School of Health Sciences & School of Nursing

Examining the Link Between Malnutrition and Life Quality in Chemotherapy Patients at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Meru County, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Examining the Link Between Malnutrition and Life Quality in Chemotherapy Patients at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Meru County, Kenya Kabuku, K. L; Kubai, Patrick.K; Mburugu, Kei Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among cancer patients, exacerbated by chemotherapy-related side effects, which further deteriorates their quality of life (QoL). This study sought to examine the nutritional status and quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH).To investigate the nutritional status, prevalence of nutrition impact symptoms, and quality of life of cancer patientson chemotherapy at MeTRH.A descriptive cross-sectional study.The study was conducted at the Hemato-Oncology Clinic, MeTRH, Kenya, from May 2023 to August 2023.A total of 246 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited through purposive sampling. Data on nutritional status and QoL were collected using structured questionnaires, WHOQOL-BREF, and Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS version [Insert Version]. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between nutrition status and QoL.Nutrition Impact Symptoms:Loss of appetite (45.8%) and nausea/vomiting (35.2%) were the most common symptoms. Quality of Life: 64.2% of patients reported their QoL as neither poor nor good, while none reported good QoL. Statistical Findings: Malnutrition significantly correlated with lower QoL scores (p<0.05).Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience significant nutritional challenges, leading to impaired QoL. Early nutritional interventions are essential to improve patient outcomes.

Exploring Maternal Decision-Making Factors in Childbirth in Meru Level Five Hospital, Meru, Kenya

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Exploring Maternal Decision-Making Factors in Childbirth in Meru Level Five Hospital, Meru, Kenya Waweru, Faith; Muchiri, Eric; Mutema, Alfred Choices of childbirth method by women have emerged as a global subject of interest to many health care providers especially considering the steady increasing rate of caesarean sections (CS), and with some countries exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 10-15%. With increased access to health facilities for maternal childbirth in Meru County, it was important to understand the factors that influence the choice of delivery method by women attending antenatal care. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with choice of child delivery methods in Meru Level V Hospital. A cross-sectional study of 300 expectant mothers attending ANC were interviewed and data analyzed using SPSS. The mean age of participants was 28.6±5 years (19 -42 years). Majority of women in the study had over 12 years of Education (Tertiary Education –73%) and only 2% had Primary level education. The most prevalent method of childbirth was vaginal delivery, accounting for 53% of cases, while the rate of Cesarean section (CS) deliveries had increased compared to previous years. The decision-making process for choosing the delivery method was influenced by factors such as the social status of women and the fear of pain during delivery. The level of education for women played a role in the decision, with considerations such as knowledge of infection risk, maternal complications, healing time, and cost impacting the choice between natural delivery and CS. several significant factors were identified as contributing to the choice of delivery method, including the influence of relatives, past childbirth experiences, and information obtained from media sources. In conclusion, the decision-making process for childbirth is influenced by a combination of knowledge, attitudes, and social factors among women attending antenatal care at Meru Level V Hospital

Policy Imperatives for Curbing the Rising Burden of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Policy Imperatives for Curbing the Rising Burden of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kenya Marangu, Victor Mwiti; Muchiri, Eric M.; Kagendo, Dorothy Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) also known as Kala-azar is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that poses an increasing public health threat in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs). This ecological zone extends across borders into neighboring countries including Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Uganda. Despite substantial advances in the understanding and management of Visceral Leishmaniasis including improved diagnostics, treatment options, and insights into sandfly vectors, the prevalence of the disease in Kenya continues to rise with new endemic foci increasingly being identified. The persistence and reemergence of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) are driven by multiple interrelated factors including climate change, weak health systems, population mobility due to insecurity and recurrent conflicts, inadequate vector control measures, and widespread poverty among vulnerable and marginalized communities. Moreover, existing health and environmental policies insufficiently incorporate Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) control into the broader development agendas of the affected regions. Notably, there is a lack of explicit multidisciplinary and multisectoral strategies as well as suboptimal community engagement and participation in public health initiatives specifically targeting VL. The constitutional devolution of health services to county governments along with the recent implementation of Kenya’s Social Health Policy Initiative presents a realistic opportunity for high-risk ASAL counties to prioritize promotive and preventive health services to vulnerable groups. This can be effectively advanced through grassroots community health promotion programs, multisectoral collaboration, and broader health system strengthening interventions. This brief communication examines policy opportunities within Kenya’s response to Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), offers practical recommendations, and advocates for accelerated adoption and sustained ownership of integrated, multisectoral disease control strategies by national and county governments to eliminate VL as a public health threat

Climate Change Effects on Agrochemical Use Trends and Health of Fresh Produce Farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya: Exploring Emerging Associations

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Climate Change Effects on Agrochemical Use Trends and Health of Fresh Produce Farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya: Exploring Emerging Associations Kirongo, David; Kubai, Patrick; Rutto, Jane Abstract In an ideal agricultural setting, climate-resilient practices are adopted to optimize crop production while minimizing health and environmental risks. However, in regions like Nakuru County, Kenya, where agriculture is predominantly rain-fed and pest management heavily relies on agrochemicals, climate change has disrupted this balance. Shifting weather patterns have intensified pest and disease outbreaks, prompting increased agrochemical use, often without adequate training, regulation, or environmental safeguards. Despite the clear link between climate variability and agricultural practices, limited research has examined how farmers adapt their agrochemical use in response to climate change, particularly in low- and middleincome contexts. This study aimed to determine the association between climate change and agrochemical use trends among Fresh Produce Farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive and analytical design was employed. The target population included Fresh Produce Farmers residing in Nakuru County for at least two years. A two-stage sampling technique, using probability proportional to size (PPS), was applied to select four sub-counties: Njoro, Kuresoi North, Molo, and Bahati. A total of 394 respondents were sampled using Cochran’s formula with a 10% non-response adjustment. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analysed using SPSS v28 for descriptive and inferential statistics, and NVivo for thematic analysis. Findings revealed that 98.7% of respondents were aware of climate change, and 96.4% observed increases in pest and disease pressure attributed to it. There was a significant association between observed climate change and agrochemical use decision-making (OR = 1.2, p < 0.05), and a weak negative association with methods of application (OR = 0.87, p = 0.01). Most farmers relied on peer advice or agronomists, and few adhered to pre-harvest intervals due to economic pressure and lack of enforcement. The study concludes that Climate variability has emerged as a major driver of agrochemical dependence among Fresh Produce Farmers in Nakuru County. Increased pest and disease pressures due to changing weather patterns have led to more frequent agrochemical use, often guided by informal advice and limited access to extension services. While farmers are aware of climate change, many lack the training and support needed to apply agrochemicals safely and effectively. To promote sustainable farming, the study recommends strengthening agricultural advisory systems, improving farmer training on safe agrochemical use, and promoting climate-smart alternatives such as bio pesticides and organic inputs. Clearer labelling, enforcement of pre-harvest intervals, and use of demonstration farms are also essential to support safer, more resilient agricultural practices.