SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES

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    Assessing The Efficacy Of Modern Medicine Compared To Herbal Medicine In Treating Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients At Levy Mwanawasa Hospital
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) MURAMBIWA MELISSA
    Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern in Zambia, with many patients turning to both modern and herbal treatments for management. Understanding the comparative effectiveness, adherence, and safety of these options is essential for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to compare the efficacy, adherence, and side-effect profiles of modern and herbal medicines in managing T2DM at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital. A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 T2DM patients, 30 using modern medicine and 20 using herbal remedies. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests (t-tests and chi-square). Qualitative data were obtained via open-ended questions and thematically analyzed. Modern medicine users reported significantly higher perceived effectiveness (mean score: 4.1) compared to herbal users (mean score: 2.9; p < 0.001). Adherence was also higher in the modern group (75%) than in the herbal group (40%; p = 0.018). However, the modern group experienced a higher frequency of side effects (50% vs 20%; p = 0.024). Qualitative findings revealed that cultural beliefs, cost, and perceived natural safety influenced herbal use, while modern medicine was favored for its reliability and clinical support. Modern medicine appears more effective and better adhered to in managing T2DM, though it is associated with more side effects. Herbal remedies are perceived as safer but less effective and inconsistently used. A culturally sensitive, integrative approach combining biomedical care with validated traditional practices may enhance diabetes management in Zambia.
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    Prevalence And Related Factors Of Burnout Among Healthcare Practitioners At Livingstone Central Hospital In Livingstone, Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) PHIRI EVELYN ESELINA
    Burnout among healthcare practitioners is a critical issue affecting both the workforce and the quality of patient care. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and related factors of burnout among healthcare practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital in Zambia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 69 healthcare practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement. Socio-demographic and work-related factors were also collected. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationships between these factors and burnout. the study revealed a mean score of 18.2 (±10.4) for emotional exhaustion, with 16% of respondents reporting extreme fatigue. The mean score for depersonalization was 9.8 (±9.6), and the mean score for personal achievement was 39.5 (±7.8), with a majority (60.9%) reporting low levels. Age, marital status, religion, department, and work experience were significantly associated with depersonalization (p < 0.05). Similarly, these factors, along with education and profession, were significantly associated with personal achievement (p < 0.05). The regression analysis indicated that overall comfort and functionality (β = -11.248, p < 0.001) and the decision-making process (β = -7.471, p = 0.007) had significant negative effects on burnout, explaining approximately 44.5% of the variance (R² = 0.445). Additionally, organizational support for professional growth and skill development (β = -5.826, p = 0.025) was the only organizational factor with a significant negative effect on burnout, accounting for 46.1% of the variance (R² = 0.461). The findings suggest that burnout is prevalent among healthcare practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital, with significant associations between socio-demographic factors, work-related factors, and burnout. Improving overall comfort and functionality, enhancing decision-making processes, and providing organizational support for professional growth could be effective strategies to mitigate burnout. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies to support the well-being of healthcare workers and, consequently, improve the quality of patient care. The need for future research remains to solidify and expand understanding on burnout.