Assessment of the healthcare providers knowledge and capacity to detect rift valley fever infections in Maragua Sub-County of Murang’a County of Kenya
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Date
2016-04
Authors
Gacheru, Stephen G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Rift valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne viral disease found in Africa and
other continents and is documented in Kenya since 1910. Mosquito and other insect
bites, contact with body fluids during slaughter, milking, treatment and examination and
consumption of under-cooked contaminated animal products transmit the disease. In
epizootic areas, RVF causes abortion in majority of pregnant ewes and cows while high
mortality occurs among newborn lambs making diagnosis easy. In humans the disease
causes hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, retinal vasculitis and death. Laboratory
confirmation is necessary especially when RVF extends to new regions. The lack of
capacity and ability to detect RVF infections early has resulted in massive economic
losses in herds of sheep and cattle, and human fatalities. Outbreaks are associated with
high population of vector insects as occurs following unusually high level rainfall with
prolonged flooding. With the increasing trends of flooding in Kenya, it is apparent that
there is need for more attention on the disease. Outbreaks in Kenya are in 5-15 years’
cycle, the most recent being December 2006 to June 2007. Since the first outbreak,
Murang’a County has always been one of the high risk areas. The capacity of healthcare
providers and healthcare facilities in Murang’a County to handle and diagnose RVF is
not known. This study assessed the capacity of healthcare providers’ and healthcare
facilities to diagnose Rift Valley Virus infections. Sixty-six (66) healthcare facilities,
Government, Private and Faith-based were censured, data obtained and relevant data on
Rift Valley Virus infections extracted for analysis. Data was collected by administering
structured questionnaires to eighty-four purposely and conveniently selected healthcare
providers in the healthcare facilities while the capacity of the healthcare facilities was
determined by a checklist as per World Health Organization (WHO) standards for RVF
diagnosis. The data was processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. This
study found that the healthcare providers lacked the capacity to detect RVF while most
facilities lacked equipment to detect and handle RVF. There was no significant
difference in education and training levels of the health care providers in the health care
facilities (P= 0.5132) and (P = 0.8124), respectfully. The tools, equipment and facilities
available in the healthcare institutions were found to be below the WHO expectations.
The study recommends carrying out of similar studies in other high-risk counties for
better understanding and preparedness in case of an outbreak. The study also informs
the Kenya Government on the priority areas of training, re-training and requirements of
healthcare providers especially in high-risk locations.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of master of public health (epidemiology and disease control) in the school of public health of Kenyatta University, April 2016