Browsing by Author "Ogutu, James"

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    Influence of Food Taboos and Beliefs on Anaemia among Pregnant Women In Isiolo County, Kenya
    (Research Square, 2020) Sora, Agustino; Kimiywe, Judith; Ogutu, James
    Background: Food taboos have a long history that could be used to explain the presence of certain dietary tradition in every culture. Pregnancy imposes the need for considerable extra calorie and nutrient requirements. A balanced and adequate diet is therefore of utmost importance during pregnancy and lactation to meet the increased needs of the mother and to prevent nutritional stress. Isiolo County is inhabited by communities that still practice all aspect of their culture, religion and beliefs. Some of the beliefs that surround the diet of pregnant women, can harm the pregnant woman and the child. This study sought to assess the common food taboos and beliefs during pregnancy and their inuence on anaemia among pregnant women in Isiolo County. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study population was divided into 3 clusters based on the sub-counties in County. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained by trained research assistants from a sample size of 374 distributed proportionately among the three sub-counties and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Correlation coecients were used to establish relationships between variables of the study and logistic regression was used to identify the association of explanatory variables with the outcome variable. A p-value of <0.05 was used to determine signicant results. Content analysis was used to present qualitative data gathered from focus group discussion. Results: The study found a high prevalence (68.02%) of anaemia during pregnancy in Isiolo County. Cultural beliefs and food taboos had negative effect on the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant mothers χ 2 (3, N=369) = 8.201, p<0.001. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of anemia in pregnancy associated with cultural beliefs. We recommend partnerships between National Ministry of health and County government department of health to promote campaigns aimed at eliminating negative cultural beliefs.
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    Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG and COVID19 Vaccine Uptake in Healthy Volunteers in Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Frontiers in Virology, 2024-11) Otindo, Agnes Muhonja; Ndombi, Eric M.; Theuri, Martin; Muturi, Margaret; Thamaini, Peris; Ogutu, James; Onsongo, Lister; Madete, June K.; Ofula, Victor; Gitau, Samuel; Mwangi, Gladys; Okemo, Paul
    Introduction: Seroprevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in the postvaccination period in Kenya remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG and evaluate Covid-19 vaccination uptake in a university setting in Nairobi. Methods: This cross-sectional study assayed serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A structured questionnaire was used to determine vaccine uptake, vaccine hesitancy and reasons for hesitancy. Results: A total of 189 participants were enrolled (median age, 21 years; female, 50.8%). The seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was 12.7% for IgM and 87.8% for IgG. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were higher among the vaccinated vs. nonvaccinated individuals (p < 0.001, U = 2817.5), females vs. males (p = 0.024, U = 3616), and those vaccinated ≤ 6 months before the study vs. those vaccinated >1 year earlier (p = 0.002, H = 12.359). The vaccination hesitancy rate was 43.4% and the underlying reasons included mistrust (22.4%), health concerns (19.7%), and lack of information (18.4%). Discussion: The high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG is an indication of high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 either through natural infection or through vaccination. The high vaccine hesitancy noted necessitates community engagement, and public education to dispel myths and misinformation prior to roll out of new vaccines and other health interventions.