International Journal of Environmental and Health Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2018
By Joyce Oloo Asuke, Marion Mutugi and Yeri Kombe
Abstract: HIV/AIDS discussion has revolved in Kenya for quite a number of years, triggered by the effects experienced both by individuals and communities. Various interventions such as VCT services were started to curb the pandemic. However, the utilization and perception of VCT services by the young people remain poor. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization, perception and source of knowledge about VCT services by the youth in public diploma colleges in Nairobi. The study employed cross-sectional survey research design with a sample size of 200 students from five major public diploma colleges in Nairobi. Simple random sampling procedure was used to arrive at the sample. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The collected data were analyzed with the help of a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Quantitative approach of data analysis was used. The results were reported using frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that 75% of the students feared utilizing VCT services. Their perception of VCT services was highly informed by the underlying fear of turning HIV positive and what others would think of them. The main sources of information and knowledge about VCT services included TV (29%), Church (23%), Radio (21) and Newspapers (21%). Parents however hardly played any role as far as provision of VCT information were concerned. Only 1% indicated that they obtained their information from them. These findings have deep implications in terms of contributing towards design and implementation of policies guiding voluntary HIV/AIDS counseling and testing services in colleges and universities in developing economies. Read more…
Knowledge of Home Based Care of HIV and AIDS Patients in Butula Division, Kenya
By Benard Wesonga
Abstract: While Home Based Care (HBC) of HIV/AIDS patients is predominantly gaining recognition in most of developing countries in Africa as an alternative approach to Hospital Based Care, its knowledge among the members of local communities in Kenya remains scanty. This study aimed at examining the knowledge of Home Based Care of HIVand AIDS Patients among the people of Butula Division in Kenya. The study was a descriptive study which employed a cross-sectional survey design. The sample included three hundred and seventy seven respondents from Butula Division. Questionnaire method was used to collect data owing to its appropriateness in collecting data from a large sample. A statistical application, namely SPSS aided data analysis process. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents (67.3%) were aware of the existence of Home Based Care of HIV and AIDS Patients in Butula. The major source of their knowledge of HBC was Community Based Organizations. Family and relatives, media, governmental and non-governmental organizations were other sources of their knowledge. The study suggested an initiation of awareness and sensitization programs in the local communities with collaborated efforts from health institutions, government and non-governmental agencies for a sustained knowledge development of HBC of HIV and AIDS patients in rural areas. Read more …
Causes and Effects of Poor Solid Waste Management in Semi-urban Town of Ongata Rongai in Kenya
By George Chiira
Abstract: Solid Waste Management is one of the most neglected area of development in most developing and transition economies of the world. With rapid growth of urban and semi-urban towns in Kenya, the issue of solid waste management in the country continues to pose great threats to sustainable development. The main purpose of this study was to examine the causes and effects of poor solid waste management with reference to Ongata Rongai Town in Kenya. The study employed mixed research designs which included survey and naturalistic research designs. Survey design was suitable in describing the situation of solid waste in the town; naturalistic design on the other hand was deemed vital in providing the researcher’s own lived experiences in the town’s settings. The target population included the major solid waste management companies and residents served by these companies. The sample included ten (n=10) solid waste company managers seventy (n=70) residents served by the companies. Questionnaire method was used to collect data owing to its appropriateness in reaching out to a huge number of people within a short time. The collected data were analyzed with the help of SPSS. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to report the findings. From the analysis, the study established that the major causes of poor solid waste management in the township was indiscriminate dumping of refuse (38%), poor refuse collection approaches (28%) and upsurge of population (20%). The study also showed that poor solid waste management had an effect on air pollution (50%), ground water pollution (21.7%) and diseases transmission (3.3%). The study recommends an adoption of more radical approaches in handling the issue of solid waste management in growing towns including recycling of solid wastes using 3Rs approach; privatization of solid waste management, solid waste disposal sensitization programs and policy driven local governance. This study is expected to re-awaken new interest among scholars, development practitioners and students of research about re-mapping the traditionally established models of solid waste management for environmental sustainability. Read more …