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- ItemOpen AccessSexuality among street children in selected cities of Malawi (Blantyre AND Lilongwe) in light of HIV and AIDS(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2009-12) Banda, ChancyThis was an exploratory study whose aim was to explore knowledge on STIs and HIV and AIDS, and establish awareness, accessibility and utilization of the relevant preventive, curative and rehabilitative services among street children in light of 11V and AIDS. The qualitative research design was used to build a picture on participants' knowledge on STIs and HIV and AIDS, and service accessibility and utilization. 21 street children chosen by convenient sampling were recruited and the study was conducted in Lilongwe and Blantyre (Limbe) urban streets through Tikondane children's center and Chisomo Children's Clubs respectively. Data was collected using an interview guide and in depth, interviews were conducted on one to one basis with the street children. A tape recorder was used to record the interviews and the data collected was analyzed manually using content analysis. The study established that street children pose a significantly low level of knowledge on STIs and HIV and AIDS in regards to the mode of transmission and prevention. The findings also revealed that there are a lot of high risk sexual behaviors on the street and street environments extremely place street children at a higher risk for STIs and HIV and AIDS. It was also apparent from the findings that majority of street children are not aware of the relevant preventive, curative and rehabilitative services provided in light of HIV and AIDS. Against the background of low level of knowledge and high risk sexual behaviors along with poor accessibility and utilisation of STIs and HIV and AIDS, street
- ItemOpen AccessFactors barring progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS among youths at Msonkhamanja Secondary School in Lilongwe City(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2009-06-11) Manondo, AliceThis study proposes to explore the factors barring progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS among the youths at Msonkhamanja Secondary School in Lilongwe City. It will use qualitative approach, data will be collected using a well structured questionnaire that will include both open and close ended questions and will be analysed manually. Data will be obtained from 20 youths at the school campus. The results will be used to find other strategies to bar progression in the spread of HIV and AIDS in Malawi.
- ItemOpen AccessKnowledge and perception of guardians towards general danger: Signs in under-five children at Kamuzu Central Hospital(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2010-12-01) Nkhoma, Yamikani Bridget
- ItemOpen AccessKnowledge, percepton and behaviour practices among surviving stroke patients and their carers at KCH(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2010-11-30) Chimsewu, WitnessStroke is the third most common cause of death in the world after heart diseases and cancers. Annually, 15 million people worldwide suffer from stroke. Out of these, 5 million attain optimal recovery, 5 million die, and 5 million suffer from a long lasting disability, placing a huge burden on families and communities, other studies suggest that cases of fatality in those who develop a stroke are more in Sub-Saharan Africa than in developed countries. Sub1 Saharan Africa is the term used to describe all those countries in the African continent that are not considered part of North Africa. Tanzania, a Sub-Saharan African country found in East Africa, faces challenges relating to the outcomes of stroke, similar to other Sub-Saharan countries. According to the World Health Organization report of the year 2003 the major cause of stroke worldwide is old age whilst in Africa and many developing nations, lower life expectancy and rapidly changing lifestyles, mostly caused by differences in public health and access to health care, medicine, nutritional diet, exercise, tobacco smoking, and excessive drug and alcohol use are among the major cause of stroke. In Malawi lack of knowledge on risk factors, high HIV prevalence and low life expectance are among some causes of stroke. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, perception and behavior practices among surviving stroke patients and their Cares at Kamuzu Central Hospital. The study design that was used was qualitative, and a purposive sample of five survivors and five participated in the study. The selected participants had attended rehabilitation services at KCH for not less than two months, and were able to communicate verbally. Consent from the research publication centre, director of KCH and the participant was sought. Participants were assured of privacy and confidentiality throughout the study. Codes instead of names were used to hide patient's identity. An interview guide was used for data collection. Data was collected by the researcher and recorded through writing and audiotapes to capture all the information from the participants. This information was only accessible to the researcher and the supervisor to maintain confidentiality. The entire data collection processes was done for two weeks . Content analysis was used as a method of data analysis. The findings of this study have reveled that there is little known by the public about stroke and that there are few health providers to provide rehabilitation services to the public. It is also revealed that health provides do not give enough health information to patients as it is required of them. In addition, the participants had different perception of the illness. Therefore, health professionals will have to be more involved in not only treating the patients' symptoms, but also educating patients, caregivers as well as the general public on the consequences of stroke.
- ItemOpen AccessKnowledge, perception and attitude of diabetic clients towards diabetes management at Zomba Central Hospital Diabetic Clinic(Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2010-11-30) Chithambo, Taoloka Emmaculate ShyreenThis was an exploratory study whose purpose was to explore knowledge, perception and attitude of diabetic clients towards diabetes management at Zomba Central Hospital. Specifically the areas of interest were: to assess knowledge of diabetes among diabetic clients, to find out knowledge of complex diabetes management among the diabetics; to assess perception and attitude of the clients towards the complex management and to identify other factors that influence clients' compliance and non compliance to diabetes complex management. The study was conducted at Zomba Central Hospital- diabetic clinic. A descriptive qualitative phenomenological design was used and 10 diabetic clients- 5 male and 5 female were chosen using non probability sampling including convenience and purposeful sampling. Data was collected through semi structured interview guide and data was then analyzed manually using content analysis. The findings indicated that diabetic clients have little knowledge in what diabetes is and its complex management however they comply to what they know and what is available in relation to their economic status i.e. drugs and some food. Health workers mostly emphasizes on nutrition only on health education leaving side other parts of the management which in turn makes clients to be less knowledgeable in complex diabetes management. The study also showed that clients perceived the management to be very important because it prolongs life, furthermore the study has revealed that clients are always given not enough drugs for the month and they are always delayed to be reviewed. The researcher therefore recommends that health workers should be teaching diabetics the whole management of diabetes. In health education the providers should explain the disease process, the goals of management, and strategies to limit complications, use simple explanations, answer questions, and provide written information for the patients. The government and other NGO's should help Diabetes Association of Malawi financially so as to be teaching and encouraging their fellow clients nationwide about the management as well as well telling them importance of management compliance since the association fails to achieve other goals because they don't have sponsors.