Journal of Medicine, Nursing and Public health

Maternal Factors Associated with Timely Referral and Safe Transport of Neonates in Makueni County Referral Hospital

Francisca Nduku Iluka — 2026-03-05

The study sought to determine maternal factors associated with timely referral and safe transport of neonates in Makueni County Referral Hospital. The study employed a cross-sectional study design. The researcher collected data from 50 neonates through consecutive sampling. The researcher used a self-administered questionnaire, patient file reviews, and a structured data checklist. Patients condition on admission was obtained from the health record. The researcher analyzed the data quantitatively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The data obtained was summarized using frequency tables. Inferential statistics, such as Chi-square tests, Fisher's Exact Tests, and bivariate and multivariate analyses, were used to test for associations. In total, 50 admitted neonates were recruited to the study, and results were analyzed. Maternal characteristics encompassing age, education level, parity, marital status, ANC visits, residence, and knowledge of high-risk pregnancies did not have a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of timely referral and safe transport of neonates. Availability of enough and qualified health care providers to aid in vital signs monitoring, pre-referral, and en-route stabilization of neonates.

Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Male Involvement in Routine Child Immunization in An Urban Dispensary in a Limited-Resource City Setting

Dolivine Nyambunde Makori — 2026-03-24

Routine child immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies for preventing common childhood illnesses, with higher percentages in developing countries. This study assessed the level of male involvement and socio-cultural factors influencing males’ involvement in routine child immunization at Silanga dispensary in Kibra, Nairobi County. This study adopted a descriptive research design. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 36 male caregivers seeking routine child immunization services at Silanga dispensary. Completed questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 24, then described and presented using tables and graphs. All ethical procedures were observed. The majority of men (38.9%, n=14) were aged 18-25 years, with 44.4% (n=16) having secondary education as their highest level of education, and more than half (55.5%, n=20) were unemployed. The respondents found to be lowly involved in child immunization were 41.6% (n=15). On assessing socio-cultural practices influencing their involvement, half (50%, n=18) of them reported cultural practices, including child immunization, being solely a woman’s affair (72.2%, n=13) and participation of men being a sign of weakness (61.1%, n=11). In addition, more than half (58.3%, n=21) reported misconceptions about male involvement in routine child immunization. However, the majority (80.6%, n=29) reported that no religious teachings or beliefs influenced their involvement in child immunization. Almost three-quarters (72.2%, n=26) of them reported that the decision on child immunization was made by both husband and wife. Male involvement in child immunization was sub-optimal. Socio-cultural practices influenced their involvement, including child immunization being solely a woman’s affair and male participation being a sign of weakness. Furthermore, various misconceptions were reported. This calls for increased regular health messages on child immunization among men attending all health services to eliminate these misconceptions.

Level of Knowledge Determining Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Service among Women Aged 25-49 Years

Sarah Naneu Daniel — 2026-03-24

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with approximately 570,000 new cases reported in 2018. In Kenya, cervical cancer accounts for about 5,250 (12.9%) new cancer cases annually and contributes to approximately 3,286 (11.84%) cancer-related deaths. Cultural practices and beliefs play an important role in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases such as cervical cancer. The World Health Organization emphasizes cervical cancer screening as a critical strategy for early detection of precancerous cells and eventual elimination of the disease among women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Maternal and Child Health clinic of Kitengela Sub-County Hospital among women aged 25–49 years. Semi-structured researcher-administered questionnaires were used to assess knowledge levels influencing the utilization of cervical cancer screening services. A sample size of 194 participants was determined using Fisher’s formula and selected through systematic random sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means. Knowledge levels were categorized as high, moderate, or low using Modified Bloom’s cut-off points. The response rate was 92.3% (n=194). Most respondents (85.6%) had heard of cervical cancer screening, mainly from healthcare workers (53.6%). However, only 22.2% had ever undergone screening. Moderate knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors was reported by 35.6% of respondents, while 32% had low knowledge. Additionally, 52.6% had low knowledge of screening methods. Despite relatively high awareness of cervical cancer, utilization of screening services among women attending Kitengela Sub-County Hospital remains low.