Sociology and Anthropology

Socio-cultural factors influencing justice seeking for defiled adolescent girls in kanyamwa Kosewe ward, Ndhiwa, Homa Bay county, Kenya

2024-12-03T13:05:18Z

Socio-cultural factors influencing justice seeking for defiled adolescent girls in kanyamwa Kosewe ward, Ndhiwa, Homa Bay county, Kenya OUMA, Joseph Ocihieng Globally, 120 million adolescent girls experience sexual violence and become pregnant annually. In Kenya, National Survey Report of 2019 revealed that 33.7% of females compared to 5.6% of males ages 13-17 experienced forced sexual intercourse 12 months prior to the study. Despite the fact that more than half of 13–17-year-old females (56.7%) who experienced incident of defilement disclosed to adult family members or relatives, only 9.8% sought help, with few cases reported to the police. Homa Bay County is among other counties with highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy (33%), confirming high rate of defilement. Within the county, Ndhiwa Sub-County is leading with teenage pregnancy and defilement cases, with Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward worst affected, yet the perpetrators are hardly reported to the police. However, it is unknown whether this inaction is because the community lacks knowledge on their role in seeking justice for victims or it is due to perceptions about criminal justice system (police or courts) in handling cases of defilement of female adolescents. It is also not clear whether there could be cultural factors, which hinder the community from seeking justice for the female adolescent victims. Therefore, this study, specifically, sought to (1) assess the level of awareness of the community members about their role in seeking justice for defiled adolescent girls in Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward, (2) find out how the community perceives criminal justice system in handling of defilement of adolescent girls in Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward, (3) investigate how cultural factors influence justice seeking for defilement of adolescent girls in Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward. The study was guided by Social-Ecological Model by Bronfenbrenner (1989). The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population included community members aged 18 years and above. Out of this population, Yamane (1967) formula was used to obtain a sample of 204 study participants. The sample was then proportionately distributed in two sub-locations which were randomly selected from Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward. The respondents were selected through simple random method from list of household heads. Key informants such as chiefs, assistant chiefs, nyumba kumi members, teachers, the police, children’s officer, and civil society organization (CSO) officials were purposively selected and interviewed to saturation. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to the randomly selected community members, while qualitative data was collected through four focus group discussions with community members and Key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in table of frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study showed that the community had high level of awareness of their role in seeking justice for defiled adolescent girls. The highest source of awareness was vernacular radio stations and children’s department. However, the study found that the community had negative perceptions about the criminal justice system, including viewing them as being corrupt, nagging, ineffective as many cases over-delay in the court. The study also noted cultural factors hindering justice seeking, including protection of perpetrators who happen to be close relatives, fear of “blocking the girl’s future”, threats of suicide by the girls themselves, sexual affairs among adolescents regarded as normal by the community and lastly, fear of being labelled as an evil person, a witch. The study recommends strengthening of community policing to eliminate negative perceptions about criminal justice systems. It also recommends that a lot sensitization needs to be carried out through vernacular radio stations and other channels to demystify some of the cultural factors hindering justice seeking for defiled adolescent girls Master's Thesis

Predictors and psychological effects of sexual violence among female college students in Kisumu county, Kenya

2024-01-24T09:46:03Z

Predictors and psychological effects of sexual violence among female college students in Kisumu county, Kenya AWUOR, Betha Omanje Sexual violence against women is a public health issue with major health consequences for women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual violence affects 35% of college women worldwide. They experience either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. The resulting effect of sexual violence is the psychological effects with prevalence of exposure to violence being higher among college going women aged between 18 and 24 years. This study therefore sought to identify the predictors and psychological effects of sexual violence among female college students in Kisumu County. The objectives of the study were to: determine the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and sexual violence, establish the relationship between socio-cultural factors and sexual violence and examine the psychological effects of sexual violence on female college students in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study used the socio-ecological theory to explain the key predictors and psychological effects of sexual violence experienced by female college students while adopting a mixed method research design. The target population included 4 public universities and 4 public tertiary colleges with a population of 13, 326 female students. A total of 384 female students were sampled using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interview guide and focus group discussion guide. Reliability and validity tests were done, where validity was tested through a pilot study while reliability coefficient was done using Cronbach alpha 0.839 using test re-test method (rtt) and the internal consistency was good. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential statistics. Qualitative data was transcribed and analysed for emergent themes and subthemes. The study findings revealed that there was a moderate, positive and significant correlation between socio-demographic characteristics (age, r = .008, p = < .875; parental occupation r = -.065, p = < .208; place of residence r = . 107* , p = < .036; and, year of study r = -.084, p = < .101) and sexual violence among the female students. Socio cultural predictors were found to account for 22.3% of the variance R2=.22, F(3,377)=36.136, p<.01) in sexual violence with campus norms having the strongest unique contribution to sexual violence (β=.199, p=.000), followed by socio-cultural beliefs and actions (β=.176, p=.000) and finally, socio cultural peer culture (β=.171, p=.000).Campus norm had the strongest correlation (r=.370) with sexual violence, followed by socio-cultural peer culture (r=.365) and finally socio-cultural beliefs and actions (r=.357). The study findings also revealed that the most felt psychological effects of sexual violence among the girls were difficulty in sleeping and concentration, change in sex drive, feelings of anxiety, and increase in stress and fear levels and the least reported effect was varying emotions throughout. The study concluded that socio-demographic and sociocultural factors that surrounded the female students in Kisumu County were determining factors to their exposure to sexual violence; sexual violence had psychological effects on the victims. The study will be significant to the government and non-governmental organisations in developing and implementing programs aimed at reducing and eliminating prevalence and effects of sexual violence amongst college female students. Master's Thesis

Socio-demographic and institutional predictors of inpatients’ post-discharge stay in referral hospitals in Kisumu County, Kenya

2023-06-22T15:05:48Z

Socio-demographic and institutional predictors of inpatients’ post-discharge stay in referral hospitals in Kisumu County, Kenya AWUOR, Eunice Gor Globally, inpatients continue to unnecessarily prolong their stay in referral hospital wards upon their medical discharge. This causes congestion in the wards, hospital reinfection, relapse, death of PDS inpatients and financial burden to the hospital management. Existing literature linked post discharge stay (PDS) to economic reasons. However, even with the introduction of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), waivers of medical bills, and free maternal health care in Kenya, reports still show PDS cases in the country, especially in referral hospitals such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH) in Kisumu county. However, it was unclear whether inpatients’ socio-demographic characteristics and institutional factors influenced PDS. This study aimed to investigate the socio-demographic and institutional predictors of inpatients’ PDS in referral hospitals in Kisumu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of inpatient’s demographic characteristics on PDS, to establish the influence of social support on PDS, and to assess the influence of institutional factors on PDS. The study was guided by the social-ecological model proposed by McLeroy, et al., (1988). The study adopted a correlational cross-sectional research design and used mixed methods of data collection. Hospital records estimated that 200 inpatients experienced PDS in the two facilities per month, out of which a sample of 133 was calculated using Yamane’s (1967) formula. A stratified sampling technique was used to select inpatients in the 14 wards, after which systematic random sampling was used to reach the individual PDS inpatients for interviews. Key informant interview was used to collect qualitative data from 10 key informants who were purposively selected from the staff returns report (2019) while an in-depth interview was used to collect data from 13 PDS inpatients. To establish the predictors of PDS, a binary logistic regression analysis was used for the three objectives where p-values <0.05 was considered statistically significant Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported to show the magnitude and influence of PDS. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and quantitative results were corroborated with verbatim quotations. The findings established that demographic characteristics of PDS inpatients namely age (P-value 0.01), gender (P-value 0.03), marital status (P-value 0.02), and nature of the illness (P-value <0.0001) were key demographic predictors of PDS. The parental status of children, religion, educational level, and employment status of respondents was not statistically significant to the study. The estimated logistic regression results indicated that social factors including living arrangement (P-value <0.009), who brought the patients to the hospital (P-value 0.034), visitation during hospitalization (P-value 0.029), social support received from relatives and friends (P-value 0.001) were statistically significant in the study implying that the respondents whose social support was strong were less likely to experience PDS. Institutional delays like waiting for discharge clearance (P-value 0.028), timely information (P-value 0.003), UHC status (P-value 0.01), awaiting tracing (P-value <0.001), and awaiting repatriation (P-value 0.001) were significant predictors of PDS while NHIF status and request for prolonged stay were not significant predictors of PDS. The study recommends hospital management mitigate delaying processes such as improper social assessment and long discharge processes that escalate the PDS of inpatients in the hospitals by early identification of PDS predictors. Policymakers should also incorporate strategies for reducing PDS cases in the existing health policies and strategic plans considering key socio-demographic and institutional predictors of PDS. Masters Thesis

Role of women enterprise fund on improving food security of women in Karapul sub location, Siaya sub county, Kenya

2022-05-09T10:19:20Z

Role of women enterprise fund on improving food security of women in Karapul sub location, Siaya sub county, Kenya MUHUMBWA, Euphrasia Agala The microenterprise sector has emerged as a major strategy to address the issues of unemployment and poverty challenging most developing economies in the world. Women are the overwhelming majority of poor people and when women have an income, substantial evidence indicates that the income is more likely to boost food security at the household level. The Government of Kenya introduced the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) in 2009 in order to promote women socio-economic empowerment. Karapul Sub-location has the highest number of women who have received the WEF in Siaya Township Ward yet it is not clear why reports from the department of Agriculture continue to indicate that the location leads in food insecurity. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of WEF on food security of women in Karapul Sub-location of Siaya Sub-County. Specifically, the study sought to find out the contribution of WEF on food access, examine the influence of WEF on food availability and to find out how WEF affects dietary diversity of women in Karapul Sub location. The study was guided by the Capability theory by Amartya Sen which emphasizes the importance of considering social and environmental variations in analysis of impact of programs. This study used cross sectional research design. The target population was 551 women from all women groups that received the WEF between the years 2011 to 2014.Simple random sampling was used to select 155 respondents which is 30% of the target population. The Chief Township location and the Constituency Women Enterprise Fund Officer were purposively selected as key informants. The study used triangulation of mixed methods that included questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used to run descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages so as to present the quantitative data in form of tables, pie charts and bar graphsbased on the major research questions. Qualitative data was summarized, grouped and ranked accordingly noting the similarities and differences in the responses from the interviews and presented in narration.Findings of this study showed that an improvement in the food security of women was determined by the social variations and environmental diversity of the individual women. Women in formal employment at 67 per cent reported that theycould consume three meals in a daysame to those with established businesses at 38 per cent. Delay in release of loans affected women doing farming who depend on seasonssimilar to those who targeted certain peak periods to sell their products. Women who did group projects at 38.1 per cent reported to have increased food access due to higher returns from their businesses. Findings alsoindicate a big disparity in the varieties of food eaten to constitute a nutritious diet with more consumption of cereals and food from animal sources.Thisstudy recommends that emphasis should be laid on group projects to maximize profits and increase incomes. The WEF secretariat should ensure timely disbursement of funds and the GOK in its Food Security and Nutrition policy should increase farm inputs of women engaged in farming to ensure WEF improves their food security.

Fertility dynamics and its relationship to child survival in Siaya District

2022-03-10T11:07:31Z

Fertility dynamics and its relationship to child survival in Siaya District ANG'AWA Okere Francis Qualitative and quantitative data gathered in a survey of 340 women from Siaya in Kenya demonstrate that high fertility in the district is a rational response to the prevalent traditional socio-cultural system which puts a premium on having many children as essential to family survival. Other factors contributing to persisting high fertility includes widespread poverty, uncertainty about child survival, limited use of modern contraceptive technology and an early start to reproduction. The study found that age at first pregnancy was falling, although age at first marriage was rising. This increase in pre-marital childbearing has extended the potential reproductive span and contributed to rising fertility level. Fertility estimates also revealed significant differentials, with fertility highest in southern areas, in the least educated and among the traditional believers. This pattern of fertility has not helped the economic development potential in the district; rather it has led to over utilization of agricultural resources, low development potential opportunities and now a threat to the ecosystem and social life. High fertility - in excess of family size preferences revealed in the survey - overstretches limited household finances, reduces both individual's and area's economic growth as a consequence of capital dilution and adversely affects women's health and work potential. The thesis concludes that there is an urgent need for effective population policies and determined efforts to improve the socioeconomic status of women in the district, if the adverse consequences of unwanted births and premature childbearing are to be countered.

Socio-cultural factors influencing the utilization of first-line Antibiotics in Manyatta 'a' sub-location, Kisumu city, Kenya

2021-04-19T12:46:13Z

Socio-cultural factors influencing the utilization of first-line Antibiotics in Manyatta 'a' sub-location, Kisumu city, Kenya OKEYO, Allan Odhiambo ABSTRACT The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in Kenya in 2009 was 58.2%, in Nyanza 68.5% and Kisumu 64.8%. Although antibiotics resistance is primarily a medical problem, factors influencing its spread are sociocultural, ecological and epidemiological. In Manyatta 'A' sub-location, Kisumu County, little is known about the socio-cultural a factors in the utilization of first-line antibiotics, especially from the perspective of consumers. This study specifically explored knowledge about use of first-line antibiotics among pharmacy clients; analyzed beliefs, perceptions and behavior on antibiotics use and; appraised the methods preferred by pharmacy clients for learning about first-line antibiotics use. The study was guided byKleinman's (1980) explanatory model of health and illness. Study design was descriptive. The study population comprised 28 pharmacies, pharmacy clients, chief pharmacists and pharmacy clerks. Sample size for pharmacies was 8 drawn through Prakash's (1994) 30% threshold. The 8 pharmacies were selected through simple random sampling. Sample size for pharmacy clients was 102 determined through a modified theoretical sampling strategy and justified according to Kathuri and Pals (1993) that a sample of at least 100 is sufficient for a survey. The 102 pharmacy clients, chief pharmacists and pharmacy clerks from the 8 pharmacies were purposively selected. Sample size for household follow-up interview was 31 informants determined according to Prakash 30% rule. The 31 informants were selected through systematic sampling. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through 102 semi-structured questionnaires. More qualitative anthropological data were collected using 31 unstructured questionnaires, 8 key informant interviews and 3 focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics through Excel and results presented in frequency tables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented throJ'gh verbatim quotes. Results showed that amoxil and septrin were mostly used to treat coughs, diarrhea, and yamo. Yamo is an indigenous disease category referring to a constellation of perceived ailments including boils, rashes, coughs, measles, diarrhea, fever and flu associated with self-medication with antibiotics. Perceived knowledge on indication of the antibiotics was based on socialization and history of previous experience with the drug. Inaccessibility of health services and perceptions of severity or non-severity of illnesses influenced decisions to acquire antibiotics without prescription. The antibiotics regimen was stopped when symptoms disappeared. Preferred. methods of learning about antibiotics use are door-to-door campaign and barazas. The study recommends the need to define more clearly measures of patients' knowledge, evaluation of consumers' perceptions about dosage form preferences, self-medication and non-compliance. Health planners, policy makers and program managers should develop effective interventions on appropriate use of antibiotics that takes into account health beliefs and perceptions of local population.

Social support for orphaned children in Busia Township: challenges and prospects

2019-11-04T08:10:53Z

Social support for orphaned children in Busia Township: challenges and prospects MISIKO, Wepo Netondo Worldwide, there are more than140 million children under the age of 18 years who are orphaned because of HIV/AIDS and other causes. More than 46.6 million of these children come from Sub-Saharan Africa and more than 2 million in Kenya with challenges such as poor nutrition, poor shelter and lack of access to educational facilities. Busia County is among the top five counties in Kenya with the highest HIV/AIDs prevalence rates and deaths. County statistics indicate that there are thousands of orphans particularly in Busia Township in need of assistance. There are several social support programmes that are offered by both the government and non-governmental organizations. However, it remains unclear how these programs select their beneficiaries, and more importantly, their interventions in relation to the needs and priorities of the orphans. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors that undermine social support systems for Orphans in Busia Township and to establish the prospects of such programmes in the County. Specifically, the study sought to examine methods used by organizations in identifying and selecting orphans into social support programs in Busia Township, to identify challenges faced in the delivery of social support services and to determine the social protection interventions provided to orphans in relation to their needs and priorities. The study was guided by the welfare economic theory. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive design to describe factors undermining social support programs for orphaned children in Busia Township. The study targeted a total of 916 households with registered orphans from which 260 were selected based on Krejcie & Morgan table. Multistage sampling technique was used to sample the 260 households from the target population. In addition, 7 key informants from relief organizations were selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interview guides. Descriptive statistics such as percentages were used to analyse quantitative data with qualitative analysis employed to analyse qualitative data. Findings indicate that social support systems in Busia Township are confronted with several challenges ranging from targeting process, resource constraints and poor coordination. In addition, most of the interventions provided by organizations are largely protective. The study recommend a thorough review of targeting approaches, enhancement of preventive interventions as well as provision of institutional care for those children living in the streets. Masters' Thesis

Residents association as a livelihood strategy in Obunga informal settlement Kisumu city, Kenya

2019-10-28T09:22:17Z

Residents association as a livelihood strategy in Obunga informal settlement Kisumu city, Kenya OLANDO, Samuel Ouko Globally, the role of resident associations (RAs) as a social organization to uplift community services, community empowerment and cooperation are recognized. In Kenya, contributions of RAs in provision of services such as garbage collection, security and advocacy roles within informal settlements have been documented, yet little is known regarding their use as a livelihood strategy in informal settlements. Residents of Obunga informal settlement in Kisumu County are worst hit not only in terms of access to services but also livelihood. It is not known how they use their RA, Obunga Resident Association (ORA), as a livelihood strategy. Thus, this study specifically sought to describe the nature of Obunga Residents Association, examine the contribution of Obunga Residents Association to the livelihood of its members and lastly explored the challenges faced by the association. The study was guided by Pierre Bourdieu’s (1986) social capital theory employing a descriptive design. Israel’s formula was used to calculate the sample size of 98 respondents out of the study population of 4,473households for semi-structured interviews. Further, the study purposively sampled 9 members of ORA for key informant interview. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 and presented in frequencies, tables and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and presented in textual descriptions and illustrations using verbatim quotations. The study established that 97% of respondents agreed that ORA is a resident association whose membership is defined by being a resident of Obunga informal settlement. The association depends on volunteer members for discharge of responsibilities and implementation of essential activities and has a constitution that guides its operations. The study further established that 75.8% of respondents agreed that ORA has not only been influencing service provision to the informal settlement but also helping members on livelihood issues, namely resource mobilization, capacity building of its members, creating job opportunities through necessary service provision like water services, and public participation in governance and housing planning. The study established that the association was facing a number of challenges including accountability, human resource and organizational capacity, weak institutional framework. The study concluded that RA such as ORA is an important platform that can build the requisite capacity of members and mobilize community level resources to increase ways through members earn a living, hence reduction on poverty levels within the informal settlement. Masters Project

Farmers’ knowledge and adaptation practices to climate change in lower Nyakach division of Kisumu county, Kenya

2019-10-28T08:04:29Z

Farmers’ knowledge and adaptation practices to climate change in lower Nyakach division of Kisumu county, Kenya ONYANGO, Sylvance Ochola Agricultural production all over the world has been affected by continuous climatic changes. Although most developed nations constantly update their farmers with current climate change information that enables them to device appropriate adaptive strategies, farmers in developing countries only learn about the same after its effects have been noticed. Most households in rural areas of Kenya still face food insecurity. However, there is no evidence on whether Kenyan farmers have reliable information necessary for adoption of appropriate farming practices to cope with climate change effects. Equally, challenges that face Kenyan local farmers in adapting to climate change remain unknown. The general objective of the study was to investigate farmers‟ knowledge and adaptation practices to climate change in Lower Nyakach Division. Specific objectives were to: examine the level of awareness; explore the indigenous adaptation practices, and to identify challenges faced by farmers in adapting to climate change. Capability theory (Sen, 1992) which focus upon the significance of individuals‟ capability of achieving the kind of lives that they value, guided the study. Descriptive cross sectional design was used on a target population of 2504 households stratified in 4 sub locations. The sample size comprised 10% of the target population as recommended by Gay & Diehl (1992), representing 250 households. Data was collected using structured questionnaire from household heads; Key Informants Interview from three agricultural officers and five CBO officials; and one focus group discussion from each of the 4 sub locations. Instrument validity and reliability were checked through expert consultation and split half during pilot study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. It was found that farmers were aware of common short and inconsistent patterns of rainfall, and floods in the recent past accompanied with strange diseases like Miguna Miguna and invasion of army worms. Radio is the main source of weather information, implying that radio broadcast is a better avenue for passing weather information. Multi cropping, intensive weeding, planting early maturing crops, and applying manure on the farms are some of the indigenous adaptation practices. However, there are inadequate extension services, lack of financial resources, lack of government subsidies, poor farming practices, small sizes of land, and late preparation of farms. This implies that adapting to climate change depends upon individual capabilities. It is recommended that extension officers should use village barazas to disseminate climate change information, and that capital support be availed to farmers to enhance their capabilities. Further studies should be done on contribution of radio broadcasts on adaptation to climate change, and effect of climate information flow on adaptation practices to climate change. Masters' Thesis

The socio-economic impacts of markets ii project on Soybean female farmers in Chikun local government area of Kaduna state, Nigeria

2019-01-24T13:39:12Z

The socio-economic impacts of markets ii project on Soybean female farmers in Chikun local government area of Kaduna state, Nigeria ALINAH, Kiende Development organizations in Africa have been at the forefront in fighting for women inclusion in agriculture but little has been documented on how these initiatives impact on women's lives'. This study explored the extent at which MARKETS II – an agricultural value chain project whose stated objective is to economically empower female farmers – has increased women’s participation in agricultural activities in Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria. The objectives of the study include: (1) To evaluate the extent to which MARKETS II project has influenced women participation in soybean farming in Kaduna state; (2) to determine the change in productivity and gross margin for MARKETS II soybean female farmers in Kaduna state; and (3) to find out how women negotiate their challenges in soybean production through participation in MARKETS II project. The study will focus on soybean crop due to its broad usage since it can be easily processed at household level after harvest thus gives chances to show impacts on women. The study will be guided by social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura (1977), which acknowledges the influential role of evolutionary factors in human adaptation and change, but rejects one-sided evolutionism in which social behavior is the product of evolved biology. The theory recognises that gender is a social construction rather than a biological given. Cross-sectional research design will be employed and purposive sampling methodology will be used. The study will generate qualitative data that will be used to gauge women's level of participation in relation to their previous situation prior to the introduction of the MARKETS II project as indicated by qualitative data available from the project's baseline study, midterm evaluation report and other related studies. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews will be used to collect qualitative data. Soybean farmers working with the project in Kaduna state will form the study population. Kaduna state has both Muslim and Christian populations and patriarchal system are in existence thus good to determine MARKETS II impacts. Five FGDs and 10 key informant interviews will be conducted for both female and male farmers and gender specialists. The qualitative data collected will be analysed using content analysis. Relevant quantitative data already collected by MARKETS II will be presented in form of descriptive statistics to complement the qualitative data. Masters' Thesis