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Evaluation of the protective efficacy of Olyset®Plus ceiling net on reducing malaria prevalence in children in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial
No full textBackground
In the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya, malaria remains highly endemic despite high coverage of interventions such as insecticide-impregnated long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN). The malaria-protective effect of LLINs is hampered by insecticide resistance in Anopheles vectors and its repurposing by the community. Ceiling nets and LLIN with synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO-LLIN) are novel tools that can overcome the problems of behavioral variation of net use and metabolic resistance to insecticide, respectively. The two have been shown to reduce malaria prevalence when used independently. Integration of these two tools (i.e., ceiling nets made with PBO-LLIN or Olyset®Plus ceiling nets) appears promising in further reducing the malaria burden.
Methods
A cluster-randomized controlled trial is designed to assess the effect of Olyset®Plus ceiling nets on reducing malaria prevalence in children on Mfangano Island in Homa Bay County, where malaria transmission is moderate. Olyset®Plus ceiling nets will be installed in 1315 residential structures. Malaria parasitological, entomological, and serological indicators will be measured for 12 months to compare the effectiveness of this new intervention against conventional LLIN in the control arm.
Discussion
Wider adoption of Olyset®Plus ceiling nets to complement existing interventions may benefit other malaria-endemic counties and be incorporated as part of Kenya’s national malaria elimination strategy
Critical Analysis of Corporate Governance Strategies on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks, Kenya
No full textEffective Corporate Governance is a critical component of value addition in virtually all aspects of corporate performance. Annual financial reports by the Central Bank of Kenya for the period 2010-2019 showed a declining trend in the general performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya, during which Returns on Assets (ROA) declined from 4.51% to 3.84% and Returns on Equity (ROE) from 29.4% to 25.6%. The Study sought to critically analyze Influence of Corporate Governance Strategies on Financial Perfor-mance of Commercial Banks in Kenya. The Study investigated; Corporate Governance Structure, Strategic Leadership, Board Composition and Accountability System. Ex-planatory Research Design was used to guide the conduct of the Study. A sample pop-ulation of 112 managers drawn from 8 out of the 9 large banks were selected as re-spondents, for the period 2010-2019. The Study was guided by four theories; Agency Theory, Stewardship Theory, Stakeholder Theory and Financial Intermediation Theory. Data collection was done by use of a close-ended and open-ended questionnaire in which 85 (76%) of the 112 questionnaires were returned. Secondary data were collect-ed from published Annual Financial Reports of Commercial Banks, by the CBK for the period 2010-2019. Content Validity of the research instrument was tested by subject matter experts comprising of the researcher’s supervisors and defense panelists from and outside Mount Kenya University. Reliability of the research instrument was tested using the Cronbach’s Alpha test, which gave an alpha value of 0.8, well within the ac-ceptable range of α ≥ 0.7. Data analyses were done by use of both Descriptive and In-ferential statistics. Descriptive data analysis consisted of summarizing the data into ta-bles and describing characteristics of the data set using means and standard deviations. Inferential analysis was done by use of a multiple regression analysis program in a SSPS-26 Software, which gave an Adjusted R2 equal to .765 indicating that Corporate Governance Strategies correlated well with Financial Performance of Commercial Banks. The analyzed data were presented using, graphs, pie chart and tables. The find-ings showed that there was a significant positive correlation between Corporate Gov-ernance Structure, Strategic Leadership, and Accountability System with Financial Per-formance of Commercial Banks in Kenya while Board Composition was partially sig-nificant. Financial Performance was measured by use of profitability ratios, ROA and ROE. The Moderating variable comprised of Government controls and regulations and were analyzed by use of inferential statistics. The result showed that the adjusted R2 dropped from .765 to .608 indicating a decline of .157 (15.7%), which was the influ-ence of the Moderating variable on the strength of the correlation between independent variables and the dependent variable. The conclusion of the study was that Corporate Governance Strategies influenced financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya, with Strategic Leadership producing the greatest influence, with an Adjusted R2 of .812 (81.2%). The study recommended that Commercial Banks in Kenya entrench Stra-tegic Leadership in their corporate governance practices, minimize conflicts of interest between shareholders and corporate level managers, and promote inclusivity in the management process in order to maximize financial performance of commercial ban
Application of multiple binding sites for LAMP primers across P. falciparum genome improves detection of the parasite from whole blood samples
No full textIntroduction: Malaria remains a significant health concern, particularly in regions with widespread prevalence. As the transmission rates decrease, there is a rise in low-density infections with the causative parasite, P. falciparum, that often escape detection through standard point-of-care diagnostic tools. In-low transmission areas, even few undetected cases can trigger outbreaks, necessitating rapid and sensitive diagnostics. Loop-mediated isothermal Amplification (LAMP) stands out as a nucleic acid technique that can easily utilizes un-processed samples such of saliva, urine, and lysed whole blood templates for a sensitive detection. However, most nucleic acid tests detect genes with few copies per parasite making it difficult to detect low-density parasitaemia.
Methods: We selected Pfr364 multi-copy repeats of the P. falciparum genome as a target for amplification due to their higher copy number, ideal for rapid amplification, addressing amplification drawbacks of limited parasites DNA. We used a sequence clustering approach to design a novel set of LAMP primers, capable of binding to multiple sites. Subsequently, we developed a hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) colorimetric LAMP assay, using genomic DNA obtained from the 3D7 strain cultivated in vitro. This assay’s performance was validated using archived clinical samples of both whole blood and matched saliva, ensuring accuracy through comparative analysis against gold standard, nested PCR, targeting the 18S RNA gene.The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was financially supported by the Early Career Research Grant of Royal Society of Tropical medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as part of 2021 Small Grants Program
Effectiveness of Behaviour Change Communication Initiatives on Vitamin A Supplementation Knowledge Among Caregivers of Children Aged 6-59 Months in Vihiga County, Kenya
Get PDFVitamin A Supplementation (VAS) is a low-cost high impact, acceptable, and clinically effective intervention recommended by the World Health Organization to combat the effects of the prevalent Vitamin A deficiency in children 6-59 months which remains a public health concern globally. Maintenance of good health and prevention of diseases in this age group therefore requires adequate intake of Vitamin A. Sadly, VAS coverage has remained low over the years, averaging 61% across 64 priority countries globally and Eastern and Southern Africa recording a coverage of 57%, Kenya 67.3% which is way below the WHO target of 80%. One of the key barriers associated with low VAS uptake is inadequate knowledge. This study was conducted to test the effectiveness of community-based intervention in scaling up VAS uptake for children aged six to fifty-nine months in Vihiga County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental pre-post design was employed with two arms, intervention, and control. In total, 393 and 389 caregivers of children 6-59 months were recruited at baseline and endline respectively at both arms. The intervention undertaken included development and dissemination of VAS behaviour change communication materials targeting caregivers of children 6-59 months using guides developed during the study. Logistic regression models were used, and Difference-In-Difference analysis applied to detect changes between the two arms. Due to the intervention, VAS knowledge by caregivers significantly increased by 18.4% (p= <0.001). Key significant factors associated with this increase were caregivers having MCH Handbook (OR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.31-3.74; p=0.003), receiving information on VAS from health worker at facility (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.97; p=0.047), receiving information from community health volunteers (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.50, 3.66; p<0.001) and having secondary education (OR =3.36, 95% CI: 1.27-8.94; p=0.015. This study concludes that this intervention was effective in increasing the VAS knowledge among the caregivers of children aged six to 59 months
Factors Associated With Malaria Occurrence in Narok Town Ward, Narok County, Kenya
No full textDespite malaria being a life threating but preventable disease, it is the foremost cause of disease and death in Kenya; over 25 million individuals are at risk with estimated 6.7 million new clinical cases and 4,000 deaths each year. It is approximated to cause 20% of all deaths in children under the age of five. This study was aimed at identifying factors associated with malaria occurrence in Narok Town Ward, Narok County, Kenya, so as to generate evidence to be used to enhance efforts for focused malaria control in Narok Town and similar urban areas in Kenya. The data was collected by administering structured questionnaire to household heads of the 480 randomly selected households and capturing mosquitoes in 36 randomly selected households. There were 2010 inhabitants in the 480 selected household, majority of the residents were aged 1-14 (34.1%) and 25-44 (34.6%); the proportion of females was 58.8% (1182). Pregnant females were 2.9% (58/2010). The literacy rate was 93.9%. Majority of the households (79.0%) reported having a monthly income of Kshs. 20,000 and above. About 97.92 % (470/480) of the total responders recognized that malaria was spread by mosquitos. Fever, vomiting, headache and chills were reported by majority of the respondents 99.56% (478/480) as the main symptoms of malaria. 68.33% (328/480) of respondents rated malaria as an ordinary disease while 24.58% (118/480) rated malaria as a deadly disease; 86.0% (413/480) reported to have sought malaria treatment in public hospitals while 74.4% (367/480) of the responders reported purchasing drug over the counter. The study revealed 1.04% (21/2010) prevalence rate of malaria disease. The most frequent mosquito breeding site was water held in garbage 85.4% (410/480) and stagnant dirty water 81.0% (389/480). 31.7% reported to have been clearing stagnant water and 67.1% (322/480) covered water holding containers to prevent mosquito breeding. The most reported mosquito bite time was at night 100% (480/480) and morning 53.3% (246/480). 91.0% (437/480) of responders reported to have been using mosquito net in their beds. Most people 96.5% (463/480) indicated that they had learned about malaria on TV and radio advertisements. Out of the total 2257 mosquitoes that were collected, Anopheles mosquitoes (malaria vector) were 8.4% (190/2257), 4.7% (9/190) of anopheline mosquitoes tested positive for Plasmodium sporozoites. Regardless of high level of literacy, knowledge on malaria cycle, and presence of plasmodium infected anopheline species. a significant gaps relating to diagnosis, treatment and control was evident. There were high percentage (74.4%) of people preferring to purchase drugs without a prescription and failure by community members to carry out outdoor vector control and prevention measures. This study presents proof that point to the need by the relevant agencies to establish regular public health awareness and trainings, cultivate community based environmental hygiene, maintain regular mass LLITN distribution, regular training of health care workers and CHV and establishment of the county based mosquito surveillance and research center in order to keep track of the mosquito borne pathogens
Analysis of Kaizen Systems on Performance of Tea Processing Firms in Kenya
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to ascertain the Analysis of Kaizen Systems on performance of Kenyan tea processing firms in Kenya. Performance of Tea Processing firms has been on an overtime decline of quality hence fetching low prices in the global market. The specific objectives that guided this reserch include to: determine influence of quality cycles, assess the influence of teamwork, influence of personal discipline and total productive maintenance systems on firm performance of tea processing companies in Kenya. The study is of significance to the administration of Tea processing firms, policy makers, scholars and the addition to the body of knowledge. The study also checked the moderating function of organizational dynamic capability on linkage between Kaizen Systems and performance of tea processing firms. The research was guided by Deming's quality improvement theory, dynamic capabilities theory and growth of the firm theory. Pragmatism research philosophy was employed in this research. Further, explanatory research design was deemed appropriate for the research. The study population under consideration was 66 operations managers of all the tea producing companies. A census of all the 66 operations managers was conducted. Utilizing structured questionnaires, both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered for analysis. Data analysis was undertaken utilizing SPSS Version 23.0. The multiple regression coefficient results indicated that quality cycles had greatest positive and significant relationship with performance of tea processing firms in Kenya where (β =.335) and p=.011). There was also a positive and significant relationship between personal discipline and performance of tea processing firms in Kenya where (β =.415 and p=.031). The regression coefficient of teamwork had positive and significant relationship with performance of tea processing firms in Kenya where (β =.511 and p=.001). Finally, the results indicate that there was a positive and significant relationship between total productive maintenance systems and performance of tea processing firms in Kenya where (β =.461 and p=.012). The study found that organizational dynamic capability moderates the relationship between Kaizen Systems and performance of tea processing firms. Based on the findings, the study concludes that quality cycles are critically important in the production of tea. The study also makes a conclusion that teamwork, personal discipline and total productive maintenance systems are significant component of Kaizen systems that influence tea production. The tea processing firms should work in coordination with quality standards bodies including Kenya Bureau of Standards, food Safety management systems among others to enhance production of quality tea. The study recommends that tea processing firms need to cultivate culture of team work among their workers by emphasizing virtues of unity and togetherness. The study recommends for the need to cultivate virtue of timeliness in task accomplishment among workers of tea processing firms. This can be conducted through workshops, close mentorship programs and support for employees’ growth and welfare programs. The study recommends for periodic diagnostic and maintenance of firm machines and equipment through well trained firm personnel. Thus, training of personnel on the maintenance of tea production equipment is essentially important in ensuring that costs arising from breakdowns are minimized. Organizational dynamic capability moderates the relationship between Kaizen Systems and performance of tea processing firms. The study recommends that tea processing firms should invest in research and development, training, networking capability and innovation since it affects performance positively
Impact of COVID-19 on health-related quality of life in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThe World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease of 2019 as an epidemic and public health emergency of international concern on January 30th, 2020. Different factors during a pandemic can contribute to low quality of life in the general population. Quality of life is considered multidimensional and subjective and is assessed by using patient reported outcome measures. The aim and objective of this review is to assess the impact of coronavirus disease of 2019 and associated factors on the Quality of Life in the general population. This review was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A protocol was registered in the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database(CRD42021269897). A comprehensive electronic search in PubMed, EBSCO Host Research Databases, MEDLINE and Google scholar search engine was conducted. A total number of 1,7000,074 articles were identified from electronic search. 25 full text articles were retained for qualitative synthesis and seventeen articles for quantitative analysis. Seven main quality of life scales were used to assess the quality of life of the general population; World Health Organization Quality of Life-bref, EuroQuality of Life-Five dimensions, Short Form, European Quality of Life Survey, coronavirus disease of 2019 Quality of Life, General Health Questionnaire12 and My Life Today Questionnaire. The mean World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief was found to be 53.38% 95% confidence interval [38.50–68.27] and EuroQuality of Life-Five dimensions was 0.89 95% confidence interval [0.69–1.07]. Several factors have been linked to the Coronavirus disease of 2019 such as sociodemographic factors, peoples living with chronic diseases, confinement and financial constraints. This review confirms that the Coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic affected the quality of life of the general population worldwide. Several factors such as sociodemographic, peoples living with chronic diseases, confinement and financial constraints affected the quality of life
Poisoning patterns and factors associated with treatment outcomes among patients: A case study of Kiambu county hospitals, Kenya
No full textBackgroundRising poisoning incidences worldwide, primarily in developing countries, remain ambiguous due to paucity of data and poison centres. This study evaluates patterns and factors causing poor outcomes in Kiambu County, Kenya.MethodsA records-based retrospective cross-sectional study of poisoning cases who presented to nine facilities between June 2015 and July 2020 was conducted. The data collected was analysed through descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression using STATA version 13
Factors Associated with Foodborne Pathogens among Food Handlers: A Case Study of Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textIncreasing risks of infections with foodborne pathogens may occur as a result of poor food handling practices. The present cross-
sectional study employed a mixed-methods approach to determine the factors associated with foodborne pathogens among food
handlers working in the food establishments in Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya. Random sampling was used to enroll respondents
in the survey. A single stool specimen was collected from each study participant. Laboratory analysis of the specimen was done to
test the selected foodborne pathogens. Overall, 44 out of the 285 food handlers who took part in the study had at least one food-
transmitted pathogen, putting the prevalence of foodborne infections among the food handlers at 15.4% (95% confidence interval
(CI) 11.7%–20.1%). The findings from multivariate logistic regression indicated the following protective factors for foodborne
pathogens among the studied food handlers: being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.098 (95% CI 0.0304–0.315, p<0:001));
having a valid medical examination certificate (AOR 0.141 (95% CI 0.141–1. 0.439, p ¼ 0:001)); not boiling or treating water before
serving the water to customers was a risk factor for having infections with foodborne pathogens (AOR 3.043 (95% CI 1.2225–7.577,
p ¼ 0:017)). The presence of foodborne pathogens among the food handlers in the study area potentially highlights the need to
address the spread and transmission of foodborne infections in the study area. There is a need to institute appropriate control
measures, including regular screening of food handlers for foodborne illnesses in addition to training them on safe food handling
practices, hand hygiene practices, and regular monitoring of the food handling practices
Measuring implementation outcomes in the context of scaling up possible serious bacterial infection guidelines: Implications for measurement and programs
No full textReducing the burden of neonatal sepsis requires timely identification and initiation of suitable antibiotic treatment in primary health care (PHC) settings. Countries are encouraged to adopt simplified antibiotic regimens at the PHC level for treating sick young infants (SYI) with signs of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI). As countries implement PSBI guidelines, more lessons on effective implementation strategies and outcome measurements are needed. We document pragmatic approaches used to design, measure and report implementation strategies and outcomes while adopting PSBI guidelines in Kenya