Administration Of Questionnaire Research Articles

Factors associated with sleep quality in adolescent pregnant women.

To verify the association of sociodemographic, anthropometric, obstetric, lifestyle factors, and depressive symptoms with sleep quality in pregnant adolescents. This cross-sectional study involved pregnant adolescents aged 10 to 19 who received prenatal care in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Data collection included an individual evaluation form and the administration of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Prevalence and associations were calculated using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, followed by logistic regression analysis. The study included 386 pregnant adolescents with a mean age of 17 ± 2 years. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 67.5%. Poor sleep quality was associated with moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR = 2.21; 95%CI 1.27-3.85), higher education levels (OR = 2.26; 95%CI 1.43-3.57), and the presence of gestational physical symptoms (OR = 1.18; 95%CI 1.10-1.27). Pregnant adolescents exhibit a high prevalence of poor sleep quality, which is linked to depressive symptoms, higher education levels, and gestational physical symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of screening for sleep disorders in this population and emphasize the need for guidelines addressing physical symptoms and their impact on sleep, as well as the presence of depression.

The effects of rural -urban migration on service delivery demand increase in South African cities

Service delivery in cities is facing challenges related to high demand service delivery demand as a result of rural-urban migration patterns. This is the flow of people from rural areas to cities looking for better opportunities in relation to jobs and education. Thus, there is high demand for services in cites. The study seeks to assess whether there is high service delivery in cities because of rural-urban migration patterns. The study adopts a quantitative approach with the sample comprising 350 respondents, purposively selected through non- probability sampling, and required to complete a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The researcher assisted in terms of questionnaire administration. The completed questionnaire provided the quantitative data for statistical analysis, using SPSS version 28.0. Study findings indicate that, among other factors, problems related to illegal water connection, pit latrine, high electricity demand in urban areas which indicates more demand. The findings suggest a need for urban planning to harness the good aspects of rural- urban migration, providing key pointers for sustainable growth in local government, as well as to address the high urban crime rate, unemployment, delays in hospitals. This study activates proactive urban planning and community involvement through public participation channels and the need for urban municipalities to create bi-laws that will proactively dela with rural to urban migration.

Health, Socio- Technical, and Economic Constraints of Beekeeping in Bamboutos, Western Highlands of Cameroon

Beekeeping is important as a source of food, employment, and rural poverty alleviation. Honeybees are also important as the main pollinator of agricultural and forestry crops. However, there is a decrease in honeybee population worldwide, hence the objective of this study who was to investigate some of the challenges of beekeeping in Cameroon. Thus, a total of 56 beekeepers were investigated in Bamboutos in western Cameroon, using a questionnaire. Pests, predators and diseases were diagnosed retrospectively using a plate which was shown to beekeepers during the questionnaire administration. Signs of diseases reported by beekeepers included diarrhea (17.9%), chalkbrood (28.6 %), black bee (50%), and deformed wings (3.6%). The only parasite reported was Varroa (3.6%). Common insect pests were wax moth (87.5%), small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) (91.1%), large African hive beetle (Oplostomus fuligineus) (39.3%) and African death's-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) (51.8%). Other pests noticed by beekeepers were ants (96.4%), spiders (78.4%), lizards (69.6%), wasps (66.1%), termites (64.3%), squirrels (60.7%), flies (8.9%), snakes (5.4%), and cockroaches (5.4%). The socioeconomic constraints cited were: lack of funding (87.5%), robbery and vandalism (71.4%), shortage of apiarian lands (60.7%), and proliferation of adulterated honey (48. 2%). The technical challenges were: presence of pests, predators and diseases (100%), lack of technical knowledge (41.1%), pesticides issues (26.8%), and low hive stocking rate (12.5%). The environmental challenges encountered were: strong winds (60.7%), bush fires (64.3 %), and remoteness of apiaries (44.6%). Problems encountered by beekeepers can be addressed through collective efforts from governmental authorities, NGOs and beekeepers.

Veterans' Experiences of and Preferences for Patient-Centered, Measurement-Based PTSD Care.

Up to 50% of veterans drop out of trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapies (TF-EBP) without completing treatment or recovering; evidence suggests this is in part because their posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) care is insufficiently patient-centered. There is also evidence that measurement-based care (MBC) for mental health should be personalized to the patient, yet this is not common practice in VA PTSD care. To explore veterans' experiences and preferences for aligning measurement-based PTSD care with their own treatment goals. Qualitative interviews were conducted with veterans (n=15) with PTSD who had received at least 2 sessions of a TF-EBP. Survey on the administration of outcomes questionnaires and demographics and an interview about their most recent TF-EBP episode. Half of veterans had symptom-focused goals and half did not; all had at least one treatment goal that was not symptom-focused. They typically met their goals about functioning and coping skills but not their symptom reduction goals. We found veterans overall were receptive to MBC but preferred patient-reported outcomes measures about functioning, wellbeing, coping skills, and understanding their trauma more than the commonly used PTSD symptom scale (the PCL-5). Many veterans in this sample disliked the PCL-5 because it reinforced their maladaptive cognitions. Such veterans might be more receptive to MBC if offered patient-report outcomes measures that better align with their functional and wellbeing goals. For many goal/outcome areas, psychometrically sound measures exist and require better implementation in PTSD care. For some areas, scale development is needed.

SKILLS ACQUISITION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF NYSC FOR ECONOMY RECOVERY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN OYO STATE

This paper investigated the impacts of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development Program (SAED) of the National Youth Service Corp Scheme, particularly in the Oyo State on economic growth and development of the State emanating from emerging micro, small and medium enterprises. This is necessary in light of the fourth objective of the National Youth Service Corp which is to enable Nigerian youths to develop the spirit of self-reliance by encouraging them to develop skills for self-employment, job and wealth creation, and economy recovery and sustainability. Current corp-members enrolled in the SAED programme in Oyo State of Nigeria were surveyed through a descriptive qualitative and quantitative research design involving Questionnaire Administration (QA) across five (5) Local Government Areas in Ogbomoso of Oyo State. Data generated was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The paper was used to verify the program's level of participation, the state of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Entrepreneurship Education (EE) and Sustainability Knowledge (SK) before, during, and after the SAED training. The paper concluded that the trained corp-members' entrepreneurial activities have positive impacts on economic growth and development across Ogbomosoland. The findings allowed researchers to make recommendations that will be practical for policy reform in line with contemporary circumstances in respect of capacity building on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, development of small and medium-scale businesses, and credit facility accessibility for corp-members and youths in Ogbomosoland.

Fake news and Nigeria’s 2019 presidential election

ABSTRACT This article examines the manifestations, platforms and effect of fake news in Nigeria’s 2019 presidential election. Data for the study were drawn mainly from primary sources, notably the administration of questionnaire on 1300 purposively selected respondents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the six-geopolitical zones of the country. A total of 1294 copies of the questionnaire were returned and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings show that the majority of the respondents (86.8%) actively engaged and consumed general news about the 2019 presidential election. Again, the majority of the respondents identified instances of fake news before, during and after the election across the traditional and new media, but higher in the latter. Fake news negatively affected the election in many ways, notably the promotion of hate speech and violence. The inability of the government, political parties and presidential candidates to adequately debunk and correct fake news complicated the problem.

The Role of Participatory Leadership in Developing Creativity and Increasing Teachers’ Motivation toward Teaching in Saudi Schools

This study examines the relationship between participatory leadership, creativity development, and teacher motivation in Saudi schools, addressing a gap in the theoretical literature. The aim of this study is to understand how leadership styles impact educational outcomes. A descriptive quantitative research design was utilized, involving a thorough review of relevant literature and the administration of a closed-ended questionnaire to a sample of 100 teachers. The questionnaire was designed based on previous studies and validated through a pilot study, achieving a Cronbach's alpha of 0.897 for overall reliability. The results indicate a strong positive relationship between participatory leadership and both creativity development and teacher motivation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.974 (p = 0.000). This finding is consistent with existing literature that emphasizes the benefits of collaborative decision-making and professional development in enhancing job satisfaction and organizational success. The high level of agreement among teachers (mean = 4.09) underscores the significance of participatory leadership in fostering a supportive and innovative educational environment. In conclusion, the study highlights the pivotal role of participatory leadership in enhancing teacher motivation and creativity, which are essential for improving educational outcomes in Saudi schools. The study recommends that school principals adopt participatory practices, involve teachers in decision- making, and offer professional growth opportunities. Training programs on participatory leadership should be implemented, and further research should examine the long- term impacts on student performance and overall school effectiveness.

Is suicidal intent present when adolescents engage in non-suicidal self-injury?: A research note

IntroductionNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior (SB) co-occur and are usually framed in a self-harm continuum, being differentiated according to several factors, including suicidal intent (SI). The current study aims to clarify if SI is present when adolescents engage in NSSI and, in addition, if these behaviors’ severity and diversity predict the presence of SI when adolescents engage in NSSI. MethodsData were collected through the administration of a self-report questionnaire to 295 adolescents and young adults aged between 13 and 22 years, with a lifetime prevalence of NSSI. ResultsResults revealed that a large proportion of participants who reported no previous SB still report SI when engaging in NSSI. Regarding the diversity and severity of NSSI, both variables predicted the presence of SI during NSSI. ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that, although NSSI does not have underlying SI, it is often present when individuals practice these behaviors.

Health and University Students: The Mediator Role of Emotion Regulation Between Academic Stressors and Health Behaviors.

To determine the role of Health Behaviors and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in the relationship between Health and Academic Stress. A cross-sectional study with in-person administration of questionnaires. Data collection took place at nine public and private universities in Peru, involving a diverse group of students from different faculties. 1640 students, a majority of them female (61.8%), ranging in age between 18 and 30years old (M = 20.72; SD = 2.22). A sociodemographic form was used to collect participants' sociodemographic, academic, and health data. Academic stress was measured by the Inventory of Academic Stress (SISCO). Health habits were assessed using the University Students Lifestyle Questionnaire (CEVJU-Perú). The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CER-Q) and the SF-36 Questionnaire were also used to evaluate cognitive emotion regulation strategies and health-related quality of life, respectively. The SEM model results (x2/df = 2.30, CFI = .95, RMSEA = .03, SRMR = .04) reveal that Academic Stress has direct and indirect effects on Health. Negative Emotional Regulation have a negative impact on Health, this effect is direct; while Positive Emotional Regulation has an effect on Health, this effect is direct and indirect, the latter is through Sleep Management, Physical Activity and Leisure Management. In addition, Academic Stress maintains a direct effect on only one health behavior, Sleep Management. This study's findings contribute to a better understanding of the role played by emotion regulation, and by positive strategies in particular, in student health.

Analysis of Knowledge Management Implementation on Employee Performance in the Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) Division of PT Prima Multi Peralatan

The objective of this study is to obtain empirical evidence and conduct an analysis of the impact of Knowledge Management Implementation on Employee Performance within the Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) Division at PT Prima Multi Peralatan. This research adopts a quantitative, survey-based approach employing an associative method. The study population consists of all employees within the RTG Division at PT Prima Multi Peralatan, located at the Belawan Container Terminal, totaling 58 individuals, with the sample size comprising the entire population (census sampling). Data collection was conducted directly by the researcher through observations, the administration of structured questionnaires, and the review of relevant documentation. This study employs a quantitative descriptive methodology, with data analysis designed to test the hypotheses and address the research questions posed. The data analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS version 3 software.

Influence of Cultism on Administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools in North Central Nigeria

The study investigated influence of Cultism on Administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools in North Central Nigeria. Specifically, the study was guided by two objectives, and one research question was raised and answered by the study. One hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study covered the six states and Federal Capital Territory which make up North Central Nigeria. Population of the study was 6,792 administrative staff of Public Senior Secondary Schools which included Principals, Vice Principals and Dean of Studies. A sample of 378 respondents was drawn from the above population using Taro Yamane (1969) sample size determination formula. Mixed sampling technique was adapted and sampling was carried out in multi stages which included: purposive sampling, stratified proportionate random sampling and convenient sampling. A self-structured instrument titled “Cultism and Administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools Questionnaire” (CAPSSSQ) was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was validated by experts in Educational Administration and Planning, and Measurement and Evaluation in J.S.Tarka University and Benue State University Makurdi, and further tested for internal consistency through a process of reliability using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.87. Descriptive statistics; Mean and Standard Deviation; were used to answer the research questions and Chi-square (X2) goodness of fit was utilized to test the hypotheses. Findings of the study revealed that Cultism negative significant influence on Administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools in North Central Nigeria. From the findings, it was concluded that Cultism influences safety, stability and effectiveness of the learning environment and poses a challenge to effective administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools in North Central Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that government should review existing policies in order to remove bottle necks in administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools in the study area to enable school administrators to put in place pro-active measures in managing schools in crises situations.

The association between hypertension and different types of dietary carbohydrates

Background Hypertension is the most prominent and well acknowledged chronic disease in developed countries and is a significant contributor to global mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and different types of dietary carbohydrates. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted on 4184 people aged 35–70, including 1239 patients with hypertension and 2945 subjects with normal blood pressure (BP) in Sabzevar, Iran. The dietary intake data were collected through the administration of a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Utilizing Nutritionist IV software, dietary glucose, fructose, simple sugar, carbohydrate, and galactose consumption were evaluated. Results A direct association was found between dietary glucose and BP (odds ratio: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05; P = 0.04). This association remained significant after adjusting for age. Further adjustments for education, marital status, job, physical activity, and BMI, and additional adjustments for energy intake did not change the results. Conclusion In summary, the present study identified a significant association between hypertension and dietary intake of glucose. Considering that carbohydrates are an essential part of the diet worldwide, these findings can be valuable in formulating dietary interventions for hypertensive patients.

On the Margins of the Mining Economy: Occupational Health and Safety in Artisanal Scale Gemstone Mining in the Mwatate-Voi Area, Taita Taveta County, Kenya

Artisanal gemstone mining in Kenya provides income and livelihoods to many locals in Taita Taveta County. However, little is known about the occupational safety and health issues encountered in this activity. This study investigated major occupational health and safety issues associated with artisanal gemstone mining using a variety of methods including key informant interviews, administration of questionnaires to mineworkers and direct observations at mining sites. Out of ninety-five (95) miners surveyed at ten (10) mining sites, sixty-eight (68) (71.6 %) had suffered injuries resulting in absence from work for days up to over a month. The major injury type was contusions (73.5 %). The main cause of injuries was tools/machinery handling (92.6 %). Only about twenty-seven (27) miners (28.4 %) used safety gear at work while twenty-nine (29) (30.5 %) had received any form of safety training. This study suggests that miners generally lack basic knowledge and education on the mitigation of occupational hazards associated with their work and basic tools/equipment for use in gemstone mining. Provision of education on and/or adequate enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations by relevant government agencies would improve the knowledge of miners on how to minimize occupational hazards

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients with hyperlipidemia towards stroke: a cross-sectional study

Objective With the rising incidence and mortality rates of stroke, understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with hyperlipidemia towards stroke is crucial for improving their health management and preventing stroke. This study aimed to investigate the KAP of patients with hyperlipidemia towards stroke. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University between November 2, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Demographic information and KAP scores of the participants were collected via questionnaire administration. Results In this study, a total of 385 patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia were included. Among them, 211 (54.8%) were male, and 214 (55.6%) had been dealing with hyperlipidemia for less than one year. Multivariate analyses showed that age greater than or equal to 55 years (OR = 4.016, 95% CI: [2.128,7.579], p < .001) and attitude score greater than or equal to 21 (OR = 5.673, 95% CI: [3.432,9.376], p < .001) were independently associated with proactive practice. Mediation analysis showed that knowledge directly affected the attitude (β = 0.637, p = .010) and attitude directly affected the practice (β = 0.721, p = .010). Meanwhile, the direct effect of knowledge on practice was not significant (β = −0.059, p = .438), however, knowledge was found to indirectly affected practice through attitude (β = 0.459, p = .010). Conclusion Our study reveals that patients with hyperlipidemia exhibit a concerning gap in their understanding of stroke, despite holding positive attitudes and displaying suboptimal preventive practices.

The Correlation between Metacognition, Self-correction, and Writing Learning Outcomes of Students in the German Language Study Program

As one of the productive skills in learning a foreign language, writing plays a significant role in supporting the development of other language skills. To enhance writing skills, it is essential to have the ability to self-assess. This study aims to examine the correlation between metacognition and self-correction in relation to the writing learning outcomes of students enrolled in the German Language Education study program, while also assessing their capacity for self-correction in their writing skills. The research employed a correlational design, using a pre- and post-test nonequivalent control group approach. The sample consists of students enrolled in writing courses, selected through proportional sampling. Data collection involves the administration of tests, questionnaires, and interviews. The findings reveal a significant correlation between self-correction, metacognition, and writing learning outcomes among students in the German Language Education study program. The pretest Mean score was 56.9, while the post-test Mean score showed improvement at 72.6, indicating a difference of 15.7. Furthermore, the calculated correlation coefficient (r = 0.686) exceeds the tabulated correlation coefficient (r = 0.553). Comparing the results of students’ self-correction in the pre-test and post-test with the lecturer’s correction, an increase in self-correction ability was observed. In conclusion, this research contributed in enhancing German writing skills among students in the German Language Education study program. Keywords: German language, learning outcomes, metacognition, self-correction, writing

Water Quality Assessment and Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases within Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State-Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt Water quality and the prevalence of waterborne diseases in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, were assessed. Microbiological analyses revealed microbial, helminth and protozoan contamination in water sources while Physicochemical analyses revealed heavy metal contamination. There is a need for enhanced water treatment and community awareness for improving water safety and public health in the region. Full Abstract The health and well-being of individuals in a nation are intrinsically tied to the quality of water available for consumption. Access to high-quality water plays a vital role in supporting proper nutrition, ensuring food security, and preventing waterborne diseases. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess water quality and prevalence of waterborne diseases within Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires (400 respondents) and laboratory water analysis. Water samples were analyzed from various sources involving boreholes, rivers and wells through composite sampling and physicochemical and microbiological analyses. Results showed samples from Unguwan Maigero and Tricania possessed varying physicochemical properties, while water from Goningora and Nasarawa revealed high turbidity and heavy metal contamination. Chloride levels were below 500 ppm, and sulphate concentrations ranged from 10.76 to 378.3 ppm. Sodium levels ranged from 19.5 to 110 mg/l, and potassium levels exceeded the permissible limit in some samples. Total coliform counts exceeded national limits (zero coliform per 100ml of water), indicating significant microbial contamination. Parasitological analysis indicated helminths and protozoan contamination in non-borehole sources. Findings showed 41% prevalence of waterborne diseases with diarrhea and typhoid. The study indicates that community awareness, appropriate water treatment, surveillance, and monitoring are essentials for assuring the availability and utilisation of safe and high-quality drinking water in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State.

Adaptation of the G-NORM (Gender norms scale) in Uganda: An examination of how gender norms are associated with reproductive health decision-making.

Restrictive gender norms exacerbate health inequalities all over the world. More specifically, they prevent women from seeking preventive health services, constrain women's economic empowerment, and are associated with reproductive health decision making. Gender norms, a subset of social norms, are dynamic and change over time. However, we lack data on how they are changing and how these changes affect health outcomes because current measures do not adequately capture the complex concept of gender norms. We originally developed and validated a gender norms scale, the G-NORM, in India. In this study, using cross-sectional data, we adapted the G-NORM from Southeast Asia (India and Nepal) to sub-Saharan Africa (Uganda) in four steps: 1. Formulation of new scale items (via qualitative analysis) 2. Cognitive Interviewing 3. Questionnaire Administration (n = 2422 women of reproductive age) and 4. Psychometric analysis (Confirmatory Factor Analysis). Like the original scale, descriptive norms and injunctive norms comprised two unique sub scales with high Cronbach's alphas (.80 & .92). Average scores differed depending on the type of norm suggesting that some gender norms are changing faster than others. Specifically, more equitable injunctive norms were associated with lower odds of partner-dominated contraceptive decision making but descriptive norms were not. Gender norms serve as a multi-faceted determinant of health and wellbeing and require measurement tools which account for their conceptual complexity. Validating the G-NORM in Uganda expands measurement options for researchers in the sub-Saharan African region working to change norms to reduce health inequalities or to understand the gender normative context before beginning a study.

Impact of Access to Finance on Small Scale Businesses’ Growth in Jigawa State, Nigeria

The study examined the impact of access to finance on the growth of small scale businesses (SSBs) in Jigawa State. The study employed a survey method as its research design and the population of the study comprises of all small scale businesses in Jigawa State. A multistage sampling technique was employed to determine the sample size out of which the respondents were selected. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaire to the sampled respondents. The findings from the study identified the financial options available for SSBs across the state which include cooperative societies, loans and micro financing organizations, personal savings and funds from friends and families. The findings further revealed how culture and traditions, lack of support services in business development, high collateral requirements for credit and difficult access to technology and market have constituted obstacles in starting and growth of an enterprise for small scale business owners. The study concludes that to ensure effective growth of small businesses in the state, some of the socio-economic, infrastructural and management challenges to be addressed. It thus, recommends the need to strengthen access to finance for SSBs through creating awareness on available financing options, enabling environment for small scale business owners, facilitating access to public support services and expanding sources of funding to improve businesses with little collateral.

Household Level Determinants of Wheat Packages Adoption in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

Wheat has been considered as one of the strategic food security crops in Ethiopia. A number of research efforts have been done by different research institutions to improve the production and productivity of the crop and as a result a number of wheat production packages has been released and promoted all across the country, including Tigray. Yet, in Tigray, there is no adequate evidence on the adoption status of wheat packages and their determinant factors. Hence, this adoption study was initiated with the objective to analyze the status of wheat packages adoption, and determinant factors for further adoption. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 493 households from five wheat growing districts of the region. Data were collected through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive statistics and Multivariate Probit (MVP) model. The descriptive results described that, the average wheat packages adoption status was 67%, of these only 17% of farmers adopted all five packages. The result of MVP model revealed that sex, age, livestock size, extension services, average plot distance, off-farm income source, farmer perception on his status and credit access were the determinant factors which facilitate/and/or hinder wheat packages adoption in Tigray. Thus, the policy and development interventions should focus on improving institutional support and wealth creation opportunities to improve production and productivity of wheat producer farmers in Tigray.

Environmental Factors Affecting Growth of MSME’s Owned by Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Rural Areas in Kenya: A Case of Meru County

Purpose: In the recent past, the government of Kenya has paid much attention to entrepreneurship primarily because of the positive relationship between entrepreneurship, job creation and economic growth. In Kenya, over 1.3 million Persons live with disabilities with most of them being generally economically deprived and over-represented among the poor. The aim of the study study was to investigate the external business factors affecting growth of MSME’s owned by entrepreneurs with disabilities in rural areas in Kenya: a case of Meru County. Methodology: The target population comprised of 2021 entrepreneurs with disabilities. The researcher used a combination of stratified sampling, census and purposive sampling method to select the respondents. Data was collected by administration of questionnaires designed based on the research objectives. The data collected was then coded, entered, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: The findings showed that if all factors; political-legal environment, social –cultural environment and technological environment had a positive and significant effect on growth of MSME’s. Political –legal factors had the greatest effect at 0,882, followed technological at 0.799 while social factors had 0.633. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that the government should provide adequate and timely funding to vocational and technical training institutions. Government funding programs such as Women, Youth and Uwezo fund should increase the minimum loan amount, simplify loan application process and ensure timely disbursement of funds as well as establish strategies of lending to individuals. Finally, a mentorship office should be established in every constituency to offer sector specific programs including activities geared towards exposing EwD’s to successful entrepreneurs.