Patterns and predictors of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among primary school children in urban Kenya.

Objective: We examined the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP) and hypertension among 390 primary school children of different socioeconomic status (SES) in two urban settings in Kenya and explored the association between children's BP status and their sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviours and overweight/obesity status.

Methods: Children's BP and anthropometric measurements were taken and parents, with the help of their children, completed questionnaires on the children's dietary behaviours. An average of three BP readings was used to calculate BP percentiles by age, sex and height.

Gender differences in HIV testing service visits and its related factors among adults: a cross-sectional study in Homa Bay, Kenya.

Introduction: at least 90% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were expected to know their HIV status by 2020. However, only 84% are aware of their status. This study determined the frequency of HIV testing services visits (HTS) and its related factors to HTS visits among adults in Homa Bay County, Kenya.

High Adherence to the Food Pyramid's Recommendations Avoids the Risk of Insufficient Nutrient Intake among Farmers in Peri-Urban Kenya.

This study aimed to investigate whether the Kenyan Food Pyramid (FP) can evaluate excess or insufficient nutrient intake. Participants were farmers (56 men and 64 women, aged 18-60 years) in Wangige Village, Kiambu County-a peri-urban area of Kenya. Cross-sectional data were collected for demographic characteristics, physical measurements, and 2-day and 24-h dietary recalls.

Food Environment in and around Primary School Children's Schools and Neighborhoods in Two Urban Settings in Kenya.

We conducted a cross-sectional study to provide an overview primary school children food environment in two urban settings in Kenya. Six schools, catering to children from low-, medium- and high-income households in the cities of Nairobi and Kisumu in Kenya, participated in the study. Data on types of food places and foods offered were collected and healthy and unhealthy food availability scores calculated for each place.

Factors associated with adherence to dietary prescription among adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis in national referral hospitals in Kenya: a mixed-methods survey.

Introduction: Adherence to dietary prescriptions among patients with chronic kidney disease is known to prevent deterioration of kidney functions and slow down the risk for morbidity and mortality. This study determined factors associated with adherence to dietary prescription among adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.

Methods: A mixed-methods study, using parallel mixed design, was conducted at the renal clinics and dialysis units at the national teaching and referral hospitals in Kenya from September 2018 to January 2019.

Effect of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on reduction of depressive symptoms among HIV-seropositive pregnant women: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

Background: Globally, it is known that HIV-infected pregnant women are prone to depressive symptoms. Research evidences also suggest that nutrient deficiencies may enhance the depressive illness, and that fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate the depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fish oil omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid-rich supplements on depressive symptoms among HIV-seropositive pregnant women.

Relationship between functional capacity and health-related quality of life of patients with type-2 diabetes.

Aims: Physical function is a determinant of survival in chronic diseases, however, little is known about functional capacity (FC) and self-reported health status of patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated the relationship between FC and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with T2D.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional survey recruited 150 patients with T2D from a Nigerian university teaching hospital using purposive sampling technique.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of exercise for plasma blood glucose control among patients with type-2 diabetes.

Aims: Exercise plays significant role in the health outcomes of patients with diabetes, however, little is known about patients' knowledge of exercise for plasma blood glucose control among patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of exercise for plasma blood glucose control among patients with T2D.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 299 patients with T2D (male=105; female=194) from selected government hospitals in Osun State, Nigeria using purposive sampling technique.

Healthcare Providers' Level of Involvement in Provision of Smoking Cessation Interventions in Public Health Facilities in Kenya.

Healthcare providers can play a major role in tobacco control by providing smoking cessation interventions to smoking patients. The objective of this study was to establish healthcare providers' practices regarding smoking cessation interventions in selected health facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among healthcare providers working in public health facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya.

Sharing perspectives and experiences of doctoral fellows in the first cohort of Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa: 2011-2014.

Background: Resolution of public health problems in Africa remains a challenge because of insufficient skilled human resource capacity. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) was established to enhance capacity in multi-disciplinary health research that will make a positive impact on population health in Africa.

Objective: The first cohort of the CARTA program describes their perspectives and experiences during the 4 years of fellowship and puts forward suggestions for future progress and direction of research in Africa.

Comparative functional exercise capacity of patients with type 2-diabetes and healthy controls: a case control study.

Introduction: Functional Exercise Capacity (FEC) is a valid measure of physical fitness in health and disease. However, there is paucity of studies on FEC in African patients with Type-2 Diabetes (T2D). This study compared FEC between patients with T2D and healthy controls.

Feasibility and effectiveness of supplementation with locally available foods in prevention of child malnutrition in Kenya.

Objective: To establish the operational feasibility and effectiveness of using locally available foods to prevent malnutrition and improve child growth in Kenyan children.

Design: Quasi-experimental design with an intervention group of children in all villages in one region and a non-intervention group of children in all villages in an adjacent region. The intervention was the distribution of a monthly food ration for the index child, a separate family ration, and group education on appropriate complementary feeding and hygiene.