Analysis of Family Building Patterns in Kenya when Fertility has Stalled

The absence of any further fertility decline in Kenya in recent past has alarmed the demographic community. While such phenomenon is not new, it is also possible that the observed fertility as measured by TFR may be due to flaws in the in distortion of TFR from changes in the timing of childbearing. On the other handWhile, there may have been a real reversal in fertility decline that could arise from change in fertility preferences. However, tracing fertility trends by traditional measures (such as TFR) in early stages of demographic transition is speculative and uncertain even if data is of good quality. This study uses birth history data from the 1998 and 2003 KDHS to examine trends in family building patterns. The main conclusion is that fertility rates increased among women in their middle age (25-34) for those in parities 4 and 5 but declined for both younger and older women. From a methodological perspectives, the use of parity progression ratios uncovers patterns that may be difficult with the use of age-specific fertility rates. Parity-specific analysis is consistent with the sequential nature of childbearing and approximates the family-building behaviour of real cohorts

School organizational factors as predictors of student achievement: Principals’ perspective

This study aimed to deepen our understanding of how school organization factors can be used to predict students’ academic performance. In particular, factors examined were leadership skills, nature of students, parental involvement and the school environment. Using stratified and simple random sampling, a total of 152 principals were selected for the study. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data whose variance and regression was analyzed using ANOVA. The findings consolidate the importance of leadership skills, nature of students, learning environment and parents in predicting students learning success. All the four aspects of school organization contributed differently to predicting students’ academic performance with the Principals' Leadership Skills having the highest impact while parental involvement made the least contribution. Findings of this study are important to educational administrators to ensure a supportive learning environment for the students. In addition education authorities both at national and local levels should enhance field inspections to rate the learning atmosphere. The study also serves to contribute to the body of knowledge on school organizational factors in addition to triggering the need for more research in this domain

Comparison of binary diagnostic predictors using entropy

Paper presented at the 4th Strathmore International Mathematics Conference (SIMC 2017), 19 - 23 June 2017, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.The use of gold standard procedures in screening may be costly, risky or even unethical. It is usually therefore, not admissible for large scale application. In this case, a more acceptable diagnostic predictor is applied to a sample of subjects alongside a gold standard procedure. The performance of the predictor is then evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. The area under the curve provide a summative measure of the performance of the predictor. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve is a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity which in most cases are of different clinical significance. Also, the areas under the curve is criticized for lack of coherent interpretation. In this study, we proposed the use of entropy as a summary index measure of uncertainty to compare diagnostic predictors. Noting that a diseased subject who is truly identified with the disease at a lower cut-off will also be identified at a higher cut-off, we substituted time variable in survival analysis for cut-offs in a binary predictor. We then derived the entropy of the functions of diagnostic predictors. Application of the procedure to real data showed that entropy was a strong measure for quantifying the amount of uncertainty engulfed in a set of cut-offs of binary diagnostic predictor.University of Eldore

Testing for the difference in sensitivities of binary classifiers using survival analysis

Paper presented at the 4th Strathmore International Mathematics Conference (SIMC 2017), 19 - 23 June 2017, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.Sensitivity is an important measure of the performance of a binary classifier in a disease control program among populations at risk. Where one has to choose between binary classifiers, on basis of their sensitivities, a test grounded on the theory is important for viability of the test results. The commonly used procedure namely the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve does not only lack strong theoretical basis but also trades the sensitivity of a classifier with its specificity. Also, the use of relative sensitivity is limited to comparison at single cut-off point of the classifiers. In this study was we provide a procedure for testing for the difference in sensitivities of two or more binary classifiers over a set of cutoffs without reference to their specificities. By observing the cumulative sensitivities over ordered cut-offs, we defined the survival function of the diseased individuals. Low sensitivity results to high survivability. To test for the difference in sensitivities we tested for the difference of the survival curve using the log-rank test. We subjected our approach to two pancreatic cancer classifiers and the test results show that the two were statistically difference. Further studies should focus on survival curves that close at some point.University of Eldore

An Event History Analysis of Factors Influencing Entry into Parenthood In Nairobi

In this study, we use data from the Urban Integration Survey conducted in 2001 in Nairobi, following the standard that has been adapted in several cities in Africa (Dakar, 1989; Bamako, 1992; Yaounde, 1996 and Antananarivo, 1998), to examine the underlying factors influencing entry into parenthood for men and women during the period of economic crisis. The analysis uses event history methods, specifically the Cox Proportional Hazards Regression model, stratified by generational age and run separately by sex. The results show that the majority of the migrants to Nairobi began childbearing in Nairobi, with migration status having no effect on entry into parenthood when other factors are controlled for. What seems important in delaying entry into union is some form of economic security, while social and economic contexts appeared weak for both men and women. One intriguing result was that there is an almost monotonic increase on the likelihood of entry into motherhood with increase in the level of education

Young people’s experiences using an on-demand mobile health sexual and reproductive health text message intervention in Kenya : qualitative study

Background: Digital health usability assessments can help explain how well mobile health (mHealth) apps targeting young people with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information performed and whether the intended purpose was achieved. However, few digital health assessments have been conducted to evaluate young people’s perceptions regarding mHealth system interactions and content relevance on a wide range of SRH topics. In addition, the majority of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have focused on push messaging platforms; therefore, the mHealth field lacks sufficient RCTs investigating on-demand mHealth SRH platforms. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore young people’s experiences using an on-demand SRH mHealth platform in Kenya. Methods: We used qualitative data related to the usability of an mHealth platform, Adolescent/Youth Reproductive Mobile Access and Delivery Initiatives for Love and Life Outcome (ARMADILLO), collected at the end of the intervention period. A total of 30 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with the intervention participants (15 women and 15 men) to elicit their experiences, opinions, and perspectives on the design and content of the ARMADILLO platform. The study participants were randomly selected from a list of intervention arm participants to participate in the IDIs. The interviews were later transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and coded and analyzed thematically using NVivo version 12 software (QSR International). Results: Respondents reported varied user experiences and levels of satisfaction, ranging from ease of use by the majority of the respondents to systematic frustrations that prevented some participants from progressing to other stages. Interesting features of the mHealth platform included the immediate response participants received when requesting messages, weekly remunerated quizzes, and perceived ability of educative and informative content and messages to change behaviors. Proposed enhancements to the platform included revising some concepts and words for easy understanding and increasing the interactivity of the platform, whereby young people could seek clarity when they came across difficult terms or had additional questions about the information they received. Conclusions: The importance of understanding the range of health literacy and technological variations when dealing with young people cannot be overemphasized. Young people, as mHealth end users, must be considered throughout intervention development to achieve optimum functionality. In addition, young people targeted with mHealth SRH interventions must be sensitized to the interactions on mHealth platforms or any other digital health apps if implemented in a nonresearch setting for optimal use by the targeted audience

Lay perceptions of breast cancer in Western Kenya

AIM: To explore lay perceptions of causes, severity, presenting symptoms and treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: In October-November 2012, we recruited men and women (18 years and older) from households and health facilities in three different parts of Western Kenya, chosen for variations in their documented burdens of breast cancer. A standardized and validated tool, the breast cancer awareness measure (BCAM), was administered in face-to-face interviews. Survey domains covered included socio-demographics, opinions about causes, symptoms, severity, and treatment of breast cancer. Descriptive analyses were done on quantitative data while open-ended answers were coded, and emerging themes were integrated into larger categories in a qualitative analysis. The open-ended questions had been added to the standard BCAM for the purposes of learning as much as the investigators could about underlying lay beliefs and perceptions. RESULTS: Most respondents were female, middle-aged (mean age 36.9 years), married, and poorly educated. Misconceptions and lack of knowledge about causes of breast cancer were reported. The following (in order of higher to lower prevalence) were cited as potential causes of the condition: Genetic factors or heredity (n = 193, 12.3%); types of food consumed (n = 187, 11.9%); witchcraft and curses (n = 108, 6.9%); some family planning methods (n = 56, 3.6%); and use of alcohol and tobacco (n = 46, 2.9%). When asked what they thought of breast cancer’s severity, the most popular response was “it is a killer disease” (n = 266, 19.7%) a lethal condition about which little or nothing can be done. While opinions about presenting symptoms and signs of breast cancer were able to be elicited, such as an increase in breast size and painful breasts, early-stage symptoms and signs were not widely recognized. Some respondents (14%) were ignorant of available treatment altogether while others felt breast cancer treatment is both dangerous and expensive. A minority reported alternative medicine as providing relief to patients. CONCLUSION: The impoverished knowledge in these surveys suggests that lay education as well as better screening and treatment should be part of breast cancer control in Kenya

Distribution of Potentially toxic elements in Water, Sediment and Soils in the Riparian Zones around a Kraft Pulp and Paper Mill in Western Kenya

This chapter discusses the impact of effluent discharge on the distribution of potentially toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn) in water, sediments and soils near a Kraft mill in Western Kenya. Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) concentrations were determined at three sites: Water Intake Point, Effluent Discharge Point and Downstream Point. The mill liquid effluent parameters and gaseous emissions were also characterized. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the spatial differences in PTEs concentrations. Principal component analysis determined the correlations between the proximity to the Kraft mill and the PTEs in soils, water and sediments. In riverine soils, Cd was 0.78 ± 0.01 mg/kg, while Pb was 94.38 ± 9.65 mg/kg. In sediments, the concentration was 16.81 ± 2.46 mg/kg for Zn, 6.16 ± 0.72 mg/kg for Cd and 75.28 ± 5.97 mg/kg for Pb. In water, Zn was 0.26 ± 0.038 mg/L, Cu was 0.75 ± 0.11 mg/L, Cd was 0.05 ± 0.004 mg/L and Pb was 1.26 ± 9.65 mg/L. The spatial distributions of PTEs in soils near the factory and across the river may have resulted from the factory’s effluent discharge and gaseous emissions. These findings should help formulate more stringent industrial effluent management programs in Western Kenya

USPOREDNA PERFORMANSA RASTA MUŽJAKA ISTOG SPOLA I MJEŠOVITOG SPOLA NILSKE TILAPIJE (Oreochromis niloticus L.) UZGAJANIH U ZEMLJANIM RIBNJACIMA

Comparative growth performance of male monosex and mixed sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was conducted in six earthen ponds each measuring 150 m2 at the Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kegati Aquaculture Research Station. Male monosex and mixed sex of O. niloticus juveniles at an average weight of 12.2 ± 0.02 g and average length of 7.6 ± 0.02 cm were collected from nursery production ponds. The male monosex juveniles were obtained by feeding newly hatched juveniles with feed dosed with 17-α-methyltestosterone hormone for a period of one month. Stocking was at 3 juvenile m-2 and feeding was carried out using 28% crude protein diet twice daily for six months at 4% body weight. Selected water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and total ammonia nitrogen) were measured weekly in situ, while sampling for weight and length measurements was conducted on a monthly basis for a period of six months. Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Condition Factor (CF) and survival rate (%) were measured at the end of six months. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). At the end of six months, the average weight of male monosex and mixed sex fishes was 200.8 ± 0.81 g (mean ± SE) and 123.4 ± 0.76 g, respectively, while the average length of male monosex and mixed sex was 22.4 ± 0.21 cm and 18.6 ± 0.23 cm, respectively. The male monosex O. niloticus achieved significantly increased final weight and length, SGR, FCR and CF than the mixed sex O. niloticus (p 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean water quality parameters in male monosex and mixed sex ponds (p > 0.05). The male monosex fish performed better because most energy was spent on muscle and tissue development while the mixed sex fish spent most energy on reproduction activities at the expense of muscle and tissue development. Further studies should be done in other culture systems such as liner ponds, tanks, cages and raceways.Usporedna performansa rasta mužjaka istog spola u odnosu na mješoviti spol Nilske tilapije (Oreochromis niloticus) provedena je u šest zemljanih ribnjaka veličine 150 m2 u Kenijskom institutu za istraživanje mora i ribarstva (KMFRI), Akvakulturna stanica u Kegatiju. Nedozrele jedinke mužjaka istog spola i mješovitog spola O. niloticus prosječne mase 12,2 ± 0,02 g i prosječne dužine 7,6 ± 0,02 cm prikupljene su iz mladičnjaka. Nedozrele jedinke mužjaka su dobivene hranjenjem novoizleglih ličinaka s hranom doziranom hormonom 17 α-metil-testosteronom u razdoblju od mjesec dana. Nasad je proveden u gustoći od 3 mladunca / m2 i hranidbom od 28% sirovih proteina dva puta dnevno tijekom šest mjeseci na 4% tjelesne težine. Odabrani fizikalno-kemijski parametri vode (otopljen kisik, temperatura, provodljivost i ukupni amonijak) mjereni su tjedno in situ, dok su izmjere dužina i masa provedene na mjesečnoj bazi tijekom 6 mjeseci. Specifična stopa rasta (SGR), omjer konverzije hrane (FCR), kondicijski faktor (CF) i stopa preživljavanja (%) izmjereni su na kraju perioda od šest mjeseci. Podaci su analizirani jednosmjernom analizom varijance (ANOVA). Na kraju promatranog perioda od 6 mjeseci, prosječna težina mužjaka istog spola iznosila je 200,8 ± 0,81 g (prosjek ± standardna devijacija) i mješovitog spola 123,4 ± 0,76 g, a prosječna dužina mužjaka istog spola iznosila je 22,4 ± 0,21 cm i mješovitog spola 18,6 ± 0,23 cm. Mužjaci istog spola O. niloticus postigli su značajno veću konačnu težinu i dužinu, SGR, FCR i CF nego mješoviti spol (p 0,05). Nije zabilježena značajna razlika u kvaliteti mjerenih parametara u vodi ribnjaka promatranih skupina riba (p > 0,05). Mužjaci istog spola imaju bolje rezultate jer je većina energije potrošena na mišiće i razvoj tkiva, dok je mješoviti spol trošio najviše energije na reprodukcijske aktivnosti na račun mišića i razvoj tkiva. Daljnja istraživanja bi trebala biti usmjerena ka drugim sustavima uzgoja poput obloženih ribnjaka, zatvorenih bazena, kaveza i protočnih kanala

Emergomyces africanus in soil, South Africa

We detected Emergomyces africanus, a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes an HIV-associated systemic mycosis, by PCR in 18 (30%) of 60 soil samples from a wide range of habitats in South Africa. Direct and indirect culture techniques were unsuccessful. Experimental intraperitoneal inoculation of conidia induced murine disease