Students' Projects/Research Reports

Factors associated with Elevated Plasma levels of Liprotein (a) in indegenous black Zambians with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 in the outpatient medical clinic at the University Teaching Hospital,Lusaka,Zambia

Factors associated with Elevated Plasma levels of Liprotein (a) in indegenous black Zambians with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 in the outpatient medical clinic at the University Teaching Hospital,Lusaka,Zambia Sinyani, Angela Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is considered to be a CVD equivalent. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Since Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) patient numbers continue to rise, and since patients continue to present with cardiovascular disease-related complications, it is possible that some of these patients have high plasma levels of Lp(a). The aim of the study was to investigate the plasma levels of Lp(a) in T2DM patients and also to assess the factors that may be associated with the plasma levels of Lp(a) among indigenous black Zambians with T2DM. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross sectional study that enrolled 155 participants, 79 T2DM patients attending the outpatient medical clinic of the University Teaching Hospital and 76 community-based healthy individuals. A short questionnaire was used to record the social demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements. 4ml of venous blood was collected from which all the analytes were measured. The factors that were assessed for association with Lp(a) included; social demographic characteristics, social economic status, duration of illness, dietary composition, physical fitness, BMI, fasting blood sugar (FBS), renal function, hepatic function, acute phase response, lipid profile, and glycaemic control. Therefore the variables that were measured were as follows; Age, sex, marital status, occupation, residence, dietary fat content, dietary carbohydrate source, dietary protein source, frequency of exercise, BMI, FBS, ALT, urea, creatinine, C-reactive protein, Triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, HbA1c and lipoprotein(a) respectively. The data were expressed as median (interquartile range). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the median values between the two groups of the study participants (Diabetics and healthy individuals) for continuous variables, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test for the ordinal data whereas the Chi-squared test was used to compare the proportions for the nominal data. SPSS version 21(IBM) was used to perform a multiple linear regression analysis to identify the *9/et of variables that would best predict the plasma levels of Lp(a) Results: The median plasma levels of Lp(a) in the diabetics (20.0 (11.8-37.4)mg/dl) was significantly higher (p<0.001,) than the healthy individuals (13.6 (9.4-21.5)mg/dl). 17 % of the diabetics had plasma levels of Lp(a) higher than 30 mg/dl. Of all the independent variables assessed, the results showed that glycemic control (HbA1c), FBS (glucose) triglycerides and residence were significant (p<0.001, p=0.030, p=0.040, p= 0.004 respectively) predictors of plasma levels of Lp(a). The linear relationships showed that the plasma levels of Lp(a) had a positive relationship with HbA1c (r=5.220) and FBS (r=0.660) whereas the relationship with triglycerides (r= -4.794) and residence (r= -7.165) were inverse Conclusion: . The plasma levels of Lp(a) in the T2DM patients were significantly higher than the non-diabetic healthy individuals. Glycemic control (HbA1c) , triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBS) and social economic status (medium density residence) were predictors of serum levels of Lp(a).

A study to assess utilization of the nursing process by registered student nurses at Livingstone school of nursing.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A study to assess utilization of the nursing process by registered student nurses at Livingstone school of nursing. Moonde, Loveness. The main purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of the nursing process by registered nursing students. A descriptive cross section was used to assess the utilization of the nursing process by RN students. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The study was conducted at Livingstone Registered Nursing School situated at Livingstone General hospital in Livingstone city. Livingstone city is situated 480 km south of Lusaka. Fifty respondents were selected from the second and third year students using a quota sampling method. Data was collected through the use of a self-administered questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed manually using a data master sheet and a scientific calculator while the qualitative data was analyzed using the content analysis. The quantitative data were presented in the form of frequency tables and pie charts. Cross tabulations were used to identify special relationships between variables. The study revealed that (49, 98%) of the respondents had heard about the nursing process from the classroom lectures while only (25, 50%) had utilized the nursing process.

Knowledge attitude and practice among nurses towards documentation of fluid balance chart at UTH Lusaka.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Knowledge attitude and practice among nurses towards documentation of fluid balance chart at UTH Lusaka. Kalengo, Naomi. The main purpose of the study was to determine the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among nurses towards the documentation of fluid intake and output chart in clinical areas at University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. The major hypotheses were (1) the higher the knowledge on fluid balance chart, the better the practice and (2) There is an association between knowledge and practice on importance of documenting the fluid intake and output chart.A non - experimental descriptive cross sectional study was used and a total of 50 nurses were recruited in the study using convenient sampling method and a self administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The respondents in this study were from different departments at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) such as Peadiatrics, Obstetric/gynaecology, Medical and Surgical departments and Emergency Departments. Coding and editing of data was done after data collection. Data was analyzed manually, findings presented in frequency tables, pie charts and cross tabulations. The results of the study indicated that (60%) of the respondents had high knowledge of fluid balance chart documentation. Majority of the respondents (54%) had a positive attitude towards fluid balance chart documentation. Despite such a scenario the results still indicated that even though the respondents had high knowledge and positive attitude, (80%) of the respondents had an average practice of fluid balance chart documentation. The study findings also revealed that most of the respondents were females (84%), and majority of the respondents (52%) were in the ages 20-29 years.

A study of factors contributing to community utilization of traditional medicine in Lusaka urban,Zambia.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A study of factors contributing to community utilization of traditional medicine in Lusaka urban,Zambia. Kanyanta, Cornelia Nosiku. This study of factors contributing to the use of traditional medicine was undertaken in Lusaka urban. 75 respondents consisting of 34 males and 41 females were sampled. 25 traditional healers were interviewed as well. Literature reviewed generally showed that mankind worlwide has been using traditional medicine as long as he has existed. The study elicited the following findings: traditional medicine is used by the majority of people either partially or in totality and that the factors contributing to the use of traditional medicines are the socio-economic status of an individual, his religious beliefs, cost sharing and the type of illness an individual has all contributed to the choice of using traditional medicine.

A Study to determine the knowledge and practices of family planning among women in Mufulira district.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A Study to determine the knowledge and practices of family planning among women in Mufulira district. Mpundu, Margaret Chilambwe. The main objective of the study was to determine the knowledge and practices of family planning among women in Mufulira District. The specific objectives were to determine the awareness of family planning services among women, determine the utilisation of family planning services and the factors that influence the utilisation of family planning services. The study was conducted between 6th-30th August, 2001. Literature was reviewed globally, regionally and on the national level that showed factors associated with the knowledge and practices of family planning. Among these factors were the marital status, age, parity, educational level and socioeconomic status. A non-interventional descriptive exploratory type of study was done. It was both quantitative and qualitative.The findings of the study showed that all the respondents (100%) had heard about family planning, 94.8% were able to mention at least one modern method of family planning, 85% were able to define family planning correctly, 83% were knowledgeable about family planning and 17% had inadequate knowledge.

A study to assess the involvement of family members in the care of hospitalised patients.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A study to assess the involvement of family members in the care of hospitalised patients. Mwale, Gertrude. The study was conducted at St. Francis Hospital in Katete District, Eastern Province. The title of the study is to assess the involvement of family members in the care of the hospitalised patients. Some of its objectives were : To find out to what extent the family members participate in the care of the hospitalised patients. To find out the problems the family members encounter while taking care of their patients. The literature review was based on the importance and role of family members and also on what is expected of nurses in order to ease the involvement of family members in patient care. Fifty (50) family members who were looking after the hospitalised patients were sampled using simple random sampling method. The findings revealed that all the respondents (50) 100% were involved in patient care although some family members were not oriented to the ward and did not receive explanation on the activities they participated in. They were not supervised nor assisted. 151/o^jpf the family members stated that they got involved in patient care because they felt that it was part of their responsibility. The study results also revealed that there was no proper demarcation between roles of nurses and the relatives as the latter group was doing almost everything for the patient. Some recommendations are that there is need for nurses to have in service courses periodically in which they have to be reminded of the basic principles of Nursing such as orientation of patients and relatives and communication.

A study to determine the knowledge attitude and practice of medical doctors on infection prevention.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A study to determine the knowledge attitude and practice of medical doctors on infection prevention. Munganga, Juliet Kasanga. The study was conducted at School of Nursing Lusaka, Zambia. Aim of the study was to assess the amount of knowledge, attitudes and skills. Third year student nurses had of the concept of Primary Health Care (PHC). The study was also done with a view of discovering areas where knowledge was weak, so that nurse educators can know where to lay more emphasis when teaching Primary Health Care.The literature used in this study was obtained from various sources and most of it was that presented in other countries especially W.H.O. reports and Internation Nursing Review Journals. The literature revealed that teachers teaching P.H.C. found it difficult to interpret the curriculum given to them on PHC. Some literature stated that students failed to interpret what Primary Health Care was because their training took place in the hospital and not in the community setting. The sample was randomly selected from students who were in their final year of training and has had all lectures and practical experiences on PHC. Sample consisted of fifty (50) respondents, all of whom were females. The data collecting instrument used was a questionnaire. This was the most appropriate tool for collecting data since it allowed the reseacher to cover a wide area of the subject under study. The findings of the study revealed that Student Nurses had the knowledge of Primary Health but were not adequately exposed to the practical experiences. This made them develop deficient skills and lacked, a proper understanding of Primary Health Care.

Evaluating the effectiveness of patient counselling services in the delivery of pharmaceutical care to patients at uth.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluating the effectiveness of patient counselling services in the delivery of pharmaceutical care to patients at uth. Kalumba, Mukoma I. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of patient counselling services in the delivery of pharmaceutical care to patients at UTH. The study was beneficial as it aimed at improving pharmaceutical care services and in particular patient counselling services for the betterment of health. The key variables of the study were patient counselling sessions, quality of pharmaceutical care being delivered through patient counselling, views of patients on counselling services, knowledge that patients are receiving from pharmacists, the major factors contributing to the prevailing standards of patient counselling services at UTH & medication counselling behaviour guidelines.The study adopted a Descriptive cross-sectional method of research as it aimed at quantifying the distribution of certain variables in a study population. The main data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire as it enhanced data collection to a larger group of people within the short time that was available to the researcher. The study revealed the following findings: 55% of the patient respondents had been counselled while 45% had not been counselled by the pharmacist on the medicines they had acquired. The majority of those not counselled were inpatients as there were no pharmacists on the wards. Regarding the quality of pharmaceutical care being delivered by pharmacists through patient counselling services, the study revealed that pharmacists arc generally delivering quality pharmaceutical care through patient counselling services.

Factors associated with nurses' utilization of the district integrated logistics self assessment tool (DILSAT) in lusaka urban health centres.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Factors associated with nurses' utilization of the district integrated logistics self assessment tool (DILSAT) in lusaka urban health centres. Mbewe, David G T. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with the nurses' utilization of the District Integrated Logistics Self Assessment Tool (DILSAT) in Lusaka Urban Health Centres. Poor quantification techniques as well as failure to use the principle of First in First out (FIFO) and First Expiry First Out (FEFO) by the nurses in selected Health Centres in Lusaka DHMT has led to most drugs expiring. This has created some unforeseen drug shortages. The general objective of the study is to determine the nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice towards the utilization of DILSAT in Lusaka Urban Health Centres. Literature review has shown that the problem of logistics management exists globally, regionally as well as at national level. In line with this wide spread problem, the DELIVER Project funded by USAID has been working in countries world wide to establish and strengthen the logistics chain management. This study was conducted from August, 2008 to February, 2009. The study population was composed of the nurses in Lusaka Urban Health Centres. The study design utilized was the explorative non-interventional quantitative and qualitative type. The sample size comprised 50 nurses. A systematic sampling method was used in this study where every 5th nurse from the selected Health Centre was considered for the study. With the use of a self administered questionnaire data were collected from the targeted respondents.The most striking finding of the study is that there were low levels of knowledge on DILSAT among the nurses working at the TB corner of each health centre visited by the researcher.

A study to determine the needs of home based care health personnel in ndola urban clinics.

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A study to determine the needs of home based care health personnel in ndola urban clinics. Mapenzi, Monica. The purpose of the study was to determine the needs of Home Based Care health personnel in Ndola Urban Clinics. The review of literature on relevant study done in other countries and within Zambia revealed that there are influencing factors on the topic under-study and the factors include:- Economy of the country, distance from patient's home to the clinic, availability of transport, staffing levels, attitude of staff toward the programme, training of staff, supervision and incentives from management, community cooperation and cultural beliefs. A descriptive explanatory and non¬intervention type of study was used. The study was conducted in Ndola district.The population understudy was fifty (50) health personnel, of which 40 were nurses and 10 were clinical officers. The respondents were randomly selected. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed manually and findings presented in frequency tables, cross tabulations and Bar graphs. The study revealed that KBC health personnel had no resources such as:- transport, gloves and drugs to use in the management of HIV/AIDS patients in their homes.