University of Lusaka Library
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Recent Submissions
Exploring Food Hygiene Practices Among Street Food Vendors in Lusaka: A Phenomenological Study
(2026) MOOKA, Esther
The study explored food hygiene practices among street food vendors in Lusaka using a qualitative phenomenological design. The research aimed to assess food handling practices, evaluate vendors’ knowledge and perceptions regarding food hygiene and safety, and examine how access to clean water and sanitation facilities influenced hygiene practices. A total of 15 street food vendors were purposively selected from three major markets Soweto Market, City Market, and Kamwala Market. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that while 73% of the vendors practiced regular handwashing and 67% covered cooked food during display, only 40% consistently separated raw and cooked food items. Furthermore, 60% reported reusing cooking oil multiple times, and 53% stored food in open containers, exposing it to dust and flies. Access to clean water was a major challenge, with only 33% of the vendors having access to tap water near their vending area, while 40% depended on shared boreholes and 27% carried water from home. In terms of sanitation, 47% had access to public toilets, whereas 53% operated in areas without sanitation facilities. Regarding knowledge and perceptions, 80% of the participants had not received any formal training on food hygiene, relying instead on personal experience or advice from fellow vendors. Despite this, 67% expressed awareness that poor hygiene could lead to illness, although most associated cleanliness with attracting customers rather than preventing foodborne diseases. Environmental and infrastructural challenges, including poor waste disposal and limited regulatory oversight, contributed to inconsistent hygiene practices. Only 27% of the vendors reported having ever been inspected by health authorities. Consumer influence played a notable role, with 60% of vendors acknowledging that customers preferred purchasing from visibly clean stalls. The study concluded that improving food hygiene among street vendors in Lusaka required a multi-sectoral approach involving training, provision of clean water and sanitation facilities, and regular inspections. It recommended that the Lusaka City Council and Ministry of Health implement vendor training programs, install mobile handwashing stations, and strengthen
enforcement of existing food safety regulations.
Assessing the influence of Socio demographic factors on stunting among underfive children in Chabanyama Compund, Chingola: A cross-sectional study
(2026) MUWOWO, Agness
Stunting among under-five children is a persistent public health concern in Sub Saharan Africa, including Zambia, contributing to impaired growth, cognitive deficits, and poor school performance. Socio-demographic factors such as parental education, household size, employment status, and maternal age have been identified as key determinants of child nutritional status. This study aimed to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors on stunting among under-five children in Chabanyama Compound, Chingola, Zambia. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 262 under-five children and their caregivers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and child health records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics, while Pearson’s Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between stunting and socio-demographic variables. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. The study found that 52.3% of the children were female, and the majority of mothers (44.3%) had attained secondary education. Most households (68.3%) had four or more members, and 58.8% had an average monthly income of less than 5000 ZMW. Stunting prevalence in the study population was 20.6%. Chi-square analysis revealed no statistically significant associations between stunting and maternal education (p = 0.352), paternal education (p = 0.315), maternal age at childbirth (p = 0.447), maternal employment status (p = 0.326), paternal/guardian employment status (p = 0.789), household size (p = 0.342), number of children under five (p = 0.926), or household income (p = 0.103). Stunting in Chabanyama Compound is moderately prevalent, but socio demographic factors such as parental education, maternal age, employment status, and household size did not show significant associations with stunting in this study. These findings suggest that other factors, including feeding practices, access to health services, and environmental conditions, may play a more prominent role in influencing child nutritional outcomes. Multi-sectoral interventions targeting nutrition education, health service accessibility, and household food security are recommended.
Keywords: Stunting, Under-five Children, Socio-demographic Factors, Household Size, Parental Education
Assessing Health Insurance (NHIMA) coverage of retired patients and their access to health care at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital
(2026) CHANDA, Bupe Mubanga
In Zambia access to healthcare among retirees remains a major concern particularly regarding enrolment and utilization of the NHIS, despite the number growth limited empirical data exists on how retired individuals navigate through healthcare services at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital. In Zambia this transition poses additional challenges as retirees often struggle to have access to health services, although this scheme was introduced to promote equitable and affordable
healthcare for all Zambian citizens. Despite a growing number of retirees joining NHIMA, empirical evidence remains limited regarding how patients navigate healthcare under this system, particularly with high volume public
hospitals such as Levy Teaching Mwanawasa Hospital. This study adopted a qualitative method was used as an explorative and descriptive design to gain in depth insight into the lived experiences of retired patients aged 60 and above. Data was collected through interviews with purposively selected participants. Data was collected through interviews with purposively selected participants. The thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, well-structured questionnaires were administered to individuals that were willing to participate and express their perceptions, challenges and expectations in details, thematic analysis was also used to analyze the data that was collected. This study revealed a widespread of gaps in health insurance literacy among retirees, with many unsure about how NHIMA operates or how to access its benefits. Low literacy levels proved to be high and often resulted in confusion, delays and underutilization of services available. Additionally, retirees highlighted persistent systematic barriers which included drug stockouts, long waiting hours, perceived negative attitudes among healthcare workers and inconsistent communication. Although some patients acknowledged improvements in financial access due to the health insurance coverage. The Ministry of Health should allocate adequate funding to NHIMA-accredited facilities to prevent drug shortages and ensure timely procurement of essential commodities. The Ministry of Health should strengthen health insurance education for adults, both at community level and also during hospital visits. Furthermore, staff training on customer care and customer service health insurance processes in order to reduce misinformation by Strengthening, accountability mechanisms which will help address the necessary gaps and support progress towards universal health coverage.
Identifying Demographic and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Obesity Among University of Lusaka Students in Lusaka, Zambia
(2026) CHAMPO, Daniel
Obesity is a growing public health concern among young adults in Zambia, particularly within university settings. This study investigated demographic and lifestyle factors associated with obesity among students at the University of Lusaka (UNILUS). A quantitative cross-sectional study involving 373 students was conducted using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Analysis was performed in STATA using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression at a significance level of p < 0.05. The prevalence of obesity was 22.25%, and 55.23% of students were either overweight or obese. High fast-food consumption showed a significant association with obesity (χ² = 7.49, p = 0.006). Logistic regression revealed that students who consumed fast food ≥5 times per week had 2.46 times higher odds of obesity (95% CI: 1.21–5.00, p = 0.013). Sleeping 7–8 hours per night reduced the odds of obesity by 45% (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30–0.98, p = 0.044). Demographic factors including gender, SES, and residence were not significant predictors in the adjusted model. Obesity among UNILUS students is substantially high at 22.25%, answering the first research question. The study further demonstrates that frequent fast-food consumption is the strongest behavioural determinant, with students consuming fast food ≥5 times per week having more than twice the odds of being obese. Adequate sleep (7–8 hours) was a significant protective factor. Overall, modifiable lifestyle behaviours rather than demographic characteristics are the primary contributors to obesity in this population. The university should prioritise interventions addressing fast-food intake, sleep hygiene, and campus nutritional environments. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to better establish causal pathways.
Exploring Mental Health Awareness and Support Systems Among University Students at the University of Lusaka
(2026) MOYO, David
Mental health challenges among university students were recognized as a significant global public health concern, with particular resonance in low-resource settings. In Zambia, barriers such as cultural stigma, limited awareness, and perceived inadequacy of support systems were known to hinder help seeking behaviours. The University of Lusaka was identified as a context where preliminary evidence suggested a significant underutilization of existing support services. This study aimed to explore mental health awareness and support systems among students at the University of Lusaka, Silverest Campus. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, with data collected through semi structured interviews and focus group discussions with 25 students. The analysis revealed several key themes: a limited understanding of mental health concepts, a significant gap in knowledge regarding available support services, multiple barriers to access (encompassing stigma, cultural beliefs, and confidentiality concerns), and the pervasive nature of mental health stigma within the student community. It was concluded that the current support system was ineffective due to poor awareness, deep-seated stigma, and a critical communication gap. The study recommended the implementation of a comprehensive awareness and anti-stigma campaign, the clarification of support service pathways, and the establishment of structured peer support programs to create a more supportive environment for student mental well-being.
Keywords: mental health, awareness, support systems, university students, Zambia, qualitative
research, stigma