Department of Population and Reproductive Health

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Factors Associated With Cohabitation among University Students in Nairobi, Kenya
(Universidad Nacional Aut{\'o}noma de M{\'e}xico, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, 2011) Muriithi, Joan Kabaria; Ngige, Lucy W; Mugenda, Olive M
Cohabitation is emerging as an important factor in mate-selection in many societies in Kenya. This study focused on cohabitation among university students in Nairobi. The objectives included: determining the prevalence of cohabitation and establishing the relationship between students’ attributes, family background and social factors and cohabitation. Methodology was guided by Brofenbrenner’s ecological model of human development. A survey of 176 students from one public university in Kenya was conducted. Results showed that the prevalence of cohabitation was 27.4%. The significant factors that influenced cohabitation included fathers’ occupation (p = 0.016), mothers’ occupation (p = 0.029), parents’ residence (p = 0.000), family income (p = 0.000) and peer influence (p = 0.000). However, the factors of students’ age and sex were not significantly related to cohabitation. Implications for family life education, reproductive health and strengthening of students’ guidance and counseling services were included.
Supervision Challenges Encountered During Kenyan University Students’ Practicum Attachment
(IISTE, 2015) Ogola, Lucy Kathuri; Vanleeuwen, Charlene; Muriithi, Joan Kabaria; Weeks, Lori E; Kieru, Jane; Ndayala, Phoebe
There is little published research that examines the supervision experience of field attachment supervisors in Kenya. In this study, we identify the challenges encountered by field supervisors during student field attachments with community organizations. Fifteen organizations that had hosted third year students from the Department of Community Resource Management and Extension (CRM&E) at Kenyatta University during their practicum attachment were sampled using purposive and convenience sampling. Data was collected using faceto-face key informant interviews with field supervisors (n=15). Data was analyzed using NVivo10 software for qualitative analysis. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of key themes related to clarity of learning objectives for students and the supervision challenges encountered by field supervisors during practicum. Key findings indicate that the supervisors largely lacked a clear understanding of practicum expectations and the academic preparation of students in the Community Resource Management and Extension program. The main supervision challenge is largely on orienting students to community based field work so as to enable them link theory to practice. These results can be helpful for any academic program to improve the field attachment experience of university students and the community organizations hosting the students. A better understanding of the challenges that field supervisors’ encounter is fundamental to the enhancement of the practicum experience of university students since the requisite and appropriate support can be provided to the host organizations. Subsequently, the students will be more likely to optimize the intended benefits of the practicum as a result of the host organizations enhancing the quality of field-based learning.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics Influencing Uptake of Screening for Cervical Cancer in Women Aged 18-49 Years in Imenti North Sub-county, Meru County, Kenya
(Science Publishing Group, 2016) Mutuma, Agnes Muthoni; Otieno, George Ochieng; Kei, Robert Mburugu; Ndege, Samson; Ndwiga, Taratisio; Gacheri, Rose
Background: Cervical cancer continues to kill approximately 274,883 women globally every year, despite robust programs for the prevention and control of the disease. Kenya has an uptake of cervical cancer screening (3.2%) compared to the National Cervical Cancer Prevention program target of 70%. The purpose of this study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristics influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening in Imenti North Sub-County. Methods: This was institution-based descriptive cross- sectional study conducted among 422 randomly selected women aged 18-49 years attending general outpatient clinics in health facilities of Imenti North Sub-County, Kenya. Health Facilities were stratified based on functional levels to include county referral, health centers and dispensaries. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire Characteristics influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression to determine predictors for cervical cancer screening. Results: The study found out that the level of uptake for cervical cancer screening by the respondents was 15.2%. However, the level of the uptake was lowest among women aged 18-25 (4.4%) and women with primary level of education (11.6%). In addition, the study found significant association between uptake and age (p-value<0.001). Other significant socio-demographic characteristics include marital status and level of education. Women in age category 42-49 years were 6 times more likely to be screened compared to women aged 18-25 years (p-value=0.022). Conclusion and recommendations: The level of uptake for cervical cancer screening by the respondents was 15.2%. The main determinants of uptake of screening were age, marital status, occupation, and high level of education. It was recommended that Health Managers should conduct refresher seminars for health workers, increase facilities offering screening services and intensify community health education in order to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening.
Influence of Grant Financing on Sustainability of Community Water Projects in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, Kenya
(ijirk, 2017) MBURUNG’A, SOLOMON MURIUNGI; NDIRITU, ANNE WAIRIMU; NJERI, JANE KIERU
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of grant financing on sustainability of community water projects in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, Kenya. This study was limited to community water projects in Kieni. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and conducted a census of all the 73 water projects in Kieni Constituency. Respondents were chairpersons of each of the water projects. Data collection instruments were questionnaires, interview schedules and observation schedules. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, that is, mean, standard deviations, frequency and percentages, as well as inferential statistics, that is, multiple regression analysis for modeling, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation for correlation analysis and F statistics for testing hypothesis. The study established that, there was a weak negative relationship between grant financing and level of sustainability of community water projects. An increase in grants reduces the levels of sustainability of a community water project. The null hypothesis two was accepted. It was therefore concluded that, there was no significant relationship between grant financing and sustainability of community water projects. Grant financing accounted for only 2.3% of the variation in levels of sustainability. The study recommended that, community water projects take less of grants for their project to improve sustainability of water projects. Alternatively, grants should have terms for repayment as a loan at a flexible and cheaper way in order to ensure ownership, effectiveness and efficiency in the use of grants
Women Survivors’ Perceptions on Susceptibility Factors to Intimate Partner Violence
(Center for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2017) Joan, Kabaria Muriithi; Lucy, Ngige W; Elishiba, Kimani N
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a form of gender based violence that has become rampant with women being most vulnerable. This paper analyzes the perceptions of women survivors on their susceptibility to IPV with regard to individual and cultural underpinnings. The paper is premised on a study conducted in two shelter homes in Nairobi and Nakuru, Kenya. By employing a survey design, 230 respondents participated. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Quantitative analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while the qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The paper observes that individual and cultural factors contribute to the perpetuation of IPV. The paper demonstrates higher levels of education of the woman and comparatively lower levels of education of the man as well as differences in economic ability as significant predisposing factors to IPV. The authors recommend that stakeholders need to re-think IPV and focus on dealing with the root cause – power plays at the cultural level.
Functionality of Elderly Persons: A Comparison Between Institutionalized and Non – Institutionalized Elderly Persons in Nairobi City County, in Kenya
(Science Publishing Group, 2018) Mugo, Judy Wairimu; Onywera, Vincent; Waudo, Judith; Otieno, Ochieng George
This study compared the Functionality of Institutionalized elderly persons and that of the elderly persons living with their family and or community members using the Modified Barthel Index. Two hundred and seventy elderly men and women who met the inclusion criteria were sampled, 135 from 4 Institutions namely Mji wa Huruma, Nyumba ya Wazee Ruaraka, Kariobangi Cheshire home and Mother Teresa in Huruma and 135 from Gumba, Kariobangi, Huruma and Kawangware divisions. Data were coded and entered using EPI Info version 9 and were analyzed using SPSS version 17. There were more totally dependent elderly at Institutions (13.6%), compared to 3% who were Non-institutionalized. The majority of those who were able to independently go in and out of their house and in and out of bed or wheel chair were living in the Institutions of the elderly. There were no gender differences in performing ADLs. More men than women were found to have pressure sores and bed sores. The study will reference for similar studies in Kenya and other parts of the world and prompt tertiary institutions of learning to design new training programs and review existing programs to address the Functionality needs of the growing population of Elderly persons.
Influence of Capital Structure on Sustainability of Community Water Projects
(2018) Solomon Muriungi Mburung’a
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of capital structure on sustainability of community water projects. The objective of the study was to investigate influence of capital structure (equity financing-community‟s contribution; debt financing; grant financing-donor funds; and water tariffs) on sustainability of community water projects. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and observation schedules. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysis. The study established that, there was significant but moderately weak positive relationship between equity financing (community‟s contributions) and level of sustainability of community water projects. In addition, there was a weak negative relationship between grant financing and level of sustainability of community water projects. Hence, increase in grants reduces the levels of sustainability of a community water project. None of the projects utilized any debt finance such as loans in their capital structure. Finally, there was a significant moderate positive relationship between water user fee and sustainability of community water projects. The study recommends that, communities should give more of their own resources while donors should, either reduce or insist on refund for funds donated to improve sustainability of community water projects.
A Psychosocial Intervention to Reduce Gender-Based Violence and Antepartum Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women in Kisumu County, Kenya: A Quasi-Experimental Study
(Pan African Medical Journal and African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), 2018) Mutisya, Redempta Kalekye; Ngure, Kenneth; Mwachari, Christina
Introduction: Gender-based violence during pregnancy and its associated adverse health effects are disproportionately higher in developing countries like Kenya where screening for and management of gender-based violence is currently not part of routine antenatal care. This study assessed the effect of a psychosocial intervention on gender-based violence and antepartum depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study compared gender-based violence and antepartum depression scores of 288 pregnant women in the two arms; one exposed to a psychosocial intervention and another receiving usual antenatal care. We used analysis of covariance to estimate the intervention effect and Chi-square to test the equality of proportions. Results: The difference between the psychosocial intervention and the usual antenatal care group in the total intimate partner violence and physical violence scores was a significant, with small effect sizes of partial eta = 0.196 and 0.305 respectively. The two arms did not differ in terms of the proportion of women reporting other acts of gender-based violence by intimate and non-intimate partners post-intervention. The intervention group had significantly lower mean depression scores compared to the usual care group, post-intervention, with a medium effect size of 0.500. Conclusion: This intervention aimed at reduction of gender-based violence and improvement of mental health of pregnant women is promising. Primary health care facilities in resource-constrained settings can take advantage of local capacity to deliver focused non-specialized psychosocial support to pregnant women experiencing violence.
Individual Attributes Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening Services in Selected Health Facilities in Machakos County
(science publishing group, 2018) Nzioka, Agnes Wavinya; Akunga, Daniel Nyagetiria; Wanyoro, Anthony Karanja
In Kenya, 51.2% of estimated women population of 11 million aged 15 years and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Research shows that screening a woman even once between the ages of 35 and 40 years reduces her lifetime risk of cervical cancer by 25–36%. However, the effective cervical cancer screening in developing countries is as low as 18.5%. Low levels of utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services (CCSS) among health care workers have been documented. This study sought to determine the utilization of cervical cancer screening services by healthcare workers (HCWs) in selected health facilities in Machakos County. It was also thought imperative to determine individual HCW attributes influencing utilization of cervical cancer screening services in selected health care facilities in the county. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design involving 271 female health workers drawn from all the level 4 and level 5 facilities within the county. Respondents were stratified according to level of facility and according to their cadres. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaires and a facility assessment tool. Data analysis used SPSS version 21. Association was subjected to binary logistic regression. Only 25% of HCWs had utilized cervical cancer screening services. HCWs who had certificate (OR = 0.05, p-value < 0.01), diploma (OR = 0.04, p-value < 0.01) and degrees (OR = 0.09, p-value = 0.01) were less likely to utilize CCSS as compared to HWCs who had attained graduate studies or higher. Also health workers aged 30 years and below (OR = 0.12, p-value = 0.01) and those aged between 31 and 40 years (OR = 0.30, p-value = 0.05) were less likely to utilize CCSS as compared to healthcare workers who were aged more than 50 years. The study recommends establishment of tailor-made sensitization programs on young female health care worker aimed at increasing their uptake of CCSS services among these group.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association between Autoantibodies and Qualitative Ultrasound Index of Bone in an Elderly Sample without Clinical Autoimmune Disease
(Hindawi, 2018) Iseme, Rosebella A; Mcevoy, Mark; Kelly, Brian; Agnew, Linda; Walker, Frederick R; Boyle, Michael; Attia, John
Bone loss is characteristic of the ageing process and a common complication of many autoimmune diseases. Research has highlighted a potential role of autoantibodies in pathologic bone loss. The confounding effects of immunomodulatory drugs make it difficult to establish the contribution of autoantibodies amongst autoimmune disease sufferers. We attempted to examine the relationship between autoantibodies and bone mass in a population of 2812 elderly participants without clinical autoimmune disease. Serum samples were assayed for a panel of autoantibodies (anti-nuclear, extractable nuclear antigen, antineutrophil cytoplasmic, thyroid peroxidase, tissue transglutaminase, anti-cardiolipin, rheumatoid factor, and cyclic citrullinated peptide). Bone mass was measured using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus. The relationship between each autoantibody and bone mass was determined using linear regression models. Anti-nuclear autoantibodies were the most prevalent, positive in approximately 11%, and borderline in roughly 23% of our sample. They were also the only autoantibody observed to be significantly associated with QUS index in the univariate analysis (n = 1628; r = −0 20; 95% CI: −0.40–0.00; p = 0 046). However, statistical significance was lost after adjustment for various other potential confounders. None of the other autoantibodies was associated with QUS index in either univariate or multivariate analysis. We are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the study and the low prevalence of autoantibodies in our nonclinical sample.
Influence of Capital Structure on Sustainability of Community Water Projects
(European Center of Sustainable Development (ECSDEV), 2018) Mburung, Solomon Muriungi
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of capital structure on sustainability of community water projects. The objective of the study was to investigate influence of capital structure (equity financing-community‟s contribution; debt financing; grant financing-donor funds; and water tariffs) on sustainability of community water projects. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and observation schedules. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysis. The study established that, there was significant but moderately weak positive relationship between equity financing (community‟s contributions) and level of sustainability of community water projects. In addition, there was a weak negative relationship between grant financing and level of sustainability of community water projects. Hence, increase in grants reduces the levels of sustainability of a community water project. None of the projects utilized any debt finance such as loans in their capital structure. Finally, there was a significant moderate positive relationship between water user fee and sustainability of community water projects. The study recommends that, communities should give more of their own resources while donors should, either reduce or insist on refund for funds donated to improve sustainability of community water projects.
Getting Ready for Community Practice: An EvidenceBased Preparation Course for Kenyan Practicum Students
(American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2018-03) VanLeeuwen, Charlene A.; Kathuri-Ogola, Lucy; Weeks, Lori E.; Muriithi, Joan Kabaria
Practicums provide opportunities for students to connect theory with practice through experiential learning and hands-on work experience. While recommended for students in Kenya, there is little research on the practicum experience. This article describes evidence used to prepare students for practicum experiences. Interviews and focus groups (FGs) were conducted with three stakeholder groups in two phases. Findings informed the development of a practicum preparation course that covers topics including (i) becoming a reflective professional and/or practitioner; (ii) articulating practicum learning goals; (iii) mental preparation for demanding field-based situations; and (iv) developing confidence in interpersonal communication. Phase two evaluated the initial impact of the course through FGs and follow-up interviews
Knowledge, Behaviour and Perceptions Affecting Control of HPV / HIV Co-Infection and Cervical Neoplasma Screening among Patients with Cervical Cancer in Kenya
(tij, 2019) Naluande, Philip Kasawa; Krishnamurthy, Praveen Thaggikuppe; Keraka, Margaret Nyanchoki
The main objective of this study was to assess how Knowledge, behavior and perceptions affect Cervical Cancer screening and the control of HIV/ HPV Co-infection among patients with cervical cancer in Kenya. The following specific objectives guided the study; to weigh the knowledge, behavior, and perceptions on the understanding of the absorption of Cervical Cancer Screening and prevention strategies among women in Kenya. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative comparative study of cervical neoplasia screening and control strategies among women attending Kenyatta National Hospital and Coast Provincial General Hospitals in Kenya. The study was conducted at the Coastal region of Kenya particularly Mombasa County and all parts of Nairobi County over a twelve-month period at the Coast Provincial General Hospital (CPGH) and Kenyatta National Hospital respectively. The target population for this work involved all female respondents who had tested positive for HIV and Cervical Cancer and have the results or they need further screening. Convenience sampling technique was used because of time constraints. Random sampling was used to identify participants. The study concludes that knowledge, behavior, and perceptions on absorption of Cervical Cancer Screening and prevention by women depend on initiatives that have been put in place to motivate and educate women on issues related to cancer screening. The study recommends that the need for community understanding of cervical cancer and the causal relationship between HPV and cervical cancer is usually poor, giving priority to continuing education on the significance of HPV prevention and periodic cervical Cancer screening.
Relationship between Care Provided by Foster Families and Psychosocial Well-Being of Children Affected by Hiv And Aids in Kiambu County, Kenya
(IJSSIF, 2019) Ashioya, Damaris Shihundu; Ogola, Lucy Kathuri; Waudo, Judith; Koinange, Wawire
The study sought to evaluate the relationship between care provided by foster families and psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS in Kiambu County. The study adopted a crosssectional survey because it is suitable for collecting data at a single point in time. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select 345 children aged 10-17 years from a target population of 3780 children. The study relied on key informant interview guides, questionnaires, observation checklist and child drawings for collection of data. Validity and reliability tests were done to establish the gaps in the research instrument using the Cronbach Alpha method. The formulated hypothesis was tested using chi-square and factor analysis. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded and categorized into themes and words to allow for analysis and presentation. Results of the study established that there was a significant relationship between care provided by foster families and psychosocial well-being of CAHA based on results of factor analysis at 61.4% and chisquare results (χ2= 4.6607; df= 4; p=0.001). This study concluded that there was a significant relationship between care provided by foster families and psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS. The study recommended that national and county governments and non-governmental organizations can ensure sustainability of families and communities by empowering them with knowledge and skills for CAHA to thrive in responsive environments. The study recommended that the Kenya government should commit resources to promote the psychosocial well-being of CAHA at various levels through government-mandated departments. The study will provide credible practical information to identify gaps in knowledge and
Relationship between the Type of Psychosocial Support Available in the Community and Psychosocial Well-Being of Children Affected by HIV And Aids in Kiambu County, Kenya
(IJSSIT, 2019-11) Ashioya, Damaris Shihundu; Kathuri-Ogola, Lucy; Waudo, Judith; Wawire, Koinange
Abstract: Children affected by HIV and AIDS (CAHA) are faced with psychological, social and economic challenges among others. HIV and AIDS has compounded the situation posing more suffering to children whose parents have died of the same. Children affected by HIV and AIDS have been supported in various ways by their extended families and many other organizations. While there are a number of programmes that address the material needs of CAHA, there is less emphasis in assisting these children cope with the distress associated with nursing or living with sick members of the family, witnessing deaths of their parents and suffering the consequences thereafter. The psychosocial well-being of CAHA may be affected because of illness and death of their parents, exploitation, stigma and separation from siblings as well as lack of adult support. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychosocial support and psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS. This was a cross-sectional survey targeting 3780 children between 10-17 years affected by HIV and AIDS living in foster families from registered CBOs in Kiambu County. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select 345 children aged 10-17 years. Key informant interview guides, questionnaires, observation checklist and child drawings were used to collect data. Both quantitative and qualitative data were organized and categorized for analysis. Chi-square and factor analysis were used to test the formulated hypotheses. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded and categorized into themes and words to allow for analysis and presentation. This study showed that there existed a significant relationship between the type of support available in the community and psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS (χ2=7.8207; df =6; p=0.012). This study concluded that there were established relationships between type of support available by the community and psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS. The study recommended that the community/faith based organizations can work together with governments to ensure psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS is addressed through implementation of support systems for children affected by HIV and AIDS while creating awareness and developing efficacious intervention programmes within affectionate environments
Social Cultural Barriers to Prevention of HIV and AIDS among HIV-Sero Positive Adults in Kenya
(East African Scholars Publisher, 2020) Ngige, Lucy W.; Kieru, Jane N.
The purpose of this study was to investigate socio-cultural barriers to prevention of HIV and AIDS in the context of gender based violence among people living with HIV and AIDS in Thika Sub-County, Kenya. The Health Belief Model and General systems Theory guided the study. A survey of 239 randomly selected respondents from randomly selected support groups for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) was conducted. Data were collected by use of interview schedules, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results showed that HIV prevention was impended by interplay of factors which seemed to emanate from gender power imbalances. The barriers which were paramount comprised condom refusal (40.3%), alcohol abuse (38.2%), stigma and discrimination (35.7%), financial constraints (28.1%), condom fatigue (23.5%), lack of female condoms (17.6%) ignorance and non-acceptance of one‟s HIV sero-positive status (15.1%). Other minor barriers included people‟s curiosity (5.0%), peer influence (2.9%), desire to have more children (2.5%), having multiple partners (2.1%) and lack of protective materials (1.7%). The study also establised that there were gender based violence meted against men and women which included: sexual violence in form of forced sex, denial of sexual intimacy, abandonment by sexual partner, physical violence, psychological violence, economic violence, stigma, discrimination and community social isolation among PLWHA. It was recommended that there was need for community based intervention programs targeting PLWHA to address socio-cultural barriers that impede self-efficacy in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and thereby reduce gender-based violence among People Living with HIV and AIDS.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge and Associated Factors among Day School Going Girls in Homa Bay County, Kenya
(Kabarak, 2020) Owaka, Isaac Ogweno; Otieno, George Ochien’g; Keraka, Margaret Nyanchoka
Adolescents sexual and reproductive health decision making is greatly influenced by their knowledge. This study, therefore, aimed to determine sexual and reproductive health knowledge among secondary school-going girls in Homabay County, Kenya. The methodology adopted was a cross-sectional analytical study design that used quantitative approaches to determine factors associated with sexual and reproductive health knowledge among day school-going girls. A sample size of 491 participants were proportionately distributed in the selected 28 school. Data was entered, cleaned, and analysed in the SPSS software version 17. Descriptive statistical analysis determined the level of sexual and reproductive health knowledge while logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with sexual and reproductive health knowledge. The study reported 39.4%, 40.4% and 82.9% of participants to be having good overall knowledge of risky sexual behaviour, pregnancy related issues and HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. From the participants 207(42.1%),203(41.3%),230 (46.7%),188(38.2%),173(35.2%) correctly identified risky sexual behaviour as sexual intercourse without a condom, starting sexual activities before age 14, multiple sexual partners, more frequent sexual activities and having sex under influence of alcohols respectively. On pregnancy, 303(61.6%),416(84.6 %),315(64.0%) of the participants correctly answered that girls are most fertile at the middle of the menstrual cycle, the safest method of preventing pregnancy among teenage girls is abstinence and adolescent girls are at risk of maternal complication respectively. Participant with catholic religion background were less likely to have good sexual and reproductive health knowledge (OR 0.18, CI 0.318-0.84, P 0.0080). This study concludes that most girls have good knowledge on HIV but poor knowledge of risky sexual behavior and pregnancy-related issues and also identify role of religion in improving sexual and reproductive health knowledge. The study, therefore, recommends upscaling of school-based sexual and reproductive health education.
Prevalence of Fear of Childbirth in a Sample of Gravida Women in Kenya
(Elsevier B.V., 2020) Onchonga, David; MoghaddamHosseinib, Vahideh; Kerakad, Margaret; Várnagy, Ákos
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of fear of childbirth (FOC) using a sample of gravida women in Kenya, a developing country where it is not fully acknowledged. Materials and methods: This were a cross-sectional study on gravida women visiting health facilities to receive routine antenatal care. The study applied multistage sampling to enrol eligible expectant women. A researcherdeveloped questionnaire was used alongside Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (version A) to collect respondents’ demographic characteristics and to measure their fear of childbirth levels, respectively. Results: Approximately 29.5% had low, 40.4% moderate, 22.1% high, and 8% recorded severe FOC levels. Comparing by parity, the prevalence of severe FOC was higher on primigravida at 13.8% than multigravida, 8.0%. The results revealed a significant relationship between marital status (p = 0.045), parity (p = 0.000), literacy status (p = 0.000), regular check-up of pregnancy at health facilities (p = 0.003), having trust in healthcare providers (p = 0.000), and physical activity for gravida women with fear of childbirth (p = 0.000). Conclusion: From the findings, special attention on the identified predictors of fear of childbirth during prenatal sessions would help in managing fear of childbirth before they give birth.
Gender, Underweight and Dietary Practices among Male and Female Adolescents in Pastoral Community, Kenya
(Research Square, 2021) Munga, Judith; Kiige, Laura; Maina-Gathigi, Lucy; L'Parnoi, Peter; Lengewa, Catherine Mesianto; Kiplamai, Festus; Kariuki, Esther
Background: Many boys and girls in developing countries transition to adolescence undernourished, making them more vulnerable to disease and mortality. Growth during adolescence is faster than any other period of life leading to increased requirements for both macro- and micronutrient. High vulnerability to undernutrition has been expressed more on adolescent girls despite similar stage of growth for both males and females. This necessitates more information on gender influence on undernutrition and dietary practices especially in resource poor environments with rich cultural practices such as pastoral Samburu community in Kenya.
Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Utilization of Obstetric Fistula Services Among Women of Reproductive Age in Makueni County, Kenya
(African Journals Online, 2021) Mbinya, Mary Maundu; Keraka, Nyanchoka Margaret; Kodhiambo, Maurice Onditi; Matoke, Vincent Omwenga; Okari, Geoffrey Maseme
Obstetric fistula refers to an abnormal hole that connects a woman’s vagina and bladder or vagina and rectum through which urine and/or fecal matter leaks continuously. The underlying causes of obstetric fistula include early marriages, teenage pregnancies, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), assault and surgical trauma. It is estimated globally that more than half a million women of reproductive age die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Out of this statistic, about 99 percent occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted at Makueni County in eastern part of Kenya. This study sought to investigate the socio-demographic factors influencing utilization of Obstetric Fistula services among women of reproductive age in Makueni County. Materials and Methods: The study used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered by trained Research Assistants. A total of 389 questionnaires were considered fit representing a 92.18% response rate. Quantitative data was cleaned and entered into a Microsoft excel database before being analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics were presented using percentages, frequency tables, graphs and pie-charts. Inferential statistics were calculated to establish the association between study variables using chi-square tests done at 95% confidence interval and p-values of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:The results revealed that only 32% (95CI, 27% - 37%) of respondents utilized obstetric fistula services in which counseling was the most sought service at 44.4% (95%CI, 36% - 53%).Chi-square analysis showed that there was a significant statistical association between age (p=0.001), level of education (p=0.002), occupation (p=0.001), average monthly family income (p=0.011) and utilization of obstetric fistula services. Conclusion: The study concludes that there were low utilization rates, low knowledge levels and negative perceptions towards obstetric fistula services. The findings of this study would help relevant stakeholders in structuring programs and strategize on interventions related to creation of community awareness and thus improve the health seeking behaviors towards utilization of obstetric fistulae screening services. These results would also be of use to the Ministry of Health for purposes of health education and for policy formulation and implementation with regards to workable short-term and long-term obstetric fistulae interventions.

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