Browsing by Subject "MEDICINE::Social medicine::Public health medicine research areas::Public health science"

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    Factors Associated with Low Birth Weights in Kenya
    (IISTE (International Institute for Science, Technology and Education), 2015) Omedi Gilbert1 & Amwoliza Victoria
    Sustainable development goal number three aims at attaining healthy lives for all at all ages come 2030. This is at the backdrop of the continued experiences of adverse birth outcomes in most of the developing countries, births whose effects on life quality cannot be denied. This paper employed multinomial logistic regression analysis on 2008/09 Kenya demographic and health survey data to identify factors that contribute to low birth weights in Kenya. Of the assessed factors, only work status of the mother and maternal age were found not to be significantly associated with low birth weights. Births to women who had not attended any antenatal care visit had a more than double likelihood of being low birth weights than those births to women who had attended a minimum of four antenatal care visits. To reduce on cases of low birth weights is a call for promoting women education beyond elementary level, improving the living standards of women especially during pregnancy, checking on urban lifestyles, and encouraging women to attend optimum antenatal care visits. Keywords: low birth weight; antenatal care visits; Kenya demographic and health survey
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    FACTORS LEADING TO PROLONGED STAY OF PATIENTS IN KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL (NAIROBI COUNTY)
    (Gretsa University, 2025-10) OKOTH, JOSHUA ONYANGO
    The study titled "Factors Leading to Prolonged Stay of Patients in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi County" investigates the determinants of extended hospital stays and examines how patients' financial status influences the quality of healthcare they receive. The research objectives are to identify and analyse key factors contributing to prolonged hospital stays, assess the impact of financial status on healthcare quality, explore dimensions of healthcare quality affected by financial constraints—including access to services, treatment outcomes, and patient satisfaction—and recommend evidence-based strategies to reduce prolonged hospital stays while addressing healthcare disparities linked to financial challenges. A sample size of 289 patients was selected through stratified random sampling, ensuring representation across different financial backgrounds and hospital departments. Data was collected via structured questionnaires, patient interviews, and hospital records. Statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis and ANOVA, were employed to identify significant factors contributing to prolonged hospital stays and to assess the influence of financial status on healthcare quality. Findings revealed that key factors such as operational efficiency, communication between healthcare providers and patients, and activity scheduling were critical in determining the duration of hospital stays. Poor communication and inefficient scheduling contributed to delays in patient discharge, particularly for patients facing financial difficulties. Additionally, the quality of record-keeping and management processes significantly influenced the hospital's ability to manage patient flow efficiently. Patients with financial constraints experienced more challenges in accessing timely care, which in turn prolonged their hospital stays. Conclusions drawn from the study indicate that addressing operational inefficiencies, improving communication channels, and ensuring better access to healthcare services for financially disadvantaged patients are essential strategies for reducing prolonged hospital stays. The study recommends investing in hospital infrastructure, enhancing staff training, and implementing policies aimed at reducing healthcare disparities linked to patients' financial status. These interventions are expected to improve overall patient satisfaction and healthcare outcomes at Kenyatta National Hospital. The study provides valuable insights into the systemic issues prolonging hospital stays and offers strategic recommendations for improving patient flow and reducing healthcare disparities. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring the confidentiality of patient information, and securing approval from relevant ethical review boards.