive worries and physical symptoms such as trembling, palpitations, and panic. Approximately 33% to 47% of the respondents engaged frequently in maladaptive coping strategies, behaviours that research identified as associated with higher levels of psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that contract length (3–6 months or 6–12 months) was not a significant predictor of stress, anxiety, or depression, although these psychological factors were strongly interconnected, creating a mutually reinforcing cycle. The coping strategies identified included both adaptive and maladaptive methods: prayer and meditation, seeking advice, acceptance, and problem-solving were common, whereas avoidance, substance use, denial, and self-blame were also moderately observed. The study concludes that while contract duration does not directly cause mental health issues, the ongoing insecurity associated with short-term contracts acts as a psychosocial hazard, promoting chronic stress and severe anxiety among teachers. Recommendations advocate for strengthening institutional support through wellness programs, counselling services, and equitable workload distribution; implementing policy reforms to regulate contract practices and guarantee basic welfare protections; and expanding research to include longitudinal, comparative, and qualitative studies. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for institutional and policy interventions to protect teachers’ psychological well-being and improve education quality in private secondary schools.Daystar Universit
The Integration and Utilization of Chatgpt in Internal Communication: A Case of Adevia Health
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in CommunicationEffective internal communication is widely acknowledged as a driver of organizational success, enabling alignment with strategic goals, fostering collaboration, and sustaining employee engagement. However, the growing complexity of modern organizations and the shift toward hybrid and remote work have introduced new challenges in maintaining clear, efficient, and inclusive communication. This study investigates how Adevia Health, a healthcare staffing organization that recruits, trains, and deploys nurses to the United States, has integrated ChatGPT into its internal communication systems to address these challenges. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research adopted a qualitative exploratory design, drawing on semi-structured interviews with 14 members of Adevia Health’s corporate communication team. Findings reveal that ChatGPT has been strategically embedded to automate routine tasks, deliver real-time responses, and serve as a dynamic knowledge base. Employees highlighted substantial benefits, including improved efficiency, enhanced knowledge-sharing, streamlined workflows, and reduced communication gaps across geographically dispersed teams.Despite these gains, the study also uncovered critical challenges. Key concerns revolved around data privacy, compliance with regulatory frameworks, ethical use of AI, and ChatGPT’s limitations in handling complex or sensitive communication. Furthermore, resistance to change and differing levels of AI literacy emphasized the importance of robust training, ethical guidelines, and supportive policies. The research concludes that, when implemented strategically and supported by strong governance, ChatGPT has the potential to transform internal communication. For Adevia Health, it represents both a technological innovation and a strategic opportunity to enhance employee engagement, strengthen collaboration, and elevate overall organizational performance. Beyond Adevia Health, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on generative AI in workplace communication and offers valuable insights for organizations, recruiters, and policymakers navigating the adoption of AI-driven communication tools.Daystar Universit
Digital Transformation and Accessibility of Social Protection Services for Persons with Severe Disabilities in Bungoma County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic ManagementPersons with Severe Disabilities (PwSD) in rural Kenya, particularly in Bungoma County, face persistent barriers in accessing digitally transformed social protection services due to poor infrastructure, limited digital literacy and inaccessible systems. This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and accessibility of social protection services, focusing on Persons with Severe Disabilities in Bungoma County. The specific objectives of the study included to examine the relationship between digital data management, digital monitoring and evaluation, digital automation, and digital payment systems and accessibility of social protection services and the moderating role of user adoption on the relationship between digital transformation and accessibility of social protection services for PwSD in Bungoma County. The study was anchored on diffusion of innovations theory, technology acceptance model and institutional theory. A correlational research design was employed, using quantitative data collection techniques. This research employed 1,250 implementers of PwSD CTP in Bungoma County as its main target group. The sample size for this study was 375 implementers of the PwSD CT. The study used simple random sampling to select participants. The study attained a sample size of 84%, 315 respondents. The study utilized a structured questionnaire, which was pre-tested for reliability and validity. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of the instrument, with all variables having a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of >0.7, which was deemed acceptable for reliability. The Content Validity Index was calculated to ensure the relevance and clarity of the questionnaire items, with all scores >0.8 and considered satisfactory for content validity. Descriptive statistics (such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations) summarized the demographic characteristics and key variables. Inferential statistics, including correlation analysis and regression analysis, were used to explore relationships between digital transformation variables (such as digital data management, payment systems) and social protection outcomes. The moderating role of user adoption was tested using Baron and Kenny moderation analysis. Data was managed using statistical software SPSS version 27. The study revealed strong support for digital tools in enhancing social protection services for persons with social disadvantages (PwSD). Respondents widely endorsed the use of digital systems for collecting, storing, and retrieving data, noting improved accuracy and efficiency in reducing paperwork. The regression analysis showed that Digital Data Management (β = .159, t = 2.355, p < .05), Digital Monitoring and Evaluation (β = .181, t = 2.660, p < .01) and Digital Automation (β = .401, t = 5.262, p < .001) significantly predicted Accessibility of Social Protection Services (R² = .599), with Digital Automation having the strongest impact, while Digital Payment Systems was non-significant (β = .102, t = 1.487, p = .138). The study concluded that digital M&E tools greatly improved service accessibility. In addition, the study concluded that there was strong willingness among staff and PwSD to embrace digital solutions. The research recommends that organizations should prioritize comprehensive staff training programs to address capacity gaps. Future research should also examine the cost-effectiveness of digital interventions to inform scalable, inclusive policy frameworks for social protection services as well as expanding geographic scope of the research so as to feature the rest of 47 counties in Kenya. This study was significant to policymakers, service providers, and development partners in digital social protection services for PwSD.Daystar Universit
Examining The Daily Nation Newspaper’s Framing of Female Political Aspirants during Kenya’s 2022 General Election Campaign (January – August 2022)
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in communicationThis study investigated how Daily Nation newspaper framed female political aspirants during Kenya’s 2022 general election campaign period, focusing on coverage between January and August 2022. Despite constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing gender parity in political representation, media portrayals continue to influence public perceptions and electoral outcomes. The purpose of this research was to analyze the dominant frames, tone of coverage, and presence of gendered stereotypes in the newspaper’s reporting on female presidential, gubernatorial, and parliamentary candidates. Guided by three core objectives, the study sought to: (1) Identify the dominant frames used in Daily Nation’s coverage of female aspirants; (2) Assess the tone of coverage whether positive, negative, or neutral; and (3) Examine the extent to which gendered stereotypes were reflected in the framing. The research was anchored in Framing Theory, Agenda- Setting Theory, and Symbolic Annihilation Theory, which collectively provided a lens for understanding how media narratives shape political visibility and legitimacy. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed, using content analysis of 117 newspaper articles sampled from a total of 168 editions published during the campaign period. Data were collected from archived issues accessed at the Kenya National Library Services. A structured coding sheet and codebook guided the analysis, capturing variables such as article placement, tone, dominant frames, and use of photographs. Key findings revealed that the most dominant frame was the “Reformist/Change Agent,” accounting for over 50% of coverage, signaling a shift toward more substantive portrayals of female aspirants. However, traditional frames such as “Victim” and “Iron Lady” persisted, especially in coverage of high-profile races. The tone of coverage was predominantly positive (49.6%), with neutral and negative tones comprising 31.6% and 18.8% respectively. Gendered stereotypes appeared in 22.2% of articles, with victimization being the most common, followed by family-role and emotionality frames. Notably, female aspirants in gubernatorial and presidential (running mate) races were more likely to be subjected to stereotypical portrayals than those in parliamentary contests. The study concludes that while progress has been made in portraying female politicians as credible leaders, significant gaps remain in visibility, prominence, and stereotype-free representation. Recommendations include urging media practitioners to adopt gender-sensitive editorial policies, prioritize issue-based reporting, and enhance the visual and narrative prominence of female aspirants. Advocacy groups and policymakers are encouraged to monitor media coverage and promote media literacy to counter biased portrayals. Future research should expand to other media platforms and explore longitudinal trends in gendered political reporting.Daystar Universit