The University of Zambia Journals
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Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Newcastle Disease Prevention in Poultry among Small Scale Poultry Farmers in Lusaka West, Zambia
Get PDFIntroduction: Newcastle disease is a viral disease caused by virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains infecting avian species worldwide. Infected birds may show signs of loss of appetite, coughing, gasping, nasal discharge, watery eyes, and nervous signs such as paralysis and convulsions. The disease is spread primarily through direct contact between healthy birds and the bodily discharges of infected birds. The study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices on Newcastle disease prevention among small-scale poultry farmers in Lusaka West, Zambia.
Materials and methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design, was used and the study was conducted in five areas of Lusaka West. Probability sampling method was utilized to select a sample size of 384 poultry farmers. Closed-ended structured questionnaires were used to collect data which was analyzed using descriptive analysis.
Results: The study showed that the respondents had a good level of knowledge (58.8%); positive attitudes (71.1%); and positive practices (73.2%) on Newcastle disease prevention.
Conclusion: The obtained results could be attributed to the levels of experience and fear of losing business profits due to bird mortalities as well as the level of experience most respondents had in poultry farming. This was observed by the significant association between knowledge and experience (p-value - 0.004). This calls for the promotion of awareness and knowledge on the importance of vaccination of birds as a means of prevention for Newcastle disease and enhancing Newcastle disease detection and control through rapid test kits & others
Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training on Cardiopulmonary Function in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure at The University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Get PDFChronic heart failure patients present with various symptoms, such as fatigue and dyspnea, adversely affecting their quality of life. Heart failure is a complex disease and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries, including Zambia. Through studies undertaken, high-intensity aerobic interval training has been recommended in patients with chronic heart failure to help improve symptoms and, consequently, the quality of life. Minimal research pertaining to the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on various physiological parameters such as peripheral oxygen saturation, cardiopulmonary capacity and quality of life have been done in Africa and Zambia. This study evaluated the physiological effects of high-intensity aerobic interval training on the cardiopulmonary function in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II and III chronic heart failure patients with a focus on peripheral oxygen delivery/saturation, cardiopulmonary capacity and the quality of life. This study utilised the Randomised Clinical Trial (RCT) study design, and the study population was selected from the University Teaching Hospital-Heart Clinic in Lusaka, Zambia.A total number of 42 patients participated and were randomly assigned to the two arms of the study. Twenty-one (21) were assigned to the interventional group (IG) and 21 to the control group (CG), respectively. The IG underwent a 12-week aerobic HIIT exercise-training programme, while the CG was subjected to 30 minutes of walking on a treadmill for the same period of 12 weeks. The expected primary outcomes were the baseline to endline differences in oxygen delivery/saturation readings, cardiopulmonary capacity test readings and the quality of life (measured using the Minnesota questionnaire) for both groups. The results obtained from the pulse oximeter readings showed an increase in the oxygen saturation readings (97.90 to 98.62%), 6-minute walk distance readings (360.05 m to 429 m) and the questionnaire score totals of the different dimensions (physical, emotional/mental and socio-psychological factors) of the questionnaire (p-value;0.0001) of the IG. The CG oxygen saturation readings (97.38 % to 97.90%) and 6-minute walk test scores (359.14 to 370.9 m) showed minimal change. While the questionnaire scores showed a statistical difference in the emotional/mental (p-value < 0.0001), physical (p=0.005) and socio-psychological factors (p-value < 0.0001). High-intensity aerobic interval training has shown to improve peripheral oxygen delivery, cardiopulmonary capacity and quality of life in chronic heart failure patients; hence, it must be considered an adjunct therapy aside from pharmacological management in stable chronic heart failure patients in Zambia
Book-Reading Practices at Home and the Development of Phonological Awareness Skills in the First Grade
Get PDFChildren's phonological awareness and literacy development are enhanced by book-reading activities. However, it is unclear how these book-reading practices relate to the development of phonological awareness skills among first graders in the Zambian context. The study aimed to investigate the association between book-reading activities at home and first graders' phonological awareness, specifically blending and end-sound discrimination. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 79 children (mean age of 96.47 months; SD = 15.26) were randomly sampled from 14 low-resource public primary schools in Lusaka Province. The Basic Skills Assessment Tool (BASAT) was used to evaluate the children’s phonological awareness skills whilst the Family Literacy questionnaire was used to gather information on the child’s reading practices at home. Since the data collected were non-parametric, Spearman Rank Correlation was used to evaluate the association between book-reading practices at home and the phonological awareness skills of first graders. The findings suggest that blending was associated with child engagement in reading short stories, and parents reading picture books to the child had a significant association with children’s end-sound discrimination. These results suggest that reading practices in the home are very important as they support the development of phonological awareness skills. The study recommends that parents should continue to engage in reading activities with their children
A rapid review of physiotherapy in a palliative care programme for people living with HIV
Get PDFBackground: Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of patients with HIV/AIDS in palliative care. This review provides a summary of the available evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in a palliative care program for HIV/AIDS patients.
Methods: A search of the PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases was conducted for studies published between 2016 and 2021. A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The studies evaluated the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions, including exercise therapy, respiratory therapy, and manual therapy, in improving the quality of life, functional capacity, and symptom management in HIV/AIDS patients receiving palliative care.
Results: The studies demonstrated that physiotherapy interventions were effective in improving the quality of life and functional capacity of HIV/AIDS patients. Exercise therapy improved muscle strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity, while respiratory therapy improved pulmonary function and reduced dyspnoea. Massage therapy as well as manual therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving joint range of motion. In addition, physiotherapy interventions were effective in managing symptoms commonly experienced by HIV/AIDS patients, such as fatigue, pain, and depression. Exercise therapy reduced fatigue and improved mood, while manual therapy reduced pain and improved relaxation.
Conclusion: Physiotherapy is an important component of palliative care for HIV/AIDS patients. The evidence suggests that exercise therapy, respiratory therapy, and manual therapy are effective interventions for improving the quality of life, functional capacity, and symptom management in this patient population. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal timing, frequency, and duration of these interventions
Editorial-Forecasting the anthrax outbreak dynamics in Zambia
Get PDFAnthrax, a highly infectious disease with deep historical roots believed to have originated in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, continues to pose a significant public health and agricultural threat in Zambia. This zoonotic disease, primarily affecting herbivores, including domestic livestock and wildlife, also affects humans, with three primary forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalation anthrax. Zambia has experienced recurring anthrax outbreaks, especially in rural or agricultural areas, where transmission occurs through activities such as handling infected animal carcasses and consuming contaminated meat. To address this ongoing challenge, the Zambian government has implemented measures like surveillance, livestock vaccination, proper carcass disposal, and public awareness campaigns. The recurrence of anthrax outbreaks in Zambia is influenced by seasonal variations and interactions between Bacillus anthracis, grazing hosts, and the transmission of anthrax through necrophagous flies. An understanding of the environmental dynamics of anthrax, including spore persistence and soil interactions, is crucial for effective management. In recent months, Zambia has faced another anthrax outbreak in the Western Province, affecting both human and animal populations. Health authorities have urged livestock vaccination and advised against consuming potentially contaminated meat. Proactive measures, including mass vaccination campaigns and movement restrictions for cattle, are being employed to control this larger-scale outbreak. Mathematical models like the SIR-model can provide valuable tools for forecasting and understanding anthrax outbreaks. Projections for various Zambian provinces suggest varying outbreak patterns, highlighting the importance of tailored intervention strategies. Anthrax outbreaks in Zambia are a multifaceted challenge that requires comprehensive efforts in disease control, surveillance, and public awareness
Efficacy of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy in Improving Upper Extremity Function in Late Subacute and Chronic Stroke Patients: A randomized crossover trial
Get PDFBackground: To investigate the efficacy of the combination of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy on functional outcome of the upper extremity for patients with late subacute and chronic stroke.
Materials and Method: This study was a single-centre, randomized, single subject blind, 2-way crossover. Recruited 12 participants who had chronic stroke treated at the University Teaching Hospital, department of physiotherapy, Lusaka. Patients were randomly assigned in the group (n=6) of combined therapy or to a group (n=6) of conventional therapy. Microsoft Excel was used for randomization and trial group allocation. The data from the same type of treatment in the two sequences were combined and analysed. The primary analysis compared the range of motion and motor function in the two groups at 6 weeks of follow-up.
Results: Constraint Induced Movement Therapy with Mirror Therapy produced a significant improvement in range of motion, activities of daily living, and motor function (
The Role of Africans in the Establishment and Growth of the Adventist Church at Mansa's Loshi Seventh-Day Adventist Church from 1930 to 1974
No full textThis article traces the role of Zambian Christian Seventh-day Adventists in the establishment and growth of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church at Loshi in the Mansa district from 1930 to 1974. This qualitative study used the historical- organisational model as the framework of its methodology. One-on- one in-depth interviews and Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were used to collect data. The population consisted of Loshi Seventh-day Adventist Church since it was the earliest centre in the Mansa district from which Adventism grew. Data analysis revealed that contrary to the long-held notion that it was the White missionaries from Chimpempe Mission in Kawambwa who first brought the message of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church to Mansa, it was actually the local people who once lived in Congo and received the SDA message there who first introduced this faith in Loshi area of Mansa district. Some of the key pioneer leaders include Samuel Chiposo, Timothy Chila and Bernard Kabengele Yalil
PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHERS AND LEARNERS ON THE USE OF ICTS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA: A CASE OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KABWE DISTRICT
Get PDFInformation Communication Technologies (ICTs) are widely being integrated in most sectors of the Zambian society including education. This study thus, investigated the perceptions of teachers and learners on the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of Religious Education (RE)in three selected secondary schools in Kabwe District of Zambia. This was necessitated by the fact that so
much had been said about the use of ICTs in science-based subjects but little, if any, is known about the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of RE. The main objective of the study was, to establish the perceptions of teachers and learners on the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of RE in the selected secondary schools. A survey design involving the use of qualitative methods was employed in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observations. Data were mainly in form of views and opinions. Analysis of the data was accomplished through thematic analysis, which revealed recurring themes from the data. The findings of the study were that ICTs were valuable pedagogical tools in enhancing the teaching and learning of RE. Teachers perceived that ICTs promoted participation, ambiance transformation in class, creativity, motivation, easier understanding, and higher retention levels among learners. In other words, this study showed that teachers and learners consider ICTs as beneficial to RE as they create a more enabling environment that best fits the present social scenario of increased ICTs in Zambia. Arising from the findings of the study, it was recommended that: the Ministry of Education and school authorities should provide schools with more modern ICTs including computers. The ministry should consider the possibility of creating the position of Education Standards Officer-ICTs at district and provincial levels to oversee the correct and safe use of ICTs in RE (and other school subjects). The Ministry of Education and the Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority should formulate an effective e-safety policy to regulate the safe use of ICTs in schools
REFLECTING AND MODULATING TRADITIONAL MASCULINITY IDEOLOGICAL STANDPOINTS: A STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF ABEL CHUNGU’S SONG ‘MWAMUNA SAMALILA’
Get PDFUsing artistic expressions undergirded in musical affordances, this article interrogates Abel Chungu’s song, ‘Mwamuna Samalila’ (A man does not cry) as a resource that enacts, upholds and contests ideologies. In particular, the article draws attention on the social constructs that are often produced through language and musicology, developed, deployed and strategically positioned to project phenomena such as masculinity ideologies. For its theoretical and methodological grounding, the article draws on stylistics as it takes the song in question as a text. This is in a bid to enhance the understanding and conveyance of ideas and themes reflected in songs as a text occurrence. Thus, it becomes apparent that there is a sense in which the lyrics respond to core theoretically derived social constructs of traditional masculinity ideologies. Through close examination of stylistic elements, it is observed that lyrical efforts are made to reflect and modulate seemingly dysfunctional aspects of masculinity ideologies. The song serves as a call for attention to prevailing and problematic masculinity ideologies and practices, kindling more rethinking, restructuring, theorising, and re-evaluating
Views of College Lecturers on the Integration of Music, Art and Design and Physical Education into Expressive Arts in Zambia: An Exploratory Study
Get PDFThe concerns of an overloaded curriculum persisted in Zambia’s education system as far back as 1992. This lasted until 2002 when the number of subjects was reduced from 11 to 5 in primary schools and from fourteen to six in colleges of education. The study established lecturers’ views on the integration of music, art and design and physical education subjects into expressive arts in colleges of education in Zambia in order to gain insights on prospects and challenges of how the process of integration was done and its implications on the subjects involved. A qualitative approach was adopted for the study in order to gain an understanding of arts integration through the views of college lecturers who train primary school teachers. Twenty-four lecturers were conveniently selected from ten colleges of education. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed along common themes that arose from participants narratives. The findings revealed that college lecturers saw arts integration as the merging of three subjects into one, a combination of more than two subjects that are related to one another in a number of ways such a s having similar competencies, and merging them into topics. The study reported some benefits and prospects of arts integration as ranging from according lessons a more practical approach, enhancing creativity among leaners, promoting transfer of learning, to supporting collaboration among lecturers and learners. Further, it was found that there were a number of challenges to arts integration ranging from time constraint, lack of human resource, lack of teaching and learning materials to limited knowledge to teach subjects as integrated. The study concluded that lecturers lacked a philosophical understanding of integration and were largely unable to integrate the subjects as expressive arts in actual teaching