Browsing by Author "Ayuya, Caroline"

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    12-month substance use disorders among first-year university students in Kenya
    (PLoS ONE, 2023-11-27) Jaguga, Florence; Mathai, Muthoni; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongecha, Francisca; Musyoka, Catherine Mawia; Shah, Jasmit; Atwoli, Lukoye
    Objectives The period of entry into university represents one of vulnerability to substance use for university students. The goal of this study is to document the 12-month prevalence of substance use disorders among first year university students in Kenya, and to test whether there is an association between substance use disorders and mental disorders. Methods This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2019 and 2020 as part of the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) survey initiative. A total of 334 university students completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between substance use disorder and mental disorders after adjusting for age and gender. Results The 12-month prevalence for alcohol use disorder was 3.3%, while the 12-month prevalence for other substance use disorder was 6.9%. Adjusting for age and gender, there was an association between any substance use disorder and major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar 1 disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, social anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and non-suicidal self-injury. Conclusion These findings highlight the need to institute policies and interventions in universities in Kenya that address substance use disorders and comorbid mental disorders among first-year students.
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    The 21st Century Educated African Person and the Loss of Africans’ Educational Identity: Towards an Afro Education Model
    (Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2013-03) Amukowa, Wycliffe; Ayuya, Caroline
    Africa like other parts of the world strongly believes in the axiom of education per excellence, that is, African nations share in the vision of education as a pivot for social change and integrated development. However review of literature shows a discontent from some African scholars over the practice of Western formal education on the Continent of Africa. This discontent stems from the belief that Western formal education destroys Africa; resulting into the loss of Africans’ educational identity, underdevelopment, moral decadence and cultural erosion. Several concerns emerge in the light of this discontent: 1).What is Education? 2).Who is an educated person? 3) Who is responsible for Africans loss of educational identity? This paper engages a critical appraisal and review of this discontent with the intentions of arriving at an understanding of the 21st Key Words: Africa, Colonialism, Culture, Development, Education, European, Schooling Century educated African Person and proposes an educational model for Africa in this regard.
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    A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Mindfulness Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and 12-Steps Model on Relapse Prevention Among Persons with Substance Use Disorder in Selected Rehabilitation Centers in Nairobi and Kajiado Counties in Kenya.
    (African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2022) Anundo, Jacqueline A. ; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongaro, Kennedy
    Abstract High relapse rates present significant challenges for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare effectiveness of mindfulness cognitive behaviour therapy (MCBT) and the 12-Steps model on relapse prevention among persons with SUD in selected rehabilitation centres in Kenya. Objectives of this study were to establish the baseline socio-demographic characteristics; types of substances abused and relapse rates from previous treatments; to compare post-discharge relapse performance of MCBT participants vs 12-Steps participants in selected rehabilitation centres in Kajiado and Nairobi Counties in Kenya. This study adopted quasi-experimental design targeting 96 rehabilitation centres, focusing on participants aged between 18 - 40 years. The study used a sample size of 120 participants from 6 rehabilitation centers. Purposive sampling was used to select the study sites while convenience sampling used to select participants. The rehabilitation centers were grouped into 3 experimental groups (MCBT) and 3 control groups (12-Steps). Data was collected through questionnaires and assessment tools consisting of a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Advance Warning of Relapse (AWARE) Questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics. The study found that age and religiosity were significant SUD relapse risk factors. Generally, both interventions, MCBT and 12-Steps model, were effective managing SUD, however, it was evident that MCBT had a higher success rate than 12-Steps model in preventing SUD relapse. It is, therefore, recommended that SUD rehabilitation institutions in the country begin adopting MCBT. The study also recommends that among the SUD rehabilitation institutions that opt to continue with the 12-Steps model, their counsellors should be given additional training on MCBT. Finally, religious leaders as well as other stakeholders need to work on destigmatizing addiction and encourage treatment for persons with SUD and especially females with substance use problems.
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    A Dialectical Justification of Inclusion of Ignorance in the Definition of Education
    (Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2013-10) Amukowa, Wycliffe; Ayuya, Caroline
    This paper entertains the notion that without their opposites, things, and by extension, human thought would not exist. Without its opposite aspect, each thing or thought loses the condition for its existence. Without life, there would be no death; without death, there would be no life. Without "above", there would be no "below" without "below", there would be no "above". Without misfortune, there would be no fortune; without fortune, there would be no misfortune. Without facility, there would be no difficulty, without difficulty, there would be no facility. Without landlords, there would be no tenants; without tenants, there would be no landlords. A definition of a thing, entity or a concept necessarily implies its opposite. Reflected alongside this contradiction, education in which its definition bears transmission of knowledge cannot exclude ignorance, which implies the absence of knowledge. Without ignorance, there would be no knowledge, without knowledge, there would be no ignorance. It is the object of this paper to qualify ignorance as a dimension of education, hence its inclusion in the definition of education.
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    African Worldview: An Integrated Psychological Perspective
    (International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE), 2015-05) Ayuya, Caroline; Ireri, Niceta W.; Kimani, Irene; Mathenge, Justus; Muriithi, Judith; Otieno, Rose
    Christian scholars are constantly confronting the new challenges of a relentlessly changing intellectual environment including postmodernism amongst others; challenges of integration in the practice of Psychology and how Christian scholars need to integrate the ever-changing intellectual scholarly world their practice, research and scientific inquiry. It is in this context that this paper will first scan the overview of Psychology in Africa. The paper will also look at application of Africa Psychology in Clinical scientific inquiry and practice. It will in addition outline Integration of Christianity and Psychology and finally as it scans the horizons of African worldviews in relation to integrating African world views in Psychological Scientific inquiry.
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    Analysis of child attachment behavior of domestically and internationally adopted children in Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, 2016-05) Ayuya, Caroline
    This study analyzed the attachment behavior of a clinical sample of 35 adopted children between the ages of two and five years with their domestic and international adoptive parents post adoption. The longitudinal quantitative and qualitative study analyzed changes in attachment behaviors of this sample at Baseline, Time 1 (60 days after Baseline) and Time 2 (60 days after Time 1). A non-randomized consecutive order convenience sample of both international and domestic adoptees in Nairobi was collected. The sample (n=15) comprised international adoptees while sample (n= 20) comprised domestic adoptees. Child attachment behavior, a dependent variable, was measured by the Attachment Q-Sort and home observations. Data was collected using observations, questionnaires and interviews with participants. The Family Adaptability and Cohesions Scales (FACES-II), the Parental Stress Index-Short Form and the Maternal Behavior Rating Scales (MBRS) standardized measures were administered to assess the independent variables. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics were used to describe and analyze the quantitative and qualitative data. A t- test was performed to compare mean age differences among adopted children. Chi Square (χ²) was used to determine the relationship between age groups and attachment. Independent variables predictors of child attachment were determined utilizing Multinomial Regression. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p) was used to examine the correlation between the independent variables; parental stress, maternal responsiveness and family functioning with the dependent variable (child attachment). Major findings included: attachment increased over time for both domestic and international adoptees; no differences emerged in child attachment behaviors on the basis of prior history of neglect or abuse before adoption and those who did not have and, parental distress was inversely correlated with secure child attachment. Both dimensions of adaptability and cohesion remained stable between the time periods without much variability in the score for both domestically and internationally adopted children and finally poor maternal responsiveness was inversely correlated with secure child attachment behavior for both domestic and international adoptees. One policy recommendation is that adopted children receive a thorough and detailed medical evaluation to identify medical needs and identify gaps in development, behavior and attachment within sixty days of placement. Adoption agencies, pediatricians, counsellors and clinical psychologists also need to continue working collaboratively to assess, diagnose and treat health and developmental issues related to domestic and international adoption. Significantly it is vital for clinical psychologists working with adoptive parents to normalize their anticipated stress during and after adoption.
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    Association between Anxiety Disorders and Socio-Demographic Characteristics among School Going Children in Nairobi, Kenya
    (International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE), 2019-12) Mathenge, Justus; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongaro, Kennedy; Khasakhala, Lincoln
    The purpose of this study was determine association between Anxiety Disorder and Socio-demographic characteristics among School going children in Nairobi, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive study design utilizing purposeful sampling frame.The sample size of 92 was drawn from classes 3 to 7 at Our Lady Queen of Peace and Amani primary schools. Data was collected using a self-administered Socio-demographic and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) – Child Version. Findings indicated that the socio-demographic characteristics; 50% of the respondents’ parents were not living together with a significant number of the pupils living with their single mother compared to single fathers. Half of the respondents were from very poor socio-economic background as depicted by materials used in constructing houses their family lived-in (mud 2.7%, 8.0% wooden materials and 37.1% iron sheets) and source of water for domestic use, where 31.7% drew water from a common tab outside their houses.
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    Behavioral Analysis and Predictive User Authentication in Zero Trust Architectures: A Systematic Review.
    (Daystar University, Global Cybershield, 2024) Ayuya, Caroline; Ayiro, Laban Peter; Osoro, Ragira Edwin
    Background: Conventional biometric and authentication systems such as fingerprints, face recognition, and passwords are vulnerable to shoulder heat, surfing, and smudge attacks. This has resulted in the use of Behavioral analysis and predictive user authentication in the protection of Zero Trust Architectures (ZTAs). These approaches improve user identification and authentication, reducing cyber threats with continuous verification of access requests regardless of the user's location or device. Objectives: The review shows behavioral analysis and predictive user authentication as the main tools of ZTA, determining the trends, patterns and anomalies. Methodology: Databases such as Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Scopus, Embase and ACM were included in the search strategy. The articles from the period of 20202024 and peer-reviewed were chosen and reviewed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool was employed to detect the quality of the studies and the extent of their risks of bias. Results: 12 studies met the criteria and were included in the final analysis. Those adopting supervised machine learning techniques like random forests (25%), support vector machines (17%), and neural networks (17%) for predictive user modeling. Approaches like clustering accounted for 17%. The most common data sources were network traffic (17%), application logs (17%), and user activity monitoring (9%). F1-score was the predominant evaluation metric (42%), followed by accuracy (33%). Reported F1 scores ranged from 0.71 to 0.94 across various techniques. Conclusions: This review confirms that behavioral analysis and predictive user authentication are ZTA's defenses against attacks. The results provide evidence-based proof of the effectiveness of these methods. They also contribute to the safety of the networks, data and systems in multiple industries.
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    Can Education System be Repaired? Ideological Dearth in Kenya’s Educational Practice and its Implications for Reforms in the Education Sector
    (Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2013-05) Amukowa, Wycliffe; Gunga, O. Samson; Ayuya, Caroline
    This paper confronts two issues; reforms (repairs) and ideology in education. Machines can be repaired any time they breakdown or develop defects. Educational reforms have been carried out any time an emerging need has to be confronted. Can these education reforms be seen as repairing an education system? Ideology on the other is a coherent system of ideas; relying upon a few basic assumptions about reality that may or may not have any factual basis, but are subjective choices that serve as the seed around which further thought grows. When traditional societies began to undergo changes, the ritualistic legitimization of education gave way to a new type of legitimization - the ideological legitimization of education. The latter has two attributes: one involves the appearance of people’s recognition of their right to choose the type of education that suits their tastes, values, aims and understanding. In view of this new realization, they no longer feel obliged to the accepted education only because it is the accepted type. The second attribute requires the simultaneous existence of several conceptions of education, from which one may choose the type of education suitable to one's needs. This paper searches into the possibility that there are no longer ideologies necessary to guide educational practice in Kenya, thereby raising concerns over education relevance.
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    Effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy Among Patients with Comorbidity of Alcohol Use Disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Intervention Study of Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi and its Environs
    (African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023) Sirima, Margaret; Ayuya, Caroline; Yugi, Philemon
    Abstract The comorbidity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is well documented. High rates of relapse post- treatment of AUD are often witnessed, even in patients seeking help voluntarily. The purpose of this study was to establish whether treating PTSD with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in AUD patients admitted in residential rehabilitation centers reduces PTSD symptoms and consequently reduces tendencies for relapse. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with experimental and control arms. A total of 123 respondents participated, 63 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group, consecutive sampling technique was used. PCL-5 was used at baseline, midline and endline to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to summarize the findings. Paired T-test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to test for efficacy of CPT in reducing PTSD Symptoms and relapse. The study was done in rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi and its environs. The participants were followed at 3 months after treatment and discharge for relapse tendencies. At the end of the treatment, there was a significant reduction in PCL mean score from 38.33 to 21.46 in the group treated with CPT. In contrast, the control group showed a slight increase in mean scores from 46.98 at baseline to 48.48 at the endline. The number of respondents in the experimental group who relapsed into alcohol use were 31.7% (20) while in the control group, 61.7% (37) respondents relapsed. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=<0.0001). The integration of CPT with the traditional addiction treatment approach for AUD proved to be effective in the reduction of PTSD symptoms. Additionally, CPT was associated with reduced incidences of relapse of alcohol use in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. The researcher recommends that it should be mandated in policy that assessment for PTSD and use of CPT be incorporated into the treatment modalities for AUD in rehabilitation centers in Kenya.
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    Exploring the Relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Criminogenic Factors in a Kenyan Prison Population
    (African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023) Waruinge, Njoki; Tuikong, Sylvia; Ayuya, Caroline
    Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, but often persisting into adulthood. The disorder is considered a chronic and debilitating condition that is known to adversely impact the individual in many aspects of their life including daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, academic and occupational achievements. Some of the symptoms of ADHD expose the individual to behavioural and emotional challenges that may often be associated with negative outcomes, including crime. Global research has reported disproportionately higher rates of ADHD among youth and adult offenders across the criminal justice system. The disorder remains largely undiagnosed and untreated, more so amongst adults in general, and in prisoners in Kenya. This quasi-experimental study sought to investigate the criminogenic risk factors most associated with ADHD among an adult prison population aged 18-65 years, in Central Kenya. Data was obtained using a socio-demographic questionnaire from respondents (N=113) first screened for ADHD symptoms using Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist. Purposive sampling was applied to assign the participants into two groups: experimental (n = 52) and control (n = 61). With 95% confidence level and p-value of ≤ 0.05, descriptive and inferential analysis showed that ADHD among the inmates was statistically significantly associated with marital and educational circumstances, recidivism, and family environment. The study found a strong link between ADHD traits and criminogenic factors among male inmates in the selected Kenyan prisons, including self-control issues, antisocial behavioural traits, substance abuse, family difficulties, and educational challenges. It therefore recommends that ADHD should be accorded more attention in Kenya aimed at reducing incidences of criminal conviction and re-offending.
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    Leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development in the Light of the Emerging Universities of Science and Technology in Kenya
    (Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2013-05) Amukowa, Wycliffe; Ayuya, Caroline
    It is recognized that effective leveraging of science, technology and innovation is essential for wealth creation in all nations. Science, Technology and Innovation is also a key component of social integration, sustainable development and poverty eradication based on equity, freedom, justice, governance, peace and prosperity. At the international level, science, technology and innovation act as a tool of international co-operation and solidarity. It is useful for provision of knowledge and information as well as facilitating globalization with human development while concomitantly strengthening national governance and acting as a vector of common heritage, international cooperation and solidarity. Appropriate Science, Technology and Innovation policy is key to the production, distribution and use of knowledge and information. This paper endeavours to underscore how the continued growth of universities of science and technology could steer Kenya’s economic growth among other priority areas as outlined by the government.
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    Prevalence and Correlation of Anxiety Disorders among Primary School Children in Nairobi, Kenya
    (International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE), 2019-12) Mathenge, Justus; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongaro, Kennedy; Khasakhala, Lincoln
    The purpose of this study was establish the prevalence of anxiety disorders among primary school going children in Nairobi, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive study design utilizing purposeful sampling frame. The sample size of 224 was drawn from classes 3 to 7 at Our Lady Queen of Peace and Amani Primary Schools. Data was collected using a self-administered Socio-demographic and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) – Child Version. Findings showed the prevalence of anxiety disorders was extremely high (80.8%) and were comorbid as is shown by positive correlation coefficient (r) p< 0.001 between the types of anxiety disorders. For specific anxiety disorders prevalence were: 66.5% had panic disorder, 56.3% generalized anxiety disorder, 81.7% separation anxiety disorder, 61.2% social anxiety disorder and 30.4% significant school avoidance. This study therefore shows that children’s mental health in an African cultural and environmental context wanting. These study findings can go a long way in helping the authorities concerned with health services to appreciate the need for a concerted effort in the formulation of policies and the need to provide resources to enhance mental health services in children attending primary school.
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    Relapse Risk Factors Across Socio-Demographic Patterns Of Persons Admitted With Substance Use Disorder In Selected Rehabilitation Centres In Kenya
    (Researchjournali’s Journal of Public Health, 2022-04) Anundo, Jacqueline A. ; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongaro, Kennedy
    An understanding of the impact of risk factors for relapse can be instrumental in developing more targeted treatment to reduce relapse rates. This paper examined the relapse risk factors across socio-demographic patterns of persons admitted with substance use disorder. Objectives of this study were; to determine the levels of hazardous and risky use of substances among persons admitted for SUD treatment and to establish the risk factors associated with relapse. The study targeted 6 accredited rehabilitation centers, focused on participants aged between 18 and 40 years with a sample size of 120 participants. Rehabilitation centres were selected through purposive sampling, convenience sampling was used to select the drug addicts. Data was collected using questionnaires, assessment tools consisting of Advance Warning of Relapse (AWARE) Questionnaire, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Socio-Demographic Questionnaire and the Observation Schedule. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables. Results show that relapse risk of alcohol use was significant among age groups and religious groups. Relapse risk predisposition was significant among alcohol and cannabis users while tobacco had a significant but low relapse risk.
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    Religiosity and Substance Use Disorder in Kenya: What are the Implications on the Future of Rehabilitation Interventions?
    (International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), 2021) Anundo, Jacqueline A.; Ayuya, Caroline; Ongaro, Kennedy
    Substance use is increasingly becoming a global problem and a constant health crisis that affects each region of the world. Substance use tends to induce certain disorders and this makes users prone to psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety and psychosis among others. Successful treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) must take into account other underlying factors that either protect or predispose the patients to SUD. Religiosity has been suggested as one of the most important protective factors against drug use, preventing individuals from using drugs even if they live in precarious environments. However, previous studies in Kenya have not investigated the links between religiosity and substance use disorder in the country prompting the need for the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design targeting 6 government accredited rehabilitation centers in Kenya. A sample size of 120 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The Socio-Demographic Questionnaire and substance use assessment tools consisting of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) were used for data collection. Quantitative data generated was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics involving frequency distributions, percentages and chi-square respectively. The study found that religion was a significant risk factor rather than a protective factor among persons with SUD in Kenya including some who had already undergone treatment.
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    Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Incarcetrated Male Adults With ADHD in Selected Prisons in Kenya
    (European Journal of Social Sciences Studies, 2023) Waruinge, Njoki; Ayuya, Caroline; Tuikong, Sylvia
    Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder characterized by difficulties in behaviour control. This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic characteristics of incarcerated male adults with ADHD in selected prisons in Kenya. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The target population consisted of incarcerated male adults aged 18 to 65 years. The study revealed important insights into the profile of these individuals. The majority of respondents fell within the age range of 20 to 50 years, indicating a prevalence of ADHD among individuals in their prime adulthood. Common previous occupations included agriculture, transport-related, and casual jobs. Marital status analysis showed a significant number of married respondents, highlighting family responsibilities among incarcerated male adults with ADHD. In terms of education, the majority had levels below college, with primary and secondary education being the most common backgrounds. First-borns had the highest representation, and many respondents came from large families with four or more children. Mothers were reported as the most common parent during the respondents' childhood. Regarding income levels, the majority had low-income levels, reflecting socioeconomic challenges faced by incarcerated male adults with ADHD and their limited financial resources. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the socio-demographic characteristics of incarcerated male adults with ADHD in Kenya. The insights gained from this study may inform targeted interventions and support services within the prison system to address the specific needs of this population.