Science Mundi

Medicinal plants used for malaria treatment and management in Kenya: A systematic review

Daniel Wekesa, Nathan Shaviya — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria remains a leading public health concern in Kenya, with high morbidity and mortality rates despite the availability of conventional interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). The increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs necessitates the exploration of alternative treatment options. Traditional medicinal plants have been widely used in Kenya for malaria treatment, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings. This systematic review synthesizes available ethnobotanical and pharmacological evidence on medicinal plants used for malaria management in Kenya. A total of 85 plant species from 45 botanical families were identified, with Artemisia annua, Ajuga remota, Azadirachta indica, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum being the most frequently cited. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that Artemisia annua had a parasite reduction rate of 85%, while Ajuga remota and Warburgia ugandensis showed moderate efficacy, reducing parasitemia by 68% and 72%, respectively. While these plants exhibited minimal adverse effects, further toxicological studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm their safety and efficacy. Standardization of plant preparations, conservation of medicinal plant resources and integration of ethnobotanical knowledge into national malaria control programs are recommended to enhance their potential in malaria management.

Progenitors of organisational commitment among senior staff in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Naomi Arthur Fynn, Hayford Lartey — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the progenitors of organisational commitment among senior staff at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) using Victor Vroom’s Expectancy Theory of Motivation as its theoretical framework. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a sample of 301 senior staff members, selected using a simple random sampling technique from a total population of 1,518. Reliability analysis confirmed high internal consistency across all constructs, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding the .7 threshold. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 301 senior staff members in the University of Cape Coast. The study employed a structured questionnaire to gather. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation), and inferential technique (multiple regression) were employed to analyse the data. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship (R = .597) between employee compensation (β = .113, p = .040), working conditions (β = .243, p ˂ .001), and human capacity development (β = .341, p ˂ .001) with organisational commitment, explaining 35.6% of the variance (R² = .356, F(3,297) = 54.846; p ˂ .001). The study concluded that employee compensation, working conditions, and human capacity development are critical predictors of organisational commitment among senior staff at the UCC. These results underscore the importance of fostering favourable working conditions, adequate compensation, and opportunities for professional development to enhance organisational commitment among senior staff. The study recommends that UCC’s management prioritise strategies addressing these predictors to bolster staff commitment and organisational effectiveness.

Nature of livestock theft among the Turkana and Pokot pastoral groups in northwest Kenya

Dismas Ndamwe Soita Wanyonyi, Ruth Simiyu, Susan Kimokoti — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Livestock keeping is a fundamental economic and cultural practice among the Turkana and Pokot pastoralist groups in Northwest Kenya. However, livestock theft, a previously culturally embedded tradition, has evolved into a commercialized and violent venture with catastrophic socio-economic and security ramifications. The study examined the prevalence, root causes, and effects of livestock theft while exploring feasible conflict resolution mechanisms. The research was guided by the Frustration-Aggression Theory, which forecasts that socio-economic frustrations and resource competition trigger violent behavior like fighting and theft. This study adopted a descriptive research design to provide information at a specific time to allow for in-depth understanding of patterns of livestock theft. The target population was pastoral households, community leaders, security officers, and government officials in Pokot and Turkana counties. A sample of 400 households was estimated using stratified random sampling to provide fair representation of the affected communities. Furthermore, 10 key informants (KIIs) and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) were selected purposively to obtain qualitative data. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, focus group discussion guides, and key informant interview schedules. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, means) and to explore associations between theft incidence and socio-economic variables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically to reveal underlying social, economic, and cultural stories. Findings revealed that 78% of the households had suffered livestock theft, 60% of them having incurred frequent nightly incursions. Significant impacts were economic loss, food insecurity (85%), displacement (30%), and interrupted education (40%). Major causes of theft were economic reasons (70%), scarcity of resources (55%), poor law enforcement (50%), and cultural practices (60%). The study also quoted limited formal education (70%) and high dependence on cattle (85%) as exacerbating factors. Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and government interventions were identified as very important in mitigating theft, yet their effectiveness was compromised by poor institutional structures. This study concluded that cattle rustling is now an organized and economically motivated crime that poses gigantic challenges to the socio-economic stability of the Turkana and Pokot communities. To address the issue, a comprehensive intervention strategy is required, such as enhanced security, education, revitalization of traditional peacebuilding mechanisms, and livelihood diversification. Decision-makers ought to invest in context-specific interventions that promote peace and resilience in the region, ultimately decreasing cattle theft and encouraging sustainable pastoralism.

Assessing differential item functioning in core educational courses: Implications for gender and lecturer experience in Ghanaian higher education

Peter Eshun — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the Differential Item Functioning (DIF) of examination papers in core educational courses offered by undergraduates in a public university in Ghana, focusing on gender and lecturing experience and their implications for assessment standards. A The study is underpinned by the measurement invariance theory that posits that test items should measure the same construct across different groups in the same way. Cross-sectional research design was employed, with 872 students sampled out of 5221 across six departments. Item analysis and DIF evaluation were conducted using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and item response theory (IRT) models. Results revealed variability in item difficulty, discrimination, and response patterns, with 40% of items classified as moderately difficult and 20% as very difficult. Item discrimination was generally robust, though a few items displayed poor discrimination, necessitating revision. The analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in differential item functioning (DIF) scores between male and female students. Male students had a mean DIF score of 115.03 (SD = 263.41), while female students had a mean DIF score of 113.67 (SD = 259.14). The t-test results, t(866) = 0.072, p = 0.943, indicate that the observed differences were not statistically significant. However, lecturer experience was found to have a significant impact on students' DIF scores. Students taught by experienced lecturers had a mean score of 149.56 (SD = 353.80), compared to a mean score of 74.02 (SD = 4.66) for those taught by inexperienced lecturers. The t-test results, t(465.19) = 4.61, p < 0.000, confirmed a statistically significant difference, with a mean difference of 75.54 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from 40.99 to 110.09. These findings suggest that lecturer experience plays a crucial role in influencing DIF scores. These findings underscore the importance of aligning test items with instructional objectives, enhancing lecturer training, and refining test designs to mitigate biases. It is recommended that the university should implement routine DIF analyses to proactively identify and rectify biased test items. This practice will help maintain fairness and equity in educational assessments across different demographic groups. Given the significant impact of lecturer experience on student performance, the institution should invest in continuous professional development programmes for faculty. Training should focus on effective teaching strategies, assessment design, and student engagement. The study contributes to the literature on test fairness and equity in higher education, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment improvements and expanded research to address limitations related to sample diversity and contextual generalizability.

Achieving stable intercalation states upon optimizing intercalation reactions involving kaolinite inter-layer spaces

Sempeho I. Siafu — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explored the intercalation processes of kaolinite which is a layered phyllosilicate mineral with 1:1 structural configuration capable of incorporation of guest molecules within its interlayer spaces. The experiments utilize X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques to examine the intercalation ratios of the intercalants (cationic intercalants namely ferrihydrite and hydroxyaluminum as well as anionic intercalant namely DMSO and Methanol) for the analysis of their respective hyperstabilization effects of kaolinite structural expansion. The investigations target a stable intercalation state or S.I.S, which is defined by the constant distance between the interlayers. Findings revealed that, the order of intercalation kinetics progresses through first (76.8% A.I.R, lattice expansion: 3.61–3.62 Å), second (87.4% A.I.R) and third order (89.2% A.I.R) reactions which results into a point called “Stable Intercalation State" which is characterized with constant apparent intercalation ratios (A.I.R). It was also found that kaolinite intercalation is influenced by aging time, temperature, and molecular size thereby impacting the apparent intercalation ratio before the S.I.S point is attained. The present work provides a detailed guideline on improving intercalation through the experimental parameters to pave the way towards understanding stable intercalation states in kaolinite-host structures. The obtained results allow deepening insight into the mechanistic intercalation chemistry of kaolinite with possible end use in controlled release systems.

The role of organizational justice and job satisfaction in Tanzanian local government authorities: A case of Mwanga District Council

James Nathan Ndossy — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria remains a leading public health concern in Kenya, with high morbidity and mortality rates despite the availability of conventional interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). The increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs necessitates the exploration of alternative treatment options. Traditional medicinal plants have been widely used in Kenya for malaria treatment, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings. Health Belief Model guided this research. This systematic review synthesizes available ethnobotanical and pharmacological evidence on medicinal plants used for malaria management in Kenya. A total of 85 plant species from 45 botanical families were identified, with Artemisia annua, Ajuga remota, Azadirachta indica, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum being the most frequently cited. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that Artemisia annua had a parasite reduction rate of 85%, while Ajuga remota and Warburgia ugandensis showed moderate efficacy, reducing parasitemia by 68% and 72%, respectively. While these plants exhibited minimal adverse effects, further toxicological studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm their safety and efficacy. In conclusion, medicinal plants represent a valuable resource for malaria management, particularly in areas where conventional healthcare access is limited. To maximize their therapeutic potential and ensure safe use, it is essential to undertake standardized toxicological evaluations and rigorous clinical trials. Efforts should also be directed toward the standardization and quality control of plant-based preparations. Additionally, effective conservation strategies and sustainable harvesting practices must be implemented to preserve medicinal plant biodiversity. Integrating ethnobotanical knowledge into national malaria control programs will facilitate the recognition, promotion, and appropriate utilization of these medicinal plants, ultimately enhancing malaria management strategies in Kenya.

Biochemical analytes stability in refrigerated (2–8°C) and frozen (−20°C) serum samples at Kericho County Hospital Laboratory, Kenya

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pre-analytical variables, including samples storage, can adversely affect the reliability of medical laboratory results. Add-on tests, alongside unprecedented delays in testing, require that samples are stored in a manner that maintain their integrity and optimally preserve the various analytes. Refrigeration and freezing, are well-documented preservation methods used by medical laboratories for short and long term storage of retained specimen. Different analytes however vary considerably in stability when samples are stored over a period of time. This study aimed at evaluated the stability of selected biochemical analytes in refrigerated (2 – 8^oC) and frozen (-20^oC) serum, to determine the maximum storage period at which accurate and reliable results can still be obtained at the Kericho County Hospital laboratory, guiding specific analytes delayed and add-on testing storage requirement and timelines. Samples drawn from twenty healthy volunteering adult participants, randomly picked from the local population, were processed and analysed at baseline, then a set of aliquots refrigerated and another frozen, in batches marked for analysis on the 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th days, on a well maintained, accurately calibrated, and quality checked HumaStar 100, an automated biochemistry analyser. Fridge and freezer temperatures were maintained relatively constant at 2 – 8^oC and -20^oC respectively, with routine monitoring throughout the period. The data was coded and analysed on SPSS version 22. The statistical significance of the difference in the determined analyte concentrations in comparison to baseline levels was evaluated using student paired T-test and Wilcoxon rank test. From the findings, alkaline phosphate, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase were found to be stable up to 28 days in the refrigerated and frozen serum, with mean percentage differences less than calculated reference change value of 16.48, 35.97 and 42.25 respectively. Sodium, total and direct bilirubin, were however unstable, as their mean percentage difference was more than the calculated reference change value of 2.16, 0.657 and 1.14. Urea and glucose showed stability at 2-8℃ for up to the 14^th day, while potassium and chloride were only stable in refrigerated serum up to the 7^th day analysis. Freezing improved the stability of all the analytes except bilirubin, ALT and sodium. This study recommends immediate analysis of serum for sodium, bilirubin, and ALT, which should never be part of add-on tests, and freezing of the samples when analysis is delayed for the other analytes.

Women labour force participation in small scale fisheries in Ukerewe District, Mwanza-Tanzania

Fred A. Rwechungura — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, it is perceived that women are excluded from participating in certain sectors of the economy, especially in developing countries where some high paying economic activities are traditionally considered male-dominated. This has resulted in most well-paying jobs being dominated by men. This study aimed to empirically investigate women's labour force participation in small-scale fisheries in the Ukerewe District, Mwanza region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined the factors determining women's participation in small-scale fisheries in the area. The study was guided by the theory of labour supply as explained by the standard neoclassical microeconomic model, a widely applied theory in empirical labour supply analysis. Pioneered by economist Alfred Marshall between 1870 and 1890 in the analysis of demand and supply, the theory assumes that economic agents make informed and rational decisions based on complete certainty about prices and wages, and that individuals face their own budget constraints independent of others' actions. Hence, it is an application of consumer behaviour theory. Individuals are assumed to allocate time to market work and non-market activities (leisure). Utility is maximised by choosing a combination of goods and leisure hours subject to time, price, and income constraints. Labour force participation is one dimension of labour supply, where individuals decide not only how many hours to work but also whether to work at all. The study adopted a cross-sectional design, collecting data only once to capture a snapshot of the phenomenon at the time of data collection. The study population included all women participating in the fishery business, with a sample of 152 selected for the study. These women were drawn from three different beaches—Izinga, Bulubi, and Malelema—along Lake Victoria in Ukerewe District, areas dominated by fishing businesses. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a logit regression model were used to analyse the data. The empirical results from the logit model indicated that personal characteristics such as age, education level, and the number of children were statistically insignificant, while factors such as family income, marital status, and environmental security were statistically significant with P values of 0.000, 0.023, and 0.000 respectively. The study concludes that individual characteristics like age, education level, and family size, as well as socio-economic factors such as family income, marital status, and environmental security, play a major role in influencing women's participation in the fishing sector in the study area. The study recommends that empowering women by raising their incomes, enhancing their decision-making at the family level (especially for married women), and improving security at workplaces can increase their participation rates in the fishing sector.

The role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in surgical site infections in Sub-Saharan Africa

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Surgical Site Infections remain a significant burden in healthcare settings, contributing to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and increased morbidity and mortality rates. Among the various pathogens implicated in these infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains a particularly formidable bacterium due to its intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics and its ability to acquire additional resistance mechanisms. Despite this incidence, there is a geographical limitation of surveillance programs on this pathogen continues to cripple infection control and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa, crippling surveillance data on the infection management. We aimed at understanding the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) on the seemingly growing and concerning infections of surgical site in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study adopted systematic review and meta-analysis design in line with PRISMA guidelines. For data collection, therefore, we systematically searched PubMed and other relevant databases for articles (2015-2023) relevant to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and predominance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We examined 26 relevant articles out of 225 that matched the initial search. A standardized data extraction form was developed to capture relevant information from the selected studies. Data collected from the studies included were synthesized narratively and reported through Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA). Through an in-depth analysis of the relevant literature, the low number of studies in the region focused on PA and AMR. Nevertheless, the relatively few studies demonstrate the high rates of PA involvement in surgical site infections. The studies further show high levels of multi-drug resistance and points to subsequent nosocomial clinical outcomes. In conclusion, the study underscores the burden posed by PA in SSA, highlighting on the prevalence, multi-drug resistance and virulence. Clearly, its surveillance remains geographically limited especially in the regions that are underrepresented. The study recommends that infections prevention and control programs (IPCs) be strengthened, that antimicrobial stewardship be sensitised to regulate antibiotic use, and that surveillance and research on PA be expanded in SSA.