African Journal of Health of Sciences (AJHS)

Awareness and Knowledge of Ocular Allergy among Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Zimbabwe: An online survey

2025-09-18T08:43:06Z

Awareness and Knowledge of Ocular Allergy among Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Zimbabwe: An online survey Michael Agyemang Kwarteng; Mitchel Goto; Samuel Kyei; Ngozika Esther Ezinne; Selassie Tagoh; Eugene Buah Enimah (Author) BACKGROUND Despite the increasing prevalence of ocular allergies globally, there is a lack of literature regarding the awareness and knowledge levels of ocular allergies in Zimbabwe. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of ocular allergy among undergraduate students in public universities in Zimbabwe. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across eleven public universities in Zimbabwe, and questionnaires were sent via WhatsApp and other social media platforms. The study was carried out between April 2022 and November 2022. A three-section self-administered online questionnaires created electronically on Google Forms were used to collect the data. RESULTS The study included 1000 undergraduate students, comprising 54.1% males and 45.9% females. Their age ranged between 18 and 42 years. Most students (29.3%) were from the science faculties and were in their third year (34.0%). Almost all the participants (96.1%) were enrolled in the conventional study type. A significant association was found between sex and place of origin, the year of study, and the course of study (p<0.001). Most of the students had a fair knowledge of ocular allergies, and there was a significant association with the programme of study (p<0.05). More than half of the participants (55.3%) reported that ocular allergies are eye inflammation in response to a harmless foreign substance. Most of the participants had poor knowledge of the forms of ocular allergy. Sources of information on ocular allergy, as reported by the participants, included friends or relatives, the internet, media, eye specialists, training programs, books, and schools. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Awareness and knowledge of ocular allergies among University undergraduate students in Zimbabwe is good, whilst significant gaps exist in their knowledge of the forms of ocular allergies. However, students enrolled in science-related programmes had a better understanding of ocular allergies compared to their counterparts. There is a need for health education on ocular allergy.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Bed Net Usage among Communities in Cherangany Sub-County, Kitale, Kenya

2025-09-18T08:39:57Z

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Bed Net Usage among Communities in Cherangany Sub-County, Kitale, Kenya Titus Kibet Kiprono (Author); Alexander Mbeke; Dominic Mogere BACKGROUND Globally, vector-based malaria control programs, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) play an essential role in reducing malaria infections. Despite evidence of their effectiveness when properly and consistently used, usage still lags. The study investigated knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards insecticide-treated nets utilisation among communities in Cherangany Sub County, Trans-Nzoia County. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Charangany sub-county, and 326 respondents were recruited for the study. Quantitative data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires, and data were analysed using STATA version 15. Data were presented using frequencies and percentages. Linear correlations were used to determine associations between the dependent variable and independent variables, and Regression analysis was carried out to test whether the independent variables were predictors of net usage. RESULTS Academic achievement and educational resources showed a strong correlation with net usage (r = 0.746, p < 0.01). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (β = 0.41, p = 0.021) and socio-economic factors (β = 0.296, p = 0.010) were also significant predictors. Individual characteristics had the strongest correlation (r = 0.872). Marital status and urban residence (β = 0.372, p = 0.000) were key predictors. Standardised results ranked knowledge (β = 0.421) highest, followed by education (β = 0.308) and socio-demographics (β = 0.291). These findings highlight education and socio-economic factors as critical for ITN adoption. Low-income households, lower education levels, and employment status were associated with lower bed net usage. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted education and socioeconomic status as major influences on insecticide-treated net use. We also noted the important roles of individual factors like marital status and urban residence. These findings indicate that improving bed net utilisation may require both broad public education and targeted interventions for specific groups.

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality and Physicochemical Properties of Borehole Water Supplies in Eastleigh, Nairobi County, Kenya

2025-09-18T08:37:04Z

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality and Physicochemical Properties of Borehole Water Supplies in Eastleigh, Nairobi County, Kenya Victor Onyango Otieno; Anncarol Karanja; John Maingi (Author) BACKGROUND A borehole is a valuable source of fresh, potable water that globally feeds around 1.5 billion people daily. It is, however, vulnerable to both microbial and chemical pollution, which poses health risks to the population if consumed without proper treatment. It is from this perspective that this study aimed to assess the quality of borehole water supplies in Eastleigh, considering their implications for human health. METHODOLOGY A repeated cross-sectional design was employed to study physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the boreholes. A proportionate stratified sampling method was used to sample 25 boreholes. Water samples from the storage tanks of the boreholes were collected in sterilised 250 ml glass bottles and transported to Kenyatta University microbiology laboratories for analysis. Temperature, pH, Turbidity and Fluoride levels were measured by their respective meters. Lead, cadmium and Arsenic levels were determined by the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The Most Probable Number technique quantified the coliform and Microbial culturing for bacterial detection. A 12-month retrospective case-control design determined the prevalence of waterborne illnesses from the Eastleigh Community Wellness Centre, Eastleigh Health Centre and Biafra Health Facility hospitals. Mean values obtained for physicochemical and microbiological parameters during the wet and dry seasons (April-May, 2024 and July, 2024, respectively) and across the road streets were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, with p ≤0.05 being significant. RESULTS All physicochemical parameters were generally within Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) permissible standards for drinking water, except for cadmium, fluoride and pH. The total coliform exceeded the KEBS permissible requirements. At least one of the pathogenic bacteria of interest (Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp) was detected in every borehole. Review of the patient’s clinical data showed an overall prevalence rate of 8.5%, with patients <5 years and >5 years recording 11.06% and 7.33%, respectively. CONCLUSION Borehole water in Eastleigh is contaminated, and with the prevalence rate of 8.5%, it concludes waterborne diseases in the region as a public health concern. Consumption of water from questionable sources like these boreholes should be limited.

Level of Awareness of PrEP among the General Population and HealthCare Providers in Kisumu County

2025-09-18T08:34:39Z

Level of Awareness of PrEP among the General Population and HealthCare Providers in Kisumu County Munala Anangwe Samson; Odongo Alfred Owino; Mungai Samuel; Muhinji Arnold; Odhiambo Fredrick Oluoch (Author) BACKGROUND Even though the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence has stabilized, the disease continues to pose challenges, with about 1.3 million cases reported globally and over 22,000 reported in Kenya, making it necessary to use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as one of the effective ways used to prevent infection among individual at risk. The study aimed to assess the awareness level of PrEP among the general population in Kisumu County, Kenya. METHODOLOGY The study used a cross-sectional mixed-methods design where data were collected in January 2024 using a questionnaire and key informant interviews with health care providers (HCPs). We used random systematic sampling to select 435 participants from the outpatient departments of selected facilities in Kisumu. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of eight health care providers in these facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data, while narrative analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS Out of the total number of participants, a majority was female (73.79%) and married (63.91%). In addition, 8 health care providers (HCPS) were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews. Most of the participants (97.24%) had ever heard of Prep, with more than half (58.85%) first hearing about it from a healthcare provider. However, this knowledge varied with some participants having poor or scanty knowledge (28.74%), average knowledge (32.64%) and good knowledge (35.86%). Most of the participants (88.97%) would recommend PrEP to others. There was a low proportion of participants (9.89%) who said that their associates had myths concerning PrEP, with some believing that it lowers libido, causes infertility and continual use can make one acquire HIV. Healthcare providers revealed a high level of knowledge and understanding of PrEP and suggested the creation of awareness not only to the PrEP clients but also to the larger community. CONCLUSION There was a general high level of PrEP awareness among participants. However, the varying knowledge levels among participants, as well as the existence of myths and misconceptions, emphasise the need for targeted educational campaigns among the general population on this subject.