The effect of spatial planning patterns on distribution of pedestrians in public spaces of residential neighbourhoods in the city of Nairobi

This study focuses on public spaces of residential neighbourhoods in the City of Nairobi. It establishes various spatial characteristics, hence patterns, that have a bearing on the distribution of pedestrians therein. A higher encounter rate of pedestrians is a desirable public space quality given that the higher degree of surveillance accorded to space has the attendant benefit of deterring crime. Whereas the public spaces are intended to be a physical setting for people to socialize, move from one place to another, engage in business or recreational activities, some spaces are devoid of or have sub‐optimal encounter rates of pedestrians due to weaknesses in spatial planning of the settlements. Such spaces have consequently failed to fulfill the roles ascribed to them and instead have become neglected and unsafe to operate in. Space syntax and structured observation have been used to collect data. Multiple regression analysis establishes that nine public space variables significantly predict the distribution of pedestrians in public space. The significant public space variables are grouped into the following four public space planning patterns that thus explain human distribution in public space: integration, constitutedness, land use planning and connectivity. The patterns inform generation of spatial planning policies whose utilization in layout of residential neighbourhoods results in desirable distribution of pedestrians in public space environments.Key words: Public space, pedestrian, space syntax, spatial planning, residential neighbourhoods

The role of urban space design characteristics in influencing social life of Swahili streets: the case of old town Mombasa

This paper is based on a study carried out in Old Town Mombasa, a Swahili city in Kenya, situated along the East African Coast. Its focus is on social life of the town’s street system as a correlate of urban space design characteristics. Urban design elements within the streets have been disregarded resulting in spaces that do not adequately support human activities. The city has rich historical, architectural and cultural attributes that make it one of the significant civilizations of the world. Broadly, this paper seeks to establish urban design characteristics that have a relation with human activities in the streets. The study embraces both quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate urban design elements along the streets. Multiple regression is used in data analysis whereas ANOVA at 99 percent confidence level has been used in testing the significance of the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results of the study indicate that physical characteristics of the street space influence human activities at different levels. The characteristics are an indispensable consideration in the design of streets that support a vibrant social life in the city.Key words: Urban space, characteristics, Mombasa, human activities, social lif

Spatial distribution and co-infection with urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis among primary school children in Migori County, Kenya

Background: Schistosomiasis is the most prevalent helminthic infection in sub-Saharan Africa. School age children have the highest burden. Chronic schistosome infections in children can have irreversible effects lasting throughout adulthood.Objective: To determine the prevalence, intensity and distribution of urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis among primary school children in Migori County, Kenya.Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.Setting: Primary schools in Migori County, Kenya.Subjects: Children aged seven to fourteen years.Results: We enrolled 1,784 children with the ratio of female to males being 1:1. Their mean age was 11.4 years (standard deviation ± 1.6). The overall prevalence of infection was 26%, with urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis being found in 9% and 20% of children, respectively. A trend of increasing prevalence with increasing age of children was observed. Boys had a 50% higher risk of being infected with schistosomiasis when compared to girls (adjusted odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2-1.9). Intensities of schistosome infections did not vary significantly across gender and age. Nyatike Constituency had the highest prevalence of schistosomiasis (54%).Prevalence in schools ranged from 1.7 to 89%. Seven schools (23%) had a schistosomiasis prevalence of at least 50% while 12 (39%) schools had schistosomiasis prevalence of between 10 and 50%.Conclusion: Our study showed that schistosomiasis is endemic in the study area and represents a significant public health problem among school children. The area should be prioritised for interventions including mass deworming, public health education and sanitation improvement

Triggers of distress during chemotherapy among cancer survivors from two tertiary hospitals in Kenya

Background: Chemotherapy for many types of cancers improves outcomes. On the other hand, chemotherapy is associated with various side effects that can trigger distress affecting the quality-of-life of patients. Better understanding of causes of patients’ distress and experience during chemotherapy is a precursor for comprehensive cancer care. Study objective: To explore the triggers of distress during chemotherapy among cancer survivors from two tertiary hospitals in Kenya Design: This was a qualitative design study applying an interview guide. Methodology :An in-depth interview was conducted on those who had received and completed chemotherapy not more than 12 months previously at the time of assessment. A total of 30 people consisting of 15 participants from each hospital were recruited during follow-up clinics. Transcription was done using pen and paper and coding and qualitative thematic analysis was done using NVivo software. Results: The age range was 18 to 68 years with majority aged between 31 and 43 years. The most prevalent cancer types were breast at 50% and cervical at 23%. Out of the 30 studied; majority had received chemotherapy as neo-adjuvant therapy. 50% had received 8 cycles of chemotherapy, 37% received 6 cycles and 13% received 4 cycles or less. Five themes identified as triggers of distress were; financial, emotional, social, physical problems and health- services related triggers which included poor patient- provider communication and shortage of drugs. Conclusion: Patients on chemotherapy do encounter multiple problems during chemotherapy and there is need for psychosocial interventions commenced at the initial phase of treatment