ABSTRACT Plasmodium falciparum infection is characterized by deadly complications such as severe malaria-associated anaemia (SMA) and cerebral malaria (CM).The exact mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of these severe forms of Plasmodium falciparum malaria are not fully understood yet they are associated with a lot of morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown a link between severe P. falciparum malaria and levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) but the exact role of these CICs in the p...
ABSTRACT Sexual violence is a serious public health, social and human rights problem affecting millions of people each year throughout the world. It affects both sexes but women and girls are the most affected. This study sought to determine prevalence and pattern of sexual violence, determinants of sexual violence and assess the knowledge level of young people on sexual violence in Naivasha District. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study where both quantitative and qualitative methods...
ABSTRACT Worldwide it is estimated that 303,000 of maternal deaths occurred in 2015.It is also estimated that in Somalia the maternal mortality rate is 669 deaths per 100,000 live births. Infect one out every 12 women dies due to pregnancy-related issues and one every nine Somali children dies before one year. Antenatal care attendance at four times in Somalia is 24 %. Seventy nine percent of women deliver at home, and twenty-four percent of them delivery with skilled assistance .The major co...
ABSTRACT Water is considered fundamental to development due to its contribution to economic growth and human welfare. Yet, most human activities such as agriculture, domestic and industrial pollute water resources. Industries use water in different processes and if not well managed, they pollute water bodies. The study assessed the levels of industrial pollutants and their effects on water resources and livelihoods along Msimbazi sub catchment. Specifically, the study determined the types an...
ABSTRACT Access to clean and safe water is a global concern. Besides socio-economic development, adequate access to water is a key ingredient in both health and wellbeing of humans. In Kenya, 70% of the population reside in the rural areas where only 49% of this population access safe drinking water. Bungoma Sub-County falls within the Lake Victoria North Water Services Board region with a rural water supply coverage of 44% (LVNWSB, 2012). This low coverage underscores the inadequate access ...
ABSTRACT Men who have sex with men experience a high burden of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea infections which remain largely undiagnosed in the context of syndromic and presumptive treatment. In Kenya, limited data is available to inform on occurrence and recurrence of rectal chlamydia and gonorrhoea and antibiotic sensitivity on Neisseria gonorrhoea among Men who have sex with men who report receptive anal intercourse. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, ...
ABSTRACT Acceptance of routine HIV councelling and testing (HCT) can go along way in providing the much needed support including treatment to alleviate suffering from HIV/AIDS. However, there is low uptake of routine HCT. The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing acceptance of routine HCT. Specific objectives included to: determining the level of acceptance of routine HTC among pregnant women in Kibera informal settlement; determine socio-demographic characteristics influ...
ABSTRACT Out of an annual 15 million pregnancies globally, an estimated overall Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevalence of 0.34% is reported in antenatal women in Kenya. In 2013, there were 13,000 new HIV infections among children. Appropriate feeding practices and good nutrition status are important for the survival, growth, development, health and nutrition of HIV-exposed infants as well as the wellbeing of their mothers. The recommended infant feeding practice is exclusive breastfeeding (E...
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of intestinal parasites on academic performance among primary school children in Nairobi Province, Kenya. Intestinal parasites belong to two main taxonomic groups: protozoa and helminths. Pathogenic protozoa are Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Balantidium coli while intestinal helminths comprise of nematodes hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichu...
ABSTRACT Sexual violence against adolescent girls (SVAG) is a global concern due to its adverse effects on the overall health of these girls. In Kenya, cases of sexual violence in this age group are reported to be at 33%. The study explored sexual violence among adolescent girls (15-19 years) in the nine (9) mixed day secondary schools of Limuru Sub-county, Kiambu County, Kenya. The broad objective of the study was: to assess the status of SVAG in mixed day school in Limuru Sub-county, Kiambu...
ABSTRACT Despite the many efforts put in place globally, regionally and at national level to reduce and eliminate Physical Violence against married women, this violence is still prevalent. It is one of the major forms of oppression against women. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of Physical Violence on married women by their spouses within the age of 18-45 years and above in Kandara Sub County, Murang‟a County, Kenya. The study objectives were to determine the socio...
ABSTRACT The Lake Victorian Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) industry in Kenya is the most important in the fisheries sub-sector and generates significant levels of revenue to the national economy besides creating employment opportunities along the value chain. In 2012, fish production from Lake Victoria-Kenyan waters was 118,992 metric tons with an ex-vessel value of USD 136 million. Information on the utilization of by-products and cleaner production is very important as the industry plays a s...
ABSTRACT Food-borne diseases and zoonoses including Rift Valley Fever continue to burden public health and undermine livelihoods in Kenya despite existing control programmes. The 2006-2007 outbreak of RVF in Kenya caused a total of 560 human morbidities and 185 mortalities in 16 Districts includingMaragua District, Central Province which had four human cases. This study assessed the level ofbeef safety knowledge, practices and constraints among livestock producers, traders, slaughterhouse ope...
ABSTRACT Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are known to be highly effective in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality. However, there is scanty information on actual usage of owned nets which varies among households. Such variations may limit the potential effect of nets and cause spatial heterogeneity on malaria transmission. Likewise there is limited information and utilization of topographic parameters such as the shape of the underlying valley ecosystem in identification of high-risk...
ABSTRACT Addressing poor pregnancy and childbirth outcomes such as still births, preterm births and neonatal deaths have continued to be a major global challenge. Nations and organizations have invested much effort and resources to promote safe pregnancy and childbirth. Despite this, maternal and perinatal mortalities and morbidities remain high. Though several risk factors predisposing women and their infants to adverse outcomes during pregnancy have been documented, little is known on the f...