Effects of HIV-1 infection on malaria parasitemia in milo sub-location, western Kenya.

Background: Malaria and HIV infections are both highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with HIV-infected patients being at higher risk of acquiring malaria. HIV-1 infection is known to impair the immune response and may increase the incidence of clinical malaria. However, a positive association between HIV-1 and malaria parasitaemia is still evolving.

"Not too far to walk": the influence of distance on place of delivery in a western Kenya health demographic surveillance system.

Background: Maternal health service coverage in Kenya remains low, especially in rural areas where 63% of women deliver at home, mainly because health facilities are too far away and/or they lack transport. The objectives of the present study were to (1) determine the association between the place of delivery and the distance of a household from the nearest health facility and (2) study the demographic characteristics of households with a delivery within a demographic surveillance system (DSS).

Methods: Census sampling was conducted for 13,333 households in the Webuye health and demographic surveillance system area in 2008-2009.

Multiple cardiovascular risk factors in Kenya: evidence from a health and demographic surveillance system using the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance.

Objective: To describe the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in western Kenya using a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS).

Design: Population based survey of residents in an HDSS.

Setting: Webuye Division in Bungoma East District, Western Province of Kenya.

Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis population densities and infectivity in Kopere village, Western Kenya.

Introduction: This study was conducted in a sugar belt region of western Kenya interfacing epidemic and endemic malaria transmission. We investigated Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (ss) and Anopheles arabiensis species compositions and densities, human host choice, and infectivity.

Methodology: Mosquitoes were captured using pyrethrum spray catch technique and first identified based on morphology; species were confirmed by PCR.

Does anti-malarial drug knowledge predict anti-malarial dispensing practice in drug outlets? A survey of medicine retailers in western Kenya.

Background: Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya, where it is the fifth leading cause of death in both children and adults. Effectively managing malaria is dependent upon appropriate treatment. In Kenya, between 17 to 83 percent of febrile individuals first seek treatment for febrile illness over the counter from medicine retailers.

Accessibility, availability and affordability of anti-malarials in a rural district in Kenya after implementation of a national subsidy scheme.

Background: Poor access to prompt and effective treatment for malaria contributes to high mortality and severe morbidity. In Kenya, it is estimated that only 12% of children receive anti-malarials for their fever within 24 hours. The first point of care for many fevers is a local medicine retailer, such as a pharmacy or chemist.

The AMPATH medical record system: creating, implementing, and sustaining an electronic medical record system to support HIV/AIDS care in western Kenya.

Providing high-quality HIV/AIDS care requires high-quality, accessible data on individual patients and visits. These data can also drive strategic decision-making by health systems, national programs, and funding agencies. One major obstacle to HIV/AIDS care in developing countries is lack of electronic medical record systems (EMRs) to collect, manage, and report clinical data.

An electronic medical record system for ambulatory care of HIV-infected patients in Kenya.

Administering and monitoring therapy is crucial to the battle against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Electronic medical records (EMRs) can aid in documenting care, monitoring drug adherence and response to therapy, and providing data for quality improvement and research. Faculty at Moi University in Kenya and Indiana and University in the USA opened adult and pediatric HIV clinics in a national referral hospital, a district hospital, and six rural health centers in western Kenya using a newly developed EMR to support comprehensive outpatient HIV/AIDS care.