https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/247 2026-04-17T03:52:34Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/259 Bioinformatic Identification of Endemic Coronaviruses’ Epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 Genomes Isolated in Kenya. Musyoki, Stanslaus; Biegon, Richard; Patel, Kirtika Identification of SARS-CoV-2 genome regions with similarity to epitopes for endemic coronaviruses is crucial for understanding cross-immunity and designing broad-spectrum vaccines. Research has highlighted that several epitopes exhibit homology or cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and various endemic coronaviruses. To identify these shared epitopes, annotated proteins from SARS-CoV-2 genomes isolated in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya were aligned with Epitopes for four endemic coronaviruses using BlastP. Additionally, the overlapping epitopes were aligned with SARS-CoV2 immunodominant epitopes. 321 epitopes from HCoV-OC43, 206 epitopes from HCoV-HKU1, 136 epitopes from HCoV-NL63, and 182 epitopes from HCoV-229E exhibited similarities with regions on SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Of these, ten HCoV-OC43 epitopes; thirteen HCoV-HKU1 epitopes; one HCoVNL63 epitope; and three HCoV-229E spike epitopes exhibited similarity with the SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Seven immunodominant epitopes had notable similarities with the epitopes from endemic coronaviruses. This discovery holds great importance as it implies the existence of potential cross reactivity and shared immune responses among these coronaviruses, thereby potentially impacting the comprehension of immunity and the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. 2024-05-23T00:00:00Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/258 Association between Coagulation Indicators and Menorrhagia among Women in Kenya. Marabi, Phidelis M.; Musyoki, Stanslaus K.; Monari, Fred; Kosiyo, Paul M.; Ouma, Collins Menorrhagia is defined as heavy menstrual bleeding that exceeds 80 mL per cycle.1 It is a common disorder that, on average, affects 30% of women.2 Having heavy periods significantly decreases women’s quality of life, requires time away from work, involves surgical intervention, including hysterectomy, and ultimately has a substantial cost impact on the healthcare system.3 Menorrhagia is a diagnosable ailment that needs to be treated to improve the quality of life of affected women, however, a significant number of menorrhagia cases are classified as idiopathic. Research has shown that when women are dissatisfied with their normal therapy options, they frequently choose surgery, such as hysterectomy. These women might benefit from a specialized method of diagnosis and treatment that emphasizes pertinent coagulation parameters. A series of biochemical processes, known as the coagulation pathway, results in hemostasis. This complex pathway promotes healing and prevents spontaneous bleeding. 2024-09-17T00:00:00Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/257 Effect of County Government Strategies in the Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Plastic Waste in Lodwar Town, Turkana County Kenya. Nakusi, Peter; Mbeke, Alexander M; Musyoki, Stanslaus Kiilu; Monari, Fred N. Plastic waste management has become a major public health and environmental concern in urban areas of many developing countries. Economic growth and population increase in the developing countries in recent years has caused an increase in utilization of natural resources that has led to unprecedented plastic waste generation. The uncontrolled plastic waste disposal has become a challenge in Africa and other developing countries due to insufficient or lack of human and financial capacities to remedy the situation. This study investigated the effect of county governments’ strategies in place in the collection, transportation and disposal of plastic waste in Lodwar town, turkana county Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. purposive sampling was used to select 345 respondents from Lodwar town and the county government employees including key informants from public health department at the county was adopted. Data were then analyzed for descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The study findings showed that majority (78.6%) of the residents disagreed that there is reselling of plastic materials to avoid generation of wastage. Further majority (38%) also disagreedthat they are reusing the plastics for other purposes in their households. Additionally, majority (55.9%) still disagreed that the municipality has recycling company, which has assisted in plastic material recycling. However, on the other hand majority (71.6%) of the residents were not aware if there is a new technological recycling machine in the county. The study revealed that majority of the respondents disagreed that there are waste collectors and transporters in the town (mean= 1.95, standard deviation=0.99). Majority of the respondents disagreed that the municipality have recycling company which has assisted in plastic material recycling (Mean=1.51, standard deviation=0.89). Majority of the residents strongly agreed that handling plastic waste in Lodwar municipality is of great concern (Mean=4.59, standard deviation=0.84). The study concluded planning and coordination have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. There are no enough waste collectors and transporters in the town also Municipality has no clear waste management guideline/policy. Recycling methods have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. The study recommended that the municipality administration should come up with waste management guideline/policy that will ensure efficient and reliable wastage handling. 2024-09-19T00:00:00Z https://unilibrary.zetech.ac.ke:8443/xmlui/handle/zet/251 Client’s Experiences on Skilled Delivery Services among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Communities in Kenya Gachathi, Daniel Muya; Makworo, Drusilla; Mwenda, Catherine Background: Globally Skilled delivery services are critical aspects to combat Maternal and neonatal mortality. In Kenya, skilled deliveries account for 62% of all deliveries; unskilled deliveries pose a higher risk of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The maternal mortality ratio in Kenya is currently 462 per thousand live births, with 40% of these deaths occurring at home. The main objective of the study was to explore the experiences of women of reproductive age on skilled delivery services. Materials And Methods: The baseline study was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023. It employed a cross-sectional research design involving 347 women of reproductive age. The study aimed to examine their current practices, challenges, and experiences with skilled delivery services. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 48 recently delivered women (within one year), as well as with 48 Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and 10 Community Extension Workers (CHEWs). In-depth interviews were also held with local health facility administrators. Quantitative data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Measures of central tendency were employed for continuous data tabulation. The analyzed data was then presented through charts, tables, and frequencies. The qualitative data underwent thematic arrangement and analysis using NVIVO version 13 and then triangulated with descriptive data. Results: The results revealed that (90.6%) of women's previous childbirth experiences influenced their utilization of skilled birth attendance services in subsequent pregnancies. Women who had never given birth in health facilities or had chosen home births were less likely to utilize skilled birth attendance services. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study identified factors influencing skilled birth attendance use in Kandara Sub County, highlighting the role of previous childbirth experiences, health facility-related factors, and danger signs during pregnancy. To improve utilization, interventions should focus on health facility conditions, health worker attitudes, and community awareness programs. 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z