http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/68 2026-06-07T05:31:50Z 2026-06-07T05:31:50Z Kibet, Godfrey Manoah, G Angava, O Murungaru, B. , M. O. Amondi, E. W. Mboje, C. J. Amaya, P. N Ayumba, , B. R. http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10164 2026-06-05T09:24:46Z 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Work-Related musculoskeletal disorders among the administrators at Moi University-College Of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya Kibet, Godfrey; Manoah, G; Angava, O; Murungaru, B. , M. O.; Amondi, E. W.; Mboje, C. J.; Amaya, P. N; Ayumba, , B. R. Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are a group of conditions that are typically characterized by pain (often persistent), stiffness, weakness and decreased range of motion. The main risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) among administrators include awkward posture, sustained body position, inappropriate furniture, and inadequate rest breaks. Other reported risk factors are repetitive tasks, physical overexertion, multitasking, and neglecting precautions. WRMDs have greater effects on the workers which include absenteeism from work, disability, and early retirement. Publications on this disorder locally are hardly available, hence the need of this study. Objectives: To determine the occurrence, the risk factors, perceived impact, and the targeted interventions of WRMDs among the administrators at the College of Health Sciences (CHS) of Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted at the CHS of Moi University, after approval from relevant authorities. The study population included all the administrators from the four schools namely; School of Medicine (SOM), School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONMW), School of Public Health (SPH) and School of Dentistry (SOD), making a total of 24 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data was collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), analyzed for descriptive statistics such as mean, median and mode, and presented in the form of diagrams and prose. Results: Females were 18 (75%) while males were 6 (25%), indicating a higher representation of female. The ages ranged from 36 to 56 years, covering a broad spectrum of mid-level career and senior professionals, who had been in current job for 6- 29 years. Reported risk factors included prolonged sitting, repetitive hand movements, poor workstation ergonomics and heavy lifting. Nine (37.5%) believed their job contributed to their musculoskeletal disorders, while for musculoskeletal discomfort and pain, 14 (58.3%) mentioned their symptoms interfered with their work unlike in 6 (25%). Four (16.7%) did not experience any musculoskeletal pain or discomfort. Nine (37.5%) reported incorporating simple stretching exercises into their routine to alleviate discomfort, likely targeting muscle stiffness and improving flexibility, while 7 (29.2%) adjusted their chair and desk height, indicating an awareness of ergonomic practices to reduce strain and maintain proper posture. Only 5 (20.8%) sought medical advice, suggesting that their discomfort may have been more severe, requiring professional intervention. The remaining participants resorted to painkillers, which implied that they primarily relied on temporary relief rather than addressing the root cause of their discomfort. Conclusion: This study underscored the high occurrence of WRMDs particularly in the lower back, neck and upper back among administrators, related to study risk factors highlighting the impact of prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics and repetitive movements, stressing the need for intervention and prevention aspects. WRMDs significantly impacted work productivity causing absenteeism and functional impairments while participants often resolved to temporary solutions like painkillers and medical consultations. Recommendations: There is need for ergonomic interventions, particularly for those suffering from back and neck pain. Proper posture, particularly for workers in desk jobs, is crucial. There is need for stretching and exercise programs as part of the solution and frequent breaks to reduce the strain of static postures. Short breaks are crucial for mitigating the prolonged sitting that contributes to back and neck pain

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z Tenge, Angeline Baliddawa, Joice Songole, Rodgers Lukoye, Atwoli Odawa, Michael http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10163 2026-06-05T08:50:58Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Six-month readmission and associated factors among psychiatry patients at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Western Kenya Tenge, Angeline; Baliddawa, Joice; Songole, Rodgers; Lukoye, Atwoli; Odawa, Michael Background Hospital readmissions due to mental illnesses increase the burden and costs of patient management globally. While the transition to community-based mental health care is a key focus, readmission rates remain high. Understanding the risk factors associated with readmission to mental health units can help healthcare workers implement effective measures to reduce readmissions, enhance patient outcomes, and strengthen community-based care. Objectives To determine readmission rates among psychiatric patients at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and the socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with readmission. Methods The study was a prospective cohort study. The study was conducted at the Mental Health Unit of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. A calculated sample of 219 participants was recruited at discharge from the mental health ward and followed up for a period of six months. Consent to recruit participants was obtained after either administration of the University of California San Diego Brief Assessment Capacity to Consent tool to them or collaborative history from their caretakers. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. They were followed up for six months to check for readmission. Data entry and cleaning was done using Microsoft Access and data analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results The median age of participants was 34, with most (67%) being male. Nearly half (48.9%) were single, while 34.7% were married. A majority (71.6%) had secondary or lower education. Almost half (44.7%) were unemployed, another 44.7% had temporary jobs. Over half (54.6%) lacked health insurance. Most (93.6%) were admitted involuntarily. The most common diagnoses were substance use disorder (32.4%), schizophrenia (25.1%) and bipolar disorder (24.2%). Over half (54.3%) missed medication before admission, 15.5% had suicide history, and 56.6% had a history of violence. The 6-month readmission rate was 30.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that, those with health insurance were 3.13 times most likely to be readmitted (aOR=3.13, p=0.03), those with bipolar mood disorder were 3.85 times more likely to be readmitted (aOR 3.85, 95% CI 1.20, 12.50)) and those with primary level of education were 2.63 times more likely to be readmitted (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.10, 6.67).

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Imbwaga Musimbi Chantell, Imbwaga Henry Chepkwony, Ayabei R. Ayumba, Barry http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10162 2026-06-03T08:09:15Z 2026-02-02T00:00:00Z

The Occurrence of Knee Stiffness in Patients with fractures of femurs attending physiotherapy out-patient services at Moi teaching and referral hospital, Eldoret, Uasin gishu county, Kenya Imbwaga Musimbi Chantell, Imbwaga; Henry Chepkwony, Ayabei; R. Ayumba, Barry Abstract: Study Background: Management of knee stiffness includes both operative and nonoperative. In both cases, physical therapy is important. nonoperative treatments include physical therapy and home exercise programs. These are used to treat and minimize the flexion and extension deformities. Physiotherapy may include manual stretching, prolonged stretching using a tilt table, sandbag or weight over the distal femur, mechanical traction, passive range of motion exercises and joint mobilization techniques. The effectiveness of a given treatment to reduce stiffness is a function of applied torque, as well as the duration and frequency of the treatment. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of patients, to determine the prevalence, and to establish the management factors associated with knee stiffness in patients with fractures of femurs attending physiotherapy out-patient services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Methods: The study was carried out in the Physiotherapy out-patient clinic at MTRH. A descriptive retrospective audit of 48 patients’ folders (14 Females, 34 Males) during the period of July 2021 and June 2022 that fulfilled inclusion criteria was conducted, after approval by Institutional Research and Ethics Committee and Hospital Administration. Data was collected using prevalidated tool, and then analysis for the study variables was done using the Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) computer software. The preliminary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, means, and percentages and presented in the form of tables, pie charts and graphs. Results: Males (70.8%) exhibited higher prevalence of femoral fractures than females (29.2%) due to occupational hazards and high-risk activities. Middle-aged individuals (30-50 years) were most affected, primarily due to physically demanding jobs, while older patients (>50 years) experienced prolonged recovery due to degenerative changes and comorbidities. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause of fractures in younger patients, while occupational hazards and falls were predominant among older individuals. Prevalence was 17.78%. Delayed physiotherapy initiation and lower education levels were linked to increased knee stiffness, particularly among patients from remote areas with limited healthcare access. The length of hospitalization and the number of days between occurrence of injuries and medical and surgical intervention played a significant role in the development of knee stiffness among patient and subsequent outcomes. Conclusion: Early surgical intervention, timely physiotherapy, and adherence to rehabilitation programs significantly improved recovery. Socioeconomic factors, including education and healthcare access, play a crucial role in rehabilitation outcomes. Recommendations: Public health educations on injury prevention, improved access to physiotherapy, and targeted fall prevention strategies for older adults are essential. Strengthening hospital efficiency, implementing workplace safety policies, and promoting multidisciplinary care can further enhance patient recovery and reduce knee stiffness incidence

2026-02-02T00:00:00Z Chepkemoi, Audrey McPheron, Molly Naanyu, Violet G. Carlucci, James Kerich, Caroline Matelong, Winnie Kooreman, Harold S. McHenry, Megan Bernard, Caitlin Kiano, Marylydia Midiwo, Roselyn Musick, Beverly T. Yiannoutsos, Constantin Wools-Kaloustian, Kara C. Patel, Rena Were, Edwin M. Humphrey, John http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10161 2026-06-03T07:27:45Z 2025-12-16T00:00:00Z

Human-centered design of a contextualized service delivery model for families of infants with major congenital anomalies in Kenya Chepkemoi, Audrey; McPheron, Molly; Naanyu, Violet; G. Carlucci, James; Kerich, Caroline; Matelong, Winnie; Kooreman, Harold; S. McHenry, Megan; Bernard, Caitlin; Kiano, Marylydia; Midiwo, Roselyn; Musick, Beverly; T. Yiannoutsos, Constantin; Wools-Kaloustian, Kara; C. Patel, Rena; Were, Edwin; M. Humphrey, John Background: Congenital anomalies (CAs) are a major cause of childhood mortality and disability in low- and middle-income countries. Our study explored caregiver experiences of infants with major CAs in Kenya and co-developed interventions using human-centered design (HCD). Methods: We conducted a qualitative study at Kenya's second largest referral hospital (August 2023 to January 2024). Thirty-one caregivers of 23 infants with major CAs completed interviews on experiences and care needs, analyzed thematically using the socio-ecological model (individual, family, healthcare, and community domains). We conducted three HCD workshops with 19 healthcare providers and 15 caregivers to co-develop interventions to improve CA services. Results: Caregivers reported emotional distress, stigma, and financial and geographic barriers to care. Key healthcare chal- lenges included limited antenatal diagnosis, inadequate provider communication, insufficient peer support, and poor access to CA information. Community stigma contributed to parental isolation and distress, though social and spiritual networks offered coping support. Workshop participants identified stigma and fragmented care as critical issues and proposed feasible interven- tions, including caregiver support groups, dedicated counselors, provider training, integrated community counseling, improved infrastructure, and stronger support networks to enhance person-centered care. Conclusions: Engaging caregivers and providers through HCD highlighted major psychosocial and healthcare barriers and generated contextually relevant strategies to improve care for infants with CAs in Kenya. Future research should evaluate the implementation and effects of these interventions on patient- and family-centered outcomes

2025-12-16T00:00:00Z