Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity among the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Staff, Langata Campus, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Overweight and obesity are escalating global problem, causing multiple life threatening non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer [1] [2]. Although the burden is particularly heavy in developing countries including Kenya, yet extensive data is still lacking in these countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for obesity and overweight among the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) staff, Langata Campus, Nairobi, Kenya. Methods and Materials: A cross sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 301 CUEA staff. WHO stepwise-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding respondents’ socio-demographic, lifestyle characteristics and anthropometric. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. Descriptive Data were descriptively analyzed into proportions and frequency tables, while to determine relationships between various variables;One-Way ANOVA was employed. The ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from KNH-University of Nairobi Ethical Review Committee. The institutional permission was granted by the administration of CUEA. The consent was obtained from the respondents before data collection was commenced. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the respondents was 47.5% and 36.3% respectively. Based on waist circumference (WC), the prevalence of overweight and obesity among men was 42.6% and 37.2% respectively. While among the women the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 56.8% and 19.5% respectively. The mean BMI (p = 0.006) and the mean WC (p = 0.004) were significantly higher among respondents aged ≤40 years old. Additionally, the mean WC was significantly higher among male respondents compared to the female counterparts (p = 0.003). Daily consumption of vegetables (p = 0.022) and fruits (p = 0.017) was significantly associated with lower WC. While, higher WC (p = 0.015) and BMI (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with daily consumption of fast foods. Respondents who had involved in vigorous intensity physical activity for ≥20 minutes for ≥3 days in a week had significantly lower mean BMI (p = 0.025) and mean WC (p = 0.002) compared to respondents who did not involve in any vigorous intensity physical activity for ≥20 minutes for ≥3 days in a week respectively. Additionally, respondents who had involved in moderate intensity physical activity for ≥30 minutes for ≥5 days in a week had significantly lower mean BMI (p = 0.011) and mean WC (p = 0.023) than respondents who did not involve in moderate intensity physical activity for ≥30 minutes for ≥5 days in a week respectively. Moreover, both mean BMI (p = 0.002) and WC (p = 0.005) were significantly higher among respondents who drink alcohol ≥ 3 standard drinks per drinking occasion compared to those who drink less than 3 standard drinks per drinking occasion. Conclusion and recommendation: There is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the respondents. Consumption of fast foods and excessive alcohol is a predictor for obesity. While high consumption of fruits and vegetable and engaging in physical activities are protective against obesity. Institution like the Catholic University of Eastern Africa should be involved in lifestyle modification programs that lead to improve nutrition, physical activity and behavioral change.

Prevalence and Predictors of Obesity among Undergraduate Students at a Private University, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Obesity, especially central obesity, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes, known for their significant morbidity and mortality. University students are at increased risk of obesity due to adoption of unhealthy lifestyles and school-related stress. However, there is scant information regarding the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among university students in Kenya. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with general and abdominal obesity among undergraduate students of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed among undergraduate students (n = 245) of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Lifestyle risk factors associated with obesity were collected using a structured questionnaire adopted from the WHO STEP-wise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance. Anthropometric measures of weight, height, and waist circumference were appropriately measured. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (ver: 22). The chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression was used to establish an association between dependent and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity was 19.6% and 27.8%, respectively. Risk factors of general obesity were age ≥ 20 years (OR, 9.95;95% CI, 3.09 - 32.08, p < 0.001), sedentary lifestyle (OR, 11.36;95% CI, 2.08 - 61.96, p = 0.005), staying with parents (OR, 3.22;95% CI, 1.09 - 9.58, p = 0.035), consumption of fast/processed foods (OR, 7.83;95% CI, 1.90 - 32.21, p = 0.004). Risk factors for abdominal obesity were being female (OR, 38.76;95% CI, 5.07 - 296.54, p < 0.001), staying with parents (OR, 3.02;95% CI, 1.14 - 7.99, p = 0.026) and sedentary lifestyle (OR, 6.55;95% CI, 1.80 - 23.81, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Being female, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of fast/processed foods were found as predictors of obesity. Behavioural intervention is required to mitigate the burden of obesity among university students in Kenya. This can be achieved through promoting intervention programmes that lead to changing the built environment, counseling, and behavioral-lifestyle modification of students.

Mathematical Modeling of the Co-Infection Dynamics of HIV and Tuberculosis Incorporating Inconsistency in HIV Treatment

A non-linear HIV-TB co-infection has been formulated and analyzed. The positivity and invariant region has been established. The disease free equilibrium and its stability has been determined. The local stability was determined and found to be stable under given conditions. The basic reproduction number was obtained and according to findings, co-infection diminishes when this number is less than unity, and persists when the number is greater than unity. The global stability of the endemic equilibrium was calculated. The impact of HIV on TB was established as well as the impact of TB on HIV. Numerical solution was also done and the findings indicate that when the rate of HIV treatment increases the latent TB increases while the co-infected population decreases. When the rate of HIV treatment decreases the latent TB population decreases and the co-infected population increases. Encouraging communities to prioritize the consistent treatment of HIV infected individuals must be emphasized in order to reduce the scourge of HIV-TB co-infection.

Mathematical Modeling of HIV Investigating the Effect of Inconsistent Treatment

HIV is a retrovirus that infects and impairs the cells and functions of the immune system. It has caused a great challenge to global public health systems and leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), if not attended to in good time. Antiretroviral therapy is used for managing the virus in a patient’s lifetime. Some of the symptoms of the disease include lean body mass and many opportunistic infections. This study has developed a SIAT mathematical model to investigate the impact of inconsistency in treatment of the disease. The arising non-linear differential equations have been obtained and analyzed. The DFE and its stability have been obtained and the study found that it is locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number is less than unity. The endemic equilibrium has been obtained and found to be globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number is greater than unity. Numerical solutions have been obtained and analyzed to give the trends in the spread dynamics. The inconsistency in treatment uptake has been analyzed through the numerical solutions. The study found that when the treatment rate of those infected increases, it leads to an increase in treatment population, which slows down the spread of HIV and vice versa. An increase in the rate of treatment of those with AIDS leads to a decrease in the AIDS population, the reverse happens when this rate decreases. The study recommends that the community involvement in advocating for consistent treatment of HIV to curb the spread of the disease.

An ab Initio Study of Mechanical and Electronic Properties of Stable Phases of CsXBr3 (X = Ge, Si) Compounds for Solar Cell Applications

Utilising the density functional theory, the mechanical and electrical characteristics of Cesium Germanium Bromide, CsGeBr3 and Cesium Silicon Bromide CsSiBr3 compounds were computed. The complicated and unique physical and chemical properties of these materials include the ideal geometric property, a limited electronic band structure, a charge density distribution, and specific van Hove singularities in the electronic density of states. With the use of the quantum espresso code and pseudo-potentials taken from the quantum espresso data repository, we have applied density functional theory. Plane Wave (PW) basis set and Projector Augmented Wave (PAW) pseudo potentials were used to compute the ground state energy. For the exchange correlation, where plane wave basis sets are used to expand the electronic structure wave function, the Generalised Gradient Approximation (GGA) was employed. For the computation of mechanical behaviour, including the bulk modulus and elastic constants with their derivatives, Thermo_pw was used as a post-processing algorithm. The theoretical framework that is being taught gives a thorough understanding of the many qualities and possible uses for solar cells and other opto-electronic devices. Both the cubic (high-temperature) and tetragonal (low-temperature) phases of CsGeBr3 were discovered to have an appropriate gap for solar cells. The edge-sharing monoclinic phase exhibits a greater distortion of the band structure than the cubic phase, which has a lower total energy and a somewhat bigger electronic gap. Although our estimations are less definite because the matching silicon-based compounds have not yet been created, they nonetheless point to a small gap for cubic CsGeBr3 of about 0.2 - 0.8 eV.

Determinants of Preterm Birth at the Postnatal Ward of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Preterm birth, delivery prior to 37 completed weeks or 259 days gestation, is a worldwide maternal and perinatal challenge and is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Preterm birth remains the leading cause of perinatal and postnatal mortality and morbidity especially in developing countries where the health care services are suffering from limited resources. Premature babies usually suffer from both immediate and long term consequences. Right after birth, they have difficulties in breathing, temperature regulation, bleeding, infection and other problems due to organ immaturity. Their growth and developmental milestones will also be affected leading poor physical, mental, educational and psychosocial problems as a long term consequences. Preterm deliveries were responsible for 1 million out of the 6.3 million deaths of children under5 in2013 REF _Ref493689700 \r \h \* MERGEFORMAT [1]. In Kenyatta National hospital, few studies have been carried out to determine the prevalence and factors associated with preterm birth. Hence the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with preterm birth at Kenyatta national hospital (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study involving randomly selected respondents (N = 183) from post natal ward of Kenyatta National Hospital. Systematic random sampling method was applied to recruit the study respondents. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect information on the possible determinants of Preterm birth. Data was analysed usingSPSSsoftware version 22.0. Descriptive analysis was done using mean and frequency proportion. Inferential analysis using chi-square test was used to establish association different variables. The ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from KNH-University of Nairobi Ethical Review Committee (KNH-UoN ERC). Permission to collect data was sought from the KNH and consent was obtained from the selected respondents before administering the questionnaire. Result: The prevalence rate of preterm birth was 20.2%. History of urinary tract infection during pregnancy [AOR = 4.62;95% CI = 1.56 - 4.67;P = 0.013], history of preterm birth [AOR = 5.8;95% CI = 1.18 - 10.30;P = 0.001], history of abortion [AOR = 3.54;95% CI = 1.18 - 10.41;P = 0.016], history of hypertension during pregnancy [AOR = 2.04;95% CI = 1.14 - 3.64;P = 0.012], maternal age (≥31 years) [AOR = 2.81;95% CI = 1.24 - 5.87;P = 0.012] and alcohol consumption during pregnancy [AOR = 2.56;95% CI = 0.68 - 9.64;P = 0.014] were determined as significant risk factors for preterm birth. Conclusion and recommendation: The determinants of preterm birth are multifactorial including history of abortion, preterm birth, urinary tract infection, hypertension and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Most of these risk factors of preterm birth are controllable if reproductive age mothers are educated properly. It is very important for antenatal mothers to adhere to the guidelines of antenatal visits so that those at risk are spotted and close monitoring can done in order to reduce this high rate of preterm birth and its negative consequences. Strategies to avert the high prevalence of preterm birth and its associated morbidity and mortality must be given priority at national, regional and international levels, so that the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 can be achieved.

Prevalence and Predictors of Neonatal Sepsis among Neonates Admitted at the Newborn Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the primary causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Despite the availability of different preventive interventions, in Kenya, the burden of neonatal sepsis remains critically high. Aim: To determine the prevalence and predictors of neonatal sepsis among newborns admitted at the newborn unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Methods: This is a hospital-based, cross-sectional study design carried out among 196 neonates and their mothers at the new born unit of Kenyatta National Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study subjects. Data on the possible contributing factors of neonatal sepsis was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using the statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS: version 22). Data were descriptively analyzed into frequencies and proportions. The chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression were employed to determine associations between the dependent (neonatal sepsis) and various independents variables. A multiple logistic regression model was carried out to determine the variables independently contributed to the occurrence of neonatal sepsis. Results: Our study revealed that the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 28.6%. Neonates born of single mothers (AOR = 5.454, p = 0.012), mothers with history of UTI (AOR = 2.969, p = 0.013), PROM (AOR = 6.124, p = 0.001) and anaemia (AOR = 3.379, p = 0.010) were at higher risk to develop neonatal sepsis. Prematurity (AOR = 6.402, p < 0.001), low Apgar score at 5th minutes (AOR = 8.212, p < 0.001) and history of invasive procedure (AOR = 2.464, p = 0.046) were the neonatal factors independently associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Kenyatta National Hospital is high. This is another piece of evidence showing both maternal and neonatal-related factor had a significant effect on the risk of neonatal sepsis. Provision of community-based health education is highly recommended to increase awareness of women on the risk factors of neonatal sepsis and their preventive methods such as anaemia and UTI during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should exercise a high standard of care when handling premature and babies with low Apgar score to reduce the risks of neonatal sepsis.

Maternal and Neonatal Factors Associated with Mortality of Preterm Babies Admitted in Newborn Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Background: Preterm birth is a primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in low-income countries. Although understanding the preventable factors of neonatal deaths in preterm infants is required for timely interventions, data on those factors is lacking in Kenya. We attempted to determine mortality and its associated factors in preterm babies in Kenya. Methods and Materials: A hospital-based, prospective study was implemented from July 2019 to October 2019 involving 163 preterm neonates and their mothers admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital. A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit the study participants. Data on mortality and the associated factors in preterm neonates were collected using a pretested questionnaire for mothers and neonatal medical records. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mortality rate was 18.4%. Of the neonates who died, respiratory distress syndrome (63.3%) and neonatal sepsis (20.0%) were documented as the primary causes. Neonates born of single mother (AOR = 8.006, 95% CI 2.267 to 28.272, p = 0.001), unemployed (6.960, 1.059 - 45.757, p = 0.043), self-employed (4.040, 1.067 - 15.302, p = 0.040), anemic (7.465, 2.530 - 22.023, p < 0.001) and with history of bleeding during pregnancy were more likely to have died. The neonates born before 28 weeks of gestation (126.188, 14.554 - 1094.060, p < 0.001), those who did not cry immediately at birth (54.271, 5.970 - 493.395, p < 0.001) and the resuscitated at birth (54.406, 6.807 - 434.851, p < 0.001) were likely to die. Conclusion: High mortality rates of preterm neonates are attributed to both maternal and neonatal factors. Focused antenatal care should aim at early identification of high-risk mothers for early management of bleeding during pregnancy, close monitoring of nutritional status for mothers and health education.

Magnitude and Determinants of Undernutrition among Pregnant Women Attending a Public Hospital in Kenya

Background: Undernutrition during pregnancy in the developing countries is a major public health problem due to its strong association with maternal and child morbidity and mortality. The available data on the extent and determinants of under-nutrition among pregnant women in Kenya is scant. This main objective of the study is to establish the extent and determinants of undernutrition in pregnant women attending a public hospital in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 162 randomly selected pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, a well-known public health facility in Nairobi. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Nutritional status of the pregnant mothers was determined using mid-upper arm circumference measurement. Hemoglobin level was extracted from the maternal antenatal card to determine their anemic status. Descriptive and inferential analyses were done using SPSS Software (version 22.0). Frequencies and proportions were generated for categorical variables. While mean and standard deviation were computed for continuous variables. The chi-square test of independence was employed to establish the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variable. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables independently linked to maternal undernutrition. Results: The overall prevalence of undernutrition and anemia among the pregnant women was 27% and 39.7%, respectively. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that being single [AOR = 4.27;95% CI = 2.21 - 8.32, P = 0.001], divorced/separated [AOR = 2.25;95% CI = 1.13 - 4.87;P = 0.021], self-employed [AOR = 4.27;95% CI = 2.21 - 8.32;P = 0.022], illiterate [AOR = 4.31;95% CI = 2.55 - 8.20;P = 0.007), having short birth interval (<24 months) [AOR = 2.54;95% CI = 1.43 - 5.53;P = 0.042] and being anemic [AOR = 2.7;95% CI = 1.66 - 4.97;P = 0.037] were the variables significantly and independently associated with undernutrition among the pregnant women. Conclusions: Our findings show that the burden of undernutrition during pregnancy is still high in Kenya which requires urgent attention. Pregnant women who were never married, divorced/separated, self-employed, illiterate, and those with short birth interval were at increased risk of undernutrition. Nutrition intervention targeting social determinants of maternal undernutrition may result in positive outcomes. This will significantly help achieve the SDGs by reducing maternal child mortality.

Spatial Distribution of Soil Moisture Content and Tree Volume Estimation in International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Forest, Ibadan, Nigeria

The role of soil moisture in the survival and growth of trees cannot be over-emphasized and it contributes to the net productivity of the forest. However, information on the spatial distribution of the soil moisture content regarding the tree volume in forest ecosystems especially in Nigeria is limited. Therefore, this study combined spatial and ground data to determine soil moisture distribution and tree volume in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) forest, Ibadan. Satellite images of 1989, 1999, 2009 and 2019 were obtained and processed using topographic and vegetation-based models to examine the soil moisture status of the forest. Satellite-based soil moisture obtained was validated with ground soil moisture data collected in 2019. Tree growth variables were obtained for tree volume computation using Newton’s formular. Forest soil moisture models employed in this study include Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Temperature Dryness Vegetation Index (TDVI) and Modified Normalized Difference Wetness Index (MNDWI). Relationships between index-based and ground base Soil Moisture Content (SMC), as well as the correlation between soil moisture and tree volume, were examined. The study revealed strong relationships between tree volume and TDVI, SMC, TWI with R2 values of 0.91, 0.85, and 0.75, respectively. The regression values of 0.89 between in-situ soil data and TWI and 0.83 with TDVI ascertain the reliability of satellite data in soil moisture mapping. The decision of which index to apply between TWI and TDVI, therefore, depends on available data since both proved to be reliable. The TWI surface is considered to be a more suitable soil moisture prediction index, while MNDWI exhibited a weak relationship (R2 = 0.03) with ground data. The strong relationships between soil moisture and tree volume suggest tree volume can be predicted based on available soil moisture content. Any slight undesirable change in soil moisture could lead to severe forest conditions.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Selected <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>Isolated from Commercial Poultry Production Systems in Kiambu County, Kenya

Introduction: In the last two decades, the treatment of enteric infections has been complicated by the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains. Occurrence of multidrug resistant Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobactaeraceae poses the greatest risk to public health by raising morbidity and mortality by six folds in developing countries. The present study aims to determine the antibiotics resistance patterns of selected Enterobacteriaceae isolated from commercial poultry production systems in Kiambu County. Methods: A laboratory based cross-sectional study was conducted in six purposively selected Sub-Counties of Kiambu County from October 2020, to February 2021. A total of 437 fecal samples were collected from each household. The antibiotic susceptibility testing using disk diffusion method was used against E. coli; Salmonella spps.; Shigella spps.; and Klebsiella spps. which were isolated and identified through standard biochemical. Results: Out of 437 fecal and stool samples collected, 591 isolates were recovered with E. coli (48.9%) being the most frequently identified, followed by Shigella spps. (18.8%), Salmonella spps. (18.3%), and Klebsiella spps. (14.0%). The study shows there was high prevalence of multiple resistance among isolates especially to Sulfamethoxazole (79%), Trimethoprim (71%), and Tetracyclines (59%), correspondingly. Additionally, the isolates showed the highest rate of susceptibility against Cefuroxime (94%), Gentamicin (93%), Ceftriaxone (91%), Cefepime (89%), Cefotaxime (85%), Ceftazidime (84%), and Chloramphenicol (77%), respectively. Discussion: Our study indicates that both fecal and stool materials from commercial poultry and humans can be reservoir of multi-drug resistance enteric’s which can be a potential route of transmission of resistance genes, which pose a great risk to public health of Kiambu Residence.

Challenges Associated with Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls Attending Bocharia Primary School in Nyamira County, Kenya

Background: Approximately, half a million of adolescent girls in the world feel frustrated during their monthly period due to poor menstrual hygiene practices. In the low-and-middle income countries, about three-quarters of girls do not have access to clean sanitary materials, and use low-quality products. In the Sub-Saharan African countries, menstruation among school-age girls is a neglected issue. Poor menstrual hygiene practices expose adolescent girls to reproductive organ infections, psychosocial stress, and poor school attendance. However, the available data concerning challenges associated with menstrual hygiene among school girls in the remote areas of Kenya remains unknown. Aim: To assess challenges associated with menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls attending Bocharia Primary School in Nyamira County, Kenya. Methods: The target population was grade 4 to 8 adolescent girls (n = 111) aged 10 - 19 years. Hence, census method of sampling was used to include all the girls in grade 4 - 8. Raw data was obtained using a Semi-structured questionnaire which was tested by a representation of 11 girls (10% of the sample size) who had the same characteristics. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 with both descriptive and inferential statistics. In descriptive statistics, frequency and percentage were generated. The chi-square test of independence was used to determine associations between some socio-demographic variables of the girls and menstrual hygiene practice. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: The study found that majority (57%) of the respondents had poor menstrual hygiene practices associated with lack of accessibility and affordability to sanitary products, functional and safe latrines, shortage of soap and water supply, and sanitation facilities. Approximately half (47.8%) of the respondents reported that menstrual hygiene practices are highly influenced by taboo from cultural beliefs and societal norms. Girls who live with both parents were more likely (73.3%) to wash their body with water and soap during monthly bleeding as compared to those girls from single mother (64.7%) and those who live or grand Mothers (42.9%). The toilets or latrines that were allocated to the girls were unlockable, which threatens privacy and safety of the girls. Conclusions: Most of the school girls had poor menstrual hygiene practices associated with lack of sanitary products, safe and functional latrines, adequate water supply, soaps and sanitation facilities. Adequate attention to menstrual hygiene management should be given by the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program, education sectors, and sexual and reproductive health programs.

Land Use Land Cover Changes and Encroachment Issues in Kapkatet Wetland, Kenya

Kapkatet Wetland is a vital ecosystem in Kenya that supports rural livelihoods through the provision of various ecological goods and services. However, this ecosystem has been undergoing rapid degradation arising from competing land uses. It’s important to document these changes to obtain insights that can aid decision-making for effective restoration and conservation. This study, therefore, sought to assess the extent and patterns of land use and land cover changes in Kapkatet Wetland between 1986 and 2019, and their driving forces. The study followed a mixed-method research approach involving a combination of remote sensing and descriptive surveys. To quantify the wetland changes, remotely sensed imageries for 1986, 2000, and 2019 were utilized in classifying land use and land cover maps through the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. Household questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to obtain information about peoples’ perceptions of the driving forces of landscape change within the wetland. Results generally showed that Kapkatet wetland declined by 24.77% over the past years (1986-2019). Wetland vegetation declined drastically as open grounds increased while tree cover and disturbed reeds showed a fluctuating trend. These changes were majorly driven by land conversion activities within the wetland. The study recommends a community-based enforcement approach to existing laws and policies by both National and Local governments to curb the continuous loss of this wetland.

Antimicrobial Use in Commercial Poultry Production Systems in Kiambu County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

Background: Antibiotic resistance is putting the commercial poultry production systems across the globe at risk of losses due to the failure of treatments for animals and human health which has been associated with overuse and misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming. One possible approach to the resistance problem is ensuring adequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial use by farmers on commercial production systems across the globe are applied. Therefore, the current study was carried out to determine factors that could promote antimicrobial use in commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial use. One hundred and fifty-six (n = 156) semi-structured questionnaires imprinted in a mobile Open data kit were administered to capture the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial usage in commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County. Results: Out of the 156 commercial poultry farmers who participated in this study, females accounted for (64%) with 51% of them keeping layers between 50 - 500 birds as medium scale farmers. In the study, most of the farmers were 45 years and above (61%) and they had obtained a secondary level of education (34%). We further noted that 67% of the farmers obtain antibiotics through self-prescription/personal experience. Additional lack of veterinary officers (77%) and consultation services (72%) was also mentioned as key challenges in poultry production. The majority of the respondents (63%), indicated Tetracycline as the most commonly used antibiotic in their farms, with the most preferred subtypes of tetracycline and Amoxicillin being Oxytetracyclines (85%) and Amoxi (88%) respectively. Nearness to veterinary services significantly (P < 0.05) contributed to the use of antibiotics agents. Additionally, the area of residence, type of production, number of years in farming, and average number of birds kept also significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the level of knowledge and practice on antimicrobial usage. Conclusion: Generally, the level of knowledge and practice on antibiotic use among commercial poultry farmers in Kiambu County is still lacking. This was witnessed with continued use of antibiotics without a prescription from veterinary/livestock extension offices, which is inconsistent with the general recommendation on antimicrobial stewardship. Therefore, the current research calls for intervention measures such as extensive education to farmers on the rational use of antimicrobial agents in commercial poultry disease management, observance of withdrawal periods, and the impacts of residues on public health.