Individual home and university environment factors as correlates of student attrition in private universities in Nairobi County, Kenya

Submitted in total fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology at Strathmore UniversityCompletion of university education within prescribed time limits has been a concern of universities for decades. As governments emphasize that institutions of higher learning churn out an educated work force, relevant information is required by the universities to curb student attrition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected individual, home and university environmental factors and students ' attrition in private universities in Nairobi County, Kenya and further establish current student attrition levels in private universities in Nairobi. The target population was 24901 second year students in private universities. Stratified sampling was used to select the 387 students for the study. In addition purposive sampling was used to select nine faculty members. Sixty (60) university dropouts were identified through the snowballing method. Data was collected using se lf-administered questionnaires for the second year students and interview guide for university staff. Data for sixty university dropout s was collected telephonically. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to test the relationships between the independent variables (individual, home and university environmental factors) and the dependent variable, student Attrition. Initially, preliminary and descriptive statistical analyses were performed. This included analysis of demographic data and analysis of examination retakes, semester deferments and student drop out. Data study was analyzed using maximum likelihood estimates (MLE). The findings established current student attrition levels of thirty seven per cent (37%). From the results student attrition was found to be correlated to peer support, parental support and student faculty interaction. The study recommends the need for interventions, such as establishment of constant student lecturer interactions and provision of adequate facilities to create a conducive environment for study. Also, strategies that will encourage peer interaction should be developed as well as adequate financial support to students by parents and government actors. All these will enhance peer support and increased emphasis on faculty interaction through availing time and space by university management thereby reducing student attrition

Nest food provisioning in the Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea does not vary with parental sex differences and time of day

The Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea inhabits some of the most highly threatened grassland ecosystems in Kenya. Although previous studies have been undertaken on feeding ecology of this species, a knowledge gap still exists in relation to its nest food provisioning behaviour. We studied the food provisioning behaviour of Red-capped Larks in open grassland habitat at Kedong Ranch in Naivasha, Kenya. Observations were completed on 18 active nests for a total of 163 observation hours between 07:00 and 18:00. Results confirmed that nestling diet comprised insect larvae (including caterpillars), grasshoppers, butterflies/moths, ants and beetles. Food provisioning rates for males and females combined, as well as independently, did not vary with the nestling age. In relation to specific prey items, provisioning rates of insect larvae and butterflies/moths during different hours of the day did not vary. However, there was a significant difference in provisioning rates of grasshoppers for the time periods. The findings provide an understanding of food requirements and feeding behaviour of the Red-capped Lark, and therefore are important for predicting how future changes in the availability of food resources could infl uence feeding, reproductive success, and possibly survival of the species.Keywords: Kedong Ranch, lark, grassland, nestling diet, insect

Empowering HIV-infected women in lowresource settings: A pilot study evaluating a patient-centered HIV prevention strategy for reproduction in Kisumu, Kenya

Background: Female positive/male negative HIV-serodiscordant couples express a desire for children and may engage in condomless sex to become pregnant. Current guidelines recommend antiretroviral treatment in HIV-serodiscordant couples, yet HIV RNA viral suppression may not be routinely assessed or guaranteed and pre-exposure prophylaxis may not be readily available. Therefore, options for becoming pregnant while limiting HIV transmission should be offered and accessible to HIV-affected couples desiring children. Methods: A prospective pilot study of female positive/male negative HIV-serodiscordant couples desiring children was conducted to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of timed vaginal insemination. Eligible women were 18-34 years with regular menses. Prior to timed vaginal insemination, couples were observed for two months, and tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections. Timed vaginal insemination was performed for up to six menstrual cycles. A fertility evaluation and HIV RNA viral load assessment was offered to couples who did not become pregnant. Findings: Forty female positive/male negative HIV-serodiscordant couples were enrolled; 17 (42.5%) exited prior to timed vaginal insemination. Twenty-three couples (57.5%) were introduced to timed vaginal insemination; eight (34.8%) achieved pregnancy, and six live births resulted without a case of HIV transmission. Seven couples completed a fertility evaluation. Four women had no demonstrable tubal patency bilaterally; one male partner had decreased sperm motility. Five women had unilateral/bilateral tubal patency; and seven women had an HIV RNA viral load (≥ 400 copies/mL). Conclusion: Timed vaginal insemination is an acceptable, feasible, and effective method for attempting pregnancy. Given the desire for children and inadequate viral suppression, interventions to support safely becoming pregnant should be integrated into HIV prevention programs

Feasibility, acceptability, effect, and cost of integrating counseling and testing for HIV within family planning services in Kenya

FRONTIERS supported the Division of Reproductive Health and the National AIDS and STI Control Program of the Kenya Ministry of Health to design, implement, and compare two models of integrating counseling and testing (CT) for HIV within family planning (FP) services in terms of their feasibility, acceptability, cost, and effect on the voluntary use of CT, as well as the quality of FP services. The study demonstrated that both models were feasible and acceptable to providers and to clients as means of integrating and linking HIV prevention counseling, condom promotion, and counseling and testing with FP services, and are effective in increasing quality of care and service utilization. Drawing from the lessons learned, the report outlines a number of key programmatic recommendations for institutionalizing and scaling up this approach. Lessons from this study were presented at several national and international workshops and conferences

Key steps in the structure-based optimization of the hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibitor SCH503034

Crystal structures of protease/inhibitor complexes guided optimization of the buried nonpolar surface area thereby maximizing hydrophobic binding. The resulting potent tripeptide inhibitor is in clinical trials

Health, wellbeing and nutrition: Domain report

The escalation of global political, economic and ecological crises and associated price surges has contributed to interdependent forms of malnutrition – undernutrition, overweight and obesity – with enduring societal consequences. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of healthy diets in five African cities – Bukavu, DRC, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Kampala, Uganda, Lilongwe, Malawi and Nairobi, Kenya. It explores the engagement of policymakers, consumers, private actors and further stakeholders in food and health systems. Across all cities, rising food insecurity and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to unhealthy dietary patterns, notably around consumption of ultra-processed foods, are observed. Despite urban residents generally experiencing lower food insecurity than rural counterparts, people with low incomes, particularly those living in informal settlements, remain vulnerable. Additional axes of vulnerability that intersect with low incomes are gender, age, disability and migrant/refugee status. Socioeconomic drivers that exacerbate food and nutrition insecurity include the high cost of nutritious diets, inadequate market, road, water and sanitation infrastructures, and the proliferation of unhealthy processed foods. Policy responses predominantly prioritise food quantity over quality, overlooking the importance of healthy diets. Additionally, profit-driven dynamics, within food and healthcare systems, and inconsistent resident knowledge of healthy, balanced diets, perpetuate the cycle of ill-health driven by poor nutrition, while informal food vendors, vital for low-income urbanites, face neglect or harassment. However, city governments possess avenues for intervention, such as awareness campaigns, social security mechanisms, and social and technical infrastructure support for water and sanitation, markets and street vendors. Primary healthcare services and community health workers play crucial roles in addressing malnutrition, youth development and adolescent health. Multisectoral collaboration is advocated for broadening the impact of strategic interventions from neighbourhood to city level. Reform efforts necessitate broad coalitions, encompassing governments, civil society and the private sector

Comprehensive transcriptome of the maize stalk borer, Busseola fusca, from multiple tissue types, developmental stages, and parasitoid wasp exposures

International audienc

Cohort Profile: Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study

The Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study was established to assess the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction, a key characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and its risk factors in adults (≥40 years) from general populations across the world. The baseline study was conducted between 2003 and 2016, in 41 sites across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, the Caribbean and Oceania, and collected high-quality pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry from 28 828 participants. The follow-up study was conducted between 2019 and 2021, in 18 sites across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. At baseline, there were in these sites 12 502 participants with high-quality spirometry. A total of 6452 were followed up, with 5936 completing the study core questionnaire. Of these, 4044 also provided high-quality pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry. On both occasions, the core questionnaire covered information on respiratory symptoms, doctor diagnoses, health care use, medication use and ealth status, as well as potential risk factors. Information on occupation, environmental exposures and diet was also collected

Factors Influencing The Consumption Of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, And Exhibitions (Mice) Products In Kenya: A Case of Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC)

The general objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the consumption of MICE products in Kenya; a case of Kenya International Conference Center (KICC). The specific objectives of the study were to identify the influence of price on consumption of MICE products; to establish whether promotional activities influence consumption of MICE products; to investigate the influence of product attributes on the consumption of MICE products; and to find out whether place or distribution influences the consumption of MICE products. The study adopted descriptive research design using a case study. A total of 399 corporates, political parties and other institutions situated in Nairobi that consume MICE products at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) constituted the target population. A sample of 40 respondents was selected from this population using purposive sampling technique where these institutions were selected with a preference to repeat customers for the period 2010-2012. Data was collected using a questionnaire which adopted both open- ended and closed-ended questions. Data processing and analysis was done with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Tables and figures were used to present the analyzed data. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to show the relationship and the significance of the relationship between the variables. The study found out that among the components of price factor influencing the choice of the MICE venue by consumers, the main components include organizations’ budget allocations, ongoing promotions, cost of the venue and flexible payment terms. The study found that business travellers are sensitive to price and before settling for a particular destination, they tend to consider a variety of competing destinations. Consumers are also more likely to purchase several products as a package as opposed to purchasing the individual products by themselves. This is because the consumer is more likely to be charged a lower rate when they buy the package. The study concluded that it is necessary for MICE venues ensure that they have competitive prices as compared to their competition to ensure that they succeed in attracting visitors to their venue or else they will be at a disadvantage. The study revealed that MICE consumers carry out extensive research on venues before making their hire decision and they scrutinize the ‘product’ to the very detail to ensure that it matches or meets their specific and unique needs. Key product attributes that influenced these consumers’ choice of MICE venue included among others; one-stop-shop, venue accessibility, parking space, cleanliness and organization, and security and safety measures. Packages composed of all these elements were more appealing to consumers. It was also found necessary for MICE venues to have the equipment/ facilities that the consumer requires before the consumer decides to acquire their services. The study revealed word-of-mouth as the most popular medium through which the MICE consumers learnt about the venues they hired. The study also revealed that among the promotional factors informing consumers’ choice of the venue, consumer awareness, communication about the quality of the venue, consumer’s tastes and preferences, renowned brands and advertising were primary. It is necessary for customers to be aware of the availability/ existence of a certain product in order for them to acquire it. Direct channel was found to be the most popular channel of distribution among the consumers of MICE products. Consumers preferred to deal directly with the service providers as opposed to engaging through intermediaries/ agents. The study also revealed that contacts and negotiation agreements between the consumers and the venue proprietors are instrumental in influencing the MICE consumers’ choice of the venues. It was thus found necessary for MICE companies to ensure there is contact with customers in order to facilitate distribution. Recommendations included more marketing and cultivating healthy and long term relationships between the service providers and the consumers. As service providers in MICE industry take advantage of price dynamism, they must ensure provision of quality services. They should also endeavor to design and package ‘products’ that not only meet the unique needs, tastes and preferences of these consumers but also exceed their expectations. They should also ensure that they avail as much information as possible to both the local and international markets