Browsing by Author "Mathenge, Scholastica"

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    Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern among Male Patients with Urinary Tract Infection in Special Treatment Centre, Nairobi County, Kenya.
    (International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Review (IJAMRR), 2019) Moraa, Dinah; Mathenge, Scholastica; Arodi, Washington; Torome, Tom; Mbuthia, Oliver; Kinyua, Martin
    The occurrence of urinary tract infections in men can be very serious although not very common. Antibiotic resistance is becoming a global concern and Kenya is no exception. The aim and objective of the study was to investigate the causative bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility patterns among male patients with urinary tract infection visiting Special Treatment Centre, Nairobi County. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted from January 2018 to March 2018. Three hundred and eighty four (384) participants were recruited into the study using systematic sampling technique using structured questioners. Clean morning midstream urine was then cultured on Cysteine-Lactose-Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar and blood agar medium as per the standard urine culture. Antibiotic sensitivity test was then done on Mueller-Hinton agar using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Appropriate biochemical tests were done to identify the isolated bacteria. Results: The highest number of isolates was found to be Escherichia coli isolates (105) and the least was Pseudomonas auroginosa (12). Ofloxacin, 113(45.2) was found to be most effective antibiotic (x²=18.2, p=0.01) and the least effective being Augmentin (x²=1.56, p=0.811). Resistance was found to be high to Nitrofurantoin (65%) and least to Oflocaxin (13%). Conclusion: Bacterial cultures and sensitivity should be done on all cases of UTI’s to determine causative agents so as to guide clinicians in determining the most appropriate treatment. This will help in addressing cases of emerging multidrug resistance to the commonly used antibiotics. Follow-up of treated individuals to determine effectiveness of treatment would also help in addressing cases of failed treatment and prevention of resistance.
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    Relationship between electrolytes and glycated hemoglobin among diabetic patients with poor adherence to antidiabetic medications: a cross-sectional study
    (Pan African Medical Journal, 2024-01-30) Lengeiya, Francis; Mathenge, Scholastica; Ojola, Patroba
    Introduction: type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with devastating effects on patients and results in numerous healthcare challenges in terms of its management and the cost burden among the affected. Successful management involves maintaining optimal glycemic control to prevent complications, with adherence to antidiabetic medications playing a crucial role in achieving this objective. Additionally, maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance is key for overall well-being and physiological function. However, the correlation between glycated hemoglobin and electrolyte balance remains under investigated, particularly in patients with suboptimal adherence. The aim of this research was to study the relationship between glycated hemoglobin and electrolytes among diabetic patients with poor adherence to antidiabetic medications. Methods: this study was conducted at Samburu County Referral Hospital in Samburu County, Kenya. We employed a descriptive cross sectional design focusing on adult diabetic patients aged 18 years and above who had visited the diabetic clinic over a three-month period. To evaluate their adherence levels, we employed a Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8. Seventy two diabetic patients who got adherence level scores of < 6 were categorized as having low adherence and their blood samples were collected for measuring glycated hemoglobin levels and electrolytes levels particularly potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and chloride. Relationship between electrolytes and glycated hemoglobin among diabetic patients with poor adherence to antidiabetics was determined using Karl Pearson correlation. Results: among the study participants, the lowest hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) level recorded was 5.1% while the highest was 15.0% and the majority (41.7%) fell within the HbA1c range of 5-7%. A high proportion of individuals (58.3%) with poor adherence to antidiabetics had elevated HbA1c levels, indicating poor glycemic control. The correlations observed between glycated hemoglobin and electrolytes which included magnesium, sodium, chloride, calcium and phosphorus was r= -0.07, -0.32, -0.05 - 0.24 and -0.04 respectively. Conclusion: this study concluded that there is a relationship between electrolytes and glycated hemoglobin among diabetic patients with poor adherence to antidiabetics. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between glycated hemoglobin and calcium level (r=-0.2398 P ≤0.05) and also sodium (r=-0.31369 P≤0.05). A negative correlation (P≥0.05) was observed between phosphorus, magnesium, chloride and potassium with HbA1c levels though not statistically significant.
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    The Point Prevalence of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Neuropathy and Safety Awareness among Flower Farm Workers in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya.
    (Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2024-03) Mathenge, Scholastica; Ojola, Patroba; Mwangi, Hannah Wanjiru
    Acetyl cholinesterase catalyses the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the nerve synapses, thereby terminating nerve impulse, however, it is inhibited by organophosphates and carbamates. This study aimed to assess the level of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition and the resultant neuropathy in flower farm workers as well as the farmers’ awareness of safety measures and predisposing factors while handling pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 217 participants from different flower farms. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data to assess level of safety and predisposing awareness and to assess for neuropathy. Blood samples were collected to determine the cholinesterase levels using spectrophotometry technique at 405 nm. The mean serum cholinesterase level in flower farm workers in Naivasha was 5873.26 U/L. There was a positive correlation (R= 0.07) between the numbers of years worked in the industry and serum cholinesterase levels as shown by Karl Pearson`s coefficient. The point prevalence of cholinesterase inhibition in Naivasha was 14% indicating a significant risk of adverse health effects. The level of safety awareness and predisposing factors among workers on pesticide exposure was 65%, suggesting that while the majority of workers had some level of safety awareness, there is still room for improvement. The point prevalence of neuropathy was 38% of the participants presenting with varying symptoms of adverse effects of pesticide exposure. Musculoskeletal impairment was leading at 19.81%, followed by skin irritation at 13.36%.These findings highlighted the need for better safety measures and awareness campaigns in the flower farm industry to reduce the risk of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition.