Thesis & Dissertationshttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/602024-03-28T15:44:44Z2024-03-28T15:44:44Z171Knowledge, attitude and practice of hypertensive clients about self-care home management at LCH (OPD II) medical clinicKamwedo-Muyakha Maria Isabellahttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/6962023-06-09T07:24:29Z2004-10-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Knowledge, attitude and practice of hypertensive clients about self-care home management at LCH (OPD II) medical clinic
dc.contributor.author: Kamwedo-Muyakha Maria Isabella
dc.description.abstract: A descriptive, quantitative and qualitative study was conducted at Kamuzu Central Hospital (OPD II) medical clinic. Experiences from the health workers at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) had shown that the hypertensive clients lacked knowledge on the disease process hence clients do not know what actually happens in their bodies (Ozotiosauka, 2004). In this view, it was important to conduct a study whose purpose was to find out if hypertensive clients have got knowledge about how they can manage their condition at home. The study focused on knowledge, attitude, drug compliance and practice of hypertensive clients in the control of high blood pressure.
Nursing literature in Malawi lacks information on the self-care home management for hypertensive clients. No such study has ever been conducted in Malawi. Orem's self-care model was used to guide the study with emphasis on self-care home management of hypertensive clients.
Sample size of twenty clients was drawn from KCH Medical Clinic (OPD II) using a simple random sampling method. A pilot study was conducted at Likuni Hospital to ensure validity and reliability of the research instrument. Data was collected using an interview guide. Data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics and content analysis to describe qualitative data.
Study findings revealed lack of adequate knowledge for hypertensive clients about the disease process and its cause, need for psychological support from health workers and also the usefulness of the medical clinic for the general public. Recommendations were made basing on the results, emphasizing the importance of the information, education and communication (IEC) to hypertensive clients and also establishment of other medical clinic services within the Central Region to cater for those clients living in other districts in order to promote health and maintain self-care management at home.
In conclusion, we have seen that participants' lack of knowledge on the disease process was related to inadequate information, education and communication, low level of education and poor communication between clients and health workers.
2004-10-01T00:00:00ZThe use of maternity waiting homes at Chiradzulu District Hospital, Southern MalawiKadzuwa, Blessings Ridsonhttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2942023-03-11T22:06:10Z2016-04-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: The use of maternity waiting homes at Chiradzulu District Hospital, Southern Malawi
dc.contributor.author: Kadzuwa, Blessings Ridson
dc.description.abstract: The concept of maternity waiting home (MWH) was introduced at Chiradzulu District Hospital in 2012, in an effort to improve maternal and neonatal health in Chiradzulu District through the promotion of skilled attendance at birth in the district. Since then, no study has been conducted to examine the use of MWH at the district hospital. This comparative study was designed to examine the use of MWH at Chiradzulu District Hospital, Southern Malawi by identifying the characteristics of pregnant women who use MWH; identifying factors that influenced use of MWH; describing types of services offered at MWH, and comparing pregnancy outcomes of women who used MWH with those who did not use MWH. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted at Chiradzulu District Hospital, postnatal ward. Using a proportionate stratified random sampling method, a total 266 postnatal mothers were enrolled. The study had two strata-one stratum comprised mothers who used MWH and the other stratum comprised mothers who did not use MWH, but came direct from home to deliver at the district hospital. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the 133 participants in each stratum. Data collection was done using a well structured questionnaire through face to face interviews and review of participant’s records. Data was analysed quantitatively using SPSS version 16.0. Chi-square test at 5% level of significance was used to determine associations as well as to compare pregnancy outcomes between mothers who used MWH and those who did not use MWH. There was no significant difference in demographic attributes between mothers who used MWH and those who did not use MWH (P≥0.050). However, significant difference was identified on the following obstetric risk factors: malaria in pregnancy (p=0.030), severe anaemia in pregnancy (p=0.014), and breech presentation (p=0.042) between mothers who used MWH and those who did not use MWH. Furthermore, the study shows that there was no significant association between the utilisation of MWH and the pregnancy outcomes (p≥0.050). The only significant difference was on babies with very low Apgar score of 0-3 at five minutes (p=0.035); only one baby born to mothers who used MWH had severe asphyxia (Apgar score of ≤ 3) compared to seven babies born to mothers who did not use MWH. Although the results showed that MWH utilisation at Chiradzulu District Hospital, Southern Malawi did not significantly improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes; babies born to mothers who used MWH were more likely to survive the neonatal period.
2016-04-01T00:00:00ZEffects of flooding on mental health of victims in Mzuzu City, MalawiMwafulirwa, Glory Wezi Soperahttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2922023-03-11T21:59:52Z2018-06-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Effects of flooding on mental health of victims in Mzuzu City, Malawi
dc.contributor.author: Mwafulirwa, Glory Wezi Sopera
dc.description.abstract: Floods caused by climate change have large social consequences for communities and individuals. The mental health effect of floods on victims in Malawi is not documented.
A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in Mzuzu city to investigate the effect of the April 2016 flood on the victims. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to interview conveniently sampled adults who were living in the affected areas. Data was analyzed by comparing mental health indicators before and after the floods, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS). A total of 351 interviews were completed; 70.7% of the respondents were females. The proportion of participants who reported being happy, had injuries, were able to provide for their dependents, accessed health services and had a good appetite before and after the floods were found to be statistically significant as they decreased after the floods and had p<0.001. On average, signs and symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were reported in 56% of respondents. 19.3% received no support like others who did in form of food, shelter and counseling. Of those that received support, 79.8% reported that the support received had no effect on their mental health. Hence 61.5% indicated they needed to be provided with housing; 37.3% indicated they needed loans; 1.14% indicated they needed counseling services, for their mental health to be at optimal level. Flood victims in Mzuzu city had mental health issues as they presented with symptoms of mental problems. Their mental health indicators such as mood, physical health and eating pattern diverted from the normal state. A comprehensive mental health assessment should be considered for flood victims and a policy incorporating comprehensive mental health services in managing disaster victims should be developed.
2018-06-01T00:00:00ZFactors that predispose nurses and midwives to biological occupational health hazards at Kamuzu Central Hospital in MalawiGangata, Owenhttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2872023-03-11T22:01:54Z2018-06-19T00:00:00Zdc.title: Factors that predispose nurses and midwives to biological occupational health hazards at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi
dc.contributor.author: Gangata, Owen
dc.description.abstract: Nursing and midwifery personnel experience a higher rate of workplace hazards exposure than other health care workers because nurses perform more bedside procedures. Not much was known about the extent of exposure to biological health hazards among nurses and midwives and the preventive measures put in place to avoid or minimize this exposure in Malawi. The study aimed at investigating factors that predispose nurses and midwives to biological occupational health hazards. A quantitative approach was adopted using a descriptive cross-sectional design. A self- administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 160 nurse midwives. Ethical approval was sought from the College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC) and permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Hospital Director of Kamuzu Central Hospital. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The study was conducted from October 2016 to April 2017. The study has revealed that 93.42% of the respondents were exposed to biological occupational health hazards. The number one leading factor to predispose respondents to occupational hazards was inadequate personal protective equipment (98%, n = 158), followed by workload (97.5%, n = 156) and poor hand washing practices (93.75%, n = 150). The study findings imply that knowledge of infection prevention, good sanitation in the working environment, adequate workload and adherence to hand-washing practices have proven to be some of the significant preventive measures to biological hazard exposure. The study recommends provision of adequate personal protective equipment, frequent in-service trainings on occupational hazards to be conducted and ensuring adequate nurse – patient ratio.
2018-06-19T00:00:00ZSubstance use among the youth at Chaminade Boys Secondary School in Karonga District, MalawiMzumara, Lizzie Margarethttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2852023-03-11T22:05:35Z2018-04-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Substance use among the youth at Chaminade Boys Secondary School in Karonga District, Malawi
dc.contributor.author: Mzumara, Lizzie Margaret
dc.description.abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the present situation of substance use the youth at Chaminade Boys Secondary School in Karonga district. Substance use among adolescents and the youth continues to be a major public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Substance use is harmful for the adolescents and it leads to decreased academic performance, increased risk of contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus, other sexually transmitted infections and mental health related problems. A quantitative study was done utilising a cross sectional descriptive design. The study was conducted, guided by four specific objectives; to determine the extent of substance use among the youth, to investigate the commonly used substances among the youth, to investigate the factors that influence the youth to use substances and to determine the knowledge level of the youth on the consequences of substance use. The study took place at Chaminade Boys Secondary school. The target population were males 18 years and above in forms 1 to 4 at Chaminade Boys Secondary School in Karonga district, Malawi. The sample size was 144 respondents. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study respondents. The self-reported semi- structured questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software Version 20. The study results showed that the 52.8 % of the respondents were using substance and 47.2 % had never used substances. The most commonly used substances were cannabis sativa 69.4 % and alcohol 66.0 %. The results also showed that there was a strong positive association between reasons for substance use and religious affiliations. The association was found p=0.03 < 0.05. Substance use among the students was prevalent. Based on the above results the researcher suggests to initiate awareness and coordination program with nearest health facility. Hence, there is need for collaborative initiatives in developing intervention strategies that will reduce substance use among adolescents and the youth. Laws and policies that facilitate and reinforce parents and educators in controlling substance use among adolescents should be clearly be put in place and be implementable.
2018-04-01T00:00:00ZMothers perceptions of one-week and six-weeks postnatal care at Mulanje Mission Hospital, Southern MalawiSisya, Joyce Chimwemwehttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2782023-03-11T21:59:35Z2017-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Mothers perceptions of one-week and six-weeks postnatal care at Mulanje Mission Hospital, Southern Malawi
dc.contributor.author: Sisya, Joyce Chimwemwe
dc.description.abstract: This study explored mothers’ perceptions of one-week and six weeks postnatal care. This information is important in planning better ways of increasing utilization at one-week and six weeks postnatal care services. Postnatal period is the critical phase in the lives of mothers and neonates. Postnatal care gives an opportunity to mothers to receive care, psychological support, as well as opportunity to promote health behaviors such as access to family planning, education on nutrition and PMTCT services. Lack of care at this time may results in death or disability. Studies have shown that despite free services offered by the Ministry of Health, and CHAM facilities, in Malawi statistics are still low on utilization of postnatal care with no significant improvement. This was a qualitative study that utilized in-depth interviews with mothers who had a normal delivery at Mulanje Mission Hospital, the southern region of Malawi and had come for reproductive health services including one-week and six weeks postnatal care. The key issues that emerged were, mothers’ understanding the need for one week and six weeks postnatal care services, barriers for not attending postnatal care services and mothers’ satisfaction on the postnatal care services. Purposive sampling was done to recruit participants. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted, and data was analysed manually using thematic content analysis.
Findings showed that majority of mothers came for one-week postnatal care but six weeks postnatal services were being underutilized despite mothers’ knowledge and positive attitude regarding both services. The main factor that hindered utilization of postnatal care services in this study was mothers’ feeling that they are well because there were no obstetric complications. Other factors were: physical distance, and rudeness of the health workers. Mothers preferred timely postnatal care services, polite health workers and a good reception. There is a need to provide a friendly environment for the mothers to help in promoting compliance. Frequent supportive supervision of the health workers at a health facility is necessary to resolve problems they experience that negatively impact on the provision of care. One week and six weeks postnatal care services should be given priority just like other services provided at the hospital.
2017-01-01T00:00:00ZPrimary school teachers' role in the promotion of mental health among school children in Zomba, MalawiYangairo, Isabellahttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2772023-03-11T22:06:47Z2020-03-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Primary school teachers' role in the promotion of mental health among school children in Zomba, Malawi
dc.contributor.author: Yangairo, Isabella
dc.description.abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify the role of primary school teachers’ in the promotion mental health among school children within Zomba district. A school is one of the settings where mental health of the children should be promoted through intervention of teachers as primary caretakers of the children at school. Good mental health among children increases their ability to live productive lives. The study followed a quantitative approach and it was a cross sectional study. The study was carried out in 32 primary schools in Zomba district. The study population included 300 primary school teachers (N=300) with more than six months’ work experience following stratified random sampling technique. Consent was sought from all study participants. Data was analyzed using Social Package for Statistical Science (SPSS) version 20.0. The study results have shown that primary school teachers have little knowledge on mental health promotion (35.4%, n = 106 strongly disagreed and 49.2%, n = 147disagreed with the true definition of mental health). Teachers reported that they promote mental health through good teacher – child relationship and encouraging child participation during physical activities (22.0%, n = 66), provision of positive feedback during classroom activities; 20.3% (n = 61), fostering anti-bullying behavioral activities 4.0% (n = 12); conducting other mental health activities; 1.3% (n = 4) while 30.3% (n = 91) did not respond to the question. Teachers are not aware of screening tools for mental health problems among school children and bullying is the most common factor within school environment that acts as a risk factor for mental health problems. Therefore, there is need for primary school teachers’ training on mental health promotion and screening tools for mental health problems among school children.
2020-03-01T00:00:00ZExperiences of community home based care volunteers in HIV and AIDS care in Dowa districtBilesi, Rosemaryhttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2442023-03-11T22:04:30Z2016-05-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Experiences of community home based care volunteers in HIV and AIDS care in Dowa district
dc.contributor.author: Bilesi, Rosemary
dc.description.abstract: Malawi like many countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa is burdened by chronic and terminal illnesses including AIDS. As more people live with HIV and AIDS, home based care which utilizes community home based care (CHBC) volunteers’ remains necessary. The study was carried out with the aim of exploring the experiences of CHBC volunteers in HIV and AIDS care in Dowa district. The nature of the study was exploratory and descriptive which used qualitative methods. Individual in-depth interviews were carried out with CHBC volunteers (n=15). Thematic analysis of the data was done which was guided by framework approach.
Findings of the study showed humane factors as motivators to join CHBC work emerging more than personal factors. There was less patient workload whilst common roles were household chores and basic nursing care. Common sources of support were from within the community but lacked adequate technical support from healthcare workers. CHBC volunteers felt frustrated and helpless because of lacking resources like CHBC kits and transport. This resulted into walking long distances and making money contributions for buying drugs and hiring transport for their patients. The study recommended that District Health Offices (DHOs) should orient healthcare workers on CHBC and conduct integrated supervision for community based health programs including CHBC. Furthermore, CHBC volunteer trainings should continue to enable them handle emerging conditions. CBOs should reduce donor dependency and resort to owning sustainable income generating activities (IGAs) like commercial farming.
2016-05-01T00:00:00ZFactors affecting blood pressure control in patients attending outpatient hypertension clinic at Mwanza District Hospital in MalawiMasinga, Gertrude Tissiehttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2432023-03-11T22:01:18Z2016-03-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Factors affecting blood pressure control in patients attending outpatient hypertension clinic at Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi
dc.contributor.author: Masinga, Gertrude Tissie
dc.description.abstract: The goal of treatment of hypertension is to normalize the blood pressure and to prevent cardiovascular and renal complication. Assessment of factors related to hypertension control is important in treatment of hypertension. The overall aim was to assess factors affecting blood pressure control in patients attending outpatient hypertension clinic at Mwanza District in Malawi. Specific objectives were to (i) determine socio-demographic factors (ii) assess hypertensive patients‟ knowledge related factors (iii) identify compliance with antihypertensive medications factors (iv) investigate lifestyle factors affecting blood pressure control in hypertensive patients in outpatient clinic at Mwanza District Hospital
One hundred and twenty six hypertensive patients (82 female and 44 male) were interviewed through a structured questionnaire from the outpatient hypertension clinic at Mwanza District Hospital between April to August, 2014. Pearson‟s chi-square statistical technique was used to test the significance of the factors affecting blood pressure control. The results were presented in tables. Among 126 participants, 37.0% (n=47) of the participants had controlled blood pressure while 63.0% (n=79) did not control. The results of the chi-square showed that gender; age; occupation; salt intake and physical exercises were factors significantly associated with blood pressure control among the hypertensive patients. Blood pressure can be controlled by regular exercise, reducing occupational stress and salt intake. Community health nursing providers can use the findings in designing and developing appropriate information, education and communication patients and community about the effect of the disease will help to control blood pressure.
2016-03-01T00:00:00ZFactors associated with antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV infected men at Chilomoni Health Centre in Blantyre DistrictLijoni, Lilian Mercyhttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/2402023-03-11T22:07:24Z2014-12-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV infected men at Chilomoni Health Centre in Blantyre District
dc.contributor.author: Lijoni, Lilian Mercy
dc.description.abstract: Low adherence to anti retro viral therapy (ART) increases morbidity and mortality rates among AIDS patients and promotes the emergence of ART resistance. Little is known regarding factors associated with adherence to ART among HIV-infected men at Chilomoni Health Centre in Blantyre District where the research was done. The purpose of the study to explore factors associated with adherence among HIV-infected men receiving Anti retro viral Therapy at Chilomoni Health Centre in Blantyre District. A quantitative cross sectional study was conducted to explore factors associated with adherence among HIV-infected men receiving Anti retro viral Therapy at Chilomoni Health Centre in Blantyre District and permission was granted by relevant authorities to conduct the study. Between May 19 to July 07 2014, 237 HIV-infected men were systematically randomly sampled from all HIV-infected men attending ART clinic at Chilomoni Health Centre. They gave a written consent before joining the study. Two hundred thirty seven questionnaires were completed at the clinic before the respondents left for home and were personally collected by the researcher. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data. This study found that there are variations in respondents’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the importance of adhering to Anti retro viral therapy. Most of the HIV-infected men (83.3%) had positive perception about patient level factors affecting their adherence to ART, medication level factors helping them to adhere to ART and the clinic level factors making it possible for them to adhere to ART. The respondents perceived that they received adequate support for them to adhere to ART. However, all the respondents 100% were not adhering to ART. In conclusion, it has been observed that despite HIV-infected men having knowledge on HIV and AIDS and the importance of adhering to ART, perceiving positively to patient, medication and clinic level factors and receiving support from family, friends and health care workers they are still not adhering to ART.
2014-12-01T00:00:00Z