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Knowledge and Practices of Antenatal Maternal Nutrition by First Time Mothers: a Case of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi
No full textNutrition is a fundamental pillar of human life and its nutrient requirements vary with age, gender and physiological conditions of an individual. Poor nutrition can lead to a range of health problems for first time antenatal mothers, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, overweight and obesity. Inadequate nutrition of pregnant mothers is a key contributing factor for stillbirths to the growing foetus prior to the onset of labour. The objective of this study was to to to assess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of anteassess the knowledge and practices of antenatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutritionnatal maternal nutrition by first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothersby first time mothers. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive design to collect primary data from the respondents. The The The samplesamplesamplesamplesample was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using was selected using serialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical samplingserialogical sampling. A total of 139 first time antenatal mothers were selected from those attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi. One nutritionist working at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinic of KNH participated in the study as a Key Informant. Structured questionnaires and Key informant interview guide were prepared. A research assistant was recruited and trained on data collection and recording.The questionnaire was pretested using a selected sample of fourteen first time antenatal mothers from the clinic. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. Cross tabulations, one way ANOVA and independent t-test were applied to test whether there were significant differences between two or more groups or samples at a selected probability level of 0.05.
The results showed that 52.5% of the mothers were between 26-35 years and 43.2% between 15-25 years. Majority of the mothers, 77% were married. Mothers who had acquired college education were 63.3%, and 30.9% had acquired secondary education only. The gestation age range of 25- 40 weeks had the highest number of mothers at 66.2%, followed by the range 13-24
weeks at 20.1%. In the occupation category, 38.1% of the mothers were housewives and 33.1% were on salaried employment. Mothers earning a low income were 52.5% and the middle income earners were 47.5%. Majority of the mothers, 76.3% knew the meaning of a balanced diet and 23.7% of the mothers did not know the meaning. On general knowledge of the nutrients that are components of a balanced diet, the mothers scored; Carbohydrates 59.7%, Protein 66.9%, Vitamin A 40.4%, Vitamin C 41.7%, Vitamin D 33.1%, Vitamin B12 34.5%, Folate 21.6%, Iron 36%, Calcium 38.8%, and Zinc 16.5%.
In associations between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, older mothers in the 36-49 age category were more knowledgeable on balanced diet as shown by the anova value of p=0.044. Mothers who had college education were more knowledgeable on balanced diet with p value of p=0.001, carbohydrate p=0.001, protein p= 0.003, vitamin C p=0.001, Iron p=0.001 and calcium p=0.001. However, mothers of middle and higher socio-economic status had higher knowledge mean scores than those of lower socio-economic status. The consumption of foods providing different nutrients was moderate.
In conclusion, the study has shown that first time antenatal mothers have poor knowledge of maternal nutrition which depends mainly on age, occupation and level of education. Older mothers, salaried mothers and those educated to college level have the highest mean knowledge in the categories of age, occupation and education respectively. Finally, mothers of middle and higher socio-economic status have higher knowledge mean scores than those of lower socio-economic status. The consumption of foods providing different nutrients is moderate, thus the practice of antenatal nutritional knowledge as determined by food frequency consumption is
moderate probably indicating that the meals for first time mothers are fairly well nutritionally balanced. These findings highlight the disconnect between the low level of knowledge of first time antenatal mothers and the moderate nutritional practice indicating that the practice does not depend on the knowledge. Nutritional education ought to be intensified to the first time antenatal mothers by isolating them as a group during antenatal clinic visits, and educate them comprehensively. This will eventually improve the knowledge levels of first time antenatal mothers
Determinants Of Performance In Service Delivery Of Uniformed Officers Of Correctional Service: A Case Study Of Bungoma Correctional Service
No full textThe aim of this study was to assess the determinants of performance in service delivery of uniformed officers of correctional service.A case of study in Bungoma correctional service. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess how management influence uniformed officers performance in the correctional service, to assess how employee resourcing influence uniformed officers performance in the correctional service, to establish the influence of training on uniformed officer‟s performance in correctional service; to establish the influence of working environment of performance to the uniformed officers of the correctional service to establish the influence of compensation on uniformed officers performance in correctional service; to explore the influence of service ranks and leadership on uniformed officers performance in correctional service. The study adopted descriptive survey design which was used to obtain information through describing the existing phenomenon. The estimated sample size was 108. Stratified random sampling was used in the study with departments forming relevant strata. Content validity was provided by the researcher sharing the research instrument with the supervisors. Split-half method was employed to test the reliability of the instrument. A structured questionnaire was collected after three days. Bungoma correctional service has a total number of 325 officers. 108 respondents participated in the study and only 103 questionnaires were correctly filled and used for analysis. The data collected was checked for completeness and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results for quantitative data was be presented in tables and factual statements. It is believed that the findings from the sample were a representative of the situation in the department of correctional service to reliable degree. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel as well as manual methods and presented in form of tables, mean, percentage and factual statements. The study findings indicated the critical factors influencing uniformed officers performance in its department include; employee resourcing that was slow, less transparent, and interfered by external influence; poor training especially job rotation; and lack of performance rewards and incentives. The study was to recommend introduction of performance related pay system and stringent employee resourcing controls. Further studies was proposed on factors influencing uniformed officer‟s performance on other government bodies other than correctional services and also a study on factors influencing corruption in the public sector. Majority of the respondents 37% agreed that they felt achieved in their career because the correctional service reward system had enabled them handle challenging projects and tasks which had contributed to building their work experience and career ambitions. The majority of the respondents 41% agreed that the correctional service managers always gave a clear picture of what to do, when and how to do the work they assigned to them .The study established that that uniforms, houses, and working equipment is the major environmental working condition that positively contributes towards job performance in the correctional Service. The study also revealed that knowledge and skills for uniformed officers have a profound effect on provision of right job competencies that have a far-reaching impact on job performance. Training and development programs help the officers to adapt the technological advancement and provide right skill and competencies in performing their dutie
Meanings of Car Wreckage Texts Displayed on Kenyan Highways as a Tactic for Road Safety Awareness
No full textThe key objective of this research was to study the meanings of the car wreckage texts displayed on Kenyan roads. This attempt would shed light on the extent to which the meanings the texts influenced their prospective consumers. Since interpretation of artefacts is a human behaviour, the study was guided by descriptive design. This study adopted a qualitative research approach due to its leanings on consumers’ interests, interpretations, perceptions and opinions. Semiotic methods and research tools were used to unravel meanings of the texts and across the communication chain. The study was underpinned on Semiotics and Fear Appeals as the guiding theoretical concepts. The study was conducted in four counties in Kenya – Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu. The population included Kenya Traffic Police officers, National Transport and Safety Authority officers, motorists and car wreckage texts. A purposive sampling design was used to get a sample population of three National Transport and Safety Authority officials, five police offices and 54 motorists. Data was collected using photography and interviews over a 12 month period. Images of the car wreck texts were captured on camera in different parts of the country. Interview guides were used to conduct in-depth interviews. The key findings of the study showed that motorists interpreted the texts mostly the preferred position. Fear, scare, shock, surprise, danger, blackspot, police presence, accident, and death were the hegemonic-dominant readings. Further, the study found that the authors embedded strong fear appeal elements in the texts at publication. The results indicated that the texts elicited mostly desirable attitude and behavioural change towards road safety rules and regulations over the short term. As had been envisioned by authors, consumers reacted to the texts by slowing down, driving cautiously, and not using phones while driving. The study concluded that the campaign which targeted speeding, overlapping, drunk driving and usage of mobile phones while driving became weak, meaningless and ineffective due to prolonged exposure, familiarity and vandalism. The study recommends that more car wreckage texts be deployed strategically at identified road accident hotspots and vouches for improved financing, planning, coordination and management of the texts. It also recommends that future deployment of the texts incorporate complimentary strategies to road safety awareness involving publicity, education, information and enforcement to maximise reach among stakeholders and effectiveness among consumer
The Effect Of Organizational Core Factors On Entrepreneurial Behavior Of University Of Nairobi
No full textEntrepreneurial Behavior Of University Of NairobiThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of organizational core factors on institutional entrepreneurial behavior of the University of Nairobi. The study adopted a cross sectional survey with a descriptive research design. The study targeted 13 respondents comprising of directors of enterprises in Nairobi University. The study gathered data from primary sources with the aid of interview guides. The study used content analysis to process the gathered information. It was established that the University of Nairobi had put in place a number of enterprises so as to generate more revenues. These enterprises were affected by organizational core factors like the culture, leadership in place as well as availability of resources including land. The study concludes that core organizational factors play a key role as far as entrepreneurial behaviour in the firm is concerned. The study recommends that any organization that wishes to compete in a globalized economy must critically examine its organizational core factors to ensure that are well aligned with the forces of the environment. The management of the University of Nairobi should improve on some of the items of organizational factors like the culture and leadership so as to improve on entrepreneurial behavior. Efforts are required to ensure that innovative ideas raised by staff among the enterprises at UON are implemented
Strengthening Disease Surveillance To Enhance Retention Among Patients Attending Comprehensive Care Centre At Coast General Hospital, Kenya
No full textBackground: Having all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patient retained in medical care at regular interval is linked to positive health outcome. To achieve unmet gaps in UNAIDS 95:95:95 all HIV infected patient must be maintained in care with regular medical clinic attendance. Surveillance systems have shown to be an effective way of tracking progress and identifying gaps in the care provision process. From an Organization capacity baseline assessment report in Coast General Hospital (CGH). The following were identified as challenges in monitoring and tracking patients in care were identified: absence of a multidisciplinary team on HIV surveillance, surveillance system not optimally used lack of awareness by staff at service delivery points on their role in surveillance and lack of budget for surveillance. The Coast General Hospital reports have shown that patients are missing their clinic appointment attendance. Thus patients retention on HIV care is a problem with many lost to follow up.
Objective: To strengthen the HIV surveillance to enhance retention among patients attending Comprehensive Care Centre at Coast General Hospital. Significance: The project implementation and utilization of recommended practices has contributed in improvement in HIV care cascade to achieve the unmet gaps in UNAIDS 95;95; 95 strategy. Methods: The project involved studying the strategies which was in use, identifying the gaps in the strategies, taking action to enhance retention and coming up with recommendation of suitable strategies of enhancing retention of patients on HIV care. Outcomes: Functional multidisciplinary HIV surveillance team was established and staff participation on HIV care resulting to 99% retention of HIV patients on care as result of improved adherence of HIV patients on scheduled medical appointments. Coast General Hospital had High identification of newly tested positive with 96% Linkage to care and treatment among newly tested positive .Viral suppression improved from 84% in 2017 to 93% 2018. Project activities and recommendation has been included in day to day programme of HIV patient care at CCC for sustainability, where the mentor and two UHIV medium term fellows are key champion. Summary: HIV patient attendance of clinic regularly for care is very important for successful clinical outcomea
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny
Advances in green nanobiotechnology: Data for synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from ethanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of Annona muricata.
No full textn this data article, data obtained from an efficient, eco-friendly and low-cost method for the synthesis and recovery of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanolic extracts of Annona muricata fruits and leaves as reducing, stabilizing and capping agents has been reported. 99.7% pure silver nitrate was used as the inorganic ion source. The data was obtained using different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The data is presented in form of images, Microsoft excel sheets, graphs,.raw files,.dpt files, PDF files, among others. Methods of analysis and interpretation of the data have also been presented. The data can be most useful to researchers, research students, industrialists and academicians to acquire knowledge on the green synthesis of AgNPs and related applications. The data is deposited in the Mendeley Data Repository as two independent datasets accessible at https://doi.org/10.17632/jkj2x782wh.1 Gavamukulya et al., 2019 and https://doi.org/10.17632/f4mb6b488n.1 Gavamukulya et al., 2019
Electronically Divergent Triscyclometalated Iridium(III) 2-(1-naphthyl)pyridine Complexes and Their Application in Three-Component Methoxytrifluoromethylation of Styrene
No full textA systematic study of the photophysical and electrochemical properties of triscyclometalated homoleptic iridium(III) complexes based on 2-(1-naphthyl)pyridine (npy) ligands is presented. A systematic investigation of ligand substitution patterns showed an influence on the lifetime of the excited state, with slight changes in the absorption and emission spectral features. Specifically, the emission lifetime of a complex of an npy ligand substituted with a strongly electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl group was longer than that of the corresponding complex with the electronically nonperturbed ligand (3.7 μs versus 1.5 μs). Electronically complementary ligands and complexes with orthogonal configurations showed slightly shorter excited state lifetimes compared with unsubstituted npy (1.4–3.0 μs). All complexes displayed reversible or quasireversible redox-couple processes, with the complex of the trifluoromethylated ligand showing the highest ground-state oxidation potential E1/2 ox [Ir(III)/Ir(IV) = 0.95 V vs. SCE in CH2Cl2]. This study showed that these complexes can be used as efficient photoredox catalysts, as demonstrated by their application in a regioselective methoxytrifluoromethylation in which the npy complexes showed equal or better performance compared with the archetypical photoredox catalyst tris[2-phenylpyridinato]iridium(III)
Assesment Of The Factors That Have Led To Increased Poaching Activities In Kenya
No full textWith the key focus on the case of Kenya‟s increased poaching activities, this study broadly
sought to examine the main factors that have exacerbated poaching. The study was guided by
three objectives namely: to investigate the catalysts to the increased poaching in Kenya, to
examine the effectiveness of multi-agencies strategies to counter poaching activities in Kenya
and to evaluate the implications of poaching activities in Kenya. The study has noted that the
most key catalyst to poaching is the presence of international market with a very high purchasing
power of poached wildlife products. The study noted that rhino horns and elephant horns fetch a
lot of money in the international black market. This is as a result high cultural value attached to
the usefulness of the rhino horns and ivory to the final consumer as well as the huge gap between
demand and supply of the poached products. Apart from the presence of international market,
other catalysts to poaching in Kenya include; socioeconomic factors such as poverty, corruption
and unemployment. The concept of multiagency is still new and due to multidisciplinary nature,
it has a lot of complexity especially due to different operating procedure of agencies. The study
has specifically noted that, there is poor coordination among the multi-agencies components
since they come from different units. For instance, the multi-agencies involve the KWS, (GSU),
(AP), regular police, (NIS) and criminal investigation department which have different doctrine
of operation and sometimes having different command. At strategic level, the multiagency has
clear operating procedure and guidelines, however, the problem is at tactical level because the
multiagency has not been well harmonized together to operate as one body. Based on the third
objective, the study has established that, poaching has far reaching implications that spread
across the nation, region and internationally. Among the implications to poaching, the study has
found that tourism sector is most affected sector by poaching of wildlife. This is because wildlife
stands out to be the single most tourist attraction factor, therefore, poaching means wildlife and
especially the big four which attract tourists will decrease and this will eventually decrease the
number of tourists in Kenya. Tourism contributes about 12% of GDP of Kenya and provides
employment to more than 500,000 people. This elevates tourism to one of the major economic
sectors in Kenya that contribute towards realization of vision 203
Determinants of Inward Foreign Direct Investment Stock in Kenya
No full textKenya’s foreign direct investment overtime has been waning despite investment policies
and frameworks to attract it. This study analyses the FDI dynamics in Kenya for 1970-
2018 period using annual data. Unlike existing studies in the Kenyan context, this study
adopts the Markov switching regression. The use of this approach unlike other
approaches allows the constants and the conditioning variables to shift. Several findings
emerge. First, inward FDI stock over 1970-2018 period exhibited two regimes; high and
low state FDI episodes with the low FDI episodes being dominant and more persistent.
Second, the estimation show that FDI is positively correlated with lagged FDI, fiscal
imbalances, education, natural resource rents in regime 1, a regime of low FDI flows and
negatively correlated with institutional quality, market size, fixed capital formation,
infrastructure, inflation, financial development and higher interest rate differentials and
exchange rates in the same regime. In regime 2, a regime of high FDI flows, lagged FDI,
fiscal imbalances, market size, education, natural resources rent, domestic investment and
exchange rates positively relate to inward FDI flows while being negatively affected by
financial development and higher interest rate differentials. These findings provide
several policy implications. First, there is need to ensure a stable political and economic
environment while also ensuring that the overall legal framework is supportive of a
conducive environment for attracting FDI flows. Second, is the need for the government
to strike a balance between the benefits that accrue from a weaker shilling that attracts
FDI and the costs that it widens the country’s debt obligations. Third, and more
importantly is the need to ensure a well-established legal framework that would enhance
the enforce ability of contracts and improving the observance of law and order as the
results show that the current levels of institutional quality remains low and thus acting
against attracting more FDI inflow. Lastly, there is need to be keen in improving the
labor force quality while keeping the economy’s comparative advantage in quality
labor as neighboring countries also compete with Kenya to attract foreign investor