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Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services among Women Aged 18 to 59 Years in Laikipia East Sub-County, Kenya
(African Journal of Health Sciences, 2024-01) Njoroge,Lily N.; Mudhune, Godfrey H.; Otieno,George; Wanjau, Grace; Yoos,Alison
INTRODUCTION
Cervical cancer, a preventable disease, continues to be the leading cause of death resulting from cancers in Kenya. Despite free cervical cancer screening services in all government hospitals in Laikipia County, the screening uptake remains low at 19% compared to the WHO target of 70%. Hence, understanding the barriers and facilitators is important in informing targeted interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A mixed-method cross-sectional study was done in Laikipia East Sub-County, Kenya, between July and August 2022. The participants were women aged between 18 to 59 years. Data was collected on demographic factors and cervical cancer screening utilization. Also, qualitative data was collected using 5 FGDs and 6 KIIs to get more insights. Chi-square tests and odds ratios were calculated using STATA version 15 to assess associations and determine the level of significance.
RESULTS
Out of the 272 participants, 32.4% (n=88) had ever screened for cervical cancer. The logistic regression analysis indicates that as women age, their likelihood of undergoing screening increases, particularly for those aged 50-59, who show a tenfold higher likelihood of screening [ OR 10.40 (3.20-33.82), p-value <0.001]. Conversely, unemployment is associated with a reduced likelihood of screening [OR 0.42 (0.18-0.99), p-value 0.047] while individuals earning 50-200 USD per month exhibit an increased likelihood [OR 2.25 (1.30-3.87) p-value 0.004]. However, religion, marital status, and education level factors do not show a significant association with the utilization of cervical cancer screening as indicated by p-values of 0.735, 0.069, and 0.765, respectively.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Laikipia county government offers free cervical cancer screening in all government-run facilities but many, especially those aged 25-49, lack awareness. It is vital to boost awareness through community education on cervical cancer causes and prevention, emphasizing screening as preventive. Affordable treatment is also crucial for community reassurance post-diagnosis.
Unmasking Metaphors of COVID-19 Pandemic in Kenya’s Virtual Space: A Cognitive Linguistic Approach
(IJRISS, 2024-12) Mwangi Gachara; Ituma, Joshua; Nzomo, Nancy Mwikali
The outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019 led to the emergence of metaphorical framing. Life almost came to a
standstill for more than two years. As a result, the entire world was engaged in combat with an elusive enemy
widely seen as a warning sign. The study explored the metaphors employed in the fight against the virus in
Kenya’s virtual space when it became a public health concern. Since this pandemic was the first in a century,
people came up with new vocabulary and mental analogies to describe it. This study aimed to identify and
describe the lexical items used in the Citizen TV Twitter handle, Kenya, to construct COVID-19 metaphors. The
Conceptual Metaphor Theory by Lakoff and Johnson (1980/2003) was adopted in the study. The study utilized
the descriptive qualitative research design. The data obtained from the Citizen TV Twitter handle, using Python
code, was subjected to the Metaphor Identification Procedure developed by scholars at Vrije Universiteit,
Amsterdam (MIPVU). This criterion identifies the metaphorically used linguistic items. The identified
metaphors were classified into their domain following source-target domain analysis. Based on the selected
metaphors, the macro domains obtained were WAR, PATH, and ORGANISM. The study revealed that
conceptual metaphor was extensively employed in Kenya. Metaphors were found to be widespread in
discussions on COVID-19. People consistently associate certain aspects of reality with others, transferring the
characteristics of one domain to another. They naturally and instinctively think in terms of metaphors. The
abundance of metaphors in the discourse around COVID-19 may have been employed to motivate Kenyans to
confront the challenges presented by the pandemic and show how COVID-19 was conceptualized in Kenya.
Credit Appraisal Procedure on Credit Accessibility among Small Scale Traders in Githurai Market, Kenya
(Strategic Journals, 2024) Chirchir, Jared Kipngetich; Jagongo, Ambrose
This study explored how credit appraisal methods affect credit access for small-scale traders in Githurai
Market, Nairobi City County. The primary focus was on understanding the impact of appraisal factors, such as
credit history, collateral, and income stability, on traders’ ability to secure financing. The sample included 169
small-scale traders and representatives from 9 financial institutions, including banks and microfinance
institutions. The study revealed that collateral, credit scores, and business income are key determinants of
credit access. Financial institutions tend to rely on traditional appraisal methods, making it challenging for
small-scale traders, especially those lacking collateral or a strong credit history, to obtain loans. Qualitative
findings underscored the need for financial literacy programs, simplified loan processes, and innovative credit
scoring models to improve accessibility. Additionally, the study emphasized the potential of government backed initiatives and partnerships between stakeholders to reduce information asymmetry and make credit
more accessible to underserved traders. Supported by the Credit Channel Theory and Information Asymmetry
Theory, the study recommended updating credit criteria to include non-traditional metrics, expanding
government aid, fostering stakeholder collaboration, promoting financial literacy, streamlining loan
applications, and creating partnerships with technology firms for innovative solutions. Further research is
suggested to investigate alternative financing options and the impact of financial literacy on credit access
Adoption of Information Communication Technology in Hybrid Working and Employee Performance in African Development Bank in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Strategic Journals, 2024) Otieno, Daniel Onyango; Makhamara, Felistus
In light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the current state of the global economy, hybrid
working arrangements that combine in-person and remote work are becoming increasingly common. Employees
play a crucial role in the operations of organizations, including the banking industry and the African Development
Bank in Kenya, just like they do in any other sector. This research aimed to explore the effect of information
communication technology, on employee performance at the African Development Bank in Nairobi City County,
Kenya. The study was based on four theories and one model, namely the Technology Acceptance Model, Social
Exchange Theory, Personal Environment Fit Theory, and Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory. Descriptive research design
was employed in this study. 337 staff members from important divisions of the African Development Bank in
Nairobi, Kenya, made up the target population. To ensure unbiased participant selection, simple random sampling
was used, and stratified sampling was utilized to group respondents according to their departments. A total of
101 individuals, representing 30% of the target population, constituted the sample size. Quantitative data were
generated through the administration of structured questionnaires employing a five-point Likert scale. To evaluate
the research instruments, a pilot study was carried out with 10 participants, which corresponded to 10% of the
overall sample. The questionnaire's reliability was determined through the utilization of the Cronbach Alpha
formula, while the validity of the instruments was assessed based on input from supervisors, content analysis, and
construct examination. Analysis of the data involved the application of descriptive statistics. Furthermore, to
explore the connections between the variables, regression and correlation analyses were performed. The analysis
of quantitative data employed both inferential and descriptive statistics, facilitated by the use of the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences. The findings indicated a notable positive effect of the adoption of information and
communication technology, on employee performance. The study concluded that the implementation of ICT
adoption streamlines processes, improves service delivery, enhances customer engagement and fosters innovation
within banking operations. In order to accommodate cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, big data
analytics, and cybersecurity measures, the bank ought to upgrade its existing IT infrastructure. Employees may
experience reduced commuting time, resulting in increased focus and productivity.
The Nature of Environmental Degradation and Inter-Ethnic Conflict in Meru County, Keny
(OPRA publications, 2024) Ochieng, joyce Akinyi; Oyombra, George
Environmental degradation continues to be one of the most
serious challenges in achieving Kenya's Vision 2030
sustainable development goals. For instance, parts of Meru
County where this study was done experience persistent
conflict from environmental degradation and depletion of
the natural resources, due to farming and livestock raring.
The conflict pits the agriculturist Meru and other
communities who are pastoralists. This study sought to
examine the nature of environmental degradation and interethnic conflict in Meru County, Kenya. This study
employed phenomenological study research design using
qualitative approach. The research instruments used were,
interview guides and Focused Group Discussion guide
(FDGs). The analysis of data was done thematically and
presented as narrations and quoted verbatim. The study
found that environmental degradation in Meru County is
primarily driven by overgrazing, deforestation, and poor
land management practices. These factors have led to soil
erosion, water and pasture scarcity, and reduced agricultural
productivity, which in turn escalate inter-ethnic conflicts
between farmers and pastoralists. The analysis revealed that
environmental degradation not only strains the already
limited resources but also intensifies competition and
disputes over land, pasture and water. The study concluded
that there is a significant relationship between
environmental degradation and escalating inter-ethnic
conflicts in Meru County. Effective strategies to mitigate
these issues include enhancing community engagement,
implementing robust environmental policies, promoting
sustainable land use practices, and fostering conflict
resolution mechanisms. Addressing environmental
degradation is crucial for reducing inter-ethnic conflicts and
promoting peace and sustainable development in the region.
To address environmental degradation in Meru County,
prioritize sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and waste
management to combat erosion and pollution; engage the
community in conservation efforts, strengthen policies
against harmful activities, and integrate land use plans to
balance conservation and development.; implement conflict
resolution mechanisms and revive traditional practices to
enhance resilience; and capacity building and advocacy are
key to fostering sustainable