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Research Papers
The association of intimate partner violence and contraceptive use: a multi-country analysis of demographic and health surveys
This study explored the link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and contraceptive use among 30,715 ever-married or cohabiting women of reproductive age in six Eastern Sub-Saharan African countries using DHS data from 2014–2017. Nearly half of the women had experienced IPV, and 67% were not using modern contraceptives. Physical violence was significantly associated with lower odds of contraceptive use (aOR = 0.72), and other contributing factors included older age, illiteracy, poverty, lack of communication access, unemployed partners, and difficulty accessing health services. The findin
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Research Papers
Cholera prevention, control strategies, challenges and World Health Organization initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A narrative review
The resurgence of cholera is presenting unusual challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), where it is considered endemic in nine-member states. Despite significant progress in the control of cholera worldwide, the disease continues to be a major public health problem across the region, where it constitutes both an emerging and re-emerging threat. Recurring cholera outbreaks are an indication of deprived water and sanitation conditions as well as weak health systems, contributing to the transmission and spread of the cholera infection. We note that despite the challenges in elimina
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Research Papers
Predictors of Malaria Vaccine Hesitancy Among Caregivers in Bumula Subcounty, Bungoma County
This cross-sectional study investigated predictors of malaria vaccine hesitancy among 419 caregivers in Bumula Subcounty, Bungoma County, Kenya, where malaria remains a major health threat. Despite high uptake of the first (97.6%) and second (96.2%) doses of the RTS,S (Mosquirix) malaria vaccine, coverage dropped significantly for the third (86.6%) and fourth (62.8%) doses. Vaccine hesitancy stood at 37.2% and was influenced by factors such as the child’s age, religious beliefs, trust in vaccine information sources, and openness of communication about the vaccine. Four key predictors remaine
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Research Papers
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Neck Pain among the Hospital Front and Back Office Workers at the Nairobi Hospital, Kenya
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of neck pain among front and back-office workers at The Nairobi Hospital. Conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study with 133 participants, it used structured questionnaires adapted from the Oswestry Neck Disability Index and self-developed tools to gather data on demographics, employment duration, and pain intensity. Results showed that 34% of workers currently experience neck pain, with females being more affected (66%), and the most common age group being 41–50 years. Most participants had been employed for 1–10 yea
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Research Papers
Perceptions of eLearning Innovative Training Approaches among Nurses, Midwives, and Tutors: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study from Nurse-Midwifery Colleges in Tanzania
Africa carries 24% of the global disease burden but has only 3% of the world’s health workforce, with a critical shortage among frontline workers like nurses and midwives. This imbalance contributed to the continent’s failure to meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. eLearning has emerged as a flexible and scalable solution for training in-service health workers. This study investigates how nurses, midwives, and tutors in Tanzania perceive eLearning as an innovative training method. Read More >>><
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Research Papers
Lymphatic filariasis elimination in Kenya: Tracing the journey from 2002-2024 and pathways to achieving 2030 target
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease that causes severe physical and psychological effects, such as elephantiasis and hydrocele, reducing quality of life and economic productivity. Kenya began its National Programme to Eliminate LF in 2000, with the first Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in 2002 in Kilifi, later expanding to other coastal counties. Despite early documentation of LF in 1910, MDA was inconsistent until 2015 due to limited resources. Since 2016, continuous MDA campaigns have significantly reduced disease prevalence. Kenya is now on track to eliminate LF
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Research Papers
Geostatistical modelling of soil-transmitted helminth prevalence in Kenya: Informing targeted interventions to accelerate elimination efforts
Kenya aims to reduce soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence to below 2% by 2027, marking a shift toward eliminating transmission. Achieving this requires high-resolution data to guide targeted interventions. While geostatistical modelling has been used in parts of Kenya, national-level data has been limited. This study used national survey data to create the first countrywide map of STH distribution, supporting more effective and locally tailored treatment strategies. Read More >>>
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Research Papers
Implementation of early warning, alert and response: An experience from the Marburg virus disease outbreak response in Kagera, Tanzania, March to May 2023
Tanzania declared a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak on March 21, 2023, reporting nine cases and six deaths (case fatality rate (CFR) 66.7%). Detection began when a Community Health Worker (CHW) reported unexplained illness via the electronic EBS (e-EBS) system, triggering a national outbreak response. This study documents the Early Warning, Alert and Response (EWAR) interventions carried out during the MVD outbreak response in the Kagera region to identify strengths and bottlenecks for strengthening future outbreak preparedness and response efforts. Read More
