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Landslide disasters in eastern Uganda: post-traumatic stress disorder and its correlates among survivors in Bududa district
No full textBackground
Post-traumatic stress disorder is the commonly reported psychiatric morbidity among the survivors of natural disasters. However, its prevalence particularly in Bududa, Eastern Uganda is largely unknown.
Aims and objectives
To assess the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder among Bududa landslide survivors.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 587 participants. The study setting was the Bududa district, with a multistage sampling method. Pre-tested, administered interviewer PTSD Checklist–civilian version was used as screening tools between 4th and April 29th 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive and binary logistic approaches at a 5% level of significance.
Results
Of the study participants, 276 (46.8%) had PTSD symptoms. Among the respondents, 250 (42.6%) were in the age range of 40 and above, 396 (67.3%) were female, 284 (48.4%) had no formal education, and 333 (56.7%) were married. Results showed that male gender (AOR: 0.47; 95% CI 0.31–0.73; p = 0.001), widowhood (AOR: 0.44; 95% CI 0.21–0.94; p = 0.034), lack of counseling (AOR: 0.44; 95% CI 0.21–0.94; p = 0.001), and duration since the landslide (AOR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.23–0.52; p = 0.001) were associated with an increased likelihood of screening for PTSD in landslide survivors.
Conclusion
Landslides pose significant effects on the mental health of survivors. In the present study, the extent of PTSD among survivors is substantially high. male gender,, widowhood, lack of counselling, low social support, and duration since the landslide were significantly associated with PTSD. Effective screening and awareness programs among survivors should be strengthened for the prevention and treatment of psychiatric morbidity among the survivors of landslides
A history of Marige market in Kiambu County Kenya, 1960 to 2000 the rise, development and decline.
No full textThis study sought to analyse and investigate the history of Marige market in Komothai,
Kiambu County Kenya. The underlying objectives of the study were; To investigate the
historical factors that led to the growth of Marige market to 1960, to analyse how the
relationship between the traders and locals led to the transformation of Marige market
between 1961 to 1978, to investigate the relationship between the various market policies
and how the they impacted on the growth of Marige market between 1979-2000 and to
analyse the relationship between the urbanization in neighbouring towns and the fall of
Marige market. The study was based on the Structural Functionalism Theory by COMTE
(1984). The research utilized both primary and secondary sources which was used to
acquire data on issues of development of Marige market in Komothai, Kiambu County,
Kenya. The study will use historical design. The study was done in Marige market in
Komothai, Kiambu County, Kenya. This area was picked in light of the fact that it
contains people of assorted tribes carrying out various economic activities in the region
and some have been born and raised in the area, hence familiar to the historical changes
the market has undergone. The study utilized interviews questions as the main
instruments to collect data. The study also relied on both secondary and primary written
sources to gather information which was utilized to gather data on issues of development
of Marige market in Komothai, Kiambu County, Kenya. From the findings it is clear that
Marige market thrived to national status by 1960s and 70s, was by the year 2000 an
abandoned place with minimal or no activities. A trader who used to bring commodities
such as salt from Magadi or tobacco from Meru in the 1970s, who would happen to visit
the area by the year 2000, would only be welcomed by cows and goats grazing on the
overgrown grass, a sign of an abandoned and alienated place. Several factors had
contributed to the growth of Marige market; which included; the population of the
surrounding villages, agricultural activities such coffee farming and cattle keeping,
peaceful coexistence of locals, strategic location and infrastructure. That factors that led
to the collapse of the market on the other hand include rural urban migration, the collapse
of the coffee industry and the rise of new urban centres in close proximity to Marige
market. Among the recommendations that have been offered by the current research
include the need of having developments based on merit as opposed to political
inclination. Another key recommendation is that the government should come up with
policies for rural industrialization. The current study also recommends for the
government and non-state actors raise infrastructure standards in rural areas. The need
for a policy by stakeholders in the agricultural sector guaranteeing minimum returns to
farmers of such crops, to bar them from unfair trade deal and competitions that always
kill their hard work has also been offered as a recommendation of the current study
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Diagnostics: Key to Africa's Recovery
Get PDFWith the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) becoming a full-blown outbreak in Africa, coupled with many other challenges faced on the African continent, it is apparent that Africa continues to need diagnostics to enable case identification and recovery to this and future challenges. With the slow vaccination rates across the continent, reliable diagnostic tests will be in demand, likely for years to come. Thus, access to reliable diagnostic tools to detect the severe acute respiratory syndrome of the coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, remain a critical pillar to monitor and contain new waves of COVID-19. Increasing the local capacity to manufacture and roll-out vaccines and decentralized COVID-19 testing are paramount for fighting the pandemic in Africa
Analysis of Value Innovation Strategies on Performance of Commercial Banks, Kenya.
No full textPerformance of Commercial Banks in Kenya has been on decline in the last one decade with
majority of the banks making minimal profit while others experiencing a yearly decline of more
than 10% in profitability. Consequently, most of the banks have also been experiencing a shrinking
market share. Given the changes in the business environment such as entrance of new competitors,
dynamic innovations, legislative and economic dynamics, organizations need to make choices that
add value to customers and those, which will enable the organization, remain relevant in such a
dynamic environment. It is on this context that this study sought to analyze the influence of value
innovation strategies on performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya. The objectives were; To
examine influence of processes innovation strategy on performance of Commercial Banks in
Kenya; to investigate influence of technological change strategy on performance of Commercial
Banks in Kenya, to examine influence of positioning strategy on performance of Commercial
Banks in Kenya, to examine influence of strategic alliance on performance of Commercial Banks
in Kenya and to examine the moderating effect of government regulations on relationship between
value innovation strategies and performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya. To achieve the
objectives of the study, explanatory research design was used.. Primary data was collected by
means of questionnaire whereas the secondary data was gathered from relevant literature
resources, organization’s annual reports and website. Cronbach’s Alpha co-efficient was applied
to test the reliability of the data with an acceptable level of 0.7. The reliability score in this study
was 0.808. The study targeted tier 2 Commercial Banks in Kenya with the top management bank
employees as the key respondents. With the right strategies, these banks are capable of advancing
to tier 1 category. The study employed census targeting the entire population of the 162 top
management bank employees. 18 respondents from Family Bank Limited were considered for
pilot study through convenience method. The pilot respondents were excluded from the main study
leaving out 144 respondents who were considered in the main study. Out of the 144 respondents,
120 responded the questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics was applied in examining
the information. Descriptive statistics entailed the measure of central tendency (mean) and the
measure of dispersions (standard deviation). The SPSS was applied to generate the statistics.
Inferential statistics entailed regression and correlation analysis. Data was presented using tables.
The overall R2 was 0.632. The study established processes innovation strategy, technological
change strategy and positioning strategy had significant influence on performance of commercial
banks in Kenya however the influence of strategic alliance on performance of commercial banks
was moderate. The study resolved that, firstly, mobile and internet banking has enabled customers
to access essential services at the comfort of their homes or offices. Secondly, big data solutions
facilitate safeguarding of customers’ information. Thirdly, banks targets different categories of
customers and uses differentiated channels in order to reach out to them hence the researcher
recommends that banks should adopt value innovation strategies in order to enhance performanc
Determinants of effective staff performance in improving data management in healthcare: a case study of Mombasa county, Kenya
No full textPrevious research in developing countries has revealed a variety of issues that may jeopardize data quality in HIS. According to research, many developing countries health information systems are unable to provide the necessary support information. The information produced is of low quality and the information processed is not made good use of to inform decisions. The lack of promotion of information culture harms the performance of HIS. The general objective of the study was to assess factors influencing effective staff performance in improving data management in selected facilities in Mombasa County, Kenya.Methods:The study adopted a cross-sectional research design with a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, proportions, mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, cross-tabulations, Phi correlation coefficient, and binary logistic regression (at a significance level of 0.05). Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.Results:The results indicated that organizational factors (φ=0.268, p>0.05), staff effectiveness (φ=0.408, OR=0.056, p>0.05) and individual attributes (φ=0.141, p>0.05) did not have significant influence on staff performance in improving data management, while knowledge and skills (φ=0.535, OR=0.031, p<0.05) was found to have a significant influence on staff performance in improving data management.Conclusions:The study concludes that the knowledge and skills of health care workers are a significant predictor of improvement in data management at the health facilities in Mombasa Count
Substitution reactions of cis-platinum(II) complexes containing bidentate N,N-donor pyridinecarboxamide ligands with different substituents
No full textSubstitution reactions of [2-(pyridinecarboxamide)dichloride Pt(II)] [PtCl2], [N-phenyl-(2-pyridinecarboxamide)dichloride Pt(II)] [PhPtCl2], [N-(4-methylphenyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide)dichloride Pt(II)] [CH3PhPtCl2], [N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-(2-pyridine-carboxamide)dichloride Pt(II)] [CH3OPhPtCl2] and [N-(4-fluorophenyl)-(2-pyridinecarboxamide)dichloride Pt(II)] [FPhPtCl2], with nucleophiles; thiourea (TU), N,N′-dimethylthiourea (DMTU) and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylthiourea (TMTU) were studied under pseudo first-order conditions. The rates of substitution were investigated as a function of nucleophile concentration and temperature using stopped-flow and UV-visible absorption spectrophotometers. Substitutions of the two coordinated chloride ligands of the Pt(II) complexes occur consecutively, with the first substitution occurring opposite the coordinated pyridyl. The observed pseudo first-order rate constants regressed linearly with concentration of the incoming nucleophiles according to the equation kobs = k2[Nu]. The highest substitution rates were measured for PtCl2, which is attributed to the unsubstituted non-leaving carboxamide ligand. The Pt(II) center of this complex is the most electrophilic as a result of the strong withdrawal of electron density through π-resonance by the carboxamide group. The introduction of a 4′-substituted phenyl group on the amido N of the carboxamide reduces the reactivity of the complexes due to proportional electronic effects from the ancillary substituents on the phenyl ring as well as its conformational disposition with respect to the plane of the complex. The order of reactivity of studied nucleophiles is TU > DMTU > TMTU. The substitution is associatively activated as supported by the negative entropy of activation values for the reactions
Improving the accessibility of digital content via mobile technology: a case study of Mount Kenya University
No full textlobally, Higher Education Institutions (HEI) have embraced the use of mobile technology in
the delivery of instructional resources which has promised multiple benefits in digital or
blended learning, HEIs are facing the challenge of high internet tariffs. The current study sought
to improve the accessibility of digital content via mobile technology within limited Internet
connectivity contexts. The case study was Mount Kenya University in Kenya. In the university,
training had been done for both students and educators on how to access digital content but still,
both students and educators have been experiencing challenges in getting cost-effective, high quality education, and the accessibility of reading materials. The accessibility of digital content
was a problem because of internet connectivity and bulky content. This research contributes to
improving the accessibility of digital content via mobile technology by coming up with a
mobile-based model. Objectives were to establish the factors that influence mobile technology,
Challenges, and their effects on the learners, develop a mobile-based model, and then validate
the model. The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). TAM
demonstrates the prediction of the usability and acceptance of new technology. The study used
a quantitative research approach within which a descriptive survey research design was
adopted. The target population was 15123 individuals comprising of 15,000 students and 123
were educators/ ICT staff who accessed digital content in the academic year 2018/2019. In
sampling methods, this research used a case study of Mount Kenya University; students, staff,
and educators as population. In this study, Slovin’s formula was used to get the sample
population of 390 out of the target population of 15,123 members. Simple random sampling
was the procedure used. The findings showed that there is a statistically significant relationship
between internet connectivity, type of mobile technology, user literacy, data caching, and
eLearning policy had a significant effect on the accessibility of digital content. The variables
were statistically significant. The adjusted R squared was 0.862 indicating that 86.2 percent of
the total variation of accessibility of digital content can be explained by Internet connectivity,
e-learning policy, type of mobile technology, data caching, and user literacy. The study then
went ahead to develop a mobile-based e-learning model. The mobile-based model used a WIFI
router device which is not internet supported as an alternative to a wired internet connection
where students and educators access digital content from the mobile sub-server which was not
connected to the internet through their mobile technology The findings showed that the use of
mobile-based e-learning (m-learning) in universities will greatly improve access to digital
content and hence e-learning. The study recommends the use of m-learning as it will provide
alternative means of optimizing Internet connectivity. This research makes a contribution to
m-learning to universities, policymakers involved in testing, designing, and implementation,
and scholars
Synthesis, substitution kinetics, DNA/BSA binding and cytotoxicity of tridentate N^E^N (E = NH, O, S) pyrazolyl palladium(II) complexes
No full textThe pincer complexes, [Pd(L1)Cl]BF4 (PdL1), [Pd(L2)Cl]BF4 (PdL2), [Pd(L3)Cl]BF4 (PdL3), [Pd(L4)Cl]BF4 (PdL4) were prepared by reacting the corresponding ligands, 2,6-bis[(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine (L1), bis[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]amine (L2), bis[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]ether (L3), and bis[2-(1H-prazol-1-yl)ethyl]sulphide (L4) with [PdCl2(NCMe)]2 in the presence NaBF4. The solid‐state structures of complexes PdL1–PdL4 confirmed a tridentate coordination mode, with one chloro ligand completing the coordination sphere to afford square-planar complexes. Chemical behaviour of the complexes in solution confirms their stability in both aqueous and DMSO stock media. The electrochemical properties of the compounds showed irreversible two-electron reduction process. Kinetic reactivity of Pd complexes with the biological nucleophiles viz, thiourea (Tu), L-methionine (L-Met) and guanosine 5′-diphosphate disodium salt (5’-GMP) followed the order: PdL2 100 µM) when tested against the human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line and the transformed human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5 SV2)
Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sugar Factory Workers in Jinja-Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textGlobally, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
combined account for more than a fifth of the total years
lived with disability. This condition affects workers alone
and people across the life-course in all regions of the world.
Despite this long-standing awareness, MSDs continue to be
the main reason associated with people with a work-related
illness. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of
work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in
sugar factories in Jinja-Uganda.
Methodology: This study implored a cross-sectional study
design among the sugar factory workers considering their
baseline data. A structured, standardized questionnaire
Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ)
was used to capture the data. A sample size of 402 was
divided equally among two sugar factories, A and B. Ethical
approvals were sought from the relevant bodies before
conducting the study.
Results: The quantitative data were analyzed using IBM
SPSS Version 26, a descriptive statistic such as mean,
standard deviation, percentages, and frequencies was
conducted. A higher prevalence of 77.1% was reported
among Factory A and 28.4% in Factory B in 12 months.
The respondents were the lower back region, 63.7%, and
the upper back region, 46.3%, was the most affected body
region. An independent t-test showed statistical differences
between the following variables in both factories; age (p =
0.000), BMI (p = 0.000), duration of work in the field per
day (p = 0.033), systolic (p = 0.000), and diastolic rate (p
= 0.000).
Conclusion: This study revealed a very high prevalence
among the sugar factory workers due to high ergonomic
risk exposure during respondents' work activities. Due to
the recorded high prevalence, an ergonomic intervention
among the workers to enhance their wellness by addressin
Factors Affecting the Compliance with Standard Infection Prevention Precaution among Community Health Practitioners in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
No full textStandard infection prevention precautions are measures taken to protect healthcare providers and patients. The research aimed at investigating factors affecting community health practitioners’ compliance with standard infection prevention precautions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Three hundred and fifty-four community health practitioners consented and were recruited through multistage sample procedure, data was collected using a questionnaire, key informant interviews, and three focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed with descriptive statistics with a criterion mean set at 2.5 and 2.0, and inferential statistics of multiple linear regression with 95% confidence interval using SPSS version 21. Findings indicated that community health practitioners in Bayelsa State are aware of standard infection prevention precaution (x=3.7, 95%), but their compliance level is low (x=2.2, 44%) due to individual factors such as difficulty to feel veins when on PPE (x=2.7), they experience some level of discomfort while performing skills using the PPE (x=2.0), and lack of knowledge on how to use the PPE (x=2.9), work-related factor such as workload due to shortage of staff (x=2.6), and PHC system factors such as unavailability of supervision on the use of standard infection prevention precautions (x=2.8), No accessibility to available PPE (x=2.9) , Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in unavailable (x=3.0), and no training programme on the use of PPE (x=2.9). There was a statistically significant relationship between sex and level of compliance with standard infection prevention precaution (p-value=.000); years of service and level of compliance with standard infection prevention precaution (p-value=.000). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between age and level of compliance with standard infection prevention (p-value=.296); religion and level of compliance with standard infection prevention precaution (p-value=.504), and marital status and level of compliance with standard infection prevention precaution (p-value= .168). There was also a statistically significant relationship between level of awareness and compliance with standard infection prevention precaution (p-value= .000). It is recommended that the government should make PPEs available in the health facilities, PHC Boards should conduct supportive supervision on the use of PPE and community health practitioners should be willing to use the PPE when discharging their duties in primary health care facilities