School of Heath Sciences (JA)

Histopathological Features in Development of Cancer of the cervix in relation to Sexually Transmitted Infections among Sexually active women attending Machakos Cancer Care and Research Centre

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Histopathological Features in Development of Cancer of the cervix in relation to Sexually Transmitted Infections among Sexually active women attending Machakos Cancer Care and Research Centre Nyamai, Munyoki; Irungu, Antony Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosis, treatment and management programmes have existed for many decades worldwide. Cancer of cervix diagnosis, treatment and management is however a newer phenomenon compared to STIs. Globally, it is estimated that 568,847 women in their reproductive age are diagnosed with cancer of the cervix and an estimated 311,365 deaths occur annually. Concurrently 499 million cases of STIs occur annually. This high burden of the infections if intervention measures are not put in place, the cases may increase into many folds in the coming future. Objective: This study sought to investigate the influence of STIs in the histopathological outcomes among sexually active women attending Machakos Cancer Care and Research Centre. Methods: The study design applied cross-sectional design to achieve this objective. It involved women who were sexually active and consented to the study voluntarily. The study involved STIs testing and histopathology analysis. Result: The total number of participants who consented to the study after being informed about the consequences and the importance of the research were one hundred and seventy-six. The mean age of the participants was 40.6 years, a median of 43 and a range of 22-58 years. In overall 55 % of the participants had positive STIs outcomes while 44 % of the same population had an abnormal cervical histopathology outcome. The majority of the abnormal histopathology outcomes were among women aged 40 years and above. STIs were distributed in all ages. HPV and HIV were pathogen of interest because their influence was statistically significant. Conclusion: This current study has revealed that STIs infections are very important agents of interest in establishment and progression of cancer of the cervix within the cervical walls of the sexually active women. HPV and HIV were highest influencers of histopathological outcomes in this study.

Viral Load Monitoring Practices and Correlates of Viral Non-suppression Among Children and Young Adolescents Living With HIV in Kiambu County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Viral Load Monitoring Practices and Correlates of Viral Non-suppression Among Children and Young Adolescents Living With HIV in Kiambu County, Kenya Gachoka, Lilian N.; Njoroge, Anne Introduction. Viral suppression rates among children and young adolescents living with HIV (CYALHIV) has been reported to be lower compared to adults. Follow up through viral load monitoring may influence their health outcomes. Objective. In this cross-sectional study we determined viral load monitoring practices and correlates of viral non-suppression of all CYALHIV in the main public hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya. Data was abstracted from electronic medical records. Methods. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and assess correlates of viral non-suppression. Adherence to viral load testing guidelines was also assessed. Viral non-suppression was defined as a viral load (VL) >1000c/ml. Results. Of the 252 CYALHIV, the median age was 11 (IQR: 7-13) years. At the most current VL, 14% were non-suppressed. Correlates of non-suppression included a history of Tuberculosis, [aPR=4.25; 95% CI=1.41-12.8; p=.01], antiretroviral drug side effects [aPR=3.01; 95% CI=1.37-6.62; p=0.006] and having received enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) [aPR=5.32; 95% CI=2.00- 14.15; p=.001]. Although the timing of baseline VL tests improved over the years, routine VL monitoring as per the guidelines remained suboptimal. Conclusions. There is need for adherence to VL monitoring guidelines for prompt action among non-suppressed children.

Factors associated with diarrhea among infants seeking healthcare services at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Factors associated with diarrhea among infants seeking healthcare services at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, Kenya Wambui, Winfred Muringi; Ochieng, Kevin; Gachoka, Lilian More than 90% of infant deaths in Kenya is due to conditions like pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, neonatal problems, malnutrition and HIV/AIDS, and often a combination of these conditions. Diarrhea among infants is both preventable and treatable if only mothers of these infants are educated on ways of preventing The main objective of this study is to investigate factors associated with diarrhea among infants seeking healthcare services at Homa Bay County referral hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the factors associated with diarrhea among infants. Results showed majority of respondents were aged between 18-25 years, resided in rural areas. Majority (95.2%) were daily laborers with 42% having household average monthly income of < Ksh.5000.On education status of the respondents,43.3% had only attained primary education. Diarrhea prevalence was more (73.3 % ) among those who were residing rural areas .In regression analysis between different variables mother/caretaker’s education also showed a great significance with prevalence of diarrhea as infants of mothers/caretakers who were unable to read had higher diarrhea prevalence (p – value 0.002)than among those who had attained college education. In conclusion, residence, type of water storage container, methods of complementary feeding, mother/caretaker education status and cleansing materials to wash the hands were the most important variables that affected the occurrence and severity of diarrhea in children.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH HEART DISEASE AGED 0-12 YEARS IN KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL PAEDIATRIC WARDS, KENYA.

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH HEART DISEASE AGED 0-12 YEARS IN KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL PAEDIATRIC WARDS, KENYA. Njeri, Gachoka Lilian; Osogo, Omuga Blasio Background: Heart disease is a debilitating condition contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates as well as high disease burden among children. The aim of this study was to establish the characteristics of children with heart disease aged 0-12 years in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 92 children with heart disease admitted in paediatric wards of KNH, Kenya. Results: Of the 92 children (54.3%) were infants and (52.2%) were males. Mean age was 2.4(+3.4) years. The mean age at diagnosis for congenital heart disease and acquired heart disease was 23 months and 6.09 years respectively. Most (79.3%) children had congenital heart defects; Ventricular septal defect (22.8%) being the most prevalent. Rheumatic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathies were the most common (5.4%) acquired conditions. Forty nine (53.3%) children had heart failure.Characteristics with statistical significance were; slow weight gain [P=0.008], cyanosis [P=0.032], use of accessory muscles of respiration [P=0.007] and heart murmur [P=0.001] for children with congenital heart defects while weight loss [p≤ 0.001], dyspnoea [p≤ 0.001], abnormal pulsations [P=0.001], cardiac failure [p≤ 0.001], weakness/fatigue [p≤ 0.001] and polyarthritis [p≤ 0.001] were significant for children with acquired heart disease Conclusion: Congenital heart defects are the most common heart conditions in KNH commonly affecting infants and male children. There was a likely delayed diagnosis of congenital heart disease as about half the children presented already in heart failure on admission.