Excessive alcohol use is a significant public health problem globally. Alcohol use typically begins in adolescence or early adult life, and effective prevention strategies focused on this age group are needed to avoid development of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is a worldwide problem resulting in millions of deaths, including hundreds of thousands of young lives lost. It is not only a causal factor in many diseases, but also a precursor to injury and violence. Furthermore, its' negative impacts can spread throughout a community or a country, and beyond, by influencing levels and patterns of alcohol consumption across borders [1]. This study sought to ascertain the influence of socio-cultural factors in AUD among adults. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Stratified random sampling techniques were used to sample alcohol users across the county. Both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (chi-square test) statistics were employed in data analysis. Content analysis was used to identify emerging themes in the interviews conducted. The study established that 65% of alcohol users in Muranga County have symptoms of AUD. Socio-cultural factors were found to influence AUD. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of health and NACADA should organize sensitizations and awareness drives on alcohol abuse on the worrying trends of AUD together with their associated morbidities. The study also recommended deliberate efforts towards implementation of sound policies aimed at curbing the growth of the AUD.

Learner achievement is influenced by the instructional methods adopted during the learning process. Different class categories and individual levels present varied learning contexts determining the application of a mixture of appropriate instructional methods, which can enhance knowledge retention and application. Available studies in Kenya have focused on the general achievement of students. This study examined the linkage between instructional methods and learning achievement in different class categories. The study design was quasi-experimental non-equivalent groups with a pre-test and a post-test. Primary data were obtained from four boys', four girls', and four mixed schools with a total of 477 students. Data were analyzed descriptively using mean and standard deviation values while t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to test for significance in difference between group means at α = 0.05 level. The study found out that learner achievement in the control This implies that learner achievement in girls' classes improves when the constructivist instructional approach is used. All the learners instructed through the constructivist approach registered marked improvement in achievement.We recommend that biology teachers, especially those in girls' secondary schools, should consider using the constructivist instructional methods for enhanced learner achievement. Further, investigations into constructivist learning using some other assessment strategies other than the 5Es (i.e., engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation) instructional model as well as effects of constructivist instructional approaches in different study locations should be explored in other studies. Finally, we recommend that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Kenya through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) come up with policies to guide the application of appropriate learning approaches for different classroom categories as applicable.

College alcohol use continues to be a national public health issue. World Health Organization approximates that 53% of people at the age of 15 years and above, have at one time used alcohol. Alcohol is recognized and acts as ‘entrance’ to the use of other substances. The study was carried out in Kenya Medical Training College, Embu Campus. The study presents an argument that knowledge about alcohol is a social capital defining use and non-use of alcohol among medical students at Kenya Medical Training College. A Cross-sectional analytical approach was adopted for the study design. A sample of 270 students was included in the study. Data was analyzed using both descriptive (Frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (chi square tests and regression analysis). For objective one, the study finds a 75% prevalence rate of alcohol use among students of Embu MTC. Demographic factors influencing alcohol use include, religion (p=0.002205), program undertaken (p<0.0001) and with whom the respondent is living with (p<0.0001). The study recommends development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at addressing the widespread use of alcohol in the study site.

Globally, approximately 52% of the female population (26% of the total population) is of reproductive age. Most of these women and girls will menstruate each month for between two to seven days. Menstrual hygiene is an important part of the basic hygiene, sanitation, and reproductive health services to which every woman and girl has a right. Most girls lack adequate information on menarche, puberty, and Menstrual Hygiene Management. This predisposes them to reproductive tract infections. This study sought to establish the socio-cultural factors influencing the adoption of menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in public secondary schools in Malindi Sub County. The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study established that most of the school-going adolescents in Malindi Subcounty (64%) have good menstrual hygiene practices. The socio-cultural factors influencing menstrual hygiene practices include cultural expectations, provisions, restrictions and cultural significance, religious restrictions and parent’s levels of education (P>0.05). Future studies could investigate the influence of structural factors both in the general environment, the school and the households where these adolescents come from. The study also recommends awareness drives on the importance of menstrual hygiene among adolescents and the development and implementation of policies on menstrual hygiene practices.

Caregivers are entrusted with provision of the needs of those who are incapacitated by disabilities in the society. However they face many challenges in the process of caregiving. Understanding the experiences of caregivers would be instrumental in addressing the challenges faced in the process of caregiving. The study investigated the social experiences of caregivers of children living with disability. The study was guided by Friedman's social (dis) empowerment which highlights 8 areas of (dis) empowerment during caregiving. The study adopted descriptive cross sectional study design and a qualitative phenomenological method of data collection. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from sixteen ( 16) primary caregivers of children with disabilities. Data were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed using MAXQDA Version 12. The study established that caregivers of children living with disabilities face challenges in acceptance, lack of public awareness, burden of caregiving, stigma, embarrassments, inadequate social services as well as socio-psychological challenges. The study therefore recommends programs aimed at addressing such challenges as a necessary public health initiative.