Browsing by Author "Mudonhi, N."

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    Effectiveness of peer to peer strategy in reducing accidents and injuries at a selected platinum mine in Zimbabwe
    (Springer, 2021) Ndlovu, B.; Nunu, W.N.; Mudonhi, N.; Moyo, N.; Murwira, T.S.
    The selected mining company implemented the "Peer to Peer" strategy in 2008 to fast track achievement of zero tolerance to injuries and fatalities incidents at its workplace. Our study, therefore, sought to assess the effectiveness of this strategy in reducing accidents and injuries at this selected platinum mine in Zimbabwe. A mixed-method cross-sectional survey was conducted on 32-day shift employees using a semi-structured questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. Furthermore, incident trend analysis was done on data obtained from the records from 2004 to 2017. Covert observations were then employed to triangulate findings from data collected using the questionnaire on practices. The tests Hotelling, Chi-square, time series plots, and Multiple Logistic Regressions were employed to compare the variables of interest before and after implementing the peer to peer strategy. There was a significant drop in the number of incidents after implementing the peer to peer strategy. There was no association between tested demographic characteristics and the level of employees’ knowledge of the strategy. Employees were afraid to implement the strategy to their superiors fully. Findings pointed out that this strategy was effective despite being part of a cocktail of strategies. There was a vast decrease in the rate of occurrence of incidents after the implementation of this strategy. However, there is a need for engagement to address the subordinate management dynamics that was observed to be a threat in the comprehensive implementation of this strategy.
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    Effects of COVID-19 Among People With Disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe: A Mixed-Method Survey
    (SAGE, 2024-07-24) Ndlovu, L.; Mudonhi, N.; Sibanda, N.; Nunu, W. N.; Manyeruke, N.
    Introduction: Persons with disabilities are the most affected by rising pandemics worldwide. COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities in many areas of their lives; however, its impact has been overlooked. This study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, to develop a disability-inclusive approach in response to COVID-19. Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 7 key informants and ninety-two participants with disabilities, from January to May 2023. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA software version 12 and Microsoft Excel. Multiple Logistic Regression, Chi-square test, and paired-sample test were used to test for associations among COVID-19 cases, source of income, key challenges, and demographic characteristics. Qualitative data were analysed and presented in the form of themes. Results: We recruited more females (56.5%) than males with disabilities, and more than half were unemployed (56.5%). In contrast, only 3.3% of the respondents were formally employed. The results also indicated a significant relationship between age and COVID-19 positivity (P = .025). The results also indicated that efforts were being made by government and non- non-governmental departments to assist people with disabilities during the pandemic through finance, food, awareness campaigns, and social support. Conclusion: Restriction measures put in place disturbed the livelihood of people with disabilities in Plumtree. Therefore, entrepreneurship programmes targeting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, should be introduced to ensure that their sources of income are sustained despite emergencies or pandemics.
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    Effects of COVID-19 Among People With Disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe: A Mixed-Method Survey
    (2024) Ndlovu, L.; Mudonhi, N.; Nunu, W.N.; Sibanda, N.; Manyeruke, N.
    Persons with disabilities are the most affected by rising pandemics worldwide. COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities in many areas of their lives; however, its impact has been overlooked. This study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, to develop a disability-inclusive approach in response to COVID-19. Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 7 key informants and ninety-two participants with disabilities, from January to May 2023. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA software version 12 and Microsoft Excel. Multiple Logistic Regression, Chi-square test, and paired-sample test were used to test for associations among COVID-19 cases, source of income, key challenges, and demographic characteristics. Qualitative data were analysed and presented in the form of themes. Results: We recruited more females (56.5%) than males with disabilities, and more than half were unemployed (56.5%). In contrast, only 3.3% of the respondents were formally employed. The results also indicated a significant relationship between age and COVID-19 positivity (P = .025). The results also indicated that efforts were being made by government and non-governmental departments to assist people with disabilities during the pandemic through finance, food, awareness campaigns, and social support. Conclusion: Restriction measures put in place disturbed the livelihood of people with disabilities in Plumtree. Therefore, entrepreneurship programmes targeting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, should be introduced to ensure that their sources of income are sustained despite emergencies or pandemics.
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    Exploring traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care among women in Bulilima District of Plumtree in Zimbabwe
    (Springer, 2021) Mudonhi, N.; Nunu, W.N.; Sibanda, N.; Khumalo, N.
    Traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care has been on the increase in several countries. Therefore, addressing and reinforcing the Sustainable Development Goal of maternal mortality reduction, there is a need to take traditional medicine utilisation during pregnancy into consideration. This paper explores traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care among women in Bulilima District of Plumtree in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 177 randomly selected women using a semi-structured questionnaire. Fisher’s Exact Test, Odds Ratios, and Multiple Logistic Regression were utilised to determine any associations between diferent demographic characteristics and traditional medicine utilisation patterns using STATA SE Version 13. The prevalence of Traditional Medicine utilisation among pregnant women was estimated to be 28%. Most traditional remedies were used in the third trimester to quicken delivery. The majority of women used holy water and unknown Traditional Medicine during pregnancy. There was a strong association between age and Traditional Medicine utilisation as older women are 13 times more likely to use Traditional Medicine than younger ones. Women use traditional medicine for diferent purposes during pregnancy, and older women’s likelihood to use Traditional Medicine is higher than their counterparts. The traditional system plays an essential role in antenatal care; therefore, there is a need to conduct further studies on the efficacy and safety of utilising Traditional Medicines.
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    Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction with Healthcare Services Offered in Selected Public Hospitals in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    (The Open Publuc Halth Journal, 2021-03) Nyakutombwa, C.; Nunu, W. N.; Mudonhi, N.; Sibanda, N.
    Introduction: Patient satisfaction with health care services is vital in establishing gaps to be improved, notably in public health facilities utilised by the majority in Low and Middle-Income Countries. This study assessed factors that influenced patient satisfaction with United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Hospital services in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 99 randomly selected respondents in two tertiary hospitals in Bulawayo. Chi-squared tests were employed to determine associations between different demographic characteristics and patient satisfaction with various services they received. Multiple Stepwise Linear regression was conducted to assess the strength of the association between different variables. Results: Most of the participants who took part in the study were males in both selected hospitals. It was generally observed that patients were satisfied with these facilities' services, symbolised by over 50% satisfaction. However, patients at Mpilo were overall more satisfied than those at United Bulawayo Hospitals. Variables “received speciality services,” “average waiting times,” and “drugs being issued on time” were significant contributors to different levels of satisfaction observed between Mpilo and United Bulawayo Hospitals. Conclusion: Generally, patients are satisfied with the services and interactions with the health service providers at United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Hospitals. However, patients at Mpilo were more satisfied than those at United Bulawayo Hospitals. There is generally a need to improve pharmaceutical services, outpatient services, and interaction with health service provider services to attain the highest levels of patient satisfaction.
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    Land use− land cover changes and Mopani worm harvest in Mangwe District in Plumtree, Zimbabwe
    (Springer, 2019) Ndlovu, I.; Nunu, W.N.; Mudonhi, N.; Dube, O.; Maviza, A.
    Background: Mopani worms have been considered a critical food security resource as people living in Mopani woodlands depend on the worms both as a food source and as an income generating resource. These become a readily available substitute if agriculture fails and droughts loom. However the yields from these worms have been dwindling over the years and this has been associated with land use−land cover changes as the worms depend on vegetation. This research sought to investigate the relationship between land use−land cover changes and Mopani worm harvests in Mangwe District in Plumtree from the period 2007 to 2016 in Zimbabwe. Methods: Satellite imagery was collected using LandSat 5 and LandSat 8 satellite and then classified using the Semi Automatic Classification plugin in Quantum Geographic Information System to identify trees, dams, bare soil and settlements. Thematic maps were then produced and used to quantify extent of Land Use–Land Cover changes in the period from 2007 to 2016. Ground control data was collected using hand held Global Positioning System. Harvests trends (and reasons thereof) were estimated through usage of interviewer administered questionnaires on selected Mopani worm harvesters and harvest data kept by the community leaders. Results: Results showed that settlements and bare soil cover had greatly increased from 2007 to 2016. There was a significant decline on vegetation cover from 2007 to 2016. There was also decline in the Mopani worm harvest over the years. Reasons for reduction of harvest were cited as deforestation, drought, overharvesting, cooking with lids on and occurrence of veld fires. Conclusions: Findings of this study highlight that land use−land cover changes impacted negatively on Mopani worm harvests over the period 2007 to 2016. It is also of paramount importance to note that major reasons for this decline has been associated with Land Use changes that are associated with human activities. There is need for Natural Resource Conservation Agencies to embark on awareness campaigns to encourage reforestation and also control cutting down of Mopani woodlands. Research needs to be conducted to determine the association between cultural beliefs and Mopani worm conservation and utilisation.
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    Maternal Complications Among Women with Disabilities in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    (2024) Mpofu, L.; Mudonhi, N.; Mpofu, M.W.; Sibanda, N.; Nunu, W.N.; Ndlovu, V.; Manyeruke, N.
    Background: Maternal complications are the third most common cause of maternal mortality, contributing to a significant percentage of all maternal deaths, with the largest burden estimated in developing countries, especially in Africa. Many studies have been conducted in relation to maternal complications experienced by women in different parts of the world; little attention has been given to women with disabilities in relation to their pregnancy outcomes or complications. This study sought to explore maternal complications among women with different types of disabilities in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey (using a semi-structured questionnaire) was conducted on 71 women living with disabilities accessed through the register kept at the National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe. The collected data were cleaned, coded, and analyzed using STATA version 15. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors contributing to maternal complications. Descriptive analyses were conducted to explore participants’ sociodemographic and disability profiles and cross-tabulation of different types of disability and maternal complications experienced. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Regression analysis was performed to ascertain the relationship between disability and maternal complications. Results: The findings showed that the most dominant age was the 26-35 age group (40.07%), while the types of disabilities that were most noted were wheelchair-bound (25%), deaf (26.4%), and speech impairment (26.4%). An association was established between level of education (p = 0.000), employment status (p = 0.0033), and different types of disability. Gravida (p-value 0.04), number of live births (p-value 0.022), deformed limbs (p-value 0.014), and age group were established to be significant in terms of contributing to maternal complications. There was no statistical evidence for an association between disability and maternal complications. Conclusion: Overall, women with disabilities experience maternal complications similar to those of other women. However, some contributing factors may aggravate the occurrence of maternal complications in women with disabilities. Provision of adequate resources and improvement of infrastructure in health facilities to cater to women with disabilities
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    Maternal Complications Among Women with Disabilities in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    (Bentham Open, 2024) Mpofu, L.; Mudonhi, N.; Mpofu, M. W.; Sibanda, N.; Nunu, W. N.; Ndlovu, V.; Manyeruke, N.
    Background: Maternal complications are the third most common cause of maternal mortality, contributing to a significant percentage of all maternal deaths, with the largest burden estimated in developing countries, especially in Africa. Many studies have been conducted in relation to maternal complications experienced by women in different parts of the world; little attention has been given to women with disabilities in relation to their pregnancy outcomes or complications. This study sought to explore maternal complications among women with different types of disabilities in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey (using a semi-structured questionnaire) was conducted on 71 women living with disabilities accessed through the register kept at the National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe. The collected data were cleaned, coded, and analyzed using STATA version 15. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors contributing to maternal complications. Descriptive analyses were conducted to explore participants’ sociodemographic and disability profiles and cross-tabulation of different types of disability and maternal complications experienced. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Regression analysis was performed to ascertain the relationship between disability and maternal complications. Results: The findings showed that the most dominant age was the 26-35 age group (40.07%), while the types of disabilities that were most noted were wheelchair-bound (25%), deaf (26.4%), and speech impairment (26.4%). An association was established between level of education (p = 0.000), employment status (p = 0.0033), and different types of disability. Gravida (p-value 0.04), number of live births (p-value 0.022), deformed limbs (p-value 0.014), and age group were established to be significant in terms of contributing to maternal complications. There was no statistical evidence for an association between disability and maternal complications. Conclusion: Overall, women with disabilities experience maternal complications similar to those of other women. However, some contributing factors may aggravate the occurrence of maternal complications in women with disabilities. Provision of adequate resources and improvement of infrastructure in health facilities to cater to women with disabilities.
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    Molecular detection of Imbrasia belina proteins associated with allergic reactions on harvesters and consumers from selected districts in Matabeleland: a comparative study
    (Springer, 2023-07-13) Dlamini, W.; Nunu, W. N.; Ndlovu, V.; Nleya, N.; Mudonhi, N.; Sibula, M.
    Background: Harvesting and consuming insects (entomophagy), particularly Imbrasia belina is widespread in developing countries like Zimbabwe. Due to their extraordinary nutritional content, tastiness, ease of processing and storage, Imbrasia belina has become a delicacy, reachable nutritious complement, and money source for some people in Zimbabwean communities. However, some harvesters and consumers have become allergic to the Imbrasia belina, popularly known as Mopani worms. This has been attributed or associated with the changes in the genetic structure of Imbrasia belina. Therefore, this research sought to compare the presence of the genes associated with allergic reactions to mopane worms from Gwanda and Umguza districts in Zimbabwe. Methods: A lab-based observational study was conducted on collected Imbrasia belina samples from both districts. Fifteen samples of mopane worms were collected from each district, and DNA extraction was performed using DNeasy blood and tissue kit. The DNA extraction products were then amplified using a Polymerase chain reaction. The polymerase chain reaction products were run on agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the presence of the target genes. Results: Three of the five samples from Gwanda district were positive for the tropomyosin gene, whereas two samples from Umguza district were positive. All the samples from the two districts were negative for arginine kinase genes. Conclusion: The study results highlighted that allergic reactionsto Imbrasia belina reported in Gwanda district are associated with the presence of the tropomyosin gene, which has undergone polymorphism. Responsible authorities such as Gwanda local authority should develop bylaws that govern Imbrasia belina harvesting in the district.
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    Risk factors associated with a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe
    (AOSIS, 2022) Siziba, A.; Nunu, W. N.; Mudonhi, N.; Ndlovu, V.; Munyai, O.; Ndlovu, B.; Sanganyado, E.
    Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where the health infrastructure is often poor. Despite having a number of interventions in Beitbridge (such as the 24-h wellness centre), Zimbabwe, the incidence and prevalence of STIs is increasing. This study, therefore, aims to assess the risk factors associated with the high incidence of STIs in urban Beitbridge. A case-control study was conducted on 30 respondents who had suffered from STIs (selected from the registers at Beitbridge hospital and followed up) and 90 respondents who had not suffered from STIs (from the community) who resided in Beitbridge for at least 6 months and this excluded all those who were in transit. The factors contributing to the high incidence of STIs were identified using a pretested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire in conjunction with a Likert scale to establish the attitudes and risk behaviours of the respondents on STIs. A significant association was observed between high STI incidences and the nature of occupation (odds ration [OR]: 3.8), area of residence (OR: 2.78), number of sexual partners (OR: 7.56), payment demanded for sex (OR 22), condom use (OR: 3.7), alcohol use (OR: 2.86),and suspicion that partners had other sexual companions (OR: 15.5). Furthermore, a larger proportion of controls were knowledgeable on STIs as compared to the cases who participated in the study. There is a need to develop awareness strategies that foster safe sexual practices, particularly among populations who do not choose abstinence or a single sexual partner lifestyle.
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    Risk factors associated with a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.
    (OASIS, 2022) Siziba, A.; Nunu, W.N.; Mudonhi, N.; Ndlovu, V.; Munyai, O.; Ndlovu, B.; Sanganyado, E.
    BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where the health infrastructure is often poor. Despite having a number of interventions in Beitbridge (such as the 24-h wellness centre), Zimbabwe, the incidence and prevalence of STIs is increasing. OBJECTIVES: This study, therefore, aims to assess the risk factors associated with the high incidence of STIs in urban Beitbridge. METHOD: A case-control study was conducted on 30 respondents who had suffered from STIs (selected from the registers at Beitbridge hospital and followed up) and 90 respondents who had not suffered from STIs (from the community) who resided in Beitbridge for at least 6 months and this excluded all those who were in transit. The factors contributing to the high incidence of STIs were identified using a pretested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire in conjunction with a Likert scale to establish the attitudes and risk behaviours of the respondents on STIs. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between high STI incidences and the nature of occupation (odds ration [OR]: 3.8), area of residence (OR: 2.78), number of sexual partners (OR: 7.56), payment demanded for sex (OR 22), condom use (OR: 3.7), alcohol use (OR: 2.86), and suspicion that partners had other sexual companions (OR: 15.5). Furthermore, a larger proportion of controls were knowledgeable on STIs as compared to the cases who participated in the study. CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop awareness strategies that foster safe sexual practices, particularly among populations who do not choose abstinence or a single sexual partner lifestyle.
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    Traditional Medicine Utilisation Among Pregnant Women in Sub-saharan African Countries: A Systematic Review of Literature
    (SAGE, 2021-11-18) Mudonhi, N.; Nunu, W. N.
    Traditional medicine has the potential to boost the health and economies of many SSA countries, especially if regulatory mechanisms are deployed to govern their protection and utilisation. There is lack of knowledge regarding traditional medicines and their impact on pregnancy. This paper reviews the literature on traditional medicine utilisation among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan African countries. The paper, determined the proportion of pregnant women utilising traditional medicines in Sub-Saharan Africa, identified the different types of traditional medicine used during antenatal care and reasons for Use in Sub-Saharan Africa and also identified challenges that are faced by women who use traditional medicine in antenatal care. A systematic exploratory review was conducted guided by the PRISMA framework. The databases that were searched included Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, HINARI and the World Health Organization. Forty-one literature sources were eligible and included in the review process. Reported traditional medicine utilisation ranged between 12 and 93% among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Different types of traditional medicines have been utilised in Sub-Saharan Africa for different purposes. Safety and poor management of usage were reported to be some of the challenges associated with traditional medicine. There is a need to determine chemical components and mode of action of these herbs as some could be beneficial, whilst others harmful, leading to severe pregnancy complications.
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    Traditional medicine utilisation and maternal complications during antenatal care among women in Bulilima, Plumtree, Zimbabwe
    (BMC, 2021) Mudonhi, N.; Nunu, W.N.
    Background: As part of the expectation enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, countries are expected to ensure maternal health outcomes are improved. It follows that under ideal circumstances, pregnant women should deliver safely without complications, neonatal, and maternal mortality. This paper analyses the relationship between traditional medicine utilisation and maternal complications during antenatal care among women in Bulilima, Plumtree, Zimbabwe. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted on 185 randomly selected women who responded to a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The Fisher’s Exact Test and the Test of Proportions were used to probe the relationship between traditional medicine utilisation and the prevalence of maternal complications using STATA SE Version 13. Results: Complications were reported by (51) 29% of the women who were under study. The proportion of women who developed complications was higher in those that did not use traditional medicine as compared to those that used traditional medicine (30 and 26% respectively). In a generalised assessment, women who did not use traditional medicine contributed a significantly higher proportion of complications as compared to those that utilised traditional medicine. Conclusion: This study found a significant relationship between the utilisation of traditional medicines and lesser chances of experiencing maternal complications. Significantly higher prevalence of maternal complications was observed in women who did not use traditional medicine compared to those that did. There is, therefore, a need to investigate further the constituents or active ingredients in this traditional medicine. This study provides a window of opportunity for fully recognising and integrating traditional medicine into Modern Health Systems. It can be argued that traditional medicine utilisation could be a viable alternative to modern medicine, particularly in resource-poor settings where access to modern medicine is seriously constrained.