Daystar University Repository
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- A collection of Class Projects and Student articles showcasing innovative ideas and diverse perspectives from our talented student community at Daystar University
- A collection of conference, workshop, seminar, proceedings, and lecture series showcasing diverse topics and cutting-edge research from faculty and staff of Daystar University.
- An archival collection chronicling the institutional history, academic achievements, and diverse heritage of Daystar University.
- A collection of Publications by faculty and staff showcasing research, academic achievements, and institutional insights of Daystar University.
- A collection of Lectures and Speeches from distinguished speakers across various disciplines of Daystar University.
Recent Submissions
COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics and the Impact of Vaccination: Modelling, Analysis and Stimulations
(Royal Society Publishing, 2023) Malinzi, Joseph; Juma, Victor Ogesa; Madubueze, Chinwendu Emilian; Mwaonanji, John; Nkem, Godwin Nwachukwu; Mwakilama, Elias; Mupedza, Tinashe Victor; Chiteri, Vincent Nandwa; Bakare, Emmanuel Afolabi; Moyo, Emmanuel Afolabi; Funollet, Eduard Campillo; Nyabadza, Farai; Madzvamuse, Anotida
Despite the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects remain a global challenge including the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. Knowledge of the COVID-19 dynamics and its potential trends amidst variations in COVID-19 vaccine coverage is therefore crucial for policy makers in the SSA region where vaccine uptake is generally lower than in high-income countries. Using a compartmental epidemiological model, this study aims to forecast the potential COVID-19 trends and determine how long a wave could be, taking into consideration the current vaccination rates. The model is calibrated using South African reported data for the first four waves of COVID-19, and the data for the fifth wave are used to test the validity of the model forecast. The model is qualitatively analysed by determining equilibria and their stability, calculating the basic reproduction number R0 and investigating the local and global sensitivity analysis with respect to R0. The impact of vaccination and control interventions are investigated via a series of numerical simulations. Based on the fitted data and simulations, we observed that massive vaccination would only be beneficial (deaths averting) if a highly effective vaccine is used, particularly in combination with nonpharmaceutical interventions. Furthermore, our forecasts demonstrate that increased vaccination coverage in SSA increases population immunity leading to low daily infection numbers in potential future waves. Our findings could be helpful in guiding policy makers and governments in designing vaccination strategies and the implementation of other COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
A Mathematical Model for Multiple COVID-19 Waves Applied to Kenya
(2023-09) Ogana, Wandera; Juma, Victor Ogesa; Bulimo, Wallace D.; Chiteri, Vincent Nandwa
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019, prompted governments to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to curb its spread. Despite these efforts and the discovery of vaccines and treatments, the disease continued to circulate globally, evolving into multiple waves, largely driven by emerging COVID-19 variants. Mathematical models have been very useful in understanding the dynamics of the pandemic. Mainly, their focus has been limited to individual waves without easy adaptability to multiple waves. In this study, we propose a compartmental model that can accommodate multiple waves, built on three fundamental concepts. Firstly, we consider the collective impact of all factors affecting COVID-19 and express their influence on the transmission rate through piecewise exponential-cum-constant functions of time. Secondly, we introduce techniques to model the fore sections of observed waves, that change infection curves with negative gradients to those with positive gradients, hence, generating new waves. Lastly, we implement a jump mechanism in the susceptible fraction, enabling further adjustments to align the model with observed infection curve. By applying this model to the Kenyan context, we successfully replicate all COVID-19 waves from March 2020 to January 2023. The identified change points align closely with the emergence of dominant COVID-19 variants, affirming their pivotal role in driving the waves. Furthermore, this adaptable approach can be extended to investigate any new COVID-19 variant or any other periodic infectious diseases, including influenza
Determinants of Cancer Care Pathways at Wajir County, Kenya: Patient Perspectives.
(Ecancer Medical Science, 2025-02-07) Wainaina, Grace Muira; Affey, Fatuma; Halake, Dabo Galgalo; Osman, Hussein Ali; Ndukui, James G.; Abdourahman, Houda; Abdihamid, Omar
Background: Cancer represents a major public health issue with substantial morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings such as Kenya. This study focuses on Wajir County in northern Kenya, a region with limited cancer care infrastructure and high unmet needs. Despite recent efforts to decentralize cancer care in Kenya, including establishing regional cancer centres in Garissa, Nakuru, and Mombasa, access to screening, diagnostics, and treatment remains constrained, particularly in rural areas. The absence of comprehensive cancer care pathways and a specialized oncology workforce in Wajir County exacerbates challenges in early detection, treatment, and palliative care. The study evaluated the availability of cancer care services at Wajir County Referral Hospital (WCRH), including screening, diagnostic services, treatment modalities, and referral systems. The study further explores the gaps in cancer care, focusing on patient perspectives, and proposes potential solutions to address these challenges. Methods: This study used mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) methods to understand cancer care from the perspective of patients at WCRH. It involved adult patients (over 18) with a confirmed cancer diagnosis who were receiving treatment or
follow-up care between February and April 2024. Data were gathered through interviews and surveys, with research assistants helping with language translation and community navigation. The study collected information on demographics, cancer types, and prevalence rates, which were analysed using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data focused on patients' experiences with cancer awareness, treatment, and care gaps, and were analysed for common themes. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was given by all participants. Results: This study involved 25 cancer patients (12 males, 13 females) receiving treatment at WCRH. The most common cancers were esophageal (44%), cervical (28%), breast (24%), and prostate (8%). Delays in diagnosis were significant, with 12% of patients waiting over 6 years, 24% waiting 4–6 years, and 40% waiting 1–3 years before seeking care. Most diagnoses were made at WCRH (64%), with others diagnosed at the Garissa Cancer Centre (22%) or in Nairobi (20%). Diagnostic tools available at WCRH included pap smears, mammograms, PSA tests, ultrasound, CT scans, and biopsies. However, access to these tools was limited, with barium swallow (32%) being the most frequently used for esophageal cancer, followed by pap smears, biopsies, and ultrasound (16% each). Patient awareness of cancer screening was higher for cervical (68%) and breast cancer (60%) but lower for prostate cancer (32%) and esophageal cancer (4%). Despite awareness, only 8% had previously undergone screening. Regarding treatment, most patients (80%) were aware of surgical options, while fewer knew about chemotherapy (28%) or palliative care (12%). When treatment was unavailable at WCRH, most patients preferred the Garissa Cancer Centre (80%) or Nairobi (52%). Financial challenges were the primary barrier to treatment for 88% of patients, and patients suggested improving local cancer care, subsidizing treatment, and enhancing early detection and screening services. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high burden of late-stage cancer diagnoses, insufficient cancer screening and treatment services, and limited access to cancer care pathways and patient navigation systems. These results underscore the urgent need for improved cancer care pathways, enhanced awareness, and increased healthcare capacity to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality in northern Kenya. This study contributes to understanding the cancer care landscape in Wajir County and provides a foundation for future health policy initiatives aimed at bridging existing gaps in cancer care
A Systematic Review on Continuity of Care for Effective Coordination in Maternal and Neonatal Health Continuum: Experiences of Skilled Birth Attendants.
(International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences., 2024) Wainaina, Grace Muira; Kaura, Doreen; Jordan, Portia
Background: Experiences of Skilled Birth Attendants (SBA) within and between the Maternal and Neonatal care segment is vital since they are the implementers of care. Aim: The objective of the review was to identify the experiences of Skilled Birth Attendants (SBA) with continuity of care (CoC) through the transitions of Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) continuum for effective care coordination. Methods: A qualitative systematic review was conducted of studies from the year 2000 to 2022 while following the Joanne Briggs Institute SUMARI critical appraisal tools. The first search was from 2/2/2021 to 16/2/2021, and a repeat search on 16/2/2022. PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Research 4 Life and Joanne databases were reviewed in English, French, and Spanish for data extraction and meta-aggregation done that led to the extraction of the discussed themes. Findings: The first theme on SBPs experiences was lack of timely CoC. The SBPs noted that women were not autonomous, and there was need for them to continuously update themselves with information in order to improve the Women-SBA/SBPs relationship on Continuity. The second theme acknowledged that the MNH continuum ought to be “Women Centred” (WC) and not “litigation centred” (LC). Third theme highlighted “what can be done”, from preconception to pregnancy, “what must be done” from pregnancy to birthing and “what needs to be done” from birth to postpartum. A gap was noted between the postnatal segment and the next conception segment as the “what next” segment. Conclusion: The missing segment between postpartum to preconception was suggested to be implemented immediately after birthing. The interconnectedness of continuity and coordination of care was suggested through a Midwifery Led Model (MLM).
Influence of Age and Gender on Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior among Mental Patients in Nyeri County: A Survey of Nyeri County Referral Hospital
(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2021-01) Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari; Rono, C. Ruthie; Kihara, Micheal
In a given year, around one in five people over the age of 18, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. According toWorld Health Organization (WHO) this condition interferes with their functionality and thus impacting their productivity in society. Considering the role played by the adult population in community development,this papersought to establish how their functionality has lagged behind due to the mental health of this category of people in Nyeri County. The study, therefore, sought to establish the effects of age as well as gender on the mental wellbeing and help-hunting conduct of adults attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design targeting the adult population. A sample size of 200respondents was purposively selected andfrom whom data was collected using a General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) guide. The collected data was then descriptively analyzed and presented in structure of percentages, frequencies, and mean together with standard deviation. To find relationships for testing the hypothesis, chi-square tests were employed. Chi-square outcomes displayed a significant relationship [χ2(21) = 56.976, p= 0.000, v= 0.549] between age and seeking mental health help from a friend. Similarly, there was a significant relationship [χ2(21) = 37.530, p=0.015, v= 0.442] between age and seeking mental health help from relatives or family members. There was a significant relationship (χ2(3) = 10.368, p= 0.016, v= 0.234) between gender and seeking mental health help from parent. Age was found to have a greater influence on mental health seeking behavior in the County as compared with gender.