Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Assessment Of Activity Levels And Perceived Barriers Or Facilitators To Physical Activity In Pregnancy At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, Zoya Virji Lalani

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy related complications and positively influences maternal health and wellbeing. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women can exercise moderately for 30 minutes on most days of the week, however no study has ever examined the extent to which Kenyan women are meeting these recommendations. Furthermore, attitudes and perceptions of pregnant women towards PA shape their eventual behaviour. Whilst these influencing factors have not been explored, understanding them is essential for implementing effective interventions to improve exercise participation antenatally.

Objectives: This study examined …

The Association Of Maternal Sociodemographic Factors With Stress In Pregnancy, Maheshwari Andhavarapu

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Antenatal stress has been linked to maternal morbidity and preterm birth (PTB). One of the pathophysiological processes leading to PTB is thought to be via activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in cortisol production. Hair cortisol has recently been shown to be a stress marker in the pregnant and non-pregnant population. Some determinants of hair cortisol have also been studied but more research is needed in this area, especially in pregnancy. Understanding the risk factors of antenatal stress may guide institution of preventative or screening measures to reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes. As the effect of stress …

The Burden Of Urinary Incontinence Among African Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Women Seeking Care At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Martin Kimemia Mbuthia

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Female urinary incontinence is a common and chronic condition with devastating psychosocial effects. It can occur at any age and is specifically more common in older women. It has a prevalence of up to 55% depending on the age-group and the target population studied. About 9% of adults globally have diabetes and a greater number live in LMICs. Diabetes is twice as prevalent in blacks and three to four times higher in South-Asian populations compared to Caucasian populations. In women with Type 2 DM, urinary incontinence is 30% to 70% more common than among women with normal glucose levels. …

Long Term Health Related Quality Of Life Following Uterine Fibroid Embolization At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Michael Muthoka Kioko

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is one of the effective options available for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with documented improvement in the quality of life and reduction in symptoms. Most of the studies have demonstrated an improvement in the quality of life over a short to intermediate period. We carried out this study to assess the long-term quality of life following uterine fibroid embolization in a predominantly black population. There are no identified studies locally or in Africa addressing this issue whereas studies done elsewhere indicate a probable increased fibroid disease burden among black women.

Objectives: Our objectives in …

Burnout Among Medical Residents; Their Impressions Of Its Impact On Patient Care And Coping Mechanisms, Elizabeth Ochola

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Burnout is a syndrome that occurs as a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. This global definition is given by the International Classification of Diseases; 11th edition. The ICD-11 further characterizes burnout using three dimensions: Emotional exhaustion described as feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; depersonalization described as; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and low personal accomplishments seen as reduced professional efficacy. Burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and is not applied to describe experiences in other areas of life. …

Timing And Factors That Contribute To The Decision Making Process On The Mode Of Delivery After One Previous Casearean Section., Sylvia Nyanyu Mruttu

Theses & Dissertations

Background: The rates of caesarean sections have continued to rise despite public and professional concern. This has continually increased the proportion of the obstetric population with a history of previous caesarean delivery. These women may be offered either elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS) or planned vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC). This study aimed to identify the timing, level of knowledge and factors that influence the decision-making.

Objectives: The primary objective was to elicit the factors that contribute to women to choose VBAC or ERCS. The secondary objectives were to determine the timing of this decision, measure the level of …