Mount Kenya University Institutional Repository

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Assessment of Hybrid Records Management Systems at Mount Kenya University, Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2017-10-10) Mulati, Noreen; Wasike, Jotham
Records are pillars of business activities. In their absence the organizational management is likely to sabotage decision making. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of hybrid records management system at the Mount Kenya University. The study was guided by the following objectives to establish whether MKU has an adequate records management policy that governs hybrid records management system, analyze the extent of staff training on records management and determine the security measures that have been put in place to manage records. The study adopted a case study which involved in-depth analysis of how records were being managed using a hybrid records management system at MKU. Target population consisted of 240 respondents drawn from University`s main campus. Stratified sampling technique was used to select respondents from administration, examinations, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Library departments. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and documentary evidence. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science Software (SPSS) version 20. The study found out that Mount Kenya University (MKU) has embraced hybrid records management since most of its records were in paper and electronic formats, the university has policies governing management of records using a hybrid records management system which has led to effective management of records, staff training does not affect the use of hybrid record management system since most staff that have been employed are managing records especially the electronic records due to the technological changes most staff are computer literate, the university records have been secured and that personal records and vital records can only be accessed by authorised personnel. By embracing the hybrid records management system the universities records will be effectively managed and it will also enhance decision making by policy makers. The study is vital to researchers who will use it for benchmarking and for future reference.
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SCHOOL CONFLICTS AND IMPLICATIONS ON STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF PRACTICING TEACHERS UNDERTAKING MASTERS IN EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATION AT MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2016-09-09) Chui, Mary Mugwe
The purpose of the paper was to evaluate the influence of student’s conflict on the academic performance. Target population is the aggregate of the study unit whom consisted of ongoing practicing teachers undertaking Masters in education and administration students at Mount Kenya University on August holiday who were 220 in number from all over the country. The gathered data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Qualitative research tools were analyzed using descriptive techniques frequency tabulation as well as person correlation to establish the link between frequency of schools conflict and academic performance. The open ended qualitative comments were analyzed to establish the major emerging themes. Conflict in Kenya Public Schools is a common phenomena which is manifested in various manners such as indiscipline cases, disobedience, delinquent behaviours, time wastage , truancy, causing disturbance through verbal or physical confrontation which can sometimes precipitate into violence, indiscipline’s cases sometimes is an indicators of underlying and simmering conflict, sabotage of schools norms like tasks, destroying the school properties, communication breakdown and relational breakdowns. If these conflicts are not managed and controlled it prevent students at personal level and school at large from attaining the purpose of education and will have negative impact on student academic performance. Conflict when unresolved leads to pupils and students absenteeism in class which affect academic performance , Conflict causes higher teachers absenteeism which affect performance of pupils or students, Conflict causes poor quality of education, Conflicts can causes principals or head teachers turnovers, leading to leadership disruption which interfere with students academic performance, Conflicts causes pupils or students retention and enrolment crisis affecting performance, Conflict at individual or school level causes destruction of schools properties, teaching and learning materials and Conflict causes school closure which interfere with learning calendars
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E-RESOURCES COMPLEXITIES AND THEIR USAGE AMONG THE INFORMATION SCIENCE STUDENTS IN MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY, KIGALI CAMPUS
(Global Journal of Engineering Science and Research Management, 2014-11) Nyamboga, Constantine; Bosire, Josephat; Tinega, Haron; Mucyo, Vincent
This study intended to ascertain the usage of e-library resources among the undergraduate students at Mount Kenya University (MKU)-Kigali Campus by determining the awareness level, e-library resources accessibility complexities and the challenges faced by information Science students. The study employed the use of a descriptive statistical research design in which the questionnaire instrument was administered the 178 undergraduate respondents of Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. The analysis of the study indicated that a large number of the students were aware of the availability of electronic library resources through library notice board. However, students showed low awareness via other modes of communication such as colleagues (39.7%) for the undergraduate and 34.5% postgraduate, also only 6.4% of the undergraduate and 6.9% of were aware of the e-library resources through e-mail from the library. Many students indicated that they face challenges in accessing and using e-library resources and the main reasons put forward were lack of advanced information searching skills, information overload due to too much information available online. This implies therefore that there is a high need to improve on the awareness campaign via other modes of communication such as e-mails and seminars. Trainings and workshops on how to use e-library resources should be organized by the library staff and management so that the subscribed e-resources databases are used effectively and efficiently to maximize research in higher learning institutions. In conclusion, the study suggested that it would be important to establish information literacy programs so that students and the entire university community are acquainted with the use of electronic resources.
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Implementation of possible severe bacterial infection guidelines in selected counties in Kenya
(Mount Kenya University, 2022-10) Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
Severe bacterial infections fall among the leading causes of neonatal mortality (0-59 days) globally. One in every five neonates in Kenya will die due to these infections. This situation is aggravated by poor health care seeking behaviors by caregivers, poor supply chain management, low health provider staffing, low care giver and community health volunteer knowledge of PSBI presentation and management, dysfunctional referral pathways among others. The purpose of this study was the implementation of PSBI guidelines and generation of evidence aimed at addressing challenges in neonatal and young infant care in hard-to-reach resource-limited settings. The objective of this study was to demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of PSBI implementation within the revised IMNCI guidelines where referral is not feasible in selected counties in Kenya. The study employed implementation research where an initial formative context mapping and assessment was conducted with routine quarterly follow up assessments. Data collection entailed a capacity assessment in each of the four counties on various health system domains, facility audits in 12 purposively selected facilities to assess preparedness of facilities to manage PSBI, partner mapping to identify potential stakeholders for collaboration in each county, mapping of past, current and planned staff trainings, social costs analysis, Policy/stakeholder analysis, assessment of community/provider perceptions and practices regarding newborn care using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. This was followed by six monthly case studies and narratives. Quantitative data was analyzed using independent T test and Pearson’s chi-square. Qualitative data was described using themes and narratives. Ethical clearance was sought from Mount Kenya University Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committee. The data was reported using tables, graphs, pie charts and narratives. Dissemination of findings was through stakeholder forums, advocacy, local and international conferences, and publications in peer-reviewed journals. The health systems capacity assessment indicated average score of 70% across counties and service delivery domain where Turkana, Mombasa and Kilifi scored a green, but Bungoma scored amber of 65%. Only 29.2% of the facilities reported having a functional newborn unit/area for neonates from the facility assessment. Qualitative data alluded to several cultural contextual factors that predisposed young infants to infections. The data also revealed that most caregivers were able to identify danger signs of PSBI and roles of other household members were identified in line with influencing factors on care seeking behaviors. The interventions and decision support tools developed and tested to. facilitate integration of PSBI include a Job aid chart for health providers to aid in assessment and classification of sick young infants, informational pamphlets for caregivers and health providers, and a PSBI/IMNCI Assessment and Follow up tool for appropriate documentation of management of sick young infants. The findings on implementation research outcomes showed that indeed the PSBI guidelines are acceptable, adoptable, with clear indication of their fidelity, feasibility, and sustainability as public health interventions in low resource settings where referral for sick young infants is not feasible. Consideration of contextual variation, appropriate resource allocation, and training of health providers is necessary for sustainable integration of PSBI guidelines in Kenya’s healthcare system.
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Adherence to world health organization guidelines on prevention of surgical sites infections among nurses in Karatina sub-county hospital in Nyeri, Kenya
(Mount Kenya University, 2022-10) Gakuanyi, Roseline Muthoni
Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. A surgical site infection (SSI) occurs within 30 days of surgery or one year if an implant is used. The invasive nature of the procedures break the first line of defense for the body making the patient vulnerable to infections especially by pathogens such as Escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus , and klebsiella. A study by US department of health reported 2-4% cases develop SSI with 3% resulting in mortality and a study by Tarwadi 2016, in AKU, Kenya revealed 4.9%cases resulted in SSI. The levels of the morbidities have not had significant decline since the inception of guidelines on their prevention. Therefore, this study sought to assess the adherence to WHO blueprints on the prevention of SSIs among nurses and to establish the nurse-related as well as facility-associated factors that influence the protocols to the compliance. This study was based upon the following specific objectives; to assess the level of adherence to WHO Guidelines on prevention of SSIs among nurses working in Karatina sub-county hospital, Nyeri County, to assess the nurse-related factors influencing the adherence to WHO Guidelines on prevention of SSIs among nurses working in Karatina sub-county hospital, Nyeri County, to assess facility-linked factors that influence adherence to WHO Guidelines on prevention of SSIs among nurses working in Karatina sub-county hospital, Nyeri County. To accomplish this, the study was shaped by the theory of planned behavior. On methodology, a descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to help in describing variables under study. The study population entailed nurses working in surgical, outpatient, theatre, and maternity departments at Karatina Sub County Hospital in Nyeri, Kenya with a total of 98 nurses sampled through proportional stratified purposive method taking part in the study. The data was gathered through an observational checklist as well as a self-administered questionnaire. A pre test was conducted at Mukurweini Sub-county hospital in Nyeri which offers similar services to Karatina sub-county hospital. Data analysis was realized through descriptive statistics which incorporated calculating frequencies, percentages, mean, as well as standard deviation using data from SPSS version 25.0. The results showed that there were more male nurses who adhered to the SSI prevention guidelines than female(p<.001), the availability of hospital policies on SSI prevention significantly contributed to high level of adherence(p <.001).These outcomes were presented in tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. The results will be vital to informing strategies that need to be adopted to lower the cases of SSIs based on identified areas of non compliance or recommendations. On analysis, it was observed that the majority of the nurse’s level of adherence was low at 55.1% (n=54). Increase in age was found to be significantly associated with low adherence level to the guidelines. The nurses’ age, gender, has advanced training, more years of experience and nurses knowledge on infection prevention influence adherence level to WHO guidelines on infection prevention. The study recommended that the human resource management to evaluate their staffing and employ younger nurses as their work force.
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Knowledge, tools, utilisation and sources of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Mount Kenya University, 2022-10) Muriithi, Peter
Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis considered as reemerging in several countries including Kenya. Globally Brucellosis affects over 500.000 humans and several thousands of livestock annually. Live animals and animal products are the key sources of human infection, which has been on the increase in urban populations. This is associated mainly with increasing raw milk trade and consumption in urban settings. The purpose of the study was to evaluate knowledge, tools, utilization and sources of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to determine data sources for brucellosis surveillance among animal health workers in Nairobi County, to assess tools available for brucellosis surveillance among animal health workers in Nairobi County, to determine levels of knowledge on brucellosis surveillance data management among animal health workers in Nairobi County and to establish utilization of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County. This research was being guided by Health Belief Model, Knowledge Attitude Practice Theory and Epidemiological Triad Model. The study used applied cross-sectional study design to determine data sources knowledge, tools, utilization and sources of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County, Kenya. Study area will be the administrative County of Nairobi. The approach used quantitative and qualitative study approach. Data was collected by the use of structured questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussions. Data was systematically entered and analyzed using SPPS software for analysis. The target population in this research was comprised of animal health workers in Nairobi County in Kenya. The study used a census survey procedure that included all the 101 animal health care workers in the County. Data was cleaned, entered, and analyzed using SPSS versus 20 packages. A bivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with Brucellosis surveillance data management knowledge and practice. Quantitative data was presented in form of graphs, tables and pie charts. In addition, information collected from key informants interviews and focused group discussions was analyzed in terms of themes and sub -themes using quotes from the findings, data sources and data collection mechanism had significance effect on brucellosis surveillance data management practice among animal health workers in Nairobi County. Availability of tools, level of knowledge practice and data utilization has a significant effect on brucellosis surveillance data management practice among animal health workers in Nairobi County. The study recommended that animal health workers should be trained equipped supported with logistics and regularly supervised. The results of this study will be shared to both the veterinary and public health authorities and relevant stakeholders and it was expected to contribute towards an improved health information systems and an integrated human-animal brucellosis control strategy in urban settings of Kenya.
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A history of marige market in Kiambu county Kenya, 1960 to 2000 the rise development and decline
(Mount Kenya University, 2022-05) Mbugua, Patrick Kiarie
This 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.
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Factors influencing the uptake of antenatal care services among pregnant women in South Gaalkacyo district, Mudug region, Somalia
(Mount Kenya University, 2022-09) Haji, Omar Abubakar
Prenatal attention is necessary for health care of pregnant mothers. The purpose of this research was to determine issues that influence the uptake of antenatal care service by expectant mothers in South Gaalkacyo district in Mudug Region, Somalia. Specific objectives of the study were: To assess pregnant women’s awareness of Antenatal Care services (ANC); Determining the socio-economic factors that act as barriers to the uptake of ANC among pregnant women; Evaluating infrastructural factors that act as Barriers to uptake of ANC care services among pregnant women; and Assessing cultural factors that contribute to underutilization of ANC, in South Galkayo District, Mudug Region, Somalia. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is 732 deaths of mothers for every 100,000 live births. The high maternal mortality is attributed to a number of factors some of which were investigated in this study. A sample population of 460 was selected from a target population of 6,847 pregnant women in the study area using Yamane formulae of 1967.This research used a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The target population was pregnant women aged between (15-49) years of age who met the inclusion criteria. The sampling techniques of this study were systematic and simple random sampling techniques. A Semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) guides were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed and presented in figures and pie Charts. Qualitative data was analysed using themes and sub-themes and presented in summaries of individual “quotes in boxes” after transcription and triangulation of saturated FGD and KII participation. Chi-square test was used to test the associations while logistic forward simple linear regression analysis using bi-variate and multi-variate was used to detect the relationship between study variables. The result showed that knowledge was poor among women (p=0.0001), source of income and family income influenced mothers’ use of ANC services (P=0.002), accessibility and availability of ANC services affect the utilization at p-value of 0.016 and 0.005 respectively. Cultural belief on TBA and husbands’ control over their wives were listed among reasons why women underutilize the ANC services. The study concluded that underutilization of ANC among expectant mothers is influenced by women’s knowledge, level of education, socio-economic and cultural factors as well as infrastructural factors. Cultural beliefs in patriarchy negatively influenced wives to seek care. The study recommended the awareness by the government and health partners to sensitize women on the importance of ANC service utilization using the Community health workers and TBAs. Girl child education and micro-finance support to women group have to be undertaken by the Government and partners to address the education and poverty gaps. Taking health services to remote areas and use of mobile clinic outreaches were among the recommendation to address the accessibility and availability of health services gaps. The parliament should enact laws that reinforce women rights to alleviate men’s control over their choice for ANC services.
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Development of an assessment and referral tool for alcoholic liver injury among adults in selected counties in Kenya
(Mount Kenya University, 2022-10) Kimani, Njoroge George
Alcohol consumption has been practised for many years in different cultures and societies in the world. Persons who consume alcohol for long periods usually experience adverse bodily harm yet the assessment and referral system on the harm caused is inadequate. Alcohol screening through the use of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (audit) tool is widely acceptable globally. Other alcohol testing tools that are paramount in detection of alcoholic liver injury include the laboratory test for liver biomarkers. This study aimed to correlate the alcohol use disorder identification tests results with the results of the liver biomarkers and then develop an assessment and referral tool for alcoholic liver injury among adults in selected Counties in Kenya. The study was a non-experimental correlational study carried out in Murang’a and Uasin Gishu Counties. The study was divided into three phases. Phase I which included the use of audit tool to evaluate alcohol consumption, was achieved through administration of a structured questionnaire. Participants were required to donate blood samples for evaluation in the laboratories for liver biomarkers. An indpth interview was conducted on clinicians regarding their referral system. Phase II involved analysis of data from the audit tool and laboratory tests for liver biomarkers. Correlation of the blood samples with the audit screening results was an activity of phase II. Phase III involved formulation of an assessment and referral tool for alcoholic liver injury guided by the results of phase II. The study adopted Cochran formula for determination of the sample size. Data was scrutinized, cleaned and entered into a spread sheet using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods of mean, mode, median and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involves Chi-square to show relationships between variables. The analyzed data was then presented in tables, pie charts and frequency graphs. Cumulative score for the audit results were correlated with the biomarker results to develop an assessment and referral tool. Study results on Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test from the domain of hazardous alcohol use found that on the sequence of alcohol consumption, 71% of the participants consumed alcohol 4 or more times in a week. The test on dependence alcohol use found that on daily or almost daily most of the participants were unable to stop drinking once started, were unable to meet expectations due to drinking and needed a first drink in the morning after a heavy session, they were represented by 51.6%, 51.6% and 66.7% respectively. On harmful alcohol use 82% of the participants desired to cut down on their drinking. Results from the liver biomarkers found that majority (97%) of the participants had alanine aminotransferase levels of 41 to 80 IU/L. Eighty two (88.2%) participants had aspartate aminotransferase elevated to between 35 and 68 IU/L. Gammaglutamyl aminotransferase was elevated in all 93 (100%) of the participants. From the qualitative data the clinicians were not well informed about the World Health Organization and the government referral system for alcoholic liver disease
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Utilization of post-natal care services among post-natal women in Ngara health centre, Starehe sub-County, Nairobi County
(Mount Kenya University, 2022-11) Kamau, Mary Wanjiru
Post natal period starts within 1 hour after delivery and up to six months after delivery. Post Natal Care (PNC) has proven to decrease the infants and maternal morbidities and also the mortalities; though the utilization has been low. In Kenya, it’s only around 51% of the mothers that receive these services from a skilled health care worker. Minimal research of the factors that are linked with use of the post-natal services has been done. The study identified the utilization of the PNC services in Ngara Health Centre, Nairobi County. The study had 3 objectives as follows: Identifying the level of utilization of postnatal care services, determining the health system factors influencing utilization of postnatal care services, and identifying the client factors that influence utilization of postnatal care services in Ngara Health Centre, Nairobi County were the objectives of this research. The target population was mothers seeking maternal neonatal child health from the MNCH clinics to include the immunization and family planning rooms. The research utilized descriptive cross sectional study design. A semi structured questionnaire was used to gather information on knowledge, demographic and institution related factors influencing postnatal care.155 mothers out of 212 responded which was 73% response rate. There was low utilization of post-natal care which was 43%. The number of children the mother had, history of loss of a child, duration taken to receive postnatal care services and reasons for seeking postnatal care services (for checkup, or ill health of either mother or baby) On client factors, number of children, loss of a child, nature of return date given and presence of complications after delivery influenced post-natal care. conclusion; level of utilization was low, health care providers should be time conscious when handling clients at the clinic to reduce the overall turnaround time and to avoid missed opportunities and also emphasize the need for checking maternal health status so that mothers would come for PNC services, even if the baby does not have any health need or pending immunizations. Recommendations; The government should ensure that by use of qualified and experienced personnel that they educate the communities on the importance of PNC, health care providers should be time conscious when handling clients at the clinic in order to reduce the overall turnaround time, to avoid missed opportunities, health care providers should emphasize the need for checking maternal health status so that mothers would come for PNC services, even if the baby does not have any health need or pending immunizations