ABSTRACT Pseudomonas species are common causes of nosocomial infections. Globally nosocomial infections are among the most important problems complicating health care provision since they are caused by bacteria exhibiting resistance to many antibiotics. Their susceptibility to antibiotics is restricted to merely few drugs, and the occurrence of resistance by initially susceptible strains during therapy occurs at a relatively high frequency. The rate of transmission of Pseudomonas infection in...
ABSTRACT Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has been demonstrated to have numerous benefits both to the mother and the infant. Inappropriate feeding practices can have profound consequences for the growth, development and survival of infants and children. EBF protects infants against infections such as respiratory infections, diarrhoea and reduces the risk of the mother developing obesity, breast and ovarian cancer among others. Despite various efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding, the rate ...
ABSTRACT The HIV and AIDS prevalence in Kenya is 7.2%. HIV and AIDS affect the livelihoods of the PLWHA and consequently their food security status. The country’s food security relies heavily on its agricultural production. Food insecurity that influences dietary practices affects about 12% of Kenyans in urban households and the presence of HIV and AIDS worsens the situation. There is limited data available on the magnitude of food insecurity among PLWHA in Kenya and the effect on dietary p...
ABSTRACT The thesis resulting from this study intended to investigate factors affecting aloe propagation and cultivation in Kieni West division, Kenya. The rationale for the study was informed by the fact that aloe propagation and cultivation is one of the identified strategies for aloe conservation and management outside protected areas with both ecological and social-economic benefits. The study was based on the awareness that Kenyan aloe species are listed under Appendix II of Conventio...
ABSTRACT World Health Organization recommends the formation of Mother-to-Mother Support Groups (MtMSGs) to improve nutrition information for mothers. This strategy has been implemented in Turkana since 2008. With limited research on its contribution to improved complementary feeding practices, this study sought to ascertain if there were significant differences in complementary feeding practices and nutrition status of children 6-23 months of MtMSGs participants and MtMSGs non-participants. T...
ABSTRACT A partogram is a graphical representation of the fetal status, maternal status and progress of labor. Its proper interpretation assists in early identification of complications which may lead to morbidity and mortality. Health records from selected hospitals in Machakos County in regards to partograph utilization revealed that 60% of the records had a partograph attached with only 40% of them used correctly up to delivery. The study determined the utilization of the partograph in man...
ABSTRACT Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is the most common form of diabetes, characterized by disorders of insulin resistance, insulin secretion, obesity, lipid abnormalities, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Physical inactivity and the adoption of sedentary lifestyle often accompanying the transition to modern diet are key factors leading to this condition. The marked increase of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) necessitates active development and implementation of efficient preve...
ABSTRACT Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is the main pandemic in the world today. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of the catastrophe. Although it harbours less than 10% of the world‟s population, it comprises 60% of all people living with HIV/AIDS globally. Kenya has a National adult HIV/AIDS prevalence of 7.4%. In recent times, expansion of access to antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings has gained prominence. However, it is estim...
ABSTRACT It is evident that iron in childhood is key for proper health and cognitive development as it is required for academic and work productivity in adulthood. Intake of iron rich foods, sanitation, health, economic and socio-demographic factors are principal determinants of Iron- deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children. There is paucity of data concerning the prevalence of IDA in children aged 6-23 months since most studies focus mainly on the selection of iron rich foods as criteria for de...
ABSTRACT Solanum nigrum L., Cleome gynandra L. and Amaranthus spp. are some of the indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) that contribute to food diet, income generation, good nutrition and health to resource-poor farmers in Kisii and Trans-Mara counties. The production of ILVs is constrained by inadequate land, diseases and pests of which, root-knot nematodes (RKN) are the most damaging pests to vegetable crops causing about 30 % yield losses globally. However, there is no information about the ...
ABSTRACT Plasmodium falciparun, the deadliest malaria parasite, comprises 96% of malaria infections in Kenya, with Lake Victoria basin‟s prevalence at above 38%. The coexistence of malaria and anaemia in pre-school children is a public health problem in Bondo District. Malaria mortality increases with severity of under nutrition, with severely malnourished children being more likely to die from malaria than their well nourished counterparts. There are few studies comparing dietary practice...
ABSTRACT Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are being increasingly recognized as serious global health problem with impact on individual women and men, their families and communities. They can have severe consequences, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, miscarriage, and increased risk of HIV transmission. STIs are the main preventable cause of infertility, particularly in women. The general objective of the study was to establish the determinants of health see...
ABSTRACT Anaemia is a disease, according to the World Health Organization, in which the haemoglobin concentration is below 12 g/dl of blood. The prevalence of anaemia in school going children in Africa is 64.6% while in Asia it is 47.7%. Anaemia is also prevalent among women and infants and threatens the life of millions of people every year. Modern therapies in management of anaemia are either too expensive or unavailable to many communities. Use of plants in the management of anaemia is no...
ABSTRACT Family planning is an important aspect of primary health care. In order to improve the efficacy of available contraceptive methods, it is of importance to identify factors influencing women’s choice of contraception. In Kenya, like many other sub-Saharan countries, prevention of unintended pregnancies among HIV positive women as a strategy for PMTCT has been neglected. This has resulted in a large population of HIV positive women who have a substantial degree of unmet need for fam...
ABSTRACT Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (AMTSL) is an evidence-based, low-cost intervention focusing prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) which accounts for over 25% globally and Kenya at 33.9% translating to 510 deaths /100,000 live births. The study aimed at assessing knowledge and competencies of midwives in active management of third stage of labor in health facilities of Meru County. The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional design and utilized stratified rand...