International Research Journal of Rongo University

INFLUENCE OF COMMUNITY-LEVEL FACTORS ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The alcohol abuse issue in Kenya poses significant challenges to health, the economy, and national security, particularly in the Western region where there is the highest prevalence of alcohol consumption among adolescents in Kenya, standing at 42.5%. This paper explores the social phenomenon of alcohol consumption, specifically examining community-level factors influencing adolescents in Kakamega County. While theoretical frameworks like Bronfenbrenner's theory suggest a link between social factors and alcohol use, empirical evidence in Kakamega County is lacking. The current study, rooted in both positivism and post-positivism, employed a mixed-methods approach involving a cross-sectional survey to quantitatively describe community factors and alcohol consumption among adolescents in Kakamega County. Adopting Max Weber's definition, community-level factors are considered as elements of social values and norms adhered to over time within the community. Despite theoretical reasoning highlighting the connection between social factors and alcohol use, a gap exists in empirical evidence in Kakamega County. The primary aim of this paper was to determine the influence of community-level factors on alcoholism in the region. The study, encompassed three sub-counties in Kakamega, sampled 381 respondents from a total adolescent population of 41,373. Employing questionnaire and interview methods, the research found that community-level factors exhibited a positive association (p-value 0.023) with alcoholism among adolescents. The regression coefficient suggested a predicted increase in the log odds of alcohol consumption with a one-unit rise in community factors. However, this association was deemed insignificant at a 95% confidence interval (p-value 0.826). In conclusion, community-level factors may not be the most effective predictors of alcoholism; instead, other factors, particularly individual-level factors, play a more crucial role. The study emphasizes the need for heightened attention to individual and family-level factors, while also acknowledging the role of community-level factors, such as advertisements, availability, and affordability of alcohol, after adolescents have been influenced by individual factors. This nuanced understanding is vital for developing targeted interventions and policies to address alcohol consumption among adolescents in Kakamega County and similar contexts.

AGILE COMMUNICATION CHANNELS FOR ENHANCING ADOPTION OF EXTENSION SERVICES

Johanes Makodiah, James Abila, Jerry Agalo — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Many governments and multi-national agencies have directed a lot of resources towards improving agricultural extension communication but without coordinated, responsive, and audience-focused agricultural extension channels, these efforts have gone to waste. The main objective of this study is to examine the agility of communication channels for enhancing the adoption of agricultural extension services. The study examined the appropriateness, and interactivity of channels; A total of 279 farmers selected from Migori and Homa Bay Counties were interviewed to share their experiences on the agility of channels used during extension services in the production of orange fleshed sweet potatoes. The study population consisted of farmers who participated in Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) project which was implemented by International Potato Centre (CIP) in the two counties in 2017 and 2018. The respondents were identified using systematic random sampling. Quantitative data collection was conducted by use of mobile phone application, Kobocollect. It was established that there was channel agility in terms of venue appropriateness (49%) and the impact of training received (90%) by farmers. There was average interaction agility whereby face to face engagement recorded (48%) most of the time and (49%) half the time. Emerging channels interaction agility was observed in the use of digital platforms (mobile invitation) for meetings at (52%) and inclusion of channel interaction through demonstration was high at (61%). This implies that there is average channel appropriateness and interaction. The extension officers of government and NGOs can use this knowledge of the sensitive, flexible, iterative nature of communication channels to vary their approaches as they communicate during their extension programmes.

CONCEPTUAL BLOCKCHAIN MODEL FOR REINFORCED DATA INTEGRITY ABOUT CONSUMED DRUGS

Jacob Orage, James Abila, Anne Mugalavai — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Data integrity is essential in the distribution of public goods, particularly in healthcare where medicinal drugs must be accurately and reliably tracked from supplier to consumer. Issues such as counterfeiting and data tampering compromise drug safety, prompting a need for effective data integrity solutions. This study explores how blockchain technology can enhance the integrity of data in the distribution of medicinal drugs. It reviews the current status of data integrity in drug distribution, reviews literature on blockchain requirements, and designs a conceptual blockchain model aimed at reinforcing data integrity. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, including a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder interviews to assess the current state of data integrity in the drug distribution process and Primary data was collected, then analyzed thematically. The study presents a clear research question for investigation: How can a blockchain model effectively reinforce data integrity throughout the drug distribution process? Furthermore, we designed a conceptual blockchain model aimed at reinforcing data integrity throughout the drug consumption process. This model offers benefits for various stakeholders including pharmaceutical stores, pharmacists, doctors, nursing heads, procurement managers, accountants, hospital administrators, patients, and healthcare providers by providing a reliable, immutable, secure, and transparent system for recording and tracking drug-related information across all departments