Statistical Package For Social Sciences Research Articles

Venture Capital and Financial Performance of E-Commerce-Driven Firms in Kenya

Purpose: Businesses that rely on e-commerce for growth frequently find that their ability to obtain sufficient capital is critical to their success. Funding from venture capital firms is essential in this context. Due to insufficient capital, e-commerce-driven businesses in Kenya have continuously underperformed financially. Numerous of these businesses, such as Rupu, OLX Kenya, and ePay, encountered financial difficulties and eventually lost the ability to continue operating. This study's main objectives were to evaluate the impact of capital management support, financing options, and cost of capital on the financial performance of Kenyan e-commerce businesses. Additionally, the study sought to fully evaluate the moderating impact of regulatory structure on venture capital funding and the financial performance of Kenyan e-commerce-driven firms. The trade-off, stakeholder, financial liberalization, and agency theories all lend credence to this research. The research philosophy of positivism, which emphasizes the use of empirical data to evaluate theories and hypotheses, was applied to perform this study.
 Methodology: The study examined a population of 45 e-commerce-driven businesses that obtained venture capital financing between 2017 and 2022 using a descriptive cross-sectional survey research approach. A stratified simple random sampling design technique was employed to choose 45 e-commerce-driven businesses as a sample. Surveys were distributed to collect primary data. Important stakeholders, including investors, executives, and founders, were among the participants in the study. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data, such as measures of central tendency (particularly the mean), variability (expressed by the standard deviation), and frequency distributions. Regression analysis, an inferential statistic, was also employed in the study to investigate the relationship between venture capital funding and financial success. The gathered data were coded before entering into the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program to make the analysis process easier. The analysis's final results were provided as tables.
 Findings: The findings showed that the cost of capital, financing strategies, and capital management support significantly impact Kenyan e-commerce enterprises' financial performance. The aggregate score of 3.73 in cost of capital indicated consensus among participants on the impact of venture capital on e-commerce companies' financial performance. Participants perceived a significant correlation, with a standard deviation of 1.15 reflecting varying opinions. Most agree that lower venture capital costs lead to better financial success, influencing organizations' financial decisions significantly. The study concluded that venture capital funding has a considerable impact on the financial performance of e-commerce-driven enterprises in Kenya. The report advised management to thoroughly understand the total cost of capital related to venture capital funding.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study on venture capital and financial performance of e-commerce-driven firms in Kenya has made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy. It has enhanced theoretical understanding by examining the relationship between venture capital investments and the financial performance of e-commerce firms, providing insights into the dynamics of these markets. In practice, the study has offered valuable guidance to e-commerce entrepreneurs and investors by identifying factors that influence financial performance and informing strategic decision-making. Additionally, the findings have implications for policy formulation, as they highlight the importance of fostering an enabling environment for venture capital investments in the e-commerce sector to spur economic growth and innovation in Kenya.

Correlation of Glasgow Coma Scale with Head Computed Tomographic Findings in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury in a Tertiary Hospital in Nnewi

Background: Traumatic brain injury is an injury that causes anatomical or functional damage to the cranium, meninges and the brain. It is a major health challenge that causes increased mortality among trauma patients. This creates the serious need to find ways of elucidating the seriousness and prognostic possibility of every head injury patients. This study will help classify the patients in such a way as to affect management and also predict outcome early in the treatment of patients with traumatic head injury. Aim of the Study: Aim of this study is to correlate the clinical assessment of head injury patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and CT findings as classified with Rotterdam scoring system. Subjects and Methods: This prospective study of 170 patients with head injury presenting for CT scan, was carried out from October, 2017 to September, 2019, in the Radiology department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi. All stable patients that were referred for head CT within this period were included in the study. Prior to the commencement of the study, informed consent, relevant clinical history and necessary physical examination are usually carried out on the patient or obtained from the care giver to ascertain the level of consciousness by Glasgow coma scale. The GCS grading used was as follows; a score of 3 - 8 (severe head injury), 9 - 12 (moderate head injury) and 13 - 15 (mild head injury). Patients were scanned using a 4 slice/gantry rotation capacity CT (General Electric (GE), HANGWEI MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO. LTD. Data obtained from the study pro-forma and the cranial CT findings of subjects, was entered and analysed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), version 20.0. Armonk, NY, U.S.A, 2011. Results: A total of 170 patients were involved in the study which showed a high prevalence of traumatic head injury. More males were involved than females and the predominant age in the study is 21-30. There was a significant correlation between the GCS and the Rotterdam scoring system. Discussion: The findings that more males and the younger age group are more involved and that the Rotterdam scores are good indicators of the outcome are similar to the findings in other studies. Conclusion: This study showed that Rotterdam CT score system is a good prognostic tool in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Influence of Five Different Commercially Available Mouthwashes on the Growth of Candida albicans Adhered to Customized Prefabricated Heat-Cured Denture Base Acrylic Resin Sheets: An In Vitro Study.

Background The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to evaluate the impact of five distinct commercial mouthwashes on the development of Candida albicans that had been adhered to heat-cured acrylic resin sheets. Methods This in vitro investigation was carried out at the MES Medical College's Microbiology Department in Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India. A total of 72 heat-cured acrylic resin sheets, size 10 × 10 × 2 mm, were fabricated. After disinfection, all 72 acrylic sheets were placed in a flask containing a suspension of the standard strain of Candida species (American Type Culture Collection) and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. Then, the acrylic sheets were randomly divided into six groups, with each group containing 12 acrylic sheets. Group 1 was the control group to which no mouthwash was added. In group 2, Colgate Plax was added. In group 3, Hiora Himalaya was added. In group 4, Oral B was added. In group 5, Listerine was added. In group 6, Pepsodent was added. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed using a colony counter every six, 24, 48, and 120 hours. After obtaining the pH and CFU of all 72 specimens, software known as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used to analyze the data. Results Candida albicans adhered to heat-cured denture base acrylic resin sheets differed significantly in response to commercially available mouthwashes (Oral B, Colgate Plax, and Pepsodent) and non-commercial mouthwashes (Hiora Himalaya and Listerine) that contained cetylpyridinium chloride. Conclusions Compared to other mouthwashes that do not contain cetylpyridinium chloride (Listerine and Hiora Himalaya), mouthwashes with cetylpyridinium chloride as the active ingredient (Oral B, Pepsodent, and Colgate Plax) have shown good antifungal properties against the adhering Candida albicans on denture base resin.

Effects of Conflict Management Strategies on Employees’ Performance in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

This study evaluated the effects of conflict management strategies on employees’ performance in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. The study employed survey research design in order to utilize a structured questionnaire in the collection of data for analysis. The population for the study was five hundred and fifty (550). The sample size for the study was two hundred and twenty six (226) using Krejcie and Morgan table of 1970. The hypothesis was tested and analyzed using a simple linear regression analysis model applying a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study found that there are positive effects of conflict avoidance strategy on employees’ performance of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. There is a significant effect of conflict collaboration strategy on employees’ commitment to goals achievement. There is a significant relationship between conflict accommodation strategy and employees’ motivation. There is also a significant conflict mediation strategy on employees’ involvement in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Based on the findings, the study recommended that management of organizations or institutions should monitor and intervene on issues that can lead to conflicts in order to enhance employees’ performance by adopting avoidance strategies. Management should employ a collaboration strategy or approach of win-win method of conflict resolution in order to enhance employees’ commitment. Management should also attend to conflicting situations as urgently as possible in order to avoid those factors that can hinder employees’ motivation and commitment to goal achievement. Management should also use a mediator in resolving conflicts on a continuous basis.

Effects of Insecurity on Social Activities of Pastoralist Communities, A Case Study of Mandera County

The presence of an imminent threat to people's lives and property is referred to as insecurity. It might represent a threat, posing difficulties, and risks, and raising anxieties, which would have an impact on a nation's socioeconomic progress. The purpose of this study was to examine forms of insecurity among pastoralist communities and evaluate how insecurity affected the social activities of pastoralist communities in Mandera County, Kenya. A descriptive survey study design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data using questionnaires, interviews and content analysis. A total of 399 household heads, 4 chiefs, 6 sub-chiefs, 10 religious leaders, and 6 members of civil society. A stratified method was used to ensure all the sub-counties were included in the study. Household heads, chiefs, sub-chiefs, religious figures, and members of civil society were sampled using purposive sampling. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS Version 25) computer software program to yield descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Verbatim quotes were used to analyse qualitative data. The findings of the study were presented using tables, figures, pie charts and bar graphs. The findings of this study indicated that Mandera experiences a variety of kinds of insecurity, such as livestock rustling, banditry, border conflicts, terrorism attacks, and inter-clan disputes. The study concluded that there was heightened insecurity in Mandera County caused by terrorism and cattle rustling. Based on the findings above, the study recommended that the county government of Mandera to provide adequate amenities and intensify security in the county in order to ensure the pastoral communities have access to social services

The Effects of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) Mode Adopted in A College Basketball Program

Basketball, as one of the most popular sports courses in Chinese colleges and universities, has always been taught in a traditional ball teaching method, which has caused many problems in students’ learning effects, such as poor basketball tactics, weaker physical fitness and so on. Therefore, it is imperative to reform the basketball courses in colleges and universities. Accordingly, this paper is aimed to explore the effects of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) method in basketball courses on male students from the Class of 2023, a university in Shanghai, China, in terms of their basketball tactics and physical fitness. The study sampled 60 students randomly selected from 1850 students who took the optional basketball courses. The selected students were divided into two classes, either with 30 students: the experimental classes taught with the TGFU method and the control class taught with the traditional method. The data were collected from the pre-tests and post-tests of both classes and analyzed by the tool Statistic Package for Social Science (SPSS 24.0). Including the calculation of average values and standard deviation for T-test. It is found that the TGFU adopted in the basketball courses has significantly improved students’ basketball tactics and physical fitness, and that this method is advised to apply in college courses for students of all grades.

Anxiety, Stress and Depression in Overseas Medical Students and its Associated Factors: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study at Jalalabad State University, Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan

Background: Stress can be described as a mental state of tension or be concerned brought on by an unpleasant circumstance. Stress is an ordinary human reaction that encourages us to face challenges and dangers in life. According to the WHO, four out of every five college students are contemplating or have attempted suicide. Medical education is considered as demanding because students undergo several psychological transformations. It is estimated that half of all significant adult psychiatric illnesses, including depression, begin before the age of fourteen. 75 % of college students do not seek help for mental health issues. (1)  Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three months period of time from the month September till November 2023, among 150 students of various years at Jalalabad State Medical University using online Google forms. The study was conducted using DASS 21-item questionnaire to assess the level of stress, anxiety, and depression among students. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 software. Ethical approval was taken from the University.  Result: In the study 9% of people reported having a moderate to extremely severe degree of stress, anxiety 27.3% and depression was found among 4% respectively in students. Stress and study of year were substantially correlated. (p = 0.007). Anxiety and extracurricular activities were found to be significiant (p = 0.004). Extracurricular activities and depression were linked. (p = 0.029) and the type of family they belong to (p = 0.015). While stress and depression were shown to be uncommon among medical students, anxiety was found to be more common, which might be related to a variety of factors such as new environments, difficult subjects, complex terminology, etc.  Conclusion: It is important to highlight the points like financial issues, home sick, behaviour of teachers and friends etc would be the stressful elements that might lead to increase the psychological problem among medical student. Following research endeavors in this domain ought to endeavor to address these constraints. In any event, we believe that our results emphasize the necessity of putting policies in place to protect and, where appropriate, improve the mental health and general wellbeing of medical students.

The mediating impact of assessment process in the relationship between project-based learning and teamwork skills’ development

The significance of teamwork skills has been acknowledged in most professions and many organizations make performance evaluation judgments based on learners’ teamwork skills. Project-based learning (PBL) has the ability to harness the ability of students to work together. Consequently, this study evaluated the PBL based on the workshop/laboratory experiences of students by measuring the mediating effect of the assessment process to which PBL is employed to enhance students’ teamwork skills. A set of structured questionnaires was purposively administered to 205 students in technology and vocational education-related courses in tertiary institutions of South-Western States in Nigeria. The key analytical methods for the reliabilities test, normality measurements, composite average, explorative factor analysis, confirmative factor analysis, calculation, and structural model analyzes were Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), using version Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0 and 22.0 of Movement Structures Analysis (AMOS). The outcomes of the analysis revealed that PBL in relation to teamwork skills were statistically insignificant. Though, the assessment process on learners’ teamwork skills was found to be significant. Thus, it implies there is a need to reinforce learners’ assessment process in influencing PBL towards the development of students’ teamwork skills in their various institutions.

Level of immediate postpartum family planning utilization and the associated factors among postpartum mothers, Bole Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: institution based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe occurrence of pregnancy in the postpartum period poses a risk to women and their infants, and it also has increased risks of adverse health outcomes if a pregnancy happens less than two years after the preceding birth. Utilization of immediate postpartum family planning is a possible and simple way to reduce these unfavourable outcomes. However, only a small proportion of mothers use the service; but the reasons appear unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level and factors associated with the utilization of immediate postpartum family planning in Bole sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out from August 15 to September 15, 2022, among mothers who gave birth one year before the data collection period. A total of 425 mothers were selected with a systematic random sampling technique. A pretested and structured questionnaire was administered to collect data. Data entry and analysis were done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences 25. Chi-square, multicollinearity and Hosmer-Lemshaw model fitness tests were tested. The level of utilization was determined by descriptive statistics and the associated factors were determined by a binary logistic regression model, and presented with the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). All statistical tests were conducted at a 5% level of significance.ResultsUtilization of family planning method immediately after birth was 12.9% (95% CI = 11.3-14.5%), and it was statistically significantly associated with ages between 25 and 34 years (AOR = 5; 95% CI [1.38–18.41]) and 35 years and above (AOR = 6[1.47–25.70]), unfavourable attitude (AOR = 0.2[0.11–0.31]) and no counselling about immediate postpartum family planning during antenatal care visit (AOR = 0.43[0.20–0.89]).Conclusion and recommendationsThe level of utilization of immediate postpartum family planning is low in the study area. To improve it, dealing with younger women, working to achieve a positive attitude amongst women towards immediate postpartum family planning, and incorporating counselling about postpartum family planning methods during antenatal care visits are all recommended.

Correlation Between Radiological and Functional Outcomes Following Operative and Nonoperative Management of Acetabular Fractures: A Prospective Observational Study.

The management of acetabular fractures is a complicated orthopedic procedure that has been advancing with time. Newer radiological tools like CT scans help surgeons to identify and manage these fractures more attentively. The study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with acetabular fractures managed either conservatively or by open reduction and internal fixation. The study was done on 35 patients aged 18-60 years, with acetabular fractures treated either surgically or conservatively. Clinical scorings and radiological scoring were only taken and noted at three- and six-monthintervals using Matta's radiographic scoring and modified Merle d'Aubigne and Postel clinical hip scoring. Clinico-radiological variables and complications were compared between the two groups. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analyses using IBM Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 2.0 version software (Chicago, IL, USA) at a level of significance being p<0.05. Out of a total of 35 patients, 19 were treated surgically and 16 conservatively. In patients belonging to the surgical treatment group, a maximum of 57.9% were aged 40-50 years, whereas the maximum patients (50%) of the conservative treatment group were aged <40 years, with male predominance in both groups. The type of fracture was recorded according to Judet and Letournel in both groups. Merle d'Aubigne's scoring and Matta's hip score were recorded at three and six months in both groups. A positive correlation was seen between radiological and functional outcomes at three and six months, which means that the higher the radiological scoring, the better the functional outcome of the patient managed either conservatively or surgically in the entire cohort. Our study revealed that surgically managed patients hadbetter functional and radiological outcomes than the patients who were conservatively managed at six months of follow-up. However, this is associated with more complications depending on fracture complexity and initial presentation of hip dislocation. The higher the radiological scoring, the better the functional outcome of the patient managed either conservatively or surgically in the entire cohort.

Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) and Health Impacts of MRI Among the Patients Attending MRI in Dhaka City

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic method in modern clinical medicine. Patients’ knowledge about MRI is of utmost importance for optimizing the workflow, safety, and patient comfort and saving valuable time for the MRI department.&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; Objective:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and health impacts of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) among the patients attending in Dhaka city. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methodology:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out at the department of Radiology and Imaging in Islami Bank Central Hospital &amp; Popular Diagnostic Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh during January, 2022 to June, 2022. A purposive random sampling technique was used and a total of 200 cases referred for MRI, from OPD, aged above 15 years were enrolled in this study. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 23.0. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of School of Public Health &amp; Life Science, University of South Asia, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; A total of (n=200) cases referred for MRI, from OPD, aged above 15 years were enrolled in this study. The majority 85(42.5%) patients belonged to the age group (46-60) and followed by 72(36%),(36-45) years, 22(11%), (26-35) years, 13(6.5%), (15-25) years and 8(4%), &amp;gt;60 years. The maximum132 (66%) patients were male and the minimum 68(34%) were female. The maximum, 61(30.5%) were graduate and followed by 50(25%) HSC, 30(15%) SSC, 21(10.5%) Primary and 6(3%) had no formal education. Among the study patients, 110(55%) had previous knowledge about MRI. 35(17.5%) patients had previous knowledge about the health effect of MRI.74 (37%) patients had seen close contact of relative/family member to face MRI examination. 196(89%) patients opined conversation is very important before MRI examination. 177(88.5%) patients felt nervous to conduct MRI test and 92(46%) patients practiced MRI before. The maximum 110(55%) felt discomfort. 86(43%) patients opined MRI took long time. 100(50%) of the patients observed metal effect during MRI, 78(39%) patients had MRI phobia and the maximum 18(9%) patients had allergic reaction. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; This study investigated (55%) study patients had previous knowledge about MRI. (17.5%) patients had previous knowledge about the health effect of MRI.(37%) patients felt to have close contact of relative/family member is needed during MRI test,(89%) patients had positive attitude to conversation before MRI examination, 177(88.5%) patients felt nervous to conduct MRI test and (46%) patients practiced MRI. The major impact of MRI on health was discomfort and MRI phobia.

Abdominal CT Scan Role out of Fatty Liver Disease: A Study in a Selected Hospital

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Fatty liver is a hepatic manifestation that can occur as a result of many medical problems and the use of certain drugs. The global prevalence of fatty liver is on the rise due to the escalating obesity epidemic. CT scans have proven to be useful in noninvasively identifying the presence and determining the degree of liver fat. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of CT scan in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in individuals. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of CT scan in identifying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in individuals. Methodology: The research was carried out in the Radiology and Imaging department of IbnSina Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, spanning from January 2023 to June 2023. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional prospective design. This study encompassed a cohort of 300 individuals, all of whom were above the age of 18 and sought medical attention at the hospital for an abdominal CT scan. These individuals were suspected to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The hepatic fat level in the patients was assessed using a typical CT scan methodology. The acquired data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, especially version 23.0. The study gained ethical clearance from the Ethics Committee of the School of Public Health &amp; Life Science at the University of South Asia in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Findings: The study included a cumulative total of 300 individuals who were suspected to have the condition. According to age distribution, the maximum 203 (67.66%) of the patients were above 52 years and minimum 3(1%) were between (18-22) years, and followed by 44 (14.66%) (43-52) years, 36(12%), (33-42) years and 14(4.66%) (22-32) years. The majority of the patients were male 160(53.33%) and 140(46.66%) were female. Distribution by clinical presentation, the patients were suffering from Abdominal pain, Nausea-50(16.66%) Abdominal pain, Vomiting- 39(13%), Follow Up-60(20%), U. Abdominal pain-91(30.33%) U. Abdominal pain, Jaundice-53(17.66%) and U. Abdominal pain, Nausea-7(2.33%). According to the evaluation of CT scan, 189(63%) patients had fatty liver and 111(37%) patients had normal liver. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; This study investigated 63 % of the study patients were suffering from fatty liver diseases. Therefore, early detection may help them to medicate in a standard approach and to remove health effect in their day to day life.

An observational study on the impact of overcrowding towards door-to-antibiotic time among sepsis patients presented to emergency department of a tertiary academic hospital

BackgroundThe latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 recommends early antibiotics administration. However, Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding can delay sepsis management. This study aimed to determine the effect of ED overcrowding towards the management and outcome of sepsis patients presented to ED.MethodsThis was an observational study conducted among sepsis patients presented to ED of a tertiary university hospital from 18th January 2021 until 28th February 2021. ED overcrowding status was determined using the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Score (NEDOCS) scoring system. Sepsis patients were identified using Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores and their door-to-antibiotic time (DTA) were recorded. Patient outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. P-value of less than 0.05 for a two-sided test was considered statistically significant.ResultsTotal of 170 patients were recruited. Among them, 33 patients presented with septic shock and only 15% (n = 5) received antibiotics within one hour. Of 137 sepsis patients without shock, 58.4% (n = 80) received antibiotics within three hours. We found no significant association between ED overcrowding with DTA time (p = 0.989) and LOS (p = 0.403). However, in-hospital mortality increased two times during overcrowded ED (95% CI 1–4; p = 0.041).ConclusionED overcrowding has no significant impact on DTA and LOS which are crucial indicators of sepsis care quality but it increases overall mortality outcome. Further research is needed to explore other factors such as lack of resources, delay in initiating fluid resuscitation or vasopressor so as to improve sepsis patient care during ED overcrowding.

Utilization of Female Condoms among Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Murang’a County, Kenya

Background: To prevent the risk of transmission of the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as achieve family planning targets, the use of Female Condom, a women-initiated method, has been prioritized across the globe. Nevertheless, knowledge regarding the utilization of Female Condoms among HIV-positive women remains inconclusive. The main objective of this study was to determine the utilization of Female Condoms (FC) among HIV-positive women in Murang’a County, Kenya. Method: This study adopted a cross-sectional analytical survey design. A total of 204 women living with HIV (WLHIV) were recruited in the study. Multi-stage sampling was conducted to get three participating sub-counties and three clinics. Systematic sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select WLHIV. Structured questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The statistical significance of the association between categorical variables was determined using Pearson’s Chi-square test. The level of significance was fixed at a P-value of 0.05 level of significance (p ≤ 0.05). Results: 38.8% of the respondents were aged 31–40 years (Mean = 3.11; SD = 1.004). 42.2% of study participants had attained secondary education (mean = 2.05; SD = 0.899). FC use was low at 17.6% among the women living with HIV. There was a statistically significant association between the age of the respondents and the view that FC has the potential to prevent unwanted pregnancy (p = 0.002; χ2 = 17.246; df = 4). The relationship between marital status and “ever heard about FC” (p = 0.042; χ2 = 32.529; df = 5), “ever seen an FC” (p = 0.048; χ2 = 34.982; df = 5), “FC has a potential to prevent unwanted pregnancy” (p = 0.006; χ2 = 23.079; df = 5) was significant. Married women who were revealed to have seen FC were significantly associated with the current use of the FC (p = 0.001; χ2 = 12.852; df = 1). 26.5% of the participants put on FC as a measure to prevent HIV during sexual activities. Most married women did not know whether their sexual partner does not like them to use FC when having sex compared to separated, cohabiting, divorced or single WLHIV (p=0.034; χ2=7.949; df = 10). Conclusion: The relatively high knowledge among WLHIV does not translate to the use of FC for appropriate and consistent utilization of the device.

Predictors of health workers' knowledge of maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance and response system in Morogoro region, Tanzania: An analytical cross-sectional study.

This study aimed at assessing the predictors of knowledge about the Maternal and Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system among health workers in the Morogoro region. It was an analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from April 27 to May 29, 2020. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 360 health workers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS v.20) software was used for data entry and analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with knowledge of MPDSR. A total of 105 (29.2%) health workers in the Morogoro region had adequate knowledge of the MPDSR system. After controlling for confounders, predictors of knowledge on the MPDSR system were the level of health facility a health worker was working (n [hospital [adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.668 at 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.497-4.753, P = .001]), level of education of a health worker (diploma [AOR = 0.146 at 95% CI = 0.038-0.561, P = .005]), and status of training on MPDSR (trained [AOR = 7.253 at 95% CI = 3.862-13.621, P ≤ .001]). The proportion of health workers with adequate knowledge about the MPDSR system in the Morogoro region is unacceptably low. Factors associated with adequate knowledge were those working in hospitals with higher levels of professional training and those who had ever had training in MPDSR. A cost-effective strategy to improve the level of knowledge regarding MPDSR in this region is highly recommended.

Assessment of Levels of Occupational Stress among the Intensive Care Workers in a Selected Hospital in Lagos State

Background: Working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) comes with a great deal of physical, emotional, and psychological strain that can get worse with time if not properly managed. Numerous factors contribute to the extreme levels of stress experienced by healthcare professionals, such as long and demanding work hours, the burden of paperwork and legal matters, the disruption of work-life balance, the complexity of shared decision-making, and the high expectations placed ICU workers by on both patients and carers. Some outcomes of occupational stress among intensive care workers include bad safety culture, poor standard of care for patients and depression. Research Objective: The Purpose of the study was to ascertain the levels of occupational stress among the intensive care workers of a hospital. Methodology: The research was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). An aggregate of 108 intensive care workers were sampled for the study. A pre-tested, semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the data, and the statistical package for social sciences, SPSS version, was used for analysis. The means and standard deviations, or the median and interquartile range, were used to express continuous variables. The expressions for categorical variables were frequencies accompanied by percentages. The study employed chi square statistics to evaluate the correlation between categorical variables. Results: There is an average prevalence of stress among intensive care workers of LASUTH. Recommendation: Staff sshould undergo training on stress handling, in order to be able to manage their individual stressors and reduce the overall stress.

A Clinicopathological Study of Aural Polyps: A Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Aim To document the varied clinical presentations and diagnosis of aural polyps Study Design Observational retrospective study. Introduction Aural polyps are a misnomer. Any lesion can present as a mass in the external auditory canal. Aural polyps are proliferation of the granulation tissue due to long standing inflammatory process with associated otalgia and otorrhea. Objectives To document the clinicoradiological presentations, intraoperative findings, and histopathological diagnosis of aural polyp, correlating them. Methods In our study 81 patients underwent treatment for aural polyps in the department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) from April 1997 to April 2022. Results were tabulated, a simple descriptive analysis was done using the Statistical Package Social Sciences software, and the results obtained were represented as percentages and presented in tables. Results The majority (38) of the patients presenting with aural polyps were diagnosed with mucosal and squamous type of CSOM, and 22 with simple granulation polyps. There were also 5 patients with malignant otitis externa, 3 patients had glomus tumors, 2 patients with retained foreign bodies, and 3 patients with brain herniation. We also identified aberrant internal carotid artery, high jugular bulb, one patient had facial nerve neuroma, one patient had polyp from the tragus diagnosed with tuberculosis, one patient with keratosis obturans, and one with exostosis. Conclusion A thorough detailed examination and mastoid exploration with radiological and histopathological evaluation is mandatory for better defining the definitive treatment. Utmost care and meticulousness are advised for the surgeons while dealing with aural polyps to avoid any complications.

Prevalence and Pattern of Stroke Cases Seen at the Neurology Clinic of Physiotherapy Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study .

Background: Stroke is a condition of public health concern. It affects people of different age brackets, leading to long-term debilitation with a significant percentage of survivors left with permanent disabilities Methods: The study adopted a descriptive retrospective study design in which the data of a total of 338 adult male and female stroke patients who attended the neurology clinic of Physiotherapy Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), between December 2012 and December 2022 were retrieved and studied following ethical clearance. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data in frequency tables. Results: Majority of the stroke patients were male 208 (61.5%), married 300 (88.8%), and between the ages of 51 and 60 (28.7%). The most common type of stroke was ischaemic stroke 295 (87.2%) with majority between the age bracket of 61-70 (26.6%). First episode of stroke was the most prevalent 301 (89.0%) with majority of the survivors between the age bracket of 51-60 (25.7%). Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor 195 (57.7%) and was also most prevalent among the age bracket of 51-60 (16.0%). Lastly, majority of the stroke patients had right sided hemiparesis 192 (56.9%). Conclusion: The risk factors and clinical presentation of stroke vary from individuals to individuals. Adequate education, counseling, medical, and financial support should be given to stroke survivors in order to prevent and manage the condition.

Family Factors Influencing Intentional Self-organophosphate Poisoning Among Persons of Age 15-30 Years in Kericho County, Kenya

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence intentional self-poisoning among patients aged 15-30 years in Kericho County. The study's specific goals were to explore the influence of family factors, on intentional self-organophosphate poisoning. Study Design: The study adopted cross-sectional study design. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in Kericho County, health facilities for a period of 4 months. Methodology: 100 respondents were included in the study (88 males and 12 females). Sample size of 100 respondents was used which was estimated population of patients who might have been affected with poisoning during study period. Data was collected from respondents who were attended and recovered during the study period of four months. Data Analysis: The collected quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Correlation and regression analysis were carried out to establish relationship between categorical variables. The analyzed data were presented in tables, charts and the corresponding thematic areas. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Result: The results indicated that family factors showed positive influenced on self-poisoning. had correlation of 13.319 where significance was set at p=0.0001 indicating a high likelihood of influencing one to self-poison. Conclusion: This study suggested counselors to have a prediction model to classify patients at a higher risk of self-harm by use of poisons and to focus on individual preventive strategies. Patients in the high-risk group require referral for mental health assessment and counseling both individual and family to alleviate helplessness and hopelessness, healthy lifestyle like come together party, and restriction of access to poison .This will eventually reduce these cases of self-poisoning in our Counties and Country at large.

Study of Person-specifc Life Events Influencing Intentional Self-harm in Young Population in Kericho County, Kenya

Background: Suicide has been among the leading causes of death in 15-29-year-old people worldwide. Over three quarters (79%) of all suicides occur in lower and mid-level economic countries. Aim: The study's specific goal was to assess factors influencing personal specific life events on intentional self-organophosphate poisoning. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in Kericho County, health facilities year 2023. Design: The study adopted cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling technique. Methodology: 100 respondents were included in the study(88 males and 12 females). Data Analysis: The collected quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Correlation and regression analysis was carried out to establish relationship between variables. Chi-square also was used to measure correlation of variables.The analyzed data were presented in tables, charts and the corresponding thematic areas. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: The results indicated that personal life specific perspective showed positive influenced on self-poisoning. The results indicated that personal specific perspectives/events had chi-square of 13.867 where significance was set at p=0.0001 indicating a high likelihood of influencing one to self-poison. Conclusion: Self-poisoning study offers important knowledge on one of the commonest popular methods of self- suicidal attempts; that can guide on public health approaches to mitigate this phenomenon, and the lack of research on the influences of personality traits and self-poisoning is the main reason for this study. These cases of self-poisoning influence by self-perfection may increase morbidity and mortality incidences and also overburdening family financially to meet cost of hospitalization.