Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2911

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 194

Perceived Markers of Adulthood in the Peri-Urban Areas of Nairobi, Kenya.
(The University Journal: A Doctoral Association of Eastern Africa (DAEA), 2024) Waithima, Charity Wangui; Arnett, Jeffrey Jensen; Muchiri-Muchai, Anne W.
Research on emerging adulthood and markers of adulthood continues to grow worldwide. However, extensive research is yet to be conducted among African populations. The purpose of this study was to understand the markers of adulthood that young people aged 18-29 years in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region of Kenya consider to be important, to assess whether young people think that they have reached adulthood, and to explore whether there are significant differences between collegiate and non-collegiate populations in perceptions of the transition to adulthood. Data were collected using the Markers of Adulthood (MoA) Scale. Findings from this study indicate that the markers of adulthood that are most important to young people from peri-urban areas in Kenya are learning to control emotions (M=3.70, SD=.66), accepting responsibility for your actions (M=3.65, SD=.71), and making independent decisions (M=3.65, SD=.70). Nearly half (47%) of young people in this study reported that they feel they have reached adulthood in some ways and not others. This study is intended to improve the understanding of the transition to adulthood in Kenya. Understanding young people within the context of emerging adulthood will enable practitioners, parents, instructors, institutions, and society as a whole, to adequately address the unique challenges that emerging adults are facing.
Life Skills Enhancement for Psychoactive Substance use Reduction among School going Adolescents in Kenya.
(Global Research and Development Services, 2017) Waithima, Charity Wangui
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of life skills enhancement on substance use reduction among school going adolescents in Nyeri, Kenya. The study was a quasi-experimental quantitative study. Life skills’ enhancement was employed for six months. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select participants (n=1010) at baseline with experimental (n=454) and control (n=556) groups. A self-administered socio-demographic questionnaire and the Global School-based Student Health Survey tool were used to get data. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) brought out the estimated strength of association between independent variables and the dependent variable. Efficacy of the intervention was assessed after six months within and between groups at endline with reference to baseline using Pearson’s chi-square. The overall current prevalence of substance use at baseline was 48.7%. In addition, there was a significant difference in reduction of substance use in the experimental group after intervention. It emerged that an adolescent enrolled in the experimental group was 86% times less likely to use any psychoactive substance compared to one in the control group. Life skills when enhanced were therefore found to be effective in empowering adolescents to develop safe and healthy behavior with regard to substance use. It is therefore recommended that education stakeholders in Kenya adapt the life skills enhancement strategy towards substance use reduction. Since the life skills enhancement training model was successful in Nyeri, there is need to expand it within the East Africa region and the rest of Africa
Role of Parents in Prevention of Substance Use among Adolescents in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Mumbuni Location- Machakos County, Kenya.
(African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences., 2020) Waithima, Charity Wangui
Drug use is one of major problems facing the Kenyan youths today. The main purpose of the study to investigate the role of parents in prevention of substance use among adolescents in selected public Secondary Schools in Mumbuni Location- Machakos County, Kenya. This study employed descriptive survey design. The target population was 3,336 Form three and four students enrolled in 20 public secondary schools. Systematic and stratified random sampling methods were employed to select 9 out of 20 secondary schools for the purpose of the study. Data was collected by use of researcher’s questionnaire guided by the research objective. The schools were stratified into three; boys, girls and mixed secondary schools. Data was drawn from 180 students and 100 parents and was analysed by use of inferential and descriptive statistics and presented using tables and charts. Chi-square technique was used to examine the relationship between parental mentoring and prevention of adolescent substance use. The study findings showed that the use of substances at home negatively mentored their children into substance use. Further, the study findings revealed that failure to set time to guide the children by parents had a negative impact in prevention of substance use. The study significantly showed association and positive correlation between negative parental mentoring and increased rate of adolescent substance use with the findings as (r=7.23, p=0.05 where r is the correlation coefficient and p is the significant level. The study concluded that students perceived that their parents mentored them into substance use. The researcher recommends more training; sensitization and awareness seminars and build rehabilitation centres to empower parents in prevention of adolescent substance use.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Completion of PhD Programmes in Public and Private Universities: Experiences of Supervisors and Graduate Students in Kenya
(Research Journal of Education, Teaching and Curriculum Studies, 2023) Ireri, Niceta Wanja; Ndiao, Elly Ochieng; Mbogo, Rosemary Wahu; Omondi, Alice Wairimu; Mauki, Mercy Muthiga
This research aimed to establish the psychosocial, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on the supervision and writing of dissertations in Kenyan universities. The study adopted a mixed-method design incorporating quantitative as well as qualitative approaches. A total of 40 questionnaires were distributed, 30 to doctoral students and 10 to doctoral supervisors from both public and private universities. The questionnaires included both structured questions as well as unstructured questions. The questionnaire was used to ascertain the influence of the pandemic on many sectors, including education, more specifically, the doctoral dissertation writing and supervision process. This study was guided by the following research questions: What are the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on dissertation writing and supervision in completing a PhD in both public and private universities in Kenya? What are the social impacts of COVID-19 on dissertation writing and supervision in completing a PhD in both public and private universities in Kenya? What are the economic impacts of COVID-19 on dissertation writing and supervision in completing a PhD in both public and private universities in Kenya? The study found that the pandemic affected students’ completion rates as it affected both the students, supervisors and the universities. While this crisis had profoundly disruptive educational implications, it did not begin with predetermined outcomes. The nature of communities’ and nations’ collective and systemic responses to these disruptions determined the extent to which people were affected by them.
Anxiety and Social Skills Deficit levels among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nairobi, Kenya.
(Editon Consortium Journal of Physical and Applied Sciences, 2021) Ireri, Niceta Wanja
This paper examines the severity level of anxiety and social skills deficits among children living with Autism between two schools in Nairobi County. Parents and teachers of 40 children and adolescents aged between 5-21 years old were used to conducting the assessment. Social skills deficits (SRS-2) and anxiety (CASI) questionnaires were used in data collection. The quasi-experimental study then involved a follow-up six months after data collection before conducting a statistical analysis. The results depict a significant decline in social skills represented by p=0.006 (95% C.I 4.97, 27.8). However, anxiety treatment was found to be not substantial even though the p-value = 0.002 was less than the significant level. The study concluded that the effect of ASD is real and can be treated. It requires being addressed as early as possible in the affected persons to allow them to achieve their full potential in life. The results provide essential insights into ASD and mental health. This paper adds to knowledge on ASD and anxiety and social skills and common comorbid disorders. The study recommended that the effect of ASD is real and can be treated. It requires being addressed as early as possible in the affected persons to allow them to achieve their full potential in life. The results provide essential insights into ASD and mental health.
Staff Perceptions of The Sources of Occupation Stress on Job Performance and Implications on Christian Higher Education Leadership.
(European Journal of Education Studies, 2020) Ireri, Niceta W.; Mbogo, Rosemary Wahu; Chukwuma, Victor Priest
Occupational stress has become a vital issue to address in faith-based organizations because of its detrimental impact on job performance. In Christian higher institutions, where faith is integrated into teaching and learning processes the wellbeing of employees is required to accomplish the mission of the university. The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of staff on the sources of occupational stress so that appropriate measures are put in place to improve workers' wellbeing and productivity. This study is based on quantitative research conducted in two conveniently selected Christian universities in Kenya. Data was collected through a questionnaire based on open and close-ended questions. The descriptive survey design was used for the study while regression analysis was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Census survey sampling was used to determine the participants in the study. The total sample for the study was 158; comprising of full-time administrative and academic staff. The major sources of occupational stress include excessive workload (P =.016, <. 05), inconducive work environment (P=.009, < .05), inadequate financial payment (P=.000, < .05), students’ disruptive behaviour (P=.000, < .05), and job dissatisfaction (P=.029, <.05). Based on the outcome of the study, specific recommendations to cope with stress in the workplace were made.
The Role of Trait Impulsivity on Suicidality in the Emerging Adult in Kenya.
(Emerging Adulthood, 2023) Karinge, Caroline Mwendwa; MuehlenKamp, Jennifer; Matthews, Douglas; Mucherah, Wilfridah
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are complex phenomenon and their relationship to trait impulsivity remains unclear. Although suicidal thoughts and behaviors are common among emerging adults, the availability and quality of data is scarce in countries like Kenya, due to stigmatization and illegality of suicidal behaviors. This research sought to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in emerging adults in Kenya and examine the role of trait impulsivity. Data from 297 undergraduate students were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Results showed that 15.8% (n = 47) of students reported suicidal ideation only while 8.4% (n = 25) reported suicide attempt. Significant gender differences were observed with females more likely than males to report suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Higher attentional impulsivity was observed in those with suicidal ideation and attempted suicide than those with no suicidality. These findings help highlight the magnitude of suicidality in Kenya.
The Translation of Metaphors of Emotions of Anger from EkeGusii to English Using the Extended Conceptual Metaphor Theory
(International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), 2023) Menecha, Jared Bravin; Ogeto, Margaret Kerubo; Onkware, Gillphine Chebunga
The aim of this paper was to discuss common words used in reference to anger in Ekegusii, a Bantu speaking community in Kisii and Nyamira counties in Kenya. Using the Extended Conceptual Metaphor Theory (Kövecses 2020), linguistic expressions of anger that were recorded in a pilot study have been analyzed for metaphorical content, thereafter a translation was made from Ekegusii to English to check for the translation challenges. The findings reveal that Ekegusii displays differences in the conceptualization of anger as compared to English. One notable difference is realized about where anger comes from in Ekegusii. Anger as an emotion is conceptualized as coming from an external source and therefore it ‘catches’ persons. In the same regard, a person ‘hears’ anger thereby showing that anger is an external emotion that is personified
Attitude of Congregants Regarding Consecutive Interpretation of Church Sermons in the Pentecostal Churches in Nakuru Town.
(International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), 2021) Menecha, Jared Bravin; Onkware, Gillphine Chebunga
Previous studies have shown that congregants may create either a positive attitude or a negative attitude towards consecutive interpretation. The purpose of this study was to determine the attitude of congregants regarding consecutive interpretation of church sermons in Pentecostal churches in Nakuru town. Using the interpretive theory of translation, the study employed a descriptive survey research design. With a sample size of ten Pentecostal churches randomly selected from a list of 50 Pentecostal churches, questionnaires, interview schedules and observation schedule were used to collect data. The findings of this study show that most congregants have a positive attitude towards consecutive interpretation, they enjoy when it is being used in church, it leads to spiritual growth, and they understand messages better and find it a modernized way of preaching. On the contrary, they find consecutive interpretation time wasting and somehow find it boring. The study recommends that the church administration should psycho-educate the congregants on the importance of consecutive interpretation and the underlying reasons for its adoption in church
The Role of Spirituality on Ambivalent Behaviors Among Christian Youth Attending Selected Churches in Kajiado County, Kenya.
(Contemporary Research Analysis Journal, 2024) Muchiri, Josephine; Tele, Nancy Cheptoo Tuimising; Kiarie, Martha; Menecha, Jared Bravin
The role of spirituality in mitigating against ambivalent behaviors among Christian youth needs to be studied, with an aim to devising efficacious intervention programs, that can be escalated to other non-Christian youth. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between ambivalent behaviors (substance use and sexual behaviors) and spirituality (strength of faith and religious coping mechanisms) among the Christian youth attending four selected Churches in Kajiado County, Kenya. Through a descriptive research design, data was collected from 145 respondents aged 14-35 years (73 male,72 female) who were regularly attending Sunday services. Data collection instruments were the Santa Clara, to assess strength of faith, the Religious Coping Questionnaire (BRIEF-COPE) to assess the religious coping mechanisms, the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) for sexual impairment and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test - Lite (ASSIST-Lite) for substance use. Data was analysed quantitatively using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 29) utilizing Kendall’s tau-b, and scatter plots were generated to assess the nature of the relationship between spirituality and ambivalent behaviors. Findings pointed to a positive statistically significant relationship between sexual behaviors and negative religious coping (τb=.223, 95% C.I .117-.324, p=.008) showing that increased use of negative coping mechanism was related to increased sexual behaviors. The scatter plots showed that overally, ambivalent behaviors had a weak negative relationship with positive coping mechanisms (R2=1.1%) and strength of faith(R2=1.1%), and a weak but positive relationship with negative coping (R2=2.1%). There were several outliers in all the three scatter plots, showing a non-linear relationship implying that other factors were relatedto the ambivalent behaviors aside from the spirituality. The findings thus pointed to a moderate correlation between spirituality and ambivalent behaviors, where increased faith and use of positive coping mechanisms can mitigate against ambivalent behaviors, but there is also need for additional programs that could directly address the underlying causes, as well as the propagating factors. The study thus recommends a multi-faceted approach, incorporating psychological programs alongside the spiritual nurture, to address ambivalent behaviors among Christian youth. Such programs have the potential to be escalated to other non-Christian youth.
Relationship between Communication and Marital Satisfaction among Christian Couples: A Case Study of Two Selected Churches in Nairobi County, Kenya.
(Journal of Sociology, Psychology & Religious Studies, 2021) Menecha, Jared Bravin; Ireri, Niceta W.; Aseka, Edna Oyiela
There exists high rate of marital dissatisfaction due to marital conflicts, even among church couples. This study sought to examine the relationship between communication and marital satisfaction in Christian married couples in two selected churches in Nairobi County. The study adopted a quantitative research method and used a descriptive study research design. The findings indicated that there was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between marital satisfaction and communication. The study concluded that communication was critical to the quality of a marriage. This implies that the greater the qualities of communication in a marriage, the greater the quality of marital satisfaction. The research recommended that the church should create greater awareness of the importance and significance of constructive conflict resolution as a vehicle for enhancing marital satisfaction among Christian couples.
Effects of Child Development Centre Programmes on Social-Emotional Development of Preschoolers in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kajiado County
(Journal of Sociology, Psychology & Religious Studies, 2023) Menecha, Jared Bravin; Ruto, Timothy; Ireri, Niceta W.
This paper examined the effects of child development centers on the social-emotional development of preschoolers in Kenya, focusing on Deliverance Church Ngong and African Inland Church Ngong Centres Kajiado North Sub-County. The results emphasized the importance of child development centers' practices in promoting children's social-emotional development. Considering the study focused on children's social-emotional development, the findings will help program caregivers to their sensitive and available supportive role in establishing attachment and the following skill set. While there is evidence of the critical role of the Children Development Centre in a child's life, there is little scholarly work undertaken, and hence research gap which the present study seeks to fill. The study used a descriptive research design and a target population of 152 comprising center employees, parents, government officials, and child development experts. Both quantitative and qualitative were analyzed. The findings show that sports, arts, and dancing programs allow preschoolers to engage with others. According to the study findings, children need intellectual skills, motivational qualities, and socio-emotional skills to succeed in school. Another notable result shows that 39% (of whom) stated that there were unsafe areas within the community. 11% of the children feel part of the larger groups who do things together. However, some respondents report that many preschoolers are not socially or emotionally prepared for the challenges of the new environment. The study concludes that the inclusion of free play time at school can help children’s development. Offering time for free play means providing resources for children to test skills, exercise, expand their domains, and acquire different types of knowledge. The study concludes that preschoolers who receive a good night's sleep most of the time tend to use gentle hands and kind words and positively interact with peers most of the time. This study recommends that there is a need for parents, teachers, or caregivers to organize events that promote children’s social and emotional health
Relationship Between Interactional Styles and Marital Satisfaction Among Christian Married Couples in two Selected Churches in Nairobi County, Kenya.
(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers Journal of Sociology, Psychology & Religious Studies, 2024) Menecha, Jared Bravin; Aseka, Edna Oyiela; Ireri, Niceta W.
There exists a high rate of marital dissatisfaction due to marital conflicts, even among church couples. This study sought to examine the relationship between interactional styles and marital satisfaction in Christian married couples in two selected churches in Nairobi County. The study adopted a quantitative research method and used a descriptive study research design. The findings indicated a statistically significant strong positive correlation between marital satisfaction and interactional styles. The study concluded that communication was critical to the quality of a marriage. This implies that the greater the qualities of communication in a marriage, the greater the quality of marital satisfaction. The research recommended that the church should create greater awareness of the importance and significance of constructive conflict resolution as a vehicle for enhancing marital satisfaction among Christian couples.
Impairment of Executive Function in Kenyan Children Exposed to Severe Falciparum Malaria with Neurological Involvement.
(Malaria Journal, 2014) Kihara, Michael; Newton, C. R.; Abubakar, Amina; Kariuki,Symon M.
Background: Persistent neurocognitive impairments occur in a fifth of children hospitalized with severe falciparum malaria. There is little data on the association between different neurological phenotypes of severe malaria (seizures, impaired consciousness and prostration) and impairments in executive function. Methods: Executive functioning of children exposed to severe malaria with different neurological phenotypes (N =58) and in those unexposed (N=56) was examined using neuropsychological tests such as vigilance test, test for everyday attention test for children (TEA-Ch), contingency naming test (CNT) and self-ordered pointing test (SOPT). Linear regression was used to determine the association between neurological phenotypes of severe malaria and executive function performance scores, accounting for potential confounders. Results: Children with complex seizures in severe malaria performed more poorly than unexposed controls in the vigilance (median efficiency scores (interquartile range) = 4.84 (1.28-5.68) vs. 5.84 (4.71-6.42), P = 0.030) and SOPT (mean errors (standard deviation) = 29.50 (8.82) vs. 24.80 (6.50), P = 0.029) tests, but no differences were observed in TEA-Ch and CNT tests. Performance scores for other neurological phenotypes of severe malaria were similar with those of unexposed controls. After accounting for potential confounders, such as child’s age, sex, schooling; maternal age, schooling and economic activity; perinatal factors and history of seizures, complex seizures remained associated with efficiency scores in the vigilance test (beta coefficient (β) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = −0.40 (−0.67, −0.13), P = 0.006) and everyday attention scores of the TEA-Ch test (β (95% CI) = −0.57 (−1.04, −0.10), P = 0.019); the association with SOPT error scores was weak (β (95% CI)=4.57 (−0.73-9.89), P = 0.089). Combined neurological phenotypes were not significantly associated with executive function performance scores. Conclusion: Executive function impairment in children with severe malaria is associated with specific neurological phenotypes, particularly complex seizures. Effective prophylaxis and management of malaria-associated acute seizures may improve executive functioning performance scores of children.
Auditory and Visual Novelty Processing in Normally-Developing Kenyan Children
(Clinical Neurophysiology, Elsevier, 2010) Kihara, Michael; Hogan, Alexandra M.; Newton, C. R.; Garrashi, Harrun H.; Neville, Brian R.; Haan, Michelle
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the normative development of the electrophysiological response to auditory and visual novelty in children living in rural Kenya. Methods: We examined event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by novel auditory and visual stimuli in 178 normally-developing children aged 4–12 years (86 boys, mean 6.7 years, SD 1.8 years and 92 girls, mean 6.6years, SD 1.5 years) who were living in rural Kenya. Results: The latency of early components (auditory P1 and visual N170) decreased with age and their amplitudes also tended to decrease with age. The changes in longer-latency components (Auditory N2, P3a and visual Nc, P3a) were more modality-specific; the N2 amplitude to novel stimuli decreased with age and the auditory P3a increased in both latency and amplitude with age. The Nc amplitude decreased with age while visual P3a amplitude tended to increase, though not linearly. Conclusions: The changes in the timing and magnitude of early-latency ERPs likely reflect brain maturational processes. The age-related changes to auditory stimuli generally occurred later than those to visual stimuli suggesting that visual processing matures faster than auditory processing. Significance: ERPs may be used to assess children’s cognitive development in rural areas of Africa
Impaired Everyday Memory Associated with Encephalopathy of Severe Malaria: The Role of Seizures and Hippocampal Damage.
(Malaria Journal, 2009) Kihara, Michael; Carter, Julie A.; Holding, Penny A.; Vargha-Khadem, Faraneh; Scott, Rod C.; Idro, Richard; Fegan, Greg W.
Background: Seizures are common in children admitted with severe falciparum malaria and are associated with neuro-cognitive impairments. Prolonged febrile seizures are associated with hippocampal damage and impaired memory. It was hypothesized that severe malaria causes impaired everyday memory which may be associated with hippocampal damage. Methods: An everyday memory battery was administered on 152 children with cerebral malaria (CM) (mean age, 7 y 4 months [SD 13 months]; 77 males) 156 children (mean age, 7 y 4 months [SD, 14 months]; 72 males) with malaria plus complex seizures (MS) and 179 children (mean age, 7 y 6 months [SD, 13 months]; 93 males) unexposed to either condition. Results: CM was associated with poorer everyday memory [95% CI, -2.46 to -0.36, p = 0.004] but not MS [95% CI, -0.91 to 1.16, p = 1.00] compared to unexposed children. Children with exposure to CM performed more poorly in recall [95% CI, -0.79 to -0.04, p = 0.024] and recognition subtests [95% CI, - 0.90 to -0.17, p = 0.001] but not in prospective memory tests compared to controls. The health factors that predicted impaired everyday memory outcome in children with exposure to CM was profound coma [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.88, p = 0.037] and multiple episodes of hypoglycaemia [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.78, p = 0.020], but not seizures. Discussion: The findings show that exposure to CM was associated with a specific impairment of everyday memory. Seizures commonly observed in severe malaria may not have a causal relationship with poor outcome, but rather be associated with profound coma and repeated metabolic insults (multihypoglycaemia) that are strongly associated with impaired everyday memory
Predictors of Pathological and Risky Internet Use Among Adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya: Case of Mixed SubCounty Secondary Schools in Nairobi, Kenya
(Journal of Humanities And Social Science, 2023-09) Nyaga, Kimaru; Kimani, Irene
Pathological Internet usage (PIU) is recognized as a significant behavioural concern among teenagers and young people around the world. As a behavioural disorder, it is still an emerging idea that hasn't been thoroughly refined. To understand the high-risk psychosocial predictors of pathological Internet use, particularly among students, it is critical to investigate PIU predictors. The purpose of this study was to assess PIU predictor (degree of impairment or distress) among at-risk adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya. The data was obtained using PRIUSS, PIU-a, Internet Disorder Scale, and Readiness Check Ruler to analyze predictors of PIU in a sample of 270 adolescents aged 14-22; for the treatment group (n= 135) and the control group (n= 135). Age (p=.000) was found to be a predictor of pathological Internet use in this study. In terms of PIU symptoms, respondents aged 17-19 years scored higher than those aged 14-16 years and those aged 21 to 22 years. These data also revealed that individuals with a Pentecostal religious affiliation were significantly more likely to use the Internet in a pathological way (p=.016). PIU was predicted for adolescents in the selected schools by their parents' occupation, particularly for those whose fathers were self-employed (p=.050) or had professional office positions (p=.008). In addition, respondents whose mother worked as a self-employed person had a higher PIU (p=.035). Furthermore, respondents with above-average academic competence statistically predicted PIU among adolescents (p= 043). Being a respondent who grew up in a family with a single parent was a predictor of such an adolescent's pathological Internet use (p=.019). Furthermore, differences in independent predictors were observed in various age groupings. In addition, changes in independent predictors were discovered in different age subgroups. The findings of this study appear to show that the respondents' parents' work predisposes them to the risk of PIU. Adolescents are more prone to PIU, according to this study. Furthermore, PIU was predicted by maladaptive coping stratagems, indicating that PIU is not an efficacious coping strategy but may be regarded as maladaptive behavior such as escapism, elucidates PIU as a distinct pathology. In conclusion, this study discovered specific predictors for adolescents that will support the development of PIU management programs.
Parental Perceived Stress and Its Influencing Factors among Parents with Newborns in Newborn Unit in Kericho and Bomet Counties, Kenya
(Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 2022) Marusoi, Beatrice; Kipmerewo, Mary; Mukabana, Beatrice
A mental health problem, such as acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress is projected to affect 20-30 percent of parents of hospitalized newborns during the first year after birth globally. In Sub Sahara Africa where a large number of premature birth occur there is limited information concerning parental stress on newborn care unit. This study determined parental perceived stress and its influencing factors among parents with newborns admitted in Kericho and Bomet county referral hospitals, Kenya. This study used hospital based descriptive cross sectional analytical design to determine parental perceived stress from newborn care unit among parents of neonates using Parental Stress Scale : neonatal intensive care unit (PSS:NICU). Quantitative approach was employed to gather information among 135 parents who were sampled through simple random sampling method. Quantitative data was collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire through exit interview. Stress was quantified using 5 point Likert scale from 1to 5. The findings showed that most stressful item for both parents was their experience of having their babies hospitalised in the NBU =4.7; 95%CI: 4.4-5.0; P=0.01) with the mean score hitting a maximum on 5.0.Male parents experienced higher stress levels compare to females parents with respect to baby’s unusual or abnormal breathing patterns and small body size of the baby. The current study shows that parents regardless of gender generally experience high stress during their admission to NBU.
The Effect of Plasmodium Falciparum on Cognition: A Systematic Review.
(Tropical Medicine and International Health, 2006) Kihara, Michael; Carter, Julie A.; Charles, R. J.; Newton, C.
objective Systematic review to investigate the relationship between Plasmodium falciparum infection and cognitive function. method We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO, and hand-searched journals and PhD theses. The inclusion criteria were (1) use of standardized tests for the specific populations and/or appropriate controls; (2) clear differentiation between children and adults. Eighteen studies were eligible, of which three gave information on all cognitive domains considered in the review. results Deficits in attention, memory, visuo-spatial skills, language and executive functions may occur after malaria infection. These deficits are not only caused by cerebral falciparum malaria, but also appear to occur in less severe infections. P. falciparum seems to affect the brain globally, not in a localised fashion. Outcome depends on both biological and social risk factors. conclusion Future research should seek to establish the extent of these cognitive deficits using culturally appropriate techniques and well-defined criteria of disease.
Challenges and Coping Strategies of Parents of Children with Autism on The Kenyan Coast
(The International Electronic Journal of Rural and Remote Health Research, Education Practice and Policy., 2016) Kihara, Michael; Gona, J. K.; Newton, C. R.; Rimba, K. K.; Mapenzi, R.; Vijver, F. V.; Abubakar, A.
Introduction: Research on the challenges of raising a child with autism is mostly conducted in Europe, North America and Australia, and has revealed that parents have to come to terms with living with a lifelong developmental disability. In addition, parents are faced with numerous concerns, such as caring burdens, poor prognosis, and negative public attitudes. Virtually no research has been conducted in Africa on this subject. Methods: Thirty-seven interviews and eight focus group discussions were conducted with parents of children with autism and professionals in regular contact with these parents from rural and urban counties of the Kenyan coast. The study investigated challenges faced by parents and how they cope with those challenges. A purposive–convenience sampling procedure was used in selecting the study participants. A digital recorder was used to record all the interviews and focus group discussions. Transcriptions were done in Swahili, translated into English, and then imported to the NVivo software program for content analysis. Results: The results indicate that parents of children with autism on the Kenyan coast experience common challenges including stigma, lack of appropriate treatment, financial and caring burdens regardless of their religious and cultural backgrounds. Coping strategies applied by parents comprised problem-focused aspects that involve diet management and respite care, and emotion focused aspects that consist of beliefs in supernatural powers, prayers and spiritual healing. Consideration of these outcomes is vital as they could impact the initiation of a community-based rehabilitation service delivery in rural settings where parents play an active role. Conclusions: This qualitative study reveals a range of challenges that could have significant impact when caring for a child with autism. Coping strategies applied by parents target the physical health of the child and the psychological wellbeing of the parent.

Browse

Recent Submissions