School of Science, Engineering and Health
Browse by
Recent Submissions
-
Njoroge, John Wills (Daystar University School of Applied Human Sciences, October , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: Major studies on depression among adolescents in juvenile centers have been done widely in developed countries while in Kenya, the study is yet to emerge as a significant research interest to attract sufficient intervention from policy makers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression among adolescents in selected juvenile centers in Kenya with a focus on two juvenile centers in Nairobi namely, Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Centre (KYCTC) and Kamae Girls Borstal Institute (KGBI). The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of depression in selected juvenile centers in Kenya, to analyze the precipitating factors causing depression among adolescents in selected juvenile centers in Kenya and to assess the relationship between the social demographic factors and depression severity within the selected juvenile centers in Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study’s target population was 116 adolescents residing in the two correctional centers. Data was collected physically by the use of questionnaires and later analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study sample comprised of 116 adolescents (boys and girls) from Kamae Girls Borstal Institute and Kamiti Youth Correctional and Training Centre aged from 15 to 21 years of age. The prevalence of depression among the respondents was high at 50.9% indicating that most of the respondents had symptoms of depression and therefore, regular mental health screening and interventions are recommended for adolescents in Juvenile centers. Description: Master of Arts In Counselling Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4090 Files in this item: 1
-
Otieno, Christopher Oyuech; Oboko, Robert Obwocha; Kahonge, Andrew Mwaura (Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed to develop a clinical Decision Support Model (DSM) which is software that provides physicians and other healthcare stakeholders with patient-specific assessments and recommendation in aiding clinical decision- making while discharging Breast cancer patient since the diagnostics and discharge problem is often overwhelming for a clinician to process at the point of care or in urgent situations. The model incorporates Breast cancer patient-specific data that are well-structured having been attained from a prestudy’s administered questionnaires and current evidence-based guidelines. Obtained dataset of the prestudy’s questionnaires is processed via data mining techniques to generate an optimal clinical decision tree classifier model which serves physicians in enhancing their decision-making process while discharging a breast cancer patient on basic cognitive processes involved in medical thinking hence new, better-formed, and superior outcomes. The model also improves the quality of assessments by constructing predictive discharging models from code attributes enabling timely detection of deterioration in the quality of health of a breast cancer patient upon discharge. The outcome of implementing this study is a decision support model that bridges the gap occasioned by less informed clinical Breast cancer discharge that is based merely on experts’ opinions which is insufficiently reinforced for better treatment outcomes. The reinforced discharge decision for better treatment outcomes is through timely deployment of the decision support model to work hand in hand with the expertise in deriving an integrative discharge decision and has been an agreed strategy to eliminate the foreseeable deteriorating quality of health for a discharged breast cancer patients and surging rates of mortality blamed on mistrusted discharge decisions. In this paper, we will discuss breast cancer clinical knowledge, data mining techniques, the classifying model accuracy, and the Python web-based decision support mod-el that predicts avoidable re-hospitalization of a breast cancer patient through an informed clinical discharging support model. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4042 https://www.scirp.org/pdf/jsea_2022072814415397.pdf Files in this item: 1
-
Kinuthia, Geoffrey K.; Lugalia, Reuben M.; Mwanyumba, Panuel J.; Ngeiywa, , Moses M.; Anjili, Christopher O.; Tonui, Willy K. (African Journal of Health Sciences, June , 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: A laboratory based study was designed to characterize 43 cryo-preserved Leishmania-like flagellates. These Leishmania-like flagellates were originally obtained from non-human hosts that included spiny mice (Acomys subspinosus), plated lizards (Gerrosaurus major) and sand flies of the Genus Sergentomyia caught at Masinga location, Machakos District in Kenya. Morphological features and isoenzyme banding patterns of the flagellates were studied. The isoenzyme markers which were used for isoenzyme electrophoresis included Malate dehydrogenase (MDH), Phosphoglucomutase (PGM), Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), Malic enzyme (ME), 6 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) and Mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI). The isoenzyme banding patterns of the flagellates’ lysates were compared with those of six WHO Leishmania reference strains and those of seven well characterized reference strains of Trypanosoma, Crithidia, Herpetomonas and Leptomonas species. The results showed that the morphological changes of the Leishmania-like flagellates in the growth medium were indistinguishable from those of Leishmania WHO reference strains used. The isoenzyme profiles of the flagellates were all distinguishable from the reference strains used except for isolate NLB-1236 from G. major which had an enzyme profile identical to that of L. tropica (NLB-305) in 6 enzymes (MDH, GPI, MPI, ME, PGM, and G6PD). The banding pattern of isolate NLB-1261 from A. subspinosus was indistinguishable from that of L. major (NLB-326) in 3 enzymes only (MDH, GPI and ME) while isolate NLB-1231 from A. subspinosus had an enzyme profile identical to those of L. tropica (NLB-305) and L. arabica (NLB-664) in six enzymes (MDH, GPI, ME, PGM, MPI, and 6PGD). More than 80% of the Leishmania-like flagellates had enzyme profiles indistinguishable from each other, in all the isoenzyme markers. The morphological traits of the flagellates suggested that they were Leishmania or strains closely related to Leishmania. Isoenzyme analysis suggested that Sergentomyia sand flies most likely feed on both lizards (reptiles) and rodents (mammals). There is need to carry further investigations on NLB-1236 (from plated lizards), NLB-1261 (from wild spiny mice) and NLB-1231 (from wild spiny mice). Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/4003 Files in this item: 1
-
Wambua, Anthony; Maake, Benard (IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, May , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Student engagement is an overarching problem in the learning context that instructors continue to grapple with. Several attempts that utilize features within the Learning Management Systems (LMSs) have been made to increase student engagement and motivation for online courses. This paper presents the findings of the adoption of completion tracking and conditional activities to enhance engagement in Moodle, a leading LMS. To investigate the effectiveness and the potential of completion tracking and conditional activities in enhancing engagement, data was collected from 90 students across four courses, further Moodle logs were examined. The research findings indicate completion tracking and conditional activities significantly increase learner engagement in online classes. These findings have significant implications on instructors conducting online classes and the development of student engagement for online courses. The present research fulfills the need to study how completion tracking and conditional activities features can be used to enhance learner engagement in Moodle LMS. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3994 Files in this item: 1
Adopting Course Completion Tracking.pdf (553.7Kb) -
Ntwiga, Davis Bundi; Ogutu, Carolyne; Kirumbu, Michael Kiura; Weke, Patrick (Journal of Finance and Economics, December 18, 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: Low income earners have volatile incomes and most financial providers shun this group of borrowers even though they are motivated in managing the limited resources they have through savings and investments as a means to lower the fluctuations of their income. Peer groupings of the low income earners can assist in pooling the resources they have and improve the group risk mitigation process as group members act like social collateral in credit lending. The study used Kenya Kenya Financial Diaries data of 2013 from 280 households to analyze and understand the credit quality levels and credit scores of peer groups versus individuals among men and women. Hidden Markov model classified the low income earners into credit risk profiles wih a view of understanding the role of groups in low income group lending. Peer groups diversify risk inherent in individual borrowers with women only groups having higher credit quality levels as compared to men only groups. Women and their respective peer groups are more stable with less variability as compared to men. Financial technology providers can incorporate the wide array of soft information to lend to low income earners through mobile based peer groups. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3988 Files in this item: 1
-
Cheruiyot, Peter Kimutai; Cheruiyot, Jane Kositany; Yegon, Charles Kiprotich (Licensed under Creative Common, May 5, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: The study examined the operations and impact of rotating savings and credit organizations on the lives of middle income earners. Therefore, its contents covered introduction that dealt with trends research provides literature currently available on organisations and it assesses the impact of the organizations by analyzing how the members use their funds to enable them acquire financial assets, physical assets, human assets and social assets. Data from 57 groups located in Savannah Ward of Embakasi indicates that ROSCAs operations vary from group to group depending on the agreements by the members. The study indicates that ROSCAs had an impact in lives of middle income earners and it had enabled them acquire financial assets, physical assets, human assets and social assets. In addition the research also showed that the organizations also had an impact on money management since members also used the funds to meet current expenditure. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3986 Files in this item: 1
-
Johnson, Jethro S; Opiyo, Monica N; Thomson, Marian; Gharbi, Karim; Seckl, Jonathan R; Heger, Andreas; Chapman, Karen E (Journal of Endocrinology, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: The enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) interconverts active glucocorticoids and their intrinsically inert 11-keto forms. The type 1 isozyme, 11β-HSD1, predominantly reactivates glucocorticoids in vivo and can also metabolise bile acids. 11β-HSD1-deficient mice show altered inflammatory responses and are protected against the adverse metabolic effects of a high-fat diet. However, the impact of 11β-HSD1 on the composition of the gut microbiome has not previously been investigated. We used high-throughput 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to characterise the gut microbiome of 11β-HSD1-deficient and C57Bl/6 control mice, fed either a standard chow diet or a cholesterol- and fat-enriched ‘Western’ diet. 11β-HSD1 deficiency significantly altered the composition of the gut microbiome, and did so in a diet-specific manner. On a Western diet, 11β-HSD1 deficiency increased the relative abundance of the family Bacteroidaceae, and on a chow diet, it altered relative abundance of the family Prevotellaceae. Our results demonstrate that (i) genetic effects on host–microbiome interactions can depend upon diet and (ii) that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome may contribute to the aspects of the metabolic and/or inflammatory phenotype observed with 11β-HSD1 deficiency. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3978 Files in this item: 1
-
Ngure, Veronica; Sitati, Noah; Shisia, Silvanus; Kinuthia, Geoffrey (Journal of Natural Sciences Research, January , 2015)[more][less]
Abstract: Elevated levels of metals due to anthropogenic activities are a cause of environmental concern because of their effects on human health. Eldoret Municipality, in Kenya, is one of the fastest growing municipalities with both industrial and agricultural developments. The study aimed at determining the concentration of five elements namely zinc (Zn), lead (Pd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) in five sample sites within the municipality and established the possible health risks in the residents. Measured concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu and Cd in surface horizon soils were used to estimate the geochemical load indices and their spatial distribution. Four soil samples were collected monthly from each sample site on the same farms totaling 200 soil samples. The samples were dried, ground and sieved for metal digestion using varied acids in the laboratory and analysis was done against metal standards using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Only Cd concentration (0.0286mg/kg) in all sites was above the recommended unpolluted soils. Epidemiological data were obtained from the residents and hospitals to establish associated health risks. Determination of metals’ combined effects using multivariate Principal Component Analysis showed that varying concentrations of Zn and Pb tended to increase incidences of cancer, hypertension and stroke. Metals Zn, Pb and Cu concentrations correlated with development of cardiovascular diseases. Awareness rising to residents of Eldoret Municipality on high Cd concentration in the soil and use of alternative forms of fertilizers and related chemicals with low Cd content is recommended. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3977 Files in this item: 1
-
Mbwayo, Anne; Kiarie, Martha; Ndegwa, Jacinta (SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, March , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: Depression is a serious mental disease that affects both young and old people in the society. People who have gone through adverse life events are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction, and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression. The objective of this study was to establish the factors related to depression among university students in Kenya. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, where two Kenyan public universities were conveniently sampled. Experimental sample was obtained from one university and control sample from the other university. .The study data was collected using questionnaires and the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). The prevalence of depression was determined through proportions obtained from the data from the BDI at the different stages of the study. The findings revealed that interpersonal relationships were key in determining depression levels among the students. The study concluded that various factors are related to depression among university students which include age, year of study, expenditure, friendship, dependents, leadership and club membership. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3976 Files in this item: 1
-
Kang, Joo-Oh; Jeong, Dong Kwan; Lee, Dong-Kyu; Kang, Hyesook; Kiarie-Makara, Martha (Entomological Research, January , 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: A granular formulation of 1.0% temephos (temephos G) was tested for its efficacy in mosquito larval control, residual effects and effects on non-target microorganisms. Culex pipiens complex in septic tanks in Yangsan, Republic of Korea were used for this study. Microorganisms in the same septic tanks were used for study of non-target organisms. After the application of temephos G at the rates of 2.0 and 5.0 mg/L to selected septic tanks, mortalities were recorded for 50 days. The effect of temephos G on non-target organisms was studied by evaluating its effects on the bacterial populations in the treated septic tanks. It was observed that using 1.0% temephos G at a rate of 2.0 mg/L resulted in 100% mortality against Cx. pipiens larvae by the eighth day after treatment. The residual activity of temephos G was observed to continue for a time; for example 29 days after treatment, average larval mortality rates of >68.0% were observed for both concentrations. At the 50th day after treatment, the mortality rates of the Cx. pipiens larvae were observed to decrease to below 42.7% for both concentrations. Application of temephos G did not have significant effects on the bacteria populations in the septic tanks. Since temephos did not seem to have any major effects on the microorganisms, it was concluded that it is a safe and effective larvicide to use in the septic tanks at a rate of 2.0–5.0 mg/L of 1.0% temephos G. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3975 Files in this item: 1
-
Opiyo, Monica Naomi; Kenyon, Christopher; Manwani, Kajal; Seckl, Jonathan; Andrew, Ruth; Chapman, Karen (Endocrine Abstracts, 34, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Background and aims: Bile acids are conserved through enterohepatic circulation, a glucocorticoid-modulated process. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (11β-HSD1) converts cortisone/11-dehydrocortisone to cortisol/corticosterone, thus increasing intracellular glucocorticoid levels. 11β-HSD1 also metabolises 7-oxo-lithocholic acid, a bile acid. 11β-HSD1 is highly expressed in the liver and may alter bile acid transport through regeneration of active glucocorticoids or may directly metabolise bile acids, thus altering profile. We compared bile acid synthesis, release, their enterohepatic circulation and profile in Hsd11b1−/− and isogenic C57Bl/6 control mice. Methods: Adult male, chow-fed mice (eight per group) were fasted for 4 h or fasted for 4 h then re-fed 4 h. Serum, and liver and gall-bladder bile acid concentrations and profiles were measured by spectrophotometry/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Fasted Hsd11b1−/− and C57Bl/6 mice had similar volumes of bile (3.2 vs 5.0 l). 7β-Hydroxylated acids (ω-muricholic>β-muricholic>ursodeoxycholic acid>others) predominated in bile of C57Bl/6 mice while 7α-hydroxylated acids (cholic>α-muricholic>chenodeoxycholic acid>others) predominated in Hsd11b1−/− mice; the ratio of 7α:7β acids was >100 greater in Hsd11b1−/−mice. In fasted Hsd11b1− mice, bile acid concentrations were higher in serum (Hsd11b1−/−: 30±9 vs C57Bl/6: 3.8±1.3 nM, P<0.0001) and liver (Hsd11b1−/−: 243±18 vs C57Bl/6: 139±19 nmol/g, P<0.001). Re-feeding caused gall bladder emptying in C57Bl/6 mice (49.6±8% of fasted weight, P<0.0001) and increased serum (62.5±7.6 nM) and liver (497±20 nmol/g) bile acid concentrations, while in Hsd11b1− mice, the gall bladder did not empty (92±7.8% fasted weight) and serum (24±12 nM) and liver (122±21 nmol/g) bile acid concentrations were similar to the fasted state. Conclusion: Bile acid release and the pattern of synthesis is controlled by 11β-HSD1 activity in mice. This may affect digestion and, depending on functional differences of 7α- and 7β- hydroxylated bile acids, may have significant effects on lipid and sterol metabolism and bile acid-mediated transcription. Description: Abstract URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3960 Files in this item: 1
-
Electrophoretic Deposition of TiO2/Nb2O5 Composite Electrode Thin Films for Photovoltaic ApplicationNguu, John Njagi; Aduda, Bernard Odhiambo; Nyongesa, Francis Wanjala; Musembi, Robinson Juma (Electrophoretic Deposition of TiO2/Nb2O5 Composite Electrode Thin Films for Photovoltaic Application. Journal of Energy and Power Engineering 8 (2014) 757-764, April , 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Nano sized powders of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and Nb2O5 (Niobium (V) oxide) were used to fabricate TiO2/Nb2O5 composites thin films by EPD (electrophoretic deposition) technique. The metal oxide powders, together with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate pellets, were suspended in propan-2-ol inside an EPD cell. The electrodes, placed 1.2 cm apart, were partially immersed in the suspension and a DC potential applied across them. Key EPD process parameters, which include applied DC electric field, deposition time and solid concentration in suspension, were optimized through visual inspection and from UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer spectra. The highest (55%) transmittance was obtained for films with deposition time of 90 s, powder concentration of 0.01 g/40 mL, and 35 V DC (direct current) voltage. XRD micrographs confirmed that TiO2 and Nb2O5 particles were presented in the composite film. SEM (scanning electron microscope) micrographs of the composite electrode thin films showed that porous films of high quality with well controlled morphology were deposited by using the EPD technique. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3958 Files in this item: 1
Electrophoretic deposition.pdf (623.7Kb) -
Ntwiga, Davis Bundi; Weke, Patrick; Kirumbu, Michael Kiura (Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems, March 18, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: For effective interactions to take place in a social network, trust is important. We model trust of agents using the peer to peer reputation ratings in the network that forms a real valued matrix. Singular value decomposition discounts the reputation ratings to estimate the trust levels as trust is the subjective probability of future expectations based on current reputation ratings. Reputation and trust are closely related and singular value decomposition can estimate trust using the real valued matrix of the reputation ratings of the agents in the network. Singular value decomposition is an ideal technique in error elimination when estimating trust from reputation ratings. Reputation estimation of trust is optimal at the discounting of 20 %. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3956 Files in this item: 1
-
Odero, Collince; Kiarie, Martha W. (December 13, 2019)[more][less]
Abstract: Background :Globally, 2.5 billion cases of diarrhoea occur among under-fives every year. Diarrhoea, a major cause of morbidity accounts for over 70% of childhood diseases in Africa. In Kenya, diarrhoea is a major public health problem, listed amongst the leading causes of mortality and morbidity amongst under-fives. Objective: To determine the environmental factors associated with diarrhoea among children under 5 years in Migori County. Methodology: Quantitative approach was used where data collection involved a questionnaire. A total of 216 under- five children were sampled using multistage sampling technique. Analysis of data included generating descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests). Results: Findings revealed that the environmental factors including method of refuse disposal (p<0.001); latrine availability (p = 0.001); latrine type (p = 0.037);latrine sharing (p<0.001); source of drinking water (p = 0.009); water storage (p = 0.002); method of drawing water (p = 0.005); scooper cleaning (p<0.001); cleaning water container before refilling (p = 0.034); and drinking water treatment (p = 0.010)had an effect on the occurrence of diarrhea in under-five year old children. Discussions :A number of other environmental characteristics of mothers (or caregivers) of under-fives were found to be associated with diarrhoea in this study. Under five diarrhoea morbidity can be minimized if concerted efforts are made to improve waste disposal, increase latrine availability, reduce latrine sharing, improve drinking water source, treat drinking water, improve water storage and hygiene. Conclusion: The environmental determinants of diarrhoea morbidity identified should be addressed to prevent occurrence of diarrhoea disease among under-fives. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3953 Files in this item: 1
-
Ngure, Geoffrey K.K; Kamau, N.V; Di, Bet; Ra, Lugali; Wangila, A; Ngari, W; Mburu, W (African Journal of Health Sciences,, March , 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: Background:A cross sectional study to establish the levels of heavy metals and other potentially harmful elements (PHEs)present in samples obtained from selected open waste water channels in Nairobi industrial area (Kenya) was carried out. The waste water channels selected were those near the factories or those directly discharging from factories. The samples collected included mosquitoes (larvae and adults), waste water, green algae, and soil. Unmaintained open waste water channels are among the man made features that enhance the breeding of urban mosquitoes because they tend to have overgrown vegetation and trapped solid wastes which slow or inhibit the waste water flow. Different mosquito species have previously transmitted arboviruses including those responsible for dangerous fevers such as West Nile, Rift Valley, Zika, Dengue, Yellow, and Chikungunya among others in different parts of the world. The study area (Nairobi industrial area) neighbors several densely populated informal human settlements. This paper specifically reports on composition and distribution of mosquito species obtained from the study area. Methods:The fourth instars mosquito larvae were collected from waste water channels using the standard dipping method. Adult mosquitoes were trapped using the center for disease control and prevention (CDC) light traps. Purposive random sampling for mosquito adults and larvae was carried out in industrial premises and waste water channels respectively at seven locations. This involved selecting sampling sites from which mosquito samples were likely to be obtained. The mosquitoes were then microscopically identified using taxonomic keys for the Ethiopian and East African region. Results:Out of 2,926 adult mosquitoes trapped, 12 species were identified including Cx. pipiens (95%); Cx. Vansomereni (2.6%); Cx. zombaensis (1.4%); Cx. univittatus (0.34%); Cx. theileri (0.21%); Ae. aegpti (0.14%); An. maculipalpis (0.03%); An. squamosus (0.03%) and other culicid species (0.20%). Of these adult mosquitoes, Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3952 Files in this item: 1
Survey of urban mosquitoes species.pdf (869.9Kb) -
Wambua, Anthony W.; Maake, Benard M. (International Journal of Software Engineering and Computer Systems, August , 2022)[more][less]
Abstract: Given the increased reliance on technology, Software Quality Assurance(SQA) has become a vital area in Software Engineering (SE). SQA practices require training, cost and often take more time than actual code writing. Owing to these requirements, software developers often ignore or partly implement SQA practices, leading to potentially poor quality software development. The goal of the study is to characterise SQA practices of software developers in Kenya. As such, quantitative empirical research was conducted. Seventy-seven (N=77) completed questionnaires were received and analysed to yield the required insights. The analysis of the findings indicates compliance with SQA practices. However, the research unearths concerns such as failure to comply with Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models as having the potential to lower the quality of software products. The assessment found that Unit testing was the most common type of software test. Based on the findings and literature, recommendations are made. The need to improve software engineering education and invest in software testing is underscored. The results can be generalised to most developing countries and used by software developers and trainers to identify areas in SQA that need strengthening Description: Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3891 Files in this item: 1
-
Gitonga, Myra O.; Wambua, Anthony W (CEDRED Publications, 2020)[more][less]
Abstract: eLearning can be defined as learning conducted via electronic media, or technology assisted learning typically over the Internet. It is an area that came into existence more than a decade ago and has then evolved slowly being introduced as part of technology assisted learning, especially in Kenya. First it has been integrated into a blended learning as both learners and teachers ensure pedagogy and proper use of tools. However, with the present pandemic of COVID-19, countries have been forced to close institutions of learning indefinitely. Education has a direct impact on sustainable development therefore learning needs to go on. So, it is on this basis that various learning tools have quickly been adapted with speed so that learning may progress. In Kenya, different university lecturers adopted several eLearning tools informally or formally. This paper investigates tools that are being used during this difficult period. Further, the effectiveness of the tools as far as the learners and field of study is concerned is investigated. Another objective was to find out the extent to which mobility devices were used for eLearning. Effectiveness is assessed using factors such as the satisfaction of the students in relation to the achievement of their learning objective is assessed. In addition, as this research seek to finds out eLearning tools that were applied it will relate effectiveness to how favorable the learner’s environment and infrastructure supported their application. Primary data was collected using online questionnaires to the learners and teachers using an online research tool. The scope covered a study of science and computing students in a private institution of higher learning in Kenya. A total of 48 students from the faculty of science of a private university participated in the research. The analysis of the effectiveness of eLearning Description: Book Chapter URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3810 Files in this item: 1
-
Arap Sang, Richard Kiplangat; Obwoge, Ronald Omenge; Kangethe, Simon; Ayiro, Laban Peter; Changeiywo, Johnson Masai (Science Journal of Public Health, July , 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major cause of high morbidity and mortality in Kenya. Adherence to TB treatment is one of the interventions that lead to increase in cure rate thus reducing mortality and emergence of Multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR) and high cost of treatment. This study focused on TB patients in urban and rural areas of Kericho and Nakuru Counties. The study was to determine the patient factors which contribute to non-adherence to TB treatment. A purposive sampling method was used to carry out a cross sectional descriptive survey with retrospective cohort of nonadherent TB patients. Target population was smear positive TB patients registered in the TB registers in the two counties, within the past six months at the commencement date of the study. Data was collected using adopted/ developed observation forms/checklists, interview schedules and questionnaires. Respondents were traced non-adherent smear positive TB patients (defaulters), care supporters and health care workers. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS platform. Age, gender, inadequate knowledge, ignorance on need for treatment adherence, stigma, alcoholism, social and economic factors such as low income, lack of social support, low education, financial problems, drug side effects were analyzed. Feeling well soon after medication initiation, drug side effects, low educational level, poor financial status, unemployment, shortage of Tb drugs including unavailability of pyridoxine which is essential in counteracting drug side effects and were associated with defaulting. Staff should also intensify adherence counselling targeting effect of personal factor to adherence. The County of Nakuru and Kericho’s Ministry of Health to increase awareness on Tb and make the public aware of the importance of TB control. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3784 Files in this item: 1
-
Ettyang, Grace A. K.; Sawe, Caroline J.; Ayiro, Laban Peter (World Nutrition, 2019)[more][less]
Abstract: Background Child stunting reflects chronic under-nutrition, which often begins before birth and is almost irreversible after the second year of life. Globally, by 2018, an estimated 140 million children under the age of 5 years were stunted. Over one-third each lived in South East Asia (34.4%) and Eastern and South Africa (33.6%). This condition puts children at disadvantages due to partly irreversible physical and cognitive damage. This poorly nourished beginning has consequences that include persistent poverty, worsening inequality, higher health care costs and weaker national economies. Early detection of stunting is a key factor to any prevention strategy. Objective To examine the relationship between child, maternal, household, and gender inequality characteristics with early onset of child stunting in Kenya and Cambodia. Methods The study analyzed data from the 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in Kenya and Cambodia for children under age 2. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to find associations between the variables and child stunting. Results The prevalence of stunting among children under age 2 in Kenya was 22%, and in Cambodia, 25%. Child’s age, perceived birth size, family wealth status, and region of residence were significantly associated with stunting. In both countries children from the richest households had 0.4 times lower odds of being stunted compared with those from the poorest households. In Kenya, female children had 0.6 times lower odds of being stunted compared with male children. In Cambodia, children from rural areas had 0.6 times lower odds of being stunted compared with those from urban areas, while children whose mothers were underweight had 1.7 times higher odds of being stunted than children whose mothers were not underweight. In both countries, there was general lack of a strong and significant relationship between the DHS indicators of gender inequality and child stunting. Conclusions Children’s characteristics, household wealth and maternal underweight were more important in predicting stunting in these children under two years of age than factors related to gender inequality. A more extensive analysis of future DHS data that includes other aspects of gender inequality such as decisions on choice and preparation of food, purchase of household goods, as well as gender-based barriers to provision of child care might provide additional insights on that potential determinant of early stunting. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3778 Files in this item: 1
-
Katwa, J. K; Ayiro, Laban Peter; Baliddawa, J; Kei, R (World Journal of Medical Education and Research, 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: Community-based education has been introduced in many medical schools around the globe, but evaluation of instructional quality has remained a critical issue. Community-based education is an approach that aims to prepare students for future professional work at the community level. Instructional quality should be measured based on a program’s outcomes.. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the successes and limitation of COBES. Methods: 274 students, 65 lecturers and 9 administrators were recruited into the study. Self-administered questionnaires with both qualitative and quantitative were used in data collection. Questionnaire utilized a five point Likert scale (1-Totaly disagree, 2-Disagree, 3- Not Sure 4-Agree and 5-Totally Agree).. Cronbach’s alpha, median and inter-quartile range (IQR) was calculated in SPSS 22.P-value less than or equal to 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review and Ethics Committee (IREC) of Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Results: The response rate among students was 250 (91%), 65 (48%) among lecturers and 9 (100%) among administrators. 77% of students accepted that the college is short of vehicles for COBES. Majority of the students felt that COBES provides an opportunity to meet real life problems of the community and is challenged to provide solutions to the existing health problems. Participant 098 stated that “COBES Provides different approach to solving problems and alternative and realistic approach in seeking answers to actual health problems”. Conclusions: Community based education motivates students to practice community health care. In addition, their motivation is increased by the health education activity. Participating in this activity probably produces a positive effect and improves the instructional quality of the program based on its outcomes. Policy Implications: Community based education during medical school has a positive effect on students. However, the adoption has been met with some concern, primarily because of the substantial manpower and means of transport. COBES becomes a major concern when there are limited resources available. Description: Journal Article URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3777 Files in this item: 1