International Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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The Hidden Dangers of Plastic Use in the Food Industry: Implications for Diabetes and Public Health
Get PDFPurpose: The high dependence on plastic in food processing and packaging introduces microplastics (MPs), nanoplastics (NPs), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) into the food chain, posing potential risks to public health, including immune alterations, inflammation, and metabolic disruptions linked to type 2 diabetes (T2DM). To assess the extent of plastic contamination in the food chain and its associated health effects, specifically focusing on the connection to T2DM.
Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and governmental health agency publications from the past five years, using keywords related to MPs, NPs, EDCs, T2DM, and plastic policy.
Findings: MPs are widespread contaminants in the food chain, with major sources including marine organisms, bottled water, and packaging. Estimated annual human exposure ranges from 39,000 to 52,000 MP particles, with bottled water contributing up to 90,000 particles alone. MPs carry EDCs, such as bisphenols and phthalates, which are implicated in impaired insulin function and increased T2DM risk. Current filtration methods are insufficient to eliminate contamination, highlighting the need for stronger regulatory measures. While resources are spent on T2DM management, primary prevention remains inadequate.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study highlights the significant threat of plastics use- particularly MPs, NPs and EDCs within the foodcahin. It implements several key findings including: Public health risk, regulatory and policy reform, economic consideration as well as research prioritization. Overall, this study mitigates the health risks associated with plastic contamination, stricter regulations on plastic use in food processing and packaging are imperative, alongside incentives for biodegradable alternatives. Future research should prioritize investigating the long-term effects of MP exposure and developing innovative strategies to reduce plastic contamination in the food chain
Analysis of Hypertension Prevalence and Economic Burden in Kenya: Patients Cost Analysis Approach
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence and economic burden of hypertension in Kenya in relation to patients.
Methodology: The cost of illness approach methodology was applied to determine the study\u27s findings and outcomes. All of the expenses associated with hypertension, both direct and indirect, are identified and quantified using this method.
Findings: Overall, the mean annual direct cost to patients was KSH 39,471.60. Medicines (mean annual cost, KSH 21,872.55, transport (mean annual cost, KSH 16,407.65, and user charges mean annual cost, KSH 7,472.15. Overall mean annual indirect cost was KSH 22,235.15. The incidence of catastrophic health care costs was 43.3% and increased to 59.0% when transport costs were included. The study demonstrates that hypertension places a considerable economic burden on patients in Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that as Kenya reforms its health system to prioritize the attainment of UHC, there is need for interventions to provide financial risk protection to individuals with a chronic disease such as hypertension. Given that medicines are a key cost driver for patient out‐of‐pocket costs, one approach would be to explicitly include hypertension medicines in the universal health care benefit package that Kenyan citizens are entitled to
Favourable Clinical and Functional Outcomes Following Total Knee Replacement Surgery in a Kenyan Hospital: A 6-Week Follow-Up Study
Get PDFPurpose: The incidence of total knee replacement (TKR) is increasing due to factors such as heightened patient satisfaction, an ageing population, and the obesity epidemic, all of which lead to more significant stress on weight-bearing joints. This study determined the incidence of prosthetic knee joint infection, evaluated functional recovery, and analysed rehabilitation progress among orthopaedic patients who underwent Total Knee Replacement in a hospital in Kenya.
Methodology: This study employed a prospective cohort study design for six months, following 75 patients who had undergone TKR at Metropolitan Hospital in Nairobi County. Data collection methods included medical record reviews, patient interviews, and clinical assessments. Specifically, standardized questionnaires and assessment tools were utilized, including the short form health survey (SF-12) for quality-of-life assessment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain measurement, and relevant scales for activities of daily living (ADL) assessment. The incidence density of prosthetic joint infection was calculated using the conventional formula, accounting for new cases and patient time at risk. We observed that functional outcomes post-TKR are generally favourable, with patients who were followed up resuming their daily activities in a relatively short timeframe of less than six weeks.
Findings: By the sixth week, 60% of the patients had undergone excellent rehabilitation progress. The incidence of prosthetic knee infection was notably low (9 cases per 1000 patient weeks) and was only associated with age, perhaps highlighting the effectiveness of the applied surgical techniques and postoperative care. Additionally, we identified that comorbid conditions, particularly diabetes and hypertension, are the primary factors that contributed to delayed healing and resumption of daily activities following TKR.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Favourable outcomes and low infection rates indicate that total knee replacement (TKR) is a safe and effective option for patients with severe knee pain, significantly improving quality of life and mobility. However, the association between age and infection risk necessitates thorough preoperative assessments and age-specific care protocols, especially for older patients. Additionally, comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension can delay healing, highlighting the need for targeted preoperative interventions. Optimizing the management of these conditions may enhance recovery and reduce complications. Further research is essential to explore how these comorbidities affect healing post-TKR and to assess the effectiveness of specific interventions
Enhancing Quality of Documentation of Nursing Care in Selected County Referral Hospitals in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Good health is a key Sustainable Development Goal, and quality nursing care documentation plays a vital role in achieving this goal by enhancing patient safety, care continuity, and accountability. Despite its importance, studies consistently show persistent gaps in nursing documentation that can compromise care outcomes and patient trust. This study describes efforts towards enhancing quality of nursing care documentation in County Referral Hospitals in Kenya.
Methodology: Using a mixed-methods design, the research combined baseline audits of 158 patient files with surveys from 88 nurses and interviews with five nurse managers. An intervention phase followed, where a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) module was implemented in Nyeri County Referral Hospital. This training used a systems thinking approach to highlight how people, processes, and resources interact to affect documentation practices.
Findings: Post-intervention, 62 patient files were audited, showing marked improvements: 93.5% of files contained patient details on every sheet (up from 44.4%), detailed assessments increased to 51.6%, and documentation of interventions, patient responses, and shift instructions all rose above 80%. Overall, there was improvement from 22% to 81.2% good nursing care documentation. Despite these gains, gaps remain, especially in timeliness and workload-related barriers.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study makes a unique contribution by demonstrating the effectiveness of a systems thinking approach in improving nursing documentation within resource-constrained settings. The study recommends conducting routine refresher training, and addressing staffing shortages to allow nurses adequate time for thorough, timely records. High-quality documentation supports critical thinking, legal protection, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care. Sustaining these improvements demands committed leadership and continuous mentorship. This research highlights that targeted interventions, guided by systems thinking, can significantly enhance nursing documentation quality, ultimately contributing to safer, more effective healthcare delivery in Kenyan County Referral Hospitals and beyond
Entrepreneurial Capacity Building as a Microcredit Driver and its Influence on the Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs in Nairobi County
Get PDFPurpose: This study examines the influence of entrepreneurial capacity building on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs participating in microcredit programs in Nairobi County, Kenya. Grounded in the Grameen Model, the study addresses the gap in understanding how capacity building interventions, beyond financial access, affect women’s economic agency.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was employed. The target population comprised 921 licensed women entrepreneurs operating within 12 rental markets in Nairobi County. Using systematic sampling, 279 respondents were selected. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data and test the study hypotheses.
Findings: Results revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between entrepreneurial capacity building and women’s empowerment (β = 0.453, p = .000). Capacity building interventions, including business skills training, financial literacy, peer learning and mentorship, were found to enhance the economic agency and decision-making power of women entrepreneurs.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that microcredit institutions, development partners and government agencies integrate structured, consistent and context-specific capacity building interventions into microfinance programs. Such collaborative efforts can strengthen the transformative potential of microcredit in advancing women’s empowerment
Crisis Communication and its Impact on Stakeholder Trust in Ghana
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the crisis communication and its impact on stakeholder trust in Ghana.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: In Ghana\u27s financial sector, effective crisis communication is essential for maintaining stakeholder trust. Transparent and timely information helps preserve confidence, while delayed or inadequate communication can harm trust and damage reputations. Studies suggest that comprehensive crisis communication plans are crucial for Ghanaian financial institutions to protect stakeholder trust during crises.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Situational crisis communication theory, image repair theory & social exchange theory may be used to anchor future studies on recommend PR practitioners should prioritize rapid and transparent communication with stakeholders during a crisis, as delays or perceived dishonesty can severely damage trust. Governments and regulatory bodies should introduce guidelines and regulations for organizations on crisis communication best practices, particularly focusing on the timely release of accurate information during crises
Visual Humor as a Political Tool: The Case of Memes in Kenya’s 2022 Election
Get PDFPurpose: This research explores internet memes\u27 multifaceted role as vehicles of visual humor and political instruments during Kenya\u27s 2022 general elections.
Methodology: Conducting a content analysis of memes circulated online from June 1st to August 1st, 2022, the study investigates their utilization in conveying political messages, analyzes usage patterns, and assesses their impact on political discourse and satire throughout the election period. Employing Neuman\u27s content analysis framework (1997), the research scrutinizes the intersection of humor, visual communication, and politics within Kenya\u27s digital media landscape. Memes are systematically categorized based on prominent political themes, with Twitter data serving as a primary source for analysis, offering valuable insights into how visual humor shapes political expression, persuasion, and commentary in the digital age.
Findings: The findings reveal that memes not only entertained but also facilitated political engagement by enabling citizens to criticize authority, frame electoral narratives, and mobilize support, particularly among youth. They amplified socio-political concerns and fostered participatory dialogue that transcended traditional barriers to political involvement. The study concludes that memes functioned as powerful tools of civic expression, shaping both individual and collective political consciousness during the election.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings carry important implications for understanding digital politics in Africa. They highlight the capacity of participatory media to empower citizens, challenge dominant narratives, and promote accountability while also underscoring the need to address misinformation and unequal access to digital platforms. This research therefore enriches scholarly debates on political communication and offers practical insights for policymakers, media practitioners, and campaigners seeking to harness digital media for inclusive democratic engagement
Exploring Therapeutic Power of Football in Rehabilitation Process among Wounded Children and Youth in Rwanda
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the transformative power of football in addressing psychological trauma and promoting holistic healing among disadvantaged children and youth in Rwanda. Drawing from Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the research assesses how football intersects with multiple environmental systems such as microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem to support physical, psychological, emotional, social and cognitive development.
Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussion and interviews from 110 respondents with at least three years of football involvement considering the age interval ranged between 12 and 22.
Findings: Findings reveal that football significantly contributes to emotional recovery, self-esteem, resilience, identity reconstruction and social reintegration for children and youth affected by various traumatic backgrounds. The study disclosed an average improvement of 89.2% of Physical development, 80.2% of psychological development, 72.5% of emotional development, 74.2% of social development and 76.1% of cognitive development. Despite positive outcomes, significant challenges remain, especially for individuals from socioeconomically marginalized backgrounds. Their holistic development is often hindered by limited access to resources, unresolved trauma, emotional vulnerability and experiences of social exclusion within team dynamics. The study concludes that football is more than a game; it is a therapeutic space that fosters healing, nurtures life skills and rebuilds the lives of traumatized children and youth. The research offers evidence-based insights for educators, policymakers, NGOs and practitioners seeking holistic, culturally relevant approaches to healing and youth development.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends the adoption of football as a therapeutic intervention, given its demonstrated effectiveness in supporting trauma recovery. It further advocates for inclusive, community-based football initiatives as essential mechanisms for psychosocial healing, capable of addressing both individual trauma and broader systemic inequalities
Transnational Terrorism and State Responses: A Comparative Study in Pakistan
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the transnational terrorism and state responses: a comparative study in Pakistan.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Pakistan’s battle against transnational terrorism is shaped by various external and internal factors, notably the spillover of extremist networks from neighboring regions, porous borders, and long-standing socio-political tensions. In response, the state has employed a mix of military operations, counterterrorism legislation, and intelligence-sharing initiatives, supplemented by attempts at social and economic reforms. Comparative analyses show that while Pakistan’s strategy has disrupted numerous terror networks, persistent challenges include inconsistent implementation of policies, limited regional cooperation, and the need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses both security and underlying socioeconomic grievances.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Realist theory, liberal institutionalism & constructivism may be used to anchor future studies on transnational terrorism and state responses: a comparative study in Pakistan. States should adopt a holistic approach to counterterrorism that integrates military, diplomatic, and economic strategies. Policymakers must develop balanced frameworks that incorporate military actions alongside diplomatic engagement, development aid, and conflict resolution initiatives
Insurgent Extortion: A Case Study of How Al-Shabaab Raises Fund for Their Campaign against the Government of Somalia
Get PDFPurpose: The study intended to determine the different sources of finances for Al-shabaab and how they collect.
Methodology: The study used interview/focus group methodology to collect the information required for the study.
Findings: The study found over 12 sources that Al-shabaab engages to collect money from the public inhabiting both areas under their control and the government. These sources include: Zakat, agricultural produce, tribal collections, livestock transportation, adjudication fees, construction levy, vehicle registration tax, roadblock toll, Mogadishu port, and business protection charges.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study concluded that the only way government can discontinue these revenues to reach Al-shabaab is through intelligence and cooperation with the civilians in identifying the primary receivers of the fund.