Copperbelt Province Of Zambia Research Articles

Benefits of Adopting Sustainability Practices by Construction Companies: Developing Country’s Perspective

Abstract In today’s world, sustainability practices are critical to every industry including the construction sector. This has come into being because of the pressure exerted on organisations and their supply chains by different stakeholders who demand ethically produced goods and services as well as responsible service delivery methods. The purpose of this research was to assess the relationship between sustainability practices and the benefits that sustainability offers organisations. This study employed cross-sectional descriptive design with a quantitative approach. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions from 67 respondents who were purposively sampled from building construction companies registered with the National Council for Construction (NCC) in grades 1 to 4 and operating in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. These included senior management employees involved in various projects. The collected data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis. The findings revealed that economic sustainability practices had a significant influence on delivering sustainability benefits, whereas social and environmental sustainability practices had no significant influence on delivering sustainability benefits. The research further revealed that the period a company was in operation significantly contributed to its ability to realise sustainability benefits, and to the contrary, that awareness and stakeholder participation did not. The researcher thus recommended that companies in the construction sector should develop and implement sustainability policies in order to meet the expectations of several stakeholders and secure long-term competitive advantage.

Perceptions of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in selected Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions of Zambia: A qualitative study on the perspectives of young people and healthcare providers.

The recognition of the need for Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Health Services (AYFHS) is growing. It is important to ensure the provision of high-quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services that cater to the unique needs of adolescents and young people (AYP). Adolescents and young people spend a significant amount of time in Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions (HTEIs) where adolescent friendly services are needed. However, there is limited evidence on the availability of sexual and reproductive health services for young people in HTEIs in Zambia. Using the Human Rights Based Approach to healthcare availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of care (AAAQ) framework, this study explores young people's perceptions of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in selected HTEIs in Zambia. Between March and June 2021, a qualitative case study was conducted in 12 selected HTEIs located in Lusaka, Central, and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. The study employed In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with AYPs, as well as Key-informant Interviews (KIIs) with healthcare providers. The healthcare providers at health facility, district and provincial levels were interviewed to provide insights about the services provided in the HTEIs. A total of 112 interviews were conducted. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis in NVivo version 11. In the study, young people reported the availability of primary health services like malaria, HIV, and pregnancy testing, as well as screening for STIs. However, their awareness of SRH services was limited. Contraception, STI testing and treatment, and HIV and pregnancy screening and testing were the most accessed services. Equipment and commodity shortages were common, hindering care provision. Young people found healthcare services in educational institutions inaccessible, with limited comprehensive care and understanding from providers. Services lacked tailoring for key populations and privacy/confidentiality. Health care providers also reported inadequate youth-friendly spaces, equipment, medication and trained workers which compromised the quality of care. Peer educators and provider training were seen as essential for improving accessibility and acceptability of services. The findings indicate significant barriers to the accessibility, availability, and acceptability of SRH services for AYP in HTEIs in Zambia. There is a pressing need to enhance AYSRH programming by increasing awareness of services and ensuring their availability and accessibility for young people. Sufficient funding for AYFHS can address challenges related to service quality, including inconsistent availability of medical equipment and supplies. Building the capacity of service providers can potentially enhance the uptake of services by AYP. It is crucial to target services to address the specific vulnerabilities of students with disabilities and key populations, aligning with the goal of achieving universal health coverage and leaving no one behind.

Drivers of antimicrobial resistance in layer poultry farming: Evidence from high prevalence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and enterococci in Zambia.

Inappropriate use of antimicrobials exacerbates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the poultry sector. Information on factors driving AMR in the layer poultry sector is scarce in Zambia. This study examined the drivers of AMR in the layer poultry sector in the Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia. This cross-sectional study employed a structured questionnaire in 77 layer poultry farms in the provinces of Lusaka and Copperbelt, Zambia, from September 2020 to April 2021. Data analysis was conducted using Stata version 16.1. Antimicrobial resistance was defined as the presence of multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify drivers of AMR. In total, 365 samples were collected, from which 339 (92.9%) Escherichia coli and 308 (84.4%) Enterococcus spp. were isolated. Multidrug resistance was identified in 39% of the E. coli and 86% of the Enterococcus spp. The overall prevalence of AMR in layer poultry farms was 51.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.3%-63.5%). Large-scale farmers (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04%-0.99%) than small-scale and farmers who were aware of AMR than those who were unaware (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08%-0.86%) were less likely to experience AMR problems. This study found a high prevalence of AMR in layer poultry farming linked to the type of farm management practices and lack of AMR awareness. Evidence of high MDR in our study is of public health concern and requires urgent attention. Educational interventions must increase AMR awareness, especially among small- and medium-scale poultry farmers.

Axiological Orientation of Learning Facilitators on Reflective Teaching Practice in Selected Universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

Axiological Orientation of Learning Facilitators on Reflective Teaching Practice in Selected Universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

Unearthing Techniques Lecturers Apply to Reflect on Their Teaching Process in Selected Universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

This article explores techniques lecturers apply to reflect on their teaching process in selected universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia. The study was qualitative underpinned with social constructivism worldview. The case study design was used. In this study, data was generated from 32 participants who were purposively selected and were subjected to one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. The generated data was analyzed using thematic approach. The study revealed that public health lecturers reflect on their teaching process using academic assessment of students, peer reflective teaching, through participatory approaches, getting feedback from the learners, participatory work in the laboratory and action research. The study concluded that although lecturers reflected in and on their teaching, the style of reflection has not been enhanced to the level of them being critical and innovative reflective practitioners. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Education standards officers should continue to maintain standards in Universities and Colleges to control over enrolments and overcrowding in classes so that the lecturers can teach efficiently and effectively so that students can benefit fully from the lecturers.

An Assessment of the Safety of Transport Modes Used By Pupils to and from School in Selected Schools of Western, North Western and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

Assessment of the safety of transport modes used by pupils to and from school is an important issue for ensuring the well-being and academic success of pupils. This research aimed at assessing the safety of transportation modes used by pupils in selected schools of Western, North Western, and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia. The study used a qualitative approach involving 4 schools conveniently sampled from each of the three (3) provinces. A total of eight pupils were further conveniently selected from each of the schools. More so, 8 pupils were sampled conveniently from each of the schools, making total of 96 pupils altogether. This means 32 pupils from each province participated in this study. The selection criteria included schools with a diverse range of pupil populations and varying levels of experience. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes in the data. The results showed that different transportation modes, such as vehicles, bicycles, and walking, had different levels of safety risks and challenges. Common safety concerns included speeding, reckless driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and lack of appropriate safety gear. The study identified several recommendations to mitigate these risks, such as improving road infrastructure, enforcing speed limits, providing safety education for pupils, and ensuring adequate vehicle maintenance. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of parental involvement in ensuring the safety of their children during school transportation. The findings of this research can inform policies and interventions aimed at improving the safety of school transportation modes and promoting the well-being and academic success of pupils in Zambia.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia: implications and significance on one health.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been deepening in the layer poultry sector in Zambia partly due to the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a commensal and zoonotic bacterium, can potentially be a source of AMR. This study assessed the phenotypic AMR profiles of E. coli isolated from the apparent health-laying hens in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2021 in which 365 cloacal swabs were collected from 77-layer farms based in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. E. coli isolation and identification were done using cultural and biochemical properties and confirmed using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Data analysis was done using WHONET 2020 and Stata v.16.1. Of the 365 samples, E. coli was isolated from 92.9% (n = 339). The AMR was detected in 96.5% (n = 327) of the isolates, of which 64.6% (n = 219) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). E. coli was highly resistant to tetracycline (54.6%) and ampicillin (54%) but showed low resistance to meropenem (0.9%), ceftazidime (6.2%) and chloramphenicol (8.8%). This study found a high prevalence of E. coli resistant to some commonly used antibiotics in poultry, which is a public health concern because of the potential contamination of eggs and layers of chicken meat that enter the food chain. Urgent attention is needed, including strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance programmes in layer poultry production in Zambia.

Knowledge and Self-Reported Practices towards Breast Self-Examination among Women of Child-Bearing Age in Luanshya District of Zambia

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women in the world. In Zambia, it is the second common cancer among women after cervical cancer. Diagnostic methods for Breast Cancer include Breast Self-Examination, Clinical Breast Examination and Mammography for women above 40 years of age. While Clinical Breast Examination and Mammography are performed by health care providers, Breast Self-Examination is performed by the individual woman. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional correlation study. It was conducted in Mikomfwa area of Luanshya district on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia on women of childbearing age from 18 to 45 years. A sample of 92 women was randomly selected and data was collected using an interview-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 through which descriptive statistics were generated. A chi-square test was used to determine the association between practices of Breast Self-Examination and the level of knowledge and other socio-demographic variables among women who participated in the study. Results: A good number (39.1%) of participants did not have any information about Breast Self-Examination while 60.9% had information prior to the study. At least 59 (60.7%) knew that Breast Cancer can be detected through Breast Self-Examination. Among those, 56 (60.9%) that had information about Breast Self-Examination, the majority 30(53.6%) had adequate knowledge on Breast Self-Examination while 26 (46.4%) expressed inadequate knowledge. Similarly, out of the 56 who had information about Breast Self-Examination only 30 (53.6%) had good practice and 26 (46.4%) had poor practices. However, there was no significant association observed between knowledge of Breast Self-Examination and self-reported practices. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that majority of the women had adequate knowledge of Breast Self- Examination but the practice of Breast Self-Examination were low. We recommended intensified self- awareness campaigns, as Breast Self-Examination is important for early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Challenges Faced in The Application of Reflective Practice on The Public Health Teaching and Learning Process by The Lecturers in Selected Universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

This study explored challenges faced in the application of reflective practice on the public health teaching and learning process by the lecturers in selected universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia. The study rids on a case study design to generate evidence on challenges faced. Data was collected from a total sample of 32 participants. The study found that too much workload by lecturers, large number of students in class, limited time with a semester system, limited resources for teaching staff and students, shortage of teaching staff and lack of teaching qualifications and experience amongst teaching staff were among challenges that affected lecturers’ ability to reflect on their teaching . Equally, it was found that lecturers refusing to be evaluated, cultural lag among older lecturers and differences in backgrounds among teaching staffs had a negative implication on lecturers’ ability to reflect on their teaching. The study concluded that despite reflective teaching practice being an important strategy for promoting quality teaching and learning, higher learning institutions have not paid much attention on impediments to reflective teaching. Therefore, the study recommends that Education standards officers should continue to maintain standards in Universities and Colleges to control over enrolments and overcrowding in classes so that the lecturers can teach efficiently and effectively so that students can benefit fully from the lecturers.

Use of Multi-Date and Multi-Spectral UAS Imagery to Classify Dominant Tree Species in the Wet Miombo Woodlands of Zambia.

Accurate maps of tree species distributions are necessary for the sustainable management of forests with desired ecological functions. However, image classification methods to produce species distribution maps for supporting sustainable forest management are still lacking in the Miombo woodland ecoregion. This study used multi-date multispectral Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) imagery collected at key phenological stages (leaf maturity, transition to senescence, and leaf flushing) to classify five dominant canopy species of the wet Miombo woodlands in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Object-based image analysis (OBIA) with a random forest algorithm was used on single date, multi-date, and multi-feature UAS imagery for classifying the dominant canopy tree species of the wet Miombo woodlands. It was found that classification accuracy varies both with dates and features used. For example, the August image yielded the best single date overall accuracy (OA, 80.12%, 0.68 kappa), compared to October (73.25% OA, 0.59 kappa) and May (76.64% OA, 0.63 kappa). The use of a three-date image combination improved the classification accuracy to 84.25% OA and 0.72 kappa. After adding spectral indices to multi-date image combination, the accuracy was further improved to 87.07% and 0.83 kappa. The results highlight the potential of using multispectral UAS imagery and phenology in mapping individual tree species in the Miombo ecoregion. It also provides guidance for future studies using multispectral UAS for sustainable management of Miombo tree species.

The Impact of Provision of Home Economics Skills at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Levels for Sustainable Social and Economic Development in Communities: the case of Mufulira District of the Copper Belt Province of Zambia

The Impact of Provision of Home Economics Skills at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Levels for Sustainable Social and Economic Development in Communities: the case of Mufulira District of the Copper Belt Province of Zambia

Assessing the Occurrence of Heavy Metals in Edible Fruits Grown around Mine Tailings Dam in Kitwe

Mining activities in the Copperbelt province of Zambia have been of great environmental concern, despite recorded improvements in the socio-economic sector. Heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from depositing mine tailings and rock waste has posed possible health risks for communities nearer such facilities. The current study was conducted around residential homes surrounding Kitwe slimes (TD25). This work investigated levels of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb in the soils, and avocado and lemons fruits, growing near TD25. Heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The work further assessed the estimated daily intake (EDI) associated with potential health risks to humans. In the soil, concentration levels of heavy metals showed a trend in the order: Fe > Cu > Mn > Co > Pb. Heavy metal contents in avocado and lemon fruits at 200 and 400 m away from TD25, all had p-values -1 (avocado) and 0.14 mg·kg-1 (lemon), though both results were far below the FAO/WHO standard range (12.5 - 19.6 mg·kg-1). For both fruits, Co and Pb results were negligible. The concentration of the five heavy metals in avocado and lemon fruits grown around Kitwe slimes did not pose any health risks to the consumers.

Pathways to Reflective Practice Manifestation in the Public Health Teaching and Learning Process by the Lectures in Selected Universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

Pathways to Reflective Practice Manifestation in the Public Health Teaching and Learning Process by the Lectures in Selected Universities in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Enterococcus species isolated from laying hens in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia: a call for AMR surveillance in the poultry sector.

The use of antimicrobials in layer poultry production for improved production, growth promotion, prophylaxis and treatment purposes has contributed to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in poultry. In Zambia, there is a paucity of information on the prevalence and AMR patterns of Enterococcus species isolated from laying hens. This study investigated the prevalence and AMR patterns of enterococci isolated in layer hens in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021. Three hundred and sixty-five pooled cloacal swab samples were collected from 77 layer poultry farms. Enterococci identification and confirmation were performed using Analytical Profile Index (API 20 STREP) and 16S rRNA sequencing, respectively. A panel of nine antibiotics was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing and interpreted according to the CLSI 2020 guidelines. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23 and WHONET 2020. A total of 308 (83%) single Enterococcus species isolates were obtained and showed resistance to tetracycline (80.5%), erythromycin (53.6%), quinupristin/dalfopristin (53.2%), ampicillin (36.72%), vancomycin (32.8%), linezolid (30.2%), ciprofloxacin (11.0%), nitrofurantoin (6.5%) and chloramphenicol (3.9%). The prevalence of enterococci resistant to at least one antibiotic was 99.4% (n = 306), of which 86% (n = 265) were MDR. This study found a high prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci. The presence of MDR requires urgent intervention and implementation of AMR surveillance strategies and antimicrobial stewardship programmes in layer poultry production in Zambia.

Roles of clinical supervisors in the clinical training of radiography students in Zambia: a qualitative study

Clinical supervisors are responsible for the facilitation of practice-based learning for radiography students. However, literature is scarce on the roles of clinical supervisors in the clinical training of students in Zambia. This study was aimed at identifying and exploring the roles of clinical supervisors in the clinical training of radiography students in Zambia. A qualitative design with unstructured interviews was used in this study. Ten individual interviews were conducted in July 2018 with clinical supervisors of radiography students working at the main clinical training and placement sites of the Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia, respectively. All digital interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Three main roles of a clinical supervisor emerged: managerial, educational, and supportive. The managerial role deals with organising and managing clinical training resources. The educational role involves imparting knowledge and skills to students. The supportive role involves supporting students with social and learning problems. Findings show the inter-relationship of these roles to each other. Clinical supervisors need to understand their roles in order to develop and maintain their competences in the facilitation of practice-based learning. This could also help stakeholders to provide appropriate support to clinical supervisors.

The role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education on Child Sexual Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy among secondary school learners

The introduction of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Zambian school curriculum has raised debate among stakeholders. Despite the Ministry of Education using Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a way of reducing various challenges faced by learners with regards to their sexuality education, the effectiveness and mode of implementing CSE is a source of concern. This study sought to explore the perceptions of learners and teachers on the role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in reducing child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy. The total number of 60 participants who included 40 secondary school learners and 20 secondary school teachers from two secondary schools in Kitwe District on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The findings revealed that 50% of the learners were of the view the CSE had failed its goal of reducing child sexual abuse. The study further indicated that 60% of the teachers and 50% of the learners agreed that CSE helped to prevent early sex and teenage pregnancies in learners. The study concluded that both teachers and learners were of the views that CSE increased awareness on child sexual abuse to learners. The study recommended the need by the Ministry of Education to promote guidance and counselling services in schools with emphasis on peer counselling and peer-led life skills education to address issues of child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy as well as the need by teachers to implement CSE by integrating its content in currier subjects and not teaching it as standalone subject.

A descriptive study of all COVID- 19 clients in Copperbelt province, Zambia 2020: A retrospective analysis

Introduction: Zambia is among the countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the socio-demographic characteristic of the population affected, survival from infections, and identifies health-related factors associated with COVID-19 infections in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. Methods: We analyzed COVID-19 related data on clients tested from 19th February, 2020 to 8th July, 2020 The data comprised laboratory test data where a positive COVID-19 infection was confirmed with RT-PCR, and data on a person´s socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, and co-morbidities, collected using a structured questionnaire administered to consenting persons during testing. In addition, we reviewed patient medical files for hospitalised individuals.

Place-Based Analysis of Satellite Time Series Shows Opposing Land Change Patterns in the Copperbelt Region of Zambia

The process of land degradation needs to be understood at various spatial and temporal scales in order to protect ecosystem services and communities directly dependent on it. This is especially true for regions in sub-Saharan Africa, where socio economic and political factors exacerbate ecological degradation. This study identifies spatially explicit land change dynamics in the Copperbelt province of Zambia in a local context using satellite vegetation index time series derived from the MODIS sensor. Three sets of parameters, namely, monthly series, annual peaking magnitude, and annual mean growing season were developed for the period 2000 to 2019. Trend was estimated by applying harmonic regression on monthly series and linear least square regression on annually aggregated series. Estimated spatial trends were further used as a basis to map endemic land change processes. Our observations were as follows: (a) 15% of the study area dominant in the east showed positive trends, (b) 3% of the study area dominant in the west showed negative trends, (c) natural regeneration in mosaic landscapes (post shifting cultivation) and land management in forest reserves were chiefly responsible for positive trends, and (d) degradation over intact miombo woodland and cultivation areas contributed to negative trends. Additionally, lower productivity over areas with semi-permanent agriculture and shift of new encroachment into woodlands from east to west of Copperbelt was observed. Pivot agriculture was not a main driver in land change. Although overall greening trends prevailed across the study site, the risk of intact woodlands being exposed to various disturbances remains high. The outcome of this study can provide insights about natural and assisted landscape restoration specifically addressing the miombo ecoregion.

Factors Affecting Radiographers in the Clinical Supervision of Radiography Students in a Limited Resource Setting: A Survey in Zambia

Background and Purpose: Clinical teaching and learning are an important aspect of radiography programmes. It enables radiography students to acquire knowledge, attitudes, skills, and competence under the clinical supervision of designated radiographers. However, there is a paucity of research on radiography clinical training and the factors that impact on it. This study aimed to evaluate factors that affect supervising radiographers in the clinical supervision of radiography students in Zambia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilised in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from supervising radiographers (N=120) working in public hospitals affiliated with the schools of radiography and located in the Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The response rate was 75% (N=120/160). Supervising radiographers rated the current system of clinical supervision as being unsatisfactory. Factors that facilitated the clinical supervision process were an adequate supply of X-ray films, students sharing their learning problems and radiology department management support. On the other hand, factors that inhibited the clinical supervision process were a lack of guidelines, lack of theory amongst students, combined supervision of diploma and degree students, student overcrowding, lack of educational audits, unjustified imaging requests, insufficient clinical teaching knowledge, and inadequate faculty and hospital management supports. Conclusion: Supervising radiographers encounter both facilitating and inhibiting factors in the facilitation of practice-based learning for radiography students. More collaboration amongst key stakeholders and supports are necessary to overcome the challenges identified in this study.

An assessment of forest loss and its drivers in protected areas on the Copperbelt province of Zambia: 1972–2016

In sub-Saharan Africa, protected areas provide a platform for conserving biodiversity. However, these areas are facing massive pressure due to deforestation, and information on forest dynamics and factors driving the changes in protected areas is generally lacking. This study has two objectives: (1) to assess forest cover changes that have occurred between 1972 and 2016 in Copperbelt Province’s protected areas, and (2) understand the drivers of forest cover changes. The study used thematic land cover maps for six selected years, which were classified using an object-based image analysis (OBIA) approach. We also applied a Classification Tree (CT) approach to assess the drivers of forest cover changes using R statistical software. The findings showed that forest cover in protected areas has been characterised by massive deforestation due to various factors. Between 1972 and 2016, primary and secondary forests showed a decrease of 2,226.43 km2 (11.06%) and an increase of 1,082.93 km2 (4.05%), respectively. The major factors driving forest changes include the levels of precipitation, human population density, elevation, distance from roads, towns and rivers. This study presents consistent information for long-term forest monitoring in protected areas, and informs decision-makers on the levels of deforestation and their drivers for effective forest management.