Department of Public Healthhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1392024-03-29T13:59:40Z2024-03-29T13:59:40ZPerceptions of Faculty Officials on Online Learning in Kenyan Institutions of Higher Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Qualitative StudyOmbere, Stephen OkumuNyabundi, Agnetta Adiedohttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/60492024-03-19T16:59:49Z2023-11-06T00:00:00ZPerceptions of Faculty Officials on Online Learning in Kenyan Institutions of Higher Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Qualitative Study
Ombere, Stephen Okumu; Nyabundi, Agnetta Adiedo
Due to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, education has been disrupted right from kindergarten to University. Globally, states are advocating for online learning. The COVID-19 pandemic had led to the closure of universities and it was not clear how long this would last. e-Learning was crucial. Lecturers were asked to complete their syllabuses and continue to teach and administer tests remotely. So far, there is a dearth of information on how Kenya’s higher education responded to the pandemic through online learning. This qualitative study utilized online platforms (zoom and Skype) for interviews. This study employed a constructivist approach to explore the faculty officials’ perception of online learning in Kenya’s institutions of higher education. Approximately 45 faculty officials from public universities were involved in this study. The study was carried out in three public universities in Western Kenya. The participants argued that online education was beneficial and primarily promoted online research and enabled them to connect with other practitioners in the global community. There were challenges associated with online learning for instance unreliable internet. This study’s results are hoped to inform the ministry of education and higher learning policies on making online effective and efficient to both the students and the lecturers. This will also be a fairer spring-ball for Kenya toward the realization of Vision 2030.
Ombere, S.O. and Nyabundi, A.A. (2023), "Perceptions of Faculty Officials on Online Learning in Kenyan Institutions of Higher Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Qualitative Study", Sengupta, E. (Ed.) Higher Education in Emergencies: International Case Studies (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 52), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 111-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120230000052008
2023-11-06T00:00:00ZAvailability of quality health information on morbidity and mortality indicators to improve maternal healthcare services in Migori county, KenyaObwocha, WilfredAyodo, GeorgeAwandu, Shehu Shagarihttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/58442023-11-09T15:18:03Z2022-03-31T00:00:00ZAvailability of quality health information on morbidity and mortality indicators to improve maternal healthcare services in Migori county, Kenya
Obwocha, Wilfred; Ayodo, George; Awandu, Shehu Shagari
Assessing availability of quality health information on maternal morbidity and mortality
indicators in the provision of quality healthcare services is critical. The study used retrospective
and prospective study designs among four facilities with the highest maternal mortality ratio in
Migori county; County referral, St Joseph mission, Rongo Sub County and Isebania county
hospitals. The study involved eight priority maternal healthcare indicators; Antepartum
hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, and Eclampsia, ruptured uterus, Sepsis, obstructed labor,
maternal deaths and Prevention of mother- to-child transmission. Similar indicator data from
routine health information software (RHIS) and hospital registers were compared to determine
availability of quality health information; to inform decision making in implementing annual and
strategic plans to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and to ensure quality healthcare
services. The study used checklists and open-ended structured questionnaires to collect data.
Convenient sampling method was used to select maternal priority health indicators. Data were
analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) and inferential statistical analysis
were done including: correlation, T-test and Z-test for p-values at 0.05 level significance. The
results were presented using tables and charts. Rongo hospital was leading in Maternal Mortality
ratio (MMR) (781) and Isebania hospital had the lowest ranging from 0-190.The average
correlation per facility was 0.512, SD ±1 coverage ranged between 0% and 50%. Perfect
association covered 44.6%, strong association 25%, moderate 7.1% and weak 23.3%. Perfect,
strong and moderate association coverage was 69.6% and weak and negligible 30.4%
respectively. The p-value correlation coverage was 37.5% and T-test achieved 62.5% below
0.05.
https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2022.v07i03.021
2022-03-31T00:00:00ZExploring Shigella vaccine priorities and preferences: Results from a mixed-methods study in low-and middle-income settingsJessica A Fleming, Nikki Gurley, Sophia Knudson, Lassane Kabore, John Tanko Bawa, Patience Dapaah, Sandeep Kumar, Surendra Uranw, Thang Tran, Chris Odero, Christopher Obong'o, Kofi Aburam, Stella Wanjiru, Nguyen Thi My Hanh, Luu Phuong Dung, William P Hausdorffhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/57722023-09-11T15:38:26Z2023-08-09T00:00:00ZExploring Shigella vaccine priorities and preferences: Results from a mixed-methods study in low-and middle-income settings
Jessica A Fleming, Nikki Gurley, Sophia Knudson, Lassane Kabore, John Tanko Bawa, Patience Dapaah, Sandeep Kumar, Surendra Uranw, Thang Tran, Chris Odero, Christopher Obong'o, Kofi Aburam, Stella Wanjiru, Nguyen Thi My Hanh, Luu Phuong Dung, William P Hausdorff
Shigella is the leading bacterial cause of diarrheal mortality in children and can cause long-term effects on growth and development. No licensed Shigella vaccines currently exist but several promising candidates are in development and could be available in the next five years. Despite Shigella being a well-known public health target of the World Health Organization for decades, given current burden estimates and competing preventable disease priorities in low-income settings, whether the availability of an effective Shigella vaccine will lead to its prioritization and widespread introduction among countries at highest risk is unknown.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590136223001092
2023-08-09T00:00:00ZFinding the missing children for TB care and prevention in KenyaEJ Carter, B Mungai, T Njoroge, A Masese, D Szkwarko, P Angala, A Ronoh, K Owuor, E Masini, M Kamene, P Wekesahttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/57582023-06-29T14:02:05Z2022-12-01T00:00:00ZFinding the missing children for TB care and prevention in Kenya
EJ Carter, B Mungai, T Njoroge, A Masese, D Szkwarko, P Angala, A Ronoh, K Owuor, E Masini, M Kamene, P Wekesa
SETTING: One hundred high TB burden facilities in nine counties in Kenya.OBJECTIVES: 1) To increase uptake of TB preventive therapy (TPT) among child contacts aged <5 years, and 2) to increase TB diagnosis in children aged <15 years presenting to health facilities for routine care.DESIGN: For objective 1, a clinic-based child contact management strategy incorporating transport/healthcare cost reimbursement, monitoring and evaluation tools, and healthcare worker education was utilized. For objective 2, community health screeners were established in pediatric outpatient departments to perform verbal screening, flagging symptomatic children for further evaluation.RESULTS: Over 15 months, identification of 8,060 individuals diagnosed with bacteriologically confirmed TB led to 2,022 child contacts. Of these, 1,848 (91%) were evaluated; 149 (8%) were diagnosed with TB disease, leaving 1,699 (92%) eligible for TPT; 1,613 (95%) initiated TPT and 1,335 (83%) completed TPT. In outpatient settings, 140,444 children were screened; 54,236 (39%) had at least two TB symptoms; 2,395 (4%) were diagnosed with TB diseaseCONCLUSION: Health system strengthening supporting a clinic-based child contact management program increased the number of children initiating TPT. Systematic screening in outpatient clinics can lead to increased TB case notifications; however, optimal screening tools and clearer diagnostic pathways for the evaluation of these children are needed.
https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.22.0102
2022-12-01T00:00:00ZEffects of bacterial composition and aquatic habitat metabolites on malaria vector larval availability in irrigated and non-irrigated sites of Homa Bay county, western KenyaPauline Winnie OrondoID, Kevin O. Ochwedo , Harrysone Atieli , Guiyun Yan , Andrew K. Githeko , Steven G. Nyanjomhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/57322023-06-16T11:43:32Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZEffects of bacterial composition and aquatic habitat metabolites on malaria vector larval availability in irrigated and non-irrigated sites of Homa Bay county, western Kenya
Pauline Winnie OrondoID, Kevin O. Ochwedo , Harrysone Atieli , Guiyun Yan , Andrew K. Githeko , Steven G. Nyanjom
Gravid Anopheles malaria vectors depend on both chemical and physical (including
microbial) cues for selection of preferred habitats for oviposition. This study focused on
assessing the effects of bacterial composition and habitat metabolites on malaria vector
larval availability in irrigated and non-irrigated potential larval sources. Water samples
were collected from larval positive and negative habitats in the irrigated and non- irrigated
areas of Homa Bay county. Bacteria cultured from the water samples were subjected to
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDITOF MS) for species identification. DNA was extracted from the colonies and polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing done. Finally, the metabolite composition of larval
positive and negative habitats was determined. MALDI-TOF MS results revealed that
Bacillus was the only genera identified from larval sources in the non-irrigated zone. In the
irrigated area, Shigella was the dominant genera (47%) while Escherichia coli was the
abundant species (13/51). Of the sequenced isolates, 65% were Bacillus. Larvicidal isolates Brevibacillus brevis, Bacillus subtilis, and Exiguobacterium profundum were isolated
and grouped with Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus stercoris, and Brevibacillus agri. Irrigated areas with larvae had reduced crude fat (0.01%) and protein content
(0.13%) in comparison to those without larvae. In irrigated and non- irrigated areas, larval
presence was evident in habitats with high total chlorophyll content (1.12 μg/g vs 0.81μg/g
and 3.37 μg/g vs 0.82). Aquatic habitats with larvae in both irrigated and non-irrigated
areas exhibited higher sugar concentration than habitats without larvae; however, when
compared, non-irrigated areas with larvae had higher sugar concentration than similar
habitats in irrigated areas. In addition, substantial concentrations of Manganese, Calcium,
and Copper were found in aquatic habitats containing larvae in both irrigated and non-irrigated areas. These results allow for prospective examination as potential larvicidal or adulticidal agents and could be considered when designing potential vector control
interventions.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286509
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZHabitat Diversity, Stability, and Productivity of Malaria Vectors in Irrigated and Nonirrigated Ecosystems in Western KenyaOrondo Winnie.Pauline, Xiaoming Wang, Ming-Chieh Lee, Nyanjom G.Steven, Atieli Harrysone, Ondeto M.Benyl, Ochwedo O Kevin., Omondi J.Collince, Ouma Wilfred Otambo, Guofa Zhou, Daibin Zhong, K Githeko K. Andrew, Kazura W ,James , Guiyun Yanhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/57072023-05-19T13:14:42Z2022-11-05T00:00:00ZHabitat Diversity, Stability, and Productivity of Malaria Vectors in Irrigated and Nonirrigated Ecosystems in Western Kenya
Orondo Winnie.Pauline, Xiaoming Wang, Ming-Chieh Lee, Nyanjom G.Steven, Atieli Harrysone, Ondeto M.Benyl, Ochwedo O Kevin., Omondi J.Collince, Ouma Wilfred Otambo, Guofa Zhou, Daibin Zhong, K Githeko K. Andrew, Kazura W ,James , Guiyun Yan
Several sub-Saharan African countries rely on irrigation for food production. This study examined the impact
of environmental modifications resulting from irrigation on the ecology of aquatic stages of malaria vectors
in a semi-arid region of western Kenya. Mosquito larvae were collected from irrigated and non-irrigated
ecosystems during seasonal cross-sectional and monthly longitudinal studies to assess habitat availability,
stability, and productivity of anophelines in temporary, semipermanent, and permanent habitats during
the dry and wet seasons. The duration of habitat stability was also compared between selected habitats.
Emergence traps were used to determine the daily production of female adult mosquitoes from different
habitat types. Malaria vectors were morphologically identified and sibling species subjected to molecular
analysis. Data was statistically compared between the two ecosystems. After aggregating the data, the overall
malaria vector productivity for habitats in the two ecosystems was estimated. Immatures of the malaria vector
(Anopheles arabiensis) Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) comprised 98.3% of the Anopheles in both the irrigated and
non-irrigated habitats. The irrigated ecosystem had the most habitats, higher larval densities, and produced
85.8% of emerged adult females. These results showed that irrigation provided conditions that increased habitat availability, stability, and diversity, consequently increasing the An. arabiensis production and potential
risk of malaria transmission throughout the year. The irrigated ecosystems increased the number of habitats
suitable for Anopheles breeding by about 3-fold compared to non-irrigated ecosystems. These results suggest
that water management in the irrigation systems of western Kenya would serve as an effective method for
malaria vector control.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjac168
2022-11-05T00:00:00ZMaternal Factors Influencing Under-five Mortality in Karemo Sub-county in Siaya County, KenyaPaul Awiti Odingo, Elly O Munde, David Sang, Harrysone Atieli, Collins Oumahttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/57052023-05-18T13:16:33Z2023-03-01T00:00:00ZMaternal Factors Influencing Under-five Mortality in Karemo Sub-county in Siaya County, Kenya
Paul Awiti Odingo, Elly O Munde, David Sang, Harrysone Atieli, Collins Ouma
Background
Despite the substantial reduction of under-five mortality (U5M) across the world, about 15,000 under-fives (U5s) die daily. Majority occurs in developing countries with Sub-Saharan African countries like Kenya accounting for over 50%. In Kenya, the former Nyanza Province in western region exhibits the highest U5MR of 82 deaths/1000 live births. Karemo Sub-County in Nyanza Province displays twice as much U5MR as Nyanza Province despite having relatively good access to private and public health facilities. Moreover, the influence of maternal risk factors on U5M remains unknown.
Methodology:
The current cross-sectional study assessed the influence of maternal risk factors associated with U5M in Karemo Sub-County in Siaya County in 299 households of women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Data was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire on a face-to-face interview. Differences between proportions were determined using Chi-square test while binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between maternal factors and U5M.
Results
Results show that children of older mothers (35–49 years) had increased mortality relative to those of younger mothers (< 20 years) (OR = 2.484; 95%CI: 1.249–4.940; P = 0.009). Short preceding birth interval of (< 2 years) was associated with increased risk of U5M relative to longer preceding birth intervals (> 2 years) (OR = 2.079; 95%CI: 1.240–3.485; P = 0.005). Relative to primary education level, children born to mothers who had attained tertiary level had reduced risk of U5M (OR = 0.408; 95%CI: 0.208-0.800; P = 0.009). Higher birth orders of 4 and above were five times more associated withU5M compared to lower birth orders (OR = 5.442; 95%CI: 2.789–10.620; P < 0.0001). Polygamy was associated with increased risk of U5M (OR = 3.370; 95%CI: 1.922–5.910; P < 0.0001). Similarly, lower death rates of about 61% were observed among children of married mothers compared to those of single mothers (OR = 0.382; 95%CI: 0.218–0.669; P = 0.001). Employment, subsistent farmers and small-scale business mothers showed increased risk to U5M (OR = 3.505, 95%CI: 1.657–7.414; P = 0.001), 2.1 (OR = 2.196; 95%CI: 1.190–4.053; P = 0.012) and 5.6 (OR = 5.639; 95%CI: 2.871–11.077; P < 0.0001), respectively.
Conclusion
Strategies targeting promotion of girl-child education above primary levels, women economic empowerment and acceptance of family planning are considered fundamental interventions and should be emphasized in reducing U5M in this region.
2023-03-01T00:00:00ZCommunity case management of malaria in Western Kenya: performance of community health volunteers in active malaria case surveillanceOuma Wilfred Otambo, Ochwedo O Kevin, Omondi Collince J, Ming-Chieh Lee, Chloe Wang, Atieli Harrysone , Githeko K, Andew , Guofa Zhou, Kazura James, Githure John, Guiyun Yanhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/56912023-05-09T17:58:10Z2023-03-08T00:00:00ZCommunity case management of malaria in Western Kenya: performance of community health volunteers in active malaria case surveillance
Ouma Wilfred Otambo, Ochwedo O Kevin, Omondi Collince J, Ming-Chieh Lee, Chloe Wang, Atieli Harrysone , Githeko K, Andew , Guofa Zhou, Kazura James, Githure John, Guiyun Yan
In western Kenya, not all malaria cases are reported as stipulated in the community case management of malaria (CCMm) strategy. This underreporting affects the equity distribution of malaria commodities and the evaluation of interventions. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community health volunteers’ active case detection and management of malaria in western Kenya.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-023-04523-4
2023-03-08T00:00:00ZStudents stress patterns in a Kenyan socio‑cultural and economic context: toward a public health interventionVictoria N. Mutiso, David M. Ndetei, Esther N. Muia, Christine Musyimi, Monicah Masake , Tom L. Osborn,Andre Sourander , John R. Weisz , Daniel Mamahhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/56872023-04-28T09:32:36Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZStudents stress patterns in a Kenyan socio‑cultural and economic context: toward a public health intervention
Victoria N. Mutiso, David M. Ndetei, Esther N. Muia, Christine Musyimi, Monicah Masake , Tom L. Osborn,Andre Sourander , John R. Weisz , Daniel Mamah
This study aimed at determining the prevalence of stress, diferent types of stress, their severity and
their determinants in Kenyan university, college and high school students. The following tools were
administered to 9741 students: (1) Researcher-designed socio-demographic tool, (2) Psychiatric
Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) for psychiatric disorders, (3) WERC Stress Screen for
stress, (4) Washington Early Recognition Center Afectivity and Psychosis (WERCAP) screen for
psychosis and afectivity, (5) Wealth Index Questionnaire for economic indicators. Descriptive analysis
for the prevalence of diferent types of stress and inferential analysis for stress and independent
variables were done. Signifcant variables (p< 0.05) were ftted into generalized linear model
to determine independent predictors. The mean age of the respondents was 21.4 years (range
16–43). Money issues were the commonest stressors while alcohol and drug use were the least. The
independent predictors of stress were females, college students and use of gas stove. In conclusion,
up to 30% of the students sufer from mild to severe stress. The students experience a wide range of
stressors. The most important stressors include money and fnances, family related problems and
concerns about their future. Our fndings suggest a public health approach to create stress awareness
in students.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZCost of introducing and delivering RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine within the malaria vaccine implementation programRanju Baral, Ann Levin, Chris Odero, Clint Pecenka, John Tanko Bawa, Kwadwo Odei Antwi-Agyei, Kwame Amponsa-Achaino, Mike Nenani Chisema, Rose Eddah Jalango, Rouden Mkisi, Scott Gordon, Winthrop Morgan, Farzana Muhibhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/56322023-03-08T13:40:35Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZCost of introducing and delivering RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine within the malaria vaccine implementation program
Ranju Baral, Ann Levin, Chris Odero, Clint Pecenka, John Tanko Bawa, Kwadwo Odei Antwi-Agyei, Kwame Amponsa-Achaino, Mike Nenani Chisema, Rose Eddah Jalango, Rouden Mkisi, Scott Gordon, Winthrop Morgan, Farzana Muhib
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine among children residing in regions of moderate to high malaria transmission. This recommendation is informed by RTS,S evidence, including findings from the pilot rollout of the vaccine in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. This study estimates the incremental costs of introducing and delivering the malaria vaccine within routine immunization programs in the context of malaria vaccine pilot introduction, to help inform decision-making.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.043
2023-01-01T00:00:00Z