Department of Pure and Applied Sciences

ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF Tragia involucrata Linn IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC SWISS ALBINO MICE

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF Tragia involucrata Linn IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC SWISS ALBINO MICE APIRI, BENARD ONSONGO Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health challenge associated with chronic hyperglycemia, which arises from systemic failure of insulin secretion, action or both. Although conventional treatments are available, many have important adverse effects and are unavailable, especially in developing regions. Hence, there is a critical need for such therapies to be obtained from natural sources. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antidiabetic efficacy, lipid profile and toxicity effects of dichloromethane (DCM) leafy extracts of Tragia involucrata Linn (T. involucrata) in alloxan-induced diabetic Swiss albino mice. T. involucrata is a plant traditionally used by the Abagusii community of Kenya for management of diabetes and inflammation. GC-MS profiling revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including phytol, beta sitosterol, and squalene, known to influence glucose and lipid metabolism through antioxidant and receptor-mediated pathways. Extract treatment led to significant glycemic control and improved lipid profiles, marked by reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C and elevated HDL-C. Acute and subacute toxicity assessments showed no mortality or behavioral or systemic toxicity across doses up to 2000 mg/kg bw. Body and organ weight stability, alongside normal biochemical markers, indicated metabolic tolerance. These results validate the potential of T. involucrata as a viable plant-based therapeutic agent for the management of diabetes and its associated dyslipidemia. The results warrant further investigations including clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic potential and to identify lead compounds that are crucial for drug discovery and development.

AN INTERRUPTED TIME SERIES ANALYSIS USING SEGMENTED REGRESSION IN EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF PCV10 VACCINATION IN KILIFI COUNTY HOSPITAL

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AN INTERRUPTED TIME SERIES ANALYSIS USING SEGMENTED REGRESSION IN EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF PCV10 VACCINATION IN KILIFI COUNTY HOSPITAL OUMA, KEVIN OTIENO The study on PCV10 vaccination in Kilifi County is highly relevant for understanding and addressing the burden of pneumonia among children under five. By evaluating vaccine uptake, effectiveness, and challenges, the study provides critical evidence on the role of PCV10 in reducing pneumococcal disease and associated mortality. These findings are essential for informing policy decisions at both county and national levels, particularly in optimizing immunization strategies, resource allocation, and community outreach. The main aim of the study was to develop an ITS model for assessing influence of the PCV10 vaccination intervention, test the developed ITS model viability in relation to correlation structure and use the model in predicting future trend of PCV10 vaccination. The study utilized one time prior to intervention and one period following intervention, segmented regression to account for a separate line segment that is drawn to fit into each period of the independent variable, which is divided into intervals. The variables used in the study were; time before PCV10 vaccination intervention, the PCV10 vaccine and time after PCV10 vaccination intervention. The study population comprised of admissions of children aged between two months and five years admitted to Kilifi County Hospital from January 2007 to December 2020. The study findings indicated a downward trajectory as regards the number of pneumonia cases reported. Further, segmented regression results showed that the intercept (β0) = 823.16, coefficient estimate of time (β1) = - 2.72, coefficient estimate of PCV10 intervention (β2) = 59.63 and the coefficient estimate of the time after PCV10 intervention (β3) = -6.03. In addition, the results exhibited that in the period after the intervention, the number of pneumonia cases had an average value of approximately 422.02. The drop in the number of pneumonia cases observed in the PCV10 intervention period is therefore statistically significant. The study concludes that the developed model is effective in assessing influence of the PCV10 vaccination intervention and able to predict future trend of pneumonia infections in Kilifi County. The study findings are instrumental towards the development of strategies and policies aimed at improving longevity and overall health among Kilifi County residents. The model will guide towards effective allocation of preventive healthcare resources to alleviate pneumonia transmission in Kilifi County.

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND ECOLOGICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MALARIA AND MALARIA RECURRENCE RISK IN CHILDREN IN MSAMBWENI, KWALE COUNTY, KENYA

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND ECOLOGICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MALARIA AND MALARIA RECURRENCE RISK IN CHILDREN IN MSAMBWENI, KWALE COUNTY, KENYA AMUGONGO, JAEL SAGINA Malaria remains a significant public health issue, particularly in regions where poverty and inadequate healthcare infrastructure intersect. This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic and ecological factors affecting malaria risk in Msambweni, Kwale County, Kenya. Additionally, it examined the spatial distribution of malarial fevers in the region. Data was gathered from a cohort of children (aged 1 to 18 years) at Msambweni County Referral Hospital between 2014 and 2018, supplemented by a nested case-control study to analyse malaria fever patterns. The nested case-control data was collected through caregiver or guardian interviews and direct observation. Malaria diagnosis was conducted using microscopy, with recurrent malaria defined as at least two confirmed infections during the study period. Overall, 2610 acute febrile illness visits were made by the 2371 children. Of the 2610 visits, 40.6% (1059/2610) had malaria parasitemia. Most of the participants (83%, 2169/2371) visited the hospital once; 174 children visited the hospital twice, 19 visited the hospital thrice and nine visited the hospital four times. Of the 2371 children, 60 (2.5%, 95%CI 1.9‒3.2) had recurrence of malaria; 51, 8 and 1 children had one, two and three recurrent malaria episodes, respectively. Recurrent malaria was linked to poor-quality housing, especially homes with dirt floors and proximity to mosquito breeding sites like rice fields. Malaria risk increased with the child’s age, lower maternal education, and poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions. Children from households with poor ventilation and limited windows were also at higher risk. Targeted mosquito control, particularly near rice fields, and the use of insecticidetreated nets should be intensified. Simple house improvements, such as window screens and better roofing, are recommended to complement existing malaria control measures. The shift in malaria risk towards school-aged children suggests the need to expand interventions to target this group. Investments in housing, education, and WASH infrastructure are essential to enhance malaria control efforts in the region and support current malaria interventions

Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening and Its Associated Factors among Women aged 25-49 Years in Kaloleni Sub-County, Kilifi County

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening and Its Associated Factors among Women aged 25-49 Years in Kaloleni Sub-County, Kilifi County Onduko, Emmanuel Moffat; Makalliwa, George; Musita, Caroline; Cheptoek, Muhamud; Cools, Piet; Adem, Aggrey Abstract Background: Cervical cancer causes a significant number of deaths and morbidity among women. The aim of the study was to determine utilization of cervical cancer screening and its associated factors among women in Kaloleni Sub-County of Kilifi County aged between 25 and 49 years. Methods: A health facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study in five medical facilities was undertaken in Kaloleni Sub-County. 217 women filled the questionnaire, in depth interviews was done on 20 healthcare workers and health facility assessment. Descriptive statistics and chi- square analysis were utilized to explore the relationship between cervical cancer screening rates and various factors, including individual and healthcare facility characteristics. Content analysis was applied to identify important themes arising in qualitative data. Results: In a study of 217 women aged 25-49 in Kaloleni Sub-County, only 23% had undergone cervical cancer screening. Significant associations were found between screening utilization and geographical location (p = 0.008), awareness of cervical cancer screening (p < 0.001), knowledge of symptoms (p < 0.001), and cost of screening (p < 0.001). Source of income (p = 0.021), while insurance cover (p = 0.030). In addition, health facility factors, such as service promotion (p < 0.001) and staff training adequacy (p < 0.001), significantly affected utilization. Health facility- level assessments determined a lack of advanced cervical cancer services. Conclusion: Cervical cancer screening rates are considerably low. Therefore, it is essential to introduce awareness initiatives, enhance access to screening via outreach activities, subsidize prices, strengthen the healthcare system, and offer patient centered training for healthcare professionals. DOI:10.26502/jcsct.5079262