School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Influence of Demographic Factors on Uptake of Diagnostic Imaging by Oncology Patients in South Rift Counties, Kenya

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of Demographic Factors on Uptake of Diagnostic Imaging by Oncology Patients in South Rift Counties, Kenya Muikamba, Lilian; Tenambergen, Wanja; Muiruri, Lilian Purpose: To determine the influence of demographic factors on uptake of diagnostic imaging by oncology patients in South Rift Counties, Kenya. Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was adopted when collecting data from 5 public hospitals in South Rift Counties. The study issued questionnaires to oncology patients and interviewed the rest of the respondents. A pre-test study was done at Texas Cancer Center in Nairobi County. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. Qualitative results data was analyzed through thematic method. Results: 74(25%) patients had 41-50 years and 65(22%) were 61-70 years. The least number of oncology patients who were 3(1%) and they were 18-20 years of age. Further, 264(89%) were married while 33(11%) were not married. Additionally, 182(61%) were male patients while 115(39%) were female patients. Additionally, 166(56%) had a tertiary level of education while 39(13%) had primary school qualifications. In addition, 203(68%) were Christians and 80(27%) were Muslims and only 5(2%) were not religious. Notably, 110(37%) of the patients had breast cancer while 77(26%) had colon cancer. The least group of patients who were 12(4%) had lung cancer. Additionally, most of healthcare workers who were 12(39%) had more than 50 years while 10(32%) had 41-50 years. However, 4(13%) had 18-30 years. Further, 18(58%) had a master’s degree while 5(16%) had a PhD. In addition, 17(55%) had more than 10 years of service while only 5(16%) had 5-7 years. The Chi-square result revealed that χ2 (1, N = 297) = 461.599, p < 0.05. That is the Pearson Chi-Square was 461.599 at a p-value of 0.027. Conclusion and Recommendations: Most patients that sought cancer diagnostic imaging were middle and old aged male people who were married. This meant that unmarried young female adults hardly sought imaging services. The most common cancer illnesses scanned were breast, colon, and cervical cancers. The study recommends that that the hospital management should provide more funding for sensitization programs to inform unmarried young people especially females to seek early diagnostic imaging services. This will enable them to ensure that no cancerous cells are growing to be discovered at a late stage for effective management.

Factors Influencing the Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescent Girls in Humanitarian Crises: A Case Study of Bor County, South Sudan

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Factors Influencing the Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescent Girls in Humanitarian Crises: A Case Study of Bor County, South Sudan Areet, Areet Ayuen; Masinde, Lily J. A.; Kyulu, Teresia M. Humanitarian crises in South Sudan, characterized by conflict, displacement, and disrupted health systems, severely limit adolescent girls' access to SRH services. The study employed a mixed-methods design. This study aimed to examine factors influencing the uptake of SRH services among adolescent girls aged 15-19 in Bor County, South Sudan. The target population included adolescent girls aged 15-19, with a sample size of 225 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected via semi-structured questionnaires for quantitative insights and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) for qualitative perspectives. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and regression analysis) with SPSS Version 25.0, and results were presented in tables, pie charts, and graphs. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software to identify key patterns and themes. The study found that accessibility was the most significant barrier (Beta = 0.311, p = 0.021), with long distances to clinics, poor transportation, and lack of youth-friendly services limiting uptake. Awareness and knowledge (Beta = 0.219, p = 0.032) were constrained by inadequate school-based SRH education. Psychosocial factors (Beta = 0.201, p = 0.001), including stigma and trauma, significantly deterred service utilization. Socio-cultural and economic factors (Beta = 0.156, p = 0.002), such as cultural taboos and poverty, had a notable but lesser impact. This study enriches the literature by providing context-specific insights into SRH service uptake in humanitarian settings, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in Bor County. It recommends youth-friendly mobile clinics, comprehensive sexuality education, and community-based stigma reduction programs to align with South Sudan’s adolescent health policies and global humanitarian SRH standards

Health System Factors that Influence Hpv Vaccine Uptake in Kiambu County

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Health System Factors that Influence Hpv Vaccine Uptake in Kiambu County Mwangi, Solomon Maina; M’mayi, Consolata; .Masinde, Lily J.A. Human papillomavirus HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer infection, however, HPV vaccine uptake among the targeted groups (ages 9-14) remains suboptimal in many regions, including Kiambu County, Kenya. Across sectional design sought to assess the relationships between health system factors and vaccine uptake. The study targeted parents with daughters aged 9–14 years. A sample of 400 respondents was included to provide a robust representation of the target population, ensuring comprehensive and reliable insights. Key findings indicate that health system factors such as absence of health provider’s, access to vaccination services and communication by healthcare providers to parents emerged as critical determinants of vaccine uptake. From the findings the study concluded that there is a significant impact of health system factors on vaccination decisions. Based on the findings the study recommended that the County Government of Kiambu through the department of Health should improve Communication among Health Care Providers and when training healthcare providers they should use recommended communication strategies to engage parents in discussing HPV vaccination.

Influence of Strategy Implementation on Performance of Water Service Providers in the Lower-Eastern Counties of Kenya

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of Strategy Implementation on Performance of Water Service Providers in the Lower-Eastern Counties of Kenya Miriti, Erastus Mwongera; Kihara, Peter; Miluwi, Joshua Water scarcity continues to constrain socioeconomic development in Lower-Eastern Kenya, with water service providers struggling to address high Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels, weak coverage expansion, and financial sustainability concerns. This study examined the influence of strategy implementation on the performance of licensed water service providers in the region. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), which emphasizes effective deployment of valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable resources for competitive advantage, the study assessed how strategic processes translate into organizational outcomes. A positivist philosophy and descriptive survey design guided the research. A stratified purposive sample of 183 respondents was drawn from a population of 758 staff across ten providers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, pre-tested for reliability, and analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Descriptive statistics established existing practices, while regression analysis tested the hypothesized relationship. Findings revealed strong leadership engagement and organizational capacity but highlighted gaps in employee support, particularly inadequate training, motivation, and resource provision. Inferential results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between strategy implementation and performance (R = 0.526, R2 = 0.277, β = 0.491, p < 0.001). This indicates that strategy implementation explains 27.7% of performance variation, confirming that providers with robust implementation processes achieve superior efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial outcomes. The study concludes that strategy implementation is a critical driver of performance but must be complemented by broader reforms and capacity-building initiatives. It recommends strengthening employee support systems, enhancing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, building implementation capabilities across organizational levels, prioritizing financial sustainability, and investing in research and innovation to foster adaptive strategies for long-term water service improvement.

Understanding The Socio-Economic Determinants of Family Planning Service Utilization Among Women of Reproductive Age In Eldas Sub-County: A Mixed-Methods Study

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding The Socio-Economic Determinants of Family Planning Service Utilization Among Women of Reproductive Age In Eldas Sub-County: A Mixed-Methods Study Mohamed, Sulekha; M’mayi, Consolata; Nyavanga, Eunice This study investigates the socio-economic factors influencing the utilization of family planning (FP) services among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in the Eldas sub-county. Utilizing a mixedmethods research approach, quantitative data were collected through structured surveys administered to a representative sample of women. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. The findings reveal significant associations between various socioeconomic variables and FP service utilization. Marital status and age emerged as contributors, with women aged 36-45 demonstrating higher utilization rates compared to younger age groups, and widowed women exhibiting greater propensity to utilize FP services compared to their married counterparts. Educational background and employment status were also found to be statistically significant predictors of FP service utilization, with educated and employed women demonstrating higher likelihoods of utilizing FP services. Moreover, the number of children, involvement in polygamous marriages, and discussion about birth control with partners were identified as key factors influencing FP service utilization. These findings underscore the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting educational and economic empowerment initiatives to enhance FP service utilization among women in the Eldas subcounty. Policy and programmatic interventions targeting these factors are recommended to improve reproductive health outcomes and empower women in making informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Understanding Home Delivery Preferences: The Role of SocioEconomic and Cultural Factors in Marsabit County, Kenya

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding Home Delivery Preferences: The Role of SocioEconomic and Cultural Factors in Marsabit County, Kenya Sake, Isako Sori; Tenambergen, Wanja Mwaura; Kyalo, Carol Kawila Home deliveries, defined as childbirth occurring outside hospital settings without the assistance of skilled healthcare providers, remain common in some regions despite substantial efforts to improve maternity and newborn health services. This study aimed to assess the influence of cultural factors on the preference for home deliveries in rural Marsabit County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, with 396 women participating in quantitative surveys and additional qualitative data gathered from 10 interviews and 2 focus group discussions. Quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while qualitative data were thematically coded. The analysis revealed that the point prevalence of home deliveries among women of reproductive age in Marsabit County was 64.65% (n = 256, 95% CI [59.81%, 69.49%]), with 189 (55.26%) of those who had ever delivered at home reporting between 1 and 3 home deliveries. Additionally, 291 (94.17%) of home deliveries were attended by traditional birth attendants (TBAs), highlighting the significant role TBAs play in maternal health in this community. Cultural beliefs and family influence significantly shaped delivery choices, with family cultural influence reducing the likelihood of choosing a healthcare facility for delivery (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: [0.19, 0.81], p = 0.009). Socio-economic conditions, including higher education levels (OR = 1.854, p < 0.001) and stable employment (OR = 2.776, p = 0.007), were strongly associated with an increased likelihood of facility-based deliveries. The study concluded that an integrated approach addressing cultural and socio-economic factors are crucial for promoting safer delivery practices. Recommendations include integrating TBAs into the formal healthcare system and enhancing communication strategies to build trust in government health programs.

The Influence of Psychological Contract on Job Satisfaction Among Medical Laboratory Professionals in Selected Public Health Sector Institutions at the National Government, Kenya

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Influence of Psychological Contract on Job Satisfaction Among Medical Laboratory Professionals in Selected Public Health Sector Institutions at the National Government, Kenya Nzoka, Peninna Mwongeli; Njoroge, Kezia; Kyalo, Carol Kawila The psychological contract, an implicit agreement shapes employee-employer relationships within organizations. The study investigated the psychological contract's impact on job satisfaction among Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLPs) in Kenya's public health sector. A response rate of 98 (92.7%), for 106 MLPs surveyed with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS version 29. Pearson’s correlation coefficient results indicated that employee obligations, employee entitlements, employer obligations, and delegation were significantly associated with job satisfaction (p<0.001), accounting for 57.7% of the dependent variable's variation, with a model fit of 31.70. Multiple regression analysis revealed that employee obligations (p-value =0.578) insignificantly influenced job satisfaction. Delegation (β = 0.362) had the strongest positive and significant association with job satisfaction, employee entitlements (β = 0.351), and employer obligations (β = 0.253), with employee obligations indicating a negative association. A combination of psychological contract elements (obligations and entitlements) and structural elements (delegation) constitute the key drivers for improving job satisfaction.

Determinants of Eight Contacts Antenatal Care Uptake Among Prenatal Mothers in Changamwe Sub-County Mombasa, Kenya

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Determinants of Eight Contacts Antenatal Care Uptake Among Prenatal Mothers in Changamwe Sub-County Mombasa, Kenya Swalehe, Bahati Sophia; Njoroge, Kezia; Kawila, Caroline The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants influencing ANC uptake among prenatal mothers in Changamwe, Mombasa, Kenya. The study was based the following objective; to assess how quality ANC services influence ANC uptake among pregnant women in Changamwe Sub-County. The study was anchored on the Expected Utility (EU) Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A mixed-method research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. The target population included postnatal mothers attending maternal child health clinics in public health facilities and maternal child healthcare clinic nurse managers as key informants. A total of 370 mothers and 4 nurse managers participated in the study, selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data collection involved structured questionnaires for mothers and key informant interviews with nurse managers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings, while correlation and multiple regression analyses assessed relationships between study variables. The results indicated that the quality of ANC services significantly influenced ANC uptake. Specifically, the quality of ANC services was another significant predictor (β = 0.42, p = .003), emphasizing the importance of service quality in encouraging ANC visits. Based on the findings, the study recommends Enhancing ANC service quality through respectful care, skilled provider training, and ensuring reliable supply chains for ANC commodities is also advised. Addressing health need-related barriers by promoting early screening for pregnancy complications and increasing maternal health literacy is crucial. Additionally, re-evaluating the role of community health care workers through targeted training, supervision, and structured home visit and referral frameworks is necessary. Implementing broad community sensitization campaigns to boost awareness and dispel myths surrounding ANC, adopting digital health tools to track ANC appointments and facilitate timely maternal care interventions, and encouraging further research on community health care workers effectiveness in ANC promotion within varied contexts are also recommended. These recommendations underscore a need for multi-level interventions— ranging from household empowerment to service delivery improvements to increase ANC uptake and ultimately reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Accessibility and Utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program in Achieving Uhc in Makueni County

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Accessibility and Utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program in Achieving Uhc in Makueni County Kisilu, Mary Syontheke; Musyoka, Felistus; Ong’ombe, Musa Oluoch The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of accessibility on the utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program (MCIP) in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Makueni County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was employed. The study targeted 128 hospital administrators and departmental heads, 333 healthcare providers across 16 public hospitals, and 132,500 program users. Using the Yamane formula, a sample of 45 administrators and departmental heads, and 99 healthcare providers was selected. In addition, purposive sampling was used to select 40 beneficiaries from each of four public health facilities: Makueni County Referral Hospital, Kalawa Sub-County Hospital, Makindu Sub-County Hospital, and Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires designed for program beneficiaries, administrators, and healthcare providers. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26), and a linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between accessibility and the utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program (MCIP). The results showed that accessibility influenced the utilization of the Makueni Care Insurance Program (MCIP) (β = 0.167; p-value = 0.001). To enhance MCIP utilization and advance UHC in Makueni County, improve geographical accessibility, increase community enrollment through sensitization, and reduce waiting times by streamlining services and staffing. These steps will strengthen accessibility and drive higher program participation.

Determinants of Quality Maternal Care among Women in Garissa County Referral Hospital

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Determinants of Quality Maternal Care among Women in Garissa County Referral Hospital Abdi, Hassan Maryan; Kimemia, Fredrick; Kawila, Caroline The determinants of quality maternal care among women in Garissa County Referral Hospitals are multifaceted and can be attributed to a combination of individual, structural, and systemic factors. The general objective of this study was to examine the determinants of quality maternal care among women in Garissa County Referral Hospital. The specific objectives include to examine how physical factors and accessibility contribute to quality maternal care among women in Garissa County Referral Hospital. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and Social Action Theory. A descriptive research design was employed. The target population consists of 314 employees at Garissa County Referral Hospitals, with a sample size of 63 participants, determined using Yamane's formula. Data collection involved the administration of questionnaires and key informant interviews. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings from this study suggest the study emphasize the significant role of physical accessibility in determining maternal health outcomes, especially in areas like Garissa County, where geographical, infrastructural and social factors significantly hinder access to timely maternal healthcare. The results of a binary logistic regression analysis conducted indicated Physical Accessibility, Is Not Statistically Significant Predictors, Although Access and Staffing scores were included in the model, their coefficients were not statistically significant (p > 0.05): Access: B = 0.010, p = 0.873. The study concludes Geographic isolation, poor infrastructure, lack of emergency services and limited transport options all contribute to delays in seeking maternal care, which increases the risk of maternal complications and deaths. Among the recommendations policies aimed at providing financial support, such as subsidized healthcare services or maternal healthcare insurance schemes, could significantly improve access to care for women from low-income households.