Journal of Medicine, Nursing and Public health

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Utilization of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food in Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Kinango Sub-County, Kwale County

Angela Kasyoka Kithua — 2025-10-20

The issue of malnutrition, encompassing both overnutrition and undernutrition, remains a significant global challenge with severe consequences, especially for children under the age of five. Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is particularly detrimental, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates among affected children. Despite progress in reducing the global burden of SAM, it continues to affect millions of children worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing a significant portion of the burden. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic factors affecting utilization of ready-to-use therapeutic food in the management of severe acute malnutrition in Kinango sub-county, Kwale County, Kenya. Adopting a longitudinal cross-sectional study design, the study enrolled 220 severely malnourished children receiving RUTF and followed them for three months. Several external factors can influence the effectiveness of RUTF. These include: co-existing illnesses, such as infections or chronic conditions which hinder recovery and reduce the efficacy of RUTF, inadequate food at home limit the overall nutritional recovery, as RUTF alone cannot address broader food insecurity, prolonged waiting times at the health facility can discourage caregivers from seeking treatment, leading to incomplete recovery, insufficient follow-up by health workers can result in missed opportunities to address complications, monitor progress, and ensure adherence to treatment protocols. Recommendations include multifaceted approaches to improve caregiver practices, comprehensive training for health workers, and ensuring consistent RUTF supply at health facilities.

Determinants of Late Preterm Hospitalisation During the Neonatal Period at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kakamega County

Duncan Omuchilo Moyia — 2025-08-15

Purpose: Late preterm infants frequently face specific difficulties stemming from their physiological underdevelopment, which heightens their risk for health issues and the need for later hospitalization. Nevertheless, the factors influencing late preterm hospitalization following discharge from delivery have not been thoroughly investigated within the healthcare system in Kenya. In particular, the study determined the relationship between neonatal characteristics, maternal characteristics, neonatal care practices, and hospitalization outcome.

Methods: Analytical cross-sectional quantitative research was conducted using a sample of 74 infant-mother dyad pairs selected through purposive sampling. Late preterm infants hospitalized in the KCTRH pediatric emergency unit within 28 days after birth discharge were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A bivariate test using chi-square was conducted to assess the associations between maternal, late preterm, and neonatal care practices and late preterm hospitalization outcomes. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression was performed on the variables found to be significant in the bivariate analysis to further evaluate their independent effects on hospitalization outcomes. P-values were set at <.05

Results: Late preterm infants who were hospitalized for more than 48 h had worse outcomes (AOR = 0.08, p = 0.006), as did infants who were appropriately breastfed (AOR = 0.13, p = 0.022). Symptomatic danger signs before hospitalization were linked to the worst outcomes (AOR = 44.50, p =. 040). Maternal education post-basic/tertiary (AOR = 66.72, p =. 014), antenatal care utilization (AOR = 0.02, p =. 031), and the lack of previous pregnancy complications (AOR = 21.27, p =.031). 017) were also associated with favorable outcomes. Some of the neonatal practices done during the first few days of life, which included breastfeeding after birth (AOR |= 1.44, p = .001) and receiving teaching from nurses on dangerous signs (AOR = 2.32, p = .007), appeared to be beneficial.

Implication: The findings emphasize the importance of effective maternal and neonatal care in the outcomes for hospitalization late in the preterm period. It is important to develop specific neonatal care strategies that are based on maternal education and early intervention measures in order to improve late preterm infant health and limit hospital stays.

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

K. L Kabuku — 2025-09-23

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 patients on 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.

Determinants of Maternal Death in Nakuru County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Irene Jepkemei Chirchir — 2025-08-04

Purpose: Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern in Kenya, with Nakuru County among the regions experiencing high rates. Understanding the determinants of maternal deaths is crucial for targeted interventions and improved maternal health outcomes. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to maternal deaths in Nakuru County using the Three Delays Model as an analytical framework.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, analyzing 200 maternal death cases reported between 2018 and 2022 from five major health facilities in Nakuru County. Data were obtained through maternal death review forms, facility records, and verbal autopsies. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression applied to determine significant associations.

Results: Hemorrhage (30%), hypertensive disorders (25%), and sepsis (15%) emerged as the leading direct causes of maternal death. Indirect causes included anemia and HIV-related complications. The study found that 65% of maternal deaths were associated with the third delay (receiving adequate care at a health facility), while 20% and 15% were linked to the second (reaching the facility) and first delays (seeking care), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lack of skilled birth attendance (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.6–4.7; p < 0.01) and absence of emergency obstetric care at facilities (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.9–5.3; p < 0.001) were significant predictors of maternal mortality.

Conclusion: Maternal deaths in Nakuru County are primarily driven by preventable factors, especially delays in receiving adequate care and lack of skilled birth attendance. Strengthening emergency obstetric services, ensuring the availability of skilled personnel, and enhancing community awareness are critical to reducing maternal mortality.

Work-Related Injuries and Associated Risk Factors among Workers in Selected Metal Engineering Companies in Gaborone District, Botswana

Letshwenyo Walter Tebagano — 2025-09-23

Worldwide, work-related accidents and illnesses contribute to significant deaths attributed to exposures at work. The broad objective of the study was to assess work-related injuries and associated risk factors among workers in metal engineering companies in Gaborone District, Botswana. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design where data were collected from all workers selected from thirteen metal engineering companies in the city. A sample size of 258 employees was selected systematically. Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and binary logistic regression. The study found there was a 23.6% prevalence of occupation-related injuries among workers in selected metal engineering companies in the Gaborone District. Lack of awareness has the probability to cause work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 0.175, p =0.000). The probability of negative perceptions leading to work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 42.651, p =0.000) was significantly higher compared to positive perceptions. The probability of not having supportive supervision leading to work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 2.66, p =0.02) was significantly higher compared to having supportive supervision. The probability of not having trained first aiders leading to work-related injuries (Exp(B) = 0.247, p =0.000) was significantly higher compared to having trained first aiders. Metal engineering companies should innovate injury mitigation measures for their workers. Management together with policy makers of the engineering industry in Botswana should foster attitude change towards work safety through holding regular safety talks and seminars to educate workers on the importance of adherence to work safety as a way of reducing engineering industry work-related injuries. The engineering industry, in collaboration with the Botswana government, should enforce adherence to safety policies such as the use of PPEs and the circulation of constant reminders to reduce the prevalence of work-related injuries.