ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) appeared on the scene over twenty years ago and has since caused many deaths; left millions orphaned and created uncertainty in any families. The virus has also created a socio-economic burden to many countries. The entry into and tropism of the host immune cells by the HIV-1 depends on chemokine receptors and coreceptor interactions among other factors. Genetic polymorphism in chemokine receptors and coreceptor genes influences susceptibi...
Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health problem. The disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya. TB control has remained a major challenge for the National Leprosy and TB Control Programme (NLTP) especially in this HIV/AIDS era and the emergence of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). Early identification of cases and commencement of effective chemotherapy is an effective method to control the spread of TB. Reliance by NLTP on passive case finding means th...
ABSTRACT Many developing countries including Kenya are struggling to provide proper sanitation to their population with most reporting less than 50 percent adequacy in sanitation. Different research works indicate sanitation is worse in schools compared to the general population despite the fact that schools hold a significant 26 percent proportion of the entire population. Provision of quality latrines in schools is critical in dealing with sanitation and health challenges. Healthy Environm...
ABSTRACT According to KAIS 2007, nearly 1 out of 10 pregnant women in Kenya are infected with HIV (9.6 percent). The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of utilization of knowledge on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women attending selected public health facilities in Embu District. In this study, utilization of knowledge on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, utilization of providerinitiated counselling and testing and the com...
ABSTRACT This research presents the agrochemical residues analysis on the study conducted in Weruweru River Sub-catchment, Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. Agrochemicals have negative consequences on watershed management in the sub-catchment. It compromises water quality and environment, and thus causing threat to human health and aquatic organisms. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of agricultural pesticides and fertilizers and their residue levels in water and sediments sample...
ABSTRACT Underutilized cereals and tubers can contribute to food security and in addition provide nutritional balance in the diet as they form a ready source of essential nutrients yet they have been neglected as the dependence on maize, rice and wheat as main cereals increases. The objective of this study was to assess the consumption of underutilized cereals and tubers in urban households and their contribution towards household food security and dietary diversity. A cross sectional analyti...
ABSTRACT Bacteriuria is commonly found in women and about thirty three percent (33%) of adult women have encountered an incidence of symptomatic cystitis at least once in their life time. In case the uropathogens are unidentified and management undertaken, bacteriuria may cause more dangerous and adversed complications, including nephritis and renal failure. Majority of studies done in Kenya have focused on pregnant women with no documented information available on the sexually active non pr...
ABSTRACT Decline in crop yields in Tharaka-Nithi and Embu counties is linked to poor agricultural practices and climate variability. Research has reported positive results from implementation of mulching, tied ridging, minimum tillage and intercropping. This study was set up to: i) determine effect of soil and water conservation technologies on runoff ii) evaluate effect of the technologies on sediment and nutrient loss iii) investigate effect of the technologies on maize yield, and iv) anal...
ABSTRACT Beans play a significant role in food security owing to its nutritional value and generation of income. However, output of beans in Western Kenya is hindered by diseases, pests, soil infertility and unfavorable weather resulting to low productivity. Of the many diseases of beans, common bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) is a disease of economic importance in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Due to the fact that chemicals have not bee...
ABSTRACT Zoonotic nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) cross infect a wide range of domestic animals, wildlife and man causing various diseases. Despite the public health implications associated with mycobacterial infection and the existing close interaction of pastoralists and camels, information on diagnosis and epidemiology of zoonotic NTM amongst camels and closely associated community members is scanty. The present study was a one-health approach study involving diagnosis and epidemiology o...
ABSTRACT Most of our activities as human beings generate solid waste. As much as the solid waste that is generated may not be harmful in its current state, the methods through which this waste is handled, stored, collected and disposed can pose risks to the local populace as well as the community. The situation is aggravated by the fact that solid waste has no owner, and therefore the provision of quality solid waste management services is left for those who can afford it. The objectives of ...
ABSTRACT Despite high sexual activity among adolescent girls in Kenya, contraceptive uptake is very low with only about 26 percent sexually active adolescent girls currently using a contraceptive method. This exposes them to HIV infections and unplanned pregnancies which consequently lead to school dropouts, unsafe abortions, and lack of employment opportunities. The study aimed at assessing the utilization of contraceptives among secondary school adolescent girls in Karuri Town Council, Kiam...
ABSTRACT Sexual abuse among children has long history in Kenyan schools. Recent evidence however points out on underreported cases of boy child sexual abuse; rise in incidence of reported crimes of sexual nature and sporadic occurrence of such inhumane treatment of children outside and within learning institutions attest to threatened sexual safety and future reproductive health of children. The study aimed at assessing prevalence and risk factors of sexual abuse among boy child in public p...
ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms. The most prevalent species of the worm in Kenya is Schistosoma mansoni. The disease is endemic in parts of Nyanza, Eastern and Coast provinces. Its prevalence in primary school children in Asembo area near Lake Victoria in Rarieda district of Nyanza province is about 17%. Children are more susceptible to infection than adults and thus bear a greater burden of schistosomiasis in terms of morbidity and intensity of infe...
Abstract Immunization is a key approach that can be successfully employed to reduce deaths and illnesses among children. Immunization presently averts an estimated 3 million deaths annually for children aged under five. Kenya Expanded Program on immunization has a stipulated immunization schedule guideline that should be adhered to for effective utilization of immunization services for improved health outcome. The study was prompted by the alarming statistics on morbidities related to vaccin...