Kabwe District Research Articles

Extraordinarily Low Prevalence of Refractive Error and Visual Impairment in Primary and Secondary School Learners in Kabwe District, Zambia

Objective: Kabwe District is largely an urban town in the Central Province of Zambia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of refractive errors and visual impairment in primary and secondary school learners in this District.
 Method: A cross-sectional survey of 41 primary and secondary schools in Kabwe District. The examination included visual acuity (VA) testing, cycloplegic retinoscopy with subjective refinement if indicated, ocular motility testing and anterior segment and fundus examinations in visually impaired children.
 Results: There was an estimated total of 32,971 learners who were eligible to participate of which 23,915 (72.5%) were enrolled into the survey. Of the 2,424 learners examined by the mobile ophthalmic team, 418 were refracted representing 17.2 %. Of the 418 learners refracted, 359 were diagnosed with refractive errors and prescribed spectacles. The mean spherical equivalent in the right eyes was 0.57 diopter (D) (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49 - 0.75), and the mean spherical equivalent in the left eyes was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.50 - 0.71). The prevalence of hyperopia was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.4 - 1.3; 207 subjects), and the prevalence of myopia was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1-1.0; 119 subjects). The majority of learners (98.3%; 95% CI, 97.0 -99.0) had normal unaided binocular VA (at least 6/9 in their better eye). The overall prevalence of any visual impairment (presenting VA 6/9 in the better eye) was 1.7% (95% CI, 1.0 -2.5; 418 subjects) and the overall refractive error prevalence was 1.5% (95% CI, 1.0 -2.3; 359 subjects). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (P 0.001) was a significant predictor and female gender (P 0.06) was a borderline significant predictor of the presence of any visual impairment.
 Conclusions: Visual impairment is not a public health concern in this school-aged population in Kabwe District. The prevalence of uncorrected significant refractive errors among learners is not too high to justify a regular school eye screening programme in schools in Kabwe District.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework for Assessing of the Challenges in Implementing Inclusive Education for learners with hearing impairment in two Selected Secondary Schools of Kabwe District in Zambia

This manuscript is an extract of a theoretical framework and conceptual framework from a Master’s an on-going study on an assessment of the challenges in implementation of inclusive education in two selected secondary schools of Kabwe district. The work is an attempt to identify the challenges in implementing inclusive education in Zambia. Among the challenges that can affect the implementation of inclusive education are such as stretching methods, skills of handling learners with hearing impairment, medium of communication, lack of acceptance by institutions, emotional life and teaching materials. It is argued that if these challenges are identified and addressed implementation inclusive education can be successful and learners with hearing impairment can benefit a lot from education under education system

Internal Monitoring and Evaluation of Teaching in Secondary Schools of Kabwe District in Central Province, Zambia. Challenges and Possible solutions

Internal Monitoring and Evaluation of Teaching in Secondary Schools of Kabwe District in Central Province, Zambia. Challenges and Possible solutions

Awareness of Effects of Lead Among Kabwe Residents in Zambia

Lead poisoning is also called plumbism and occurs when blood lead levels is equal to or more than 10 micro-grams per deciliter. The world health organisation reports that about 120 million people get exposed to lead and about 99% of the serious cases come from developing countries of which Zambia is not exceptional. The population of developing countries like Zambia is very susceptible to lead poisoning owing to the issues of environmental contamination in some places like kabwe District. The aim of the study was to assess levels of awareness about the Toxic effects at lead. A descriptive study design was used to carry out the study. Participants were sampled by stratified random sampling technique. Data Collection consisted of a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted in terms of objectives using descriptive statistics in SPSS and Excel. The study reveals that the levels of awareness were inadequate despite staying in an area where lead poisoning exposer is high. This could be the reason for continuous increase in diagnosis of children with lead poisoning. It could also be the reason for continuous building of houses near areas designated as hot spots for leading poisoning. This study recommends that stake holders such as Ministry of health, local Authority, Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the community should be collaborating day to day to find ways and means of increasing levels of awareness of the people concerning lead poisoning by using Posters, Radio programs, Television, Door to Door education, Leaflets, Health education for those going to clinics and other strategies possible. Medical doctors, Nursing, clinical officers, Environmental Health and any health and Environmental related programs should put emphasis on making sure that these impart health information and assist the people in the community to be aware of the Toxic effects of lead by means of information dissemination

Solid-Phase Partitioning and Leaching Behavior of Pb and Zn from Playground Soils in Kabwe, Zambia.

Zambia’s Kabwe mine wastes (KMWs) are responsible for contaminating the surrounding soil and dust in the Kabwe district. Unfortunately, these wastes arise from the historical mining activities of lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn), which lacked adequate waste management strategies. As a result, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Pb and Zn) spread across the Kabwe district. To assess the soil pollution derived from previous mining activities, we studied topsoil samples (n = 8) from the school playground soils (SPs). In this study, the degree of contamination, geochemical partitioning, and leachability, coupled with the release and retention of Pb and Zn, were studied. The SPs were classified as extremely enriched (EF > 40) and contaminated with Pb (Igeo > 5). On average, Pb (up to 89%) and Zn (up to 69%) were bound with exchangeable, weak acid-soluble, reducible and oxidizable phases, which are considered as ’geochemically mobile’ phases in the environment. The leachates from the soils (n = 5) exceeded the Zambian standard (ZS: 190:2010) for Pb in potable drinking water (Pb < 0.01 mg/L). Furthermore, the spatial distribution of Pb and Zn showed a significant reduction in contents of Pb and Zn with the distance from the mine area.

Evaluation of Dispersion of Lead-Bearing Mine Wastes in Kabwe District, Zambia

Dispersion of lead (Pb) in mine wastes was simulated for reproducing Pb contamination of soil in Kabwe District, Zambia. Local weather data of year 2019 were monitored in situ and used for the simulations. The plume model, weak puff model, and no puff model were adopted for calculation of Pb dispersion under different wind conditions. The results showed that Pb dispersion from the Kabwe mine was directly affected by wind directions and speeds in the dry season, although it was not appreciably affected in the rainy season. This may be because the source strength is lower in the rainy season due to higher water content of the surface. This indicates that Pb dispersion patterns depend on the season. In addition, the distribution of the amount of deposited Pb-bearing soils around the mine corresponded to the distribution of Pb contents in soils. These results suggest that Pb contamination in soils primarily results from dispersion of fine mine wastes.

FORMULATION OF STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS GENDER INEQUALITY IN ZAMBIA. - UNIVERSITY OF LUSAKA.

The aim of this study was to Formulate strategies to address gender inequality in Zambia. Despite the ongoing implementation of the National Gender Policy strategies such as the 50/50 threshold in all decision-making positions, the National Gender Policy implementation has not reached the intended targets, hence women have not progressed in having equal employment opportunities and attaining the management positions. The focus of this study was Luapula Province (Mansa District, Chembe District, and Chipili District), Central Province (Kabwe District, Kapiri Mposhi), Copperbelt (Ndola, Kitwe) and Northern Province (Kasama District and Luwingu District), using a population study of 300 respondents from the public service. This study used a mixed methods research design. The study used both simple random sampling method and purposive sampling method. The study further used both questionnaires and interviews for data collection. Inferential statistics was used in SPSS, through inferential statistics and graphs and tables were generated for analysis. The study concluded that gender inequality was a serious problem in the public service despite having a clear National Gender Policy framework which was being implemented at the level of government. Despite most women having the required skills to deliver effective results, there was still a very serious gap in having equal numbers of males and females in decision making positions. Challenges women faced, were due to a number of reasons such as women in decision making position not being comfortable to consult on matters for fear of victimization, women being sexually abused by supervisors and managers and women not supporting fellow women in management positions. It was recommended that government reviews the implementation of the National Gender Policy (NGP) strategies and that a deliberate move be taken to balance up the appointment of both men and women leadership positions in the public sector.

Assessment Of Lead Content In Soil Samples Obtained From Four Different Sites Of Kabwe, Central Province Of Zambia

Pollution has increased soil lead levels to several thousand parts per million; the primary cause of soil lead contamination in Kabwe district is the weathering from the former Zinc-lead mine. Soil lead is a health risk when directly ingested or inhaled as and it is of particular concern for children less than 6 years because of its implication on their growth. Hence this study set out to assess the lead soil content in four different sites of Kabwe district, Central province of Zambia. Literature was reviewed from studies that covered soil lead contamination. A quantitative analytical study was carried out, and it involved geographical mapping of four different sites the north, South, East, and West of Kabwe district which were conveniently selected to collect soil Samples which were taken to The University of Zambia School of Mines, Geology Engineering Laboratory to determine the Levels of soil Lead content using a technique called Geo-Chemical Analysis. The results suggest that the Chowa area is highly polluted with lead metal according to the globally recommended WHO guidelines and Zambia Environmental Management Agency, which all states that Residential areas should not exceed 400Kg/mg or parts per million.

Community and health provider perspectives on the quality of family planning and contraceptive services in Kabwe District, Zambia

Quality family planning and contraceptive (FP/C) services result in positive outcomes such as client satisfaction and sustained use of contraceptives. While most assessments of quality in FP/C services are based on measurable reproductive health outcomes, there is limited consideration of the perspectives and experiences of health providers and community members. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap, by exploring health providers’ and community perspectives on the elements of quality FP/C services in Kabwe district, Zambia. Fourteen focus group discussions and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted in October–December 2016, involving community members, key community stakeholders such as religious and political leaders, health committee members and frontline and managerial healthcare providers. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. According to study participants, quality FP/C services would include provision by skilled personnel with positive attitudes towards clients, availability of preferred methods and affordable products. Additional factors included appropriate infrastructure, especially counselling services spaces and adequate consultation time. Participants stressed the need for reduced waiting time and opportunity for self-expression. The efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery factors, such as information dissemination and community engagement, were also considered important elements of quality FP/C. This study underscores the value of considering both community and health provider perspectives in efforts to improve the quality of FP/C services, with the overall aim of increasing client satisfaction and sustained utilisation. However, service delivery processes must also be addressed in addition to providing for community participation, if quality is to be achieved in FP/C services.

Influence of Performance Appraisals on Promotion of Teachers in the Ministry of Education, Kabwe District of Zambia

While many studies on performance appraisal focus on its effect on the motivation and commitment of employees, there is hardly any focus in the literature on the resultant effect in relation to promotion. Further, many developing countries are under-researched, making generalisability of prior research conclusions limiting. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of performance appraisals with regard to promotion of teachers in the Ministry of Education (MOE), Kabwe District of Zambia. Specifically, it examines what performance appraisal factor(s) is mostly used in determining promotion of teachers in Kabwe District. There have been some complaints that under-performing teachers are the ones that get promoted at the expense of hardworking ones. Based on a quantitative approach, survey data were collected from 123 respondents who included head-teachers, deputy-teachers and teachers and analysed using regression technique. The findings indicate that that there is an association between employee ability and promotion and between role perception and promotion and that there is no association between employee effort and promotion and between employee performance and promotion. The study shows that effort and performance, which should be critical in the assessment of employee eligibility for promotion are not being considered. The perception of teachers, therefore, is that the performance appraisal system is not very effective. Hence, administrators, policy makers, and teachers should work together so as to come up with an effective and transparent system.

Examining How the Nature and Perceived Benefits of School Based Restorative Practices Influence Positive Behaviour in Deviant Pupils: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools of Kabwe District, Zambia

Examining How the Nature and Perceived Benefits of School Based Restorative Practices Influence Positive Behaviour in Deviant Pupils: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools of Kabwe District, Zambia

TOPIC: Knowledge, Screening and Reporting Practices of Health Professionals towards Gender Based Violence among Women in Kabwe District, Zambia

TOPIC: Knowledge, Screening and Reporting Practices of Health Professionals towards Gender Based Violence among Women in Kabwe District, Zambia

Facilitating community participation in family planning and contraceptive services provision and uptake: community and health provider perspectives

BackgroundAlthough community participation has been identified as being important for improved and sustained health outcomes, designing and successfully implementing it in large scale public health programmes, including family planning and contraceptive (FP/C) service provision, remains challenging. Zambian participants in a multi-country project (the UPTAKE project) took part in the development of an intervention involving community and healthcare provider participation in FP/C services provision and uptake. This study reports key thematic areas identified by the study participants as critical to facilitating community participation in this intervention.MethodsThis was an exploratory qualitative research study, conducted in Kabwe District, Central Province, in 2017. Twelve focus group discussions were conducted with community members (n = 114), two with healthcare providers (n = 19), and ten in-depth interviews with key community and health sector stakeholders. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsFour thematic categories were identified by the participants as critical to facilitating community participation in FP/C services. Firstly, accountability in the recruitment of community participants and incorporation of community feedback in FP/C.programming. Secondly, engagement of existing community resources and structures in FP/C services provision. Thirdly, building trust in FP/C methods/services through credible community-based distributors and promotion of appropriate FP/C methods/services. Fourthly, promoting strategies that address structural failures, such as the feminisation of FP/C services and the lack FP/C services that are responsive to adolescent needs.ConclusionsUnderstanding and considering community members’ and healthcare providers’ views regarding contextualized and locally relevant participatory approaches, facilitators and challenges to participation, could improve the design, implementation and success of participatory public health programmes, including FP/C.

Assessment of Lead Content in Soil Samples Obtained from Four Different Sites of Kabwe, Central Province of Zambia

Pollution has increased soil lead levels to several thousand parts per million; the major cause of soil lead contamination in Kabwe district is the weathering from the former Zinc-lead mine. Soil lead is a health risk when directly ingested or inhaled as and it is of particular concern for children less than 6 years because of its implication on their growth. Hence this study set out to assess the lead soil content in four different sites of Kabwe district, Central province of Zambia. Literature was reviewed from studies that covered soil lead contamination. a quantitative analytical study was carried out and it involved geographical mapping of four different sites the north, South, East, and West of Kabwe district which were conveniently selected to collect soil Samples which were taken to The University of Zambia School of Mines, Geology Engineering Laboratory to determine the Levels of soil Lead content using a technique called Geo-Chemical Analysis. The results suggest that Chowa area is highly polluted with lead metal according to the globally recommended WHO guidelines and Zambia Environmental Management agency which all states that Residential areas should not exceed 400Kg/mg or parts per million.

Econometric Analysis of Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Smallholder Fish Production in Kabwe District, Zambia

Econometric Analysis of Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Smallholder Fish Production in Kabwe District, Zambia

Influence of maternal characteristics on child blood lead levels in selected locations of Kabwe district in Zambia

Influence of maternal characteristics on child blood lead levels in selected locations of Kabwe district in Zambia

Factors influencing guardians in children attendance of Growth Monitoring Promotion from 36 to 59 months in Zambia

Background: Growth Monitoring has been promoted as one of the key components of community nutrition programmes since the early 1980s and has revealed positive impacts on child growth outcomes by assessing growth allows capturing growth faltering before the child reaches the status of under-nutrition. But indicators reveal that the attendance of children for growth monitoring and promotion between 36 to 59 months is low in Zambia.This study therefore aimed at assessing the factors influencing guardians in children attendance of Growth Monitoring Promotion from 36 to 59 months in Zambia.&#x0D; Methods: A study employing both quantitative and qualitative cross section study was conducted to assess the factors influencing guardians in children attendance of Growth Monitoring Promotion from 36 to 59 months in Zambia. The study was done in Kabwe district, Zambia. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed for data collection. 110 guardians were interviewed from 10 health facilities.&#x0D; Results: The mean age was 45.7(SD 7.91) years) Most of the participants were below the age of 35 years (95%). The majority of the participants had attained secondary school education (62%). Most of them were married (87%).The study found that peers association, access and providers attitudes to the health facility and providers influenced guardians in the children attendance of growth monitoring and promotion from 36-59 months.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study results show that demographic factors including guardians' education, marital status and age influences continued attendance for children in growth monitoring and promotion. Peer associations, access to the health facility f and the providers' attitudes influences guardians in health seeking behaviours in the continued attendance of children for growth monitoring and promotion.

Factors influencing guardians in children attendance of Growth Monitoring Promotion from 36 to 59 months in Zambia

Background: Growth Monitoring has been promoted as one of the key components of community nutrition programmes since the early 1980s and has revealed positive impacts on child growth outcomes by assessing growth allows capturing growth faltering before the child reaches the status of under-nutrition. But indicators reveal that the attendance of children for growth monitoring and promotion between 36 to 59 months is low in Zambia.This study therefore aimed at assessing the factors influencing guardians in children attendance of Growth Monitoring Promotion from 36 to 59 months in Zambia.&#x0D; Methods: A study employing both quantitative and qualitative cross section study was conducted to assess the factors influencing guardians in children attendance of Growth Monitoring Promotion from 36 to 59 months in Zambia. The study was done in Kabwe district, Zambia. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed for data collection. 110 guardians were interviewed from 10 health facilities.&#x0D; Results: The mean age was 45.7(SD 7.91) years) Most of the participants were below the age of 35 years (95%). The majority of the participants had attained secondary school education (62%). Most of them were married (87%).The study found that peers association, access and providers attitudes to the health facility and providers influenced guardians in the children attendance of growth monitoring and promotion from 36-59 months.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study results show that demographic factors including guardians' education, marital status and age influences continued attendance for children in growth monitoring and promotion. Peer associations, access to the health facility f and the providers' attitudes influences guardians in health seeking behaviours in the continued attendance of children for growth monitoring and promotion.

Social studies and the teaching of history at senior secondary in Kabwe district, Zambia

Aim: This research aimed to evaluate Social Studies and History teaching in the Kabwe District of Zambia’s Central Province. Junior high school students take a Social Studies course covering history, geography, and citizenship. There is no distinction between the three, and all are treated equally.Findings: According to the findings, the introduction of Social Studies into the Zambian curriculum has resulted in a variety of different instructional approaches. Teachers in some institutions were expected to cover all three facets of Social Studies even though they may have only received instruction in teaching one or two of these areas. It’s been my experience that in some schools, teachers teach the different parts based on their own areas of expertise. Despite its many benefits, it was discovered to have drawbacks, such as a dearth of properly trained instructors and appropriate teaching materials.Implications/Novel Contribution: This research showed that the introduction of Social Studies has negatively impacted students’ ability to perform well in history at the high school level. This is because most Social Studies teachers lack the proper credentials to teach the subject. Furthermore, government agencies failed to provide sufficient, high-quality resources for teaching. As a result, the study recommends that the government reconsider Social Studies and have extensive discussions with curriculum specialists and educators about how to best implement the subject.

Exploring the Concept of Equal Opportunity in Teaching and Learning of Geography in Selected Secondary Schools of Kabwe District, Zambia

Exploring the Concept of Equal Opportunity in Teaching and Learning of Geography in Selected Secondary Schools of Kabwe District, Zambia