IntroductionHypertension often referred to as Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Causes of hypertension are classified into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and other associated factors leading to the onset of hypertension among employees working at the call center.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross sectional study design. Data collection was done in two parts; part one comprised of clinical health assessments; weight and height to aid determine Body Mass Index and blood pressure measurement. Part two was by self-administered questionnaires to participants to aid identify behavioral risk factors and further elicit lifestyle practices. Data was collected from a sample population of 370 respondents. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied in univariate analysis. Further analysis included bivariate and multiple regression analysis; Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength of association.ResultsThe proportion of hypertension was significantly higher among overweight respondents (32.7%) (OR= 11.55; 95% CI= 4.44-30.07; P < 0.001) and obese respondents (60.2%) (OR= 36.02; 95% CI= 13.43-96.60; P < 0.001) compared to those respondents who were within normal range of weight (4.0%). Nine (9) factors that were associated with hypertension at bivariate analysis (P < 0.05) were all subjected to a multiple regression analysis or reduced model where four factors remained in the final analysis. Respondents who were classified as overweight had 10.6 times likelihood developing hypertension compared to those respondents with normal weight (AOR= 10.61; 95%CI= 3.98-28.32; P < 0.001). Likewise, obese respondents were 43.6 fold more likely to develop hypertension compared to those respondents within normal range of weight [OR=43.68; 95%CI=15.24-125.16; P<0.001]. Respondents not trying to reduce fat in their diet were highly predisposed having hypertension at (AOR=2.44; 95% CI=1.20-4.96; P= 0.014) than respondents who always tried to reduce fat in their diet. Respondents who sometimes engage on more physical exercises were 2.2 times likely to develop hypertension (AOR=2.22; 95%CI= 1.20-4.10; P= 0.011) compared to those who always engaged in more physical exercises. Respondents with parenting issues were about twice as likely to have hypertension (AOR= 2.15; 95% CI: 1.23-3.74; P= 0.007) than parents who did not have parenting issues.ConclusionThis study depicts rising cases of hypertension and an alarming rate of pre-hypertension among the working population. This vary based on the age, obesity, parental responsibility, unhealthy diet and lack of or reduced physical activity. These call for strategic interventions and greater emphasis on health promotion programs at the workplace alongside staff empowerment towards health seeking behaviors.

Background:  Unintended pregnancy predisposes women of child-bearing age to risk factors like maternal deaths, poor child outcomes, mental illness because of stress, risky abortion, and vertical transmission of HIV. According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey in 2014, 34% of the pregnancies were unintended and in the year 2020 it rose to 41.9% (Monitoring, 2020).  Determinants of unintended pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinics in Kenya is diverse and is poorly understood due to no representative information. The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with unintended pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic particularly their individual factors, family planning practices and health facility-based factors. Method:  A cross-sectional study design. Data was collected using a structured administered questionnaire from 227 participants. The proportion and determinants of unintended pregnancy was derived using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regressions.  Results: In this study, a third (29.9%) of the pregnant women reported that their existing gravidity was unintended. Individual factors such as age less than 25 years [AOR 8.1 (95% CI 1.4-48.6)), p=0.001], use of contraceptive method [AOR 7.9 (95% CI 2.5-25.0), p<0.001] and the woman being the sole decision-maker on when to get pregnant [AOR 3.8 (95% CI 1.3-11.2), p=0.014] were significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: The study area had quite a significant proportion of unintended pregnancy underscoring the need for health facilities to enhance targeted contraceptive counselling during antenatal and postnatal clinics. Reinforcing effective utilization of family planning services in the pursuit to decrease unintended pregnancy not only in Nairobi but also in Kenya.

Healthcare organizations are increasingly spending and allocating huge budgets in embracing modern technology innovations and ways of dealing with healthcare related issues. While modern technology benefits cannot be disputed they however come at an expense and require a rigorous process before adopting the innovation. Studies done indicated Health care organizations find the process a rigmarole and opt for easier ways to incorporate or adopt the innovations, these usually results to a collapse or bottlenecks in the outputs of the innovations, in fact, majority of organizations have abandoned their ultra-modern system only to go back to their old manual system. The main objective of the study was to determine Organizational factors associated with implementation of a Health Management information Systems among healthcare workers at Kenyatta National Hospital. The research was conducted at KNH and adopted a cross-sectional study design. The target population of the study were 4,900 healthcare workers at KNH who were involved in implementing HMIS. The sample techniques used were mixed method sampling of stratified sampling, snowball sampling and convenience sampling. A sample total of 263 respondents was calculated for the quantitative study. The study utilized a questionnaire and a key informant interview schedule. Before processing the quantitative data, the data collected from the field was cleaned, coded, entered into a computer software and analyzed using SPSS version 21 while qualitative data was manually analyzed based on themes that were developed from responses (thematic analysis). Data presentation from the quantitative data was in form of quantitative statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, tables, use of chi square for analysis, p values and odds ratios. Qualitative findings were presented in verbatim form. This study was submitted to KNH/UON Ethical Review Committee for ethical approval. Consenting was sought from individuals. Results indicated that majority of those interviewed were of the opinion that HMIS had improved services delivery by effecting efficiency especially in accident and emergency department, the wards and reception areas, generally there was improved efficiency in information handling  in that, it had helped to identify patients in and through the system and there was reduction in costs. However, a few respondents were of the view that, HMIS had not improved efficiency to a larger extent since a lot of things were still done manually, no proper training and the system not fully implemented. Main challenges included, lack of technical assistance which led to loss of data which had never been recovered to date and scarce resources. In relation to the cadre of the hospital, the systems were quite complex, inadequate healthcare staff experience, scarcity of infrastructure and shortage of ICT technicians to assist in trouble shooting. There were very many refunds to patients by finance, resistance by users due to the perception that, it was a business-oriented system rather than goal oriented. Results show that the ratio of males to females was 1:1, 133(50.6%) and females 129(49.4%) thus gender balanced. A greater number of the respondents were aged between 26-35, 91 (34.6%), followed closely by the age bracket 36-45, 74(28.1%), the minority were aged 55 and above, 12(4.6%). In Kenyatta more than half of the respondent’s education level was college, 160(60.8%) with very few at secondary, 5(1.9%). population age, level of education and duration worked at KNH, (p value 0.008, 0.050 and 0.004). KNH might not be where they want or need to be as far as HMIS is concerned but they have made strides towards the right direction. Technologically, HIMS have already taken a vital role in the healthcare industry and are obliged to be organizational tools meant to create a better healthcare environment. It is essential for the KNH management to ensure that there is a systems thinking where each and every individual staff is not only motivated but also feels part and parcel of the HIMS process. KNH needs to devise a HIMS specifically for their clientele

Background: In the context of the highly complex and hazardous work environment, particular challenges arise in pursuing protections for healthcare workers in this unique employment sector. Due to its unique mission of caring for the sick, self-preservation behaviors which normally aid in protecting workers are suspended in a culture of selfless commitment to patient care. The objective of this study is to investigate factors influencing occupational injuries and hazards among healthcare workers in selected hospitals in Nairobi County.Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The scope included Kenyatta national hospital, Mama Lucy hospital, and Pumwani maternity hospital. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect information. A sample size of 304 healthcare workers was selected. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to assess the association of study variables. Findings are presented in tables.Results: This research found that most of the healthcare workers (65.5%) are exposed to health hazards the commonest being cuts, wounds and lacerations (34.2%). The leading predisposing factors to health hazards are job related pressure (39.5%) and not wearing necessary PPEs (39.1%). There was a statistically significant relationship between experience of work-related injury and lack of enough supplies/materials and poor working environment (p<0.005).Conclusions: The study recommends that there should be much focus on creating awareness of occupational health hazards at the hospitals by the relevant stakeholders, preventive measures that will incorporate manageable workloads to reduce work-related pressure on the healthcare workers.

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus is recognized as a key non-communicable disease affecting over 425 million world-wide, with only half of them currently diagnosed. The most crucial risk factor for mortality associated with type-2 diabetes is poor adherence to the prescribed medication.Methods: A cohort study design was used to study 98 type 2 diabetes patients in Kiambu County. Consecutive sampling method was used. The collection of data utilized a pre-designed and piloted structured questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0 and correlation between the total count of the remaining diabetic medication and the blood sugar after one month follow-up was assessed. Univariate logistic regression was conducted in assessing the association between each of the predictor variables and the two main outcome variables (adherence to medication and glycemic control). A multiple logistic regression model was constructed for each of the two outcome variables.Results: 31 (31.6%) of the study subjects were between 60-69 years, 70 (71.4%) were married and 66 (67.3%) were female. In addition, 37 (37.8%) had diabetes for more than 8 years, 70.6% had hypertension and 83.7% were prescribed oral hypoglycaemic agents as initial treatment. Majority of the respondents constituting 80.7% had high adherence to prescribed diabetes medication regimen, knowledge on diabetes treatment (p=0.009) and detecting low blood sugar levels through signs and symptoms and manage (p=0.001) had significantly association with adherence to antidiabetic.Conclusions: Diabetic patients who have knowledge on diabetes and its management, those who stop alcohol and cigarette smoking and those who understand hypertension are more likely to adhere to diabetic treatment.