Doctor Okto presents you the final report on community entry and diagnosis done at Emanyinya sublocation during their second year community health attachment.

1. MASENO UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
COMMUNITY HEALTH ATTACHMENT REPORT ON
COMMUNITY ENTRY AND DIAGNOSIS CONDUCTED IN EPWOPI AND ESHIHULI
VILLAGES IN EMANYINYA SUB LOCATION, TONGOI LOCATION, EMUHAYA SUB
COUNTY, VIHIGA COUNTY, AND WESTERN KENYA FROM 6TH
SEPTEMBER 2015 TO
2ND
OCTOBER 2015

2. i
DECLARATION
We, Okoth Kevin, Ruguru Joan, Hilda Tiren, Kipkirui Nicholas, Onunga Anthony and Wakhu
Lesley hereby declare that this report is original, and to the best of our knowledge has not been
presented by any other individual or group in this or any other institution of higher learning and
is compiled from the research undertaken by this group from 6th
September, 2015 to 2nd
October,
2015 in an honest manner in order to fulfill the Community Entry and Diagnosis objectives.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
scanning or otherwise, except under the terms of the Copyright or the consent of Maseno
University.
Authors:
Name Admission Number Sign Date
Okoth Kevin Tony Ms/00040/2013 _________________ _______________
Wakhu Lesley Mukoya Ms/00035/2013 _________________ _______________
Tiren Hilda Chemutai Ms/00015/2013 _________________ _______________
Kipkirui Nicholas Ms/00024/2013 _________________ _______________
Onunga Anthony Ms/00032/2013 _________________ _______________
Ruguru Joan Kimani Ms/00007/2013 _________________ _______________
Supervisors:
Name Sign Date
Dr. Benson Nyambega _________________ _______________
Miss Indrah Ongwong’a _________________ _______________
Dr. Bonuke Anyona _________________ _______________

3. ii
ACKNOLWEDGMENT
We wish to express our sincere thanks to Maseno University School of Medicine for providing
the means to make this study possible. Thanks goes to our supervisors, all of Maseno University:
Dr. S .B. Anyona, Dr. B. Nyambega and Ms. I. Ongwong’a for their guidance, encouragement,
advice and constructive criticism. We also appreciate our various families for the unfailing
support they gave during this period.
Special thanks goes to the staff of Emusire Health Centre: Clinical Officer-in- charge, Ruth Bore
and her well able team of clinicians, Sarah Opanga, the Nursing Officer-in-charge, and her good
nurses, Benjamin Amwai, officer in-charge of the laboratory, Public Health Officer, Mr.
Josephat Maganga and his team and the support staff led by Josephine Muyela. They made our
stay comfortable and allowed us to learn more from them than we had imagined.
We are also indebted to the people of Tongoi location under the leadership of the acting chief
who is also the substantive Assistant Chief of Emanyinya sub-location together with the village
elders and community health volunteers. They allowed us into their community and facilitated
our movement into the deepest parts of the villages, this especially the community health
workers under the Public Health Office. This was pivotal in our data collection. We laud the
general population of Epwopi and Eshihuli for their willingness to share with us the information
we needed despite the fact that our data collection ate into their precious time.
Most importantly we cannot thank enough the good God for seeing us through the challenges
and successes of this undertaking.

4. iii
ABBREVIATIONS
OPS Out Patient Services
FGD Focused Group Discussion
CHVs Community Health Volunteers
CHA Community Health Attachment
PHC Primary Health Care
ANC Ante natal clinic
ARV Anti-retroviral
CDF Constituency Development Fund
MCH Maternal Child Health
IPD In patient Department
URTI Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
WHO World Health Organization
FP Family Planning
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
AI Adequate Intake
FGD Focused Group Discussion
KDHS Kenya Demography Health Survey
CPR Contraceptive Prevalence Rate
KIHBS Kenya Integrated Budget Survey
CIA
HSB
Center of Intelligence Agency
Health Seeking Behavior
PHC Primary Health Care
CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention

5. iv
DECLARATION............................................................................................................................. i
ACKNOLWEDGMENT.................................................................................................................ii
ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................................................iii
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................vii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 1
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION .............................................................................................1
1.2 STUDY JUSTIFICATION ...........................................................................................................5
1.3 OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................5
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION.............................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................... 7
2.1 DEMOGRAPHY AND HOUSING....................................................................................................7
2.2 NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE .......................................................................................................8
2.3 HIV AIDS ...........................................................................................................................................9
2.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT.................................................................................................................9
2.5 ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SUPPLY.....................................................................................10
2.6 MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING.......................................................10
2.7 COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS.................................................................................................11
2.8 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIORS.................................................................................................13
2.9 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE............................................................................................................15
CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY............................................................................................. 16
3.1 STUDY AREA .................................................................................................................................16
3.2 SAMPLING......................................................................................................................................16
3.3 SAMPLE SIZE .................................................................................................................................16
3.4 STUDY METHODS.........................................................................................................................17
3.5 DATA COLLECTION METHODS.................................................................................................17
3.6 ELIGIBILITY CRETERIA...............................................................................................................17
3.7 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION ..................................................................................18
3.8 LIMITATIONS.................................................................................................................................18
3.9 ASSUMPTIONS...............................................................................................................................18

6. v
CHAPTER 4. RESULTS............................................................................................................ 19
4.0. COMMUNITY ENTRY ................................................................................................................19
4.0.1 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOURS OF THE COMMUNITY..................................................19
4.0.2 NUTRITION..................................................................................................................................19
4.0.3 HIV & AIDS AWARENESS.........................................................................................................19
4.0.4 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES......................................................................................20
4.0.5 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ACTIVITIES..................................................................................20
4.0.6 HEALTH CENTER INFORMATION AND HEALTH STATISTICS IN VIHIGA COUNTY ..20
4.1 COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS............................................................................................... 22
4.1.1 DEMOGRAPHY ...........................................................................................................................22
4.1.2 NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE ..................................................................................................29
4.1.3 HIV AIDS ......................................................................................................................................33
4.1.4 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOURS...........................................................................................34
4.1.5 ENVIRONMENT, SANITATION, PERSONAL HYGIENE AND WATER SUPPLY ..............39
4.1.6 CULTURAL PRACTICES AND TRADITIONS .........................................................................45
4.1.7 COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS..............................................................................................47
4.1.8 MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING....................................................48
CHAPTER 5. DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................... 51
5.1 DEMOGRAPHY AND HOUSING..................................................................................................51
5.2 NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE .....................................................................................................53
5.3 HIV AND AIDS ...............................................................................................................................55
5.4 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOURS..............................................................................................55
5.4 SANITATION, ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SUPPLY...........................................................57
5.5 CULTURAL PRACTICES AND TRADITIONS ............................................................................61
5.6 COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS.................................................................................................63
5.7 MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING.......................................................64
CHAPTER 6. CONCLUSION................................................................................................... 67
CHAPTER 7. RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 69
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................ 70
APPENDICES............................................................................................................................. 72

7. vi
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 1: Determinants of health seeking behaviors according to utilization of systems. ............... 14
Fig. 2: Prediciting health behaviours with socio cognition models.............................................. 14
Fig. 4.1: Gender and marital status............................................................................................... 22
Fig. 4.2: Level of education and occupation ................................................................................ 23
Fig. 4.3: Special needs and causes of disability ........................................................................... 24
Fig. 4.4: Household sizes and deaths that occurred in the last 5 years........................................ 25
Fig. 4.6: Household activities....................................................................................................... 28
Fig. 4.7: Food in the households .................................................................................................. 30
Fig. 4.8: food taken and exercise done plus their frequencies...................................................... 31
Fig. 4.9: Breastfeeding and infant nutrition.................................................................................. 32
Fig. 4.10: HIV & AIDS ................................................................................................................ 33
Fig. 4.11: Institution visited upon getting ill................................................................................ 34
Fig. 4.12: Distance from the health center and time taken to be served....................................... 35
Fig. 4.13: Drug availability, payment and affordability of health services.................................. 36
Fig. 4.14: Outreach services and their frequencies in a month .................................................... 37
Fig. 4.15: Health care services rating........................................................................................... 38
Fig. 4.16: Human waste................................................................................................................ 39
Fig. 4.17: Homestead cleanliness and waste disposal methods.................................................... 40
Fig. 4.18: Oral health.................................................................................................................... 41
Fig. 4.19: Personal hygiene and hand washing practices ............................................................. 42
Fig. 4.20: Water supply and treatment ......................................................................................... 44
Fig. 4.21: Circumcision................................................................................................................ 45
Fig. 4.22: Wife inheritance........................................................................................................... 46
Fig. 4.23: Common diseases......................................................................................................... 47
Fig. 4.24: Pregnancy, ANC, delivery and immunization ............................................................. 49
Fig. 4.25: Family planning ........................................................................................................... 50

8. vii
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Community entry is the process of initiating and sustaining a desirable relationship with the
purpose of securing and maintaining the community’s interest and working with them.
Community diagnosis is used to determine and describe the health status of a population (HSP),
reflected in health indicators in a community. The research was meant to examine the health
determinants in Eshihuli and Epwopi villages and come up with recommendations on how to
improve it.
METHODOLOGY
This paper contains a research that was conducted on community entry and diagnosis that
targeted a rural setting in western region of Kenya. Seventy households, a total of 384 people,
from two villages were chosen. Convenience sampling was used to choose the villages and
purposive sampling to choose households with children under 5 years. Data was collected using
semi- structured questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussion (FGD), observation and by
secondary sources like internet, government sources and journals. The study took one month.
RESULTS
Research conducted involved 70 households from 2 villages. Female respondents were 69
(98.57%). Thirty eight (54.29%) mothers breastfed up to 13-24 months, 52.86% starting
weaning at the age of 3-6 months using mainly porridge and mashed potatoes. Only 34% of the
respondents had a good level of HIV AIDS awareness. 38.6% treated water, with majority using
it raw. The main rite of passage is circumcision for the males and about 75% are circumcised at
the health center. The most prevalent disease in children was intestinal worms (41.4%) and
Sexually Transmitted Infections in adults (21.4%).all children had received the basic
vaccinations, while some had not got the third DPT dose and measles vaccine. Majority
(88.57%) of the women were aware of family planning methods with 32.86% using Depo
Provera making it the most popular.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There is need to educate the community more on health issues like family planning, HIV AIDS,
nutrition and general body health.

9. 1
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Community health refers to the health status of a defined group of people or community and
actions that protect and improve the health of a community. Communities live under norms or
values that govern them, and need to be followed. Actions protecting the community are
organized into three aspects; Health promotion, health protection and health services. The history
of community health goes back to 25,000 b.c.e in Spain, where cave walls included murals of
physical deformities. In 21st
Century b.c.e, Chinese also dug wells for providing drinking water.
Encyclopedia of Public Health lists four factors that affect community and population health as:
i. Physical factors like geography, environment, community strategy and industrial
development.
ii. Social and cultural factors like beliefs, economy, social norms, taboos and socio-
economic status of a community.
iii. Community organization like availability of health agencies.
iv. Individual behaviors like smoking, general body cleanliness and health seeking behavior.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Kenya has given a top priority to community health
services. The Kenya Essential Health Package (KEHP) introduced a six life cycle cohorts and six
delivery system levels. Level 1 services are aimed at empowering Kenyan households and
communities to take charge of improving primary health care and own health. The health care
system in Kenya includes the Public System headed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the
private sector that includes private for profit, NGOs and Faith Based Organization hospitals. The
public sector comprises 51% of the 4700 health facilities in Kenya. The first line of health care is
at the individual followed by dispensaries and health centers. More sophisticated level of care is
provided by the County Referral Hospitals and Provincial Teaching and Referral hospitals. The
health center of study is Emusire Health Center. The referral hospital is Vihiga County referral
Hospital. At the apex of health care provision are two National Referral hospitals in Kenya in the
public sector; Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi and Moi Referral and Teaching
Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.

10. 2
The attachment programme could not be successful without looking into the community in study
(The Abaluhya).
GENERAL HISTORY
The Abanyole are a sub-tribe of the larger Abaluhya. The community of study belongs to the
Abatongoi sub clan. Their cradle is Egypt and they migrated along River Nile up to Khartoum in
Sudan before entering Uganda where they settled at Kiliatongo. They split up at this point and
some moved towards Kenya while another group, the Abanyoro remained in Uganda. In Kenya,
they first settled in Ebulonya before bearing children who formed clans including Amutete,
Abasiratsi among others. Most people view the community as hostile and mostly do bhang as
part of drug abuse. They worshipped Were, their supreme God, facing the east to the rising sun
under the ‘olusiola’ tree led by the father of the house. The tree was also used to curse those who
had gone against the ethics and rules of the tribe. A girl was ready for marriage at the age of 25
to 30 years and boys at the age of 35-40 years. Currently, they marry at the age of 18 years or
earlier.
MAJOR HISTORICAL EVENTS
The major historical events that took place in the community include the 1994 famine, famously
known by the community as Saba lala. During this time, people only washed their hands once to
signify that they only took meals once in a day. This occurred due to lack of rainfall for a long
time. It made farmers who relied on their farm produce for income suffer economically. There
was also general cases of malnutrition and death among the population.
In 2012, there was a mass livestock theft that occurred. No force or violence was used, no life
was lost and the actual reason that led to it is still unclear. Those who depended on their
livestock for livelihood incurred losses. Mothers who were depending on cow milk to feed their
babies also suffered and the babies’ conditions worsened until they were able to find an
alternative source.
There was also a jigger outbreak, an issue they claim is still rampant among them. This both
affects the young and the old especially where hygiene is compromised. This makes most of the
money earned channeled to treatment and buying of insecticides. The social life of those affected
were also tampered with as they were afraid to get out in public and go to the health facility. This

11. 3
also led to non-compliance when the CHVs came for anti-jigger door-door campaign and
treatment.
CULTURAL PRACTICES OF THE COMMUNITY
1. Religion
The Abanyole believe in an all-powerful God called Were. They worshipped facing the east to
the rising sun. They offered prayers under the ‘olusiola’ tree led by the father of the house. The
tree was also use to curse those who had gone against the ethics and rules of the tribe.
2. Marriage
A girl was ready for marriage at the age of 25 to 30 years; a boy at the age of 35-40 years.
Currently, they marry at the age of 18 years or earlier.
3. Birth and naming
When a boy was born, a spear was put outside the house on the right side of the entrance, but if it
was a girl, they would place the pot supporter, ‘engaraa’ (made from banana leaves) on the left
side of the entrance. They viewed twins as a blessing unlike other tribes which view the same as
a curse. Naming would take a week. Sheep were slaughtered and the meat roasted. The child’s
name came from deceased old people from the clan. If members committed incest and gave birth
to a child, a chicken’s beak was cut and tied on a string and the victims smeared with a mixture
of millet flour and herbs to disown the act. It was unnatural for miscarriage to occur. It was
associated with adultery, eating non-recommended food and being battled.
4. Circumcision
Boys at the age of 15 were circumcised, after which they were treated with herbs from the engai
tree. After recovery, they were then considered men.
5. Death
Initially, the dead were left in the wild to be eaten by wild animals. They started burying the dead
after the emergence of infectious diseases. A person who had committed suicide was buried at
night and was never accorded any respect. Mentally challenged people and the childless were
buried in the homestead away from the house. Miscarried fetuses were buried outside the

12. 4
homestead. On the second day after burial, family members would shave their heads at the grave
to signify a new beginning. After three weeks, the widow would wear her late husband’s shirt or
coat and move around the clan to signify the end of mourning and that she could then be
inherited.
GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE
 Villages are headed by village elders whose sole function is to maintain law and order.
The villages in Emanyinya sub location include Eshihuli, Epwopi, Emanyinya, Emakunda
A, Emakunda B and Muikaka.
 Sub location headed by the assistant chief who also coordinates with the village elders
and chief to maintain law and order.
 Tongoi location headed by chief. The chief maintains order and exercises the jurisdiction
and power bestowed upon him by the Chief’s Act upon persons residing in the location.
Tongoi chief is Mr. Ainea Olocho.
 Central Bunyore County Assembly Ward was the ward of study.
 Tongoi location is located within Emuhaya Sub County.
 The overall head is the County government headed by Governor. Vihiga County is
headed by Hon. Moses Akaranga.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Family
Family is the basic social unit in the community. The father is the head of the family. He is the
breadwinner and decision maker. The head is allowed to have more than one wife. The family
can also be extended which consists of grandfather, his wife (or wives), children and
grandchildren. If the grandfather is not alive then eldest son becomes the head of the extended
family.
Clan
Blood related families constitute the clan. They all have one ancestor headed by clan elder.
People from the same clan are not allowed to marry. Marrying within a clan is a taboo.

13. 5
1.2 STUDY JUSTIFICATION
Many studies have been done to reveal the health problems of different communities in Kenya.
This paper highlights a study of the same. The main topics of study were Demography, Housing,
Nutrition and Lifestyle, level of HIV AIDS awareness, Sanitation, Environment and Water
supply, Cultural practices and Tradition, Common health problems in a community, Maternal
Child Health (MCH), Pests and Vectors prevalence. The research was significant in determining
the common health problems in the community of study and in Kenya at large, attempt to
identify them and recommend to relevant authorities to intervene
1.3 OBJECTIVES
BROAD OBJECTIVE
To assess the health determinants and health status of Emanyinya sub-location.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
 To find out the influence of demography on health status of the community.
 To discuss the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on health status of Emanyinya
community.
 To evaluate the level of HIV and AIDS prevalence in the community.
 To discuss how environment and sanitation of the community has an influence on their
health.
 To find out the culture and traditions of the community.
 To evaluate Maternal Child Health status of the community.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION
The research ought to seek the following questions:
i. How does demography, housing, HIV/AIDS, culture, nutrition, lifestyle, sanitation, and
environment in Emanyinya community influence their health status?

14. 6
ii. Do the study areas reveal a positive or negative impact on health of the community?
iii. What are the possible solutions to the negative impact on the community?

15. 7
CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter gives a brief background of the study topics in relation to research done globally
and regionally. This will be important when discussing the subjects outlined below.
2.1 DEMOGRAPHY AND HOUSING
The study was carried out in Emanyinya Sub-location which is in Emuhaya constituency with a
population of 95,064 people. The constituency is approximately 94.50 square kilometers.
Emanyinya sub-location is also in Central Bunyore County Assembly Ward with a population of
27, 316 people. It’s approximately 27.80 square kilometers, according to the Interim Electoral
and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) final report of boundaries of constituencies and wards.
Emanyinya sub-location is purely rural. Vihiga County’s population stands at 612,000 with an
annual population growth rate and fertility rate of 2.51% and 5.1% respectively. The county’s
urbanization rate is 31%, with 123,347 households. The age distribution is; 0-14 years (44.2%),
15-64 years (49.4%), 65+ years (6.1%). Poverty level stands at 62 % in both rural and urban
areas. Almost all residents own all the land they live in. the infant mortality rate is 100 out of
1000 live births and the under-five mortality rates are 120 out of 1000 live births. Some of the
land is owned communally and is mostly used for farming. The type of houses are either
permanent or semi-permanent. It depends on the social status of the residents.
According to the 2009 Census and preliminary results produced in 2010, Christians were 82.5%
in Kenya, forming the major denomination. Ventilation is important for healthy respiratory life.
According to the building regulations of 2010, a house should have the window space, roof
windows, doors and roof lights should not exceed 25% of the total floor space of the dwelling
area. It is also recommended that people cook outside especially when the ventilation is poor.
This is safer as it reduces chances of the small houses from catching fire. It is suggested that one
builds separate housing for the animals so as to prevent spread of diseases between animals and
human beings. Also some vectors that mostly attack animals can also attack human beings, for
example ticks.

16. 8
The Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIHBS) shows that most households have a
mean of 5.1 people. The mortality records on Kenya from the CIA world Fact book June 30th
2015 indicates that there are 7 deaths out of 1000 people each year.
2.2 NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE
A nutrient-rich diet plays a major role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. This is necessary
in upholding the requisite metabolic rate, growth, development and repair of the body. Nutrients
are consumed through the food that we eat; and through metabolic processes in the digestive
system these nutrients are absorbed at a cellular level. However, under-nutrition, over- nutrition,
and malnutrition are linked to sub-optimal health outcomes. Poor diets have been linked to the
occurrence of chronic diseases: cardiovascular diseases, Type-2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis
and anemia. For example, research shows that low intake of fruit and vegetables increases the
risk for developing cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease, whereas low intake of dietary fiber
has been linked to being overweight. Individuals’ reasons for buying and eating particular foods
have been described as a “complex bio-psychosocial process that is relative to person, place and
time” (Walsh & Nelson 2010, p. 194). Most researchers believe that dietary habits and food
preferences develop in childhood, and are established by age 15, and become habitual in due
course (Birch1999; Sweeting & Anderson 1994).
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children between age 0 and 6 months
be breastfed exclusively, which thereafter breastfeeding can continue amidst other solid foods.
Breast-feeding can go up to the age of 2 years. This is important in developing the child’s
immunity and bonding with the mother, the function of oxytocin. Mothers living with HIV are
not exempted. According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 61% of children below the
age 6 months are exclusively breast fed, with 51% of mothers still breastfeeding. The study also
established that 15% of children below 6 months are weaned. Breastfeeding is just one
determinant of child’s nutritional status, just like anthropometry. In Kenya, 26% of children are
stunted, with the level of education and socio-economic status being a determinant. The Mid-
Upper Arm Circumference is also used to find out if a child is malnourished or not.
The main economic activities in Vihiga County include tea, maize, dairy farming, millet and
cassava, thus provides adequate food supply for the community. This is supported by the good

17. 9
climate with an average rainfall between 1800mm and 2000 mm with an average temperature of
24 degrees Celsius. (Soft- Kenya; All about Vihiga County)
2.3 HIV AIDS
HIV/AIDS is still a problem that needs attention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Roughly 70% of the
people infected with HIV lie within this region. In 2012 alone, there were 1.6 million new
infections and 1.2 related deaths. The impact of HIV/AIDS in this region leans towards the
negative side of lowering productivity, leading to loss of lives and increasing poverty levels.
Much efforts have been put in developing a vaccine by the HIV Vaccine Initiative. ARTs have
also been rolled out free of charge with the help of the government. Despite all these efforts, the
country still experiences an average of 12,940 new infections among children annually. Vihiga
County is ranked 2nd
in low rate of new infections that averages at 31 annually. Adult’s new
infections yearly mount to 88620 nationally. A high percentage of 44.1% occurs among
Heterosexual Sex with Union and the lowest, 2.5% was Health Facility Related. The government
of Kenya has done a lot to alleviate HIV/AIDS. Kisumu County was ranked 3rd
among the top 10
counties with People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), while Vihiga county position 16
(2013 survey). Male circumcision is associated with a 60% reduction risk of HIV. The 2009
National Survey showed that 91% of men in Vihiga County have been circumcised. Most girls
(55%), had their first sexual encounter at age 15.
2.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT
Wastes are materials which are discarded after use at the end of their intended life-span, (MoEF,
Report of the Committee to Evolve Road Map on Management of Wastes in India, 2010).
Wastes can be classified basing on their physical state, their sources and even composition. The
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) classifies waste as: industrial waste, municipal
waste and hazardous waste. Methods of waste disposal include landfill, combustion and
recycling. Human waste needs to be managed in order to control some related diseases like
cholera. The World Health Organization describes a pit latrine as the simplest and most basic
form of sanitation available. The organization provides the basic requirements of a standard
latrine. It should be a reasonable distance (at least 6 meters) from the house; to avoid odor and it

18. 10
should be located not so far away to allow accessibility even during bad weather. The latrine
should be 30 meters away from the nearest water source.
2.5 ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SUPPLY
A water source refers to the supply of ground and surface water for a certain region. Water
supply to rural populations includes rainwater, ground water and/or spring water. Water is
essential in people’s lives. According to The world Health Organization, 80% of all diseases in
the world are associated with water. To eradicate disease, people need access to safe water. A
research conducted in 2015 by Resources for The Future revealed that 60% of rural household
get their water from outside their homes and the members use 2 to 3 hours a day on water
collection. In rural Kenya, where 78% of the national population is found, only 38% to 52% have
easy access to safe water; in urban areas 59% to 83% have easy access to safe water (World
Bank 2009).
2.6 MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING
According to the Inter-parliamentary Union, 2013 (IPU) maternal morbidity and mortality relate
to illness or death occurring during pregnancy or childbirth, or within two months of the birth or
termination of a pregnancy. In Kenya, maternal mortality remains high at 488 maternal deaths
per 100,000 live births (IPU). While this is below the Sub-Saharan average of 640 deaths per
100,000, Kenya experiences very slow progression in maternal health. Most maternal deaths are
due to causes directly related to pregnancy and childbirth, unsafe abortion and obstetric
complications such as severe bleeding, infection, hypertensive disorders and obstructed labor.
Others are due to causes such as malaria, diabetes, hepatitis and anemia, which are aggravated by
pregnancy. While approximately 92% of women giving birth received some antenatal care in
2010, only 47% had the recommended four or more. According to a survey done in Vihiga
County, 61.2% of deliveries occur at the health center nationally and 50.2% in the county. The
KDHS also shows that 62% of births are delivered by skilled providers countrywide and 97.1%
in Vihiga County. This is influenced by factors like socio-economic status and education level.
The research goes further and says that 61.3% of women had 4 visits to the Ante Natal Care
when they were pregnant. WHO recommends at least 4 visits to ANC during pregnancy, and
58% of Kenyans do so.

19. 11
Conferring to Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung (DSW) in A Review of National and District
Policies and Budgets, community perceptions from focused group discussions revealed that
many women would like to plan their pregnancies but are not using any family planning (FP)
methods because the health facilities offering them are long distances from their villages. Health
facilities assessments show that that FP commodities in facilities expire or are redistributed
because of under-utilization. However, in Kenya, Contraception Prevalence Rate (CPR) is 58%
in married women and 65% in sexually active single women. 53% of women use modern
methods like injections, pills and implants, with injectable being popularly used (26%) followed
by implants (10%) and pills (8%). 62% of them are in urban areas while 56% in rural areas.
2.7 COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS
Sub-Saharan Africa has become a hub of diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, diarrheal
diseases among others. Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under
five (WHO fact sheet, April 2013). Africa Check factsheet groups top killers and preventable
diseases in Africa in 2012 into three categories; Group 1 results through communicable diseases,
perinatal, maternal and nutritional causes, with 5-9 million deaths amounting to 61.7% of all
deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Group 2 deaths are as a result of non-communicable diseases,
accounting for 2.7 million deaths (28.6%). This category include heart diseases, cancer and
diabetes. Group three are due to injury, causing 939,000, or 9.8% of the total group. A focus on
Vihiga County shows that Malaria, URTIs, diarrhea and HIV/AIDS are the most prevalent
diseases.
The diseases of focus are diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria which accounts for 19%, 18% and
16% of death respectively in sub-Saharan Africa (R.E. Black et al. 2010 and WHO 2015).
Globally, an estimated 1.7 Billion cases of diarrhea are reported annually, and around 760,000
children die every year. The disease is of high burden among developing countries, and
responsible for 8.5% and 7.7% of deaths in Southeast Asia and Africa respectively.
Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stool more than three times in a period of
24 hours. It occurs in three types; acute, persistent or dysentery. It’s important to note that babies
who are exclusively breast fed pass loose stool. This is not diarrhea. The common pathogen is
Vibrio cholerae. Three pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli also cause it. Diarrhea is passed via

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fecal-oral route from one person to another directly or indirectly through contaminated food or
water. Diarrhea is also related to dehydration that causes death in children affected. Control
measures include proper hygiene and exclusive breast feeding in children up to the age of 6
months. During diarrheal attack, an Oral Rehydration Therapy is recommended.
Upper- Respiratory Tract Infections involves the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx. They are
caused by rhinovirus (Common), coronavirus, para-influenza virus, adenovirus, enterovirus and
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Predisposing factors are majorly over population in poorly
ventilated areas, thus allowing for faster spread. Prevention can be via vaccines and treatment
with antibiotics.
Malaria occurs mostly in poor, tropical and subtropical areas of the world (Center for Disease
Control and Prevention 2015), www.cdc.gov/malaria_qorldwide/impact.html. Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines reasons why Africa is the most affected region. Africa
harbors the female anopheles mosquito which is responsible for high transmission rates. The
predominant parasite species is Plasmodium falciparum which is the virulent form that causes
severe malaria and death. The local weather conditions in Africa is also a boost to the
transmission of the parasite. The adequate rainfall in Vihiga County explains why the disease is
prevalent during the moths of April-July, as there are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Scarce
resources and socio-economic instability have also hindered efficient malaria control activities in
Africa. CDC rates malaria as the leading killer disease in developing countries with young
children and pregnant women being the vulnerable ones. In 2012, malaria caused an estimated
207 million clinical episodes and 627,000 in Africa.
Inter Health Worldwide research conducted in Western Kenya in June 2015 shows that malaria is
the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the region. In 2012, over 9 million cases were
reported in Nyanza and Western Kenya. The disease was also responsible for 30-50% of
outpatient admission, loss of 120 million working days and 20% of all deaths in under-fives
(Ministry of Health Kenya, 2006). Focus in Vihiga County by the Ministry of Health Kenya
shows that malaria test positivity rate is at 52%. The number of case per 100,000 people stands at
41,402 as compared to the national level o 20252. Malaria admissions in the county is 7,125.

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2.8 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIORS
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity−WHO. (1948). For one to seek medical attention, he or she must have an
impairment in their vital organs. There are factors that will determine an individual’s response to
an illness. Health seeking behaviours (HSB) shows us how patients engage with the health care
system. There has been a plethora of studies showing the models used to describe HSB. One is
based on the utilization of system and the other on response to illness.
Health care seeking behaviours: Utilization of the system
This model suggests that the decision to seek medical attention is influenced by an array of
socio-economic factors like sex, age, social status of women, perceived quality of service at the
health centre and access to the service. Geographical influence on HSB is an important factor.
The same study was conducted by Babar et al. (2004). The rate of patient inflow at the health
centre can be used as a determinant of the distance and terrain separating an individual from the
health care facility. Proximity to the health centre makes it convenient for one to visit the health
centre more often. Longer travel times and greater distances constitute a major barrier for
repeated visits. One way to overcome this is by increasing the number of health centers in the
rural areas, encouraging the private clinics to provide cheaper services and increasing the number
of outreach services in the areas. Quality of health services should not be left out in discussing
HSB. A health facility near the households may provide poor services, making one to go to one
that is far but offers good services. The services may range from patient-staff relationship to
quality of drugs and equipment used.

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Fig. 1: Determinants of health seeking behaviors according to utilization of systems.
Health care seeking behaviours: The process of illness response
This model dwells more on psychological aspect of HSB, with various social-cognition models
like Corner & Norman 1996. HSB is influenced by a mixture of demographic, social, emotional
and cognitive factors, perceived symptoms, access to care and personality.
Fig. 2: Prediciting health behaviours with socio cognition models

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2.9 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
“Prevention is better than cure.” The axiom applies more in the health sector. Health is a
fundamental human right (Declaration of Alma Ata). Community health focuses on various
dimensions of health like identifying and intervening into a communities’ health problem. A
better way of doing this is by providing the first level of care which offers near care between an
individual and the health center. Primary health care (PHC) became a core policy for the World
Health Organization with the Alma-Ata Declaration in 1978 and the ‘Health-for-All by the Year
2000’ Program. PHC is essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound and socially
acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in
the community through their full participation and at a cost that community and the country can
afford (Alma Ata Declaration, 1978). It includes the following;
 health promotion
 illness prevention
 care of the sick
 advocacy
 community development
The 1978 Alma Ata declaration outlined activities that PHC should fulfill. These include;
education concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of controlling them, promotion
of food supply and adequate nutrition, adequate supply of water and basic sanitation, maternal
child health and family planning, immunization against major infectious diseases, prevention and
control of locally endemic diseases, appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries, basic
laboratory services and provision of essential drugs, training health guides, health assistants and
health workers and lastly offering of referral services. There are 11 needs for a sound PHC
programme; Appropriateness, availability, adequacy, accessibility, acceptability, affordability,
assessability, accountability, completeness, comprehensiveness and continuity.

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CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY
This chapter describes the research methodology used in this study which focuses on the research
design and research methods.
3.1 STUDY AREA
The study was conducted in Emanyinya Sub location located in Tongoi Location, Central
Bunyore Ward, Luanda Division, Emuhaya District, Vihiga County, and Western Province in
Kenya. Two villages, Epwopi and Eshihuli, were sampled in Emanyinya sub-location. The
natives of the region are the Abanyole, a sub tribe of the Abaluhya tribe. Climate-Data.org,
Koppen and Geiger classifies the type of weather in Emuhaya as tropical, in which Emanyinya
Sub location lies. It’s asserted that the precipitation is lowest in January and peak in April and
that February is the hottest month of the year and July the coldest month.
3.2 SAMPLING
Purposive sampling was used to select the households with children under 5 years. Random
sampling was used to select the households during the process of data collection. Convenience
sampling technique was used in selecting villages near the health center. Seventy households
were chosen.
3.3 SAMPLE SIZE
The number of households in Eshihuli and Epwopi village was 261, with a total population of 1,
436. 70 households (384 people) were selected with 35 households from Epwopi village and 35
from Eshihuli village. The 70 households represented 26.74% of the population of study.
According to Business Advocacy Network, the sample size of unknown population is calculated
using the formula below:
n = z2p (1-p) /e2

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Where: z is the confidence level of 95% (1.96), p is the prevalence of the characteristic of
interest (50%) and e is the level of statistical significance set (5%).
3.4 STUDY METHODS
Primary data was obtained by questionnaires, interviews, Focused group discussions and
observations. Secondary data was obtained from journals, government sources, internet and other
materials.
3.5 DATA COLLECTION METHODS
The methods used in data collection were:
Interviews
This was done in Barazas with the chief and the villagers to find out about the history of the
community. Community Health Volunteers (CHV) were also interviewed on the health issues of
the community. The health center staff were asked about the health facility.
Focused Group Discussions (FGD)
There was a focused group discussion with the health center staff and the community. A FGD
was done at Mulwanda Church of God in which the CHVs were involved.
Questionnaires
Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to different households and used to diagnose
the community. A total of 70 were used.
Observations
During the walks in the community, we observed some health determinants, for example, the
ventilation quality of houses.
3.6 ELIGIBILITY CRETERIA
The research targeted the population of rural areas and particularly those in Emanyinya sub
location which is within the catchment area of Emusire Health Center. Study was conducted for

26. 18
people of different sex and age groups but emphasis was put in the households with children
under 5 years.
3.7 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
Both the qualitative and quantitative data collected was fed into Microsoft Excel 2013 and
analyzed using the available commands. Tables were generated and copied to Ms Word in the
result section. Data was presented in the form of pie charts, tables and graphs, from which
interpretations were made and discussions made. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations
given to the areas of interest.
3.8 LIMITATIONS
1. Fatigue since it involved a lot of walking from one household to another.
2. Language barrier at the beginning but was resolved by the CHVs who accompanied us.
3. Poor infrastructure as some roads were too narrow for the bus to navigate.
4. Adverse weather conditions which were hot weather and rains during community
diagnosis.
5. Frequent blackouts at the health center increased the amount of time used in analyzing
data.
3.9 ASSUMPTIONS
The information given by the respondents during the study was considered to be genuine,
accurate and represented the whole population.

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CHAPTER 4. RESULTS
4.0. COMMUNITY ENTRY
4.0.1 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOURS OF THE COMMUNITY
Health care providers in the community include the traditional birth attendants, herbalists,
community health workers, community health extension health workers, nurses and clinical
officers at the health center, public health officers and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
like the SOFDI. The health care providers in this community mostly handle preventive care like
water treatment and immunization and treat the basic disease like malaria and diarrheal cases.
Most people in this community first go to chemist and buy drugs to alleviate their symptoms
when they feel unwell then health center when they do not get better. They are referred to Vihiga
county and referral hospital if they do not get better within 24 hours. The people in this
community are well informed on the benefits of modern medical services.
4.0.2 NUTRITION
The community’s staple food is maize meal and is mostly taken with tea. They also take it with
vegetables like kales, mrenda and kunde. At times they eat maize with beans (pure). The planting
seasons are April and September which coincide with the rains. They mostly grow maize and
beans in both seasons and supplement with kales and kunde. Most houses store their produce in
their houses. There are no taboos related to food.
4.0.3 HIV & AIDS AWARENESS
All respondents were aware of existence of HIV/AIDS and that it can be screened. However,
only 34 % had a good knowledge about how the disease is transmitted, prevented and managed.
Most of them heard about HIV & AIDS from the media, health center and from health workers.
HIV is still a major problem in the community. This is due to inadequate knowledge about it
given that most of the respondents were oblivious of how it is transmitted.

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4.0.4 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
The community has closely worked with the Public Health Officers, the health center and other
NGOs like SOFDI to ensure clean and safe drinking water for all. SOFDI for example has
protected springs around and provided a chlorine dispenser near other water sources for the
locals to treat water with after fetching. The community also burns most of their general waste
(44.3%) thus ensuring a clean environment. The dust and smoke which contributes to higher
percentage of air pollution contribute a lot to the incidences of respiratory disorders among
children and adults.
4.0.5 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ACTIVITIES
Primary health care (PHC) has become a key policy for the World Health Organization (WHO)
with the Alma-Ata Declaration in 1978. This has led to communities being involved in ill health
promotion, illness prevention, care of the sick and advocacy. The PHC activities observed in the
community were preventive care like door to door immunization of polio, routine health
education at the health center and household level, follow up done by the CHVs and emergency
immunization program. The community also protected their water sources, had Traditional Birth
Attendants (TBAs) who cared for the expecting mothers who could not reach the health center
on time.
4.0.6 HEALTH CENTER INFORMATION AND HEALTH STATISTICS IN VIHIGA
COUNTY
Emusire health center is located in Western Province, Vihiga County, Emuhaya District, Luanda
Division, Central Bunyore Ward, Tongoi Location, Emusire Sub location and Emuhaya
Constituency. It is in the outskirts about 7 Km from Luanda town. It is a government institution
owned by the Ministry of Health. Its postal address 107 Bunyore and the MFL code is 16979.
The health center is between other health facilities: Ebukanga Dispensary, Esirulo Imani Medical
Clinic, Mwichio Amua Medical Clinic, Ojm Medical Clinic and Rotary Doctors Clinic, both
within the Central Bunyore Ward. The nearest schools are Emusire Primary and High Schools.
The health facility offers both in and out-patient services. Most people who visit the health

29. 21
facility come from within Central Bunyore Ward that includes Emanyinya, Emusire, Esirulo,
Essunza and Essaba Sub-locations. Some cases that cannot be handled by the private clinics are
referred to the health center. According to the research conducted, this is where most people visit
in case of an illness. During the April and July, when there is high malaria prevalence, there is
huge number of patients thus services run up to 6 pm.
Patient flow starts from the registration desk then to consultation room for clerking by the
clinical officer. Patient then proceeds to the registration desk to be given an OPD number and for
recording of details of treatment. They goes to the pharmacy for drug issuance. If need be the
patient is injected, dressed or sent to the laboratory for a series of tests. Expectant mothers and
those with children under 5 years visit the Ante Natal Care & Maternal Child Health
departments, mostly on Monday and Thursday. Relevant cases are referred to Comprehensive
Care Center for special care. Referrals are made to Vihiga County Hospital. During emergencies,
Ipali Health Center is contacted for an ambulance to transport the sick.
EHC is funded by Vihiga County Government with cash from the National Government. During
the month of July 2015, Hon. Dr. Wilbur Ottichilo issued Community Development Fund cheque
worth 650, 000/= to the facility, and 400,000/= in 2012. This included money for paying the
health workers in the facility, purchasing drugs and equipment and also maintenance. The
ongoing construction of a mortuary is funded by the Economic Stimulus Project.
A document by Ministry of Health, Kenya that was last updated on May 2015 shows the public
health personnel, financing and facilities in Vihiga County in 2015. It shows that Vihiga County
has 45 nurses, 8 doctors, and 15 clinical officers per 100,000 people respectively. The results
shows that a deficit in health personnel needs to be addresses for better patient care. This is
closely related to the national figure of 55 nurses, 10 doctors and 21 clinical officers per 100,000
people respectively. Public health facilities in Vihiga County are 46. There are 4 Non-
Governmental health facilities, 10 Faith based health facilities and 33 private facilities. The
national figure for these are 4,929 public, 347 Non-governmental, 1081 Faith based and 3797
private health facilities in Kenya. The total government health spending (per capita, KES) in
Vihiga County is 1,143 as compared to 1,585 in the country at large. The National Health
Insurance Fund (NHIF) coverage in the county, if compared to the percentage of the population
in Vihiga is 24.2.

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4.1 COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS
4.1.1 DEMOGRAPHY
Gender & marital status of the respondents
Figure 4.1 shows that 97.57 % (n=68) were female and 2.86% of those interviewed (n=2) were
males. Out of these, 82.86% (n=58) were married, 5.71% (n=4) divorced, 7.14 % (n=5) single
and 4.29% (n=3) widowed. The probable cause of this was because most men had either gone to
the farms or worked in towns away from home, thus leaving most women at home.
Fig. 4.1: Gender and marital status
Level of education & occupation
In figure 4.2 A, respondents with no formal education were 10%. Those who attained primary
school education were 68.57%. Only 20% attained secondary education. A paltry 1.43% had
tertiary level education.
Levels of education are grouped into none, primary, secondary and tertiary education. This is an
ordinal qualitative data. None represents those who had not had formal education. Primary level
of education includes class 1 to 8, secondary level form 1 to 4 or 6 among others, tertiary level
includes campus or technical schools.

31. 23
Figure 4.2 B shows that respondents had different types of occupation with 18.57% (n=13) doing
business, 65.71% (n=46) being farmers. 2.86% (n=2) practiced farming and business while
12.86% (n=9) being housewives.
Fig. 4.2: Level of education and occupation
Special needs & cause of disabilities
Families without disabled members had a 90% representation. Visual impairment was the most
common disability with 42.86% coverage. Physically challenged amounted to 28.57%. Mentally
challenged and hearing impairment each had 14.29% representation.
VI are persons with Visual Impairment, HI (Hearing Impairment), MC (Mentally Challenged),
PC (Physically Challenged) shows the types of disabilities. The bars on the left side show the
reason for disabilities. Other causes show disabilities that arise from accidents etc.

32. 24
Fig. 4.3: Special needs and causes of disability
Household size and deaths in the last five years.
Figure 4.4 A shows that most households (60%) had the number of people ranging 1-5, 38.57%
were between 5-10 people. Few households had a number of people above 10 which was 1.43%.
The household sizes were grouped according to number of individuals. One group is that with 1-
5 people, another consists of 5-10 people and above 10 people in the house.
Figure 4.4 B points out that majority of the families (77.14%), had not had any deaths in the
previous 5 years. Those who reported 1 death amounted to 15.71%, two deaths was 2.85%
.Those with 3 deaths were 1.43% and 2.85% for 5 deaths. The percentages above represent
deaths that occurred in a period of last 5 years from the date of interview. Most households have
not had any death in the last half decade. Most number of deaths were 5 from a single household
and that was 2.86% of the 70 houses.

33. 25
Fig. 4.4: Household sizes and deaths that occurred in the last 5 years

34. 26
Housing conditions
Figure 4.5 A shows that most households (78.57%) had 3 or less windows. 8.57% had 4
windows and 12.88% had more than 4 windows. Majority were however well ventilated,
amounting to 54.29%. The opposite was true for 45.71% of the households. In figure 4.5 A, the
bars on the left side shows the number of windows in the households. They are grouped to those
with 3 or less windows, 4 windows and more than 4 windows. The bars on the right side shows
the quality of ventilation of households as good or poor. Note that the number of windows does
not relate directly to quality of ventilation. Figure 4.5 B shows the results on location of cooking
places. Most households cook inside the house with a representation of 75.71%. Those that
cooked inside were 24.29%. Cooking place locations are grouped into inside the house and
outside the house. Figure 4.5 C shows the types of fuel used by different households for cooking.
91.43% (n=64) use firewood, 4.29% (n=3) use charcoal, 1.43% (n=1) use kerosene and 2.86%
(n=2) use gas. The results in figure 4.5 D shows the type of lighting used. Most of the people,
87.14 (n=61) use paraffin lamp, followed by 7.14% (n=5) who use electricity. 1.43% (n=1) use
both paraffin lamp and electricity while 4.29% (n=3) harness solar energy and use it for lighting.
Fig. 4.5: Housing conditions

35. 27
Household activities
Figure 4.6 A shows types of roof, B shows the location of washrooms and bathrooms, C (size of
land in acres), D (number of bedrooms in the house), E (type of floor) and F (if the families live
with domesticated animals in the house). Results obtained from the field shows that 100%
(n=70) of the respondents use corrugated iron as the roofing material. None of them use grass or
tiles for roofing. 4.29% (n=3) of the interviewees have their washrooms & bathrooms located
inside the main house. Most of them, 94. 29% (n=66) have washrooms and bathrooms located
outside the main house. 1.43% (n=1) have their bathrooms inside the main house and washrooms
outside.
The size of land owned varies. 87.14% (n=61) own 0-2 acres of land, 10% (n=7) 2-4 acres,
1.43% (n=1) and 1.43% (n=1) own 1-2 acres and more than 4 acres respectively. Different
houses had diverse types of floor. Some were cemented, others earthen and others tiled. 84.29%
(n=59) had earthen floors. 14.28% (10) had cemented floors with 1.43% (n=1) being tiled.
Different households kept different domesticated animals. Yes represents the percentage of
households sharing a house with domesticated animals. No represents those who do not share a
house with domesticated animals. Families that shared a house with domestic animals were
64.29%, those that did not were 35.71%.

36. 28
Fig. 4.6: Household activities

37. 29
4.1.2 NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE
Foods in the households surveyed
Figure 4.7 shows number of meals taken per day (A), meal intervals (B), food preservation
method (C), food source (D), frequent foods taken (E), if food harvested last till the next season
(F), food storage place (G) and whether the quantity of food is enough for the family (H).
Out of the respondents interviewed 72.86% (n=70), took three meals per day. 21.43% took 2
meals per day. Those who took 1 meal and 4 per day were both 2.86%. None took more than 4
meals per day. The number of meals were grouped into 1, 2, 3, 4 and above 4 meals per day.
7.14% (n=5) of the respondents randomly took meals. 2.86% (n=2) took ate after 24 hours,
14.23% (n=10) at a 12 hour interval, 52.86% (n=37) after every 8 hours, 22.86% (n=16) at a
6hour frequency. None took meals below every 6 hours. 7.14% (n=5) use chemicals to preserve
their food products. 62.86 % (n=44) rely on sunlight for drying, 17.14% (n=12) dry and use
chemicals, 8.57% (=6) dry and smoke the food products, 1.43% (n=1) use both smoke, chemicals
and drying as preservation method and only 2.86% (n=2) don’t preserve their foodstuffs. The
families obtain their foods from different places with 17.14% (n=12) getting them from farm.
The same percentage obtains their food from shops. 64.29% (n=45) rely on both farm and shop,
1.43% (n=1) gets food from relatives. None obtains food from famine relief or hotels.
98.57% (n=69) of the respondents take carbohydrates most frequently. 1.43% (n=1) take both
carbohydrates and proteins. 70% (n=49) of the interviews said that their food products lasted
them till the next season and 30% (n=21) had theirs depleted before the next season. 95.71% (n=
67) store their food in the house, 2.86% (n=2) in the granary and 1.43% (n=1) uses the
neighbor’s house to store food. 92.86% (n=65%) of the families had the food quantity enough for
them while 3.14% (n=5) got food deficit for the family.

38. 30
Fig. 4.7: Food in the households
Nature of food consumed and exercise
Figure 4.8 shows the nature of foods consumed and exercise. It also shows the frequencies of the
same. Figure 4.8 A shows that most of the respondents (35.71%) took fruits weekly. Those who
ate fruits daily and rarely had a representation of 31.43% respectively. Only 1.43% ate fruits
monthly. Figure 4.8 B shows that majority of the people, 98.57% (n=69) experienced no food
taboos. Only one respondent, 1.43% said that eating in “makumbusho” was the main food taboo.
75.71% (n=53) of the people did exercise as shown by figure 4.8 C. 24.29% (n=17) did not do
exercise. Out of those who did exercise, 32.86% (n=23) did it irregularly, 44.29% (n=31)
regularly and 22.86% (n=16) weren’t aware of the frequency. This is shown by figure 4.8 D. the
frequency of drinking water daily varied greatly. Figure 4.8 E shows that 8.57% of the
respondents drink water once a day, 17.14% twice, 44.29% thrice and 30% were grouped as
others. This included those who drink water randomly according to the level of activity in a day.

39. 31
Fig. 4.8: food taken and exercise done plus their frequencies
Breastfeeding and infant nutrition
Most respondents (54.29%) breastfed their babies up to the age of 13-24 months. Those who
breastfed up to 7-12 months were 17.14%, above 12 months 14.29%, below 6 months 7.14%.
5.71% of the mothers were still breastfeeding and 1.43% did not breastfeed their children at all.
Most mothers (54.29%) started weaning their children at the age of 3-6 months and 24.29% at 7-
12 months. 11.42% of the mothers started weaning children below the age of 2 months and
5.71% had not weaned yet. (Figure 4.9 A). Duration of breastfeeding was grouped as: < 6
months, 7-12 months, 13-24 months and > 12 months. Weaning age was grouped as < 2 months,
3-6 moths, 7-12 months, > 12 months and those who not yet started.
Figure 4.9 B shows that only 14.28% (n=10) received supplements from the clinic while 85.7%
(n=60) did not. Frequent supplements given were vitamin A tablets and plumpy nuts for the
malnourished children. A total of 142 children were assessed to determine their nutritional status.
Majority, 89.4% (n=127) of the children were well nourished, with only 0.7% (n=1) case of
Severe Acute Malnutrition. The Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape was used to
during the study. The figures in bracket in figure 4.9 C show the MUAC tape readings, and

40. 32
interpretation done according to the WHO standard. Results in figure 4.9 D shows the
percentages of respondents aware of infant nutrition. 58.57 % (n=41) are aware, and obtained the
knowledge from the clinics they visit. 41.43% (n=41) aren’t aware of infant nutrition.
Fig. 4.9: Breastfeeding and infant nutrition

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4.1.3 HIV AIDS
All respondents, n=70 were aware of HIV screening as shown by figure 4.10 A. This depicts a
high level of HIV & AIDS awareness by the community as 54% of them had good level of
awareness. 47% had fair knowledge while 19% had poor information about the same. (Figure
4.10 B) The level of awareness was assessed by asking questions on how HIV is transmitted,
prevented or managed. The level of HIV/AIDS awareness are grouped differently into good, fair
and poor. This is also part of ordinal type of qualitative data.
Most of the respondents heard about HIV/AIDS from the health center 88.57%. Those who heard
from the health workers were 32.86%, 14% from workshop and seminars, 35.71% from church,
52.86% from media and those who got the news from school and from other people were 2.86%.
Figure 4.10 C shows that most respondents, 95 .71% (n=67), have been tested and know their
HIV status. Nine interviewees (12.86%) had been infected with HIV; 87.14% were HIV
negative. (Figure 4.10 D)
Fig. 4.10: HIV & AIDS

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4.1.4 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOURS
Institution visited during illness
Majority, 92.86% visited the health center, 2.86% visited magicians, while people who visited
the chemist were 1.43%, those who visited the pharmacy were 1.43%, and those who visited the
religious leaders were 1.43% when unwell. The institution which the interviews visited upon
illness include health center, chemist, pharmacy, religious leaders and magicians.
Fig. 4.11: Institution visited upon getting ill

43. 35
Distance from the health center & time taken to be served
For most, the distance was 1-2 km from the health center (52.86%), followed by 2-3 km which
was (22.86%), over 3 km was at (20%) and the least was less than a km was at (4.29%). Results
in figure 4.12 A. The interviewees travel different distances to health center. The distances are
grouped into less than a kilometer, 1-2 km, 2-3 km and over 3 km. Figure 4.12 B shows the time
taken for one to be served at the health center. Twenty six (37.14%) respondents reported having
had to wait for about 30 minutes before being served, 34.29% reported waiting for about 1 hour
and 28.57% for more than 1 hour. Time taken to serve people at the health facilities visited
varied. None was served immediately. There were those served after about 30 minutes, about 1
hour and some took more than 1 hour to be served.
Fig. 4.12: Distance from the health center and time taken to be served

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Availability of drugs, payment and affordability of health services
Figures 4.13 shows results of drug availability at the health center (A), payment for health
services (B) and affordability of the services (C). Thirteen (18.57%) respondents reported always
getting the prescribed drugs at the pharmacy 65.71% often got the drugs at the health center,
14.29% rarely got all the drugs prescribed while 1.43% never got all the drugs prescribed. Drugs
availability at health center are grouped into rarely, always, never and often. Fifty four (77.14%)
respondents reported having paid for the services at health center; 22.86% did not. Half of those
that paid for the services reported it being affordable the opposite was true for the other half.
Affordability of health services was evaluated and the following feedback given. Yes represents
those who paid and saw the services as affordable, No represents those who paid and could not
afford and none represent those who did not pay for the health services.
Fig. 4.13: Drug availability, payment and affordability of health services

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Outreach services and their frequency
60% of the people said they did not receive any outreach services, while 40% said they did not
receive any outreach services. For those who received outreach services, 40% received one
outreach service in a month, 1% said they received outreach services twice a month, 1% also said
they received once in three months and also those who received the services irregularly were 1%.
Outreach services were got by 60% of the respondents while the rest did not get. The frequency
of outreach services per month were groped as; once, twice, and irregularly. Some services also
came once in three months.
Fig. 4.14: Outreach services and their frequencies in a month

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Health care services
Majority of the people said that the health services at the health center is good 72.86%, 12.86%
said it was average, 10% poor and 4.29% said it is excellent.
Fig. 4.15: Health care services rating

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4.1.5 ENVIRONMENT, SANITATION, PERSONAL HYGIENE AND WATER SUPPLY
Human waste
Results in figure 4.16 shows human waste and its management. Figure A shows that 91.4%
(n=64) of the households have pit latrines, while 8.6% (n=6) lack the same. The distance from
the latrine to the house is less than 10 meters for 29 of the people interviewed (42.4%). 41 people
(58.6%) have their pit latrines more than 10 meters from their houses. (Figure B). In figure C, the
position of the pit latrine relative to the water source is uphill in 58 homesteads which is 82.9%
of the total. The latrines are downhill in 10 of the homes (14.3%) and in 2 of the homesteads the
latrine and water source are at the same level. Among those who had latrines, they had different
types of structures as follows; semi-permanent and permanent. However, only one household
visited lacked a latrine. of the 70 homes visited, 35 (50%) clean their pit latrines by sweeping. 19
of them (27.1%) use ash to clean their toilets. 10 of them (14.2%) clean their latrines using
detergents whereas 2 of them (2.9%) use only water. 5.7% of the population do not clean their
latrines. This is displayed by figure E.
Fig. 4.16: Human waste

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Homestead cleanliness and Waste disposal
Figure 4.17 A shows general cleanliness of the homesteads while 4.17 B show methods of solid
waste disposal. Out of the 70 homesteads visited, 28 (40%) were well kept. 34 (48.6) of them
were littered. 4 (5.7%) of the homes were bushy and 3 were marshy.1 (1.4%) of the homes was
both bushy and littered. Solid waste disposal methods were grouped as those used as animal feed
or manure, those burned, put in a compost pit or dumped. The black bars represent kitchen waste,
bricked one represent farm waste and the striped bars represent general litter.
11.4% of the respondents use kitchen waste as animal feed and manure, 5.7% use them as animal
feed only, 8.6% burn, 20% dispose in compost pit, 4.3% dump, 4.3% use them purely as manure
and 14.3% put them in a pit. Farm waste is also managed differently as follows; 20% of the
interviewees use it as both animal feed and manure, 22.9% as animal feed, 42.95% burn, 2.9%
put in compost pit, 22.9% dump and 4.3% use it as manure. Methods of disposing general litter
vary. 1.4% of the households use it as animal feed, 44.3% burn them, 14.9% put in a compost
pit, 20% dump and 20% use it as manure.
Fig. 4.17: Homestead cleanliness and waste disposal methods

49. 41
Oral health
Oral health is one of the concerns in medical field. Figures 4.18 shows different categories of
assessing for the same. A shows results of frequency of brushing teeth daily, B shows those who
have suffered oral ill health, C shows the frequency of dental checkup and D points out oral
health sought in case of an illness.
23 people (32.9%) brush their teeth once a day. 10 people (14.3%) brush their teeth twice a day
and another 14.3% brush their teeth more than twice a day. 27 people (38.6%) said they do not
brush their teeth at all. Frequency of brushing teeth was grouped as once, twice or more than
twice daily. 38.6% of respondents don’t brush their teeth. 36 people (51.4%) of the 70 people
interviewed admitted to have ever suffered ill oral health. The remaining 34 (48.6%) have not
suffered any ill oral health. Out of 68 (97.1%) of the people interviewed do not go for any dental
checkup. 2 people (2.9%) go for checkup once a year. Of those that have suffered ill health, 22 0f
them (61.1%) visited a dental clinic. 1 of the people (2.8%) used herbs whereas 2 (5.6%) used
painkillers. 11 of them (2.7%) did nothing about it.
Fig. 4.18: Oral health

50. 42
Hand washing practices and personal hygiene
One of the good health practices in households include washing of fruits, vegetables and also
hand washing. Study conducted showed that 21.43% (n=15) do not wash fruits before eating and
78.57% (n=55) wash before eating, as shown by figure 4.19 A. Figure 4.19 B shows that 68
people, which amount to 97.14% of the respondents wash vegetables before cooking and 2.86%
(n=2) do not. Figure C indicates that 69 people (98.57%) wash hands before eating and 1.43%
(n=1) do not. Most households wash their hands before preparing food (91.43%, n=64) and
8.57% (n=6) do not. Only 10 respondents (14.23%) do not wash their hands after visiting the
toilet. Majority 85.71% (n=60) do wash.
Fig. 4.19: Personal hygiene and hand washing practices

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Water supply and treatment
Figure 4.20 A shows that out of the 70 people interviewed, 44(62.9%) get their water from
springs. 14 of them (20%) get water from the river while 5 people (7.1%) have wells as their
water source. 4 of those interviewed which accounts for 5.7% use the borehole as a water source
whereas 2 of them (2.9%) use both spring and rain water. The remaining 1 person which
accounts for 1.4% of the population uses both the river and borehole. Distance of water source
from latrine was grouped into; 5-10, 10-50, 50-100 and above 100 meters. Out of the 70 people
interviewed, 53 (75.7%) found to have their pit latrines being over 100 m from their water
sources.11 among them (15.7&) have their latrines between 50 and 200 m away from the water
sources.5 people (7.1%) have their latrines and water sources separated by a distance of between
10 to 50 meters. (Figure 4.20 B).
On water treatment, 43 of those interviewed (61.4%) do not treat their water after they get it
from the water source; 27 people (38.6) used various water treatment methods before
consumption. (Figure 4.20 C). Among the 27 who treat their water, 16 of them (59.3%) use
chlorination and 8 of them (29.6%) boil their water before consumption. 2 (7.4%)) among those
who treat water use filtration method while 1 person (3.7 %%) among the interviewed uses both
chlorination and boiling. This is shown by figure 4.20 D. The water sources around the
community are mostly protected (Figure 4.20 E). 67 people (95.7%) of those interviewed said
their water source was protected compared to the 3 people (4.3%) who said it wasn’t.

52. 44
Fig. 4.20: Water supply and treatment

53. 45
4.1.6 CULTURAL PRACTICES AND TRADITIONS
Circumcision
Figure 4.21 A shows that 5 (7.1%) of the people we interviewed practice circumcision of their
male children at the age below five years, 35 (50%) at the age of between 6-10 years, 30 (42.9%)
at the age of between 11-15 years and no one practice circumcision at age above 15 years. Ages
at which circumcision is done was grouped into; below 5 years, 6-10, 11-15 and above 16 years.
Different communities use different places do circumcise. In the community, circumcision takes
place at home, health center and both at home and health center. 52 (74.3%) of the interviewee
practice circumcision at health center, 13 (18.6%) at home, 5 (7.1%) both at home and a times at
health center. (Figure 4.21 B).
Fig. 4.21: Circumcision

54. 46
Wife inheritance
Different reasons for wife inheritance include; social stability, emotional support and financial
support. 20% of the respondents saw it to offer both emotional and financial support. 38.6% said
that there was no reason for wife inheritance. 7 (10%) of interviewee practice wife inheritance
for social stability, 7 (%) for emotional support, 15 (21.4%) for financial support, 14 (20%) for
both financial and emotional support, 27 (38.6%). practice wife inheritance without any reason.
(Figure 4.22 A).
Negative impacts of wife inheritance were grouped as economic exploitation, social instability
and disease transmission. 40% of the respondents were not aware of the impacts. 6 (8.6%) of
interviewee explain that the consequences of wife inheritance was economic exploitation, 15
(21.4%) as social instability, 21(30%) as disease transmission and 28 (40%) were not aware of
its repercussion, as pointed out by figure 4.22 B.
Fig. 4.22: Wife inheritance

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4.1.7 COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS
From the data collected common diseases for both children and adults includes; malaria 80%,
common cold 61.4%, while diarrheal diseases 35.7%, URTIs21.4%, Pneumonia25.7%, Skin
infections31.4%, Intestinal worms41.4% was common among children. Adults where mostly
affected by STIs21.4%, eye infections (11.4%), common cold (11.4%).Among less prevalent
diseases include Malnutrition (97.2%) and TB (92.5%).
DISEASE CHILDREN ADULTS BOTH NONE
Number % Number % Number % Number %
Diarrheal diseases 25 35.7 1 1.4 13 18.6 31 44.3
Malaria 8 10 2 2.9 56 80 5 7.1
Upper Respiratory Tract
Infections (URTIs)
15 21.4 6 8.6 21 30 28 40
Eye infections 7 10 8 11.4 1 1.4 54 77.2
Tuberculosis 1 1.4 3 4.6 1 1.4 65 92.5
Common cold 1 1.4 8 11.4 43 61.4 18 25.8
Pneumonia 18 25.7 5 7.2 1 1.4 46 65.7
Skin Infections 22 31.4 6 8.6 3 4.3 39 55.7
Sexually Transmitted
Infections(STIs)
0 0 15 21.4 0 0 41 58.6
Malnutrition 1 1.4 0 0 1 1.4 68 97.2
Intestinal worms 29 41.4 0 0 6 8.6 35 50
Fig. 4.23: Common diseases

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4.1.8 MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING
Pregnancy, delivery, ANC care and immunization
Of the women studied, 12.86% reported having had their first pregnancy at age of 10-15 years,
61.43% at the age of 16-20, this is a majority of the respondents. 24.29% at the age of 21-25. The
least category was that of women above 25 years (Figure 4.24 A). This represented 1 out of the
70 which is 1.43%. Ages at which the respondents first got pregnant were grouped as 10-15, 16-
20, 21-25 and above 25 years. Places of delivery include; Health center, home with help of TBA,
home without help of TBA and others (Delivery on the way etc.). Figure 4.24 B shows that
majority of the respondents, 57.14% reported having delivered their last child in the Health
Centre. This is quite commendable. 20% of those interviewed delivered their last child at home
with the support of a TBA, this equaled those that delivered at home without the support of a
TBA; 20%. The remaining 2.86% delivered their last children under circumstances that were
termed as “others” (on their way to health center).
Interviewees visited clinic at different times during pregnancy for ante-natal care. The phases of
visit were grouped according to stages of pregnancy which were; first trimester, second trimester
and third trimester.70 out of the 70 women interviewed (100%) reported having visited the Ante-
natal clinic at some point during their pregnancy. There was however a variation in the time
when they first visited the clinic. Study showed that a majority, 52.86% first visited the ANC
during the 2nd
Trimester of their pregnancy, followed by 24.29% during the 3rd
Trimester. This
was closely followed by those that did so during the 1st
Trimester, which represented 22.86% of
the respondents. (Figure 4.24 C). The immunization schedule should be strictly adhered to.
Ninety six children under 5years were studied in the survey. 100% of the children had received
the following vaccines: BCG, Polio, DPT 1, and DPT 2. DPT 3 had been given to 92.71% of the
children leaving 7.292% without having received the same. 81.25% had at the time of the
interview received the measles vaccine, leaving 18.25% without. Vaccines in question were
BCG, Polio (first, second and third doses, DPT1, 2, 3 and Measles vaccines. (Figure 4.24 D).

57. 49
Fig. 4.24: Pregnancy, ANC, delivery and immunization
Family planning
Figure 4.25 A shows family planning method used. Figure 4.25 B shows the challenges faced
during the use of FP methods. Family planning methods include; abstinence, use of condom,
Depo-Provera, Norplant and pills. Cases in which more than one method used was observed.
They include; use of Depo-Provera and Norplant, use of pills and Norplant and use of pills and
Depo-Provera. Some individuals never use any family planning method. Techniques used by
respondents for family planning were based on any method they had used and/or were using that
year up until the time of the interview. The most used method was Depo-Provera with 32.87%
women using it, followed by Norplant at 28.57%. Those who never used any fp method were
21.43%. Other methods (each 2%) were abstinence, condom use, pills, combinations of pills and
Depo-Provera, Norplant and Depo-Provera and combination of pills and Norplant at 1.43%.
Challenges encountered in family planning include; side effects, adherence, non-approval by
spouse, religious beliefs, and cultural beliefs. Some respondents encountered no challenges. The
predominant challenge to family planning was side effects with a representation of 54%. A

58. 50
significant 37% reporting no challenge. Adherence, religious beliefs and cultural beliefs had no
impact on the same.
Fig. 4.25: Family planning

59. 51
CHAPTER 5. DISCUSSION
This part of the report presents discussion of various findings.
5.1 DEMOGRAPHY AND HOUSING
Majority (97.57%) of the respondents were female. 100% were Christians, higher than the
national average of 82.6%. The high number of women could be attributed to the fact that most
homesteads had women at home looking after children and doing household chores at the time of
the interview. Most men had gone to towns or to the fields in search of livelihood for their
families. This is a common trend in the rural areas. The highest number of people per household
was ranging between 1 and 5, with an average of 5.5 which accounted for 60%. This is well
within the national average of 5.1 people per household according a survey by KIHBS. Strategies
for effective family planning should be rolled out into the community to avoid future
overpopulation. The range 5-10 had a representation of 38.57%. The least, 1.43% had a
household of more than 10 people. It was observed that a large portion of the families had a
lower economic status. As seen in the result section, only 18.57% (n=13) of the respondents had
businesses running, while the rest were farmers and housewives. Income generated from their
occupation could be meager, a probable cause of poverty in the region, with 62% of people in
both rural and urban areas in Vihiga County living in deficiency. Poverty could also pre-dispose
the community members to health problems like malnutrition and affect their HSBs. Number of
deaths registered were ranging between 0 and 5 deaths per household in the previous five years.
Those who had one death were 15.71%. Those with 2 deaths were 2.85%. Those with 3 deaths
were 1.43%. Those with 5 deaths were 2.85%. The results reveal a low mortality rate in the area.
Families with disabilities represented 10%. Most of the disabilities were visual impairment.
Mentally challenged people were 28.57% while physically impaired people were 28.57%.
Hearing impaired people were 14.29%. The county government of Vihiga should set up centers
that deal with people with disabilities in the region, like the Nyabondo Center for people with
disabilities. They can be established independently or in cooperated at the health centers

60. 52
Churches and NGOs can also get involved to empower this less fortunate group, especially those
in lower economic strata of the society and teach them skills like farming and entrepreneurship.
The level of education in the community was a place of interest. Respondents with no formal
education amounted to 10%. Those who attained primary education were 68.57%. Those with
secondary education was 20%. Only 1.43% attained tertiary education. The finding was in line
with Western Kenya Region’s education level statistics, which show that 67.1% of the residents
had primary level of education, 12.7% had secondary level of education while only 1.8% had
tertiary level of education (Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 2003). Good education level
equips one with knowledge to venture into a career of choice or apply the correct technological
know-how for a livelihood, a precursor to good economy and antidote to abject poverty.
The number of windows in the houses was small as most of the population, 78.57% had 3 or less
windows, most of which were not opened during the day. This has led to poor ventilation. Only
54.29% of the households had good ventilation. This could be a huge contribution to most of the
upper respiratory tract infections. It was evident that most of the population, 75.71% cooked
inside the house and only 24.29% outside. Considering the poor ventilation of most households,
the inhabitants are predisposed to common upper respiratory tract infections. An 84.29%
majority had earthen floors which very likely contributes to the high occurrence of fleas causing
jiggers in families with poor hygiene. Cemented houses were 14.28%, tiled were 1.43%. Most
families share a house with domesticated animals. This added up to 64.29% le. Those who had
separate house for the animals were 35.71%. This would cause stuffy and unpleasant odor in the
houses. Animals are also vectors for harmful insects that cause diseases. Pets have benefits to the
owners. For instance, they are companions and bring joy to the families. However, they do have
harmful effects on health. Cat’s feaces can predispose one to toxoplasmosis which causes
miscarriage in pregnant women. Their fur can be allergens to others. Therefore, proper handling
of the animals will ensure a positive health effect on the household members.

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5.2 NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE
A healthy diet is multi-factorial: age, gender, level of physical activity, geographical area, and
political influence among other factors. Being on the recommended diet decreases the likelihood
of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, maintains health and promotes regression of
disease. According to the study in Emanyinya, 72.86% of the respondents took 3 meals per day,
21.43% 2 meals per day and there was a tie of 2.86% for those who took 1 meal and 4 meals per
day. There are 6 principles of a good nutrition. The diet should be adequate, balanced, moderate,
contain a variety of foods that provide different types of nutrients, have a correct nutrient density
and satisfies energy control. All respondents (100%) had consumed carbohydrates in the past
months and 1.43% had consumed proteins. No fat consumption was reported. This shows that
the diet is not balanced. The fact that there was 100% consumption of carbohydrates relates to
the geographical and dietary preference of the Abaluhya people which is mainly maize meal.
Weekly fruit consumption was 35.71%. Daily and monthly consumption was 31.43 and 1.43%
respectively. A significant 31.43% did not take fruits. Several studies show that fruit
consumption reduces the risk of heart diseases and tumors. Nevertheless, eating of fruits and
vegetables during the childhood and adolescent stage is important for nutrient provision,
establishment of an eating pattern of the same and maintenance of appetite.
All the respondents drank water daily with variation on the frequency; 44.29% drink water 3
times a day, 30% randomly depending on physical activities, 17.14% twice and 8.57% once a
day. According to Mayo Clinic, uptake of water depends on many factors like health,
environment and level of activity. Water that is lost during the day needs to be replenished. The
Institute of Medicine determined that an Adequate Intake (AI) for men is 13 cups (3 liters) of
beverages daily and the AI for women is 9 cups (2.2 liters) of the same daily. However, the “8
glass” rule, which accounts for 1.9 liters of water daily is still recommended because it is easier
to remember.
The WHO suggests that exclusive breast-feeding is recommended up to the age of 6 months with
continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to the age of 2 years.
Most respondents (54.29%) breastfed their babies up to the age of 13-24 months. Those who

62. 54
breastfed up to 7-12 months were 17.14%, above 12 months 14.29%, below 6 months 7.14%.
5.71% of the mothers were currently breastfeeding and 1.43% never breastfeed their children at
all. Most mothers (54.29%) started weaning their children at the age of 3-6 months and 24.29%
at 7-12 months. 11.42% of the mothers started weaning children below the age of 2 months and
5.71% had not weaned their children yet. Major concern was 7.14% of the mothers who started
weaning before the age of 6 months and those who did not breastfeed at all. This shows that the
region has a higher number of children being weaned at an early age compared to the KDHS data
of 15% women who do the same countrywide. From the facts above, it is evident that most of the
women have not conformed to the required schedule of child nutrition, with exclusive
breastfeeding lower than the national average 61%. The women reported lack of breast milk and
that most of them had numerous jobs that did not allow them to breastfeed. This is unsafe to the
child as infant nutrition is important in maintaining the child’s immunity. According to the Baby
Center Expert Advice, low breast milk results from nipple pain, poor latch techniques, illness,
estrogen-based birth control pills and hormonal disorder. The environment is a determinant too.
It was noted that a large percentage of women (85.7%) did not receive supplements from the
clinic. The main supplement were the vitamin tablets. The blue capsules (100,000 International
Units) should be given to children between the ages of 6-11 months once every 6 months. The
red capsules (200,000 International Units) should be given at 12-59 months twice a year at an
interval of 6 moths. Other supplements include the plumpy nuts for the malnourished children.
The anthropometry shows that most of the children are well nourished (89.4%). There was only
one case of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) representing 0.7%, which calls for immediate
referral to the health facility. Those on Growth Promotion Follow-up (GPF) were 8.45% and
should be continuously counseled. Supplements should also be given to the 1.41% with
Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAN).

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5.3 HIV AND AIDS
Majority of the respondents had heard about HIV from the health center and represented 88.57%.
This is due to the fact that health facilities received adequate support to address issues
concerning HIV and because also it is a policy for every patient that visit the health center and
the antenatal clinic for pregnant women to be tested for HIV. The people of Eshihuli and Epwopi
had basic information about HIV with rare in-depth knowledge; 47% had a fair knowledge about
HIV. Most of the people had been tested for HIV. Only 12.86% reported having person(s)
infected with the disease in their household. This was higher compared to the average of 1.99%
of PLWHA in Vihiga County. This may be attributed to the fact that cultural practices like wife
inheritance and traditional circumcision.
Efforts have been put by the governments in sub-Saharan Africa and other stakeholders to curb
the threat of HIV/AIDS. Rolling out of ARVs is one of the ways. Much still needs to be done as
AIDS has become a barrier of development in Africa. However, numerous factors regress the
efforts made to curb HIV/AIDS in Africa. One of these is culture. Cultural practices like Female
Genital Mutilation (FGM), wife inheritance, male circumcision, land inheritance and virginity
testing pose hindrance to eliminating the virus. Seeking to influence the cultural norms into a
manner that will help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS will result into some aspect of cultural
adaptation. Human rights norms can have a transformative effect on culture, helping to reinforce
the positive effects of tradition and culture and undermining harmful effects (Paper
commissioned by the United Nations Economic and Commission for Asia and the Pacific by
Goonesekere).
5.4 HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOURS
Majority of respondents (92.86) visit the health center when they got sick. This high number
may be attributed to the fact that most of them are aware of the importance of modern health
care. The rest visit go to the magicians and/or religious leaders. It’s important for one to visit the
health center upon falling sick. Some go to the chemist to buy drugs to relieve the symptoms.
This can pose a health risk if proper prescription is not made. The health center is located 1-2

64. 56
km from most people’s houses. Since many people go to the health center for medical care, there
was usually a long queue which made them wait for a while before they got served, some said
they had to wait for about 30minutes, others about an hour and the rest for more than one hour,
no one was served immediately. 65.71% of the respondents reported having gotten drugs at the
health center, 18.57% responded that they always got the prescribed drugs, 14.29% rarely got all
the prescribed drugs while 1.43% never got all the drugs prescribed. The health center
experiences shortages of drugs.
According 54 (77.14%) respondents, services at the health center were free; 16 (22.86%) paid for
services (buying a records book the first time they visited the health center). It was affordable for
50% of those that paid. `
Outreach services in the community are offered by the public health office, they include: door to
door polio immunization of children, jigger removal and fumigation of houses. 60% benefited
from the services. The remaining 40% was attributed to reluctance and ignorance.
The community perceived the services at the health center to be good. Majority reported
recovering when treated at the health center.

65. 57
5.4 SANITATION, ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SUPPLY
WASTE DISPOSAL
Most of the households used their solid wastes as manure. The kitchen solid wastes were used as
manure by 25 households (35.7%). Solid farm wastes were used as manure by many households
but in this case it was in combination with other methods of disposal. Of the 70 households
visited, 30 (43%) use their solid farm wastes as manure and also dispose of it in compost pit.
Sixteen households (22.9%) use it as animal feed and manure. Another 16 (22.9%) households
use their solid farm wastes as manure and alternatively burn. The use of the wastes as manure
and animal feed is a good practice because the people reuse their wastes for beneficial purposes.
Those who dispose of it in compost pits should be encouraged to do so because after a period of
time, the waste decomposes and is used as manure in the farms. For the general litter, 31 (44.3%)
households burn their general litter; 10 (14.9%) use it as manure and dispose it in compost pits.
14 (20%) households dump their general litter and 14 (20%) use both pits and burning to
dispose their general litter. Most households that burned their waste did so for the inorganic
materials which were non-biodegradable. This prevents soil pollution though produces smoke
which is an agent of air pollution. Burning is also advantageous as it reduces the volume of
wastes to between 20-30% of the original. Most of the liquid wastes in the community are
poured away. Of the 70 households assessed, 49 (70%) pour away their kitchen liquid wastes.
The liquid farm wastes were mostly poured away.
The general cleanliness of 28 (40%) out of 70 homesteads was as well kept. Many homes, 34
(48.6%) were littered with 3 (4.3%) being marshy. Four out of 70, (5.7%) were bushy and 1
(1.4%) bushy and littered. The state of the homes influences the health of the families. Littered
homes attract flies which are vectors for some disease-causing organisms. Bushy homes provide
breeding grounds for mosquitoes which are agents of malaria transmission.