ABSTRACT Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa despite the integrated approaches put in place to control the disease. Most of the mortality in holoendemic transmission areas occurs due to severe P. falciparum disease complication of severe malarial anaemia (SMA), a condition which largely presents in children below five years. Molecular determinants have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SMA (Hb
ABSTRACT The scarce and low nutritive livestock forage resource base in semi arid Kenya limits livestock production in these regions. The major factor contributing to this situation is inadequate and erratic rainfall patterns accompanied by long dry spells often culminating into drought. To exploit the full potential of the ASALs for livestock production there is need to expand the forage resource base through introduction of climate smart forage species. This study was carried out to evaluat...
ABSTRACT Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a multi-factorial condition of the eye that results in symptoms of stress and eye discomfort among electronic device users. It causes considerable chronic vision-related morbidity and reduced work productivity. Ninety percent and 75% of computer users globally and in Africa, respectively, suffer from CVS. The risk factors for CVS include prolonged period of electronic device use, glare, refractive error, short viewing distance and inappropriate seati...
Abstract Background: The clinical course of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) among Nigerian children has rarely been reported; this makes prognostication difficult. Objectives: The objective was to determine the frequency of relapses including frequent relapses (FR) and steroid-dependence (SD) in a cohort of Nigerian children with SSNS. A secondary objective was to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with relapse in these children. Methods: Medical records of ch...
ABSTRACT Maize (Zea mays) is a staple food grown in almost all agro-ecological zones in Kenya. The production output is very low (2.4 million tons annually) nationally. Nyanza region contributes about 5 million bags. This is not enough to feed its population of 5 million people. Maize ear rot disease contributes to low maize productivity in Nyanza, with annual lossess due to aar rot estimated at 18 percent. These pathogens are reported to lower the quality of the maize crop and produce mycoto...
SUMMARY Objectives: To review the prevalence and pattern of cardiovascular disorders in childhood autopsies in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). To also determine the frequency of associated extra cardiac complications and characteristics of children with cardiovascular diseases that died. Materials and Methods: The autopsy register of the department of Morbid anatomy for the years 1991 to 2000 in LUTH was retrospectively reviewed. Data extracted including age, sex, primary diagnos...
ABSTRACT In Kenya, the maternal mortality ratio was 400/100,000 in 2013, about twice as high as the global maternal mortality ratio of 210/100,000. In Gem Sub-County, maternal mortality ratio is twice as high as the national maternal mortality burden.GemSub-County is also located in a region with a high burden of neonatal deaths. It has been documented that making maternal health services free can improve maternal and newborn health. The Government of Kenya introduced free maternal health pol...
Abstract Aquatic pollution by heavy metals remains a recurrent problem globally due to their persistence, toxicity and ability to accumulate in biological systems. This study investigated the pollution trend, ecological and public health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Lagos Lagoon as well as pattern of interaction among heavy metals that can be exploited for remediation of exposed aquatic organisms. Heavy metal content in surface water, sediment and biota were analyzed us...
ABSTRACT Jigger infestation is one of the parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases that is caused by Tunga penetrans also known as Tungiasis. This causes debility in resource-limited countries such as Kenya. This infestation is endemic in over 88 countries worldwide Kenya being one of them. Approximately 2.68 million people are infested with jigger in Kenya, of which 56% are school going pupils. In Karungu Division, Migori County, jigger infestation is endemic among school going pupils where its...
ABSTRACT Immunization alone averts 2-3 million deaths annually. Immunization coverage of above 80% is need for herd immunity. Kenya’s immunization coveragefor childhood vaccines is at 68%, which is below herd immunity levels and continues to experience decline trajectory. Vaccine coverage is not uniform across the regions in the country and varies by type of vaccine. Urban informal settlements experiences low coverage, which leaves many children at risk of vaccine preventable diseases.The m...
ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis is endemic in Kenya along the Coast, Lower Eastern, and the Lake Victoria Basin. Its prevalence ranges from 5% to 100% and is highest along the shores of Lake Victoria, with those most at risk aged between 5–14 years. To control this menace and eventually eliminate it, praziquantel distribution using mass drug administration (MDA) strategy was for the first time done in the year 2011 in targeted areas in western Kenya, with low compliance levels registered in most s...
ABSTRACT Pregnancy-related complications contribute to more than half of deaths among women annually. The study exploredsocio-demographic factors, knowledge and attitude as determinants of antenatal care services utilization among pregnant women in Gesusu Hospital, Kisii County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: to examine the relationship of socio-demographic factors and utilization of antenatal care services in Gesusu Hospital; to evaluate how knowledge on antenatal care among pregnant w...
Abstract Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Epidemics occur in areas where most of the conditions for malaria transmission are present, contributing to over 90% of the estimated 650 million clinical malaria cases reported annually in the world, and approximately 41% of the world’s population which is at risk of contracting malaria. Detection by health care workers of a malaria epidemic depends on knowledge on malaria monitoring indicators that include vulner...
ABSTRACT Adherence to ART is a patient's ability take the prescribed medication and advises accordingly. Factors influencing adherence vary across different settings. Sustaining adherence presents a significant challenge at Kendu sub county hospital as evidenced by the defaulters’ rate (3 in 10) and high viral load (5 in 10) patients on ART treatment. This study determined factors influencing ART adherence in adult patients on care at Kendu sub-county hospital. The study determined the infl...
ABSTRACT Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa. In Kenya, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 30-50% of all out patient attendance and 20% of all admissions to health facilities. The Kenyan government encourages strategies such as; Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), prompt treatment to confirmed malaria cases, clearing of bushes around residential places and use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs) in malaria pr...