Kibabii University was represented at the 64th Nurses Annual Scientific Conference and AGM that took place between October 12th to 14th at St Patrick Pastoral Centre, Kabula in Bungoma County. The conference brought brought together nurses from all parts of the Country and East African region under the theme “Nurses a Voice to Lead”. The conference was graced by the President of the Nurses Association of Kenya (NAK) and International Council of Nurses delegates from Rwanda and Uganda.
The nurses presented research projects in teaching, research and clinical practice. Kibabii University School of Nursing showcased its research outputs in diverse areas of specialization. The projects that were presented were deemed to be of great benefit, most importantly, to the local Community, Partners, County and National Governments. The University has cemented itself as a formidable health research institution in the region.
A collaborative research project between Kibabii University, the County Government of Bungoma, and other Local Implementing Partners on Quality of Preterm Care in Bungoma County was presented by a Lecturer of Nursing Mr. Opemo Otieno. The main objective of this proposed study is to improve the standards of the quality of preterm care in the County.
“This descriptive cross-sectional study would form a reference baseline for future studies and also a tool for the mobilization of investment in low-cost technologies, infrastructure, and human resources for health in preterm care. The study will be carried out between 2022 December and 2023 June in which the study findings will help in informing policy for advocacy purposes on the interventions that can be put in place so as to improve the quality of preterm care,” the presentation read in part.
Mr. Senghor Shisanya presented a study protocol for a randomized control trial dubbed “I Decide Study”. This protocol proposed implementation innovations to improve early postpartum contraceptives uptake. The study will compare community and facility-based models of antenatal targeted Family Planning information giving and appointment setting, with the control group. The protocol has been registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry and Published in PLOS ONE protocols journal thus making the study reproducible on a larger scale for more robust policy influence.
A systematic review of the Devolution of Healthcare System in Kenya was presented by Mr. John Kennedy Moturi. This research presented evidence of the progress and challenges of the devolved healthcare system in Kenya. This review established that there was an improvement in the health structural development that was brought by devolution in the country. However, devolution is not free of challenges. The major challenges noted in the post-devolution era within the health sector include inadequate resources from the national government and understaffed health facilities. The study recommends the allocation of resources to counties commensurate with the devolved functions. The study calls for further research on equity and equality of the devolved healthcare system in Kenya.
The final project was on Respectful Maternity Care Interventions in Promoting Quality at Level Five Health Facilities in Bungoma County, Kenya whose main aim was evaluating maternity care interventions for promoting quality of maternal and newborn care at level 5 health facilities in Bungoma County was presented by Dr. Lucy Natecho. The study showed that respectful Maternity Care should be incorporated in routine care, more staff to be deployed, equipment and supplies should be availed, presence of birth companions during childbirth to be encouraged, and support supervision to be enhanced. The study information intended to assist stakeholders in prioritizing policy actions for improving quality of maternal and newborn health outcomes and indicators.
