Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Envisioning the Semantics of Kinyarwanda causative and applicative morphemes in the Cognitive Grammar Theory

2024-03-27T07:25:22+00:00

This paper uses the Cognitive Grammar Theory to examine the semantics of Kinyarwanda causative and applicative. The study was motivated by the fact that Kinyarwanda verb extensions, particularly the causative and applicative, have multiple sociocultural interpretations of meanings, which is a typical characteristic of Cognitive semantics. The study was couched in the interpretivism paradigm, which looks for culturally derived interpretations historically situated in the surroundings of humans. A qualitative approach was used to analyse the meanings of Kinyarwanda words used by Nyarwanda native speakers. Data was collected from focus group discussions involving six Kinyarwanda speakers. Four were monolinguals; the rest were multilingual, speaking Kiswahili, English and Kinyarwanda. The data were presented using Leipzig glossing rules, and illustrations were used to show more than one meaning in the derived verbal lexemes. Thus, data analysis was used using cognitive grammar theoretical apparatuses, which account for multiple meanings of the derived lexemes. The study found that the causative and applicative verb extensions attached to the verb root have multiple senses that line with Cognitive Grammar Theory, whose major assumption is that words have multiple conceptualisations. For instance, the derived verb vugisha had four meanings: speak to, make or cause to talk, disgusting and switching on something (such as in radio receiver or electricity). As the presence of different meanings in the same word causes ambiguity, further research can be carried out on Kinyarwanda ambiguity under the contemporary theory of Metaphor.

International Conflict Resolution: The Role of the Government of Ghana and Togo on the Wenchiki-Chereponi Chieftaincy Conflict

2024-03-27T07:34:53+00:00

The article examined the Chereponi-Wenchiki Conflict and the role of Togo and Ghana's governments in managing the conflict and its effects on the two countries. The social identity theory provided the theoretical lens into issues of ethnicity, culture and ancestral connection to the geographical area. A qualitative research design was used to gather data from interviews in some communities in Togo and Ghana. This was necessary to solicit the views, and opinions of the people in the two countries on three main themes namely the causes of the conflict, the role of governments and the effects of the conflict. The study found that chieftaincy and land constituted the main causes of the protracted conflict. It was found that the government of Ghana was mainly responsible for managing the conflict while the government of Togo only collaborated with in managing the conflict. Many lives and properties were lost, social disruptions and separation of families and clan members, disruption of the economic and social livelihood of the people, the new unfortunate norm of two chiefs in communities in the Chireponi-Wenchiki area because of overlapping roles and the influence of traditional councils and the influence of Dagbon Kingdom were found to the key effects of the conflict. The study concludes that the key influencers of the conflict are money and politics and relations among the factions has gone sour. It, therefore, recommends the need to depoliticize the conflict and strengthen the chieftaincy institution in the area for lasting peace.

Factors influencing the Delivery of Preconception Care Services among Nursing and Midwifery Students at Aga Khan University, Kenya

2024-03-27T07:39:00+00:00

Preconception care (PCC) is crucial in addressing biomedical conditions, social factors, and risky behaviors that may jeopardize a healthy pregnancy. Despite its significance, nurses, and midwives face challenges in comprehending the importance and components of PCC, hindering their ability to provide comprehensive care. Inconsistencies in training curricula and a lack of in-service training leave students illequipped for PCC provision. This study, conducted through a cross-sectional quantitative descriptive approach at Aga Khan University, involved 104 nursing and midwifery students selected through random sampling. The overall knowledge of PCC was 63.35%, 28.8% correctly defined PCC and its components, and while 67.3% of respondents had received PCC training during their previous education 75% had not undergone in-service or refresher training. Moreover, 45% had not provided PCC in the past six months, and only 45.2% of facilities had PCC guidelines, indicating potential standardization gaps. While the study focused on nursing and midwifery students, acknowledging a limitation in representing all healthcare professionals involved in PCC, it emphasized the need to integrate PCC education into curricula. Recognizing PCC as a vital health component underscores its significance, shedding light on gaps in continuing education for healthcare providers. Collaboration among health professionals in delivering PCC services is suggested to enhance care quality. Furthermore, the study advocates for guidelines to standardize PCC services, promoting consistent and high-quality care. Overall, the insights garnered can inform strategies to improve the reproductive and maternal health of women and couples through enhanced PCC services. The health belief model was the theory underpinning the study.

Factors affecting healthcare-seeking behaviour among men who have sex with men in Starehe sub-county, Nairobi City County

2024-03-27T07:48:02+00:00

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a marginalized population in Kenya. When seeking medical care, they usually encounter obstacles due to accusations and public discrimination. As a result, MSMs put themselves at risk of developing serious illnesses that would burden the economy. This study aims to identify the barriers and behaviors that influence MSM healthcare-seeking. A quantitative study was conducted in Nairobi's Starehe subcounty. The researcher randomly selected participants at a Support Widows and Orphan Programmers drop-in center. The investigation happened between December 13, 2021, to January 15, 2022. Participants were subjected to a selfadministered questionnaire after consenting. Most respondents were youths (92.7%:190). MSM's who encountered discrimination while receiving treatment were three times more likely to be afraid to seek medical attention (UOR=3.2, 95% CI). The majority of MSMs preferred nongovernment institutions (56.1 %; 115). The MSMs who were denied medical care were more likely to be afraid to seek care (UOR=3.9, 95% CI (1.192, 12.434). MSMs showed confidence in disclosing their sexual orientation to a health provider (82.1%:133) compared to family members (18.3%:11). The study found that MSMs' have challenges and poor healthseeking behaviors that is due to lack of a strategy for providing medical care to MSMs. The Ministry of Health should plan on how to supply items like drugs and protective devices required in the treatment and prevention of diseases among MSMs. Participants in this study were selected at the centrally located site in Nairobi County. The selection at one center can contribute to sampling bias.