Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Student-Mothers’ Schooling Experiences On Return To Secondary School: A Case Of A Public Secondary School In Mombasa County: Research, Fridah Mukani Njeru

Master of Education

In the spirit of ensuring equity in education, Kenya introduced the re-entry policy on teenage pregnancy of 1994 to ensure girls who drop out of school due to pregnancy continue with schooling. However, there is scant literature on the subject both internationally and nationally. In addition, little is available on the experiences of the teenage girls who take advantage of the policy and re-enter secondary school following delivery. Therefore this study sought to explore schooling experiences of student-mothers after return to secondary school. The study was conducted in two public secondary schools in Mombasa Sub-County. The study employed qualitative case …

An Investigation Of Assessment For Learning Practice In Pre-Primary Classrooms In Tanzania, Violet Leonard

Master of Education

This study investigated assessment for learning practices in pre-primary school in Tanzania. It studied assessment strategies that teachers are using in order to collect informed data about teaching and learning outcomes. It further looked into factors that make teachers opt to use certain strategy and the challenges that pre-primary teachers experience when conducting assessment for learning. The study involved four pre-primary teachers from a purposely selected pre-primary school in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study employed qualitative approach and exploratory case study research design where by data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews, non-participatory classroom observation and document analysis. The …

Exploring Practices Of Novice Head Teachers In Teacher Management In Two Primary Schools In Koboko District, Uganda, Afedra Paschal

Master of Education

The purpose of this study was to explore the practices of novice head teachers in teacher management in two primary schools in Koboko district Uganda. A qualitative research approach was used focusing on case study of two schools whereby the research participants were two head teachers, two deputy head teachers and sixteen teachers. The data was collected using one-on-one face to face unstructured interview, Focus Group Discussion and document analysis. The findings indicated that novice head teachers engaged teacher management in a number of management areas. These areas included; teacher deployment, teacher development, teacher leadership, and teacher retention. However the …

Exploring Factors Influencing Grade-Level Reading Proficiency Among The Hearing Impaired Learners: A Case Of A Public Primary School In Kiambu County, Kenya, Kuria Jennifer Wanjiru

Master of Education

In primary school, learners should read to grade level, synthesize, explain and analyze what they read for them to be called proficient readers. Yet, according to the US National deaf children's society, 20% of HI learners leave primary school with a reading level at or below second grade. This denies them the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills because academic content is transmitted through text as they pass through grade levels. Subsequently, they may not benefit from learning and participate fully in public and economic life. In Kenya, a number of studies address reading to grade-level proficiency based on observations …

Exploring How The Use Of Pedagogy Of Play Enhances Children’S Learning: A Case Study Of Two Pre-Primary Schools In Stesheni, Nachingwea, Athman Hassan Mushi

Master of Education

Play and children’s learning are the two things that cannot be separated, as play appears to be children’s work and the most comfort and preferable activity to children. This means for children to easily capture and learn new concepts, they need to be exposed and assisted through playful learning activities. Thus teachers and parents are required to use children’s initiated plays to support and facilitate their easily concept understanding and construction. Therefore, the use of play in early childhood learning is unavoidable phenomenon for easily children’s social, cognitive, and emotional developments Educationists, parents, and administrators have appreciations and therefore, acknowledge …

Exploring The Experinces Of Secondary Students In Using The Scientific Calculator As A Tool For Learning Mathematics: A Case Of A Secondary School In Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Kenya, Edith Owano Ndong'a

Master of Education

Mathematics is central in the technological development of any country. It is for this reason therefore that educational technology has been recognised as an essential component in the process of preparing students for technological and industrial advancement. Thus in the year 2002 the Kenya Ministry of Education recommended the use of scientific calculators to be used in the teaching and learning of mathematics and also during exams in secondary schools in Kenya. The intention of this move was to ensure that time was not wasted in solving mathematical problems and also improve students’ performance (Ochanda & Indoshi, 2011). However the …

Exploring The Implementation Of Mother Tongue As A Medium Of Instruction In Lower Primary School. A Case Of A Rural Public School In Rarieda Sub-County, Kenya, Elias Okello Okal

Master of Education

Using mother tongue as a language in education is the best strategy for realizing quality education for young children. This study sought to explore how mother tongue as a medium of instruction is implemented in lower primary. Children first come to school with mother tongue which they understand and this can be instrumental in teaching. The study was conducted in a rural public school in Rarieda Sub-county, Western Kenya. The study adopted qualitative research approach and case study design. Purposive and stratified random sampling was used to identify the research site and recruit participants. The participants included the head teacher, …

Exploring Performance Based Assessment Task Development Practices Of Tutors: A Case Of A Technical And Vocational Education And Training Institute In Coastal Kenya, Gertrude Kiloko Musyoka

Master of Education

Assessment of student learning is an integral part of teaching and learning. Performance based assessments (PBA) is a common form of assessments used in TVET institutions to assess skill competencies of the trainees. These skills cannot be effectively assessed using traditional paper and pencil tests. Literature shows that PBA should be well designed so as to give accurate feedback that can be used to make valid judgments on TVET trainees‟ performance in relation to acquisition of skills for employability. There are guidelines that should be followed in order to develop quality PBA tasks that can assess skills effectively. This is …

Experiences Of Hearing Impaired Learners In Assessment, Jenniffer Jeptepkeny

Master of Education

This study sought to find out the experiences of HI leaners in assessment.The HI students are those whose ability to hear and subsequently engage in conversation is severely compromised by their inability to hear. As part of the governments‟ agenda to provide free education to all children the HI students have been admitted in inclusive schools. However, they face many challenges and opportunities in their quest for an education and more specifically when engaging with assessment activities. Assessment activities are crucial to learning as they give insight into the extent of which the student has learnt. This study sought to …

Exploring Community Primary Teachers’ Experiences In The Generalist Based Teaching Subject Allocations. The Case Of Two Schools In Newala Urban, Ahmad Awadh Mussa

Master of Education

The approaches to allocating subjects to primary school teachers in Tanzania have been affected with the changes in the systems of instruction between the generalist and specialist systems. While the prevailing approach to subject allocations is based in the generalist system, the presence of both specialist and generalist teachers in schools have made those teachers experience varying associated feelings, challenges, and ways to address those challenges. This study explores these experiences of teachers by first creating an understanding, strengths and weaknesses of each system before examining teachers’ views regarding the more ideal approach to subject allocations. Data was collected using …

Provision Of Early Childhood Education In The Era Of Devolution In Kenya: A Case Of Two Ece Centers In Machakos County, Kenya., Francis Musyoka Mululu

Master of Education

In 2010, Kenyans voted in a new constitution which devolved a significant number of functions to the newly created 47devolved county governments including early childhood education. With the general elections in 2013 these county governments started their operations with zeal since Kenyans were banking on them to improve their lives through the devolved functions. This study sought to find out the state of provision of early childhood education (ECE) in the era of devolution in Kenya. The study was guided by the following question: ‘In what ways has devolution enhanced the provision of ECE in Kenya?’ The two subsidiary questions …

Learners‟ Conceptual Understanding And Misconceptions Of Fractions In Primary Schools In Amuria District Local Government, Uganda, Erumu Simon Peter

Master of Education

Fractions are a core part of the mathematics curriculum, important in their own right and also as a building block to more advanced topics. There is clear evidence, however, that the teaching and learning of fractions pose a challenge to many teachers and learners in primary schools the world over, with a number of common misconceptions resulting in persistent errors in learners‟ work. If these errors are not addressed at their early stages, it becomes a challenge to address them. In this study a sample of 20 Ugandan primary 5 and 6 children were given 7 additional lessons on fractions …

The Readiness Of Rural Government Secondary Schools In Uganda To Teach Information And Communication Technology (Ict) As A Dedicated Subject On The Curriculum: A Case Study Of Two Schools In Yumbe District, Baiga Solomon

Master of Education

This study sought to establish the readiness of two rural government secondary schools in Uganda to teach Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a dedicated subject on the curriculum as part of the effort to equip the students with the necessary skills necessary for them to be able to access the benefits of ICTs both for enhancing their education and also for enabling them to fit and work successfully in an increasingly ICT- driven world. This qualitative study involved two schools in the rural district of Yumbe, in West Nile, Northern Uganda. The findings of this study suggest that schools …

Exploration Of Students‟ Perceptions On The Teaching Strategies In The Chemistry Classroom: A Case Study Of One Public Secondary School In Jinja District- Uganda, Ajiga Swale Kelili

Master of Education

Chemistry is a crucial subject in the school curriculum, equipping future citizens with crucial knowledge and understanding, both in the world of work and in everyday life. Against this, literature can be found indicating that chemistry is considered to be a difficult and remote subject, hierarchical in nature, using notation which is not readily understood. The current study sought to explore students‟ perceptions on teaching strategies in the chemistry classroom, and was conducted in one rural public secondary school in Jinja District, Uganda. 100 senior 3 students completed a questionnaire asking their perceptions as to what teaching methods get used …

Exploring The Efficacy Of School And Community Based Literacy Intervention Programmes: A Case Of Literacy Development And Learning Outcomes In Low Resource Environments, Anyanzo John Philip

Master of Education

Literacy is perceived as a crucial tool for acquiring a wide range of learning skills and acts as an inducement for everyday life and life-long learning. Besides, literacy is one of the pillars that support individual and societal development as well as playing key role in poverty reduction. As such, this study explored the factors influencing the efficacy of school and community based literacy intervention programmes in context of literacy development, and learning outcomes in low resource communities. The study was conducted in two public primary schools, and two community literacy intervention centres, in Koboko district, Uganda. The study used …

Criteria-Based Audit To Improve Quality Of Care Of Foetal Distress: Standardising Obstetric Care At A National Referral Hospital In A Low Resource Setting, Tanzania, Andrew H. Mgaya, Helena Litorp, Hussein L. Kidanto, Lennarth Nyström, Birgitta Essén

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background, In Tanzania, substandard intrapartum management of foetal distress contributes to a third of perinatal deaths, and the majority are term deliveries. We conducted a criteria-based audit with feedback to determine whether standards of diagnosis and management of foetal distress would be improved in a low-resource setting.

Methods, During 2013–2015, a criteria-based audit was performed at the national referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Case files of deliveries with a diagnosis of foetal distress were identified and audited. Two registered nurses under supervision of a nurse midwife, a specialist obstetrician and a consultant obstetrician, reviewed the case files. Criteria for …

Improving Standards Of Care In Obstructed Labour: A Criteria-Based Audit At A Referral Hospital In A Low-Resource Setting In Tanzania, Andrew H. Mgaya, Hussein Kidanto, Lennarth Nystrom, Birgitta Essén

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Objective In low-resource settings, obstructed labour is strongly associated with severe maternal morbidity and intrapartum asphyxia, and consequently maternal and perinatal deaths. This study evaluated the impact of a criteria-based audit of the diagnosis and management of obstructed labour in a low-resource setting.

Methods A baseline criteria-based audit was conducted from October 2013 to March 2014, followed by a workshop in which stakeholders gave feedback on interventions agreed upon to improve obstetric care. The implemented interventions included but were not limited to introducing standard guidelines for diagnosis and management of obstructed labour, agreeing on mandatory review by specialist for cases …

Breech Delivery At A University Hospital In Tanzania, Ulf Högberg, Catrin Claeson, Lone Krebs, Agneta Skoog Svanberg, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background There is a global increase in rates of Cesarean delivery (CD). A minor factor in this increase is a shift towards CD for breech presentation. The aim of this study was to analyze breech births by mode of delivery and investigate short-term fetal and maternal outcomes in a low-income setting.

Methods The study design was cross-sectional and the setting was Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Subjects were drawn from a clinical database (1999–2010) using the following inclusion criteria: breech presentation, birth weight ≥ 2,500 g, single pregnancy, fetal heart sound at admission, and absence of pregnancy-related complication as …

Criteria-Based Audit To Improve Quality Of Care Of Foetal Distress: Standardising Obstetric Care At A National Referral Hospital In A Low Resource Setting, Tanzania, Andrew H. Mgaya, Helena Litorp, Hussein Kidanto, Lennarth Nyström, Birgitta Essén

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background In Tanzania, substandard intrapartum management of foetal distress contributes to a third of perinatal deaths, and the majority are term deliveries. We conducted a criteria-based audit with feedback to determine whether standards of diagnosis and management of foetal distress would be improved in a low-resource setting.

Methods During 2013–2015, a criteria-based audit was performed at the national referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Case files of deliveries with a diagnosis of foetal distress were identified and audited. Two registered nurses under supervision of a nurse midwife, a specialist obstetrician and a consultant obstetrician, reviewed the case files. Criteria for …

Research Outlook : November 2016, Office Of Research & Graduate Studies

Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Content

- Research in the News

- INNOVATE: Building a Future

- INFUSE: Creating the Framework

- IMPACT: Stepping Up

- Funding Opportunities

- Partners at a Glance

Vitamin D Levels In Malnourished Children Under 5 Years In A Tertiary Care Center At Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania—A Cross-Sectional Study, Nahida Z. Walli, Emmanuel K. Munubhi, Said Aboud, Karim P. Manji

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Objective: To evaluate vitamin D levels/deficiency among malnourished children < 5 years admitted at a tertiary care center, the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Children with malnutrition may have co-existing vitamin D deficiency (VDD), which may be severe.

Methods: Serum vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated, and X-ray of the wrist was carried out on 134 children.

Results: VDD was found in 41 of 134 children (30.6%). The mean vitamin D level was 74.8 nmol/l. The mean alkaline phosphatase level was 176.6 U/l. Sixty-four (48%) children were found to have severe stunting, of whom 20 (31.2%) were vitamin D deficient. Marasmic children had higher odds of VDD compared with other forms of malnutrition.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of VDD in malnourished children underlines the need for active surveillance …

Partner Disclosure And Early Cd4 Response Among Hiv-Infected Adults Initiating Antiretroviral Treatment In Nairobi Kenya, T. Tony Trinh, Nelly Yatich, Richard Ngomoa, Christine J. Mcgrath, Barbra A. Richardson, Samah R. Sakr, Agnes Langat, Grace C. John-Stewart, Michael Chung

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Disclosure of HIV serostatus can have significant benefits for people living with HIV/AIDS. However, there is limited data on whether partner disclosure influences ART treatment response.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed, ART-naïve HIV-infected adults (>18 years) who enrolled at the Coptic Hope Center in Nairobi, Kenya between January 1^st2009 and July 1^st 2011 and initiated ART within 3 months. Analysis was restricted to adults who reported to have either disclosed or not disclosed their HIV status to their partner. Analysis of CD4 response at 6 and 12 months post-ART was …

Performance Of Point-Of-Care Cd4 Testing Technologies In Resource-Constrained Settings: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Minh D. Pham, Paul A. Agius, Lorena Romero, Peter Mcglynn, David Anderson, Suzanne M. Crowe, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Background: Point-of-care (POC) CD4 testing increases patient accessibility to assessment of antiretroviral therapy eligibility. This review evaluates field performance in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) of currently available POC CD4 technologies.

Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched for field studies published between January 2005 and January 2015 of six POC CD4 platforms: PointCare NOW™, Alere Pima™ CD4, Daktari™ CD4 Counter, CyFlow® CD4 miniPOC, BD FACSPresto™, and MyT4™ CD4. Due to limited data availability, meta-analysis was conducted only for diagnostic performance of Pima at a threshold of 350 cells/μl, applying a bivariate multi-level random-effects modelling approach. A covariate extended model was …

Acceptability And Feasibility Of Point-Of-Care Cd4 Testing On Hiv Continuum Of Care In Low And Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review, Minh D. Pham, Paul A. Agius, Lorena Romero, Peter Mcglynn, David Anderson, Suzanne M. Crowe, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Background: CD4 testing is, and will remain an important part of HIV treatment and care in low and middle income countries (LMICs). We report the findings of a systematic review assessing acceptability and feasibility of POC CD4 testing in field settings.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies published in English between 2005 and 2015 that describe POC CD4 platforms. Studies conducted in LMICs and under field conditions outside a laboratory environment were eligible. Qualitative and descriptive data analysis was used to present the findings.

Results: Twelve studies were included, 11 of which were conducted in sub-Saharan countries and used …

‘Essential But Not Always Available When Needed’ – An Interview Study Of Physicians’ Experiences And Views Regarding Use Of Obstetric Ultrasound In Tanzania, Annika Åhman, Hussein Kidanto, Matilda Ngarina, Kristina Edvardsson, Rhonda Small, Ingrid Mogren

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background The value of obstetric ultrasound in high-income countries has been extensively explored but evidence is still lacking regarding the role of obstetric ultrasound in low-income countries.

Objective We aimed to explore experiences and views among physicians working in obstetric care in Tanzania, on the role of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management.

Design A qualitative study design was applied. Data were collected in 2015, through 16 individual interviews with physicians practicing in obstetric care at hospitals in an urban setting in Tanzania. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results Use of obstetric ultrasound in the management of …

Glycaemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Among Children And Adolescents In A Resource Limited Setting In Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania, Mariam Noorani, Kaushik Ramaiya, Karim Manji

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a rapidly growing problem in Tanzania. Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes have previously been found to have poor glycaemic control and high prevalence of complications. Strict glycaemic control reduces the incidence and progression of chronic complications. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with glycaemic control among children and adolescents.

Methods

A cross sectional study was done at the diabetes clinic for children and adolescents. Data on socioeconomic, demographic and diabetes specific variables including adherence, diabetes knowledge, caregivers knowledge and their involvement in the care of the child …

Glycaemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Among Children And Adolescents In A Resource Limited Setting In Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania, Mariam Noorani, Kaushik Ramaiya, Karim Manji

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a rapidly growing problem in Tanzania. Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes have previously been found to have poor glycaemic control and high prevalence of complications. Strict glycaemic control reduces the incidence and progression of chronic complications. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with glycaemic control among children and adolescents.

Methods, A cross sectional study was done at the diabetes clinic for children and adolescents. Data on socioeconomic, demographic and diabetes specific variables including adherence, diabetes knowledge, caregivers knowledge and their involvement in the care of the child …

Integration Of Health Promotion Into Nursing Practice: A Case Study In Pakistan., Muneerah Vastani, Rozina Karmaliani Professor, Pammla M. Petrucka

School of Nursing & Midwifery

The purpose of this study was to understand the concept of health promotion and perceptions related to the integration of health promotion in nursing practice in Pakistan. The study utilized the qualitative single case study approach to explore and describe the concept of health promotion, its significance and ways to integrate health promotion strategies in nursing practice. The data were collected from three different sources; focus group discussion among final year Post-RN BScN students, key informant interviews of practicing nurses, faculty, and MScN students, as well as a document review of the Post-RN BScN curriculum. Data analysis included a content …

Lung Functions Among Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Dar Es Salaam – A Cross-Sectional Study, Mohamed Manji, Grace Shayo, Simon Mamuya, Rose Mpembeni, Ahmed Jusabani, Ferdinand Mugusi

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Approximately 40–60 % of patients remain sufferers of sequela of obstructive, restrictive or mixed patterns of lung disease despite treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The prevalence of these abnormalities in Tanzania remains unknown.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 501 patients with PTB who had completed at least 20 weeks of treatment. These underwent spirometry and their lung functions were classified as normal or abnormal (obstructive, restrictive or mixed). Logistic regression models were used to explore factors associated with abnormal lung functions.

Results

Abnormal lung functions were present in 371 (74 %) patients. There were …

Exploration Of The Practice Of Teacher Portfolio In Enhancing Teacher Effectiveness Of Primary School Teachers: A Case Study Of One Government Primary School In Newala District, Mtwara, Beno Milinga

Master of Education

Many primary school teachers have academic and professional weaknesses to effectively influence the quality of education in primary schools. However, depending on long-term professional developments to change these technical weaknesses is difficult. The efficient platform is, to update their daily practices with constant follow up from peers and mentors through TP. This study therefore, explored the practice of TP in enhancing TE to primary school teachers. The study employed a qualitative study approach particularly a single case study design. The sample for the study was 11 respondents including eight primary teachers, one Ward Education Officer (WEO), 1 Head Teacher (HT) …