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Comparative Performance Analysis of Bayesian Hierarchical Models Versus Classical Statistical Approaches in Predicting Breast Cancer Treatment Outcomes: Evidence from Kenyan Healthcare Settings
No full textJournal articleCurrent breast cancer treatment prediction models inadequately quantify uncertainty and fail to account for institutional clustering effects, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings. This study compared the
performance of Bayesian hierarchical models against classical frequentist approaches for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in breast cancer patients. We analyzed data from 5,400 breast cancer patients across 12 Kenyan treatment centers. Three progressively complex models were developed: single-level logistic regression (M0), Bayesian empty hierarchical model (M1), and Bayesian hierarchical model with clinical covariates (M2). Performance comparison utilized multiple metrics including Area Under the Curve (AUC), Brier Score, calibration measures, and information criteria. The Bayesian hierarchical model demonstrated superior performance with AUC = 0.837 compared to classical approaches (AUC = 0.752). Bayesian methods showed consistent 2-8 unit improvements in information criteria across all model complexity levels. The hierarchical structure captured 26.5% of outcome variation attributable toinstitutional clustering (ICC = 0.265), which classical models failed to address. Uncertainty quantification through credible intervals provided clinically meaningful prediction confidence assessment. Bayesian hierarchical approaches significantly outperform classical statisticalmethods in breast cancer treatment outcome prediction, particularly in settings with institutional clustering. The explicit uncertainty quantification and superior discrimination make Bayesia
Assessing Adjustment Disorder and Coping Strategies among Catholic Former Seminarians in Select Dioceses of Western Ecclesiastical Province, Nigeria
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyThe psychological well-being of former Catholic seminarians was found to be severely compromised due to the absence of effective coping strategies to address the adjustment challenges encountered during reintegration into secular society. This study aimed to assess adjustment disorders and coping strategies among former Catholic seminarians by determining the prevalence of adjustment disorders, examining contributing factors, identifying commonly employed coping mechanisms, and evaluating support needs. The research was grounded in three theoretical frameworks: Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory (1960s), Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory (1984), and Cohen and Wills’ Social Support Theory (1985). A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 516 former seminarians who had exited seminary formation within the past 1–10 years across six alumni associations. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula, a sample size of 226 was determined, with 196 participants completing the questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 86.7%. Findings indicated a high prevalence of adjustment disorder (66.3%) among former seminarians, with 58.2% exhibiting severe symptoms. Notably, adjustment disorder was significantly associated with several demographic and situational factors: younger age (95.5% prevalence among 21–30-year-olds vs. 36.5% among those aged 41–50), limited post-seminary education (82.4%–83.1% vs. 41.8% among university-educated), unemployment (100% prevalence), being single (83.8% vs. 41.7% among the married), and expulsion from seminary (74.1%). The disorder's prevalence remained elevated (73.7%–82.1%) during the first eight years after seminary exit before declining significantly thereafter. The most commonly utilized coping strategies were acceptance (M=3.16), planning (M=3.08), and positive reframing (M=3.03). Religious coping was significantly higher among participants without adjustment disorder, indicating its protective potential. Additionally, former seminarians reported considerable unmet support needs: 95.9% expressed the need for an official support network, 94.9% for vocational training programs, and 93.9% for counseling services. The study concluded that transitioning from seminary to secular life presents profound psychological challenges that necessitate prolonged, targeted interventions. Recommendations include establishing comprehensive psychological support systems through Diocesan Counseling Centers, implementing structured transition programs that address vocational guidance and identity reformation, forming formal alumni networks to mitigate social isolation, and introducing specialized employment assistance programs. Moreover, the study advocates for psychological education on effective coping strategies. Policy recommendations include the development of holistic support frameworks, integration of departure preparation into seminary formation programs, reduction of stigma, establishment of financial support guidelines, and revision of departure policies, particularly concerning seminarians who were expelled.Daystar Universit
Examining Doctor-Patient Communication Effects on Patient Treatment Adherence and Satisfaction in Synchronous Telemedicine in Select Health Facilities in Kisumu County
No full textMaster's ThesisTelemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings where accessibility and continuity of care remain a challenge. This study examined doctor-patient communication in synchronous telemedicine within select health facilities in Kisumu County, with a focus on its implications for patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment. The purpose of the study was to assess how communication practices in synchronous telemedicine shape patient outcomes. The study sought to, evaluate the nature and quality of doctor-patient communication in synchronous telemedicine, establish how doctor-patient communication affects patient treatment satisfaction and determine the effects of doctor-patient communication on treatment adherence. The study was grounded in two theoretical frameworks; Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), which emphasizes how communicators adapt speech and behavior to enhance understanding and relational closeness, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains how perceived usefulness and ease of use influence technology adoption and use. The study was conducted in three health facilities in Kisumu County including Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu, and Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH). The target population comprised patients who had participated in at least one synchronous telemedicine session in the study period. Purposive sampling technique was employed due to data protection requirements and patient privacy considerations, yielding a final sample of 175 respondents. Data collection was undertaken using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated instruments such as the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT). Data were collected through both physical and online administration of the questionnaires. To ensure reliability, the instrument was pretested before deployment for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and organizational characteristics of respondents, while inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and regression analyses tested the associations between communication variables, patient satisfaction, and treatment adherence. The findings revealed that doctor-patient communication in synchronous telemedicine was rated positively overall, particularly in terms of clarity and attentiveness. Communication clarity emerged as the strongest predictor of patient satisfaction, while empathy was identified as the most influential factor in determining adherence. Regression analysis showed that communication quality explained 38.9% of the variance in treatment adherence. However, empathy and emotional connection were relatively weaker due to the limitations of non-verbal cues in virtual consultations. Digital literacy was also found to significantly predict satisfaction, while perceived ease of use and number of visits were not significant predictors. The study concludes that effective communication in synchronous telemedicine plays a critical role in shaping patient satisfaction and adherence outcomes, but gaps remain in empathy, and relational warmth. It recommends that health facilities in Kisumu County strengthen telemedicine communication standards by institutionalizing clarity, empathy, and responsiveness in doctor-patient interactions through standardized communication policies and structured training. This will enhance patient satisfaction, adherence, and overall quality of virtual healthcare delivery.Daystar Universit
Inclusive Education Policy Elements’ Influences on The Implementation of Kenya’s Competency Based Education
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesDespite Kenya's policy commitment to inclusive education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), significant challenges persist in accommodating learners with disabilities in mainstream educational settings. This study investigated how inclusive education policy elements influence CBC implementation in Kenya, with specific focus on policy frameworks, implementation challenges, and stakeholder experiences in promoting equity and inclusion for students with disabilities. Grounded in the Social Model of Disability, Ecological Model of Disability, and Universal Design for Learning theories, this study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design with pragmatic philosophical underpinnings. The research was conducted in Kisumu and Homabay counties, which have among Kenya's highest disability prevalence rates at 4.0% and 4.3% respectively. Data were collected from 150 participants comprising educators, school administrators, policymakers, teachers, parents, and learners across 15 purposively selected public primary and secondary schools. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews served as primary data collection instruments, with quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that while inclusive education policy frameworks exist in Kenya, their implementation faces substantial barriers including inadequate teacher training (68% of respondents cited insufficient professional development), limited infrastructure adaptations (only 30% of schools had accessibility modifications), insufficient learning resources for students with disabilities, and weak monitoring mechanisms. The study established that policies provided guidance on inclusive practices but remained inconsistently applied across schools, creating disparities in educational access and quality for learners with disabilities. Positive outcomes included enhanced stakeholder awareness of inclusive education principles and emerging collaborative practices between regular and special education teachers. The study concluded that bridging the policy-practice gap requires strengthened enforcement mechanisms, increased resource allocation, comprehensive teacher professional development, and community engagement initiatives. Key recommendations include developing context-specific implementation strategies, establishing robust monitoring systems, enhancing infrastructure accessibility, and creating sustainable financing mechanisms for inclusive education. The research contributes new knowledge on inclusive education policy implementation under CBC frameworks and provides evidence-based recommendations for promoting educational equity in Kenya's evolving educational landscape.Daystar Universit
On Determination of the Relationship between Inflation and Real Savings in Kenya
No full textJournal articleThis study investigates the relationship between inflation and real savings in Kenya over the period 2013–2024. Using time series econometric methods, including the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test for stationarity, Granger causality to determine direction of influence, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression for
estimation, the study examines how inflation dynamics affect savings behavior. The results reveal that inflation inversely affects savings in the short run, with higher inflation rates being associated with lower levels of real savings. Specifically, inflation accounts for 28.1% of variations in real savings. These findings confirm a negative and statistically significant relationship between inflation and real savings, and thus highlights the importance of targeting low and stable inflation rate management strategies to attract increased incentives for investors to save, with respect to the Kenyan financial environment
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reducing Electronic Waste: Evaluating The Eco-Friendly use of Smart Devices
No full textConference PaperWith increasing concern about e-waste, there's an immediate need to think differently about how we interact with technology. This research examines how Artificial Intelligence can enable sustainable tech consumption, emphasizing the increasing use of intelligent devices. The more individuals move away from traditional electronics such as remote controls and manual system and move toward AI-based versions that bring centralized control via smartphones automation, there's significant scope to minimize amounts of electronic waste produced. The study uses both surveys and interviews, looking at how users are adopting these intelligent technologies, how that's changing their consumption behaviors, and whether they perceive an environmental consequence to making the switch. The paper positions that as individuals adopt A technologies, they become more attuned to sustainability. This causes responsible consumption of technologies. The study aims to contribute to the broader dialogue around climate change by demonstrating that innovation does not equal added consumption but instead steer us toward wiser, sustainable decisions. AI, in this sense, is no longer just convenient; it’s part of the solution to one of our biggest environmental problems.Daystar Universit
Synthesizing Novel Biodegradable Hybrid Hydrogels for Sustainable Agriculture
No full textConference PaperWater scarcity has become a critical global issue, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide, with significant repercussions for agriculture, especially in arid and semiarid regions. Agricultural productivity is heavily reliant on the availability of water, yet the escalating water shortages pose a major threat to food security. As the global population continues to grow, the pressure on freshwater resources intensifies, leading to inefficient water usage, diminished crop yields, and a rising need for innovative water management solutions. Existing hydrogels, while promising in terms of water retention, present several challenges that limit their effectiveness in large-scale agricultural applications. Many of these hydrogels are based on synthetic polymers, which can pose environmental risks due to their non-biodegradability. Moreover, these synthetic hydrogels are often costly to produce, making them inaccessible to small-scale farmers who are among the most affected by water shortages. The lack of biodegradability also raises concerns about soil contamination, as these materials may accumulate in the soil over time, potentially disrupting microbial ecosystems and soil health. Additionally, the development of hydrogels has often relied on trial-and-error approaches, which are resource-intensive and time-consuming, slowing down the process of producing more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions. My proposed intervention involves the development of a hybrid hydrogel formed from coffee husks, cotton seeds, and cashew nut seeds crosslinked with an organic acid. This biodegradable and costeffective hydrogel addresses the limitations of existing products by utilizing natural materials that are both abundant and renewable. To complement the experimental evaluations, machine learning (ML) models were developed to predict the water retention capacity of the hydrogels based on their chemical composition and environmental conditions. This data-driven approach aimed to expedite the optimization of hydrogel formulations by minimizing the need for extensive experimental testing.Daystar Universit
Rationale for leveraging on Innovation and Technology to Mitigate Against Climate Change Impacts in Kenya
No full textConference PaperThough climate change has taken place throughout history, global warming and associated challenges and impacts have increased globally since the advent of industrial revolution. Climate change and its impacts became more pronounced in the past 10,000 years and Kenya has had a fair share of these impacts. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), "Since systematic scientific assessments began in the 1970s, the influence of human activity on the warming of the climate system has evolved from theory to established fact”. Climate change has therefore necessitated a change of programmes, projects, policies and infrastructural investments to mitigate and control its negative impacts, which requires the use of innovative technology, communication and development approaches. Innovative technology is needed to migrate the society from the traditional mitigation and climate response measures to modern and sustainable approaches. This study focuses on leveraging innovation and technology to mitigate against climate change and global warming impacts in Kenya. The study will use systemic innovation theory to emphasize the interconnectedness of technological, social, and institutional factors, and communication, which are key in fostering an enabling environment for innovation. The context of the study is around the activities of Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) in Nairobi County. The study assesses how KCIC has used technology and innovation in driving innovative and technology focused solutions for climate change mitigation and sustainable development. The study will adopt a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) with the KCIC staff to highlight and thoroughly investigate the rationale for leveraging on innovation and technology to mitigate against climate change impacts in Kenya. The study proposes greater use of technology and innovation to mitigate against impacts of climate change in Kenya.Daystar Universit
An Assessment of Caregiver Burnout and Quality of Care Given to Children with Intellectual Disability Disorder: A Case of Lwanya Special School, Busia, Kenya.
No full textMASTERS in Clinical PsychologyCaregiver burnout and its impact on the quality of care provided to children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) is a critical issue that warrants investigation. This study aims to assess caregiver burnout and the quality of care given to children with IDD attending Lwanya Special School in Busia, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to provide insights into the prevalence of caregiver burnout, its relationship with the quality of care, and potential strategies for mitigating burnout and enhancing care. Caring for a child with IDD can be a rewarding yet demanding experience, often leading to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion among caregivers. This state of burnout can have serious consequences for both the caregiver's well-being and the quality of care received by the child. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires and structured interviews to collect data from a sample of caregivers with children attending Lwanya Special School. Standardized tools like Zarit Burden and Quality-of-Care Questionnaire assessed the caregiver burden and quality of care amongst caregivers respectively. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as thematic analysis for qualitative data. The study revealed high caregiver burnout (82.8%) and stress (60%) among predominantly middle-aged, female caregivers of children with IDD, significantly impacting their social lives (90%) and perceived care quality (41.4% rated it "Poor"). Key findings include strong correlations between higher education and increased burnout (r = .79) yet better care quality (r = .74), while older caregivers showed lower burnout (r = -.21) and higher care quality (r = .89). Despite burnout, many caregivers maintained adequate care standards, though the demands highlight a critical need for targeted support. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of interventions and support systems for caregivers of children with IDD, ultimately improving the well-being of both caregivers and the children they serve. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly adhered to throughout the study.Daystar Universit
