Journal of Medicine, Nursing and Public health

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Pregnancy Among Teenage Mothers Aged 14 to 19 Years in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Mellan Khavetsa Lilumbi, John Paul Oyore, Mary W Gitahi — Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern in Kenya, with Homa Bay County reporting rates higher than the national average. This study examined the socio-demographic determinants of pregnancy among teenage mothers aged 14–19 years in Homa Bay County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed among 422 teenage mothers aged 14–19 years. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression at the α ≤ 0.05 significance level. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically through content analysis and triangulated with quantitative findings. The study found that socio-demographic factors significantly influenced teenage pregnancy. Adolescents from the lowest wealth quintile were more likely to experience pregnancy (AOR = 2.67, p < 0.05), while those in the highest wealth quintile were less likely (AOR = 0.23, p = 0.005). Large household size was associated with increased odds of pregnancy (AOR = 2.66, p = 0.006). Education was protective, with secondary education reducing the likelihood of pregnancy (AOR = 0.24, p = 0.001). Qualitative findings further highlighted peer pressure and weak parental guidance as key contributors.The findings indicate that poverty, household structure, and low educational attainment are key socio-demographic determinants of teenage pregnancy in Homa Bay County. Interventions should prioritize economic empowerment, school retention programs, and strengthened parental guidance to reduce teenage pregnancy rates.

Perspectives of Nurses Managing Pediatric Oncology Patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Valentine C. Kirui, Sarah Bett, Lister Onsongo — Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pediatric oncology nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) must provide both intense emotional support and medical care to critically ill children and their families, given limited resources. The purpose of this study is to investigate the well-being, experiences, and coping strategies of pediatric oncology nurses at KNH, to develop institutionally-based programs for staff well-being. A qualitative phenomenological research design was utilized. Fifteen (15) Pediatric Oncology nurses were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews until data saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The nurses expressed four (4) major themes related to their experiences: (1) experienced emotional/psychological burden of witnessing patients suffer; (2) communicated challenges associated with sharing complex and negative medical information; (3) chronic understaffing/shortage experienced in an organization, which impacts resources; and (4) utilized teamwork, spirituality, and encouragement from peers as coping strategies. The nurses at KNH experience high levels of stress, leading to burnout, yet they continue to practice diligently and with resilience. Programs to improve emotional health, increase nurse-to-patient ratios, and provide more structured/specialty training are needed as a result of this study.

Nurses’ Experiences and Perceptions of Family Members' Engagement During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Critical Care Units, Mater Hospital, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Carolyne Kwamboka Itumbe, Sarah Bett, Talaso Barako — Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined nurses’ experiences and perceptions of family engagement during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the Critical Care Unit of Mater Hospital. While family presence during CPR may provide emotional and therapeutic benefits, it also presents ethical, operational, and psychological challenges for healthcare providers. A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nurses directly involved in resuscitation activities. Thematic analysis was conducted following the guidelines of Braun and Clarke (2022). Credibility and trustworthiness were enhanced through triangulation and other rigorous strategies. Findings revealed high levels of emotional and psychological stress among nurses, often intensified by family presence during CPR. Some nurses viewed family engagement as promoting transparency and emotional closure, while others perceived it as a source of distraction and distress. Key challenges included a lack of institutional policies, environmental limitations, and anxiety about performance. Nurses expressed the need for institutional, educational, and emotional support to facilitate effective family involvement. The study highlights the importance of clear institutional policies, structured training programs, and psychological support systems in empowering nurses and promoting compassionate, family-centered care during CPR. The findings inform policy development, clinical practice, and continuing professional education to improve family engagement and outcomes for patients, families, and healthcare providers.