University of Lusaka Library
Welcome to the University of Lusaka Library repository, a platform dedicated to preserving and sharing academic works.
- Easily deposit documents, audio, video, and datasets with comprehensive metadata.
- Showcase your research to both local and global audiences.
- Ensure persistent access and trustworthy identifiers.
Learn more about our services on the University of Lusaka website.
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Correlation between Social Cash Transfer Participation aAnd Basic Needs Fulfilment among the Elderly in Ng'Ombe, Lusaka
(2026) NGULUBE, Joshua
The Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme in Zambia has served as the foundation of the national social protection framework throughout the last twenty years but the linkage between the participation of the elderly beneficiaries in the programme and the existence of basic needs being fulfilled is still not well comprehended. This is of importance especially in urban informal settlements where cost of living has increased sharply whilst transfer values have remained relatively the same. This paper has discussed the association between SCT involvement and basic need satisfaction among the elderly beneficiaries in Ng'ombe, Lusaka based on three objectives to evaluate the relationship between programme awareness and basic need satisfaction, to determine the relationship between payment characteristics and basic need satisfaction and to determine the relationship between fund utilisation patterns and basic need satisfaction. A quantitative correlational design was adopted. A stratified random sampling was employed to represent the elderly SCT beneficiaries in terms of age, gender and disability status whereby a sample of 311 elderly were selected out of about 1,247 registered beneficiaries. The structured questionnaire interviews with Likert-scale items were used to collect data and analysed with Pearson correlation coefficients in IBM SPSS. The findings were mixed. Availability of credible, trustworthy sources of SCT information was positively related to less economic and caring load (r =.357, p <.01), and a moderate level of programme understanding (r =.130, p <.05). General awareness levels and knowledge of complaints mechanisms, conversely, did not have any significant correlation with any basic needs indicator. The transfer amounts showed some small but statistically significant relationship with the reduction of food insecurity (r =.140, p <.05), but did not show any significant relationships with healthcare access, housing, or dignity. The duration of the programme gave what seems to be a divergent result: longer participation was more positively associated with burden reduction (r =.135, p <.05) but negatively associated with food insecurity reduction (r = -.114, p <.05), suggesting a weakening of the material impact of the programme over time despite the continued presence of its psychosocial benefits. Combined, these results indicate that the SCT programme in Ng'ombe, Lusaka has significant potential to relieve the psychosocial burden among the elderly beneficiaries, but lacks the ability to alleviate material needs due to the lack of transfer values that have not kept pace with urban living expenses. Outcomes seem to be determined by the quality of beneficiary engagement, rather than merely the enrolment status. The paper suggests inflation-linked increases in transfer levels and community-based information interventions through local trusted intermediaries. The next step in research will be to investigate the frequency and predictability of payment as predictors of the effectiveness of the programme and to study the interaction of SCTs with complementary social services in each demographic subgroup.
An Assessment of the impact of Alternative Banking Channels on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Zambia
(2026) MWALE, Chikumbutso
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of alternative banking channels (ABCs) on financial performance of Commercial Banks in Zambia which includes Internet banking, mobile banking, agency Banking and automated teller machines (ATMs), focusing on Stanbic Bank, First National Bank Zambia, and Zanaco from 2021 to 2023. The findings of the study confirmed that alternative banking channels exert a statistically significant and positive influence on the financial performance of commercial banks in Zambia. This suggests that the ongoing digital transformation in Zambia’s banking sector is generating measurable financial benefits, and that banks that invest in diverse and integrated alternative banking channels stand to achieve superior financial performance. Anchored on financial intermediation theory and agency theory, the research adopted a quantitative approach with a correlational research and causal-comparative design. Secondary data was sourced from various sources such as Bank of Zambia publications and banks’ annual reports. These were analyzed using panel regression, descriptive statistics and correlation matrix techniques through MS Excel and SPSS. The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between financial performance and Alternative Banking Channel adoption. Mobile banking showed stronger marginal effect (coefficient = 0.041, p = 0.000), followed by the aggregate Alternative Banking Channel index (coefficient = 0.468, p = 0.000). Agency banking, ATMs and internet banking also positively contributed to Banks net profits. However, cybersecurity risks, infrastructural deficits, and limited financial literacy constrain Alternative Banking Channels effectiveness. The study recommends enhanced financial literacy initiatives and more investments in digital infrastructure to maximize the benefits of Alternative Banking Channels and contribute to policy formulation and academic discourse in Zambia’s banking sector.
Determinants of Virologic Failure and Prevalence of Resistance Mutations among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - Infected Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Months to 18 Years on Antiretroviral Therapy at Livingstone Teaching Hospital, Zambia
(2026) MWEWA, Jones
Virologic failure is a major challenge in the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to identify the prevalence of virologic failure, identify its determinants, and describe the pattern of HIV drug resistance mutations among HIV-infected children and adolescents aged 18 months to 18 years receiving ART at Livingstone Teaching Hospital.
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 children and adolescents living with HIV. Virologic failure was defined as a viral load of ≥1,000 copies/mL. Data on sociodemographic, socio-economic, and clinical characteristics were collected from medical records and patient interviews. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with virologic failure. Genotypic resistance testing was performed among participants with virologic failure to assess resistance mutations.The prevalence of virologic failure was 19.14%. Poor adherence to ART was the strongest predictor of virologic failure, with affected participants having significantly higher odds of failure. Adolescents were more likely to experience virologic failure compared to younger children. Low caregiver income and food insecurity were also independently associated with virologic failure. Drug resistance analysis showed no major NRTI resistance mutations, while NNRTI resistance mutations were common, particularly the K103N mutation. Resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors was rare.In conclusion, virologic failure among children and adolescents at Livingstone Teaching Hospital was mainly driven by poor adherence and socio-economic vulnerability rather than widespread drug resistance. Strengthening adherence support, implementing adolescent-friendly HIV services, and integrating socio-economic and nutritional support into HIV care are critical to improving treatment outcomes in this population.
Investigating Human (Host) factors associated with Susceptibility and Resistance to Plasmodium Falciparum Infection in Rufunsa District: A Case - Control Study
(2026) CHIBWALWE, Kelvin
Malaria is a significant public health burden in Zambia, with Rufunsa District being particularly affected. Understanding host factors influencing susceptibility and resistance to Plasmodium falciparum malaria is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. A total of 319 participants were included in the study. Malaria testing was done using first response Malaria RDT brands. Blood Grouping (ABO and Rh Typing) and Sickle SCAN test kit were used to screen for genetic traits. Host factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analysis were performed using Stata version 14. The study found that male participants were significantly more likely to test positive for malaria compared to females (aOR = 7.26; 95% CI: 2.77-19.03; p = 0.001). Malaria risk varied significantly by health facility, with participants from Chimusanya, Kanyongoloka, and Mpanshya having substantially higher odds of malaria. Prior malaria infection (aOR = 8.49; 95% CI: 3.07-23.50; p = 0.001) and inconsistent mosquito net use (aOR = 5.00; 95% CI: 1.46-17.09; p = 0.010) were also significantly associated with malaria susceptibility. The study highlights the need for strengthening malaria prevention strategies, including promoting consistent use of insecticide-treated nets and improving coverage of indoor residual spraying, particularly in high-transmission areas.
Prevalence and Hematological Patterns of Blood Disorders in Chitambo, Zambia: A Cross- Sectional Study Using CBC Testing
(2026) ZULU, Diana
Blood disorders, including anaemia, leukocyte abnormalities, and thrombocytopenia, represent a significant public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, yet community-level data in rural Zambia remain sparse. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of haematological disorders in Chitambo District, Zambia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 residents of Chitambo District, selected through systematic random sampling from the outpatient department of Chitambo District Hospital. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and a complete blood count (CBC) was performed for each participant. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used for data analysis in STATA version 14. The prevalence of anaemia was 37.0% (95% CI: 32.1–42.1%), leukocyte abnormalities 15.1% (95% CI: 11.6–19.3%), and thrombocytopenia 8.6% (95% CI: 5.9–12.0%). In adjusted analyses, anaemia was significantly associated with female sex, infrequent consumption of iron rich foods, lack of iron supplementation, and recent malaria episodes. Leukocyte abnormalities were associated with malaria and HIV-positive status. Thrombocytopenia was strongly predicted by recent malaria episodes. This study documented a high burden of haematological disorders in Chitambo District, driven by modifiable nutritional and infectious factors, with malaria playing a central role. These findings highlight the need for integrated public health interventions combining
nutritional support, malaria control, and strengthened laboratory-based surveillance to improve haematological health outcomes in rural Zambia.
Keywords: Anaemia, leukocyte abnormalities, thrombocytopenia, complete blood count, malaria, nutritional factors, Chitambo, Zambia, cross-sectional study