Use of Mobile Phones for HIV Prevention and Testing Information Needs By Emerging Adult Male Population in Rural Kenya. A Qualitative Study

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS) among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a serious public health issue which needs urgent cost-effective interventions locally, regionally, and internationally. HIV and AIDS is currently the leading cause of death among young people in SSA, calling for strategic HIV prevention approaches applicable to emerging adults. While most studies have focused on young women, studies focusing on emerging male adults are lacking. The purpose of this dissertation study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the needs, barriers, and facilitators of using mobile phone to access HIV prevention and testing information by emerging male adults in rural Kenya.A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Sixty emerging male adults in rural Kenyan setting participated in the study. Thirty in-depth interviews and three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using the software MAXQDA. Attention was focused on the readability, credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and thus, trustworthiness of the findings. The findings derived from interviews centered around two major themes major theme: (i) Needs of emerging male adults in HIV prevention; and (ii) facilitators and barriers to the use of mobile phones in HIV and other disease prevention by emerging adults in rural settings. The results outlined emerging male adults in the rural setting are faced with myriad of risk factors and challenges in accessing and utilizing HIV information and prevention services. Findings also showed that most of the emerging adults in rural settings own a smartphone and this mobile technology can be tapped as a cost-effective intervention in creating awareness in HIV prevention and testing among the young people. The study underscore that HIV is still the greatest threat among emerging adults in SSA and mobile health and they were receptive and acknowledge several benefits of use of mHealth technology for creating awareness about HIV prevention and testing, but they also described many barriers. The findings and recommendations of the dissertation study have a great potential to inform the public health policy and healthcare informatics on cost-effective use of mobile phones in HIV prevention not only to this age group but also to other age groups faced with similar challenges as we work to reach and sustain an AIDS-free generation

Beta-diketone and beta-ketoenamine based molecular squares

Abstract This dissertation focuses on synthesis of β-diketone and β-ketoenamine ligands for molecular polygons. Previous work with the bis(β-diketone) m-pbaH2 showed that it can be converted to a copper molecular square, Cu4(m-pba)4, but its use in host-guest reactions was limited by its low solubility in most organic solvents. Accordingly, in the present work, the m-pbhxH2 ligand, with pentyl chains replacing the methyl groups in the β-diketone moieties of m-pbaH2, was successfully prepared beginning with 6-dodecyne. This ligand reacts with Cu2+ to make the molecular square Cu4(m-pbhx)4, which is soluble in a wider range of solvents. Host-guest reactions of Cu4(m-pbhx)4 with a variety of guest molecules were studied. The structures of the “empty” square, [Cu4(m-pbhx)4(CH3OH)2], and its adducts with several guest molecules, were determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. In these host-guest adducts, the Cu---Cu distances range from 13.7-15.1 Å. As part of a study of the effects of substituents on the properties of the resulting molecular squares, the 2-MeO-m-pbaH2 ligand had been prepared previously. This dissertation reports an improved synthesis of 2-MeO-m-pbaH2, and its larger homolog 2-MeO-m-pbprH2 was synthesized as well. Treatment of 2-MeO-m-pbprH2 with Cu2+ afforded a molecular square that is soluble in chloroform and dichloromethane. Treatment of the square with guest molecules did not yield adducts, most likely because of steric interference from the internal methoxy groups. The two ligands m-pbaH2 and m-pbprH2 were converted to their ketoenamine analogs m-pbiH2 and m-pbpriH2 through microwave-assisted synthesis. The molecular squares Cu4(m-pbi)4, Cu4(m-pbpri)4, and Ni4(m-pbpri)4 were prepared from these ligands and characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Two new bis(β-diketone) ligands based on triphenylamine were prepared for the first time. The new ligands were designed to make Cu(II) molecular squares that are larger (Cu---Cu ca. 21 Å) than Cu4(m-pba)4 and its derivatives

Dispute Recognition and Dispute Settlement in Integration Processes: The COMESA Experience

This article examines the theoretical and practical issues relating to the resolution of trade disputes within regional integration arrangements in developing countries in general, and within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in particular. This examination will focus mainly on the institutions that exist for the resolution of trade disputes and at whose initiative they can be set in motion. A further examination will deal with what body of laws the various dispute resolution institutions regard as supreme and the remedies that are available. Because of the relative frailty of regional institutions in the developing world coupled with the relative unsophistication of domestic dispute resolution regimes, a critical analysis of the differentiation between dispute avoidance and dispute resolution will be undertaken. Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms will also be explored

Dispute Recognition and Dispute Settlement in Integration Processes: The COMESA Experience

This article examines the theoretical and practical issues relating to the resolution of trade disputes within regional integration arrangements in developing countries in general, and within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in particular. This examination will focus mainly on the institutions that exist for the resolution of trade disputes and at whose initiative they can be set in motion. A further examination will deal with what body of laws the various dispute resolution institutions regard as supreme and the remedies that are available. Because of the relative frailty of regional institutions in the developing world coupled with the relative unsophistication of domestic dispute resolution regimes, a critical analysis of the differentiation between dispute avoidance and dispute resolution will be undertaken. Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms will also be explored

Injury patterns and mortality rates of motorcycle-related head injuries in Kenya

Background: Motorcycles are an emerging means of public transportation in many developing countries and has a poor safety record when compared to other road users. Subsequently, motorcycle injuries have been on the rise and head injuries are the leading cause of death, severe injury and disability globally.Objectives: To determine the injury patterns and mortality rate of motorcycle-related head injuries.Design: A retrospective descriptive study.Setting: Moi Teaching and Referral HospitalSubjects: All motorcycle-related head injuries from the year 2010 to 2013.Results: One hundred and fourteen files were reviewed. The study sample was predominantly male (n=106; 93%) with a mean age of 30.2 years (SD=14.01). More than half of the patients sustained skull fractures and intra-cranial haemorrhage (n=68; 59.6%). About 9.6% (n=11) of the patients succumbed to their injuries out of which 63.6% (n=7) sustained severe head injuries. There was a significant association between helmet use and the mortality rate of patients (χ2=5.684; p=0.017). The use of helmets also had an influence on the type of injury sustained (p=0.004) as patients not wearing helmets sustained more serious injuries such as skull fractures, intra-cranial bleeding, cerebral oedema and diffuse axonal injuries.Conclusion: There is a relationship between helmet use, the type of injury sustainedand the mortality rate of the patients. Hence, the need for public education programmeson motorcycle safety and helmet use to curb the negative impact of motorcycle-relatedinjuries on the society and economy

Comparative Study of Rates of Biosorption for Selected Single and Mixed Metal Ions using Natural Products

Heavy metals are usually found in low concentrations in natural aquatic ecosystem. In recent times, however, the occurrence of metal contaminants especially heavy metals in excess of natural loads has become a problem of increasing concern. The contributing factors are rapid growth of population, increased urbanization and expansion of industrial activities, exploration and exploitation of natural resources, extension of irrigation and other modern agricultural practices as well as lack of environmental regulations. This therefore, calls for efficient, cheap, available and non polluting method of controlling presence of heavy metals in water bodies. Use of natural biosorbents such as algae has demonstrated great potential to remove heavy metals from wastewater. An investigation of the effect of contact time, reaction kinetics, influence of ionic sizes and influence of presence of other metal ions in biosorption of heavy metals Cu, Zn and Pb using Ascophyllum nodosum has been done. Model wastewater solution containing a known concentration of the given heavy metal ions was prepared for both single and mixed at a fixed pH of 5. A 0.25g mass of dry algae was introduced for every 100 mL solution. Change in level of concentration was monitored at intervals of 10 minutes using AAS until the rate of biosorption was almost constant.  The sorption process occurred in two stages; first being rapid adsorption and then gradual adsorption that was almost constant. Pb was most biosorbed while Zn was least for both systems, adopting the order Pb > Cu > Zn. The data obtained fitted both Langmuir isotherm and experimental parameters were determined. The order of reaction was found to follow pseudo second order after comparison of R2 values that were deduced from first and second order linearized plots.Key words: Biosorption, heavy metals, algae, wastewater, pollutio

Physiotherapists’ perceptions of their role in the management of motorcyle-related head injuries in Kenya

Background: As motorcycle ownership remains an all-time high, the incidencesof motorcycle-related deaths and traumatic brain injuries are expected to remain at high levels due to poor safety adherence by motorcycle users. Information regarding the role played by physiotherapists would assist to develop a motorcycle safety guide that would put into consideration the role of health professionals with an aim of preventing motorcycle injuries and death.Objective: To identify the perceptions of physiotherapists on their role in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya.Design: An exploratory design was used to answer the research question.Setting: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya.Subjects: Eight (8) physiotherapists agreed to participate in the study.Results: The results revealed that the participants expressed their main role to be assessment and treatment of patients with motorcycle-related head injuries. With regards to prevention, secondary and tertiary prevention was practiced by the majority of the participants. The participants however reported that they should also engage in primary prevention activities. Health promotion was perceived by the participants to be within their scope of practice and even gave recommendations for public education programs and policy enforcement to assist in reducing motorcycle injuries.Conclusion: The participants expressed their concerns on the increasing cases of motorcycle injuries. There is a need for public education programs on motorcycle safety to create awareness in the community and the society

Prudential Regulations and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Prudential regulation forms a critical part of operations in the banking sector. The aim of the regulations is to protect investors and consumers and ensure systemic stability. Consequently, commercial banks are required to maintain adequate level of capital, liquidity, asset quality, credit risk and management efficiency. In Kenya, the CBK implemented the prudential regulations in 2013. However, there is no consensus from existing studies whether the new regulations have a positive or negative influence on bank performance. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of prudential regulations on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The sample comprised of all 43commercial banks operating in Kenya observed over the study period, 2013-2017.Data was extracted from annual financial reports of the banks and Central bank of Kenya (CBK) annual regulatory reports, which reduced the sample to 36 banks. The study adopted correlation research design and examined the relationship between the independent variables and performance. Multiple regression model was used to determine the linear relationship to examine the effect of the prudential regulations of profitability of commercial banks. From study findings, liquidity management, credit risk management and management efficiency has significant effect on the financial performance of commercial banks while capital adequacy and asset quality has no significant effect on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The research findings are useful to the CBK and banks, as it demonstrates the extent to which new prudential regulations influence the financial performance. Variables contributing positively to financial performance should be strengthened while those influencing performance negatively should be reviewed. This will enable the formulation of policies and strategies that will help in running the operations of commercial banks. The investment advisors and analysts use the research outcome to advise their clients on the future prospects and sustainability of investments in commercial banks. The study recommends adoption of the regulation as it affects banks financial performance thus improve banks stability and reduces chances of insolvency.Keywords: liquidity and credit risk management, management efficiency, capital adequacy and asset quality, financial performanceDOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-14-06Publication date:July 31st 202