Dodoma Region Research Articles

Strengthening resilience: the role of institutions in facilitating local agricultural adaptation to the impact of climate change in Tanzania

Building resilience in areas susceptible to climatic hazards is widely recognised as a critical strategy. This article offers valuable insights into the contribution of institutions to supporting smallholder farmers in building resilience against the effects of climate change. Data for this article was collected from Manzase and Haneti villages in Chamwino district in Dodoma region, Tanzania. The study adopted a qualitative approach and deployed key informant interviews and focus group discussions for data collection. The result showed that institutions that operate in the villages under study which include agricultural extension agencies, Non-Governmental organisations, private companies and village governments, have played such roles as providing drought-resistant seeds, disseminating seasonal weather forecast information and supporting the establishment of income diversification activities to farmers. Furthermore, the institution facilitated agroforestry farming through natural tree regeneration and ensured access to crop markets and loans for farm inputs. These roles have contributed to reducing crop loss due to drought and rainfall unreliability, enhanced household income, and allowed households access to food during drought-induced crop failure. The study also revealed that institutional linkages are crucial in comprehensively addressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers, thereby building their livelihood resilience. This paper argues that strong institutional support is essential for farmers to build resilience against climate change.

Driving SME performance through technological absorptive capacity and e-business innovation

This study examined the relationship between technological absorptive capacity and the business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the mediating effect of e-business innovation. Based on data obtained from 179 sunflower oil-processing SMEs in Tanzania and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, the study established that technological absorptive capacity influences business performance. Further, e-business innovation partially mediates the relationship between technological absorptive capacity and business performance. These findings suggest that technological absorptive capacity indirectly influences SME performance through e-business innovation. On the other hand, findings from the multigroup analysis revealed insignificant differences in the hypothesized relationships between samples from Dodoma and Singida regions, with greater effects observed in Dodoma than in Singida for most of the relationships. The mediating effect of e-business innovation is more profound in the Dodoma sample than in the Singida sample. This study provides important empirical evidence of the role of technological absorptive capacity and e-business innovation in enhancing SME performance. Additionally, evidence from cross-regional comparisons is crucial for examining differences in business performance among SMEs operating in the country. This study has some implications for business managers, governments, policymakers, and academics.

Effectiveness of EHR systems on decision support in primary healthcare: a technology acceptance model 3 perspective.

This study aims to evaluate healthcare practitioners' perceptions of electronic health record (EHR) systems and their effectiveness in supporting clinical decision-making in Tanzanian Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from open-ended responses. The study was conducted in the Dodoma region of Tanzania, focusing on a diverse representation of PHC facilities, including district hospitals, health centres and dispensaries. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression for quantitative data, and thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. The results revealed that while EHR systems are widely used in Tanzanian PHC facilities, their impact on clinical decision-making remains limited. Only a moderate portion of practitioners perceived EHR systems as effective in decision support, and frequent system use was negatively correlated with user satisfaction. Challenges such as inadequate training and support, system crashes, slow performance and poor usability and integration into clinical workflows were significant barriers to effectively utilising EHR systems. This study contributes to the limited literature on EHR system implementation in low-resource settings, specifically Tanzania, by focusing on decision-support features within EHR systems. The findings offer valuable insights for healthcare policymakers, system designers and practitioners to optimise EHR implementation and improve healthcare outcomes in resource-constrained environments.

A Cross-Sectional Survey to Measure Attitude, Self-Reported Practice, Levels, Typology, and Determinants of Lifetime Gambling Behaviors Among Undergraduate Students in Higher Training Institutions, Tanzania.

Lifetime gambling activities and behaviors are considered as potentially addictive behaviors that may impact a student's performance. According to a survey conducted in Tanzanian's higher training institutions, for example, 37.2% of sports gamblers were students. This study employed an institutional-based cross-sectional survey in a quantitative research approach to study 374 randomly sampled undergraduate students in higher training institutions in Dodoma region, Tanzania from June to July 2023. Students reported their attitudes, practices, and drivers of gambling activities through interviewer-administered structured questionnaires adopted from previous studies. Results indicate that 374 of 583 potential participants were eligible and surveyed for the study with 100% response rate. Participants' mean age was 24 years ± 2.79 of which, few of them (34%) had age ranging between 25 and 42years. Male participants accounted for 69.8% (n = 261). 59.1% of the study participants believed that gambling activities were okay to them of which 47.3% of them were lifetime gamblers; 19.2% moderate-risk lifetime gamblers and 2.5% low-risk lifetime gamblers respectively. Online sports betting (44.5%), coin pusher (29.4%), poll tables (8.0%), and slot machines (6.9%) were the most preferred types of gambling games among students. Age between 17 and 24years; levels three and four classes, being male; living off-campus; drug abuse; mobile smartphone ownership; exposure to social media platforms and high attitude towards gambling activities were associated significantly with undergraduate students' gambling practices (p < 0.05). Large-scale institutional-based educational programs about the financial and academic ramifications of gambling among students during their studies may be able to moderate their gambling behaviors.

Teachers’ Views on the Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in Early Childhood Education in Tanzania

In the 21st century, critical thinking skills are essential for children in early childhood education, to help them in their learning and life in general. To cultivate and promote these skills in early childhood education, children need the support and guidance of their teachers. It is therefore imperitive to understand teachers’ views on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education. The aim of this study is to address this question and explore teachers’ views on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education in Dodoma, Tanzania. Methodology. This study employed a qualitative research approach with a phenomenography research design. The total sample of the study was five informants, selected through purposive sampling technique. The study used in-depth interviews with pre-primary schoolteachers to elicit data on their views towards the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education in the Kongwa District of the Dodoma region. After the data collection process, the analysis was done using the Miles and Huberman Model (2014). The findings demonstrate that critical thinking skills are important in early childhood education: they enhance children’s’ problem-solving abilities, their creativity and the foundations of learning; they foster intellectual development among children and they enhance their socialisation and language development. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding teachers' views on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education in Tanzania, and in other areas around the world. Conclusion. Based on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education, this study recommends the need to incorporate critical thinking skills into the core curriculum, across several subject areas in early childhood education by including activities that encourage and motivate children to think critically.

Routine health data use for decision making and its associated factors among primary healthcare managers in dodoma region

BackgroundData demand and use culture have a tremendous impact on the proper allocation of scarce resources and evidence-based decision making. However, primary healthcare managers in the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries continue to struggle with using routine health data for decision-making.Purpose/objectiveThis study aimed to assess routine health data use for decision making among primary healthcare managers in Dodoma region.MethodsCross-sectional study design involved 188 primary healthcare managers from Dodoma City Council, Kondoa Town Council and Bahi District Council was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) tools was used to collect the data. Data was analysed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program. Principal Component Analysis was used to find the level of routine health data use, binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with routine health data use for decision making among primary healthcare managers. The study was conducted from May to June, 2022.ResultsThe level of adequate routine health data use for decision making among healthcare managers was 63.30%. Factors associated with adequate routine health data use for decision making among healthcare managers were; respondents characteristics: years of working experience (OR = 1.955, 95% CI= [0.892,4.287]), district surveyed (OR = 4.760, 95%CI= [1.412,16.049]), level of health facility (OR = 3.867, 95%CI= [1.354,7.122]) and male gender (OR = 1.901, 95%CI= [1.027,3.521]). Individual factors: comparing data with strategic objectives (OR = 2.986, 95%CI= [1.233–7.229]), decision based on health needs (OR = 7.330, 95%CI= [1.968–27.295]) and decision based on detection of outbreak (OR = 3.769, 95%CI= [1.091–13.019]). Technical factors: ability to check data accuracy (OR = 3.120, 95%CI= [1.682–5.789]), ability to explain findings and its implication (OR = 2.443, 95%CI= [1.278–4.670]) and ability to use information to identity gaps and targets (OR = 2.621, 95%CI= [1.381–4.974]). Organizational factors: organizational support (OR = 3.530, CI= [1.397–8.919]), analyse data regularly (OR = 2.026, 95%CI= [1.075–3.820]) and displays information on key performance indicators (OR = 3.464, 95%CI= [1.525–7.870]).Conclusion and recommendationThe level of routine health data use for decision making among primary healthcare managers was found to be modest. The level of data demand and use culture may increase more quickly if capacity building is strengthened and issues that de-motivate primary health care managers from using data are addressed.

Women’s coping and adaptation strategies to climate change: a case of the Dodoma Region

ABSTRACT Climate change is escalating in intensity, frequency, and complexity. Its related threats have profound implications for humanity, particularly women. Measures to cope with and adapt to it have been researched in general and does not focus on the role of women in the specific community, who bear the brunt of the strife associated with climate change. It is from this view that this research assesses the effects of women’s coping and adaptation mechanisms to climate change. Data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, observation, and documentary reviews. The collected data were descriptively analysed with the aid of SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel. Results indicate that communities understood climate change in terms of variability in rainfall patterns and amounts, water availability, increased incidences of drought, and decreased agricultural yields. Such events reduced agricultural productivit and led to the reoccurrence of food insecurity. Women grew drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties, walking long distances to fetch water, crushing pebbles, and engaging in small vending businesses, which had some effects, including falling into family conflicts, diseases, and food insecurity. The study suggested that there is a need for upscaling awareness and capacity building on good agricultural practices, the provision of loans to small vending businesses, and the provision of inputs that assist women to cope with climatic changes smoothly.

Impact of Direct Health Facility Financing on Health Insurance Enrollment and Service Quality in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Improved Community Health Fund (iCHF) are pre-payment schemes in Tanzania designed to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). Despite these efforts, public health facilities have historically struggled with poor-quality care. In response, the Direct Health Facility Financing (DHFF) mechanism was introduced in 2017, enabling health facilities to procure medicines and equipment directly from approved vendors when out-of-stock notifications are received from the Medical Store Department (MSD). This study evaluates the impact of DHFF on health insurance enrollment and service quality in the Dodoma Region. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design, a total of 35 respondents were involved in the proposed study, of which 30 were obtained from health insurance beneficiaries and 5 were from key informants. Results revealed increased health insurance enrollment for both NHIF and iCHF from 2018–2019 to 2019–2020, attributed to enhanced medicine availability, community education, and sensitization efforts. Beneficiaries reported significant improvements in health facilities, including better medicine availability, upgraded infrastructure, and improved attitudes from healthcare providers. Healthcare providers and authorities also noted improved service quality since DHFF's introduction. However, challenges remain, particularly with MSD's rigidity in notifying health facilities about out-of-stock items. Recommendations include enhancing the MSD's supply chain management to ensure timely notifications and deliveries. Future research should expand to multiple regions to account for cultural variations and additional factors influencing health insurance participation, enrollment, and service quality.

Characterization of gravel borrow pits materials for construction of low volume roads in Dodoma Tanzania

The study was conducted to investigate suitability of gravel materials from borrow pits which are used for low volume roads construction in Dodoma region Tanzania. Characterization of four borrow pits gravel materials from Dinda, Mahomanyika, Nkulabi and Ntyuka were conducted. Blending process of the borrow pits materials with sand from Ihumwa and clay from Michese in order to improve missed engineering properties were conducted. The GC, SP and PI were 25.4 units, 391.3 units and 16% for Dinda, 32.3 units, 56.0 units and 10% for Mahomanyika, 33.7 units, 148.1 units and 14% for Nkulabi and 32.8 units, 111.2 units and 13% for Ntyuka borrow pit materials respectively. Results of CBR for source materials were 14%, 16%, 29%, and 30% for Dinda, Nkulabi, Mahomanyika, Ntyuka borrow pits materials respectively. The results indicated that all source gravel materials did not comply with requirements as gravel materials for low volume roads. This is because Mahomanyika borrow pit materials has low SP values which required blending with clay materials and Dinda, Nkulabi and Ntyuka have high PI values which required blending with sand. Results of GC, SP and PI for the blended materials were 20.1 units, 259.9 units and 12% for 75Dind25San, 31.3 units, 126.7 units and 11.9% for 85Mah15Cla, 31.0 units, 120.0 units and 11.2% for 80Nku20San and 30.3 units, 104.2 units and 10.4% for 80Nty20San respectively. CBR values of blended materials were 19%, 32%, 16% and 26%, for 75Din25San, 85Mah15Cla, 80Nku20San and 80Nty20San respectively. It has been investigated that all blended materials are suitable for construction of low volume roads in Dodoma region since they have satisfied GC, SP, PI and CBR requirements as surfacing materials for construction of low volume roads. It is important to characterized source materials before use in order to investigate engineering properties. In case source materials lack some engineering properties it is necessary to blend with other materials in order to improve missing engineering properties before use. Keywords: Gravel Materials, Low Volume Roads, Characterization, CBR, Blending.

The Influence of Expectations Regarding Performance on the Acceptance of Mobile Phone Banking Services by Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Smallholder Grape Farmers in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

This study uses a cross-sectional survey design to examine the influence of expectations regarding performance on the acceptance of mobile phone banking services by smallholder farmers in Dodoma Region, Tanzania. A total of 360 smallholder farmers were selected randomly for the study. The collected data was analysed using multiple linear regression to assess the relationship between expectations regarding performance and acceptance of mobile phone banking services. The study’s findings showed that expectations regarding performance measures (job fit, perceived usefulness, extrinsic motivation, and outcome expectations) have good predictive potential in explaining smallholder farmers' adoption of mobile phone banking services. The findings suggest that smallholder farmers have trust (i.e. perceived usefulness), in using a mobile phone banking system to improve agricultural commercialization. The findings also emphasize that smallholder farmers believe (i.e. job fit) that using mobile phone banking technology is beneficial to them. Furthermore, smallholder farmers believe that people who engage in farming activities are likely to achieve the desired results if rewards and/or incentives are given (i.e. extrinsic motivation). The study draws attention to mobile phone banking service providers to fulfil the expectations of smallholder farmers by providing services that address smallholder farmers’ needs. Finally, policy attention should focus on the expected performance of mobile phone banking services used by smallholder farmers in rural areas.

Drivers of Small-Scale Farmers' Adoption of Mobile Phone Technology for Rice Production and Marketing in Dodoma Region

Despite the benefits of Mobile Phone Technology (MPT) in enhancing agricultural communication in Tanzania, a significant gap exists between the rise in mobile phone subscriptions and the actual adoption of MPT by farmers for agricultural production and marketing. This study utilised multinomial logistic regression to analyse factors influencing MPT adoption among 454 small-scale farmers in Bahi District, Dodoma Region. The findings indicated that 62 percent of the farmers adopted MPT, while 38 percent did not. Key factors influencing MPT adoption for rice production communication only included; having household members under 15 years, mobile phone ownership, time spent on using mobile phones, land size, use of hired labour, market distance and distance to all-weather roads. This study revealed that significant determinants for the adoption for rice marketing communication only were farmer’s sex, time spent on mobile phones and market distance. Further, the study showed that significant factors for the adoption for combined rice production and marketing communication were the farmer’s education level, mobile phone ownership, land size, use of family and hired labour, and market distance. Understanding these factors provides a foundation for developing interventions to increase MPT adoption among key stakeholders. Increased adoption of MPT will improve access to market information and agricultural practices in rural areas, thereby enhancing rice production and marketing and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Factors Affecting Borehole Water Project Sustainability in Dodoma, Tanzania: A case of Nghong'onha ward

Access to a clean, safe, and affordable water supply for domestic use is a fundamental human right. However, in many urban areas in sub-Saharan African countries, including Tanzania, not all people have access to water due to the operation, maintenance, and sustainability challenges of the built infrastructure. This study assessed factors affecting the sustainability of the Borehole water project in Dodoma Region, taking a case of Nghong'onha ward in the City Council of Dodoma. Specifically, the study focused on household water use practices and examined the factors affecting the sustainability of borehole water projects. The study used both primary and secondary data of a quantitative and qualitative nature collected through interviews, observations, and a documentary review. This study employed probability and non-probability sampling techniques to select a sample of respondents and key informants. The collected data were analysed for descriptive statistics such as frequencies and means and binary logistic regression analysis, whereas qualitative data were analysed using the qualitative content analysis technique. The study found that, on average, households consumed 82.27 litres of water daily, and 47.5% of respondents had to wait for 31–45 minutes to fetch water at the water point. Furthermore, findings revealed that community meetings (0.000), distance to water points (0.000), water facility spare parts availability (0.054), payment modality (0.023), and annual maintenance (0.011) significantly affected borehole water project sustainability. The study recommends that interventions to improve access to domestic water supply in the study area should focus on improving water supply infrastructure and the built infrastructure's operation, maintenance, and sustainability.

Destination Promotion Videos and Tourism Knowledge: A Road Toward Residents’ Empowerment in Emerging Tourism Destinations

There is a major outcry among Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in emerging tourism destinations regarding the low participation or engagement of key stakeholders, mainly local residents, in sustainable tourism. Although several initiatives have been taken by DMOs to ensure that local residents participate in inclusive tourism development, major progress has not been achieved so far. Past studies indicate that even though local residents are engaged and involved in tourism development, they have not been able to fully exercise power and control over tourism, hence they participate as passive beneficiaries rather than active beneficiaries. Thus, this study is an attempt to investigate the role of destination promotion videos and tourism knowledge as drivers of residents’ empowerment in emerging tourism destinations. The study used convenience sampling to determine a sample of 417 local residents in the Dodoma region, from whom data were collected. The data analysis, using structural equation modeling, suggests that tourism knowledge is an important driver of residents’ empowerment among local residents. Additionally, tourism knowledge can be cultivated through the use of destination promotion videos as important sources of information about tourism destinations. This study recommends that DMOs should utilize various public awareness campaigns, such as short destination videos, to empower individuals with knowledge. This knowledge could instill confidence and encourage their participation in inclusive tourism development.

Effect of Agency Banking Services Provision on Performance of Small Business Entrepreneurs at Chamwino District

Purpose: This study endeavours to examine effects of agency banking services provision in rural area on performance of small business entrepreneurs at Chamwino District, Dodoma Region. Urban settings have been the main areas of concentration, leaving out the dynamics and challenges rural entrepreneurs encounter while using agency banking services to expand their businesses, hence the essence of undertaking this study. Design/Methodology/Approach: Cross sectional research design was used, and a sample of 108 respondents were involved in this study. Data were analysed using descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings: The study findings show that, variables of accessibility, privacy and reliability of agency banking services have positive and statistically significant impacts on the performance of small business entrepreneurs in rural areas. Implications/Originality/Value: The study recommends banking industry in Tanzania to establish standardized fee structures and transaction charges for agency banking services. Also ensure transparency and prevent excessive costs to users of agency banking services. By so doing, it can ease provision and expansion of various online banking services to majority of the underserved communities in rural areas of Tanzania

Effects of Product Innovation on the Performance of Women-led Micro and Small Enterprises in the Food Processing Industry, Tanzania.

Product innovation is an important factor for the performance of enterprises. Based on the Schumpeter’s New Combination theory, this paper analyzes the impact of product innovation on the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the food processing industry, specifically those led by women. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, and employed stratified random sampling, whereby a total of 297 women entrepreneurs from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Morogoro, and Dodoma regions participated by completing a structured questionnaire. Additionally, seven (7) women owners of business from each of the involved regions were selected through purposive sampling for Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and one SIDO officer for structured interview. The collected data were analyzed using the Smart PLS Version 3 Software, employing Structural equation modeling (SEM) for measurement purposes. The PLS Algorithm was employed to establish the reliability and validity of the data through a measurement model. Subsequently, the Bootstrap method was utilized in the structural model to assess the relationship between product innovation and the performance of women-led MSEs.The results showed a significant positive effect between product innovation and the performance of food processing women-led MSEs (t=4.261, p=0.000). Furthermore, the study revealed a significant mediating effect of innovative performance between product innovation and women-led food processing MSEs (t=1.981, p=0.006). In conclusion, the study highlights that product innovation enhances the performance of women-led food processing MSEs. This contributes to the theoretical understanding of product innovation and women-led MSEs in the food processing industry, while also providing empirical evidence to support promotion of product innovation by the government agencies responsible for managing women's businesses, with a view to improving their performance.

Assessment to locate potential deep aquifer systems using lithological logs, pumping tests and electromagnetic surveys in hard rock terrain of Dodoma urban area, Tanzania

The Dodoma region located in Central Tanzania is a semi-arid area characterised by scarce surface water resources. Because of climate change and dependence on groundwater resources in the Dodoma urban area, there is currently an increased demand for water due to low groundwater recharge and high groundwater withdrawals due to the growing population. There is therefore a need to explore potential deep aquifer systems around the Dodoma urban area to meet the increasing water demand. This study uses lithological logs, pumping tests, and electromagnetic survey data to delineate the subsurface lithologies to locate potential deep aquifer system in the area. Results show that the shallow aquifer system is unconfined in some areas with resistivity values ranging from 11 to 28 Ωm and semi-confined in other areas with resistivity values ranging from 19 to 27 Ωm. The unconfined aquifer extends up to 60 m, while the semi-confined aquifer extends between 50–55 m and 65–120 m. The study found a potential deep aquifer system at a depth of between 200 and 290 m, with resistivity values ranging from 11 to 20 Ωm. Currently, this deep aquifer system has not been exploited as most boreholes in the area are only up to 150 m deep. The main lithology in the study area is weathered and fractured granite, with different degrees of weathering and fracturing, indicating a hard-rock aquifer system. This study adds valuable knowledge on the location of potential deep aquifer systems in the area for proper groundwater utilisation and management.

Handling of Electronic Health Records in Tanzania: Awareness and Use of Available Regulations

This paper sought to establish the awareness of the importance of patient privacy as well as the awareness of available policies guiding the handling of patients’ personal and health records. Using the case study design, the study collected data from doctors, nurses, ICT officers as well as patients from four hospitals selected purposively in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions of Tanzania. A total of 43 respondents participated in this study. Data was subjected to thematic analysis using the NVIVO 12 plus computer package. Results show that both providers and users of e – health services in Tanzania consider patient privacy to be an important issue and they relate it to morality, personal respect and dignity. Level of awareness of existing government institutions guiding the work of health service providers was found to be low. It is concluded that, the presence of regulatory institutions is not enough if these institutions are not known, valued, considered and used by members of organizations. There is a need for the e – health service providers and patients to familiarize themselves with available policies and regulations for the health providers and for the government to promote these regulatory institutions.

Knowledge level and constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to the practice of unsafe abortion among postnatal mothers attending Mkonze health center, Dodoma Region, Tanzania

BackgroundUnsafe abortion is now a global agenda because 45% of all global abortions are unsafe, and 97% are occurring in developing countries. In Tanzania, one million reproductive-aged women face unplanned pregnancies per year, and 39% end up with abortion. About 16% of maternal deaths are reported per year in Tanzania, and unsafe abortion takes the second position. There are several efforts to prevent and intervene unsafe abortions, such as equipping healthcare facilities across all levels of healthcare, approval of Misoprostol use, establishment of comprehensive post-abortion care (PAC), revising policy guidelines and standards, provision of emergency contraceptives, and capacity building of healthcare providers. There is little documentation about how the constructs of the theory of planned behaviour, knowledge, and sociodemographics influence the practice of abortion.ObjectivesTo assess the association of knowledge level, sociodemographic characteristics, and constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to the practice of unsafe abortion among postnatal mothers at Mkonze Health Center in the Dodoma region.MethodologyIt is an analytical cross-sectional study design conducted in Dodoma-Tanzania and involved 206 postnatal women. A validated questionnaire was used and analysis was performed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), through descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThe practice of unsafe abortion in the current study is 28/206 (13.6%), influenced bytheir lower educational level and being single women. It was found that the majority had adequate knowledge of unsafe abortion 129 (62.6%), positive attitude 130 (63.1%), good subjective norms 113 (54.9%), and positive perceived behavioral control111 (53.9%). Knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were not significantly associated with the practice of unsafe abortion.ConclusionThe majority of the respondents had high knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control on unsafe abortion. This is an indicator that the implemented initiatives are effective. Maintaining the ongoing effort and improving strategies are promising to mitigate the burden of unsafe abortion. Future research needs to find out hidden factors associated with attitude and how health beliefs might influence someone’s attitude towards unsafe abortion.

Effect of standardized patient simulation-based pedagogics embedded with lecture in enhancing mental status evaluation cognition among nursing students in Tanzania: A longitudinal quasi-experimental study

BackgroundNurses around the world are expected to demonstrate competence in performing mental status evaluation. However, there is a gap between what is taught in class and what is practiced for patients with mental illness among nursing students during MSE performance. It is believed that proper pedagogics may enhance this competence. A longitudinal controlled quasi-experimental study design was used to evaluate the effect of using standardized patient simulation-based pedagogics embedded with a lecture in enhancing mental status evaluation cognition among nursing students in Tanzania.MethodsA longitudinal controlled quasi-experimental study design with pre-and post-test design studied 311 nursing students in the Tanga and Dodoma regions. The Standardized Patient Simulation-Based Pedagogy (SPSP) package was administered to the intervention group. Both groups underwent baseline and post-test assessments using a Interviewer-adminstered structured questionnaire as the primary data collection tool, which was benchmarked from previous studies. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically the Difference in Difference linear mixed model, and the t-test was carried out using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 25.ResultsThe participant’s mean age was 21 years ± 2.69 with 68.81% of the students being female. Following the training Students in the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in MSE cognition post-test, with an overall mean score of (M ± SD = 22.15 ± 4.42;p = < 0.0001), against (M ± SD = 16.52 ± 6.30) for the control group.ConclusionA significant difference exists in the levels of cognition, among nursing students exposed to Mental Status Evaluation (MSE) materials through Standardized Patient Simulation-Based Pedagogy (SPSP) embeded with lectures. When MSE materials are delivered through SPSP along with lectures, the results are significantly superior to using lectures pedagogy alone.

Rural Women's Participation in Managing Aflatoxin Contamination in the Groundnut Postharvest Value Chain in Chemba District, Tanzania

Aims: This study sought to determine the extent of rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain. Study Design: The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Chemba District in Dodoma Region, Tanzania situated at the coordinates 05°14′ 34′′ S latitude and 35°53′ 24′′ E longitude, respectively. Methodology: The primary data for the study were obtained from a random sample of 137 female groundnut farmers residing in twelve (12) villages from eight (08) wards in Chemba District. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while an FGD guide, checklist, and participant observation were employed to obtain qualitative data. Results: The findings show that women groundnut farmers participate partly in various aflatoxins-related project activities in decision making (50.36%), implementation (44.52%), benefits (59.85%), and evaluation (51.09%). Moreover, the findings of the study show that women participate in groundnut postharvest activities involving cleaning, drying, grading, sorting, processing, packing, storage, and marketing. However, the study shows that women’s participation in groundnut postharvest activities for managing aflatoxin is low. The findings also indicate that there is no statistically significant association between women's involvement in aflatoxin management and their age (χ2 = 7.800, P = 0.099), years of engagement in agriculture (χ2 = 3.556, P = 0.469), and farm size (χ2 = 2.004, P = 0.735). Additionally, a statistically significant association was observed between women's participation in managing aflatoxin and their level of education (χ2 = 12.650, P = 0.013*), as well as their marital status (χ2 = 27.550, P = 0.000***). Conclusion: The study found that rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain is critical. Hence, this study recommends developing strategies and initiatives targeting and supporting women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain.