Master's - Theses

School-Based Factors Influencing Implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum in Junior Schools in North Imenti, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

School-Based Factors Influencing Implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum in Junior Schools in North Imenti, Kenya Ireri, Christabel Wegoki Kenya has experienced a gradual transition from a content-focused educational framework to a competency-based curriculum. However, transitioning to Competency-Based Curriculum has faced many challenges, particularly at the school level. This researchwascarried out to determine how school-based factors influence the implementation of Competency Based Curriculum in junior schools. Specifically, the study evaluated the influence of teachers' professional development, instructional materials, and school physical resources, on implementing the Competency Based Curriculum in junior schools in North Imenti Sub-County, Meru County. The research was guided by Adult Learning Theory, Cognitive Load Theory, and Ecological System Theory. The study used a descriptive survey design. The targeted schools for this research were 26 junior schools in North Imenti. The respondents were 2 sub-county education directors, 26 head teachers, and 70 junior school teachers. The sample size was 31. The data was collected using Questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation checklists. The collected data was coded and entered into Excel, where Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis. The findings were presented in tables and charts. Qualitative data collected from interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis, and framework analysis was presented in narrative form. From the findings of this study, 71% of respondent revealed that teachers’ professional development influences implementation of CBC to a Great Extent while 29%indicatedaninfluence of Very Great extent. On school physical infrastructure, 70%of respondents indicated that classrooms very greatly influenced the implementation of CBC, followed by science laboratories with 63%, then playgrounds with 53%, ICT infrastructure with50%, while agricultural plots and workshop with 50% respectively. On instructional materials, course books were rated the most influential material in the implementation of CBCwith85%, followed by teachers’ guide with 70%, then digital tools with 60%and finally teaching aids with 45%. The study established that teachers to be trained more on subject-specific methodologies, pedagogy, and learner assessment under CBC. Challenges identified included irregular teacher training, limited follow-up support, especially in remote areas, and inadequate facilities such as libraries and workshops. The study concluded that sustained professional development, adequate learning resources, and improved infrastructure are essential for effective CBC implementation.

Teacher Preparedness to Integrate Technology into Teaching Public Secondary Schools in Tigania West, Meru County, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Teacher Preparedness to Integrate Technology into Teaching Public Secondary Schools in Tigania West, Meru County, Kenya Ngaya, Nancy Mukiri Technology integration is essential in today’s education landscape to equip students with digital-age skills. Although the Kenyan government has introduced several initiatives to enhance technology use in education, studies reveal that adoption in secondary schools remains limited. Research indicates that providing technological devices alone is insufficient unless the teacher's role is adequately addressed. This study examined teachers’ preparedness to integrate technology into instructional delivery in public secondary schools in Tigania West Sub-County. The objectives were: to investigate how the availability of technological tools influences their integration in teaching; to examine teachers' attitudes towards technology and its impact on teaching; and to explore the influence of in-service training on technology integration. A descriptive survey design was adopted, guided by Davis’s (1986) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The target population included50public secondary schools, with 50 principals, 100 heads of departments, and 200 teachers. Stratified random sampling was used to select schools, while purposive sampling identified the study respondents. The sample consisted of 105 participants 15 principals, 30 heads of departments, and 60 teachers representing 30% of the population. Data collection tools included questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklists. Reliability was tested using the test-retest method and Pearson’s product-moment correlation. Quantitative data were analyzed using means, frequencies, and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Findings showed that the availability of technological tools, teacher attitudes, and training significantly influenced technology integration. While teachers were generally optimistic about using technology, most lacked the skills to apply it effectively. Although many had basic ICT training, they struggled to incorporate it meaningfully into teaching. The study recommended enhancing teacher training curricula with more robust technology content, addressing teacher attitudes, and offering continuous professional development especially for experienced teachers. Schools should also guide ICT deployment and promote self-initiated efforts. Further research was suggested to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of technology integration in education.

Determinants of High Blood Pressure Management among Patients Experiencing Stroke:

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Determinants of High Blood Pressure Management among Patients Experiencing Stroke: Mathiu, Purity Kathambi Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading global health concern, with77%ofrelated deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya, hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The risk of stroke continues to rise, with 1 in 4 individuals expected to experience one in their lifetime (World Stroke Day 2022). This study examined the determinants of blood pressure management among hypertensive patients who developed stroke at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH), and evaluated current management practices. Using a mixed-methods convergent design, data was collected from80 patients with stroke records (via systematic random sampling), 42 healthcare workers (stratified random sampling), and 10 hypertensive stroke patients (purposive sampling). Tools included medical checklists, structured questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. The study was conducted across MeTRH’s outpatient, medical wards, and non-communicable disease clinics. The results revealed a higher prevalence of hypertension with a complication of stroke among females and older adults (mean age 58.6). Nearly half (47.4%) of healthcare workers (nurses, clinical officer, medical officers, physicians) had under five years of hypertension management experience, and only 18.4% correctly identified the current definition of hypertension, indicating significant knowledge gaps. While 94.7%reportedconducting regular blood pressure screenings and providing lifestyle counselling, patient non-adherence remained a significant barrier—often due to work-related challenges and financial constraints that limited self-care. There was no statistically significant association between healthcare delivery and blood pressure control (p = 0.308). The integration and people centricity of care was outstanding in convergence. Despite consistent screening and counselling efforts, effective blood pressure control remains hindered by limited healthcare provider experience and patient adherence issues. Addressing these gaps is essential for reducing stroke risk and improving hypertension outcomes. The study recommends strengthening clinical practice by introducing structured hypertension counselling at every clinic visit and developing standardized management guidelines. Policymakers should ensure access to essential diagnostics (e.g., ECG, lipid panels) and affordable medications. Follow-up tracking systems for adherence and lifestyle education are also necessary. Community-based support programs or peer-led hypertension clubs are encouraged to promote long-term self-care. Future research should investigate gender-specific and cultural barriers affecting hypertension control.

Assessment of Pain Management Competencies among Healthcare Professionals in Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and St Theresa Mission Hospital Kiirua in Meru County

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of Pain Management Competencies among Healthcare Professionals in Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and St Theresa Mission Hospital Kiirua in Meru County Wanzallah, Paulyne Truphena Pain is a public health problem and affects millions of people globally. Analysed medical literature reveals a concerning gap of up to 30% of healthcare professionals lack training in pain assessment and management. Effective pain management is essential and possible through comprehensive pain management guidelines, trained healthcare professionals and adequate facilities. It helps ensure patient recovery, comfort and overall quality of life. However, studies suggest that health care professionals often demonstrate varying levels of competency in pain assessment and management. The objective of this study is to assess the healthcare professionals’ competency in pain management in Meru Teaching and Referral hospital and St Teresa mission hospital Kiirua. Design was a Cross-sectional study (Mar 23– May 5, 2025). Participants were 154 Health Care Professionals (22 doctors, 31clinical officers, 101 nurses). Tool Used was Adapted KASRP questionnaire. The practice questions and observation checklist questions were developed from literature review. Ethics approval from MIRERC, NACOSTI, Meru County Research office, MeTRH and STAMHK administration and a consent from participants were sought. Analysis was by descriptive, Chi-square, logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression at a Significance set at p< 0.05. N= 135. The Mean Knowledge on pain assessment total scores obtained by doctor, clinical officers and nurses were (32.7222, N=18), 28.4333, N=30), (30.4419, N=86) respectively. 17(89.5%) out of 19 questions assessing the HCPs skills in pain management were answered correctly. (41.5%) healthcare professionals use the pain assessment tool every time they meet the patients. Clinical officers used it more frequently as compared to doctors and nurses. A significant difference between the KASRP score, sample characteristics and the observation checklist result where (p<0.001) was noted. 48 (100%) of the sampled patient files had a prescription of pain medication, only 11(22.9%) of the files had pain classification and only 2 (4.2%) had finding according to assessment scale documented. Variation of practice exists among healthcare professionals in the utilization of pain assessment tools. Majority participants reported having and following pain management guidelines but only a small percentage use pain assessment tools and document the pain assessment findings. This study highlights the need of improvement in knowledge in order to improve the skills in Pain management among healthcare professionals at MeTRH and STMHK. Competency is contributed to by knowledge, skills and attitudes equally. With these findings, HCP had good knowledge practice and attitude in pain management but poor documentation practices.