Pan-African Journal of Health and Environmental Science

Effectiveness of Clinical Training in Influencing the Outcome of Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid in Selected Facilities at a County in Kenya

Evah Maina, Nancy Maingi, Abednego Ongeso — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major health concern in developing countries, primarily due to the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a common and affordable screening method, yet its effectiveness is closely tied to the skills and competency of healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical training on improving VIA screening outcomes for cervical cancer in a county in Kenya.

Methods: Seven government health facilities equipped with cryotherapy machines were selected, with two healthcare providers sampled from each. A six-day VIA training intervention was conducted, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical practice using preceptors to guide trainees. Baseline data were collected using questionnaires, abstraction tools, and observational checklists, followed by pre-and post-tests to measure knowledge and skill improvement.

Results: The training program significantly improved the healthcare providers’ knowledge and VIA skills (p<0.001). The cervical pre-cancer positivity rate increased from 0.8% at baseline to 14.1% post-intervention, indicating enhanced detection abilities.

Conclusion: VIA is a viable screening method in low-resource settings when healthcare providers are adequately trained. Enhanced provider confidence and competency contribute to better screening uptake and patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating clinical practice with VIA training for sustainable cervical cancer prevention.

Kenyans’ Perceptions of the Risks of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Scoping Review

Faith Anyango Ochieng’, Dónal O'Mathuna — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Vaccination programs are critical in controlling the spread of viral diseases worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of vaccines. Achieving widespread immunization is significantly challenged by vaccine hesitancy, particularly concerns regarding potential risks. The perceptions of Kenyans regarding the risks of COVID-19 vaccines were explored in this scoping review.

Methods: The Arksey and O’Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology were used. A search strategy was developed to identify peer-reviewed publications and relevant grey literature from electronic databases and Google. Identified articles were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was extracted from and analyzed to identify themes.

Results: Twenty-eight articles were included in the scoping review. The most common themes leading to vaccine hesitancy among Kenyans were vaccine safety, vaccine side effects, and lack of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines. Four other themes were identified and discussed.

Conclusion: This review adds to our understanding of the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy during public health emergencies in Kenya. Public health messaging should prioritize addressing these concerns while also advocating for equitable access to the benefits of vaccination.

Impact of COVID-19 on Christian Wellness: A Study among Adventists in Kajiado County

Janet Nyaboke Odhiambo — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Pandemics disorganize society, and COVID-19 was no exception. COVID-19 significantly impacted the religious practices and lifestyles of millions of believers worldwide. Following COVID-19 guidelines from the World Health Organization, social gatherings, including church attendance, were discouraged, affecting members’ spiritual well-being and church life. This study aimed to determine how COVID-19 impacted Christian wellness from the perspective of church members.

Methods: This study used a descriptive survey design to collect data on how COVID-19 affected the Christian wellness of Seventh-day Adventists in Kajiado County through a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the extent of these changes and identify the key factors contributing to wellness outcomes.

Results: The findings indicated that spirituality, stewardship, and fellowship practices declined significantly during virtual worship compared to face-to-face worship.

Conclusion: These results provide insights that may enhance support mechanisms toward mitigating the unique challenges religious communities face during global health crises.

Insights into Fertility Variability in Africa: A Path Toward Achieving the SDGs

Nelson Doe Dzivor, Edith Mensah, Alice C. Mensah, Moses Odamtten — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a major demographic index used to measure population growth. This indicator (TFR) varies significantly across Africa. This variation is influenced by cultural, economic, and policy-related factors.

Methods: This research examines regional differences by applying Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to World Bank data from 2018 and 2022.

Results: The results of the study show that there are significant differences in the TFR across Africa’s regional blocks (North, West, East, Central, and Southern Africa), with Central and West Africa showing the highest rates and North Africa having the lowest. The results highlight the necessity for region-specific policies to address fertility patterns and their implications for sustainable development.

Conclusion: The insight provided by this study is a necessary tool for policymakers to design demographic interventions that align with regional realities and contribute to progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Knowledge of Mpox, Media Exposure, and Clinical Experience:

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This study aimed to determine the predictors of nursing students’ preparedness for disease outbreaks and the relationships between knowledge of Mpox, media exposure, and clinical experience, as moderated by demographic variables. One hundred respondents were selected using stratified random sampling from four academic levels at the University of Gitwe.

Methods: The study employed a Quantitative research design. The results indicated that the respondents had high knowledge of Mpox (66%), high media exposure (mean = 2.69, SD = 0.743), and substantial clinical experience (mean = 2.58, SD = 0.794). Despite facing certain challenges, there was a high level of preparedness for disease outbreaks, particularly concerning Mpox (mean = 2.77, SD = 0.73).

Findings: The study found that knowledge of Mpox had a negligible and non-significant correlation with preparedness for disease outbreaks (rho = -0.077, p = 0.445). Conversely, media exposure exhibited a moderate positive correlation with preparedness (rho = 0.636, p < 0.001), while clinical experience showed a positive but non-significant relationship (R² = 0.142).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that media exposure and clinical training programs enhance students’ preparedness to manage disease outbreaks. Media exposure was identified as the most significant predictor of preparedness. Based on these findings, it is recommended to integrate media literacy, structured clinical training, and disaster preparedness workshops into nursing education curricula to strengthen students’ capacity to respond to public health emergencies effectively.

Psychiatric Morbidity among Primary Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders at a Teaching Hospital in Kenya

Louise N. Lusimbo, Irene Chesire, Daniel Kinyanjui — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Psychiatric morbidities are often underdiagnosed among the primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders who attend child clinics; however, they are frequent and are associated with adverse outcomes. An integrated management program, which is an evidence-based approach to psychiatric morbidity management, remains an exception in most hospital settings. This study investigated the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and its associated factors among primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 357 respondents in child clinics at a teaching hospital between January 2023 and December 2023.

Results: Most respondents (225, 63%) had at least one psychiatric morbidity, and the majority had major depressive episodes (147, 41.2%). Lack of family support was associated with at least one psychiatric morbidity (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: Primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders attending outpatient child clinics experience psychiatric issues, especially major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders. Primary caregivers without an alternative caregiver or family support are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders.

Psychotic and Substance Use Disorders Among Relatives of Patients with Bipolar Disorder at a Hospital in Kenya

Kimutai Katwa, Irene Chesire, Nicodemus Kuboi, Benson Gakinya, Maloosoy Katwa — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Bipolar disorder is one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions in Kenya. Studies conducted outside Kenya show that bipolar disorders and psychotic disorders are interlinked by family relations, while alcohol and substance use disorders are their important comorbidities. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of psychotic, alcohol and substance use disorders among first-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with bipolar disorders at a referral hospital in Western Kenya.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study. Consecutive and Simple random sampling were used, with a sample size of 381. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used for data collection. The chi-square test measured associations utilizing a 95% confidence interval.

Results: The prevalences of psychotic, alcohol and substance use disorders were 23.6%, 13.6%, and 6%, respectively. Employment was significantly associated with psychotic disorder (P=0.038), and relation to the patient was significantly associated with alcohol use disorder (P=0.007) and substance use disorder (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Among the relatives of patients with bipolar disorders, there is a high prevalence of psychotic, alcohol and substance use disorders.

Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Blood Glucose Levels in Young Adults and the Elderly

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of overall muscle health and is affected by impaired blood glucose levels. This review discusses the relationship between HGS and blood glucose levels and provides solutions to the known problems of HGS and blood glucose regulation.

Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. The articles were sourced from Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 418 studies were screened, of which 19 articles were included in this study. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results: A relationship was observed between low HGS and high blood glucose levels. The suggested mechanisms involve insulin resistance, Caspase-3 activation, and the mitochondrial impact. Sarcopenia emerged as an independent risk factor for impaired glucose control. Interventions including insulin administration and exercise have been proposed to preserve muscle mass.

Conclusion: Resistance training and HGS exercises can be added to the rehabilitation practices for managing diabetes mellitus. HGS measurements are vital for predicting muscle mass loss in clinical practice.

Perceived Effects and Prevention of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Women Living in Ilorin-South LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Women of reproductive age are susceptible to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the most prevalent hormonal disorders. The disease begins at puberty and symptoms could fluctuate over time. This condition is characterized by disruption of follicular development, which affects the ovaries and ovulation. This study aimed to identify obesity and infertility as perceived effects, while checking a healthy diet as perceived prevention of polycystic ovary syndrome among women living in the study area.

Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted with 258 respondents. The instrument used for gathering data was tested and verified questionnaire. The data obtained were tested using chi-square analysis.

Results: The study revealed that obesity (ᵪ2 =42.837) and infertility (ᵪ2 =76.729) are significant perceived effects of polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy diet (ᵪ2 =39.442) is a significant perceived prevention of polycystic ovary syndrome @ 0.05 alpha level.

Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a need for proactive interventions to reduce menace caused by PCOS. The study suggests that