https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/26 Research works from students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences 2026-05-26T11:53:22Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2892 Father's involvement in the care of preterm newborn hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit at selected hospital in Rwanda Uwajeneza, Diane Background: Preterm birth remains a global health challenge with the highest burden in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa where Rwanda is located. Despite the growing evidence that father involvement in neonatal intensive care units improves outcomes for preterm newborn such as enhanced bonding, feeding, psychomotor-development and reduced mortality, father involvement remains limited in many low-resource settings. Cultural norms, institutional barriers, lack of knowledge and emotional distress contribute to low father engagement. Addressing these challenges is essential for promoting family-centered neonatal care and improving survival and development of preterm newborns. Purpose: To explore factors influencing father's involvement in the care of preterm newborn hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit at selected hospital in Rwanda. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative research design was used among fathers having preterm newborn hospitalized in neonatology at CHUK between February and March 2025. fathers whose preterms babies were admitted in the NICU who were stable were included. Data was collected using an in-depth interview guide on 18 fathers conveniently recruited and Data was analyzed using manual thematic analysis. Results: Through thematic analysis of interviews records on three key themes emerged preterm newborn-related, personal and environmental factors. This study identified factors influencing fathers’ involvement in preterm care such as fear of the status of the babies, emotional distress and cultural or socioeconomic barriers. The participants also stated that their involvement improved with support, education and inclusive healthcare practices. Findings highlight the need for fatherfriendly policies, flexible visitation, culturally sensitive education, and institutional support to enhance paternal engagement in neonatal care. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study effectively responded to research questions by exploring key barriers to fathers’ involvement in NICU care. However, findings imply a critical need for inclusive health system approaches that position fathers as active caregivers. Interventions such as father-focused education, communication and support groups are recommended to enhance engagement. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of these interventions across diverse healthcare settings. Master's Dissertation 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2882 Experiences and perceptions on paid maternity leave policies among working mothers of preterm babies in three selected hospitals in Botswana Nthusetsang, Tsholofelo Agrineth Introduction: Paid maternity leave policies can have negative and positive effects on the maternal and infant well-being depending on the length of the maternity leave. These effects are also observed in working mothers of the preterm babies who spend most of the maternity leave period in hospitalization of the babies. The aim of the study was to explore experiences and perceptions on paid maternity leave policies among working mothers of the preterm babies in three selected hospitals in Botswana. Methods: The study utilized a qualitative phenomenological study design. Working mothers of the preterm babies were purposefully selected and interviews were conducted with each participant. Results: Interviews were conducted with ten mothers of preterm babies, exploring their experiences and perceptions on paid maternity leave policies. The study revealed that the trauma of their babies' births was compounded by the uncertainty and insufficiency of these policies, exacerbating their anxiety and depression. Additionally, the level of support they either lacked or received played a significant role in shaping their views and experiences regarding paid maternity leave. Discussions: The mothers had various challenges related to paid maternity leave which hindered their recovery physically and mentally, and bonding time with the babies. Revision of paid maternity leave policies in Botswana, tailormade support to mothers of preterm babies were expressed as necessities to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the necessity of revising paid maternity leave policies in Botswana to better support mothers of preterm babies. Future studies should explore the perspectives of a wider demographic of mothers across different regions and include broader gestational age categories. Master's Dissertation 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2870 Prevalence and associated factors with hypertension among pensioners: a cross sectional study in Kigali City, Rwanda, 2023 NDIKUMWENAYO, Pierre Background Hypertension is a growing public health concern in Rwanda, and it is getting worse by the day. The prevalence and contributing factors of hypertension among pensioners has not yet been the subject of a limited study. According to NCDs risk factors study Rwanda, 2021- 2022, the prevalence of hypertension among elderly aged between 60-69 years was 43.2% while general population aged between 18-69 years was 16.8%(1). This study determined the prevalence and associated factors with hypertension among pensioners in Kigali City, Rwanda. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional, Quantitative method design with multistage sampling methods. The sample included 220 participants from Kigali and the data were collected from 5th July to 20 August, 2023.The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and included socio-demographic and behavioural Information. The cross-tabulation Chi-square for statistical significance was performed and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to demonstrate the associated factors with hypertension. Results Of the 220 participants, 53.18% had hypertension and the majority of them were males with 65.81%. Respondents with HIV/AIDS had 18.4 higher odds of developing HTN (adjusted OR: 18.405, 95% C.I =3.228-104.93) compared with respondents with no HIV/AIDs. Respondent with DM (diabetes mellitus) had 16.8 higher odds of developing HTN(adjusted OR: 16.873, 95%C.I=1.591-178.84) compared with respondents with no DM( diabetes mellitus) . Respondents who had had stress sometimes at work had 2.9 higher odds of developing HTN (adjusted OR: 2.902, 95% C.I=1.2000-7.021) compared with those who never had stress at work. Respondents who had had stress several times at work, had 13.5 higher odds of developing HTN (adjusted OR: 13.514, 95% C.I=2.205-82.825) compared with those who never had stress Conclusion The study found the higher of hypertension among pensioners and the associated factors explored can be prevented. HIV/AIDS, diabetes mellitus and times respondents had stress at work, were significantly associated with hypertension. So, there are still a need for mass campaign for HIV prevention , stress management at workplace, regular exercise and life style modifications to prevent type II diabetes, not only for pensioners at retirement age but also current employees in different domains to be prevented before retirement. Master's Dissertation 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2869 The effect of procurement practices on availability of health products and technologies in Meru County, Kenya NGERA, Anthony Introduction: Improved procurement practices may lower costs and minimize shortages of medicines, vaccines and other health products. Availability of health products and technologies (HPTs) is essential to the provision of quality health care to consumers. Public sector health facilities in Meru County experience inadequate supply of essential health commodities, compromising the provision of health care to clients and patients. Main Objective: The impact of procurement practices on availability of health products and technologies in Meru County, Kenya. Methodology: The descriptive research design was employed. The study was located in Meru County focusing on all eleven-sub-County and one county referral hospitals which formed the target population. The sample size was 75 respondents comprising respective members of procurement committees. The study used primary data gathered via semi structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were largely utilized. Findings: The study established that about 88% of the facilities indicated consumption data as the most preferred forecasting data. The most preferred electronic tool (78.6%) in procurement in health facilities in Meru County was found to be the District Health Information System (DHIS2). The study revealed that approximately 92% of the respondents indicated that procurement practices were associated with increased availability of health products and technologies in Meru County. Further, the study found that there was weak linkage between quantification plans, procurement plans, and annual budgets. This was followed by inadequate capacity in terms of human resources, tools, and skills for product selection and quantification. Recommendations: As a form of forecasting data, hospital committees in the county should use data for demand of a service or commodity mostly in the main phases of planning to enhance accuracy of the predictions hence contributing to the success of service delivery in the health sector. There is a need for enhancing the use of the DHIS2 platform by creating much awareness in other departments within the health facility as well as sponsoring staff for the crush training program. The county health management team (CHMT) should consider emphasizing the adherence to laid down procurement practices as they are associated with increase in availability of HPTs. Lastly, the study recommends to the management to clear financial uncertainties at the county levels as it leads to increased challenges associated with delayed procurement cycles. Master's Dissertation 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z