http://http://dr.ur.ac.rw:8080 The DSpace digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. 2026-03-15T23:03:05Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2847 Prevalence and determinants of neonatal hypoglycemia among Neonates at Kabgayi level two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda HODARI, Marie Rosine Background: A dangerous metabolic illness known as neonatal hypoglycemia affects newborns, especially during their initial 24hrs of life, substantially increases the possibility of neurodevelopmental problems and neonatal mortality (15%). Comprehensive maternal history taking is not always done during neonatal admissions in Rwanda, which may make it more difficult to identify and treat hypoglycemia risk factors early on. The purpose of the study was to find out how often newborn hypoglycemia occurred among patients admitted to Kabgayi Level Two Teaching Hospital and what factors contributed to it. Methodology: Methods: At Kabgayi level two teaching hospital a quantitative retrospective cross-sectional study design with sample of 176 neonates admitted over a six months was carried out. Data on the frequency and causes of neonatal hypoglycemia were gathered through questionnaires and an examination of medical records. To find important association, statistical analysis using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26.0 was carried out. Odd Ration with a 95% CI was computed. Results: the 176 newborns examined, 32% had hypoglycemia at the time of admission. The main causes of neonatal hypoglycemia are low birth weight (OR=5.341; P-value=0.006),birth asphyxia (OR=7.047; P-value= 0.004) preterm birth (OR=4.174; P-value =0.002) ,delayed initiation of breastfeeding (OR=6.649; P-value= 0.001) were determinants of hypoglycemia. . Conclusion: In order to improve early detection and management, the study emphasizes the high prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia at Kabgayi level two teaching hospital and the urgent need for preterm labor management, close monitoring and decision making for the laboring mother and early initiation of breastfeeding. Closing these gaps could improve neonatal health outcomes across the country by reducing the negative effects of neonatal hypoglycemia in Rwanda Master's Dissertation 2024-07-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2846 Understanding sexual and reproductive health communication between adolescents, parents and healthcare providers in Rwanda Uzayisenga, Josephine Adolescence represents a critical phase of growth and development that occurs between the ages of 10 and 19, serving as a bridge between childhood and adulthood. This stage is characterised by significant developmental milestones, an enhanced understanding of personal identity, and the pursuit of self-identity. Similar to many low and middle-income countries, adolescents in Rwanda deal with a wide range of complex sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues. These include the stigma associated with talking about sexuality, the lack of age-appropriate and reliable information about sexual health, and cultural norms that prevent adolescents and adults from communicating openly. High rates of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted Infections (STIs), and early sexual debut among Rwandan adolescents have been reported in previous studies. Furthermore, researches indicate that adolescents' interactions with their parents and healthcare providers can have a big impact on their decision-making and encourage healthy sexual practices and also delay sexual initiation. This study aims to understand SRH communication between adolescents, parents and healthcare providers in selected settings of Rwanda. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) criteria were strictly adhered to in this study, ensuring methodological legitimacy and transparency. The study examined the attitudes, difficulties, and solutions around reproductive health communication among healthcare providers, adolescents and parents in using a phenomenological exploratory qualitative design. Three youth-friendly facilities of Kimisagara, Rafiki, and Kamonyi were specifically selected to reflect both urban (Kigali) and rural (Kamonyi) contexts to capture a variety of contextual and cultural influences on SRH communication. Purposive sampling was employed to find participants who could offer deep and pertinent insights. One hundred thirty-two (132) adolescents (41 males, 91 females, ages 10–19) participated in the study's adolescent communication component, while 96 parents (21 males, 75 females) and four healthcare professionals (two nurses, two midwives) participated in the parent-provider partnership component. The main technique for gathering data was focus group discussions (FGDs), with eight FGDs conducted with parents and eleven with adolescents. In-depth interviews with healthcare providers were also conducted to understand their experience towards SRH communication. Adolescent focus group discussions were categorised by gender and age (10–12, 13–14, 15–17, and 18–19) to promote equal participation and guarantee a range of viewpoints. All participants and their guardians gave their consent/assent, following ethical guidelines, before participation in the study. Several themes related to adolescent SRH communication with healthcare providers and parents were detailed in this study and included: adolescents' understanding of SRH communication, source and access to reproductive health information, the attitudes of reproductive health providers towards SRH communication, perceived barriers that hinder communication between adolescents and providers about SRH, challenges of SRH communication between adolescents and healthcare providers, communication patterns, challenges that make open dialogue difficult, and various solutions to enhance discussions about SRH between parents and adolescents, the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding SRH communication PhD Thesis 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2845 Removal efficiency of heavy metals from wastewater by plant-derived nanoparticles. Case study of minechma subsessile (umubazi) and gomphocarpus fruticosus (gasaho) Maniraho, Jean Claude Environmental health problems caused by heavy metals are enumerous of which cancer is leading. The getting rid of heavy metals by the use of inexpensive technologies have intensively searched for and is still ongoing while focussing at various metals. The elimination of them from wastewater using plant-derived nanoparticles is the most promising technology that has been thoroughly explored because of its easy application, broad applicability, high removal. The study described here sought to determine how well plant-derived nanoparticles removed specific heavy metals from wastewater. After taking into account the heavy elements such as lead, cadmium, chromium, iron, and zinc, an extract of M. subsessile and G. fruticosus was made by maceration in the mixture of Methanol: Dichloromethane 1:1. The CuO-nanoparticles and Ag-nanoparticles were synthesized and charactered by using the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy technique. Heavy metals removal efficiency was assessed by using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP AES). According to experimental findings, the effectiveness of removing heavy metals in wastewater is influenced by a type of nanoparticles, pH, adsorbent dose, plant derailing the nanoparticle, and contact time. The NPs with M. subsessile have a higher adsorption capability to heavy metals than the NPs with G. fruticosus, which means they remove more heavy metals from wastewater. This may indicate that the NPs derived from M. subsessile extract are very porous, characterized with larger surface area, and feature an active functional group that is involved to trap the heavy metal elements As contact duration increased, more heavy metals were removed because the nanoparticles had more opportunity to adsorb to the metal. The majority of heavy metals were completely eliminated after 24 h, according to this research. This study shows that metal ion adsorption increases significantly with the pH from low to high. Furthermore, CuO-NP was found to be an effective nano-sorbent, reducing the levels of Cd, Fe, Cr (VI), Co, Pb, and Fe in wastewater Master's Dissertation 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2844 Assessment of community engagement in biodiversity conservation: Case study of lake Kivu shores and two small remnant forests in Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts Singuranayo, Sylvain Biodiversity, the variety of life in all its forms and interactions, plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting human wellbeing. Ecologically sensitive areas are under increasing pressure from human activities, and the role of local communities in biodiversity conservation is crucial for achieving sustainable outcomes. Engaging local communities in biodiversity conservation becomes vital to promote shared responsibility, preserve ecological integrity, and secure a sustainable future for both people and nature. This study aimed to assess the level of community awareness, participation, and engagement in wildlife conservation along the Lake Kivu shores and within remnant forests located in the Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts of Western Rwanda. Data were collected through a combination of questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, questionnaires targeted community members to assess their awareness, participation, and engagement in biodiversity conservation. Means, percentages and comparisons were used to analyze levels of awareness, participation in wildlife conservation activities, and community engagement in decision-making processes. The results highlight the need for targeted awareness programs and inclusive conservation strategies to strengthen community engagement in biodiversity protection. The results indicated that while 65% of respondents were aware of the concept of biodiversity, only 45% had a comprehensive understanding of its importance. Active participation in conservation efforts under 40%, with greater engagement observed in communities adjacent to remnant forests (45%) compared to those along Lake Kivu shores (35%). Only 30% of respondents reported being involved in conservation-related decision-making, reflecting a top-down approach in environmental governance. Nonetheless, a significant 75% of respondents acknowledged the importance of wildlife conservation for ecosystem services (78%) and community well-being (72%). A structured questionnaire was administered to 193 respondents across selected sectors in the two districts. The study shows a generally positive attitude toward conservation but identifies a gap between awareness and active participation. To improve conservation outcomes, strategies should focus on enhancing environmental education, promoting inclusive community engagement, and building strong local ownership. Visual aids such as charts and maps help illustrate variations in conservation awareness and participation across regions. This research underscores the importance of adopting locally participatory conservation approaches in Rwanda. Master's Dissertation 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z