Students' Projects/Research Reports

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Acceptance and utilization of condoms in the prevention of HIV/AIDS amongst christian men in Mwinilunga.
(2014-06-30) Lupili, Hellen Mulenga.
The title of this study is Acceptance and Utilization of Condoms in the Prevention of HIV/AIDS amongst Christian men in Mwinilunga. The main objective is to determine the factors that influence the acceptance and utilization of condoms in the prevention of HIV/AIDS among Christian men in Mwinilunga. The specific objectives are to determine the level of acceptance of condoms among Christian men, determine the level of utilization of condoms among Christian men, determine the factors that influence the acceptance and utilization of condoms and make recommendations to all the concerned parties on how to increase condom use among Christian men in order to prevent HIV/AIDS. The study was conducted between 23rd August and 1st October, 2004.The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents were aged between 25-34 years (50%). The majority of the respondents were married 66%, 40% were Lunda and belonged to New Convenant Church. This could be attributed to the fact that marriage is universal in Zambia and people marry at any age sometimes as early as 16 years; and the study was conducted in a predominantly Lunda speaking area. Apart from that, the study also found that the majority of the respondents 23(46%) had attained college level of education and were in formal employment 23 (46%). This could be attributed to some cultural practices where families may opt to marry off their daughters instead of sending them to school therefore it is not surprising that the same son who was empowered with the education would easily find formal employment.
Community perceptions towards people with mental illness in Lusaka urban district.
(2014-04-26) Kasaro, Mutinta F H.
In Zambia like in many other countries, the concept of mental illness is stigmatised in various ways. Poor community sensitisation about mental illness has resulted in negative community perceptions towards people with mental illness. The objective of the study was to explore community perceptions towards people with mental illness in Lusaka Urban District.A cross sectional study using semi-structured questionnaire was conducted. A total of 50 respondents aged 18 years and above were interviewed. Participants were selected using simple random sampling method. Despite the often assumed negative perception leading to stigma, the results revealed that 70 percent of the respondents had positive perceptions towards people with mental illness. Ninety percent of the respondents had adequate knowledge about mental illness, and majority of the respondents stated that they had quality health services. However, most of the respondents stated that mentally ill people were only treated at the referral hospital. Positive community perception towards people with mental illness is important to improving and promoting the mental health of all Zambians.
Community perspectives towards mandatoty testing for HIV in Macha
(2012-08-15) Sitali, Doreen Chilolo
Zambia's national HIV policy does not support mandatory testing of individuals on public health grounds. However, due to the low uptake of voluntary counseling and testing which is only 20% of the population, there have been recent proposals by the Ministry of Health to introduce mandatory HIV testing for individuals attending health facilities. This proposal has triggered various views from various backgrounds in society. The aim of this study was to explore community perspectives on mandatory testing. The study also'acted as a model through which the community was involved in decision making for public policy which is an important aspect of community involvement that enhances policy formulation and helps to avoid social engineering.The study was a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Multistage sampling was used to select households for interviews. Adults above 18 years, of age were interviewed from the selected households using a structured interview questionnaire. The questionnaire was translated into the local language to enhance understanding of the subject. Purposive sampling was instituted to select key informants for in-depth interviews. The study was undertaken within the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. The theory enhances understanding of the factors that influence ccJmmunities to embrace new ideas or practices.Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 for windows. Preliminary analyses were done followed by cross tabulations to measure associations between variables. Logistic regression was applied to determine independent predictors for supporting mandatory HIV testing. In-depth interviews were translated and transcribed into computer files; common themes were identified, after which data was categorized using the Nvivo statistical package. Interpretation of qualitative data was done manually.A total of 809 respondents and 12 (twelve) key informants participated in the study. The age range for the cohort was 18-80 years, with mean age of 35.8 years. Of the whole study population, 42.8% were males while 57.2% were females. The study found that the majority of respondents (61.9%)) had never heard about mandatory HIV testing before. Despite this scenario, the majority (80.3%) of respondents and all the key informants supported the policy. Furthermore; most (89.5%) respondents indicated that they would accept to be tested without consent if they were to be hospitalized. Support for the policy was on the premise that the community has realized the importance of HIV testing as an entry point to HIV care, treatment, and support. Concerning issues of stigma and discrimination it was found that the majority of respondents (76.2%) felt that this is likely to reduce if mandator^^ HIV testing is introduced. In -depth interviews revealed that stigma and discrimination in the community had tremendously reduced due to increased awareness of HIV disease and the introduction of ARV's.The study established that while 52.6% of the cohort thought that mandatory testing is not a violation of human rights, 47.4% felt so. The majority of respondents (71.8%) indicated that they still valued their right to privacy and autonomy, although they were ready to forego the same for the sake of knowing their status. Prior knowledge about the policy and relative advantage were found to be very significant independent predictors for supporting mandatory HIV testing. It was found that those who had heard about the policy before were 1.5 times more likely to support the policy than those who had not (p value 0.044). On the other hand, those who thought that the policy will offer more benefits than risks were ten times more likely to support the policy than those who thought otherwise (p value 0.001). The study established that the cornmunity was in support of mandatory HIV testing policy. It was also established that the commun|ty had realized the vital role that testing plays in accessing HIV care and treatoient and was more willing to be tested. However, issues of human rights are still debatable and need to be explored more in the light of the new policy. Furthermore, it has been established that the community had began to respond more favorably to testing using other strategies such as mobile VCT which need to be strengthened. It was also evident from the study that the poor response to VCT is not exclusively due to fear of being tested but largely due to the African culture of not wanting to be screened when one is not sick. This therefore explains why there was an increased response to mobile VCT.lt is therefore evident that strengthening mobile VCT and increasing access to testing centers can significantly increase uptake of testing in the communities. Sensitization of communities is also key in increasing awareness and changing attitudes towards HIV testing and reducing stigma and discrimination.
A descriptive study of the attitudes and practices of health personnel towards clients with STD/HIV.
(2013-09-25) Chipungu, Anne Mulenga Makanta.
The study sought to determine the attitudes of health personnel towards clients with STD/HIV. A sample of sixty (60) subjects comprising of 31 (51.7%) males and 29(48%) females was selected randomly. The respondents were drawn from three health centers of Lusaka, namely University Teaching Hospital (U.T.H.), Kabwata Clinic and University of Zambia Clinic. Data was collected between 25th to 30th August, 1995. A self devised questionnaire was used and this was complimented by a Focus Group discussion. The method was convenient and cheap considering the time limit, in which the study had to be completed. Before data could be collected, a letter to the Ethical Committee was sought and permission was granted. The study revealed that attitudes of the respondents towards clients with STD/HIV varied. The majority of respondents showed a positive attitude which was closely related to educational status attained. Respondents 7(100%) with University status showed a positive attitude. The results of the study showed that to a certain extent the negative attitude of health workers did contribute to the increase in STD because some health workers did not maintain confidentiality. The study also revealed that clients with STD/HIV are at times discriminated. The majority of respondents felt that the only way to change this practice was through education while some respondents thought an extra allowance would change the attitudes of health personnel. Based on the study results the researcher concluded that it is very important for health workers to develop positive attitudes if the fight against STD/HIV has to succeed.
Determining how accurate clients interpret health messages communicated by health education posters.
(2013-08-23) Chintu, Mwate K Nampemba.
The purpose of the study was to determine how accurate clients interpret health education messages communicated by health education posters displayed in most health institutions, organisations and/or public places. It was hoped that the findings would help health educators to critically analyze how they utilize the posters when conducting health education and help health workers especially those involved in developing educational aids to improve available posters and the ones to be developed by taking into consideration this aspect of their job. The areas pertinent to the study include literature review on background to the concept of health education in traditional Zambia, development of modern health education, concept and philosophy of education and perception and communication.The sample which was drawn from four health centres in Lusaka consisted of sixty (60) males and females aged between twenty (20) to forty (40) years of age. It was assumed that age group has been exposed to experiences that are likely to influence the accuracy with which they will interpret health messages communicated by health education posters. An interview schedule in conjunction with three health education posters were used to collect data. Four health centres in Lusaka urban were selected for sampling. The probability sampling procedure approach was selected as an appropriate method. The interviews took place during the end of the rain season in March to avoid inconveniences caused by the rains which would discourage most clients from attending the health centres. Various problems related to collection of data were minimized through co-operation with officers in charge and the clients themselves. The findings revealed than an average, respondents had a fair idea on health education. However, the majority did not interpret accurately the messages conveyed by the three (3) health education posters which were used in the study. These findings imply that there is need to look into nursing practices, administration, education and research that will improve on the quality of methods used in health education especially in the use of health education posters.
Effect of Bacteraemia and HIV infection on treatment outcome in children with severe acute malnutrition admitted to the University Teaching Hospital Malnutrition Ward, Lusaka, Zambia
(2013-01-09) Mwambazi-Mweene, Mwate
Background:Severe malnutrition remains a major cause of mortality in children less than 5 years at the University Teaching Hospital, with rates ranging between 30-40 % among patients admitted in the malnutrition ward. The effects of bacteraemia and HIV infection on outcome to treatment remain unknown. Objective:To establish the magnitude of bacteraemia and HIV infection in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admitted to the Zambian University Teaching Hospital (UTH) malnutrition ward, describe the types of bacteria and antimicrobial sensitivity, and effect on treatment outcome. Method: Children admitted to the malnutrition ward at the UTH from August to December of 2009 were included in the study after acquiring informed consent. Data on nutritional status, social demographic factors and admission medical conditions were collected. In addition blood sample was collected from every child. Identification of positive culture yielding pathogenic bacterial strains were done using BACTEC machine, and completed with morphologic and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer susceptibility testing method. Results: Data were collected from 441 children aged six to 59 months old, 55.3% (244/441) of whom were boys. Median age of the cohort was 17 months (inter quartile range, IQR 12-22). 68.9% (295/428) had edema at admission; 57.4% (247/430) had weight for height Z score < -3SD at admission. The majority, 67.3% (261/388) of the children presented with diarrhea. 38.9 % (162/420) tested HIV-positive; 21.4% (91/425) of the children had one or more bacteria isolated from their blood samples; 40.5% (174/430) of the children died. The predominant organisms isolated were Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (20.7%), E. coli (15.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (15.5%), Salmonella (12.1%,), Pseudomonas (8.6%), Diphteriods (6.9%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (6.9%). Crystalline Penicillin had 85.7% (12/14) resistance; ranging from 66.7% to S.Aureus to 100% to E.coli and klebsiella. Gentamycine had 23.6% (5/19) resistance; ranging from 0% to E.coli to 100% to Klebsiella; Ciprofloxacin had 27.9% (13/43); ranging from 0% to Salmonella, Klebsiella and Psuedomonas to 55.6% to E.Coli. HIV positive children had increased odds of mortality, adjusted 0R= 1.70 (95% CI 1.04-2.83, P=0.04). Children with bacteremia had increased odds of mortality compared to those with no bacteremia, adjusted OR=1.90 (95% CI 1.04-3.40, P=0.04). There was no interaction between bacteremia and HIV infection on outcome (P=0.77). Conclusion: SAM children admitted in UTH suffer from high prevalence of bacteremia on admission. This has increased their odds of death by almost two folds regardless of their admission nutritional status, diarrhea, age, sex, and HIV status. The baseline mortality and HIV prevalence in the malnutrition ward was higher than other similar studies. The drug resistance, to first line antibiotics mainly to penicillin, calls for an in-depth review of drug management.
Effect of party, maternal age and pre-eclampsia on birth weight .
(2012-11-28) Anim, Mamle
A case control study was carried out in Lusaka to find the effect of parity, maternal age, pre-eclampsia and its severity on birth weight. 100 pre-eclamptic cases were selected from University Teaching Hospital, department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 200 controls were selected from Chilenje Clinic, a peripheral Clinic in Lusaka. All samples were randomly selected. Average birth weight for this study was 3.233kg. This was the average birth weight for controls. From this study it was shown pre-eclampsia reduces the average birth weight of a child. Average birth weight for cases was 2.9521kg and that for controls was 3.2136kg. The difference was significant (P value>0.05). Average birth weight for mild pre-eclampsia cases was 2.978kg, for moderate was 3.016kg and severe was 2.850kg. These values were not significantly different. Average birth weight increased with maternal age but the differences were not statistically significant. Ideal maternal age for ideal average birth weight was the 20-29 year group. Birth weight increased with parity. The ideal parity for ideal average birth weight was Para 2 and Para 3.
Factors affecting Voluntary Blood donation in Zambia
(2012-08-03) Kongwa, Patricia Namukolo Mutumba
The study attempted to investigate those factors that affect voluntary blood donation - in relation to the supply of a safe and adequate blood to hospitals in Zambia. A'cross sectional survey of a systematic, randomly selected, secondary school students, was done using a self administered questionnaire. A self administered questionnaire was also used to inquire about the prescription and use of blood among doctors working in four major hospitals in Zambia. Discussions were held with blood bank staff in the four hospitals using the Focus Group Discussion model.In all,165 students, 16 prescribers and 14 blood bank staff, from Lusaka, Livingstone,Kitwe and Ndola cities were included.The outcome of the study showed that:The fear of the HIV test discourages people from voluntarily donating blood.The lack of a blood donor recruitment programme has had an adverse effect on voluntary donations. Lack of knowledge in communities on blood donation adversely affected voluntary blood donation. The supplies of blood to the hospitals were inadequate.
Factors associated with Elevated Plasma levels of Liprotein (a) in indegenous black Zambians with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 in the outpatient medical clinic at the University Teaching Hospital,Lusaka,Zambia
Sinyani, Angela
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is considered to be a CVD equivalent. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Since Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) patient numbers continue to rise, and since patients continue to present with cardiovascular disease-related complications, it is possible that some of these patients have high plasma levels of Lp(a). The aim of the study was to investigate the plasma levels of Lp(a) in T2DM patients and also to assess the factors that may be associated with the plasma levels of Lp(a) among indigenous black Zambians with T2DM. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross sectional study that enrolled 155 participants, 79 T2DM patients attending the outpatient medical clinic of the University Teaching Hospital and 76 community-based healthy individuals. A short questionnaire was used to record the social demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements. 4ml of venous blood was collected from which all the analytes were measured. The factors that were assessed for association with Lp(a) included; social demographic characteristics, social economic status, duration of illness, dietary composition, physical fitness, BMI, fasting blood sugar (FBS), renal function, hepatic function, acute phase response, lipid profile, and glycaemic control. Therefore the variables that were measured were as follows; Age, sex, marital status, occupation, residence, dietary fat content, dietary carbohydrate source, dietary protein source, frequency of exercise, BMI, FBS, ALT, urea, creatinine, C-reactive protein, Triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, HbA1c and lipoprotein(a) respectively. The data were expressed as median (interquartile range). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the median values between the two groups of the study participants (Diabetics and healthy individuals) for continuous variables, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test for the ordinal data whereas the Chi-squared test was used to compare the proportions for the nominal data. SPSS version 21(IBM) was used to perform a multiple linear regression analysis to identify the *9/et of variables that would best predict the plasma levels of Lp(a) Results: The median plasma levels of Lp(a) in the diabetics (20.0 (11.8-37.4)mg/dl) was significantly higher (p<0.001,) than the healthy individuals (13.6 (9.4-21.5)mg/dl). 17 % of the diabetics had plasma levels of Lp(a) higher than 30 mg/dl. Of all the independent variables assessed, the results showed that glycemic control (HbA1c), FBS (glucose) triglycerides and residence were significant (p<0.001, p=0.030, p=0.040, p= 0.004 respectively) predictors of plasma levels of Lp(a). The linear relationships showed that the plasma levels of Lp(a) had a positive relationship with HbA1c (r=5.220) and FBS (r=0.660) whereas the relationship with triglycerides (r= -4.794) and residence (r= -7.165) were inverse Conclusion: . The plasma levels of Lp(a) in the T2DM patients were significantly higher than the non-diabetic healthy individuals. Glycemic control (HbA1c) , triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBS) and social economic status (medium density residence) were predictors of serum levels of Lp(a).
Factors contributing to low attendance at mwami family planning clinic.
(2014-10-21) Chilufya - Sikateyo, Theresa C.
The objective of the study is to determine the factors contributing to low attendance at Mwami Family Planning Clinic, in order to find solutions to the problem. The literature survey shows that the problems of low attendance at Family Planning Clinics seem to be similar in most countries. A few problems cited in the literature include traditional values, misconception about Family Planning in terms of side effects and emphasis in urban than rural areas. A randomly selected sample of 5O women of child bearing age was selected from clinics - antenatal, family planning and children's. Data was collected in April 1991 using an interview schedule since most of the respondents were of low educational level. In the study infornation from women about number of children they had, who decided on how many children to have, their knowledge about family planning, and reasons for not practicing family planning was established. Some of the major findings in this study were: majority of women were not practicing family planning, and the main reason for not practicing being that they still wanted to have children. The study also found out that these women were using other forms of traditional methods of family planning.
Factors contributing to recurrence of cholera outbreaks in George compund, Lusaka district.
(2013-08-16) Chilufya, Evelyn.
Cholera is endemic in Zambia - its cycle coincides with the rainy season every year and is directly related to the lack of access to proper water and sanitation facilities. The first outbreak of cholera was reported in the country in 1977/1978 having the major outbreak occurred in 1990 and since then cholera cases have been registered every year throughout the country (WHO, 2010). In Lusaka, cases and deaths mostly appear in the peri-urban of western and southern suburbs of the city, characterized by severe overcrowding and almost non-existent of water and sanitation facilities and poor drainage state due to blockages by heaps of garbage generated everywhere in the city and most of the compounds hardly have drainage systems leading to floods in the rainy season (WHO, 2010). This study was conducted in George compound, Lusaka. This compound was selected because it is one of the largest compounds with a population of 102,309 and large numbers of cholera cases come from this compound and many lives are lost due to cholera every year. It was for this reason that this study was conducted to determine the factors that contributing to the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in George compound, Lusaka. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used. The respondents were selected using stratified sampling method to stratify the compound into 10 zones and systematic sampling was later the sample size was determined from the study population. A sample size of 50 households was used. The study population consisted of the head of households aged 18 years and above, both males and females who have lived in George compound for the past 5 years and were available at the time of data collection in the month of October, 2010 because they were be able to give data on the contributing factors to the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in their area.
Factors contributing to the low measles immunization coverage among under five children in sesheke district.
(2013-08-23) Chinyama, Cheelo.
Every child who comes to the health institution or is visited in the community for the purpose of receiving immunizations is entitled to safe and quality health care which should be provided by health care providers. With the current economic difficulties and competing priorities for health, the immunization programme has experienced several difficulties including lack of transportation (especially for conducting outreach services), lack of health worker training, broken cold chain equipment, inadequate supervision and shortage of staff. All these factors have led to low immunization coverage despite availability of effective vaccines. This study was conducted to determine the factors influencing low measles immunization coverage in Sesheke District and suggested ways of minimizing them. The immunization status of the children was determined by interviewing mothers regarding their children's immunization histories. Each child's immunization card was subsequently reviewed for confirmation. The health workers were provided with a self administered questionnaire which they filled in. The mothers were selected using a systematic sampling method and the health workers were selected using a convenient sampling method. The pilot study was conducted at Yeta clinic within Sesheke before the data collection. Due to limited time and financial support available for the study the investigator had to select an accessible area and small sample size of fifty participants, forty mothers and ten health workers. After data collection, quantitative data was grouped manually and qualitative data was analyzed manually using data master sheets and scientific calculator. The presentation of data was done in frequency tables, pie charts, and graphs. Cross tabulation were used to determine the relationship between variables.The findings of the study were majority of the respondents 80 % reported that the measles immunization coverage was low, there was inadequate staff and immunization sessions at the health facility were done fortnightly. Long distance to the health facility and lack of community participation were also found to be contributing factors. The findings of the study support the first hypothesis which says, "distance to the health facility influences the immunization coverage, and not the second hypothesis which says "attitude of the staff can improve immunization coverage"
Factors influencing use of traditional medicine to precipitate labour by antenatal mothers in Mpika District
(2012-11-15) Bwalya, Pearson
Reproductive Health is becoming a great concern to consumers of services, health care providers and policy makers. This is because of the escalating maternal morbidity and mortality some of which can be prevented through consented efforts. Use of herbs to precipitate labour is common especially in rural areas and in most cases may lead to complications like ruptured uterus, severe hemorrhage, birth asphyxia, still births, fetal and maternal deaths (WHO, 1993). The study sought to identify factors influencing use of Traditional Medicine to precipitate labour by antenatal mothers in Mpika District. The research hypothesis was that Antenatal mothers use Traditional Medicine to precipitate labour because of inadequate knowledge on progress of normal labour and dangers of using the herbs. A descriptive quantitative and cross sectional survey was used. A pilot study was conducted at Chilonga Mission Hospital in Mpika District. The research was conducted in five centres within Mpika District which is situated in Northern Province of Zambia and the centers were selected by random sampling. A sample of fifty (50) antenatal mothers attending antenatal clinics from the five health centres was randomly selected. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data which was analyzed manually by using of a scientific calculator. The findings of the study showed that 30% of the respondents have had used herbs to precipitate labour before, 68% knew someone who have had used the herbs to precipitate labour and 44% said they wouldn't tell a health personnel when asked whether they have used the herbs. Of the respondents who had used the herbs, 80% used the herbs to precipitate labour and 53.3% had a quick delivery. The study further revealed that respondents who had low levels of knowledge on labour were more likely to use the herbs. Out of 15 respondents who used the herbs, 53.3% had low level of knowledge on normal labour. The study revealed an association between distance to the health facility and use of herbs. Majority (86.3%) of the respondents who used herbs had to take more than half an hour to reach the nearest health facility. The study further revealed that there is an association between attendance of health talk on normal labour; dangers of using herbs and actual use of herbs. Out of 15 respondents who used the herbs, 60% did not attend any health talk on normal labour and dangers of using herbs respectively. The study findings further showed that there is a relationship between cultural background and use of herbs. Majority (80%) of respondents whose culture encourages use of herbs actually used the herbs.
The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in selected private clinics in Lusaka
(2012-06-21) Chiyenu, Kaseya O.R.
The advent of HIV/AIDS has brought pessimism to the practice of medicine, especially in the developing world. More so because of the discrepancy between the advances made in the knowledge of the biology of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and how far away medical science is from a cure to this deadly disease.^ But the introduction of antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV infection has ushered in another dimension to the management of HIV infection. With the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in developed countries there has been a decline in the morbidity and mortality of HIV infected patients.The management of HIV infection has fast moved from that of solely prevention to treatment. Prevention benefits only those who are not yet infected with the HIV, and those who are already infected do not benefit from prevention methods; their requirement being treatment, whether curative or otherwise, without which opportunistic infections and death are inevitable.
Knowledge and attitude of antenental mothers towards danger signs in pregnancy in lusaka urban
(2013-02-19) Banda, Jeane Ngala
The main objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of antenatal mothers towards danger signs in pregnancy in selected Lusaka Urban clinics. The major hypothesis for this study was inadequate health education on danger signs in pregnancy may contribute to women being unaware on the danger signs in pregnancy. A descriptive, non interventional, cross section study design was used to determine the levels of knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards danger signs in pregnancy. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule from 50 respondents. The study populations consisted of women attending antenatal clinic at five selected health centers. The sampling procedure involved the use of purposive sampling in choosing the five antenatal clinic and simple random sampling for choosing the 50 respondents. The study results revealed that (50) 100% of respondents participated in the health education during antenatal clinics but only 18% were taught on the danger signs in pregnancy .It further revealed that 80% of the respondents who had low educational level had inadequate knowledge on the danger signs. Despite the respondents having inadequate knowledge on the danger signs in pregnancy, the study revealed that 83.3% had positive attitude towards danger signs in pregnancy as they indicated that they would seek help from the clinic if they experienced any danger signs in pregnancy. The study further revealed that out of the 46% who indicated that they got the information from the Community Health Workers 44% had inadequate knowledge on the danger signs and 2% had moderate knowledge. There was a relationship between inadequate IEC given on danger signs in pregnancy contributing to inadequate levels of knowledge on danger signs in pregnancy (the P-value was 0.041). However, there was no relationship between the low educational levels of antenatal mothers and low levels of knowledge on the danger signs in pregnancy (the p-value was 0.995). Recommendations have been made: Ministry of Health should ensure that Community Health Workers are trained or offered with refresher courses on the danger signs in pregnancy. Lusaka Health District Management Team should intensify awareness programs on the danger signs in pregnancy with some modification in the presentation of information by use of pictures, also use of language that the women will understand.
Knowledge and attitude towards utilization of patient's charter at chipata general hospital
(2013-02-20) Banda, Alidonnie
The knowledge of patients' rights is of paramount importance to the clients and nurses because it acts as a protector and defense against the danger of violating these rights. The purpose of the study was to elicit knowledge, attitude and utilization of patients' charter and come up with recommendations to assist in improving the delivery of health care services. The hypotheses of this study were that: - Nurses and Patients do not utilize Patients Charter because they do not have knowledge about its existence; there is an association between knowledge and the way people treat each other and; there is a relationship between the way patients are treated and the way the charter is utilized. This is a cross sectional, non interventional, descriptive study which was conducted at Chipata General Hospital. It was conducted on a conveniently selected sample of fifty patients/clients and 25 nurses using self administered questionnaires for clients and focus group discussions for nurses. The study revealed that 64% of the patients had medium level of knowledge while76% of the nurses had low level of knowledge on the patients' charter. All the patients/clients had negative attitude towards the charter while 56% of the nurses had negative attitude towards the charter. About three quarters 72% of the patients/clients and 45% of the nurses had poor utilization of the patients' charter. The hypothesis that says nurses and patients do not utilize the patients' charter because they do not have the knowledge of its existence is true from the findings as it shows that both nurses and patients do not know about this charter. With these findings we fail to reject the null hypothesis. The other hypothesis which says that there is an association between knowledge and how people treat each other is also true as shown by the findings on how nurses treat patients. It is shown that nurses are not knowledgeable of the charter and their attitude towards the charter is negative and with these findings we fail to reject this hypothesis. The other hypothesis also is true according to the findings and thus we fail to reject it. The major implication of this problem is that health care services rendered to clients is inadequate because certain aspects of care such as provision of information are omitted. There is also lack of trust between patients and nurses and this cause a barrier in interacting effectively. Nurses should be reminded of these rights and workshops should be held to teach nurses of these rights. The government should also start sensitizing the community about these rights. Professional bodies as well should also include the topic on patients' rights in their syllabi. The government should employ more staff to meet the required nurse/ patient ratio.
Knowledge and participation of men in antenatal care in the catchment area of kalulushi township clinic in kalulushi district.
(2014-10-21) Kasimbo, Namusokwe Idah.
The purpose of this study was to establish Knowledge and Participation of men in Antenatal care (ANC) in Kalulushi District. It has been observed that very few pregnant women at KTSC in Kalulushi District, are escorted for ANC by their partners.A non-interventional descriptive research design was used because it provided for the description of knowledge, participation in ANC and barriers to non participation of men in ANC. A pilot study was conducted on five respondents at KGC whose characteristics of respondents were the same as the ones for KTSC where the actual study was conducted. Purposive sampling method was used to select fifty respondents since few men attended the clinic where the study was conducted. Collection of data was done by use of structured interview schedule. The data was analysed manually by use of scientific calculator and a data master sheet. Presentation of data was done by use of frequency tables, pie charts and cross tabulations.All the respondents 50 (100%) had high knowledge on men participation in ANC, and 40% were aged between 29 and 35 years old. The study also revealed that 82% respondents were married while 72% had attained the secondary level of education. 16% of respondents had high participation in ANC while 84% had low participation. 14% of the respondents indicated inadequate space at ANC as a barrier for non participation of men in ANC while 42% pointed out cultural hindrances. KDHMT should therefore enact a policy to encourage men to participate in ANC and also to increase space at MCH.
Knowledge and practice of men towards benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in Sinazongwe district, Southern province.
(2014-03-26) Kashumba, Chola Molly.
The study was aimed at determining the Knowledge and Practice of men towards Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) in Sinazongwe District, Southern Province. Literature review on Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy was collected on studies done Globally, Regionally and Nationally. It was indicative that a lot of men after the age of 45years had BPH without them knowing until the situation had worsened 10 years or later. It was also observed that the pain the patient experienced could have been prevented. Assessing the men's knowledge and practice towards BPH was necessary because it would help these men understand and adopt good practices and reduce the risk of cancer and death from such a condition. The study was conducted on 50 elderly men above the age of 55 years of whom some had suffered from the disease. A non experimental descriptive study design was used. For selecting the sample, a multi stage sampling method was used. This took place from 2nd to 30l September 2008 in Maamba, Sinazongwe District. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. After collecting the data, it was computed on the master sheet as quantitative and qualitative data which was later analysed manually and interpreted using frequency tables. Cross tabulations were also used to determine relationships between variables. The study revealed that the majority (80%) of the 50 respondents had lack of knowledge of BPH while (60%) of the respondents had good practice towards BPH given the knowledge. This indicated that the male's lack of knowledge affected them either positively or negatively for them to seek help and acquire the necessary care. The literature also revealed that age was a major predisposing factor to BPH, while the majority of the respondents were agreeable and accepted the condition as inevitable. This indicated that their practice would be subjective to the knowledge they had over the disease.
Knowledge and practice of midwives in management of eclampsia in chipata district
(2013-02-20) Banda, Esther Namwaba
Eclampsia is the new onset of convulsions during pregnancy. The midwife is in a unique position to identify those women with a predisposition to pre-eclampsia which is a precursor to eclampsia. The purpose of the study was to determine knowledge and practice of midwives in management of eclampsia in Chipata Urban District. The major hypothesis was that "there is a relationship between knowledge and practice of midwives in management of eclampsia". A cross sectional, quantitative study design was used. The study population included midwives working at Chipata General Hospital and five (5) health centres that were conveniently selected. A sample of 50 midwives was purposively selected from the study setting. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire. Data was analysed manually using single counting and a scientific calculator. Data from this study was presented according to the sequence and sections in the questionnaire. The findings of the study were presented in frequency tables, pie charts, histographs and bar charts to illustrate principal findings of the study to the reader. Cross tabulations of the variables helped to show clearly the relationship between demographic data and knowledge as well as demographic data and practice. The study revealed that midwives who were working at the hospital had high knowledge levels and were competent in management of eclampsia than midwives working at the clinics. The study further revealed that enrolled midwives had high levels of knowledge and were well competent in management of eclampsia as practice levels was excellent as compared to registered midwives. While 70% of respondents had high levels of knowledge, only 40% of respondents knew the steps to take when managing eclampsia. The study also revealed that magnesium sulphate the drug of choice in management of eclampsia was not always available in the hospital/clinic. Only (48%) of the respondents were testing urine for pregnant women while (52%) were not. The study revealed that only (8%) of the respondents had urinalysis reagents always while (92%) had them sometimes, rarely or never. The study therefore concludes that there is a relationship between knowledge and practice in management of eclampsia as evidenced by the majority (80%) of respondents who had high knowledge levels and also were competent in management of eclampsia as they had excellent practice levels.
Knowledge and practice of nursing mothers, caretakers in the prevention of malnutrition in under five children at Mansa general hospital.
(2014-02-27) Gondwe, Rebecca.
Malnutrition remains as one of the causes of child morbidity and mortality in Zambia. The Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a strategy that is being used to address management of common childhood illnesses. Malnutrition is a serious public health problem that has worsened over the years. The aim of this research was to ascertain the knowledge and practices of mothers/caretakers in the prevention of malnutrition in the under five children. The objectives of the study were to establish the level of knowledge that mothers have in relation to prevention of malnutrition, to determine the mother’s practices towards prevention of malnutrition in under five children, to establish the relationship between knowledge and practice of mothers/caretakers in the prevention of malnutrition in under five children and to determine the factors that influence knowledge and practice of mothers in Mansa towards prevention of malnutrition.

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