International Journal of Professional Practice

Influence of Disability Diversity Policy Implementation on Service Delivery among Chartered Universities in Kenya

Charity Nyambura Maina, Susan Nzioki, Kenneth Mugambi — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Diversity entails embracing and recognizing the contribution of people with differences in education background, perspectives and experiences. Organizations have realized that they can attract and retain competent employees by embracing diversity. In Kenya, a diversity policy has been developed to guide the public institutions on the management of diversity at the workplace. The policy outlines the management of diverse workforce, such as persons with disability and ethnicity. However, there remains a notable research gap concerning the effect of diversity policies on service delivery in the universities. This study aimed at determining the influence of disability diversity policy implementation on service delivery in Chartered Universities in Kenya. The study was guided by the Social Identity theory, self-categorization and SERVQUAL model. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population comprised eight Chartered universities in Kenya (both private and public) which were purposively selected; comprising 15,545 administrative staff and full-time lecturers. A sample size of 390 was drawn using the Yamane (1967) formula. Data was collected using questionnaires. Both validity and reliability of the research instruments were ensured. Inferential and descriptive statistics were adopted in the analysis. The findings of the study indicated that universities have a strong affirmative action policy for persons with disability. The study concluded that disability policy implementation established a positive and statistically significant effect on service delivery among chartered universities in Kenya. It recommends university management to collaborate with organizations dedicated to persons with disabilities, and to utilize accessible recruitment channels such as sharing job opportunities in braille, so as to attract individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, universities ought to enhance the accessibility of their premises by expanding the provision of assistive and supportive devices. The findings have implications to human resource practitioners in universities in enhancing quality service delivery by implementation of diversity policies.

Effectiveness of Lazarus’ Multimodal Therapy in Treatment of Burnout Symptoms, Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction

Judith Murithi, Anne Mbwayo, Bernard Boyo — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Critical care nurses globally face significant psychological distress due to prolonged trauma exposure, excessive workloads, and limited mental health support. These challenges reduce their ability to sustain Compassion Satisfaction (CS) and manage Burnout Symptoms (BOS) and Compassion Fatigue (CF), contributing to high staff turnover and compromised patient care. This study assessed the effectiveness of Lazarus’ Multimodal Therapy (MMT) in addressing BOS, CF, and CS among nurses at the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 78 nurses divided into treatment and control groups. A social demographic questionnaire and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (Pro-QOL v5) were used to assess BOS, CF, and CS at baseline, midline, and end line. Only the treatment group received MMT. Analysis using ANOVA at a 95% confidence interval via SPSS 29.0 revealed significant improvements in CS at baseline (p = .003), midline (p = .032), and end line (p = .021); BOS at midline (p = .022) and end line (p = .018); and CF at baseline (p = .012), midline (p = .007), and end line (p = .007). MMT effectively reduced BOS and CF while increasing CS. Participants in the treatment group experienced reduced emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, along with enhanced professional fulfillment. The study concluded that MMT is a highly effective intervention for improving the psychological well-being of critical care nurses. It recommends that healthcare administrators incorporate MMT into wellness programs and training, allocate resources for regular psychological assessments, and that nursing curricula include MMT to foster resilience. Government health agencies should also develop supportive mental health policies to enhance nurses’ well-being and improve healthcare delivery.

Hypertension Occurrence and Associated Risk Factors in HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Nairobi County, Kenya

Mary Adonga Eria, Rose Juma, Job Mapesa — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Due to advances in antiretroviral treatment, the incidence of HIV infection has declined in recent years. However, cardiovascular illnesses continue to be the primary cause of death and morbidity among HIV-positive individuals, accounting for 10% of all deaths that are not related to AIDS. The paper aimed to determine occurrence and risk factors associated with hypertension among HIV patients on antiretroviral treatment in Nairobi County. The study adopted a cross-sectional design, and a sample size of 552 respondents. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the area, and systemic random sampling was used to select participants. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data, which was analyzed using excel and SPSS. Results indicated (64.86%) female and 35.69% male participants. About 55.43% participants were married, 61.41% had informal jobs, 43.48% had attained elementary school level, and 99.64% identified as Christians. Accordingly, 14.52% of people had elevated blood pressure, and 85.48% recorded normal blood pressure. About 44.21% of people were overweight/obese as indicated by their waist circumference and BMI findings, and 24.64% were at risk because of their elevated waist circumference. The risk of hypertension is substantially higher among respondents 46 years and older than in respondents under 25 years (p = 0.008) at 95%CL. A higher waist circumference is linked to a higher risk of hypertension (p = 0.012), family history (p=0.021) Cl, whereas a person's chance of developing hypertension is higher when their heart rate remains constant than when it changes slightly (p = 0.036). In conclusion, advancing age, female gender, increase in waist circumference, overweight/obesity and family history were predictors for hypertension in this study. The study recommended Nairobi health service to integrate hypertension and HIV services; to give health education to patients and care givers and promote lifestyle modification; and the Ministry of Health (MoH) to formulate integration policies.

The Effect of Multi- Months Scripting on Health Care Workers’ Performance at HIV/AIDS Outpatient Clinics in Nairobi County, Kenya

Peter Waithaka, Wanja Tenambergen, Muthoni Mwangi — Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Healthcare workers (HCWs) shortage is a challenge facing health systems managers worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects a shortfall of 10 million HCWs by 2030, mostly in low-income countries. The shortage leads to high workload, poor HCW performance and undesirable patient outcomes. Implementation of Multi-Months Scripting (MMS) WHO guidelines reduces patient load in HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics. The study aims to demonstrate to policymakers, Health Systems Managers (HSMs), HCWs, and stakeholders that implementation of MMS results in improved HCWs performance. The study established the effects of MMS implementation on HCW's performance. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study through self-administered questionnaire applied to 128 HCWs sampled through Multi-stage sampling, in 20 clinics. Descriptive, bivariate, and ordinal logistic regression analysis was done. The findings indicated that 56% of respondents were females, 89% had served for 6-15 years, 99% were aware of MMS guidelines, 98% received supportive supervision and 90% received training on MMS. Majority, 94 % agreed MMS clients were compliant and had high retention. However, 48 % sited HIV commodities stock-out 6 months prior to the study, 98% observed reduction in HIV clients due to MMS, reduced waiting time, and improved performance; while 93% had more time with clients. Bivariate analysis revealed significant correlation between HCW performance and MMS guidelines awareness (0.334), client compliance (0.225); and a weak correlation (-0.599) with capacity development. There was no significant correlation (0.041) between MMS commodities flow and HCW performance. Ordinal logistic regression revealed the most significant influencer of HCW performance was client compliance, MMS guidelines awareness, and HCWs capacity development in that order (Sig.002, .011, and .014 respectively). The study concluded that implementation of MMS guidelines resulted in improved HCWs performance. It recommends policymakers, HSMs, HCW and stakeholders to revise service delivery guidelines to accommodate MMS implementation for improved HCW performance and patient outcomes.