Browsing by Author "Wanjau, Grace"

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    Household and Community - Based Factors Associated with Universal Coverage of Insecticide - Treated Nets (ITNs). Results from a Cross - Sectional Malaria Survey in Vihiga County, Kenya
    (IJSR, 2024-09) Odipo, Jacob Owiti; Otieno, George; Yoos, Aliso; Wanjau, Grace
    Background: Insecticide - treated nets (ITNs) are an essential tool for preventing the spread of malaria. An adequate number of ITNs in households increases the probability of its use. Unfortunately, it's still unclear what factors prevent households from achieving universal coverage of ITNs despite the free mass net distribution every three years. This paper explored the household and community - based factors associated with universal ITN coverage in Vihiga County, Kenya. Methods: A cross - sectional survey was conducted among households in Vihiga County. Households were enrolled through multistage sampling and data was collected through structured questionnaire. Universal coverage was defined as the proportion of households with at least one ITN for every two people. Bivariable analysis was conducted using the chi - square test while determinants of universal coverage of ITNs and usage were assessed using multivariable logistic regression at a statistical significance of P - value<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: The study revealed that 262 (59.55%) had achieved universal coverage. Factors associated with universal coverage included household head marital status (P=0.04), ease in setting up the ITN (P=0.011). Household head married/ living with their partners also had a three times better likelihood of ITNs use (OR=3.46.95%CI= 1.47 - 8.17). Education level was not significant in the attainment of universal net coverage. Conclusion: Only 59.55% of households had attained universal ITN coverage against the global target of at least 80%. Free mass net campaigns should be encouraged with more focus on single household heads or those staying alone. Additionally, a replacement framework of destroyed ITNs should be considered in order to maintain universal ITN coverage
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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.