International journal of professional Practice (IJPP)

Health Information Systems and Management of Health Products and Technologies: A Multi-County Study on Access to Quality Affordable Health Products and Technologies

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Health Information Systems and Management of Health Products and Technologies: A Multi-County Study on Access to Quality Affordable Health Products and Technologies Meme, Shadrack Mururu; Kawila, Carol; Njoroge, Kezia Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) are critical pillars of the health system and essential to achieving Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC). UHC prioritizes access to highquality medical care with minimal financial hardship. Despite efforts to enhance HPTs management, counties like Kisumu, Machakos, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Isiolo in Kenya face inefficiencies in the management of HPTs, leading to the unavailability of HPTs in public health facilities. This study aimed to examine the influence of health information systems on the management of Health Products and Technologies in selected Counties, Kenya. The utilization management theory guided the research, and the pragmatism paradigm supported a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data utilized a descriptive research design, while qualitative data employed an exploratory design. A census sampling method was used in the study, where 141 staff engaged in managing HPTs at level 4 and 5 public health facilities. Key informant interviews were conducted with members of the County health management team. Data collection involved pre-tested questionnaires and key informant interview guides to ensure validity and reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was thematically analyzed. The study found that the model explained 53.5 % (R Square value of 0.535) of the variance in the management of HPTs. The study revealed that health management information systems had a positive, strong, and statistically significant association with the management of HPTs (r=544**, n=106, P=0.000). The study concluded that the health management information system has a statistically significant influence on the management of HPTs in public hospitals in Kenya. The study recommends deployment and widespread adoption of HMIS across all public hospitals and the establishment of a framework that tracks the impact of HMIS on the management of HPTs.

Effects of Public Private Partnerships in Strengthening Faith-Based Health Systems in Kisii County, Kenya

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of Public Private Partnerships in Strengthening Faith-Based Health Systems in Kisii County, Kenya Ringera, William; Tenambergen, Wanja; Oluoch, Musa Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are important in enhancement of efficiency and effectiveness in different agencies. PPPs is a concept that has been borrowed and applied in various sectors. It is noted that within governments, Health Ministries’ focus on the public sector often disregard the frequently much larger private finance and private provision of healthcare. This study examined the effects of PPPs in material support, leadership/management, and human resources for health (HRH) on strengthening of health systems in faith-based organization (FBO) health services in Kisii County, Kenya. A cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted targeting 78 FBO facilities’ officials from Tabaka, Christianmarian and Nyanchwa; and officials from the Ministry of Health. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules, and analysed using SPSS Version 20 and Ms. Excel. The study found that PPP on leadership and management, material support, HRH and provision of guidelines for the implementation of the PPP were significantly associated with strengthening of FBO health systems at p<0.05.The study conclude that PPPs targeting material support, leadership and management, provision of guidelines for PPP process, and HRH improved provision of public health services in FBO facilities in Kisii County. Therefore, the PPP is yielding fruits in the Government’s effort to strengthen delivery of public health services, particularly in areas of HIV/AIDS and maternal, neonatal and child health-MNCH, in Kisii County. From the viewpoint of Kisii County Government, FBO facilities are able to effectively complement the work of government in public health services and should be supported through the PPPs.

Influence of Strategic Leadership on the Performance of Hospitality Companies in Maputo Province, Mozambique

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Strategic Leadership on the Performance of Hospitality Companies in Maputo Province, Mozambique Boane, Celia Antonio; Gichunge, Evangeline; Miluwi, Joshua The drivers of strategy implementation are crucial for achieving strategic goals. The study aims to identify critical elements that contribute to enhanced performance in the Hotel industry. It examines the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of hospitality companies in Maputo Province, Mozambique, focusing on key elements that enhance hotel performance. The study, grounded in Strategic Leadership theory, utilized a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected from 10 hotels, with participants including 10 Chief Executive Officers, 10 relationship managers, 10 operations managers, 10 IT managers, and 10 strategic leaders. A total of 50 respondents were selected through simple random sampling method, and they responded to both limited-choice and open-ended questions. To ensure the validity of the research, a pre-test was conducted at Vip Grand Hotel Maputo, with one relationship manager and two IT staff. The findings were illustrated using descriptive statistics, frequency charts, and detailed explanations, while inferential statistics were analyzed through multiple regression and correlation analysis. Results indicated that strategic leadership significantly influences the performance of hospitality companies. A correlation coefficient of 0.089 was found between strategic leadership and performance, with statistical significance at a p-value of 0.05. Participants highlighted the importance of effective leadership, emphasizing that senior management must cultivate behaviors and practices that drive performance. The study concluded that effective leadership is essential for achieving customer satisfaction, profitability, market share, operational efficiency, informed decision-making, and resource management. As a result, the study recommends that hotel CEOs prioritize a culture of creativity and innovation. This can be accomplished by encouraging employees to share ideas, experiment with new approaches, and continuously improve processes, thereby enhancing overall hotel performance.

Level of Awareness and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Turkana South Sub- County, Turkana County, Kenya

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Level of Awareness and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Turkana South Sub- County, Turkana County, Kenya Lobolia, William Abong; M’mayi, Consolata; Kyulu, Teresia Adolescence is a time when teenagers exhibit rapid growth and development that is mainly characterized by emotional, sexual, cognitive, and physical changes. Therefore, when attention is accorded to enlighten them on these changes, they are able to cope amicably. However, there has been persistent reproductive health problems among adolescent secondary school students. The purpose of the study was to examine the level of awareness and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents in secondary schools in Turkana South Sub- County, Turkana County, Kenya. The study used descriptive cross-sectional design. The target population was 2,748 male and female adolescents aged 15-19 years attending 14 secondary schools in Turkana South Sub County. Simple random sampling method was used to select 337 respondents, who answered to the questionnaire. The sample was between 10-30% of the population as recommended by Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) for a population below 10,000. Pilot test was conducted on 34 adolescents in Loturerei Mixed Day Secondary School in Turkana central. Cronbach alpha coefficient was used to measure reliability, while construct and content validity were ensured. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics such as Chi-square were to analyze the data. Results were presented using tables and explanations. Results indicated that most respondents had little or no knowledge of adolescent sexual reproductive health programs, with only 15.58 percent of the 337 respondents acknowledging to be aware of services offered under the program. The study concluded that referrals from trusted sources, including professionals and peers, were highly effective in encouraging healthcare utilization. However, written materials and school noticeboards had limited impact, suggesting the need for more interactive and targeted awareness strategies. The study, therefore recommended a series of comprehensive awareness campaigns to sensitize adolescents on reproductive health programs and services.

Understanding the Socio-Economic Determinants of Family Planning Service Utilization among Women of Reproductive Age in Eldas Sub-County: A Mixed-Methods Study

2024-06-01T00:00:00Z

Understanding the Socio-Economic Determinants of Family Planning Service Utilization among Women of Reproductive Age in Eldas Sub-County: A Mixed-Methods Study Sulekha, Mohamed,; M’may, Consolata; Nyavanga, Eunice This study investigates the socio-economic factors influencing the utilization of family planning (FP) services among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in the Eldas sub-county. Utilizing a mixed- methods research approach, quantitative data were collected through structured surveys administered to a representative sample of women. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. The findings reveal significant associations between various socio- economic variables and FP service utilization. Marital status and age emerged as contributors, with women aged 36-45 demonstrating higher utilization rates compared to younger age groups, and widowed women exhibiting greater propensity to utilize FP services compared to their married counterparts. Educational background and employment status were also found to be statistically significant predictors of FP service utilization, with educated and employed women demonstrating higher likelihoods of utilizing FP services. Moreover, the number of children, involvement in polygamous marriages, and discussion about birth control with partners were identified as key factors influencing FP service utilization. These findings underscore the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting educational and economic empowerment initiatives to enhance FP service utilization among women in the Eldas sub- county. Policy and programmatic interventions targeting these factors are recommended to improve reproductive health outcomes and empower women in making informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Deep Learning Network Intrusion Detection with the Conv1d-Lstm Model: Integrating CNN and LSTM For Superior Performance

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Deep Learning Network Intrusion Detection with the Conv1d-Lstm Model: Integrating CNN and LSTM For Superior Performance Lukogo, Cikambasi Ciza; Muriira, Lawrence Mwenda; Murungi, Robert Mutua Increased cases of cyber-attack and the rising levels of sophistication presents a significant threat to corporate networks, resulting in potential data breaches, financial losses, and reputational harm. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems, which rely on predefined signatures and rules, have proven inadequate due to high false positive and false negative rates. This study introduces an innovative AI-based intrusion detection model to enhance corporate network security leveraging on deep learning techniques. The objective was to propose a Conv1d-LSTM Model, integrating convolutional neural networks (CNN) and recurrent neural networks (RNN) to analyze network traffic data from the CSE-CIC-IDS-2018 dataset, which encompasses a wide array of attack types, and provides a realistic representation of modern network traffic. This deep learning model effectively detects complex patterns and temporal dependencies in the data. The performance of the innovated model was evaluated using precision, accuracy, recall, and F1 score, to demonstrate its superior detection capabilities compared to conventional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). Additionally, a comparative analysis of CNN and RNN performance on the same dataset was conducted, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach. This research underscores the importance of integrating advanced AI methodologies into IDS frameworks to protect corporate networks from cyber threats.

Relationship between Enterprise Capabilities and Value Creation in Kenyan Owned Enterprises

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Relationship between Enterprise Capabilities and Value Creation in Kenyan Owned Enterprises Laiboni, Susan Nyegera,; Senaji, Thomas Anyanje; King’oriah, George Kinoti Mining industry in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, United States of America, and Canada contribute highly to their GDP. In Africa countries such as South Africa, Namibia, and Tanzania, mining industry is continuously performing well. Studies show that Kenya has various types of gemstones, petroleum and minerals. However, reports indicate that Petroleum and Mining contributes less than 1% to GDP. This confirms that there are clear hindrances to value creation processes. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between capabilities and value creation in the Kenyan owned mining enterprises. The study was a cross sectional survey. A questionnaire was used to collect data from Kenyan owned mining enterprise, where both semi- structured and open-ended questions were used. A quantitative approach was employed in data analysis. The findings showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between capabilities and value creation in Kenyan owned enterprises in mining industry in Kenya. The study concluded that Kenyan owned enterprises, human capital capabilities and prospecting knowledge capabilities have an association with value creation.

Relationship between Resources and Value Creation in the Kenyan-owed Mining Enterprises in Kenya

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Relationship between Resources and Value Creation in the Kenyan-owed Mining Enterprises in Kenya Laiboni, Susan Nyegera; Senaji, Thomas Anyanje; King’oriah, George Kinoti Studies show that countries such as United States of America, Canada, Australia, Chile, Ghana and South Africa use the right machinery and equipment to extract minerals which when sold contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. Kenyan mining industry contributed Ksh.15023 million only to the GDP in the second quarter of 2020. Therefore, it was important to establish whether Kenyan owned mining enterprises have adequate resources. The objective of this study was to establish whether resources have a relationship with value creation. This study was a cross sectional survey. A questionnaire was used to collect data from Kenyan owned mining enterprises, where both semi-structured and open-ended questions were used. A quantitative approach was employed in data analysis. Results of the research demonstrated that there was correlation between resources and value creation. ANOVA results show that resources and value creation association were statistically significant. However, Kenyan owned enterprises do not have adequate resources. This study found out that most of the Kenyan owned mining enterprises do not have adequate resources to facilitate value creation processes. These resources are crucial in mining industry because finances are used to acquire all other resources, such as machines and equipment resources that are used to extract minerals throughout the value chain process in the mining industry. Future studies can be undertaken to establish whether other specific types of mining-related enterprises have resources to facilitate mining process.

Clinical and Socio-Demographic Predictors of Psychosocial Distress in Women with Breast Cancer in Nairobi, Kenya

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Clinical and Socio-Demographic Predictors of Psychosocial Distress in Women with Breast Cancer in Nairobi, Kenya Muriithi, Wanjiru; Kaaria, Zipporah; Mapesa, Job Research shows that 25%–50% of breast cancer patients worldwide experience distress, with Africa reporting 71% and Kenya 34-50% distress cases. This study investigated clinical and socio- demographic predictors of breast cancer patients' psychosocial distress. Poor quality of life outcomes, reduced adherence to treatment, and inferior clinical and psychosocial functioning are all associated with psychosocial distress. This study adopted an exploratory, sequential cross- sectional design. The study targeted 763, 18–70-year-old female breast cancer patients. Breast cancer patients, nurses, lay navigator, and oncologists were enlisted through opportunity sampling technique for collection of both the qualitative and the quantitative data. Interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires were used to collect data. Using a total score of >11, with NCCN cut-off mark of >4 for clinically significant distress; and >7 for severe distress, psychosocial distress was screened using distress thermometer and problem checklist. Notably, income and stage of diagnosis emerged as significant predictors of psychosocial distress, clinical anxiety, and depression. Income predicted severe distress (OR = 5.5, p = 0.001), anxiety (OR = 2.8, p = 0.004), depression (OR = 4.7, p = 0.001), and early diagnosis had an inverse relationship with distress (OR = 0.3, p = 0.006) and depression (OR = 0.5, p = 0.049). Still, testimonials showed that young women had more emotional distress, while elderly women had more physiological distress. Marriage provided two insurance policies. The study emphasises understanding of emotional and psychological distress factors, identifying patients who need extra help, and using psychotherapy and social interventions to alleviate suffering, enhance resilience, and improve treatment outcomes

Determinants of Demand for Community Differentiated Service Delivery among People Living with HIV in Kakamega County

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Determinants of Demand for Community Differentiated Service Delivery among People Living with HIV in Kakamega County Owiti, Winnie Sarah; Njoroge, Kezia; Mapesa, Job Community differentiated service delivery model (CDSD) is community level health system strengthening intervention that addresses barriers to accessing health services. Increased number of stable people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) has prompted more emphasis to promoting CDSD model utilization as a significant policy to improve health outcomes and meet the international commitment to make health services accessible. However, key health systems policy makers have put more emphasis on improving physical access rather than its patterns of utilization. This study seeks to understand demand for CDSD model and its determinants among PLHIV in order to device appropriate strategies that will encourage better utilization. The objectives were to assess CDSD model of choice, and factors that determine its demand among PLHIV. A quantitative design was conducted in Kakamega County, Kenya. Systematic random sampling was used to select 402 participants from facilities with high number of stable patients. A pretested interview schedule, and structured questionnaire was used to collect data using an open data kit app. Non parametric test was used to determine determinants for demand for CDSD model. A total of 402 (depicting a response rate of 100%) participants took part in the study. The tests revealed 66 % (264) of participants prefers the family model, 25 % (100) community anti-retroviral treatment groups, 8% (30) community drug distribution points, and 2% (8) community pharmacies. Determinants of demand were awareness 76% (307), acceptability 44% (176), service availability 78% (314), and service cost 78% (315). The findings indicate that the model of choice is the family model. Determinants for demand that affect utilization of the model include awareness, service availability and cost of the services. Policy makers in the ministry of health need to use these key determinants of demand to estimate its impact on health service delivery and health outcomes.