International Journal of Professional Practice

Effect of Socio-demographic Characteristics on Health System Responsiveness in Diabetic and Hypertensive Clinics:

Hillary Kibiriti — 2024-04-19

This study aimed to investigate the effect of socio-demographic characteristics on health system responsiveness within diabetic and hypertensive clinics in tier three hospitals in Kenya. Responsiveness, which refers to meeting non-health-improving expectations, is crucial for a well-functioning health system, and gaps in responsiveness can compromise the quality of healthcare. While both client and health system factors contribute to responsiveness, the specific influence of socio-demographic characteristics on health systems responsiveness remains unexplored in Kenyan chronic care centers. The cross-sectional descriptive survey involved 308 respondents from Kimilili, Uasin Gishu, and Gatundu hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed responsiveness domains such as promptness, respect, communication, involvement, confidentiality, choice, cleanliness, social support access, and overall trust, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Socio-demographic factors investigated included facility location, gender, age, medical condition, religion, marital status, education levels, income level, occupation, and insurance enrollment. The mean responsiveness score was 98.8 (63.7%), with only 38.3% of respondents reporting favorable outcomes. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations (p<0.05) between responsiveness and facility location, religion, marital status, occupation, and medical condition. Age, gender, insurance enrollment, education, and income level showed no significant association (p>0.05) with responsiveness. The study concluded that favorable responsiveness was less likely than unfavorable outcomes, highlighting the significance of socio-demographic factors. It recommends that healthcare managers prioritize holistic, patient-centered interactions to improve responsiveness in chronic care clinics, taking into account the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on patients' experiences and expectations.

Enhancing Maize Growth and Yield through Hydropriming in Buuri East Sub-County, Kenya

Tabitha Wanja Kaburu — 2024-04-19

Maize crop is a source of staple diet in Kenya, providing nourishment for millions of humans as well as livestock. However, population growth has outpaced the output of maize, due to low crop yield which has been largely attributed to low water status in the plants, leading to poor nutrient uptake and utilization. This study aimed to explore the effects of hydropriming on plant germination, growth vigour and yields of maize in Buuri East Sub County, Meru County. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was deployed to lay down the experiments. The hydropriming treatments were set at 0 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours, and effects tested on two maize varieties; namely, H614 and Pioneer 38. Sowing was done on the same day. Data was collected on stem height, leaf length, stem diameter, node length, cob weight, cob length, weight of 100 seeds, and total yields, summarized in Excel and analysed using SPSS version 21. ANOVA was performed to determine which treatments had statistically significant effects at alpha = 0.05. LSD was used to separate the means. Results showed that hydropriming for 24 hrs and 36 hrs had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on plant height, leaf length, stem diameter, node length, cob weight, cob length and weight of 100 maize grains which were parameters for growth vigour significantly affected by hydropriming with 36 hours of soaking performing better. The 36 hour priming yielded highest grain per hectare, producing 9,050kg/ha for H614 and 9,600kg/ha for Pioneer 38 respectively. This was 4-fold compared to the non-primed seeds in both varieties. The study concludes that hydropriming of maize would result in better and improved yields in this area. The study recommends that farmers consider hydropriming at 36-hour priming in order to optimize high seedling growth vigour and total maize yields.

Influence of Teachers’ Characteristics on Teaching and Learning Management for Pupils with Intellectual Disability in Special Schools, Meru County

Esther Kaario M’Birithu — 2024-04-22

Effective teaching and learning for pupils with intellectual disabilities (ID) is essential for socioeconomic development. However, educational opportunities and support for such pupils are limited in Kenya, leading to their exclusion and decreased academic achievement. Despite the presence of special schools aimed at serving intellectually disabled learners in Meru County, challenges persist in providing quality education tailored to the needs of pupils with intellectual disabilities. This study investigates the impact of teachers' characteristics on teaching and learning management for pupils with intellectual disabilities in special schools in Meru County, drawing upon Vygotsky's theory. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The target population included four special schools, 45 teachers, 4 head teachers, 387 parents, 4 Sub-County Directors of Education, and 4 Teachers' Service Commission Sub-County Directors as observation units. From this population, a sample size of 45 teachers, 32 parents, four head teachers, four Sub-County Directors of Education, and four Teachers' Service Commission Sub-County Directors was proportionally and randomly selected. Data collection tools included questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews, with validity and reliability of the tools ensured. The findings indicated that teachers' qualifications and competencies positively influence teaching and learning management for learners with intellectual disabilities. Consequently, the study concludes that teachers' characteristics, competencies, and attitudes significantly impact the quality of teaching and learning management for pupils with intellectual disabilities in special schools in Meru County, Kenya. Factors such as academic qualifications, experience, differentiated instruction skills, communication techniques, behaviour management, collaboration, assessment, and advocacy collectively influence educational experiences for learners with intellectual disabilities. The study recommends that the Teachers Service Commission prioritize recruiting highly qualified and experienced teachers in special education schools, and further invest in specialized training programs to enhance teachers' competencies in implementing individualized learning practices for intellectually disabled learners.

Impact of Family Counselling on the Psychological Well-Being of Cancer Patients attending Oncology Clinics in Meru County

Margaret Ndiah Magambo — 2024-04-22

Cancer patients face significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that impact their overall health, indicating unmet need for psychosocial support. Lack of psychological support worsens the well-being of cancer parents, and complicates medical treatment and recovery. Many oncology clinics lack sufficient mechanisms for engaging family members in helping patients navigate psychosocial challenges. Unfortunately, this undermines efforts by the Ministry of Health, which allocates resources and deploys qualified personnel for cancer management. In seeking solutions to this situation, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of family counselling on the psychological well-being of cancer patients attending oncology clinics in Meru County, Kenya. The study was anchored on social cognitive theory and utilized a convergent survey research design. The target population comprised 2580 cancer patients, 2580 caregivers and 53 clinicians; out of which 335 cancer patients, 40 caregivers and 6 clinicians were sampled. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The study adopted systematic, random and purposive sampling techniques in selecting subjects. Data collection tools were questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Reliability and validity were established accordingly. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, and thematic analysis were used to analyze data. Findings indicated that family counselling significantly reduced stigma, increased cancer knowledge and understanding, and consequently improved the psychological well-being of patients. The study recommended integration of family counselling into oncology clinics owing to its value in addressing family dynamics, enhancing decision-making, harmony, emotional, social, nutritional, financial and spiritual wellbeing, as well as other dimensions linked to cancer patient welfare. Clinicians, psychologists, and caregivers should prioritize a holistic approach in family counselling, encompassing comprehensive family involvement, continuous family members empowerment, coordinated decision-making, and family-tailored counselling sessions. Policies should prioritize adequate resources, cultural competence training, integrated family-centred services, and inter-professional collaborations to address challenges undermining cancer patients' psychological well-being.

Influence of Institutional Capacity on the Competitiveness of TVET Institutions in Nyeri County

Edward Kahiga — 2024-04-22

The contemporary labour market and the growing self-employment sector demand a workforce with diverse skills, prompting changes in the training and education landscape at TVET institutions. Despite significant reforms and a regulatory framework, TVET institutions in Kenya, including those in Nyeri County, need to catch up in developing competitive capability. The research aimed to assess the influence of institutional capacity on the competitiveness of TVET institutions. The theory of dynamic capability and balanced scorecard model informed this research. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, employing a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The target population comprised 35 principals, 475 department heads and 315 student leaders from 35 TVET institutions in Nyeri County. A sample size of 11 principals, 11 student leaders, and 176 HODs was drawn from 11 TVET institutions. A systematic sampling technique was utilized to select the number of participating TVETs from Nyeri County, while HODS, principals, and student leaders from each sampled TVET institute were selected purposely. The tools for data collection included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, the quality of which was assured by checking validity and reliability. Descriptive statistics and inferential techniques were applied to quantitative data, while themes were generated from qualitative data. The study established a clear relationship between institutional capacity and competitiveness, indicating that enhancing internal capabilities is significant for the competitive positioning of TVET institutions. However, findings revealed inadequate workshops, technology infrastructure, computer labs, and libraries. The study underscores the need for substantial investment in physical infrastructure, including modern seminar halls, laboratories, computer facilities, and libraries. TVETs should invest in developing these facilities, upgrading technology, and subscribing to e-resources to increase learner engagement and support. Other measures recommended for supporting institutional capacities included up-to-date learning materials, staff training and professional development programs.