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Item An assessment of the effects of climate change on human health: A case of Bangweulu Constituency(University of Lusaka, 2025) MWELWA, Tresina MA study was undertaken in Bangweulu Constituency with the aim of assessing the effects of climate change on human health. The research was anchored on the following specific objectives: to identify the common climate change related hazards in Bangweulu Constituency; to find out the common climate change impacts in the study area and to find out how the health sector is negatively impacted by climate change in the study area. The study adopted a qualitative methodology with a sample of 60 respondents from three wards of Chimana, Mano and Katansha that were drawn using a non-probability sampling. In terms of data collection methods, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used. Data were analyzed using thematic approach and reflected the objectives, alongside triangulation with literature review. The study's findings indicated that climate change has led to increased occurrences of diseases such as malaria, scabies, waterborne illnesses, respiratory issues, and malnutrition due to poor nutrition. The study observed that the damage floods were causing to the environment, infrastructure such as roads, health facilities and bridges impacted so heavily on the development of the health sector. The study concluded that all these were consequently affecting the performance of the health sector in addressing the disease outbreaks caused by climate change. In view of the findings, the study recommended that government needed to develop a robust climate-health model for quantifying the relationships between climate variability and disease prevalence in flood prone areas like Bangweulu. Investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of mitigation and adaptive measures of climate change in the country and also assess the effectiveness of targeted public health programs in addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change related health hazards, such as increased vector-borne diseases and heat-related illnesses, in the Bangweulu constituency.Item Assessment of awareness of health implications caused by the use of shisha smoking among at the University of Lusaka(University of Lusaka, 2025) MUSONDA, TwaamboShisha smoking has become increasingly popular among university students in Zambia, despite evidence of its adverse health effects. However, little is known about the awareness of these health implications among this population. This qualitative study aims to assess the awareness of health implications caused by the use of shisha smoking among students at the University of Lusaka. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from 20 university students who were regular shisha smokers. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and interviews were conducted face-to-face. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Various key themes emerged from the data analysis following in line with the three research focus areas: (1) The level of awareness among students at the University of Lusaka regarding the health implications caused by the use of shisha smoking, (2) Where the students get or access the Shisha from; (3) How students at the University of Lusaka perceive and respond to the use of shisha smoking? Most participants had some knowledge about the health implications of shisha smoking, with some believing that shisha was less harmful than cigarettes. However, the study found that social and cultural factors such as peer pressure, perceived social status, and cultural traditions influenced the uptake and continuation of shisha smoking. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the health implications of shisha smoking among university students in Zambia. Interventions should address misconceptions about the relative safety of shisha compared to other forms of tobacco and also take into account social and cultural factors that contribute to its popularity. These findings may inform future public health campaigns and policies aimed at reducing the prevalence of shisha smoking among university students in Zambia. Keywords: Shisha smoking, health implications, awareness, university students, Zambia.Item Assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices on malaria interventions among Mansa residents in Luapula Province(University of Lusaka, 2025) MWEWA, Tom MIn Zambia, Northern, North Western, Muchinga, and Luapula Province are the region’s most susceptible to the disease due to the excessive rainfall they have in those seasons. The prevalence in the province of Luapula is 600 to 700 cases per 1000 population annually. The highest rate of malaria in Luapula Province has been recorded in Mansa and it was found that Mansa had a total population of 257,517 with a total of 189,407cases of which 86% were laboratory confirmed and recorded in the year 2015. The qualitative research was conducted with a case study design and data was collected through in-depth interviews and questionnaires (N = 20) focused on pregnant women, mothers of under-five children. The results showed that most participants had knowledge about Malaria prevention intervention and positive attitudes towards them. In spite of this few participants were still not aware and had prioritized other means of dealing with malaria. The majority of study participants had awareness of malaria or were well informed about it, however some participant’s attitudes and practises were contrary to the matter. Health institutions offer free malaria treatment and routine IRS spraying, but because of unfavourable experiences and a lack of awareness, the initiative has not been able to get the necessary full coverage.Item Effects of COVID 19 on the delivery of Maternal and Child Health Care Services before and during the pandemic in Lusaka.(University of Lusaka, 2025) MWEEMBA, Tessy NamboziThe aim of this study was to explore and measure the urgent need to understand how the health systems have responded to effectively, efficiently, and equitable sustain routine service delivery of maternal and child health services during the COVID-2019 pandemic. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the delivery of maternal and child healthcare services at kanyama general hospital before and during the first wave of COVD-19. Data was collected from routinely reported programme data. The quantitative data was used to answer the objectives. For birth attended to by skilled birth attendant after running a paired t-test found that the significance value (p-value) associated with the two-tailed test was 0.008, suggesting that the observed difference in the number of births attended to by skilled personnel before and after COVID is statistically significant. For family planning attendance we found the significance value (p-value) associated with the two-tailed test was 0.000, which we rounded off to 0.001, which is lower than the conventional threshold of 0.05. This indicates a highly significant difference in family planning attendances before and after COVID. For ANC visits before and after we found that, although the significance levels for these visits were slightly higher (p = .025 and p = .039), indicating less robust evidence, they still suggest a notable decline in the number of antenatal care visits during the pandemic. For under five fully vaccinations there was a significant difference observed while vitamin A supplementation there was no significant difference from the results recorded before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this retrospective analysis on the effects of COVID-19 on the provision of maternal, child, and nutrition services showed that there were significant disruptions in a number of areas of maternal and child healthcare.Item Knowledge of Occupational Health and Ergonomics amongst nurses in selected Health Facilities in Mumbwa District(University of Lusaka, 2025) GOMBWA, TerryThe safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, especially nurses who are constantly exposed to diverse workplace dangers, are greatly aided by occupational health and ergonomics (chiou et al., 2013). It is crucial to understand nurses' degree of knowledge and understanding of these perspectives in order to establish targeted treatments and enhance occupational health procedures in healthcare environments. Semi-structured interviews were used and a cross sectional qualitative research design to collect data. A variety of nurses working in various healthcare settings were chosen using a convenience sampling method. The use of thematic analysis was used to determine important themes and patterns in the data to ascertain the knowledge of occupational health and ergonomics. Preliminary findings revealed that nurses displayed varying levels of knowledge and awareness regarding occupational health and ergonomics including the risks associated with their profession. The results show a lack regard and neglect to OHS coupled with shortage of equipment and policies to strengthen awareness and knowledge of OHS. The findings highlight the need for resources and equipment to effectively enhance OHS practices. The need for comprehensive educational programs that focus on OHS and ergonomics, as well as the importance of organizational support in promoting a culture of safety and implementing ergonomic interventions. The recommendations include creating in-depth instructional programs for nurses on occupational health and safety. offer organizational assistance and resources. To create ergonomically comfortable surroundings, include ergonomic considerations into the structure and organization of healthcare facilities, which include the choice of equipment, furniture as well as devices, and lighting.Item Assessing the knowledge and attitudes associated with abortion among female students at the University of Lusaka(University of Lusaka, 2025) NAMBEYE, TemwaAbortion is an issue of public health concern as there are millions of induced abortions being recorded each year globally. The biggest problem about abortion is that most of them are unsafe and they contribute to 13% of maternal related deaths worldwide. There have been efforts to address unsafe abortion such as the introduction of comprehensive abortion care by the World Health organization, however, there is still a large number of women who resort to unsafe abortion due to different factors. In Zambia, abortion was legalized under the termination of pregnancy (TOP) act but despite this intervention, comprehensive abortion care remains inaccessible to most women in Zambia. To assess the knowledge and attitudes associated to abortion among female students at the University of Lusaka. This was a qualitative study conducted at the University of Lusaka, Leopards hill campus and convenience sampling was used to select the sample. Data collection was done by carrying out in-depth interviews and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results of the study indicate that female students the University of Lusaka have sufficient and good knowledge on the causes of abortion and the consequences of unsafe abortion. The results revealed that most of the female students had adequate knowledge on the legality of abortion in Zambia and that they have a positive attitude towards safe abortion. The factors in the conceptual framework that were associated to the knowledge and attitudes that one would have towards abortion were discussed and they include age, level of education and religion. The results of the study indicate that knowledge and attitudes towards abortion were related to age, level of education and religion.Item Factors contributing to home deliveries among pregnant women in Ukwimi: Lusanganzi District(University of Lusaka, 2025) MANIANGA, StephenIn developing countries, including Zambia, maternal mortality rates are a pressing public health issue. The primary causes of death are related to pregnancy and childbirth. Although approximately half of women give birth in a healthcare facility in Zambia, there is significant regional variation with the lowest rate being in rural and the highest rate being in urban areas. To evaluate factors contributing to the high number of home deliveries among pregnant women from Ukwimi village in Lusangazi district. Analytical cross sectional study was used among the women with children less than 2 years prior to the study in 2023 in Lusangazi district. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Data were analyze using STATA version 14. The minimum age of respondent were 15 years old and the maximum was 49 years old with the mean age of 28.9 (SD=8.2) years. The majority of participants 90 (23.7%) were mothers between the age of 20-24, 83 (21.9%) were mothers aged between 25- 29 years, 60 (15.8%) were mothers aged between 30-34, 60 (15.8%) were mothers aged between 35-39 years, 46 (12.1%) were mothers aged between 15-19 years, 22 (5.8%) were mothers aged between 45-49 years, 18 (4.7%) were mothers aged 40-44 years, and one did not know her actual age. The majority of respondents 223 (59.5%) attended primary school education, 74 (19.7%) never went to school, 56 (14.9%) attended secondary education and 22 (5.9%) attended university education. Well trained and equipped health workers are known to be a vital protective factor against maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, as they provide maternal health care services. Based on study findings, improving education for girls, to improve accessibility of health facilities and promote early booking of antenatal care clinics by women have been recommended.Item Factors affecting the prevention of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Mikango Community, Chongwe District(University of Lusaka, 2025) MUTALE, Stacy CThis study investigates the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in the Mikango Community of Chongwe district and explores the social economic and social cultural factors influencing HIV/AIDS prevention in this population. Understanding these factors is crucial for designing effective prevention strategies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by adolescents in this community. A total of 100 adolescents from the Mikango Community were selected for this study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires that assessed participants' knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention, as well as their social economic and social cultural background. It was a quantitative research study that employed a cross sectional approach. The questionnaires were administered in a face-to-face setting, ensuring confidentiality and privacy. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical techniques to identify prevalence rates, associations, and correlations among variables. Chi-square tests were performed to carry of these analysis. The findings of this study revealed a 15% prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in the Mikango Community. Additionally, it was observed that 65% of participants had limited knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention. Social economic factors, including parental education, employment status, literacy, and household income, were found to be associated with adolescents' knowledge about HIV prevention and access to prevention methods. Social cultural factors, such as circumcision status, sexual behavior, condom use, and alcohol consumption, also showed associations with the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adolescents. The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in the Mikango Community underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention. Addressing social economic factors, including parental education and household income, and social cultural factors, such as promoting safe sexual behaviors and addressing circumcision status and alcohol consumption, are crucial for effective prevention strategies in this community. Key Words: HIV, adolescence, prevalence, socio economic factors, cultural factorsItem Challenges of Sickle Cell Anaemia on Adolescent's Social Lives: A Phenomenologica Study at University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka(University of Lusaka, 2025) BANDA, SimonSCD/SCA is a hereditary condition affecting the shape of the red blood cells. The Zambian Ministry of health acknowledges SCA/SCD to be a public health concern. In consideration of the World Health Organization (WHO) objectives of health care system in Zambia it is vital for health providers to be client oriented and view SCD/SCA in a holistic view. However, not much evidence has been shown about supportive networks to improve social networks of sickles within Zambia, there is lack of adequate information for parents with children who are sicklers and their social lives, in addition the Ministry of Health and its cooperating partners have not done much to influence policies that foster health education with regards to SCA and its social effects in policy formulation. Therefore this research was done at UTHs with the motive of assessing social challenges that adolescents who are affected by SCA experience in their lives and the social supportive programs considered to improve the social wellbeing of sicklers. The study adopted the qualitative approach and utilized phenomenological study design. With the sample size of 11 sicklers and their respective caregivers selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was done through methods of focus group discussions and interviews and was analyzed through methods of narrative and interpretive phenomenon Analysis. This study established the consideration that believes that in most cases of SCD/SCA it is perceived to be concerned with physical and biological challenges without considering other related challenges such as social challenges in the lives of sicklers particularly adolescents. The results indicated that some participants had shared their stories with emotional outlook as a result of negative experiences that they encountered in relation to their medical condition. On the other hand the other participants gave different views and they believe that their social lives are normal and some participants had little knowledge about their condition. The results also presented the views that acknowledges the need for social supportive programs. In the end conclusions were made that some adolescents’ sicklers have a negative view of their social life experiences as a result of their medical conditions while others believe that their social lives are normal. Social media platforms such as WhatsApps have shown significance in playing the role of common social supportive groups for many sicklers and their caregiver. In addition this research found gaps in an attempt to evaluate available literature concerning the topic of interest; in globally and regional contexts most authors implemented different methodologies. In the local context there was little done about the study hence leaving a huge gap.Item The impact of Lateral Flow Urine (LAM) Test on TB Case notifications among people living with HIV at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, Zambia: Quasi Experimental Study Design(University of Lusaka, 2025) CHIBUMBYA, RobertsonThe main aim of this study was to assess the impact of LF- LAM test on TB notifications. The specific objectives was to describe trends in TB notifications among people living with HIV, determine the effect of LAM test introduction on TB case notification among HIV positive individuals and compare the median turnaround time of results between GeneXpert and LAM test. This research was a quasi-experimental study design which was conducted at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital in Lusaka with a focusing on determining improvement in TB notifications following the introduction of urine Lam test. TB notifications were collected from 2017 to 2021 and data divided into 2 segments; the first segment comprised notifications before the introduction of TB LAM, and the second segment was the TB notifications after the intervention. A total of 404 records for HIV infected TB patients in the TB registers were reviewed for 18 quarters from 2017 to 2021. The median (IQR) age of the patients was 38 years. The interrupted series results showed a non-significant reduction of 0.74 points per quarter prior to the implementation. The post intervention trend in TB notifications reduced by 0.1 points (95% CI 6.2-6.0), though not statistically significant reduction. The introduction of TB LAM was not associated with improved TB case notification. The current Xpert test being used for TB diagnosis is remains appropriate for the present treatment algorithm. However, there is still need to conduct future studies at a non-referral site to establish the real impact of the use of TB LAM in people living with HIV.