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Promotion Of Scientific Literacy In Primary Education: A Case Of A School In Taita-Taveta County, Kenya., Wamvua Andrew Mshambala

Master of Education

Demands of 21st century living have rendered Scientific Literacy (SL) a more than just desired learning end in primary education worldwide. As a result, SL has become a core objective for teaching of primary science that is aimed at producing individuals capable of making choices and decisions affecting their daily lives that are based on considerations of science. However, in spite of educational professionals’ emphasis on the need for teaching for this objective, only a little fruit has been realized so far. Inadequate conception of SL, over-use of traditional teacher-centered pedagogies and low levels of motivation have partly been cited …

The Use Of Multimedia In Teaching And Learning Of Difficult Chemistry Practical Concepts, In One Secondary School In Homabay County In Kenya, Chrispine Ochieng Odindo

Master of Education

The performance of learners in science in Kenyan Secondary schools has been consistently low over the years. Chemistry being one of the science subjects has continued to perform poorly compared to the other science subjects (Biology and Physics). Practical work is important for effective learning of Chemistry. However, certain practical concepts due to their nature and their difficulty for instance being poisonous, explosive and harmful limits teachers’ ability in conducting experiment. The initial findings of this study indicated that teachers preferred approach to use in teaching and learning such concepts remains teacher-centered pedagogy which disengages students from learning. The purpose …

Plexiform Fibromyxoma: A Rare Gastric Tumor, Casmir Wambura

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Plexiform fibromyxoma is a rare and distinctive benign mesenchymal neoplasm that occurs in the gastric antrum. This tumor has a potential for misdiagnosis as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). It causes mucosa and vascular ulcerations without advancement of the tumor. Cytological bland spindle cells within a variably myxoid stroma characterize the histology of the tumor. We report the case of a 41-year-old African Tanzanian lady who presented with melena and recurrent anemia. Endoscopy and imaging studies revealed antral mass with initial suspicion of a GIST. However, immunohistochemically it turned to be a plexiform fibromyxoma. Follow-up evaluation 12 months after surgery revealed …

The East Africa Dialogue Series:Youth, Urbanization, Growth & Inequality, Alex Awiti, Bruce Scott

East Africa Institute

While nationalism and sovereign assertions are on the ascendancy, we live in a world that has never been more connected. But as East Africans, our common challenges and shared aspirations transcend geography and politics. Moreover, globalization, technology, climate change, disease pandemics and terrorism have weaved nations into interdependent social and geopolitical realities. The objective of the East Africa Dialogue Series (EADS) was to gather reliable evidence and make such evidence available to a wide range of stakeholders who then use the evidence to stimulate dialogue, debate, reflection and action to address urgent challenges. The dialogue series focused on three challenges; …

Factors Associated With Women's Intention To Request Caesarean Delivery In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, C G. Misaeli, B A. Kamala, A H. Mgaya, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background. In the past decade, the rate of caesarean section (CS) has increased dramatically in many parts of the world. At Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) there has been a dramatic rise in the caesarean section rate over the past decade.

Objective. To determine the incidence of maternal request for CS and factors associated with intention to request caesarean section at the MNH antenatal clinic.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from August to October 2014. A structured questionnaire gathered participants’ background and obstetric information, perceptions and opinions regarding a request for caesarean section, and the respective reasons for …

Modifiers Of The Effect Of Maternal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation On Stillbirth, Birth Outcomes, And Infant Mortality: A Meta-Analysis Of Individual Patient Data From 17 Randomised Trials In Low-Income And Middle-Income Countries, Emily R. Smith, Anuraj H. Shankar, Lee S-F Wu, Said Aboud, Seth Adu Afarwuah, Hasmot Ali, Rina Agustina, Shams Arifeen, Per Ashorn, Arjumand Rizvi

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common among women in low-income and middle-income countries. Data from randomised trials suggest that maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation decreases the risk of low birthweight and potentially improves other infant health outcomes. However, heterogeneity across studies suggests influence from effect modifiers. We aimed to identify individual-level modifiers of the effect of multiple micronutrient supplements on stillbirth, birth outcomes, and infant mortality in low-income and middle-income countries.
Methods: This two-stage meta-analysis of individual patient included data from 17 randomised controlled trials done in 14 low-income and middle-income countries, which compared multiple micronutrient supplements containing iron-folic acid versus iron-folic …

Control Of Hypertension Among Diabetic Patients In A Referral Hospital In Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study, Semvua B. Kilonzo, Daniel W. Gunda, Fatma Bakshi, Fredrick Kalokola, Henry A. Mayala, Hollo Dadi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is common among diabetic patients. The co-existence of two conditions carries an excessive risk of severe complications and mortalities. Limited information exists on the determinants of poor hypertension control among these patients. We aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with poor hypertension control in these patients.

METHODS: Data of diabetic patients who were also hypertensive attending an outpatient clinic from 1 August 2015 to 31 December 2015 at Bugando Medical Centre were retrospectively analyzed. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as a blood pressure of ≥130mmHg and/or ≥80mmHg systolic and diastolic respectively. A designed questionnaire was used to …

Control Of Hypertension Among Diabetic Patients In A Referral Hospital In Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study, Semvua B. Kilonzo, Daniel W. Gunda, Fatma Bakshi, Fredrick Kalokola, Henry A. Mayala, Hollo Dadi

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background:

Hypertension is common among diabetic patients. The co-existence of two conditions carries an excessive risk of severe complications and mortalities. Limited information exists on the determinants of poor hypertension control among these patients. We aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with poor hypertension control in these patients.

Methods:

Data of diabetic patients who were also hypertensive attending an outpatient clinic from 1 August 2015 to 31 December 2015 at Bugando Medical Centre were retrospectively analyzed. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as a blood pressure of ≥130mmHg and/or ≥80mmHg systolic and diastolic respectively. A designed questionnaire was used …

Diabetes In Sub-Saharan Africa: From Clinical Care To Health Policy., Rifat Atun, Justine I. Davies, Edwin A.M. Gal, Till Bärnighausen, David Beran, Andre Pascal Kengne, Naomi S. Levitt, Florence Mangugu, Moffat J. Nyirenda, Graham D. Ogle, Kaushik Ramaiya

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Rapid demographic, sociocultural, and economic transitions are driving increases in the risk and prevalence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa. The impacts of these transitions and their health and economic consequences are evident. Whereas, in 1990, the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa were HIV/AIDS, lower respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, and vaccine-preventable diseases in children, in more recent years, cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors are replacing infectious diseases as the leading causes of death in this region, and rates of increase of cardiovascular risk factors are predicted to be greater in sub-Saharan Africa …

Intimate Partner Violence Among Hiv Infected And Uninfected Pregnant Women Delivering At A National Hospital In Tanzania: Using A Modified Screening Tool, Hussein Kidanto, Andrew H. Mgaya, Birgitta Essen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Worldwide Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health problem, affecting all women and vulnerable groups such as HIV-infected women. This study aimed to test the applicability of assessment of IPV using a simple screening tool, among women giving birth at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, to estimate the prevalence and severity of IPV among HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women, and to assess the odds of IPV among both groups of women.

Methods: A questionnaire including screening questions was applied to women delivered at Muhimbili National Hospital to identify those that experienced IPV. Demographics, HIV status, male partner’s …

Metabolic Syndrome And Its Predictors In An Urban Population In Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study, Geoffrey Omuse, Daniel Maina, Mariza Hoffman, Jane Mwangi, Caroline Wambua, Elizabeth Kagotho, Angela Amayo, Peter Ojwang, Zul Premji, Kiyoshi Ichihara, Rajiv Erasmus

Pathology, East Africa

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of interrelated risk factors which doubles the risk of cardio-vascular disease (CVD) in 5–10 years and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes 5 fold. The identification of modifiable CVD risk factors and predictors of MetS in an otherwise healthy population is necessary in order to identify individuals who may benefit from early interventions. We sought to determine the prevalence of MetS as defined by the harmonized criteria and its predictors in subjectively healthy black Africans from various urban centres in Kenya.

Method: We used data collected from healthy black Africans in …

Is Time Of Birth A Predictor Of Adverse Perinatal Outcome? A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study In A Low-Resource Setting, Tanzania, Andrew H. Mgaya, Januarius Hinju, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background Inconsistent evidence of a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes during off-hours compared to office hours necessitated a search for clear evidence of an association between time of birth and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital compared perinatal outcomes across three working shifts over 24 h. A checklist and a questionnaire were used to record parturients’ socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcomes, including 5th minute Apgar score, and early neonatal mortality. Risks of adverse outcomes included maternal age, parity, referral status and mode of delivery, and were assessed …

Improved Postpartum Care After A Participatory Facilitation Intervention In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A Mixed Method Evaluation, Eunice Pallangyo, Columba Mbekenga, Pia Olsson, Christine Rubertsson, Carina Källestål

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: In order to improve the health and survival of mothers/newborns, the quality and attendance rates of postpartum care (PPC) must be increased, particularly in low-resource settings.

Objective: To describe outcomes of a collegial facilitation intervention to improve PPC in government-owned health institutions in a low-resource suburb in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: A before-and-after evaluation of an intervention and comparison group was conducted using mixed methods (focus group discussions, questionnaires, observations, interviews, and field-notes) at health institutions. Maternal and child health aiders, enrolled nurse midwives, registered nurse midwives, and medical and clinical officers participated. A collegial facilitation intervention was …

Quality Assurance Self-Assessment: A Catalyst At Aga Khan University, Tashmin Khamis, Khairunnisa Dhamani

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

This article describes the establishment of the Aga Khan University’s Network of Quality Assurance and Improvement in promoting the principles of quality in its programmes. As an international university, the experiences and lessons learned have the potential to inform quality assurance and improvement in similar contexts. The authors reflect on past attempts to improve the quality of educational offerings, which were primarily traditional quality assurance audits. With the advent of the Inter-University Council for East Africa self-assessment process, the next generation of quality assurance and improvement was launched for the Aga Khan University programmes. They found the self-assessment process effective …

Aga Khan University, Report 2017, Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Reports Archives

• Chancellor’s Message
• Chairman’s Message
• President’s Message
• Timeline of Highlights /By the Numbers
• Ready for the Rise of Non-communicable Diseases
• Building Better Education Systems
• Talking About Their Generation
• Setting the Agenda in Maternal and Child Health and Development
• Alumni Survey Demonstrates Impact
• Giving Nature a Voice
• Pluralism in Action
• Leading the Way in East African Nursing and Midwifery
• Virtual Reality, Real-World Results
• A New Hospital for Uganda
• Supporters & Partners
• Board of Trustees and Executive Team
• Financial Highlights
• The World of AKU

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex In The Western Cape, South Africa: The Clinical Presentation Features, E. Kija, B. Schlegel, Pauline Samia, M. Wessels, J. M. Wilmshurst

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic neurocutaneous condition, which affects multiple organ systems. This study aimed to determine the presenting features of children with TSC in Cape Town, South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a TSC clinic, and clinical features at presentation were prospectively collected. Thirty-nine children (23 boys; median age 10 (range 1 - 26) years; median diagnosis age 16 (0 - 153) months) were recruited. Twenty-one (54%) children presented with focal seizures. Seven (18%) children had epileptic spasms. Skin manifestations led to a diagnosis in 13 (33%) and neuroimaging in 22 (56%) children. Antenatal screening …

Mental Disorders And Associated Factors Among Adolescents In Juvenile Detention, Stewart Mbelwa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: The number of children and adolescents admitted in Dar es Salaam juvenile centers due to misbehavior and criminal offences has risen from 20 to 30 per month. Increasing aberrant behaviors in children have been linked to mental disorders. Assessment of presence mental health disorders as the main cause of these behaviors would be important to restore mental health of children and assist the system to impose a fair trial.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the presence of mental disorders and associated factors among children and adolescents within Dar es Salaam juvenile systems and explore factors that may affect …

Assessing The Cognitive Domain Through Mcqs: Critical To Quality Assurance In Higher Education, Khairunnisa Dhamani, Zeenatkhanu Kanji

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

While establishing assessment methods as a critical element of quality assurance, one must not lose sight of the intent to measure both expected learning outcomes and intended programme objectives. The achievement of quality assessment is rooted in ensuring that the content and approaches to delivery produce graduates and programmes which are high quality. One of the most common strategies to assessing higher order cognitive domain is via Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). In this paper we will reflect on a quality assurance effort to ensure that this strategy was appropriate (doing the right thing), necessary (for the right reasons) and sufficient …

Tourism Taxation, Politics And Territorialisation In Tanzania’S Wildlife Management, Emmanuel Sulle, Holti Banka

Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre

Tourism activities occurring on communal lands such as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are increasing in Tanzania. This is the result of natural resources governance reforms aimed to empower communities to manage and benefit directly from resources found in their jurisdictions. This article explores the impacts of taxes imposed on tourism activities occurring on communal lands and the emerging politics of resource and revenue sharing among WMA member villages. In the process, we use empirical data gathered from two WMAs in northern Tanzania between 2006 and 2016. We find that while the current high tax rates on tourism businesses occurring at …

High Resolution Melting: A Useful Field-Deployable Method To Measure Dhfr And Dhps Drug Resistance In Both Highly And Lowly Endemic Plasmodium Populations, Yaye Dié Ndiaye, Cyrille K. Diédhiou, Amy K. Bei, Baba Dieye, Aminata Mbaye, Nasserdine Papa Mze, Rachel F. Daniels, Ibrahima M. Ndiaye, Awa B. Déme, Amy Gaye, Mouhamad Sy, Tolla Ndiaye, Aida S. Badiane, Mouhamadou Ndiaye, Zul Premji, Dyann F. Wirth, Souleymane Mboup, Donald Krogstad, Sarah K. Volkman, Ambroise D. Ahouidi, Daouda Ndiaye

Pathology, East Africa

Background: Emergence and spread of drug resistance to every anti-malarial used to date, creates an urgent need for development of sensitive, specifc and feld-deployable molecular tools for detection and surveillance of validated drug resistance markers. Such tools would allow early detection of mutations in resistance loci. The aim of this study was to compare common population signatures and drug resistance marker frequencies between two populations with diferent levels of malaria endemicity and history of anti-malarial drug use: Tanzania and Sénégal. This was accomplished by implementing a high resolution melting assay to study molecular markers of drug resistance as compared to …

Emotional And Relationship Dynamics Between Hiv Serodiscordance And Concordance Couples: A Narrative Literature Review And Theoretical Framework, Amani Mwakalapuka, Ipyana Mwampagatwa, Theodora Bali, Masumbuko Mwashambwa, Stephen Kibusi, Tumbwene Mwansisya

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Tanzania is among the countries with high prevalence of HIV prevalence in the World. Despite the fact that the epidemic has been, and still is a threat to persons of all ages, recent studies have suggested that most new infections occur among couples in stable relationships. Infected couples are categorised into two: the positive concordant, where both the partners are HIV positive; and sero-discordant couples, where one partner is HIV positive while the other is negative. Recently, researchers and many other stake-holders working on the HIV/AIDS epidemic have given a remarkable attention to this astonishing reality. For instance one study …

Awareness And Decision Making On Health Seeking And Utilization Behaviors Among Substance Abuse Youths, Ezekiel Henry Mbao, Tumbwene Mwansisya, Achilles Kiwanuka, Hossea Rwegoshora

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Substance abuse has continued to increase in Tanzania particularly among youth with minority of them seeking the available health services. This study sought to determine the relationship between awareness and decision making on health seeking and utilization behaviors among youth involved in substance abuse in Kinondoni municipality, Dar es Salaam. Concurrent mixed methodology was used. Data were collected among youth with substance abuse problems through face-to-face interviews (n=300) using a structured survey questionnaire. In addition, in-depth interviews (n=23), and focus group discussions (n=5) were conducted. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Content analysis was used for analyzing …

Exploring Pedagogical Factors In Early Years Literacy Development In Mombasa Island Sub-County: The Case Of Tawakal Primary School, Julia Kavata Munyasya

Master of Education

Literacy development is influenced by several factors like teacher methodology, use of resources, administrators‟ practices, parental involvement and others which are very important as this study has confirmed. In Mombasa Island, most schools enjoy adequate books, qualified teachers, favourable learning environments, reasonable teacher-child ratio and others. However, these factors do not seem to have translated to effective learning outcome. This study therefore sought to explore pedagogical factors that either enhanced or hindered literacy development in Early Years using qualitative approach and intrinsic case study. It was confirmed that single factors as outlined above could not be used to determine the …

Cost Analysis Of Large-Scale Implementation Of The ‘Helping Babies Breathe’ Newborn Resuscitation-Training Program In Tanzania, Sumona Chaudhury, Lauren Arlington, Shelby Brenan, Allan Kaijunga Kairuki, Amunga Robson Meda, Kahabi Isangula, Victor Mponzi, Dunstan Bishanga, Erica Thomas, Georgina Msemo, Mary Azayo, Alice Molinier, Brett D. Nelson

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) has become the gold standard globally for training birth-attendants in neonatal resuscitation in low-resource settings in efforts to reduce early newborn asphyxia and mortality. The purpose of this study was to do a first-ever activity-based cost-analysis of at-scale HBB program implementation and initial follow-up in a large region of Tanzania and evaluate costs of national scale-up as one component of a multi-method external evaluation of the implementation of HBB at scale in Tanzania.

Methods: We used activity-based costing to examine budget expense data during the two-month implementation and follow-up of HBB in one of the …

Enhancing The Use Of Teaching And Learning Materials To Promote Numeracy In Preschools In Rural Areas In Uganda., Alice Namutamba

Master of Education

Many studies have been carried out and established that there is limited use of teaching and learning materials (TLMs) that promote numeracy in preschools but little has been done to overcome this problem. Their findings have attributed this to the lack of funds and incompetence of the ECD teachers in the utilizing TLMs. Different of its kind, this study intended to crack the inadequate utilization of TLMs for numeracy development using low or no cost raw materials. Additionally, this study took the qualitative approach with an action research design. It used observation, interviews as well as a focus group discussion …

Exploring The Effectiveness Of Teachers’ Use Of Descriptive Feedback In The Teaching And Learning Of English Language: A Case Of A Selected Secondary School In Luwero District, Central Uganda, Akwang John Robert

Master of Education

This study investigated the effectiveness of teachers’ use of descriptive feedback in the teaching and learning of English language. Effective descriptive feedback is an invaluable means of helping students understand what they need to achieve their learning goals. Three research questions examined the nature of the teachers’ descriptive feedback practices, its importance and the factors that determined teachers’ use of descriptive feedback in their classrooms. A qualitative approach with a case study design for the study. The sample consisted of seven secondary school teachers of English language and six Senior Three students in from one secondary school in Luwero District, …

The Use Of Information And Communication Technologies (Icts) In Teaching And Learning Advanced Mathematics In Southern Tanzanian Secondary Schools: A Case Of One Secondary School, Noel Ponera

Master of Education

The ICTs policy in Tanzania was introduced in order to accelerate educational developments by the application of Information and Communication Technologies and so increase the quality of education in all levels of education. Some efforts were done to provide Information and Communication Technologies facilities to different schools so that they were exploited in academics. The aim of this study therefore was to explore the use of Information and Communication Technologies in advanced mathematics instructions in southern Tanzanian secondary schools specifically in Ruvuma region. The study looked at Calculating Devices, that is, the use of scientific calculators, computers and computer packages …

The Influence Of Head Teachers’ Predominant Leadership Styles On Students’ Learning In Public Primary Schools In Sianda Zone Kisumu Kenya: A Case Of Kasigu Primary School, Okongo Stephen Lugare

Master of Education

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the HTs’ predominant leadership styles on students’ learning in public primary schools in Sianda zone of Kisumu West Sub-county, Kisumu County. The study’s research questions were formulated to find out if there was any link between HTs’ predominant leadership styles and the students’ learning. The study adopted a mixed methods design and used interviews for the HT, teachers and parents; questionnaires for both teachers and the HT; focused group discussions (FDG) for the students’ leaders and documents analysis of the major school documents such as Board of Management …

Investigating The Impact Of Sesemat Program On Teaching Of Biology At O-Level In Uganda: A Case Of Two Secondary Schools In Arua District, Anziku Debo Phanuel

Master of Education

SESEMAT is an in-service training program for teachers of science and mathematics in secondary schools in Uganda. It was introduced following the persistent poor performance of learners in the science and mathematics subjects in national examinations in the last two decades. Poor teaching methodologies were identified as one of the contributing factors leading to the poor performance. Therefore, the main objective of the program is to build the capacity of science (biology) and mathematics teachers so as to improve the teaching and learning of these subjects thereby resulting in an improved performance of learners in national examinations managed by Uganda …

Exploring Mathematics Teachers’ Practices In Supporting Learners With Mathematical Learning Difficulties: (A Case Of A Public Secondary School In Bungoma County-Kenya), Clotilda Nafula Nyongesa

Master of Education

Mathematical Learning Difficulty (MLD) is a common occurrence that affects a number of learners within classrooms. Learners with MLD exhibit profound difficulties in numeracy skills. These difficulties may be in some distinct mathematical domains and the effects spread to other subjects that may require numerical skills. Teachers‟ practices are pertinent in the intervention process from whole class teaching to support strategies targeting individual learners with MLD. This study explored mathematics teachers practices in supporting learners with MLD in a secondary school in Kenya. Research questions developed sought to find out the teachers perceptions about learners with MLD, considerations teachers made …