Interview Schedule Research Articles

School Social Environment and Psychological Wellbeing among Learners in Junior Schools in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

The study sought to establish the relationship between school social environment and psychological wellbeing among learners in Junior Schools in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. It adopted descriptive survey and correlational research designs. Multistage sampling was used to select 377 respondents comprising of 328 grade 8 learners, 42 grade 8 class teachers and 7 Sub- County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. Psychometric test instrument, questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data from sampled respondents. Reliability of the instruments was ascertained through Cronbach analysis of data obtained from a pilot study carried among 53 respondents sampled from the same study area but who were not involved in the actual study. Data was collected from 325 grade eight learners, 41 grade eight class teachers and 5 Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SQASO) in Tharaka Nithi County giving the study a return rate of 98.41%. Qualitative data obtained was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 computer software. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe the existing relationship between the variables while hypothesis was tested using regression analysis at 95% level of significance. The study established that a positive social relationship between among peers and positive interactions between learners and teachers catalyze the social environment which promotes junior school learners psychological wellbeing. It concluded that the school’s social environment is negatively and significantly related to the psychological wellbeing of junior school learners.The study recommended that management of public junior school in collaboration with other education stakeholders launch and monitor turn-around initiatives aimed at fostering quality school social environment for learners’ improved psychological wellbeing. Areas of focus could include workshops on peer relations, stress management techniques, seminar on teacher-learner interaction, problem-solving techniques, and goal-setting for social and academic success could be part of the initiatives.

Perception of Farmers towards M-Kisan Initiative

India is an agrarian country and risk and uncertainties are omnipresent in the field of agriculture. The farmer’s exposure to risk and uncertainty is often provoked by lack of information about required inputs and crop management practices etc. This information gap has adverse impact on production as well as the income of farmers. As use of ICT has strongly influenced every socio-economic aspect to become the most significant motivation of the socio-economic development and poverty reduction, Government of India launched m-Kisan portal to deliver updated information to the farmers through SMS. It is an initiative by the Indian government to provide agricultural services and information to farmers through mobile phones. The mKisan platform allows farmers to receive updates on agricultural practices, weather forecasts, market prices, pest control, and other farming-related advice via SMS, voice messages, and mobile apps. The present study tries to identify the utility perception of the m-kisan users. Data were collected from 120 respondents, from four villages of three different talukas of Bhavnagar district through personal interview schedule during 2022 and then after data were compiled, tabulated and analysed to get proper answer for the specific objectives of the study. Slightly more than half (51.67%) of the respondents had medium utility perception.

Social Determinants of COVID-19 Pandemic Control: Participatory Learnings From Everyday Experiences in Cape Town, South Africa.

As countries adapted their disaster responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa responded with an alert-level risk approach based on epidemiological principles that impacted all societal levels. We explored the everyday experiences of people in Cape Town whose basic needs were met and who could report on the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic control. Gaining insight into their perspectives contributes to knowledge that can inform policies and practices for managing future public health crises. Community-Based Participatory Research principles guided the design and a series of facilitated dialogues with 18 research participants. The thematic analysis was deepened through two colloquiums with members of an overarching research consortium and a participant reflection workshop. The pandemic impacted individuals, their interpersonal relationships, workplaces and communities, leading to societal processes such as stigma, virtue signalling and the subversion of mandates. The public health response had mixed reactions, with useful information about preventive measures being diluted by COVID-19 denialism and fake news. Health and other authorities were frequently perceived as out of touch with, and unresponsive to, the everyday realities of local communities. Our study demonstrates the connectedness of people and the need to maintain and re-establish severed connections. A holistic approach to health care and promotion from social determinants of health and a community-engaged perspective may significantly increase the outcomes of public health responses. People with everyday experience of the COVID-19 pandemic-including community members, healthcare workers, case managers, carers and researchers-collaborated on the study design, interview schedule, data interpretation, analysis and refinement of this article.

A Descriptive Study to Assess Neonatal Stress Behavior Among Preterm Neonates Admitted in NICU, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh

Background Preterm neonates are repeatedly exposed to many stressors in initial days of life such as environmental stressor (light and noise) and caregiver interventions (weighing, oral and tracheal suctioning, drawing blood samples, etc.). If preterm neonates’ stress is not recognized and left untreated, there may be long-term effects. Objective To assess the neonatal stress behavior among preterm neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Methodology A descriptive study was conducted to assess neonatal stress behavior among preterm neonates admitted in NICU, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Ethical clearance was taken from Institutional Ethics Committee of PGIMER, Chandigarh. Total 100 participants admitted in NICU during the period of July–December 2022 were enrolled for the study using consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewing mother using interview schedule. It comprised of sociodemographic cum clinical profile of the preterm neonate. Observation was made by using—(a) modified infant positioning assessment tool (IPAT), (b) neonatal stress scale, and (c) preterm neonate’s behavior assessment scale. Results The present study shows that 88% of the preterm neonates show moderate stress and 70% of preterm neonates exhibit suspected abnormal behavioral response in terms of autonomic visceral subsystems, while 54% of the preterm neonates show suspected abnormal behavioral response in terms of state regulation attention interaction subsystem. Conclusion The present study concluded that moderate stress level and suspected abnormal behavioral response were found among hospitalized preterm neonates.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PROCESSING OF THE NEW PENSION SCHEME AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREES’ WELFARISM IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

The study analysed the retirement benefit processing of the new pension scheme and its implications the welfare of public service retirees’ welfarism in selected States of Southwest Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted with primary data as the major source of data. The study population comprised eighteen thousand nine hundred and ten (18,910) pensioners in the South west Nigeria as documented by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics. Multi staged sampling technique was adopted to select 10% of the study population from each of the three states of Osun, Ondo, and Ogun in Southwest Nigeria totaling one thousand eight hundred and ninety one (1,891) as sample size. The data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyse the data with the aid of SPSS. Findings revealed that retirement documentation process implementation account has a significant positive effect on the welfare among the pensioners as evidenced by R2 = 0.358, F =170.941, and p<0.000. It was also found that retirement documentation process account for about 32% of changes in welfarism among the pensioners in the Southwest Nigeria. The study thus argued that the processing of retirement benefit contributes significantly to the low welfarism of public service retirees in selected states of Southwest Nigeria.

Understanding change from the patient perspective in a transdiagnostic Internet-based intervention for emotional disorders: a qualitative content analysis

ABSTRACT Qualitative investigations that openly explore changes and facilitators of changes from the patient’s perspective might offer valuable insights on impacts of therapy and helpful and hindering aspects. Our aim for this study was to explore the perspective of patients on a transdiagnostic Internet-based intervention to understand (1) which changes (positive as well as negative effects) responders and non-responders experienced, and (2) which aspects of the intervention they found helpful or hindering in facilitating those changes. We interviewed 21 patients that showed response or non-response to treatment using the Change Interview Schedule following a 10-week Internet-based intervention based on the Unified Protocol. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Both responders and non-responders reported positive changes, with few negative changes mentioned. Across both groups, increased positive affect was reported most frequently (81%). Both groups reported helpful factors, with guidance mentioned most frequently across both responders and non-responders (85.7%). Mainly, aspects of the specific framework were perceived as hindering (e.g. lack of personalization) (66.7%). Overall, patients reported mostly positive impacts, even if they did not respond to treatment. Results highlighted that what patients find helpful or hindering is individual.

Assessing and Enhancing Movement Quality Using Wearables and Consumer Technologies: Thematic Analysis of Expert Perspectives.

Improvements in movement quality (ie, how well an individual moves) facilitate increases in movement quantity, subsequently improving general health and quality of life. Wearable technology offers a convenient, affordable means of measuring and assessing movement quality for the general population, while technology more broadly can provide constructive feedback through various modalities. Considering the perspectives of professionals involved in the development and implementation of technology helps translate user needs into effective strategies for the optimal application of consumer technologies to enhance movement quality. This study aimed to obtain the opinions of wearable technology experts regarding the use of wearable devices to measure movement quality and provide feedback. A secondary objective was to determine potential strategies for integrating preferred assessment and feedback characteristics into a technology-based movement quality intervention for the general, recreationally active population. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 participants (age: mean 42, SD 9 years; 5 males) between August and September 2022 using a predetermined interview schedule. Participants were categorized based on their professional roles: commercial (n=4) and research and development (R&D; n=8). All participants had experience in the development or application of wearable technology for sports, exercise, and wellness. The verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in QSR NVivo (release 1.7), resulting in the identification of overarching themes and subthemes. Three main themes were generated as follows: (1) "Grab and Go," (2) "Adjust and Adapt," and (3) "Visualize and Feedback." Participants emphasized the importance of convenience to enhance user engagement when using wearables to collect movement data. However, it was suggested that users would tolerate minor inconveniences if the benefits were perceived as valuable. Simple, easily interpretable feedback was recommended to accommodate diverse audiences and aid understanding of their movement quality, while avoiding excessive detail was advised to prevent overload, which could deter users. Adaptability was endorsed to accommodate progressions in user movement quality, and customizable systems were advocated to offer variety, thereby increasing user interest and engagement. The findings indicate that visual feedback representative of the user (ie, an avatar) should be used, supplemented with concise text or audible instructions to form a comprehensive, multimodal feedback system. The study provides insights from wearable technology experts on the use of consumer technologies for enhancing movement quality. The findings recommend the prioritization of user convenience and simplistic, multimodal feedback centered around visualizations, and an adaptable system suitable for a diverse audience. Emphasizing individualized feedback and user-centric design, this study provides valuable findings around the use of wearables and other consumer technologies to enhance movement quality among the general population. These findings, in conjunction with those of future research into user perspectives, should be applied in practical settings to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing movement quality.

Livelihood diversification and household economic well-being in rural Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT This study attempted to measure the impact of livelihood diversification on household economic well-being and to examine the socioeconomic determinants of various livelihood strategies. The study utilised primary data collected through a structured interview schedule as well as key informant interviews (KIIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs). Stepwise linear regression was used to find the contribution of livelihood strategies in household economic well-being, while logistic regression was applied to examine the determinants of livelihood diversification. The study concluded that diversification towards sectors with high returns was the most instrumental in enhancing household economic well-being. The other social group, large, highly educated, and landless households were more likely to adopt sectors with high returns. Women’s participation in the labour force was positively associated with household economic well-being. This study highlighted the need for immediate policy interventions by filling educational gaps and equalising economic opportunities in rural areas in Madhya Pradesh.

Significance Of Information Sources To Integrated Pest Management Usage Among Poultry Farmers In Kwara State, Nigeria

Sources of information on the use of combined pest control measures for a sustainable ecofriendly environment are germane in poultry production. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents using an interview schedule. Data collected on socioeconomic characteristics, sources of information, pest prevalence, constraints, and utilisation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Kwara State were analysed with percentages, frequency, weighted mean score, mean, Chi-square, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation at α 0.05. The result shows that respondents were members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) (96.7%) with mean age and years of business experience were 43.0±9.9 and 7.3±5.8years respectively. Most of the respondents had tertiary education (84.2%) and produced broilers (51.7%) in four cycles a year (57.5%). The most utilized IPM information sources were from co-farmers (68.3%) and workshops (67.5%); with the most prevalent pest being flies (x̅=1.48) and was low for 54.2% of the respondents. The respondents’ most utilised IPM method was the prompt elimination of dead birds from the flock (x̅=2.86) which was high for 60%. However, respondents’ most prominent constraint to IPM usage was the government’s insufficient pesticide subsidy (x̅=2.69); and was high for 60.0%. A significant relationship existed between respondents’ IPM usage and sources of information like family (X2=0.938; p=0.005) and internet (X2=1.000; p=0.000); years of education attainment (r=0.022; p=0.021), prevalent pest (r=0.577; p=0.051) and constraints to IPM usage (r=0.186; p=0.012). IPM information sources positively influence its utilisation, hence such sources should be empowered by the relevant stakeholders for a sustainable eco-friendly environment.

Extent of Use of Virtual Field Trips in Instruction of History and Government Among Secondary Schools in Murang’a County, Kenya

The use of field trips for instruction has been limited by the cost of trips, logistical planning, time taken in traveling, and learners’ safety concerns. This has led to the adoption of Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) that offer opportunities for learners to virtually visit historical sites for learning. However, the utilization of VFTs in teaching and learning History and Government in secondary schools has not been sufficiently researched and documented in Kenya thus the essence of the study. The study was guided by Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge Theory (TPACK) and adopted a Quasi-Experimental Design targeting thirty-five public sub-county secondary schools. Schools and teachers were purposively sampled while learners were randomly selected. A sample size of 372 respondents took part in the study. Learners’ questionnaires, interview schedules for teachers, and classroom observation schedules were used to collect data. The study found that majority of teachers and learners were not aware of the use of VFTs for teaching and learning. Further, even after training, teachers were not able to effectively use VFTs in instruction. Against these findings, this study recommended that the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission should team up and organize training for teachers to equip them with ICT skills for preparation and use of VFTs for teaching and learning. Also, teacher training institutions should endeavor to equip teacher trainees with ICT skills to exploit VFTs in their specific teaching-learning areas.

An exploration of psychological and socio-cultural facets in perinatal distress of Pakistani couples: a triangulated qualitative study

The phenomenon of perinatal distress in terms of depression, anxiety, bipolar, and psychotic disorders is well-explored in the West but barely investigated in South Asia; particularly research evidence highlighting the cultural expression of couples’ mental health with respect to Pakistan is rare. The purpose of this research is to focus on the exploration of psycho-socio-cultural expression of couples’ perinatal distress and coping strategies used in the Pakistani context in relation to maternal and paternal mental health, with implications for the wellbeing of their unborn or born progeny. The research design focused on qualitative interpretative approaches. In data triangulation, reflexive thematic analysis and interpretative phenomenological analyses were applied on the verbatim of the semi-structured interviews conducted with the mental health professionals (n = 9) and the couples (n = 8), screened positive for perinatal distress. Four couples were screened out of 325 perinatal women visiting the gynaecological ward of Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital, Gujrat. Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis Screen are the standardized instruments considered to be used for screening perinatal distress among couples. The Urdu version of WERCAP Screen was developed by a standardized forward-backward translation procedure. The rest of the four couples were purposively selected from the psychiatric ward of the same hospital. The Simplified Negative and Positive Symptoms Interviews were administered to the couples after getting approval for the Urdu version form. All couples were probed with an indigenously developed Structured Clinical Interview Schedule for DSM Disorders based on DSM-5-TR. The triangulation carried out with reflexive thematic analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed cultural conception of perinatal distress as perceived by the mental health professionals and experienced by the couples during the antenatal and postnatal period of their lives. They were enlightened with a constructive view aimed at promoting transformational change in terms of their mental health care and coping. The implications suggested implementation of a psychotherapeutic intervention for reduction in the level of distress and subsequent enhancement of well-being in couples during the perinatal period.

Effect of utilization of VFTs on teaching and learning History and Government in Murang’a County in Kenya

The adoption of Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) as a teaching method has provided opportunities for learners to virtually visit historical sites for learning. However, the effects of utilization of VFTs in instruction on students' performance in History and Government had not been sufficiently researched and documented in Kenya. Therefore, the essence the study was to establish how use of VFTs in teaching and learning affects learners' academic performance in History and Government in Murang’a County in Kenya. The study was guided by Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge Theory and adopted a Quasi-Experimental Design targeting 35 public sub-county secondary schools with a target population of 3,329 respondents. Schools and teachers were purposively sampled while learners were randomly selected. A sample size of 372 respondents made up of teachers and form one learners of History and Government took part in the study. Research instruments used were learners’ questionnaires, interview schedules for teachers, History and Government Assessment Tests, and classroom observation schedules. Piloting was done on all research instruments and reliability accepted r=0.657. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data for descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that use of VFTs significantly affected learners' academic performance at t (365) = 15.50, p=0.00. The study recommended teacher training institutions to equip teacher trainees with skills to exploit VFTs in teaching. A VFT teaching guideline was developed to assist teachers in preparation and use of VFTs for instructional purposes to improve teaching and learning for better academic performance.

Transforming research and pedagogy in higher education through scientific inquiry steps

This research aims to investigate how to transform study and pedagogy in higher education through scientific inquiry steps. Scientific research serves as the foundation for human development. It drives humanity forward into discovery and innovation. The purpose of this study is to explore how teachers and researchers apply scientific inquiry steps to improve research and pedagogy in higher education in South Africa. Constructivist theory serves as the foundation for the study. Therefore, we employed a qualitative method and phenomenology design to explore the lived experiences of participants. The participants included ten experienced researchers doubling as teachers in the field of science education. We selected these participants from ten public universities in South Africa using a purposive sampling technique. The main instrument for data collection was a semi-structured interview schedule, which covered scientific inquiry steps. Recordings were made of the data with the permission of the participants, later transcribed into a notebook, and analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that teachers and researchers were aware of the scientific inquiry steps. Most of them benefited from scientific inquiry, which included constantly refining methods, embracing diverse perspectives, and revisiting hypotheses and experiments. Also, scientific inquiry steps enhanced the effectiveness of their teaching practices and provided them with a reliable scope for making informed decisions in the ever-evolving educational environment. This study has practical implications, including creating opportunities in higher education for both prospective teachers and emerging researchers to acquire a rigorous education in the scientific inquiry steps. This approach forms the bedrock for acquiring knowledge and promoting best practices in education.

THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES BY CATFISH FARMERS AT UTEH FISH FARMING CLUSTER IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

It is important to understand how catfish farmers use mobile phones in their business activities to enhance the adoption and utilization of mobile phones in fish farming. The study assessed catfish farmers' use of mobile phones for business activities at Uteh fish farming cluster, Edo State, Nigeria. The study examined the business activities mobile phones are used for, the fish farmers' perceived competence, and the challenges faced in using their mobile phones. Data were collected from 71 catfish farmers at the Uteh fish farming cluster through convenience sampling, using a structured interview schedule. Frequency counts, Percentages, means, and correlation were used to analyze the data. The results show the average age of the farmers to be 44 years, farmers were mostly (71.8%) male, and about 90% of them were married. All (100%) of the fish farmers indicated that they used their mobile phones for basic business activities like receiving calls and sending SMS, using social media apps such as WhatsApp, contacting buyers, and taking pictures for business. The Catfish farmers were competent in the use of mobile phones except in obtaining loans (mean = 2.42), using aquaculture apps (mean = 2.62), and checking weather forecasts (mean = 3.62). However, the use of mobile phones by the catfish farmers was constrained by poor network coverage.

Implication of Urban Domestic Water Distribution on Human Health in Machakos Central Ward, Machakos County

The world's water resources are running out, and this situation is made worse by how quickly people are populating new areas, particularly in developing nations. This has highlighted the critical requirement for prepared action to manage water resources for sustainable development efficiently. Increasing water demands due to climate change, global pressures from urbanization, the already-existing unsustainable variables, and challenges of water supply systems in urban centres pose a challenge in managing water resource effectively. The purpose of the study was to investigate the implication of urban domestic water supply on human health in Machakos Central Ward, Machakos County. Using a Survey Research Design (SRD) both primary and secondary data was collected by use of questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, photography, use of GIS, authors’ observation, and the review of relevant literature in order to (1) document household water supply, (2) determine water quality for the identified categories of households and domestic water supply systems, and (3) Determine how the distribution and coverage of domestic water in a household or home affects the prevalence of water-borne illnesses. The target population was 8,331 households, from which a sample size of 381 respondents was selected. These included households, water vendors and key informants from the Machakos Water and Sewerage Company. Questionnaires (for households and vendors), interview schedules (for water officers and chiefs) and observation schedules were used as instruments for data collection. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results revealed that the major factors attributed to lower accessibility are shortage of water, high cost of piped water connection, poor coordination, and participation of stakeholders, repairing of old and broken pipes. As a result, nearly half of the dwellers prefer to use alternative sources, exposing them to the risks of water-born diseases

Assessing the Availability of Digital Learning Infrastructures in NGO-Sponsored and Non-Sponsored Public Primary Schools in Buuri and Isiolo Sub-Counties

Purpose: To assess the availability of digital learning infrastructures in NGO-sponsored and non-sponsored public primary schools in Buuri and Isiolo sub-counties. Methodology: The study used deductive reasoning and adopted the descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 79 public primary schools in the 2 sub-counties, 79 headteachers, 79 ICT teachers, 2,192 Grade 6 learners, and their 79 Grade 6 class teachers. The researcher selected a 20% sample to get 16 schools, 16 headteachers, 16 ICT teachers, and 16 class teachers. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 11 schools with NGO sponsorship while simple random sampling was used to select 5 schools without sponsorship for the comparative sample. Systematic random sampling was used to get a 15% sample from the learners – 329 Grade 6 learners. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation checklists. Descriptive data was analyzed using percentages, mean, and standard deviation scores, while data from interviews was organized into themes and reported using quotes and narration and reported alongside the findings from descriptive data. Results: The results of the questionnaire revealed that 79.9% of learners in sponsored schools strongly agreed that their classrooms were built with robust materials compared to only 62.0% in non-sponsored schools. 70.0% of teachers in sponsored schools confirmed these findings strongly agreeing that their classrooms were built of concrete stones with metal doors and windows, compared to 60.0% in non-sponsored schools. This indicates a significant difference in infrastructure quality, with sponsored schools showing better construction (97.4% vs. 70.5%). Simple regression analysis showed that NGO-sponsored schools had lower p-values (p ≤ 0.01 for power availability and digital hardware, p = 0.05 for adequate gadgets) compared to non-sponsored schools (p = 0.05, 0.05, and 0.10 respectively). These results indicate significant differences in infrastructure availability, supporting the rejection of the null hypothesis. Conclusion: The conclusion made was that NGO-sponsored schools possess significantly superior digital learning infrastructures compared to their non-sponsored counterparts. The robust construction of classrooms, reliable electricity supply, and the availability of essential wiring and power sockets collectively create an environment that is highly conducive to effective digital literacy programs. This enhanced infrastructure provides a stable foundation for the integration and use of digital technologies in the school. The study recommends that efforts be made to increase NGO sponsorship in public primary schools to increase the chances of learners attending the schools getting access to essential digital skills. This could involve intentional efforts by the Ministry of Education to reach out to NGOs and pursue partnership opportunities in this direction

The effect of family-supportive therapy on the burden of caregivers and Activities of Daily Living among stroke patients

The role of family members in providing care for stroke patients at home is associated with heightened stress and burden on caregivers. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of family-supportive therapy on the burden of caregivers and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) among stroke patients.A quasi-experimental method was used with a pre-test and post-test control group. The intervention of family-supportive therapy was given to the treatment group, while the control group received home visits. Samples of 40 caregivers in two primary health care centers in Surabaya were recruited using a multi-stage sampling method. The variables were the burden of caregivers and ADL of stroke patients, while Zarit Burden's Interview Schedule and Katz Index of Independence in ADL were used as instruments. Data analysis was carried out using a Paired t-test and a Manova test.The results showed that the burden of caregivers in the treatment group decreased, but there was a re-increase after 2 weeks of therapy, and the burden in the control group also decreased. ADL of stroke patients in the treatment group increased and tended to persist up to 2 weeks after therapy, while the value in the control group decreased. Furthermore, family-supportive therapy did not have a significant effect on the burden of caregivers (p-value 0.12) and ADL (p-value 0.21). To address this challenge, modifying services through the implementation of community health programs, individual health efforts for stroke patients in the hospital and at home, group services for families providing primary health care, and home visits could be a comprehensive effort.The study found that family-supportive therapy and health education through home visits reduced caregiver burden.

Making Country Proud: The Role of Athletics in the Development of Eldoret City, Kenya

This study examined the impact of athletics on the development of Eldoret City from 1920-2020. The study was informed by the need to discuss in detail and document the development of athletics among the Kalenjin community in Kenya. To realize the above, the study utilized Social Constructivism and Self-efficacy theories. The study was guided by one objective: the development and impact of athletics among the Kalenjin community in Kenya from 1920 through 2020. The literature reviewed, global, regional, and local, helped identify the knowledge gap, hence the study’s justification. The philosophical paradigm that anchored this study is constructivist philosophy. The study is qualitative and has an applied historical research design. The sampling procedure entailed using purposive and snowball sampling to arrive at knowledgeable informants. The sample size of 20 informants was determined by saturation. Data collected was from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources entailed archival materials such as artefacts and photographs, while unstructured interview schedules were used to collect oral data. The secondary sources were the books, theses, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Using the qualitative method, the study analyzed data thematically and presented the findings through narration, direct quotes and descriptive texts. Photographs were also used to present the findings. According to the research findings, the Kalenjin community had traditional sports activities, primarily athletics. The thrust of the athletics was reminiscent of their cultural aspirations. Further, the study established that the development of athletics grew gradually in phases marked by the arrival of the European colonialists, the internationalization of sports in the 1950s and the emergence of Kenya as a world athletics player. The study additionally found that scholarship, employment opportunities, and acquisition of wealth through diverse investments are evident in Eldoret City. The town has recently grown into the 5th Kenyan City following a significant economic contribution from the athletics arena. The rise of the Kalenjin diaspora and the attraction of multinationals to local athletics constitute substantial socioeconomic and political impacts on athletics among the Kalenjin. The study thus recommends that the government improve funding for sports and fully implement the existing laws and policies

Influence of Time allocated for Teaching of Integrated English on Learners’ Achievement of Linguistic Skills in Public Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya

Despite the efforts made by teachers of English in enhancing the performance of English in Kenyan secondary schools, there have been persistent challenges in teaching thus students’ learners’ achievement of the linguistic skills is compromised. This study aimed to determine the Influence of time allocated for teaching integrated English on Learners’ Achievement of Linguistic Skills in Secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design using a mixed methods approach. A sample size of 251 teachers and 134 heads of the language department was used. Purposive, Proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and classroom observations. The instrument's validity was tested through expert judgment while reliability was achieved using Cronbach Alpha. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrations and quotations. The study found that time allocated for teaching integrated English had a positive association with learners’ acquisition of linguistic skills in secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya (r=.492; p=.000). Thus, a large amount of time allocated/utilized by teachers in teaching integrated English leads to enhanced reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills among learners. The study recommends that adequate time needs to be allocated for the teaching of integrated English. This can be achieved through teaching of integrated English during the weekends and holidays as a way of early syllabus coverage.

Investigation of the Relationship between Help-Seeking Behaviour and Juvenile Delinquency among Secondary School Students in Kisii County, Kenya

This study is about committing anti-social activities like: theft, illicit sexual relations, use and trafficking of drugs, fighting, destruction of property and cheating (juvenile Delinquency) by high school students ages 14-18 in Kisii Central Sub-County, Getembe Zone, Kenya. The purpose of the study was to explain the extent to which suicidal ideation, help-seeking behaviour, and use of media influence JD among secondary school students in Kisii Central Sub-County, Getembe Zone. It was also about the extent of differences in JD according to family type and perceived social class. The objective dealt with in this paper was to investigate the relationship between help-seeking behaviour and Juvinile Delinquency among secondary school adolescents in Kisii county, Kenya. Kisii Central Sub-County was selected because no similar study has been done there and because acts of student violence are apparent there. Probability and non-probability sampling methods were used. Questionnaires were used to collect data from students and teachers, interview schedules for principals, and focus group discussion questions were used on parents. The results indicated that respondents who scored highly in help-seeking behaviour were more delinquent than those that had a low score. The conclusion was that young people who think that they do seek help probably seek it from irresponsible people. It was therefore recommended that youths should be sensitized to seek help from caring persons in order to reduce cases of juvenile delinquency.