Master's - Theses

Mass Media as a Determinant of Hygiene Practices: Case Study of Garba Tula Sub-County, Isiolo County, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Mass Media as a Determinant of Hygiene Practices: Case Study of Garba Tula Sub-County, Isiolo County, Kenya Murugu, Fridah Kendi Hygiene practices are essential for maintaining public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Mass media has the potential to influence individuals’ hygiene behaviors and attitudes. By reaching a wide and diverse audience simultaneously, mass media can effectively disseminate targeted hygiene-related messages, leading to improved knowledge. However, the effectiveness of mass media is often inadequately assessed and evaluated. Poor hygiene practices have led to regular outbreaks of water borne diseases in Garba Tula Sub-County. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Garba Tula Sub-County to achieve the following objectives; to assess the hygiene practices prevalent in Garba Tula, to assess mass media sources that promote good hygiene practices and to assess the relationship between mass media and hygiene practices in the area. The study employed a convergent design. Quantitative data was gathered by use of structured questionnaires from 191 household heads sampled using a simple random technique. Data was analyzed by use of SPSS (2022) and ANOVA, inferential statistics was done and presented in figures, graphs and tables. Key informant interviews were conducted and data gathered was analyzed thematically and findings were presented in narratives. The study established that 54 (40%) of the respondents practiced open defecation, 36 (26%) had a family latrine while 26 (19%) of the respondents shared latrines. Besides, 78 (57%) of the respondents washed their hands with water and soap after latrine use. However, 69 (51%) of the respondents indicated that lack of water hindered them from handwashing. The study also revealed that radio was the most accessible media source 109 (80%) and was used to promote hygiene practices. The study also noted there was a low relationship (p<0.001) between the households without media access and hygiene practices. The study concluded that inadequate awareness and cultural beliefs were the primary causes of poor hygiene practices in the study area. Mass media, particularly radio, played a significant role in raising awareness and educating the community about the importance of good hygiene practices. The study recommends the county government of Isiolo ensures the households have access to latrines and safety of water sources. Also, more information on importance of good hygiene practices should be available and accessible to the residents of Garba Tula sub-county.

Assessment of Utilization of Sanitation Facilities by Women in Mukuru Kwa Reuben Informal Settlement in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Assessment of Utilization of Sanitation Facilities by Women in Mukuru Kwa Reuben Informal Settlement in Nairobi City County, Kenya Mucia, Teresia The problem of inadequate basic sanitation services to women living in informal settlement is a serious public health concern. Access to basic sanitation services is still a challenge in informal settlements and sanitation needs of some groups specifically women at times remain unmet. This study assessed the utilization of sanitation facilities by women in respect to design parameters, socio-economic factors, and operation and maintenance aspects in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to assess the influence of design parameters on the utilization of sanitation facilities by women in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors on the utilization of sanitation facilities by women in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and to investigate the influence of operation and maintenance on the utilization of sanitation facilities by women in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. The study was premised on the Health Action Process Approach. The study targeted all women aged 18 and above who consent and are the primary users of sanitation facilities and resident in Mukuru Kwa Reuben community. Sample for the study was 395 gotten using the Yamane formula. Sampling was by use of clustered simple random sampling for women in households. The main instruments of data collection were, questionnaire, focus group discussions, and observation. Quantitative data was analyzed for descriptive and inferencial statistics and findings presented in form of percentages, means, and frequencies then presented in tables. Qualitative data was analysed thematically presented in form of narratives. Results from the analysis showed that majority of the respondents (54.2%) were aged 31-40 years, married (41.0%), attained primary level education (49.0%), and employed (35.4%). The most common sanitation facility was container based (51.0%). Correlation results showed that design of floors, walls, and roofs (r=0.442, p=0.000), indicating a moderate positive association with utilization, handwashing facilities (r=0.219, p=0.000), indicating a weak positive association with utilization, distance to facility (r=0.696, p=0.000), indicating a strong positive association with utilization, beliefs (r=-0.613, p=0.000), indicating a strong negative association with utilization, education level (r=0.593, p=0.000), indicating a strong positive association with utilization, economic status (r=0.466, p=0.000), indicating a moderate positive association with utilization, cleaning frequency (r=0.672, p=0.000), indicating a strong positive association with utilization, exhausting frequency (r=0.319, p=0.000), indicating a moderate positive association with utilization, repairing (r=0.191, p=0.000), indicating a weak positive association with utilization, and daily inspection (r=0.364, p=0.000) indicating a moderate positive association with utilization. It is concluded that design parameters, socioeconomic factors, and operations and maintenance all have a positive association with utilization of sanitation facilities. The study recommends that efforts should be made to ensure that sanitation facilities are easily accessible and located within reasonable proximity to residential areas. This can involve establishing more facilities in underserved areas or implementing strategies to reduce travel distances.

Evaluation of Project Management Practices of Feacal Sludge Management in Embu County, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of Project Management Practices of Feacal Sludge Management in Embu County, Kenya Katheru, Cyrus Mugendi Global fecal sludge management heavily relies on on-site sanitation, with 1.3 billion out of 2.7 billion people depending on it, especially in urban areas where urban poor and peri-urban residents face increased risks but are often overlooked. In Sub-Saharan cities, pit latrines are more common than sewage systems. Access to sanitation in urban areas on a global scale is estimated between 65 and 100 percent, but improper fecal waste disposal poses significant risks of waterborne diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of resource planning, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation on fecal sludge management practices in Embu County. The study sampled 157 respondents, including managers, technicians, contractors, people involved in exhausting, and landlords, using a combination of primary and secondary data sources. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data, and the Cronbach alpha method assessed reliability. The findings indicated that effective resource planning positively influences the implementation of fecal sludge management systems, with a coefficient value of 0.979 suggesting increased resource planning leads to successful implementation. Stakeholder engagement also had a significant positive effect on implementation, with a one-unit increase resulting in a 0.355 unit increase in system implementation. Additionally, Monitoring and Evaluation activities positively impacted implementation, with a one-unit increase leading to a 0.787 unit increase.In conclusion, successful fecal sludge management requires proper resource planning, active stakeholder engagement, and robust Monitoring and Evaluation. Decision-makers should prioritize allocating appropriate resources, engaging stakeholders, and establishing comprehensive monitoring mechanisms. These measures will contribute to improved sanitation practices, reduced environmental impacts, and enhanced public health and sustainable development. Recommendations include developing a comprehensive resource plan, involving stakeholders at all levels, establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, investing in capacity building and training, and raising public awareness on responsible waste disposal. These actions will help ensure the successful implementation of fecal sludge management systems, particularly in Africa and Kenya, where proper sanitation practices are crucial for public health and environmental protection.

Influence of Sanitation Facility Design, Social Factors, And Technological Suitability On the Promotion of Safe Fecal Management in Nyando Sub-County, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of Sanitation Facility Design, Social Factors, And Technological Suitability On the Promotion of Safe Fecal Management in Nyando Sub-County, Kenya Onyango, Reagan Omondi Sustainable Development Goal 6, target 2, aims to achieve universal access to sanitation by 2030, including the elimination of open defecation. This study investigated the impact of sanitation facility design, social factors, and technological suitability on promoting safe fecal management in Nyando Sub-County. The objectives were to examine how sanitation facility design, social factors, and technological suitability influence safe fecal management in the area. Frequent flooding in Nyando Sub-County often leads to the collapse of pit latrines, exacerbating open defecation and reversing the gains sanitation access. The study employed a convergent methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. A sample size of 177 households was selected using the Yamane (1967) formula from a total of 38,460 households. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and relationships between variables were assessed using Pearson’s Product Moment correlation at a 5% significance level. MAXQDA software was used to analyze qualitative data by organizing it into themes. Results from regression analysis indicated significant influences of sanitation facility design (r =.507**, P ≤.019), social factors (r =.519**, P ≤.014), and technological suitability (r =.253**, P ≤.011) on promoting safe fecal management. The adjusted R-Square coefficient was 0.493, suggesting that the variables explained 49.3% of the factors influencing safe fecal management. The study found that 18.4% of respondents lacked toilets, and 55.2% had unimproved facilities. The study concluded that using appropriate construction materials and elevating toilets above flood levels, while ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness, could enhance their use during floods. Bridging socio-economic gaps and raising community awareness on improved sanitation are crucial to addressing sanitation inequalities. The study also recommended further research on other factors influencing the promotion of safe fecal management like Local Governance and Policy Support and Community Engagement and Participation. Additionally, more studies should be carried out to explore the suitable ecological sanitation alternatives for Nyando Sub-County to reduce the impact of flooding on sanitation facilities and public health