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Reducing neonatal infection rate among the neonates born at Remera Rukoma hospital: a report of quality improvement project
(Research Square, 2024-08-19) Uwimpaye, Diane; Nzeyimana, Philemon; Nizeyemaliya, Leonille; Ahishakiye , Albertine; Hagenimana, Celestin; Twagirumukiza, Emile
Background
Neonatal infection is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality globally, significantly higher
mortality rates are observed in Lower and middle-income countries, where Rwanda is located. Remera
Rukoma District Hospital reported an increasing rate of neonatal infection necessitating assessment of
the contributing causes and urgent intervention.
Methods
The project was conducted from January to June 2024. The Fishbone diagram was adopted to conduct
a comprehensive root cause analysis. A multidisciplinary team of a quality improvement officer,
clinicians, and different stakeholders identified contributing factors across multiple domains were
categorized into healthcare practices, equipment, hospital environment, and patient factors.
Interventions were implemented and monitored using monthly Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to track
progress and make necessary adjustments.
Results
There was a downward trend from a high rate of neonatal infection of 22.9% in January to 13% in June
2024. Despite not meeting the ambitious target of 10%, the results indicated a significant improvement.
The systematic approach, involving targeted training of all hospital personnel, and fostering infection
control measures, contributed to this progress.
Conclusion
The project demonstrated that a structured, data-driven approach to quality improvement can reduce
neonatal infection rates. Key lessons include the effectiveness of comprehensive root cause analysis
and the importance of continuous staff engagement and education. While the initial target was not met,
the reduction achieved lays a foundation for continued efforts to improve neonatal outcomes at Remera
Rukoma Hospital. Sustained commitment and further refinement of strategies are essential for ongoing
progress in infection control and overall patient care. Lessons learned include the value of staff
engagement, continuous education, and data-driven decision-making in infection control efforts.
Strategy determinants on organizational growth among savings and credit co-operative societies in Kisii county
(Journal International of Business Management, 2024-06-22) Amoro, M. Florence; Gathiru, Martin Kimemia
Numerous institutions establishments are currently facing the imminent risk of closure as a result of mismanagement, which has placed them in a precarious financial situation. The SACCOS, totaling 2,200 in number, were declared dormant or unknown by SASRA due to their failure to meet the required criteria. The aforementioned circumstances led to the initiation of a research investigation into strategy determinants on theSACCO growthin Kisii. The mainaiminthis study was to examine the effect of strategic fund mobilization, strategic investmentsand strategic information dissemination. The study was founded on Efficiency Structure Theory, Neoclassical Theory of InvestmentandModern Portfolio Theory. A total population fromstaff members in the SACCOS was 342. The sampling methodology was stratified random sampling. The sample size was 68 respondents, which corresponds to 20% of the target population. Data collectionwas collected usingquestionnaires. The questionnaire waspilot testedwith a sample of six respondents from selected Sacco in Kisii town. The reliability tests were conducted by assessing its Cronbach alpha value. The research employedboth descriptiveanalysisand inferential statistical analysessuch as regression and correlation analysis.The SPSS software was utilized to compute percentages, frequencies, mean values, and standard deviations.The study's results showed that SACCOSbenefited from strategic fund mobilization, and that this benefit was statistically significantas shown by (β) 0.224,t=1.859, p value 0.05).Based on the findings of the the analysisin Saccos in Kisii County, afavourable and statistically significant correlation (β)=0.849, t=4.438,p0.05) was found between Strategicinvestmentandorganizational growth.Still,there was negative as well as notable importance amongst Strategicinformationdisseminationand organizational growth (β) -.161, t=-.664, p value 0.05).The study concluded that high member default rates do hurts Sacco growth. Thus, high default rates indicated inadequate financial planning by members, which hampered Sacco expansion. Sacco invests in service diversification to boost SACCO’s growth by producing new financial products and entering new markets with stronger growth prospects. The study recommends thatauthorities shoulddevelop mechanisms to help SACCOS access capital for expansion and liquidity management
Determinants of utilisation of the clinical practice guideline in acute management of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury in Nsih, Kenya
(IBOM MEDICAL JOURNAL, 2024-12) Eke, CI; Odongo AO; Mungai S
Background: Spinal cord injuries have severe implications for public health all around the world. As a
result, there is an urgent need to evaluate variables that influence the utilisation of the clinical practice
guidelines for their acute care management.
Objective: The study’s objective was to assess the determinants of the utilisation of the CPG in the acute
management of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injuries among healthcare workers at NSIH,
Kenya.
Material and methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed in this study. A census
sampling with a sample size of 40 was employed in the study. A semi-structured research questionnaire
was used to collect the quantitative data. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis and binomial
logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. The cutoff for statistical significance was p<0.05.
Results: The level of utilisation of the clinical practice guideline was low(22.5%). The presence of
trained healthcare workers was a determinant of the level of utilisation of the CPG while years of working
experience and the presence of adequate healthcare providers among others were not associated with the
level of utilisation of the CPG.
Conclusion:The study concluded that the level of utilisation was low (22.5%) and further concluded that
training on CPG influenced its utilisation by the healthcare providers. There is a need for CPG training
programmes, the development of guideline implementation tools, and feedback mechanisms for CPG
performance assessment.
An evaluation of the concept of masculinity in African feminist literature by two male and two female writers
(African Journal of Emerging Issues, 2024-08) Kiritu, Esther Wanjiku; Mwihia, Margaret Njoki; Mwangi, Peter Muhoro
Purpose of Study: In this study, the researcher examined how male and female authors have
presented societal expectations, the idea of masculinity, and the underrepresentation of male
characters.
Problem Statement: The area of literature and cultural studies has continued to address gender
inequality and feminist arguments. While similar studies have been done, it seems the identities
of male characters have frequently been disregarded in favor of the portrayal of female
characters, particularly in feminist literature.
Methodology: The study was limited to four African feminist texts, two by male authors and
two by female authors. Textual analysis was applied in analyzing the thematic concerns related
to the study objectives. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the four texts;
Margaret A. Ogola’s The River and the Source, Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood,
Nuruddin Farah’s From a Crooked Rib and Imaginings of Sand by André Brink. The researcher
was interested in analyzing the ways in which writers were inspired by different waves of
feminism globally, gender, and writing style, have depicted male identity in their works.
Finding: Despite the fact that literary authors have portrayed male characters in their works,
this study focused on how feminist African writers perceive masculinity, the
underrepresentation of male characters in their works, and how this representation is influenced
by societal expectations. The research study also planned to mobilize social agents, such as the
government, educators, parents, and society, to promote gender equality in contemporary
society. For the purpose of research analysis, this study combined the feminism theory and the
deconstruction theory. Conclusion: From the research findings, it is evident that; the concept of masculinity has been portrayed with less emphasis. Similarly, male characters have also been underrepresented and
this is because, while the male characters remain constant, the female characters have continued
to be presented with progressive characteristics. Additionally, the feminist authors have been
influenced by the social ideologies, which permit male dominancy over the female characters.
Recommendation: From the conclusions made from the analysis of this research data, not only
have the male characters been overlooked in these feminist texts but also, they have been
negatively stereotyped. Hence, the feminist authors should address the issue of gender as a
concern to both men and women in today’s society.
Effectiveness of community leaders on conflict resolution among pastoralist communities in Samburu county, Kenya
(International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities, 2024-06-01) Ekiru, Lawrence Lorunyei; Munene, Ruthwinnie
This study investigated how effective
community leadership had on conflict
resolution among pastoralists in Samburu
County, Kenya. Over the last decade,
Samburu County has continued to manifest
unabated intercommunity conflicts. This is
attributed to many factors, including the
availability and misuse of small arms,
inaccessible terrain, ungoverned spaces,
struggle for scarce natural resources,
intercommoned raiding, revenge and
retaliatory attacks, harsh climatic conditions,
and political incitements, among others. The
purpose of this study was examined how
effective community leadership had on
conflict resolution. The objective of the study
was to establish the early warning indicators
of conflict. The study adopted descriptive
survey design to achieve the research
objective from a population of 93240
community leaders through purposeful
sampling with a sample size of 168. The study
utilized both primary and secondary data.
Primary data was collected through
questionnaire while secondary will involve
document analysis. The research data
collected was analysed using descriptive
statistics for quantitative data and content
analysis for qualitative data using statistical
package for social scientist (SPSS). To collect
data introductory letter was obtained from
Mount Kenya university post graduate school.
Research permit from National Council of
science and technology (NACOSTI) was also
obtained and clearance of ethical review
committee. This study concluded that there
was a positive significant (r=.217, p=.002)
relationship between early warning signs and
conflict resolution. This study recommends
that more studies should be done on
sustainable conflict resolution in Samburu
County in Kenya and among other conflict
affected a region in Kenya.
Images of women in Agikuyu Mwomboko poetry: a selection from performing artists from Mount Kenya region
(The Journal of Literature and Performing Arts, 2024-03-01) Mwangi, Peter Muhoro
The position of women in African societies has been contested in terms of their treatment
in social and poetic discourse in contemporary society. The case of traditional and modern
poetic dances is spelt out in the composing and rendition of Mwomboko poetry of the
Agikuyu people of Mount Kenya Region. The objectives of this study are: (a) To assess
how select compositions of Mwomboko poetry spell out treatment of women in Mount
Kenya region community; (b) To analyze how figurative language is applied in select
compositions of Mwomboko poetry to approximate images of women in Mount Kenya
region community, and (c) To explore the innovativeness of oral poets’ poetic architecture
in charting out the position of women in contemporary society. Popular artists in Africa
have tended to be the mouth pieces of revealing the societal structures that spell out the
relationship between men and women as shown through poetic discourse. The place of
performance has emerged as a central pivot for linking up members of the community in
their efforts to understand their worldview. The emergence of modern performers has
created a new forum for capturing the imagination of target recipients in an open multi–
ethnic audience. The audience has been mainly in hotels, motels and bars, social halls,
wedding reception halls/grounds, political rally grounds, and church service halls among
others. The current work hinges on the level of deconstruction theory as seen through
feminist and gender lens in contemporary times. The images of women revealed in
Mwomboko poetry are constructions by architects of the traditional cum modern poetic
genre, and the findings reveal a move towards balanced portrayal of both genders in
emergent renditions. The study uses descriptive techniques in analysis of figurative
language applied by traditional and modern singers to approximate old meanings to new
meanings in their performances as far as images of women are represented.
Influence of promotion of teachers’ professional development on students’ academic performance among public secondary schools in Athi river sub-county in Machakos county, Kenya
(Mount Kenya University, 2024-06-28) Mavindu, James; Nyakundi, Gilbert; Ogal, Joshua
This study examined the influence of the promotion of teachers’ professional development on
students’ academic performance among public secondary schools. The research used a
concurrent triangulation design. Using a mixed-methods approach, the target population for
this study consisted of 247 respondents, with 23 principals and 224 teachers. A representative
sample of 9 principals and 87 teachers was selected through a combination of stratified and
simple random sampling techniques. Structured questionnaires, interview schedules, and
document analysis were used to collect quantitative data, with their validity and reliability
confirmed through pilot testing and test-retest methods. Data was processed, with means and
percentages used to describe the distribution of variables among respondents. The findings
were visually presented using frequency distribution tables and bar graphs. The Pearson
product-moment correlation coefficient was applied to test the relationship between the study
variables. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS Version 23), with a significance level set at 0.05. The research results reveal significant
findings. Principals exhibit a propensity to encourage staff professional development,
evidenced by a correlation coefficient (r) of .59. The study concluded that the majority of
principals in public secondary schools within the Athi River sub-county actively supported and
embraced strategies and programs aimed at enhancing the professional development of their
teaching staff. In light of these findings, pertinent recommendations emerge. Government
bodies, such as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education, should
orchestrate targeted training for school principals in effective instructional leadership practices.
Evidence of partial artemisinin resistance in malaria endemic lake region, Busia county, Western, Kenya
(Research Square, 2024-07-03) Makau, Mark; Kanoi , Bernard N; Mgawe, Calvin; Maina, Michael; Too, Edwin; Naruse, Taeko; Abkallo, Hussein; Waweru, Harrison; Adung’o , Ferdinand; Kaneko , Osamu; Gitaka, Jesse
Malaria remains a key health and economic problem particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The emergence
of artemisinin resistance (ART-R) parasite strains poses a serious threat to the control and elimination of
this scourge. This is because ART remains the first-line treatment drug in the majority of malariaendemic regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. P. falciparum ART resistance has been linked to mutations in the
Kelch – 13 propeller gene (k13) of the Plasmodium falciparum. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the
K-13 region have been associated with delayed parasite clearance in vivo and in vitro. These mutations
serve as vital molecular markers for tracking the emergence and dispersion of resistance. Recently, there
have been increasing reports of the emergence and spread of P. falciparum ART-R parasites in the
Eastern Africa region. This necessitates continued surveillance to best inform mitigation efforts. This
study investigated the presence of K-13 mutations in the parasite population in Busia County, Kenya, a
known malaria-endemic region. Two hundred twenty-six participants with microscopically confirmed
uncomplicated malaria were recruited for this study. They were put under directly observed treatment
with Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL), and microscopy repeated after 24 hours. P. falciparum DNA from
samples showing the lowest 24-hour relative parasite clearance underwent targeted amplification of the
K-13 gene using a semi-nested PCR approach, followed by Sanger sequencing. The recently validated
ART-R nonsynonymous mutation C469Y was identified in 3% (n = 3) of the samples suggesting it could
have had an impact on clinical parasite clearance 24 hours post-AL administration. Our findings highlight
the need for continuous surveillance of AL resistance in western Kenya and the region to determine the
spread of ART-R and inform containment.
Influence of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students: A case of Egerton and Kabarak main campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya
(Journal of Education and Learning, 2024-06) Kiptiony, Gladys Jerobon; Langat, Julius Kiprono
This study aimed to examine the effect of social media on risky sexual
behaviours among undergraduate students of Egerton and Kabarak main
campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya. Social media contributes to risky sexual
behaviours among undergraduate students. Risky sexual behaviours have
become a predicament all over the world, affecting youth and may lead to
sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. The study
adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 18570
undergraduate students. The accessible population was 8456, whose
sample was 367. A simple random sampling approach was employed, and
the research included a sample of 10 peer counsellors and 2 student
counsellors from Egerton, and Kabarak main campuses selected through
purposive sampling. Data were obtained using an interview schedule, a
questionnaire and a focus group discussion. The research tools were
validated through peer and expert review and pilot testing. Quantitative
data were evaluated using SPSS Version 25 with both descriptive and
inferential statistics, whereas the qualitative data was evaluated
thematically. The analysed data was presented in narratives, graphs, and
tables. The findings show that the majority of students perceive that it’s not
okay to watch pornography or send or receive sex messages to or from
friends on social media. They perceive that it's not their hobby to enjoy
cybersex and do not perceive that online dating is the best way to get a
sexual partner. It was recommended that the government should enhance
censorship of the kind of information being sent or received through social
media platforms.
Factors affecting retention of academic staff in selected private chartered universities in Kiambu county Kenya
(Int Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship, 2024-05) Mugo, Mercy Njoki; Siagi , Ayub
Universities in Kenya have continued to experience interruption in their academic delivery and
resource availability as a result of various factors, key among them being academic staff retention.
A significant number of academic staff are leaving for greener pastures (seeking newer
employment opportunities). This may have led to costly recruitment processes, disruption of
curriculum delivery, loss of human resources and at times, resentment among remaining staff due
to increased workload before adequate replacements are identified. It is on this basis that the
current study, aims to assess the relationship between work assignment, remuneration, on
employee retention among academic staff in private chartered universities in Kiambu County. The
study targeted 2074 academic staff at three private chartered universities (Mount Kenya
University, St. Paul’s University and Gretsa University in Kiambu County). Stratified random
sampling technique was used to select a sample of 309 staff from three stratum (tutorial, lecturers
and professors). Semi-structured questionnaires was used to collect both qualitative and
quantitative data. Data collection was by drop and pick method with the aid of research assistants.
Data analysis was carried out thematically for qualitative and descriptively (mean and standard
deviation) for quantitative data. The findings from the study informed policy makers in three
private chartered universities in Kenya and the entire higher education sector, in reducing staff
turnover and manage talent within their universities. The study concludes that work assignment
has a positive and significant effect on employee retention in Kiambu county, kenya. Finding
revealed that effective, behavioural, and cognitive influence in employee retention in Kiambu
county. In addition, the study concludes that remuneration has a positive and significant influence
on employee retention in Kiambu county, Kenya. Findings revealed that remuneration scale
promote strategy and openness influence employee retention in Kiambu county, Kenya. The study
findings revealed that work assignment has a positive and significant influence on employee
retention in Kiambu county, Kenya. This study therefore recommends that the management of
private chartered universities should formulate strategies to enhance better work assignment
practice in the private chartered university in Kiambu county. In addition, the study findings
revealed that remuneration has a positive and significant influence on academic staff retention in
Kiambu county. Management in the private chartered universities should formulate and implement
an effective framework for employee remuneration and ensure fairness and transparency in the
promotion progress.