scholarly journals OUTCOMES OF LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION AMONG AGRO-PASTORAL HOUSEHOLDS IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Martin Irungu ◽  
Joan Muriithi ◽  
Jane Njue

Purpose: The purpose aimed to investigate livelihood diversification strategies and livelihood outcomes among agro-pastoral households in Laikipia North Sub-county, Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional survey design where a sample of the population was selected, and from these individuals, data was collected to help answer the research questions. A total of 422 households were systematically sampled. Data were collected using two instruments; household interview guides and key informant interview guide. Data analysis was done using SPSS (version 20) computer software program. Frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs are used to present the findings of the study. Descriptive statistics were presented using maximum, minimum, mean, percentage, and standard deviations. Significance correlation between descriptive variables was tested using Chi square test and Spearman correlation coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The findings of the study revealed that there was a response rate of 90.3% with more than half of the respondents being household heads. The average number of years the respondents had lived in the area was 43. The researcher sought livelihood strategies pursued in the past, presently and enumerated the reasons for disparity where it existed. Climate change was cited as a major cause of disparity at 40.7% followed by increased levels of education, changing land use and need to increase income and availability of market in that order. Assets (physical, financial and social) were found to have a significant influence on livelihoods outcomes. Challenges the respondents faced however was found to have no significant influence on the livelihood outcomes (χ=1.017, df =1, p=0.313). Finally, there was significant relationship between the adopted livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes (χ2=14.730, df =1, p=0.000, r=-0.197). Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The government should strengthen Cooperative Development and Trade and Industry to the ward level. Such efforts will enhance the formation and effective running of cooperative societies as well as equip local community members with skills of running profitable businesses.

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e036071
Author(s):  
G James Rubin ◽  
Rebecca Webster ◽  
Richard Amlot ◽  
Holly Carter ◽  
Dale Weston ◽  
...  

ObjectivesMalicious incidents involving chemical agents sometimes trigger high public concern. We aimed to (1) identify levels of emotion, perceived risk and behaviour change with regard to visiting Salisbury, 1 month after three people were poisoned with a nerve agent; and (2) test whether factors including receipt of information, beliefs about personal exposure and trust in government were associated with these outcomes.DesignA cross-sectional telephone survey of a random sample of Salisbury residents.SettingConducted between 5 and 13 April 2018.Participants500 residents aged 18 or over.Outcome measuresSelf-reported anxiety, anger, uncertainty, perceived risk to self and avoidance of Salisbury.ResultsAny degree of anxiety, anger and uncertainty was reported by 40.6%, 29.8% and 30.6% of participants, respectively. For the majority, the level of emotion reported was mild. Only 7.0% met the criteria for high anxiety and 5.2% reported feeling any risk to their health, whereas 18.6% reported avoiding Salisbury. Factors associated with avoidance of Salisbury included being female, unable to rule out exposure for oneself or of loved ones, believing the incident was targeted against the general public, and lower trust in the government and responding agencies. Hearing a lot or a little about the recovery support (eg, financial packages), as opposed to nothing at all, and being satisfied with this information were associated with reduced avoidance.ConclusionsAlthough the March 2018 Salisbury incident had a relatively modest impact on emotion and risk perception in the community, the number who reported avoiding the city was notable. In this, and in future incidents, assuring people that contamination resulted from a targeted, rather than indiscriminate, incident; demonstrating that contamination is contained within specific areas; improving communication about any financial support; and promoting trust in responding agencies should help provide additional reassurance to the community.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Alfred Eboh

Background: The hawking of wares by children has been a serious issue confronting the Nigerian society. Children hawk in some of the most horrible conditions conceivable, where they face a serious risk of injury, chronic illness, kidnapping, rape or death. Objective: The focus of this study was to assess the perceived effects of street hawking on the well-being of children in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Methods: The population of this study consists of parents of the street hawkers in Anyigba while cross-sectional survey design was used through the purposive sampling technique to choose the sample size of one hundred and sixty-two (162) respondents. The validated structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) served as the instruments for the data collection respectively. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square at a predetermined 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the SPSS (version 20). Results: The results indicated among others that street hawking had significant social implications and physical consequences on children's moral behaviour as well as health status in the study area. Conclusion: The study, therefore, concluded that the government of Kogi State should carry out an enlightenment campaign through the media and religious institutions on the negative consequences of street hawking are recommended as panacea. Also, the child right act instrument and its implementation should be strengthened in order to curb street hawking in the study area.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026010602098234
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar ◽  
Himani Sharma ◽  
Kamalesh Kumar Patel

Background: Despite various programmes initiated by the Government of India, the nutritional indicators are not encouraging, as several problems like undernutrition, malnutrition and anaemia – still persist in the country, especially in the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states. Aim: Because of the dearth of studies regarding anaemia among men in India, the present study aimed to determine its prevalence in this population in the EAG states and to analyse its geographical and socio-demographic determinants. Methods: The study utilized nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data from round 4 of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–16. Bivariate analysis along with binary logistic regression were performed to assess the predictors of anaemia among men in the EAG states. Results: Around a quarter of the men in the EAG states suffered from anaemia. A similar high-prevalence pattern was observed across the EAG states. Wherein, Bihar and Jharkhand had the highest prevalence of anaemia while Uttarakhand showed the lowest. Age, place of residence, marital status and caste were positively associated with the likelihood of anaemia among men in the EAG states. Conclusions: Focusing on the EAG states, this study considered the severity of anaemia as a public health problem among men. Strategies to reduce the burden of anaemia among this population are needed. The government should formulate programmes targeting anaemia specifically, and improving the nutritional status among men in general in the EAG states.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 487
Author(s):  
Tauseef AMAN ◽  
Mussawar SHAH ◽  
Humera JAMAL ◽  
Younas KHAN ◽  
Muhammad ARIF ◽  
...  

The major objective of this study was to measure the association between various interventions and Chitral Gole National Park (CGNP) role in preservation of bio-diversity and socio-economic uplift. A sample size of 346 respondents was randomly selected from total population of 3326 from the 4 selected villages on the basis of close proximity. A conceptual framework including dependent variable social development and independent variable tourism development were taken. The data were analyzed through frequency and percentage distribution. Moreover, Chi-square test was applied to know the relationship between dependent and independent variables at bi-variate level. In bi-variate analysis a highly significant (P=0.000) relation was found between CGNP is main source of promoting tourism in Chitral,tourists do any impacts upon local community in terms of increased business activities, local culture is safeguarded despite influx of tourists in the area, tourism produced employment opportunities, and social development. Qualitative data supported the empirical findings, however tourism brings economic opportunities at micro and macro level, but unfortunately CGNP is not as satisfactory regarding generating income since its establishment. The government should ensure to make such polices pertaining to the entrance fee, provides accommodation services on payment to the tourists and to reserve the entrance fee or any other form of taxes to ensure CGNP to spend on self-sustaining basis by ensuring refinement in the procedures as well.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
Habiba Namagembe ◽  
Christopher Samuel Mayanja ◽  
Rashid Kinsambwe

The performance of Muslim Founded educational institutions has picked a lot of interest globally over the years. The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council established structures at different levels of administration to participate in the monitoring of Muslim-founded Schools. This study premised on Osborne and Gaebler's (1992) constructs of monitoring, aimed at investigating how monitoring skills of the foundation body representatives on the School Management Committees contribute to the performance of Government Aided Muslim Founded Primary Schools in Uganda, taking a case of the BMDC. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for this study, with quantitative and qualitative data approaches, while multivariable linear regression was used to obtain the magnitude of the contribution of SMC monitoring skills to the performance of the primary schools under BMDC. The study revealed that monitoring skills have a positive correlation with the performance of the Government Aided Muslim Founded Primary Schools, though, the correlation is moderate. The moderate correlation is caused by insufficient monitoring skills exhibited by the foundation body representatives in areas such as the development of performance indicators, collection of relevant data during monitoring, designing of monitoring tools, and usage of appropriate methods during monitoring. The study, therefore, concluded that such insufficient monitoring skills have hindered them to adequately monitor which has partly affected the performance of the schools. It is as such recommended that BMDC needs to incorporate specific non-financial empowerment capacity-building components into school activities tailored to train the members on the SMC in aspects of monitoring and evaluation, adult literacy, and financial literacy for improved skills, knowledge, and leadership.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1591-1598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Novericko Ginger Budiono ◽  
Fadjar Satrija ◽  
Yusuf Ridwan ◽  
Ekowati Handharyani ◽  
Sri Murtini

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Indonesia and is found in three remote areas in Central Sulawesi Province. Non-human mammals serve as reservoir hosts, meaning the disease is zoonotic. The previous schistosomiasis studies in animals from the Lindu Subdistrict did not determine which domestic animal species can serve as the primary source of transmission. No animals have been treated in Indonesia to control the disease; therefore, the parasite's life cycle is not blocked entirely. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with, Schistosoma japonicum infection in animals, and identify animals' relative contributions to S. japonicum transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of S. japonicum infected animals was conducted in five villages of the Lindu Subdistrict. Fecal samples were collected from 134 selected animals (13 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 28 horses, 59 pigs, and 8 dogs). S. japonicum infection and infection intensity were determined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory method. Environmental contamination with schistosome eggs was measured. The data were analyzed using a Chi-square test. Results: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 32.9%, with the prevalence of infection in each species of animal at 61.5% in cattle, 42.3% in buffaloes, 25.0% in horses, 35.6% in pigs, and 12.5% in dogs. Free-range pigs were 8.667 times more likely to have S. japonicum infection than pigs kept in cages. Buffaloes, cattle, and horses were the primary sources of S. japonicum egg contamination, with relative transmission indices of 59.15%, 22.80%, and 10.61%, respectively. Conclusion: Bovines and horses are the main contributors to schistosomiasis transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict. In conjunction with other schistosomiasis control programs, the government should treat infected animals living within endemic areas where there are high infection rates of S. japonicum.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Yu-Hin Siu ◽  
Lorand Kristof ◽  
Dawn Elston ◽  
Abe Hafid ◽  
Fred Mather

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant public health emergency that impacts all sectors of healthcare. The negative health outcomes for the COVID-19 infection have been most severe in the frail elderly dwelling in Canadian long-term care (LTC) homes.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of Ontario LTC Clinicians working in LTC homes in Ontario Canada was conducted to provide the LTC clinician perspective on the preparedness and engagement of the LTC sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the Ontario Long-Term Care Clinicians organization (OLTCC) and was distributed between March 30, 2020 to May 25, 2020. All registered members of the OLTCC and Nurse-led LTC Outreach Teams were invited to participate. The primary outcomes were: 1) the descriptive report of the screening measures implemented, communication and information received, and the preparation of the respondent’s LTC home to a potential COVID-19 outbreak; and 2) the level of agreement, as reported using a five-point Likert scale), to COVID-19 preparedness statements for the respondent’s LTC home was also assessed.Results: The overall response rate was 54% (160/294). LTC homes implemented a wide range of important interventions (e.g. instituting established respiratory isolation protocols, active screening of new LTC admissions, increasing education on infection control processes, encouraging sick staff to take time off, etc). Ample communications pertinent to the pandemic were received from provincial LTC organizations, the government and public health officials. However, the feasibility of implementing public health recommendations, as well as the engagement of the LTC sector in pandemic planning were identified as areas of concern. Medical director status was associated with an increased knowledge of local implementation of interventions to mitigate COVID-19, as well as endorsing increased access to reliable COVID-19 information and resources to manage a potential COVID-19 outbreak in their LTC home.Conclusions: This study highlights the communication to and implementation of recommendations in the Ontario LTC sector, despite some concerns regarding feasibility. Importantly, LTC clinician respondents clearly indicated that better engagement with LTC leaders is needed to plan a coordinated pandemic response.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rajeh ◽  
B. Nicolau ◽  
A. Qutob ◽  
P. Pluye ◽  
S. Esfandiari

Introduction: Over the last 40 y, the proportion of women in the profession of dentistry has been growing steadily. The extant literature, although limited, demonstrates that gender differences exist in choice of specialization, practice pattern, and professional attitudes, revealing that women are more likely to work in primary dental care and are less prominent in other dental specialties. Female Saudi dentists, working in the government sector, tend to occupy lower positions in the occupational hierarchy, are paid less, and are less likely to hold consultant positions as compared with men. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify barriers faced by female dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia in seeking professional advancement and to determine the variables that influenced respondents’ promotions. Methods: In February 2017, a web-based cross-sectional survey was emailed to all female dentists registered with the Saudi Dental Society ( N = 2,651). Completed questionnaires ( N = 130, response rate = 7.1%) were analyzed with simple summary statistics and a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between the dependent variable (promotion) and independent variables (family, environmental, interpersonal, and cultural factors). Results: Most female dentists believed that family, environmental, and cultural factors are challenges to their career practice and progression. Other factors included interpersonal challenges, such as gender discrimination and male dominance in the field of dentistry. Results of the regression analysis revealed that family and environmental factors were significant predictors of whether female dentists would be promoted. Conclusion: Saudi female dentists continue to face significant obstacles in their career practice and advancement. Their role in the workplace needs to be recognized. Factors that obstruct their career advancement should be well understood by dental institutions and efforts should be made to move more female dentists into leadership positions. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Policy makers can use the results of this study to develop strategies to overcome the barriers faced by female dentists in Saudi Arabia with respect to their professional and personal (family) needs. This study could lead to the development of employment incentives and a supportive workplace for female dentists.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Qais Blebil ◽  
Juman Abdulelah Dujaili ◽  
Enie Teoh ◽  
Pik Sze Wong ◽  
Bhuvan KC

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a global epidemic, which is still undertreated despite increased treatment availability and increase in therapeutic options. This study aimed to explore the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Vitamin D among the general public in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a public area using a convenience samplingtechnique to recruit participants around Selangor and Kuala Lumpur shopping malls area. An anonymous self-administeredquestionnaire was used for data collection and it was circulated to 603 Malaysian. A total of 400 participants were completed and returned to the researchers.   Result: Although 90.5% of the participants have heard/learnt about Vitamin D. About 78.0% of them showed limited knowledge about some aspects of Vitamin D with (mean ± SD = 1.78 ± 0.894). Additionally, there was a negative attitude towards Vitamin D and sunlight exposure. For instance, nearly 70.0% of the respondents did not like to expose themselves to sunlight.  Only 30.0% of the participants had taken Vitamin D supplement before.There is a small, positive correlation between the knowledge score and education level, rho = 0.124, n = 400, P = 0.013, with a higher score associated with higher education level. Conclusion: The findings provided a piece of contemporary real-world evidenceon the lack of knowledge and practices about Vitamin D among the general public. Therefore, extensive health educational campaigns for the public should be implemented by the government to raise their knowledge on the importance of Vitamin D.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 353-358
Author(s):  
Erika Kim ◽  
Peter K Ndege ◽  
Elizabeth Jackson ◽  
Daniel J Clauw ◽  
Vicki L Ellingrod

Abstract Objectives The presence of HIV, tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases result in a double burden of disease in the East African community. Most studies have focused on urban Nairobi and western Kenya, leading to a lack of information on rural regions that make up 75% of the population. This study determined baseline rates and barriers to medication self-management in rural Meru County. Design A cross-sectional, descriptive community survey focused on Meru, Kenya. Setting Participants were surveyed at a local Kithoka dispensary and the government operated Meru Level 5 Hospital. Participants Seventy-five chronic illness patients between June 2016 and July 2016. Intervention Twelve-question Measures of Drug Self-Management Scale (MeDS). Main Outcome Measure Baseline rates of medication self-management. A score of 10 or more defined ‘adequate’ medication drug self-management. Results The average MeDS score was 8.16 ± 2.4, indicating inadequate medication self-management. There was no significant difference across age (P = 0.75), and between the scores of males and females (8.1 ± 2.4 and 8.2 ± 2.5, respectively, P = 0.89). Minor side effects and the idea that taking medicines disrupt life were highly associated with inadequate drug self-management (r = 0.58). Forgetfulness and non-adherence had the highest correlation (r = 0.64). Cost is a large barrier, with 64% agreeing that they have a hard time paying for their medicines. Conclusions All questions on the MeDS survey had statistically significant correlations with the overall score, while gender and age did not. The MeDS questionnaire showed to be an effective tool to evaluate risk of long-term non-adherence globally in rural populations.


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