Utilization of modified early warning score among ward nurses at Konkola mine hospital, Chililabombwe, Zambia.

Thesis of Master of Critical Care Nursing.Background: Hospitalized patients, including those in the Intensive Care Unit, often experience clinical deterioration. The Modified Early Warning Score helps healthcare providers monitor patients’ conditions to anticipate serious adverse events. The recognition, response, and treatment of deteriorating patients are essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing unexpected deaths,length of stay, and cost of Intensive Care Unit care. Therefore, improving patient monitoring, using a simple and user-friendly tool like the Modified Early Warning Score system, remains crucial for early detection and prompt treatment to prevent severe adverse effects. Aim: To establish the utilization of Modified Early Warning Score and its associated factors among ward nurses at Konkola Mine Hospital, Chililabombwe, Zambia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 81 randomly selected nurses using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire. All ethical guidelines were upheld. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27 employing Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests. Results: The study results revealed suboptimal utilization of the Modified Early Warning Score at 68% with significant associations between age group (p= 0.029), gender (p = 0.001), level of education (p = 0.001), training in Modified Early Warning Score (p = 0.001), attitude (p = 0.001), and knowledge (p = 0.001). Training had a significant impact on Modified Early Warning Score utilization as respondents who had not received training were less likely to utilize MEWS compared to those who had received training (AOR = 11.76; 95% CI, 1.34–103.19; p = 0.026). Respondents with a positive attitude towards Modified Early Warning Score were more likely to utilize it compared to those with a negative attitude (AOR = 5.28; 95% CI, 1.08–6.24; p = 0.003). Knowledge was another important predictor, with respondents who had adequate knowledge of MEWS being more likely to utilize it than those with inadequate knowledge (AOR = 3.05; 95% CI, 0.01–0.32; p = 0.002). Conclusion: This study highlights the suboptimal utilization of Modified Early Warning Score among ward nurses, with significant gaps in knowledge and training. The results underscore the need for targeted education and training programs to enhance nurses' understanding and adoption of Modified Early Warning Score, ultimately improving early detection and response to patient deterioration. Addressing these gaps is critical to ensuring the effective implementation of Modified Early Warning Score and enhancing patient safety and outcomes. Keywords: Modified early warning score, utilization, clinical deterioration, intensive care uni

Strategies for improving students’ records management using technological advancements: a case of the university of Zambia.

Article on Strategies for improving Students RecordsPublic as well as private organizations are increasingly realizing that sound records management is linked to service delivery. However, Institutions of higher learning are yet to realize the role of records management to quality service delivery. This may be due to lack of policy frameworks on management, destruction of records and inadequate qualified staff among others. Keeping students' records is a crucial activity in every learning institution. Some learners misplace their results, and their only hope is to obtain a replacement from the institution. Records of what students borrowed (books, equipment) become very important when students seek to clear before graduation. Learning institutions are facing challenges in how to maintain such records as numbers of students increase and years pass. This study therefore investigated the strategies that learning institutions like the University of Zambia can implement using technological advancements in different schools to enhance students’ record-keeping. A case study was conducted to collect data from 20 participants from one of the Schools at the University of Zambia. Non-random sampling was utilized to select key informants from the School of Education, Admission office, Academic office, Student registry and the Library.. Interviews were employed to gather primary data from respondents, while document analysis was used to collect secondary data to corroborate the primary data. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that students’ records were stored in both hard copy (files) in the school registry and soft copy using software such as Cloud gadget in the Heads of Departments, although this was only in one department. It was also revealed that the use of Atria and Moodle was not considered very reliable by students. The study further showed that the challenges in maintaining students’ records stemmed from the type of software and gadgets used, lack of staff training, poor internet connectivity, and slow technological advancement. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the University of Zambia should adopt advanced technology to enhance students’ record-keeping, especially in internet infrastructure. Additionally, the study suggests that staff members should undergo Continuing Professional Development in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Moreover, the study recommends that staff from the Library and CICT department should collaborate with schools to improve students’ records. Key words: Records management, Advanced Technology, Registry, Strategies, Internet connectivit

Cancer patient’s experience of long COVID-19 at the cancer diseases hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.

Thesis of Master of Science in Oncology Nursing.Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of Long COVID-19 due to their immunecompromised state. The intersection of cancer and Long COVID-19 presents unique challenges, including disruptions in treatment, heightened psychological distress, and financial burdens. In Zambia, the impact of Long COVID-19 on cancer patients remains under-explored. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of cancer patients with Long COVID-19 at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed to explore the subjective experiences of cancer patients diagnosed with Long COVID19. The study purposively included 14 participants using data saturation technique. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically to identify key themes related to the experiences of patients. The findings yielded four themes: impact of long COVID-19 on cancer treatment, Psychological distress from long COVID-19, healthcare access and support challenges. It revealed that Long COVID-19 significantly disrupted cancer treatment, leading to delayed chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Participants reported severe psychological distress, including heightened anxiety, depression, and fear of worsening cancer prognosis. Coping mechanisms varied, with some patients relying on social support, spirituality, and resilience strategies. However, healthcare access remained a major challenge, with limited resources, financial burdens, and delays in treatment exacerbating the difficulties faced by patients. Long COVID-19 has compounded the challenges faced by cancer patients in Zambia, affecting their physical and mental well-being. The study highlights the need for integrated healthcare approaches, improved mental health support, and policy interventions to ensure uninterrupted cancer care during pandemics. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer patients experiencing Long COVID-19. Keywords: Long COVID-19, cancer patients, healthcare access, psychological distress, coping mechanisms, treatment disruption

Effectiveness of strategies utilised by financial institutions in addressing the financing needs of women entrepreneurs: case study of in Lusaka district of Zambia.

Thesis of Masters of Business Administration in Finance.By supporting women with access to finance, would create a transformative social and economic impact on women with their families and society at large. The empowering of women creates opportunities for the families because, they place a higher priority on spending on food, health, education of children and their family’s wellbeing. In Zambian women entrepreneurs own more than one-third of the country’s small businesses and more than 40% of its microenterprises. However, despite their pivotal role in the Zambian economy the lack of (or inadequate) access to tailor-made financial products and non-financial services offered by financial services providers is an important factor constraining women, particularly from low-income countries, from investing and earning more and ultimately having more resources at their disposal. This study investigates the financial strategic measures implemented by financial institutions in Lusaka Zambia to support the financial needs of women entrepreneurs. The study’s objectives specifically explored the availability of financial products, assess the level of literacy and comprehension of financial products available for women entrepreneurs. It also focuses on examining the factors associated with access to finance among women entrepreneurs. Therefore a mixed-methods approach was employed, with a quantitative survey conducted among 202 women entrepreneurs and qualitative insights gathered through thematic analysis of institutional strategies from 15 key informants that were done at ABSA Bank, Stanbic Bank and Unify financial institution. However the findings reveal significant gaps in the financial products offered to women entrepreneurs, with most respondents reporting limited access to tailored financial products. Furthermore, a large proportion of participants indicated that, they had limited awareness of targeted outreach programs designed for women entrepreneurs. However, the study also highlights systemic barriers, despite the growth of women-led enterprises in Zambia, access to tailored financial services remains a critical barrier including high collateral requirements and lack of financial literacy, which hinder access to financial services for women. The chi-square (χ2) test results established the following factors to be associated with access to finance among women education (p> 0.05), sensitization on financial education (p> 0.05), time period of loan debasement (p> 0.001), application for the loan (p> 0.001). Furthermore, recommendation among the participants in the study, 69.80% indicated that they would want to be provided with financial education to improve their business. About 11.39% indicated that they need access to finances with low interest rates to help boost their businesses. Among the participants 18.32% indicated that they would need value addition funds to improve their quality of the products. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for financial institutions to innovate products tailored to women entrepreneurs, increase the accessibility of financial services, and enhance awareness of available programs. Policy reforms that are inclusive in targeted interventions are recommended to address the systemic barriers and improve the financial access for women entrepreneurs in Lusaka. Furthermore, providing financial education services would help women entrepreneurs to improve their business and understand the market dynamics. Keywords: Women Entrepreneurs, Financial Literacy, Access to Finance, Financial Products, Business Growt

Exploring the low levels of women’s political participation in kabwe central constituency of Zambia from 1964 to 2021.

Thesis of Master of Education in Civic EducationThe study explored the reasons for low levels of women political participation in Kabwe Central Constituency of Zambia. The objectives of this study were as follows: to explore reasons affecting low women political participation, the effects of low participation of women in politics and measures to promote women participation in politics. The study is qualitative and used a descriptive research designn because its flexible, offered in-depth and detailed information, allowed the use of multiple data collection methods and minimized the chance of having missing data. Moreover, the approach was found to integrate human touch, was costeffective and was indeed the only option in some cases of research problems. The data was collected using Focus Group Discussion and structured interviews. The target population of the study comprised of Provincial Secretary General of political parties, ECZ officials, members of Kabwe central constituency and Non-Government Organisation. The study sample consisted of 30 participants. Purposive sampling also known as a judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling was used in the study. The interviews and FGDs conducted in this study established that women face numerous challenges in political participation which includes; lack of support from fellow women and family, inadequate financial resources to fund political activities, unsafe or fear of political violence, low confidence due to intimidation and lack of political motivation in key positions. On the effects of low political participation, the study revealed that; policies formulated do not reflect the interest of girls and women, women’s voices may not be head in politics, demotivating young girls as well as proliferation of gender gap representation. It was clear that the negative effects of low women participation in political participation increased the already existing gender gap representation in governance. The findings of the study reveal some measure that can put in place to address low women political participation were to; training and leadership programmes for women, promoting community talks or sensitization, reducing charges of adoption by political parties as well as reducing political violence against women in politics. Based on the study findings, the following future political were suggested to stakeholders; stakeholders such NGOs, CSO, Political parties among others should be on lookout in communities and identify those women interested in politics and fund them, ECZ, police, political parties and other stakeholders should ensure to create a political friendly atmosphere to accommodate women in political landscape and to use various platforms such as the media, market places, churches, traditional leaders to be used as conduits or channels to disseminate information on the importance of women participation in political participation. There is need for further studies to investigate the impact of low women participation in politics on the development of Kabwe Central Constituency

Estimation of post-harvest losses on vegetable value chain in Lusaka open market.

Thesis of Master of Science in Human Geography.Vegetables are highly perishable and lack of storage facilities affects their marketability. Once vegetables are separated from their source of nutrients (plant) they undergo higher rates of respiration, resulting in moisture loss, quality and nutrient degradation, and potential microbial spoilage (Alegbeleye et el, 2022). Post-harvest losses (PHLs) contributes to organic waste in the market. Hence, Post-harvest food loss is a contributor to food insecurity in Zambia. The aim of this study was to estimate post-harvest loss on vegetable value chain in Lusaka city region, Zambia. The objectives of this study was to estimate the quantity of food losses at various nodes of the vegetable value chain in Lusaka city region, to investigate the main causes of post-harvest losses and coping mechanisms being used to reduce the losses at the retail stages. An instrumental case study design was employed in seven districts of Lusaka city food region using secondary quantitative data from the Africities Food Project, and primary qualitative data from purposively sampled local market authorities and retailers at Soweto open market in Lusaka city. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis and descriptive statistics using Minitab software. The results showed the quality loss of tomatoes to be 68.6%, and the loss of fresh vegetables to be 66.1%. The common causes of post-harvest losses in Lusaka region were mishandling (22.9%), high temperatures (20.1%), lack of storage facilities (17%), and pests or disease attacks (13.9%). Coping mechanisms employed were keeping the produce cool to avoid damage by the sun (23%), separating the injured, diseased or decayed produce from the fine produce (21%), proper clean storage (18%), avoid injury at all costs (15%), assess maturity and quality of produce immediately the produce arrives at the market (13%), and drying (10%). Post-Harvest Loss (PHL) of vegetables is considered to be a major problem for farmers and other actors’ involved along their supply chain. To reduce the post harvest losses of vegetables, agricultural training and extension services should be given to farmers and other actors on proper pre harvest practice, postharvest handling, type of packaging used, transportation system and storage condition and marketing systems

Exploring the integration of employability skills training in university degree programmes for graduate work readiness in Zambia.

Thesis of Master's Degree in Education and Development.Over the last decade, employers in several industries have become increasingly vocal about employability skills: the set of transferable skills characterized as the higher-order thinking skills and personal attributes that employees need to succeed in a work environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the integration of employability skills training in university programmes and their effectiveness in promoting graduate work readiness in selected universities in Zambia. The study used a mixed-method design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research. A total of 96 students and 10 key informants including lecturers and school administrators participated in this study. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The Chi-Square test was employed to assess the level of significance in the study's findings. The interview responses were analysed purely through the description and thematic analysis. The findings revealed a comprehensive set of essential skills, aligning with the broader employability requirements in various professional fields. Research skills, communication skills, computer literacy, project planning and management, emotional intelligence, and mentorship and soft skills emerged as critical components for students' preparedness for the professional realm. The findings further revealed that the majority (53.1%) of students reported a moderate level of confidence in their preparedness for employment, while a substantial proportion (44.8%) of the students, expressed a high level of confidence in their ability to take on a job. Further analysis indicated that students from public universities exhibit significantly higher confidence levels (52.3%) compared to their counterparts in private universities (29%). The study found that the integration of employability skills involved incorporating practical aspects into lessons, simulations, group assignments, field trips, presentations, peer teaching, industrial attachments, and internships. The study established that the integration of employability skills training within university programs emerged as a crucial mechanism for fostering work readiness among students. The findings highlighted key obstacles, including faculty competences, challenges in teaching practical aspects, lack of organized skill integration, issues with student attachments, and weak links between industry and university. The study recommends the need to develop a comprehensive curriculum that addresses a broad range of employability skills and find innovative ways of encouraging the use of diverse pedagogical approaches to reinforce employability skills among students. Keywords: Approaches, Employability skills, Graduate work readiness, Integration, Students, Programme

Contribution of career guidance received at secondary school on choice of careers by female students in institutions under TEVETA in Lusaka province, Zambia.

Thesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Guidance and Counselling.This study sought to investigate the contribution of career guidance received at secondary school on choice of careers by female students in institutions under TEVETA in Lusaka province, Zambia. The investigation serves as a springboard to establishing a strategy framework that may be used to assist female students in secondary schools in making appropriate career choices. The study used an intrinsic case study research design. Typical case purposive sampling procedure was used to select both the study institution and the 20 first year female students. Semi structured interview and non-participant observation guides were used to collect data. Trustworthiness of the data collected was assured through rigorous adherence to credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and flexibility quality criteria of qualitative study. The study revealed that while at secondary school the female students received show casing competences, instructive guidance and strategic decision as types of career guidance services. The study revealed family (bonding relations), education institutions, Intermediary Crafted Sources and peers as the sources of career guidance for the female students while at secondary school and family as the leading source among them. The study also revealed that work motivation and expectation had an influence on the choice of study programmes by the first-year female students at the TEVETA accredited institution. This was seen in them alluding to the fact that they were motivated to choose the study programmes they were pursuing as it was an avenue for them to be able to acquire property, have stability and survive and perform social responsibilities. The study further revealed that gender role socialization did not play any role in motivating female students to choose careers as both female and male students were competing in the same study programmes with same interest. The study also revealed that structure of opportunity influenced the choice of study programmes by the female students as it brought about demographic divide and compromise on quality in terms of college entry requirements. The study recommended a first-degree training for individuals to give career guidance to girls at secondary school and the introduction of career guidance as a subject. It was also recommended that only trained career guidance personnel be allowed to deal with career guidance issues in schools. Lastly, the study also recommended a career guidance strategy framework to be used in helping girls make appropriate career choices. Keywords: Sources of Career guidance, School career guidance, Work Motivation, Work expectation, TEVET

A phenomenological examination of the experiences and perceptions of learners, teachers and other eductational stakeholders about the agricultural science curriculum in selected secondary schools of Lusaka district, Zambia.

Thesis of Master of Education in Curriculum StudiesAmong the most effective ways of helping citizens acquire knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes is through education. Policymakers and administrators must recognize that education is the most reliable path to the sustainable development of any nation. In Zambia, the national goal of diversifying the country’s economy from mining to agriculture has been a persistent objective for several decades. Despite this, the Agricultural Science curriculum at the secondary education level remains an optional subject and thus not widely taught. It is a known fact that agriculture is one of the main sources of livelihood for most people in Zambia especially for those in rural areas who produce most of the food that is also dependent on by the urban population. However, implementing Agricultural Science as an optional subject may likely lead to what is aimed at in the nation in terms of providing more skills in agriculture to many citizens and diversifying the economy remain in speeches and not in practice. It is for this reason that this study was a phenomenological examination of the experiences and perceptions of learners, teachers and other educational stakeholders about the Agricultural Science curriculum in selected secondary schools of Lusaka so as to understand how national aims are being translated into practical ways in relation to agricultural science. The objectives were to: establish why Agricultural Science is not widely taught to learners in secondary schools, examine learners, teachers’, education administrators and parents’ perceptions and experiences about the teaching and learning of Agricultural Science in secondary schools and examine the availability of facilities, human resource, teaching and learning resources in schools for the implementation of Agricultural Science in secondary schools which all took place in Lusaka district. The researcher employed a phenomenological research design. Semistructured interview schedules and focus group discussion guide were used to collect data from teachers, learners, head teachers, parents and an Agricultural Science curriculum specialist. The sample size was 66, consisting of 36 learners, 11 teachers, 12 parents, 6 head teachers and 1 Agricultural Science curriculum specialist. Data was analyzed using the main themes that emerged from the research objectives in relation to related literature that was reviewed and the theoretical framework that guided the study. The findings of the study clearly showed that Agricultural Science curriculum cannot be implemented in all secondary schools because of the absence of various teaching and learning materials and the shortage of qualified teachers of the subject. The perceptions of the implementation of Agricultural Science from various participants were that the subject was not being effectively implemented. It was further revealed that due to lack of funding, there were insufficient teaching and learning resources for effective implementation of Agricultural Science. From this study, it was concluded that the implementation of Agricultural Science was not being effectively done in secondary schools of Lusaka district. It was thus recommended that the government of the Republic of Zambia and the Ministry of Education should give serious consideration to the recommendations of curriculum specialists based on the provision of teaching and learning resources to ensure that practical subjects such as Agricultural Science are effectively implemented

Triage knowledge and associated factors among emergency department nurses at Princess Marina hospital, Gaborone, Botswana.

Thesis of Master of Science in Emergency and Trauma Nursing.Background: Overcrowding in emergency department (EDs) remains a global significant concern, often compromising the quality, safety, and timeliness patient care. To address this, the triage system has been implemented to prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions and to ensure efficient utilization of limited resources. However, the effectiveness of triage system relies on the knowledge and competency of ED nurses. Adequate triage knowledge is critical for ensuring a accurate, prompt, and comprehensive patient assessments, which are vital for the delivery of safe and effective emergency care. Aim; This study aimed to assess nurse's triage knowledge and associated factors among nurses in the ED at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH), Gaborone, Botswana. Methods: The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional analytical design. A sampling method was utilized to include all 33 ED nurses working at PMH. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were computed using Statistical Package for Social Statistics (SPSS) version 27. Fisher’s Exact and binary logistic regression tests with corresponding confidence intervals (CI) and p-values were used to test associations between independent and dependent variables. Ethical clearance was obtained from relevant authorities, and informed consent was obtained from respondents. Results: The results showed that 79% of respondents had adequate level of triage knowledge. Respondents’ age ( p=0.719), gender (p=0.393), marital status (p=0.763), level of nursing qualification (p=0.320), nursing experience (p=0.203), and training in emergency care (p=0.225) were not significantly associated with nurses’ triage knowledge. Nursing Implication: The results underscore the significance of continuous triage education and training for ED nurses. Incorporating regular, structured training programs into hospital policies can assist maintain and enhance triage competence, ultimately improving patient outcomes in emergency departments. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for further research into the factors that influence triage information among emergency departments, particularly in the context of low-resource settings. Emergency department nurses should prioritize triage training to improve their knowledge in triage. Keywords: Triage knowledge, Emergency department, Nurses, Work experience, Training, Botswana