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Sociodemographic and Associated Risk Factors for PTSD and Depression among Select Urban Refugees in Nairobi
No full textjournal articleThis study investigated the sociodemographic and trauma-related risk factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among urban refugees seeking services at an international organization in Nairobi. Using PCL-5 and BDI-II, and a sociodemograhic questionnaire, data were collected from refugee participants to assess the prevalence and predictors of mental health conditions. The findings revealed that gender and education level were significant predictors (gender: χ²(2) = 10.23, p = .006; education: χ²(4) = 9.90, p = .042), with female refugees and those with lower educational attainment showing higher rates of PTSD and depression. While variables such as country of origin, marital status, and age did not significantly predict mental health outcomes, having family in Kenya and a higher number of children were associated with elevated symptoms (Wilks’ Λ = .953, F = 4.666, p = .011, effect size was partial η² = .047). Specific traumatic experiences—particularly torture (torture: F(1, 264) = 7.189, p = .008, η² = .027), sexual assault (sexual assault: F(1, 264) = 10.368, p = .001, η² = .038), and abduction (abduction: F(1, 264) = 6.511, p = .011, η² = .024)—were strong predictors of PTSD and depression, with the nature of the perpetrator influencing symptom severity. A cumulative trauma effect was observed, although resilience appeared to increase among those with extensive trauma exposure. Post-migration stressors, including unemployment, housing insecurity, and lack of access to services, were positively correlated with poor mental health. The study recommends targeted psychosocial interventions, education and income-generating programs, and stronger enforcement of refugee rights to mitigate these risks and improve mental health outcomes among urban refugee
populations
Resilient Health Systems and National Security: Lessons from Kenya’s COVID-19 Response
No full textJournal ArticleThe COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in both global and national health systems. It underscored the intricate relationship between public health and national security, emphasizing the need for robust preparedness frameworks. This study examined how inefficiencies in the medical supply chain could impact Kenya's national security and public health preparedness, identified structural flaws that emerged during the crisis, and provided recommendations to enhance Kenya's preparedness. The study explains the existing structural gaps in the medical supply chain regime in the context of pandemic preparedness. It also examines the threats to Kenya’s health and national security arising from inefficiencies in the medical supply chain. Grounded in resilience theory, this study emphasizes collaboration and building strong institutions for better service
delivery. To provide well-informed recommendations, the study uses a qualitative approach. Using a case study design, the study draws on Kenya’s specific experiences during the pandemic to provide insights into strengthening national and regional strategies. The study utilized content analysis of documents, publications, and reports to obtain the relevant data. The study established that, whereas the country had a robust health supply chain capability before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, its reliance on global health supply chains during the pandemic exposed the country to health insecurity. It was also evident that for Kenya to be resilient, it must overcome local inefficiencies resulting in financial mismanagement and a lack of anticipatory resilience. It is also imperative for the country to leverage the potential of the East African Community (EAC) to build regional sufficiency. The findings aim to inform key stakeholders, including the Kenyan government’s public health organs
A Review of Predominance of Gross National Income in Human Development Index during COVID-19 Crisis
No full textJournal ArticleThe study explores the role of gross national income (GNI) in the Human Development Index (HDI), a key measure of social progress tied to the Sustainable Development Goals. Using 2021 macroeconomic data from 170 countries, the analysis applies principal component analysis (PCA) and logistic regression to evaluate the relative contribution of HDI predictors: GNI, life expectancy (LE), and mean years of schooling (ME). Data underwent transformation and normalization to ensure accuracy. PCA results indicate that the first principal component (PC1), largely representing income, explains 41.8% of the total variance, with GNI having the strongest positive loading (0.660), while LE and ME load modestly and inversely. Logistic regression shows GNI declined 5.3 times, but ME and LE increased the likelihood of GNI growth by 2.2 and 4.7 times respectively, while population reduced it by 61%. The findings underscore GNI’s dominant role in HDI, urging global emphasis on income improvement to drive social progress
Patterns of Female Sexual Dysfunctions Among Married Women in Ilorin, Nigeria: Implications for Health Workers
No full textJournal ArticleSexual dysfunction is a defect in a person’s sexuality, and this has become a major issue faced by married women in this contemporary age. It has greatly disrupted the serene atmosphere of many marriages as well as a married woman’s quality of life and has led to many divorces. The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns of female sexual dysfunction as expressed by married women in Ilorin, Nigeria. Variables such as age, level of education, and religion were also examined. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. An adapted instrument entitled Patterns of Women Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire (POWSDQ) was used to gather data for the study. A total of 210 married women participated in the study and the respondents were drawn through the use of simple random sampling technique. The demographic data was analysed using percentage while the null hypotheses were tested with Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), t-
test and ANOVA at 0.05 alpha level. Findings from the study revealed that the patterns of sexual dysfunction among married women in Ilorin, Nigeria were sexual arousal disorder, sexual orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorder. Age influenced women’s views of patterns of sexual dysfunction however, level of education and religion did not. It was recommended that health counsellors and other health practitioners should help women to know both the patterns of sexual dysfunction and its impact on their health, emotions, and their marriage. Health counsellors should endeavour to educate women about sexual dysfunction and how it can be managed.Daystar Universit
July 2025 Bulletin
No full textOur May 2025 semester is off to a successful start, and we are happy to be highlighting the faculty and postgraduate publication accomplishments in this July 2025 Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (DRICE) Bulletin. Take a look at their achievements. Please congratulate them when you see them or send them a text. Please read, cite and share their works. We are sure that you will be inspired and impressed, just as we are. The May semester is always a busy time as we work to close out the trimester and transition to our new academic year. We are therefore honoring and spotlighting our faculty and postgraduate students who have contributed to Daystar’s visibility through publishing their research and innovations.
The DRICE is committed to providing faculty and postgraduate opportunities that complement their research, innovation, scholarship, and creative activities. The DRICE recognizes that supporting faculty members’ career development and skill-building opportunities, as well as promoting and nurturing a climate of inclusive excellence, help forge pathways to enhanced academic excellence and scholarship at Daystar University. Challenged to work on research, innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship strategic initiatives, the work, DUIRIG must also align with individual professional development goals and interests. All full-time faculty, associates, and full professors are eligible to apply to DUIRIG and must include a postgraduate student as part of their research team. For more details and directions, keep reading our communication and calls for this grant
Career Decision-Making among High School Graduates in South-Kivu: Influencing Factors.
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesHigh school graduates often make unintended career choices due to inadequate career education, personal factors, social networks, family background, and parental guidance. This situation underscores the need for career guidance and counseling interventions. Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory and Holland’s Theory, this study investigated factors influencing career decision-making among high school graduates in South-Kivu. The objectives were to examine the effects of personal factors, social networks and peer influences, family background and parental guidance, as well as socio-economic factors on career decision-making. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative designs. A random sampling was used to select 32 schools in the region and 382 high school graduates for the survey questionnaire, whereas purposive sampling was applied to select 8 teachers and career counselors for the case studies, as well as 16 high school graduates for in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings were presented using tables and narrative descriptions. The findings revealed that peers significantly influenced graduates’ career decisions, as indicated by 55% of the respondents, while 62% acknowledged the influence of non-family members or mentors. Regarding socio-economic factors, 67% of participants did not perceive employment opportunities as influencing their career choices. Notably, only 11% of participants considered access to quality career education as an important factor in their career decision-making. The study concluded that personal factors remain underdeveloped among high school graduates in South-Kivu. Parental involvement was found to have a multifaceted, and at times controlling, role in students’ career decision-making. Social networks emerged as powerful forces shaping career choices, whereas socio-economic factors and the quality of education had varied but generally limited influence. The study recommends that schools integrate personal development programs into their curricula to help students identify their interests, values, talents, and professional goals. Parents and guardians should recognize the importance of supporting their children’s individual career interests. Furthermore, schools should strengthen career guidance programs and encourage peer-led clubs and mentorship initiatives where students can share experiences and explore opportunities.Daystar Universit
The Role of Radio Programming on Key Development Agenda of The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): A Case of Top Congo Fm
No full textMasters of Arts in CommunicationRadio is a key medium for public discourse in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), especially where access to other media is limited. Despite its prominence, research has focused mainly on peacebuilding, with limited attention to radio’s alignment with national development priorities. Growing commercialization also raises questions about whether radio can sustain its developmental role. This study examines Top Congo FM, the country’s most influential broadcaster, to assess how its programming engages with the DRC’s five strategic development pillars: economic diversification, human capital development, governance, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Guided by Media Development Theory and Agenda-Setting Theory, the study pursued three objectives: to examine alignment of development-oriented programmes with the national agenda; to identify strategies and challenges in promoting development through programming; and to assess audience perceptions of relevance and impact. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, combining content analysis of five purposively sampled programmes, a survey of 198 listeners, and semi-structured interviews with producers and presenters. Findings indicated partial but uneven alignment. Programmes emphasized governance and human capital development, with limited attention to infrastructure and sustainability. Interviews highlighted editorial decisions and structural constraints, including limited resources and political pressures. Survey results reinforced these patterns, showing high listenership, frequent recommendations, and improvements in understanding and behavior related to development themes. The study concludes that Top Congo FM is a credible actor in development communication, fostering awareness, civic participation, and accountability, though constrained by thematic imbalances. By linking media practices to national policy priorities, this research contributes to both theory and practice, offering insights for media practitioners, policymakers, and development partners on leveraging radio for sustainable development in fragile contexts.Daystar Universit
Effectiveness of Assistive Technology in Special Education for Learners with Hearing Loss in Wajir Kenya
No full textMASTER OF EDUCATION in Leadership and Policy StudiesThis study investigated the effectiveness of assistive technology in special education for learners with hearing loss at Wajir Secondary School for the Deaf, Kenya. The research addressed persistent challenges in inclusive education, where learners with hearing impairments faced barriers to accessing quality education despite technological advances and policy frameworks supporting inclusive practices. The study aimed to determine the types of assistive technology used, examine associated benefits, identify implementation challenges, and evaluate the impact on academic performance among learners with hearing loss. The research was grounded in the Universal Design for Learning framework, the Social Model of Disability, and the Technology Acceptance Model, providing theoretical foundations for understanding how assistive technologies enhanced educational accessibility and participation. The study was conducted at Wajir Secondary School for the Deaf in Wajir County, Kenya, targeting Forms 3 and 4 students with hearing loss, their teachers, and parents. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to gather comprehensive data. The population included 35 learners with hearing loss, 10 teachers, and 5 parents. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests via SPSS, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo software. The findings revealed that hearing aids (85.7%), visual learning tools (57.1%), and speech-to-text software (34.3%) were the most commonly used assistive technologies. Key benefits included enhanced communication with teachers (71.4%), improved access to learning materials (62.9%), and increased classroom participation (57.1%). Teachers reported improved student engagement (80%) and better academic performance (70%). However, significant challenges emerged, including frequent device breakdowns, inadequate technical support, limited teacher training, and insufficient funding for device maintenance.A statistically significant association (χ² = 6.12, p = 0.047) was found between frequent assistive technology use and perceived academic improvement, with 85.7% of learners reporting enhanced academic performance. Qualitative findings confirmed improvements in test scores, classroom participation, and social integration. The study demonstrated that while assistive technology showed considerable promise in enhancing educational outcomes for learners with hearing loss in resource-constrained environments, success depended critically on sustained institutional support, comprehensive teacher training, reliable technical maintenance, and adequate funding mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness.Daystar Universit
Influence of Personality Traits on Self-Esteem among Secondary School Students: Case of Selected Public Secondary Schools in Kiharu Sub-County, Murang'a County, Kenya
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyThe study investigated the influence of personality traits on self-esteem among secondary school students in selected public schools in Kiharu Sub-County, Murang'a County, Kenya. The theoretical framework in this study was the five-factor theory of personality. The study employed a correlational research design with a target population of 8,046 participants comprising 7,602 students, 394 teachers, and 50 school leaders (principals and deputy principals) from 25 public secondary schools in Kiharu Sub-County. A sample size of 406 participants was selected, including 355 students, 26 teachers, and 25 principals/deputy principals from the 25 schools. Data were collected using questionnaires for students and teachers, and interviews for school leaders (principals/deputy principals). Quantitative data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study found that openness had the strongest positive correlation with self-esteem (r=0.781, p=0.000), followed by conscientiousness (r=0.697, p=0.000), agreeableness (r=0.636, p=0.000), and extraversion (r=0.616, p=0.000), while neuroticism showed a weak negative correlation (r=-0.165, p=0.004). Regression analysis revealed that personality traits collectively accounted for 72.9% of the variance in self-esteem, with openness being the strongest predictor (β=0.296, p=0.000). Interviews with school leaders revealed positive self-esteem trends overall, but noted individual variation and the importance of support strategies such as counseling, peer mentorship, and co-curricular activities. The study concluded that personality traits had significant effects on self-esteem among secondary school students, with openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extraversion positively influencing self-esteem, while neuroticism had a slight negative impact. The study recommended implementing comprehensive personality assessment and targeted support programs in schools, enhancing co-curricular activities to foster positive trait development, and increasing resources for counseling services. Additionally, conducting further research on the effects of academic achievement, peer relationships, family factors, and school climate on self-esteem was suggested. The study also recommended developing educational policies and practices that consider individual personality differences in supporting students' psychological well-being and creating school environments conducive to positive self-concept development during adolescence.Daystar Universit