http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/45 2026-04-20T11:48:35Z 2026-04-20T11:48:35Z Okedo, Robert Ataada http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10139 2026-03-11T07:31:39Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Attitudes, preferences and barriers to E-Learning among open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) orthopaedic medicine students at the Kenya Medical Training College Okedo, Robert Ataada Background: Medical education is undergoing a global shift toward technology-enhanced learning. In KMTC, the Orthopaedics and Trauma Medicine program incorporates the Open, Distance, and e-Learning model. Understanding students’ attitudes, preferences, and barriers to e-learning is critical for optimizing digital strategies and sustaining quality training in resource-limited settings. Objective: This study aimed to assess the attitudes, learning preferences, and barriers to e-learning among ODeL othopaedic students at the Kenya Medical Training College. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was used. Quantitative data was used to determine the relationship between variables, while qualitative data contextualized the research problem in a detailed context. The sample consisted of 156 participants drawn through stratified random sampling for the quantitative arm, and 8 FGD participants purposively sampled for the qualitative arm. Quantitative data were collected using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, and qualitative data using an interview guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative elements, complemented by thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: The findings reveal a predominantly positive student attitude towards e-learning (68%), with a significant majority (70%) expressing a clear preference for a blended learning model. Prior e-learning exposure exhibited a statistically significant association with e-learning participation (OR = 3.845, p=0.001), underscoring the importance of early exposure. Critical barriers identified included internet access limitations (60%), insufficient training on e-learning platforms (45%), and the prohibitive cost of internet data bundles (35%). Conclusion: While ODeL orthopaedic students have a positive attitude towards e-learning, they prefer a balanced blended instructional approach. Recommendations: To augment ODeL orthopaedic student attitude and participation in e-learning, early exposure to e-learning should be adopted in a blended learning context. Campus internet strength and coverage should be enhanced as a key enabler for e-learning.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z NJUGUNA, FESTUS KILACH, CAROLE NJUGUNA, CYRUS AYAYE, ERICK WANJIKU, CHRISTOPHER KORIR, RACHAEL BOR, CONSOLATA MIDIWO, NANCY ALIWA, EVERLYNE OBURAH, ELVIS MBUNYA, SAMUEL KIPKOECH, JOSEPH ANN ETLING, MARY SEVERANC, TYLER NATHANIEL NESSLE, CHARLES VIK, TERRY KUMAR, MANJUSHA ROBERSON, CHRIS GREIST, ANNE http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10125 2026-02-16T07:27:29Z 2026-01-20T00:00:00Z

Building a comprehensive sickle cell disease program in Western Kenya: a decade of experience and growth NJUGUNA, FESTUS; KILACH, CAROLE; NJUGUNA, CYRUS; AYAYE, ERICK; WANJIKU, CHRISTOPHER; KORIR, RACHAEL; BOR, CONSOLATA; MIDIWO, NANCY; ALIWA, EVERLYNE; OBURAH, ELVIS; MBUNYA, SAMUEL; KIPKOECH, JOSEPH; ANN ETLING, MARY; SEVERANC, TYLER; NATHANIEL NESSLE, CHARLES; VIK, TERRY; KUMAR, MANJUSHA; ROBERSON, CHRIS; GREIST, ANNE Background: Globally, approximately 515,000 infants with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) are born every year. Approximately 80% of these cases occur in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) annually, including 14,000 newborns in Kenya. In SSA, 50%–80% of children will die before the age of 5 years due to a lack of comprehensive SCD care compared to 3% in better-resourced settings. The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) SCD Program started in 2010 as a partnership between Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (IHTC) with a goal to improve access to comprehensive SCD care by increasing capacity through training, clinical care, research, and advocacy. Findings: The program has trained over 5,000 healthcare workers on different aspects of SCD through face-to-face instruction, virtual training and one-on-one mentorship programs. Early infant screening and support for access to medications like hydroxyurea and antibiotics have been key in improving clinical care. The program has also participated in several research projects and has been a strong advocate for the provision of comprehensive SCD care by the health facilities within the high SCD burden areas in Kenya and the Ministry of Health. Conclusion: The strategies implemented by the program can serve as a template for establishment of SCD care programs in similar resource-limited settings

2026-01-20T00:00:00Z Rasowo, Catherine Awuor http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10033 2026-01-19T08:00:24Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Evaluation of infection prevention and control practices at the hemodialysis unit in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret. Rasowo, Catherine Awuor Background: Catheter-associated bloodstream infection is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. In Kenya, the expansion of hemodialysis services over the past decade has been paralleled by rising infection rates, underscoring the need for strengthened infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Adherence to IPC guidelines is critical in minimizing infection transmission. This study evaluates the current IPC practices in the hemodialysis unit (HD) at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Main objective: To evaluate the infection prevention and control practices at the hemodialysis unit of MTRH. Specific objectives:(1) To describe IPC measures practiced by healthcare workers at the HD unit in MTRH. (2) To assess the level of compliance to MTRH and center for disease control (CDC) IPC guidelines in the HD unit. (3) To explore individual and system level factors influencing compliance to IPC guidelines at the HD unit in MTRH. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted in the HD unit at MTRH. The study had 3 components: (1) Questionnaires to describe IPC measures (2) Observations using MTRH and CDC IPC checklists to evaluate healthcare workers' adherence to IPC guidelines; (3) in-depth interviews with key informants to identify system and individual level factors influencing IPC implementation. Descriptive statistics, such as means and medians, summarized continuous variables while frequency distributions described categorical data. Compliance was measured using proportions. Qualitative data were coded into themes aligned with the six domains of the Health Belief Model (HBM). Results: Biodata:75% were female. Majority, 69.4% were nurses, with the remaining cadres evenly distributed and 87.5% had nephrology training. On IPC measures practiced by health care workers (HCWs): 100% participants reported the availability of hand hygiene supplies, 75% had training on proper personal protective equipment selection, 91.7% acknowledged availability of environmental cleaning policies and 81.2% reported that they applied antibiotic ointment on HD catheter exit sites with every dressing change. Compliance with IPC guidelines was varied: 88% compliant to hand hygiene guidelines, 100% noncompliant to both catheter connection/disconnection and exit site care guidelines. Systemic factors influencing compliance were inadequate staff numbers, few trainings on IPC and availability of consumables, individual level factors included staff attitude and insufficient knowledge in IPC. Conclusion: HCWs had insufficient knowledge of the recommended guidelines for effective IPC practices. The overall compliance to IPC among healthcare providers in the HD unit of MTRH was suboptimal. Systemic level factors like inadequate staff, insufficient training on IPC and availability of consumables influenced compliance. Additionally, individual level factors like staff attitude also contributed to compliance levels. Recommendations: The hospital management to organize educational programs to keep staff updated on IPC best practices including hands-on training sessions to bridge gap between knowledge and practice. The management to ensure constant availability of supplies for IPC and deploy sufficient numbers of HCW to the HD unit to improve compliance. HCWs to be more proactive at individual level in championing IPC.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Njoroge, Tabitha http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10028 2026-01-16T07:43:24Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

The proportion,process drivers and factors associated with disclosure of HIV status among HIV infected older adolescents and young adults in Ampath, Eldoret, Kenya Njoroge, Tabitha Background: Disclosing HIV status to sexual partners remains a significant challenge despite being associated with positive outcomes such as reduction of transmission, strengthening relationships, and decreasing risky sexual behaviors. Kenya has progressed in fighting HIV, however, current data indicate high numbers of infections particularly among teenagers and young adults accounting for 60% of new infections. There is limited research on HIV-status disclosure to sexual partners in young adults yet rising HIV infections rates threaten Kenya’s goal to combat HIV by 2030 emphasizing the need for disclosure to sexual partners to reduce transmission. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine rates of HIV status disclosure to sexual partners, to explore disclosure experiences, and to explore factors associated with disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV (AYALWH) at AMPATH-Rafiki center between August and December 2023. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional mixed method approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Male and female AYALWH, 15- 24 years attending Rafiki center were interviewed. 257 participants were selected through systematic sampling methods to complete structured questionnaires. Additionally, purposive sampling was utilized to recruit participants for focus group discussions (FGDs), where interview guides were employed. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine rates Chi-square tests were used to examine associations, with findings presented in tables. Qualitative data was transcribed, translated and coded thematically to capture disclosure experiences and factors influencing disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners. The study adopted a pragmatist research philosophy for better understanding. Results: The study determined that the rate of HIV status disclosure to sexual partners among AYALWH was low at 36.6% (95%, CI=30.1%-43. 8%).There was notable variation of HIV status disclosure between age groups. Age group 20-24 had a higher proportion (65.7%) compared to 15-19(34.3%). Females were more likely to disclose than males (p-value of 3.84 10 ). Positive and negative disclosure experiences were noted including: reduced anxiety and acceptance, relationship termination, psychological disturbance and increased anxiety. Barriers to disclosure included, fear of rejection, discrimination and perception of partner’s reaction towards disclosure. Challenges experienced included, insufficient knowledge on how to disclose, denial, and fear of negotiating for safe sex. Some factors influencing disclosure included; individual economic status, partner’s temperance and AYALWH’s attitude towards HIV disclosure. Conclusion: Study findings determined low rates of HIV status disclosure to sexual partners among AYALWH. While participants acknowledge the crucial role of HIV disclosure in minimizing infections, the study reveals significant knowledge gaps of effective disclosure strategies. Additionally, it highlights key challenges and barriers and lack of guidance which hinder successful disclosure. Recommendations: To encourage disclosure among AYALWH, tailored strategies should be developed to address key barriers. Emphasizing positive messaging and resilience-building through sharing successful disclosure experiences could help mitigate fears. Additionally, interventions should consider economic support mechanisms to reduce financial barriers linked to rejection fears. By implementing targeted support programs, young adults can be better equipped to navigate the challenges of HIV status disclosure, ultimately contributing to reduced transmission rates.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z