BackgroundAlthough cervical cancer is preventable, it is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the world. Further, it is estimated that around 5–10% of hospital admissions are due to drug related problems (DRPs), of which 50% are avoidable. In cancer therapy, there is an immense potential for DRPs due to the high toxicity of most chemotherapeutic regimens. Hence, this study sought to assess DRPs among patients with cervical cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the oncology units of KNH. A total of 81 study participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Data were collected from medical records and interviewing patients. The appropriateness of medical therapy was evaluated by comparing with National Compressive Cancer Network and European Society for Medical Oncology practice guideline of cervical cancer treatment protocol. The degree of adherence was determined using eight-item Morisky medication adherence scale. The likelihood of drug interaction was assessed using Medscape, Micromedex and Epocrates drug interaction checkers. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using statistical software STATA version 13.0. Descriptive statistics such as mean, percent and frequency were used to summarise patients’ characteristics. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to investigate the potential predictors of DRPs.ResultA total of 215 DRPs were identified from 76 patients, translating to a prevalence of 93.8% and a mean of 2.65 ± 1.22 DRPs. The predominant proportion of DRPs (48.2%) was identified in patients who had been treated with chemoradiation regimens. Adverse drug reactions 56(69.1%) and drug interactions 38(46.9%) were the most prevalent DRPs. Majority (67.9%) of the study population were adherent to their treatment regimens. Forgetfulness 18(69.2%), expensive medications 4(15.4%) and side effects of medications 4(15.4%) were the main reasons for medication non-adherence. Patients with advanced stage cervical cancer were 15.4 times (AOR = 15.4, 95% CI = 1.3–185.87, p = 0.031) more likely to have DRPs as compared to patients with early stage disease.ConclusionAdverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and need of additional drug therapy were the most common DRPs identified among cervical cancer patients. Advanced stage cervical cancer was the only predictor of DRPs.

Introduction over 1.5 million children die from vaccine-preventable diseases yearly. To avert these deaths and improve their livelihood, vaccine availability is important. The study assessed the availability of the vaccine, injection accessories and the associated factors in public health facilities in Nairobi City County and provided valuable data to contribute to improving healthcare infrastructure, stock management and vaccine distribution. Methods a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 68 randomly selected public health facilities at Nairobi City County in Kenya. Data was collected using a researcher-administered structured questionnaire and more information abstracted from the Vaccines management tools. The analysis was carried out using STATA version 14. Results most facilities had experienced vaccines and accessories stock out at the time of the study and in the preceding twelve months. The most affected vaccines were tetanus (88%), measles-rubella (81%) and oral polio (79%). The causes of stockouts were rationing (82%), unavailability at the depot (93%), lack of transport (55%) and poor forecasting (50%). The majority (91%) of the facilities used the public transport system and only 1% had reliable government utility vehicles for delivery of vaccines and other logistics. Those near the vaccine depots preferred walking. Conclusion the public health facilities in Nairobi City County experienced frequent stockouts of vaccines and accessories thereby exposing the residents to vaccine-preventable diseases.

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Background Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in males and the second in females globally. The ill-health due to cancer and use of multiple therapies may result in drug related problems and also affect the health-related quality of life of the patients. Objective To characterize drug therapy problems and health-related quality of life among patients with colorectal cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive prospective cross-sectional study design was used and simple random sampling utilized to select seventy- one participants. The participants were interviewed and their responses captured using World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF and a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using STATA version 15.0. Data was summarized using descriptive statistic such as mean, range and standard deviation. Association between variables was determined using linear regression model at 0.05% level of significance. Ethical approval was granted by the relevant authorities to conduct the study. Results Patients were predominantly females (52.1%), had a mean age of 55.9± 14.4 years. The main drug therapy problems were adverse drug reactions (45.1%). Approximately two thirds (67.6%) of the participants complained of gastrointestinal problems followed by cardiovascular diseases (29.6%). Quality of life assessment indicated that psychological health had the highest score at 60.5%. On linear regression analysis, the presence of anemia ( p = 0.021), coverage ( p = 0.038), and cardiovascular problems ( p = 0.034) were significantly associated with the overall health-related quality of life. Conclusion The health-related quality of life was is dependent on several patient related factors. Interventions regarding prevention of drug therapy problems should be considered alongside other measures used to manage colorectal cancer.

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