Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence Of Sickle Cell Trait And Needs Assessment For Uptake Of Sickle Cell Screening Among Secondary School Students In Kampala City, Uganda, Shamim Namukasa, Sarah Nakaziba, Grace Among, Lydia A Sasira, Posiano Mayambala, Joseph Atukwatse, Mary Namuguzi, Ahmed Sarki, Rose Maina

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most frequent and traumatizing genetic disease in Uganda, with the prevalence of the sickle cell trait (SCT) estimated at 13.3% leading to serious psycho-social and economic impact on the patients and their families.

Aim This study aimed to determine the burden of SCT and factors influencing the uptake of screening services among secondary school students in Uganda.

Methods We used an analytical cross-sectional design with a multi-stage sampling approach. A total of 399 students from four secondary schools in Kampala City were enrolled in this study. Data were gathered using semi-structured …

Factors Associated With Hiv Testing Among Pregnant Women In Rwanda: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey, Lilian Nuwabaine, Joseph Kawuki, Angella Namulema, John Baptist Asiimwe, Quraish Sserwanja, Ghislaine Gatasi, Elorm Donkor

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing during pregnancy is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, through aiding prompt treatment, care, and support. However, few studies have explored HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. We used secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS), comprising 870 pregnant women. Multistage stratified sampling was used by the RDHS team to select participants. We conducted bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to explore factors associated with HIV testing using SPSS …

Exploring The Role Of Information And Communication Technologies In Allergic Rhinitis In Specialist Centers: Patient Perspectives On Usefulness, Value, And Impact On Healthcare, Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda, Jean Bousquet, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Monica Rodriguez Gonzales, Anna Bedbrook, Nelson Rosario, Benjamin Zepeda-Ortega, Guillermo Guidos, Ulbio Alcivar Molina

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve patient-centered care and are routinely used in Allergic Rhinitis (AR), but patients' preferences and attitudes are unexplored. This study examines AR-related information preferences and ICT use by AR patients.
Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Ecuador from July to September 2019 in seven centers of reference for allergic disease. Participants were 18 years or older, diagnosed with AR and had access to ICT and the Internet. Descriptive and binomial logistic regressions were performed. A value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: 217 patients were included. 47% (n …

Exploring The Role Of Information And Communication Technologies In Allergic Rhinitis In Specialist Centers: Patient Perspectives On Usefulness, Value, And Impact On Healthcare, Ivan Cherrez Ojeda, Jean Bousquet, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Monica Rodriguez Gonzales, Anna Bedbrook, Nelson Rosario, Benjamin Zepeda Ortega, Guillermo Guidos, Ulbio Alcivar Molina

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve patient-centered care and are routinely used in Allergic Rhinitis (AR), but patients' preferences and attitudes are unexplored. This study examines AR-related information preferences and ICT use by AR patients.
Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Ecuador from July to September 2019 in seven centers of reference for allergic disease. Participants were 18 years or older, diagnosed with AR and had access to ICT and the Internet. Descriptive and binomial logistic regressions were performed. A value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: 217 patients were included. 47% (n …

Emerging Stroke Risk Factors: A Focus On Infectious And Environmental Determinants, Sajid Hameed, Nurose Karim, Mohammad Wasay, Narayanaswamy Venketasubramanian

Section of Neurology

This review focuses on emerging risk factors for stroke, including air pollution and climate change, gut microbiota, high altitude, and systemic infection. Up to 14% of all stroke-associated mortality is attributed to air pollution and is more pronounced in developing countries. Fine particulate matter and other air pollutants contribute to an increased stroke risk, and this risk appears to increase with higher levels and duration of exposure. Short term air pollution exposure has also been reported to increase the stroke risk. The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms that reside in the digestive system and …

Effect Of Customer Incivility And Emotional Exhaustion On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions In Nurses At A Tertiary Care Cancer Hospital In Pakistan, Saima Rubab

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Workplace incivility significantly impacts nurses' job satisfaction and turnover intentions. However, the incivility of the patients and their family emotionally drain health care providers. Subsequently, the lack of support from one’s organisation and job dissatisfaction contribute to healthcare employee turnover.
Aim of the Study: The study explores the associations between customer incivility and emotional exhaustion and determines whether they contribute to or affect the nurses’ job satisfaction and turnover intentions.
Methodology: The study used a cross-Sectional analytical study design to explore the study questions. A well-defined questionnaire was used to collect the data from the target population of staff …

Editorial: Care During Pregnancy And Early Childhood For Growth And Development In Low- And Middle- Income Countries, Ranadip Chowdhury, Ravi Prakash Upadhyay, Bireshwar Sinha, Nita Bhandari, Sunita Taneja, Jai K. Das

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

No abstract provided.

From Static Web To Metaverse: Reinventing Medical Education In The Post-Pandemic Era, Kadriye O. Lewis, Vitaliy Popov, Syeda Sadia Fatima

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

The World Wide Web and the advancement of computer technology in the 1960s and 1990s respectively set the ground for a substantial and simultaneous change in many facets of our life, including medicine, health care, and medical education. The traditional didactic approach has shifted towards more dynamic and interactive methods, leveraging technologies such as simulation tools, virtual reality, and online platforms. At the forefront is the remarkable evolution that has revolutionized how medical knowledge is accessed, disseminated, and integrated into pedagogical practices. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to rapid and large-scale adoption of e-learning and digital resources in medical education …

Evaluating The Effect Of Maternal Non-Communicable Disease On Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes And Birthweight In Pakistan, A Facility Based Retrospective Cohort Study, Esther Wainwright, Sheikh Irfan Ahmed, Rahat Qureshi, Sana Yousuf, Raheela Khan, Matthew Elmes

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) claim 74% of global lives, disproportionately affecting lower and middle-income countries like Pakistan. NCDs may increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), caesarean section (CS), and low birthweight. This study aims to determine whether the high prevalence of NCDs in Pakistan play a role in the high rates of preterm births, and CS. This retrospective cohort study from Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, investigated effects of pre-existing NCDs on pregnancy outcomes of 817 pregnant women. Medical records were used to generate odds ratios for the risk of PTB, labour outcome and birthweight in women with type 1 …

Comparison Of Pre And Post Foley Catheter Bishop’S Score: A Retrospective Record Review At Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, Ayesha Malik, Sheikh Irfan Ahmed, Farheen Yousuf, Azra Amerjee, Sumaira Naz, Safna Naozer Virji Safna Naozer Virji

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Objective: To compare pre and post Foley's catheter Bishop Score during labour induction.
Methods: This study was a retrospective study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan after approval from ethical review board. All women who underwent induction of labour with Foley's Catheter at gestation of 37 weeks or more from September 2014-October 2015 were included. Data was entered and analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. The comparison between pre and post Foley's catheter Bishop Score during labour induction will be calculated by Wilcoxon sign test.
Results: There were 981 cases of inductions of …

Prediction Of Major Adverse Cardiac Events In The Emergency Department Using An Artificial Neural Network With A Systematic Grid Search, Ahmed Raheem Buksh, Nadeem Ullah Khan, Rida Jawed, Shahan Waheed, Musa Karim

Department of Emergency Medicine

Background: The aim of our research was to design and evaluate an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model using a systemic grid search for the early prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) among patients presenting to the triage of an emergency department.
Methods: This is a single-center, cross-sectional study using electronic health records from January 2017 to December 2020. The research population consists of adults coming to our emergency department triage at Aga Khan University Hospital. The MACE during hospitalization was the main outcome. To enhance the architecture of an ANN using triage data, we used a systematic grid search …

Infant Growth And Body Composition From Birth To 24 Months: Are Infants Developing The Same?, Shane A. Norris, Lukhanyo H. Nyati, Alexia Murphy Alford, Nishani Lucas, Ina S. Santos, Caroline S. Costa, Rebecca Kuriyan, V Pujitha Wickranasinghe, Shabina Ariff, Andrew P. Hills

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Given the importance of infancy for establishing growth trajectories, with later-life health consequences, we investigated longitudinal body composition among infants from six economically and ethnically diverse countries.
Methods: We recruited mother-infant dyads using the WHO Multicenter Growth Reference Study criteria. We measured fat-free mass (FFM) in 1393 (49% female) infants from birth to 6 months of age (Australia, India, and South Africa; n = 468), 3-24 months of age (Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka; n = 925), and derived fat mass (FM), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length …

Inspire : Vol 7 Issue 1, Department Of Medicine

INSPIRE

• Message from the Chair
• Medicine at National and International Forums
• AKUPI-NCD Symposium "A Dialogue on NCDs"| A Triumph in Health Discourse By Zeerak Jarra
• Department of Medicine Appreciation Evening 2023
• AKU Dermatology on International Fronts
• Developing Healthcare Leaders for Tomorrow
• Poem Section
• What Academics Are Reading
• Upcoming Events

The Social, Mental, And Physical Health Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On People With Hiv: Protocol Of An Observational International Multisite Study, Yvette P. Cuca, Christine Horvat, Inge Corless, Craig Phillips, Álvaro José Sierra-Perez, Solymar Solís Báez, Emilia Iwu, Motshedisi Sabone, Mercy Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, Sheila Shaibu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, immunocompromised individuals such as people with HIV (PWH) may have faced a disproportionate impact on their health and HIV outcomes, both from COVID-19 and from the strategies enacted to contain it. Based on the SPIRIT guidelines, we describe the protocol for an international multisite observational study being conducted by The International Nursing Network for HIV Research, with the Coordinating Center based at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing. Site Principal Investigators implement a standardized protocol to recruit PWH to complete the study online or in-person. Questions address demographics; …

Integration Of User-Generated Content On News Reporting: A Case Study Of A Tanzanian Print Newspaper., David Lyoba Mbulumi

Theses & Dissertations

This research investigated the integration of user-generated content (UGC) in Tanzanian print newspapers and its effect on news reporting in the digital era. UGC, comprising text, images, videos, and audio created by users, has gained prominence due to the rise of social media and citizen journalism. The research employed a mixedmethods approach, starting with content analysis of a selected Tanzanian print newspaper over six days to quantify the prevalence and characteristics of UGC. Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, including a newspaper editor, a reporter, readers, and the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), provide additional insights. The newspaper incorporates an average …

Assessing Youtube Vloggers’ Ethical Conduct And Impact On Political Discourse In The 2021 Uganda General Elections., Otto John Alex

Theses & Dissertations

This research delves into the pivotal role played by YouTube vloggers during the 2021 elections in Uganda. The study focuses on assessing vloggers' content's quality and ethical standards, understanding audience engagement, and analysing the overall impact on citizen participation. Through the examination of 10 videos and 19 in-depth intervie, and 2 Key informant interviews revealed that vloggers often disseminated biased and inaccurate information to attract viewer engagement. The content analysis highlighted unbalanced reporting, a breach of journalism ethics, and a primary focus on profit-making, neglecting responsible journalism's foundational principles. As observed in the comment sections, audience interaction showcased a dynamic …

An Investigation Into The Female Correspondents' Experiences In The Media Industry In Kenya, Pili Chizi Chimerah

Theses & Dissertations

Correspondents in the media organizations in Kenya face myriad challenges to remuneration, working conditions, and job security. These challenges have a direct effect on their performance at the workplace. Correspondents play a pivotal role in the success of media organizations, and research shows that they contribute about 80 percent of media content (Devex, 2022). Odhiambo (2002) states that correspondents are paid on retainers and sometimes need reasonable contracts, making them vulnerable. However, female correspondents face double challenges based on their gender. There is a gender bias in newsrooms, with male correspondents dominating (Selva & Andi, 2020). Often, female correspondents are …

An Analysis Of Print Media’S Coverage Of Women In Stories Focused On Economic Activities., Patricia Kigula

Theses & Dissertations

This research was conducted against the background that women have limited visibility in economic roles in the media. The dearth of understanding in this area poses a risk of perpetuating negative stereotypes and biases against women, potentially impeding their economic empowerment and hindering societal progress. The media's influence on shaping societal norms surrounding women and economic participation is evident, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive analysis of the extent and nature of media coverage of women's contributions to economic development in Uganda. The study employed a quantitative method and directed content analysis to systematically examine the representation of women in …

Media's Coverage Of Biotechnology And Gmo’S: How Kenyan Broadcast Media Covered The Lifting Of The Ban On Genetically Modified Foods., Zeynab Nyangule Wandati

Theses & Dissertations

The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has been controversial globally, with differing views on the risks and benefits of their use in agriculture, even though the technology is extensively used in medicine. In Africa, the adoption of GMOs has been relatively slow compared to other regions due to a combination of factors, including poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, and public resistance. Studies have shown that the media often portrays GMOs as a threat to human health and the environment, a narrative often pushed by the news sources interviewed, with little emphasis on their potential benefits or the science of it. …

Understanding The Effects Of Twitter Crisis Events On Brand Reputation: The Case Of Strathmore University And Kfc Kenya., Wambui Gachari

Theses & Dissertations

An organisational crisis event on Twitter goes viral within a short period of time. Within that time, sentiments – either negative or positive – are produced through the tweets published as a result of conversations driven by Twitter users. Coverage done by legacy media further amplify the magnitude of organizational crisis events. These sentiments produces by Twitter users become instrumental in shaping the public perception of organisations. This study sought to determine how Twitter users frame crisis events and the subsequent influence on brand reputation of organisations under crisis. The Framing theory and Situational Crisis Communications theory offered insights into …

Examining Social Media Utility In Television News Programming: A Case Study Of Urban Tv, Uganda., Vicent Musoke

Theses & Dissertations

This study examined social media utility in television news programming using a case study of Urban TV, Uganda. It also provided an understanding of how television stations in the country integrate social media in their news programs by establishing social media utility in Urban Television’s news programs; assessing how Urban TV caters to its broadcast and social media audience in news programs, and exploring how Urban TV’s cross-platform utility caters to its social media audience in news programming. The study is anchored within the technology acceptance Model and uses in-depth interviews with Urban TV staff and direct observation of Urban …

Journalists Understanding And Coverage Of Extrajudicial Killings In Kenya., Susan Kendi Gitonga

Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated the phenomenon of extrajudicial killings in Kenya by examining the journalists' understanding of the issue, the media framing of the articles, and the sourcing of the information. The news media, in its traditional role to inform and interpret, has the responsibility to provide the public with a balanced narrative on the issues that are of public interest, including deaths and killings of citizens. However, in the context of extrajudicial killings, the media’s role and significance have been tested due to the dilemma encountered. Journalists face challenges in their attempt to source for authoritative sources, especially in cases …

Out Of Newsrooms And Back Into Classrooms: The Experiences Of Journalists In Master’S Studies., Simon Riitho

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to better understand the experiences of journalists as master’s students. In Kenya, master’s programs have expanded significantly, attracting journalists who view them as opportunities to upskill and enhance their abilities. The researcher involved journalists from various newsrooms in Kenya to learn why they enrolled, the causes of study delay, and interventions that empower them to complete. In this study, 33 journalists from four newsrooms in Kenya accepted the call to participate in the study, either via answering questionnaires or interviews. Of this total, 31% of the participants (11 journalists) volunteered to be interviewed, while …

The Framing Of Digital Currencies In Rwandan Media: A Comparative Study Of Igihe.Com And The New Times., Cyuzuzo Jean De Dieu Samba

Theses & Dissertations

This study analyzed the media coverage of cryptocurrencies in Rwanda’s two leading online publishers, focusing on identifying trends and biases in their reporting. Anchored on Framing Theory, phase one of this study used quantitative content analysis to analyse the tone of coverage, the nature of coverage and to comparatively analyse what the data analysis tells of nuances between coverage in English and coverage in Kinyarwanda from samples of media coverage of cryptocurrencies in the two outlets over a specified period. In phase two, the data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics to respond to the research objectives …

Factors Affecting Retention Of Journalists At Etop Radio In Soroti City, Eastern Uganda., Joseph Akiiso

Theses & Dissertations

This research investigates the factors affecting journalist retention at ETOP Radio, located in Soroti City, Eastern Uganda. Through a descriptive survey design, the study employs questionnaires and interviews to achieve its objectives. These objectives include analyzing factors leading to the turnover of talented journalists, exploring contributors to staff retention, and assessing and recommending strategies to boost staff retention within the ETOP Radio Human Resource Department. The findings reveal that a majority of journalists at ETOP Radio plan to continue their tenure, indicating a moderate level of employee satisfaction. The study further identifies strengths such as effective two-way communication, fostering a …

News Media Content Shifts And Declining Youth News Consumption In Uganda’S Legacy Media: A Case Study Of The New Vision., Alex Bagyenzire Atuhaire

Theses & Dissertations

The decline in the number of young people consuming news media is a phenomenon occasioned by the digital migration of the youthful population, media content disruptions, market competition and rapid technological innovations. These forces, together with the highly youthful population in Uganda that has either migrated to digital platforms or are digital natives have not only resulted in shifts in consumption habits but also a decline in legacy media consumption. Using The New Vision as a case, the project sought to analyse and explore media news content changes and youth news consumption levels in the Ugandan media focusing on key …

Impact Of The Implementation Of Paywalls In Kenya: Case Of Nation Media Group., Bernard Momanyi

Theses & Dissertations

The era of digital disruption has compelled media houses in Kenya, as it has worldwide, to undergo a fundamental reassessment of their operational models for survival and sustainability. One such model that has emerged in response to these challenges is the paywall, which some media organizations are now exploring as a viable and alternative source of sustainable revenue. Notably, the Nation Media Group blazed the trail in Kenya by pioneering the implementation of a paywall. This undertaking presents an array of challenges and opportunities that warrant careful consideration. In the context of this study, which employed a qualitative approach, it …

Analyzing The Viability Of Subscription Revenue Model For The Standard Group In Kenya., Anthony Manyonge Makokha

Theses & Dissertations

The capstone project investigated the subscription-based revenue Model in the context of news content, using The Standard Group in Kenya as a case study. The aim was to evaluate the viability and impact of this Model in sustaining quality journalism amidst changing consumption patterns and unpredictable advertising revenues in the digital age. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrated qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Through extensive literature review, industry analysis, interviews with experts, stakeholders, and consumer surveys, it explored the historical evolution, merits, challenges, and perceptions regarding paid news content in Kenya. The study focused on The Standard Group, a leading …

Innovating For Efficiency: The Use Of Generative Ai In Kenyan Newsrooms., Anthony Irari Ngugi

Theses & Dissertations

Generative AI has revolutionized media landscapes around the globe, including in Kenya. Widely known for mobile technology adoption and digital entrepreneurship, Kenya's journalism field is experiencing drastic transformation thanks to AI's powerful abilities. This study sought to understand how Generative AI (GenAI) is being adopted by Kenyan media houses, as well as its advantages, drawbacks, and challenges associated with journalistic innovation. Chapter 1 introduces the global impact of

Generative AI while outlining specific implications for Kenyan newsrooms. Contextualizing AI's rise in media, this paper compares traditional and modern journalistic practices as well as big tech's impact in shaping news consumption …

Employability Of Graduate Journalists In Modern Media Houses: A Case Study Of Nation Media Group As An Employer., Caroline Wayeta Wafula

Theses & Dissertations

The study set out to establish the current status of the employability of graduate journalists in modern media houses in Kenya, with Nation Media Group (NMG) as the case study.

Specifically, the study sought to identify essential skills that media houses in Kenya currently need from journalism graduates, assess the skills capacity of fresh journalism graduates and determine challenges currently faced by employers in accessing skills needed in modern media houses. The study employed a qualitative research approach, and the researcher conducted in-person interviews with respondents. The study established that the skilling demands on the journalism profession are changing because …