Mount Kenya University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
5772 research outputs found
Sort by
Genomic Surveillance of SARS-COV-2 reveals diverse circulating variant lineages in Nairobi and Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textGenomic surveillance and identification of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks are important in understanding the genetic diversity, phylogeny, and lineages of SAR-CoV-2. Genomic surveillance provides insights into circulating infections, and insights into the robustness and design of vaccines and other infection control approaches. We sequenced 56 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from a Kenyan clinical population, of which 52 passed the Ultrafast sample Placement on the existing tRE for the phylo-genome-temporal analyses across two regions in Kenya (Nairobi and Kiambu County). B.1.1.7 (Alpha; n = 32, 61.5%) and B.1 (n = 9, 17.3%) lineages were the most predominant variant with a wide-range of Ct values (5–31) and variant mutations across the two regions. Lineages B.1.617.2, B.1.1, A.23.1, A.2.5.1, B.1.596, A, and B.1.405 were also detected across the sampling sites within the target population. The lineages and genetic isolates were traced back to China (A), Costa Rica (A.2.5.1), Europe (B.1, B.1.1, A.23.1), USA (B.1.405, B.1.596), South Africa (B.1.617.2), and United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), indicating multiple introduction events. There were, however, no genetic isolates associated with the omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern that is less severe than the previous variants.No file uploaded yet
Application of multiple binding sites for LAMP primers across P. falciparum genome improves detection of the parasite from whole blood samples
No full textMalaria 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.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
Risk Factors for Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sugar Factory Workers in Jinja, Eastern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textIntroduction: The disease outcome of musculoskeletal disorders includes; serious occupational disorders and disabilities that are associated with the loss of useful working days and socioeconomic burden to the individual, the organization, and society at large. The aim of this study is to determine the work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors among sugar factory workers. Methods: The cross-sectional study design was employed in this study in the workplace among 402 workers between two sugar factories. The self-structured Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders questionnaire was administered. Data were analysed into descriptive statistics, binary logistic, and multiple logistic regression using SPSS vs. 26. Results: The results indicate that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the previous 12 months among sugar factory workers was 53%. The Lower back region has the highest prevalence of 52.2% and the lowest prevalence of 12.7% on Neck region. The following highlighted factors were significantly associated with the reporting of WRMSD among sugar factory workers during the last 12-months, such as; age of the respondents, educational status, work designation, monotonous task, standing for long periods, and time taken to carry out the task. Conclusions: Workers in sugar factories are constantly exposed to ergonomic hazards which predisposed them to WRMSD. If these situations are not prevented it might worsen the burden of WRMSDs among workers, result in cases of more absenteeism and low productivit
Information Technology Strategic Alignment Maturity and Business Performance: A Study of The Banking Industry in Kenya
No full textThis study sought to demonstrate the relationship between the IT Strategic Alignment
Maturity and business performance. The Strategic Alignment Maturity Model (SAMM)
was applied for assessing the alignment maturity. Business performance can be
measured in terms of financial parameters including return on assets and net profit. The
main business problem is that managers in the Kenyan banking industry do not have a
model that would predict the relationship between business information technology
alignment maturity and business performance. The specific objectives are to assess the
maturity of each the six criteria namely, governance, communications, value,
partnership, technology scope, and skills and the corresponding relationship each has
with business performance.
The data collection tools were interviews and
questionnaires. The data analysis tool was Statistical Package for Social Scientists
(SPSS v 24). The participants were the CIOs of all the nine Tier one banks. Tier one
banks make approximately 70% of the Kenyan banking industry market size. The
research adopted a mixed methodology that utilized both quantitative and qualitative
data. The study concluded that alignment maturity level had a relationship with
performance of the commercial banks. The findings indicated the average
communication criteria maturity within the commercial banks was at 3.10 across all the
commercial banks showing a moderate fit for the organization. The results also showed
an average value of IT value criteria (mean = 3.09), governance criteria (mean = 3.20)
and partnership criteria (mean = 3.19). The study further established that
Scope/Architecture criteria and Skills criteria had an average mean of 3.19 and 3.03
respectively which was an indication of moderate fit within the commercial banks. The
results of the financial metrics indicated a log of Total assets of 11.699 and an average
return of assets (ROA) of 2.7%. The results implied that 36.8% of the changes in the
business performance of Tier 1 commercial banks were determined by the strategic
business-IT alignment maturity. The coefficient for strategic business-IT alignment
maturity was 2.727, Sig = .033<.05 which was an indication that there is a positive
significant effect. A change in Business–IT alignment maturity will lead to a 2.727
change in the business performance of the Tier one commercial banks in Kenya. The
developed framework focused on how IT strategy, style, skills, staff, structure, and
processes contribute to customer experience which leads to better profitability within
banks. The findings indicate that the information system organization has a strong
positive correlation with the customer experience (P= .861, Sig = .001<.05). The results
also show that customer experience has a strong positive and significant effect on the
profitability of the commercial banks (P= .739, Sig = .011<.05) testing at 95%
confidence level. The zero-order correlation showed that controlling for the customer
experience there was positive and significant association between Business-IT
alignment and the profitability of commercial banks in Kenya (P= .691, Sig =
.029<.05). The study recommends that commercial banks should improve the strategic
maturity, invest in digital transformation, continuously review the value of IT
investments, and ultimately achieve higher levels of the return on assets
The Influence of Community Health Workers on Uptake of Maternal Health Services: Case Study of Musanze District, Rwanda
No full textBackground: Community-based initiatives are a worldwide policy that guarantees that key health
services are available and accessible closer to the community. CHWs are an important element of
healthcare services in Rwanda. Community health workers integrate individuals of their
communities to provide preventive, habitual, and emergency maternity healthcare requirements.
Maternal health is still a challenge to the achievement of SDGs by 2030 in the health-care sector
compared with the effort provided by CHWs. The aim of study was to assess the influence of
community health workers' role on uptake of maternal health services in Musanze District
Influence of Cyberbullying on Psychological Well-Being Among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Keny
No full textCyber bullying in secondary schools has been of both global and regional concern with the same
concern becoming an issue in our Kenyan schools. With advancement of modern information
technology, the trends of cyber bullying have consistently been changing thus raising concerns
about the psychological well-being particularly for the adolescents in secondary schools. The
purpose of this study was, to investigate the influence of cyber bullying on psychological well-
being of the adolescents in secondary schools within Nairobi County, Kenya. The study sought to
establish influence of the forms of cyber bullying on psychological wellbeing of the adolescents
in secondary schools and the relationships between the prevalence of cyber bullying and
psychological wellbeing of the adolescents. The study further sought to establish the extent to
which the techniques of cyber bullying influenced the psychological wellbeing of the adolescents
of the adolescents and lastly the coping and intervention strategies used to minimize cyber
bullying. The General Strain and Social Cognitive Theories guided the study. The study adopted
Ex- post-facto research design. The study had an accessible population of 5 principals, 5 teacher
counselors and 5200 secondary school learners (students). The sampling procedures comprised of
both probability and non-probability techniques. The researcher purposefully selected the schools
that had prior unrest. Further, the study used Stratified Sampling Techniques to obtain the samples
of subgroups of the adolescents in secondary schools. The study used Simple Random Sampling
techniques to select the students from the subgroups who would form part of the study sample.
The study also used Maximum variation purposive sampling to select the Focus group discussion
participants who included one professional counselor, one educational officer, a police officer, a
medical officer, a computer specialist, a student and one parent. Maximum variation is a type of
purposive sampling in which the sampled population provides insightful information. The focus
group participants therefore, provided insightful information concerning cyber bullying and its
influence on psychological wellbeing among the adolescents. The researcher used Expert
purposive sampling to select five Teacher counselors and five school principals. The study
altogether used a total sample of 333 participants (consisting of five school principals, 5 teacher
counselors, 5 key informants and 318 secondary school students). The instruments used in this
study were questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and documents analysis guides. The
researcher piloted the study instruments in Nairobi County in two schools, which had the same
characteristics but had not been included in the study. The study used Expert judgment to check
its validity. The researcher employed Split half technique to establish the reliability of the study.
The researcher then calculated correlation coefficient using Pearson’s Product Moment
Correlation Method. A coefficient of r≥0.775 indicated high internal consistency. The researcher
coded the quantitative data and analyzed using inferential statistics. The study used Pearson
Product Moment correlation coefficient and Chi square. The descriptive data was analyzed using
frequencies and percentages with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS Version
23) and presented using frequency tables. For Qualitative data, the researcher transcribed the
participants’ description of their experiences, analyzed, and presented in narrative forms. Data
from document analysis guide was organized and analyzed thematically. There was statistically
significant relationship between forms of cyber bullying and psychological wellbeing of the
adolescents in secondary schools. There was also statistically significant relationship between
techniques of cyberbullying psychological wellbeing of the adolescents. The study recommends
that, the school principals, teachers and parents should work together in educating the adolescents
on cyber bullying in order to foster assertiveness and resilience. The Government through the
ministry of education should consider infusing cyber bullying in the school curriculum for proper
definition and understanding of the forms of cyber bullying and its effects to both teachers and
students. The school principals should employ intensive monitoring and control of the sites the
adolescents is visiting during computer lessons in order to understand the techniques they use to cyber bully others
Drug resistance profiling of asymptomatic and low-density Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections on Ngodhe island, Kenya, using custom dual-indexing next-generation sequencing
No full textMalaria control initiatives require rapid and reliable methods for the detection and monitoring of molecular markers associated with antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Ngodhe island, Kenya, presents a unique malaria profile, with lower P. falciparum incidence rates than the surrounding region, and a high proportion of sub-microscopic and low-density infections. Here, using custom dual-indexing and Illumina next generation sequencing, we generate resistance profiles on seventy asymptomatic and low-density P. falciparum infections from a mass drug administration program implemented on Ngodhe island between 2015 and 2016. Our assay encompasses established molecular markers on the Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhps, Pfdhfr, and Pfk13 genes. Resistance markers for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine were identified at high frequencies, including a quintuple mutant haplotype (Pfdhfr/Pfdhps: N51I, C59R, S108N/A437G, K540E) identified in 62.2% of isolates. The Pfdhps K540E biomarker, used to inform decision making for intermittent preventative treatment in pregnancy, was identified in 79.2% of isolates. Several variants on Pfmdr1, associated with reduced susceptibility to quinolones and lumefantrine, were also identified (Y184F 47.1%; D1246Y 16.0%; N86 98%). Overall, we have presented a low-cost and extendable approach that can provide timely genetic profiles to inform clinical and surveillance activities, especially in settings with abundant low-density infections, seeking malaria elimination
Determinants of Blood Donation Practice among Selected Tertiary College Students in Homa Bay County Kenya
No full textGlobally, most countries are struggling with inadequacy of blood. The enthusiasm of a population to give blood determines donation rate of a country. Most Kenyans are still not willing to donate with only less than 10 percent of adult Kenyans donating. Unfortunately, the country is struggling with perennial shortage of blood and KNBTS is only able to collect 16% of the one million units needed by the country way below the target. Their statistics shows blood is mainly donated by secondary school students, college and university students and 80 percent of the donors aged between 16 and 25 years. Blood donors of younger age have the potential of longer donor careers and good health, consequently directing recruitment efforts toward them is strategic to achieve universal access. Kenya has an estimated population of 47million, to claim sufficiency; 470,000 units of blood need to be collected annually. To increase adequacy of blood supply, locally relevant evidence is needed to understand the characteristics, motivators and barriers of tertiary college students. Numerous studies have been undertaken to understand the characteristics, barriers and motivators of potential donors more so in developed countries with few studies done locally in other parts of the country but not in Homa bay County. This was a descriptive cross sectional study which mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative) for triangulation purposes. It was carried out from April 2021 to July 2021 in three public tertiary institutions and one private tertiary institution in Homa Bay County. The county is situated in western part of Kenya bordering Lake Victoria. A total of 424 participants were recruited in the study. The institutions were purposively sampled and systematic random sampling on the spot without a population list was used to sample the students. The numbers of students sampled in each institution was proportionately based on the total study population of 2627. SPSS software version 21.0 was used to conduct statistical analysis. Reliability was analyzed using test retest method and Pearson’s correlation calculated. In addition to reliability, simple percentage agreement was also calculated with values from 75% to 90% demonstrating acceptable level of agreement. Descriptive statistics (arithmetic average and standard deviation) and Chi square (x2) test for association was conducted for quantitative data while transcripts coded thematically and similarities identified for qualitative data. Logistic regression was carried out for all significant independent variables and Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) used to estimate the strength of association. The study revealed that sex OR-0.493 p =.013 and blood type A-(OR) 8.597 p=.0.009, and O+ (OR) 2.189 p=0.012 of the students were significant socio- demographic characteristics associated with blood donation, while collectivism and altruism main motivating factors. Selling of blood was the lead barrier to blood donation. Homa Bay County satellite blood bank, should come up with customized blood donation messages targeting female donors, and all donors should be motivated with non-monetary incentives like donor’s card and Community strategy should be used to share key customized massages through community health volunteers (CHVs) regarding blood donation
Factors Influencing Utilization of Routine Health Information for Decision Making Among Health Workers: A Case Study of Health Facilities in Moyo District, Uganda
No full textHealth information is a powerful vehicle for enhancing community
health and it highlights both the problems and opportunities that exist
for development. In Uganda, there are cases where decisions have been
made without using health information in primary health care units. The
existing capacity inadequacy to efficiently utilize information to track
service use patterns over time to determine the impacts of policy and
service delivery improvements in Uganda is one of the key weaknesses.
With the support of the Ministry of Health, the government of Uganda
is implementing projects to build and enhance the nation's web-based
national health information system (DHIS2), which collects data from
all health systems and allows for making decisions based on evidence on
the delivery of health services. The broad study objective was to establish
the factors influencing the utilization of routine health information for
decisions making among the health workers. The research design was
based on an analytical cross-sectional design. The target population for
this study was 260 health workers specifically targeting those involved in
the use of routine utilization of health information. Purposive sampling
was used to select the key informants and other respondents were selected
using simple and stratified random sampling. The self-administered
structured questionnaire and key informants' interviews were used to
collect data from respondents. The analysis of the quantitative data was
done using descriptive statistics consisting of tables, bar graphs, pie charts,
frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviations. Logistic regression
analysis was conducted for establishing the association amongst the
variables. The study established that technical factors (X2=801.069;
p=0.001), organizational factors (X 2=895.224; p=0.000), and behavioural
factors (X2=994.559; p=0.000) had a significant influence on utilization
of routine health information for decision making. Talk of significant
predictors of utilization of routine health information for decision making,
technical factors (p = 0.013) had the greatest influence on utilization of
routine health information for decision making among health workers at
health facilities followed by organizational factors (p = 0.049). The study
recommends that management of health facilities in Moyo district to create
organizational culture through increased demand for and use of routine
health information for evidence-based decision making in all aspects. The
study further established areas of the routine health information system
that requires to be reinforced and backed up to ensure the use of routine
data in health facility to make decisions
Hepatitis E Virus Prevalence amongst Blood Donors in Selected Regions of Kenya
No full textCurrently, Kenya is carrying out mandatory tests for four transfusion-transmissible infections for the provision of safe adequate blood as required by the World Health Organization. These mandatory tests include HIV 1 and 2, hepatitis B and C viruses and syphilis. Hepatitis E Virus is a transfusion-transmissible virus that can cause lasting liver illness and therefore, an important public health concern. Presently, there is no scientific documentation on Hepatitis E Virus prevalence of voluntary blood donors in Kenya. The objective of the present study was to evaluate Hepatitis E Virus prevalence of voluntary blood donors in Kenya. The findings from this study will aid in the development of safe blood transfusion policy, hence mitigate transfusion-transmissible Hepatitis E Virus via blood and blood products. Blood samples were obtained from voluntary blood donors upon consenting in six regional blood collection centers in Kenya. The blood samples were transported under cold chain to the national central testing laboratory in Nairobi, Kenya to test for IgG and IgM seroprevalence using ELISA. Confirmatory test was done using RT-PCR for 19 blood samples which tested seropositive for Hepatitis E Virus IgM and/or IgG antibodies. The present study recorded a Hepatitis E Virus seroprevalence of 4.9% which is similar to non-endemic countries. There was no association between Hepatitis E Virus seroprevalence and gender, age or region of blood collection. This study also recorded Hepatitis E Virus IgM and IgG seroprevalences of 3.4% and 2.6% respectively. There was an association between age and Hepatitis E Virus IgG seroprevalence. No Hepatitis E viremia was detected among IgM and/or IgG seropositive blood samples. This study confirmed for the presence of Hepatitis E Virus IgM and/or IgG seropositive blood samples among blood donors in Kenya and therefore, recommends screening of blood products to mitigate transfusion-transmissible Hepatitis E Virus infection