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  • Item type:Item,
    GA-optimized deep learning intrusion detection framework with LIME explainability for IoT networks
    (Springer, 2026-02) Maseno, Elijah M.; Sun, Yanxia; Wang, Zenghui
    The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has generated complex, high-volume network traffic that traditional signature-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) struggle to analyze effectively. Conventional systems often fail to adapt to evolving attack behaviors and high-dimensional data, resulting in reduced accuracy and explainability. This study presents Genetic Algorithm (GA)-optimized deep learning models, namely GA-GRU and GA-LSTM, for efficient and interpretable intrusion detection in IoT ecosystem. GA was employed for dual optimization, simultaneous feature selection and hyperparameter tuning, to achieve a balance between accuracy, computational efficiency, and interpretability, distinguishing this work from prior GA-based IDS approaches. The models were evaluated using two benchmark datasets, IoT-ToN and UNSW-NB15, selected for their diverse traffic patterns, heterogeneous feature spaces, and complementary representation of IoT and enterprise network behavior. This combination supports the cross-domain generalizability of the proposed framework. Experimental findings show that GA significantly reduced the feature space while improving runtime and memory efficiency. The GA-GRU model achieved an accuracy of 95.8%, outperforming state-of-the-art IDS models. Both GA-optimized architectures recorded high precision, recall, and F1-scores, with low False Positive Rates(FPR), confirming their robustness in real-world detection. Although GA identified different optimal feature subsets for GRU and LSTM, the recurring key features indicate selection stability across architectures. Moreover, LIME-based interpretability analysis provided transparency into model decision-making, enhancing trust and explainability. Overall, the proposed framework delivers a novel, generalizable, and resource-efficient IDS solution tailored for next-generation IoT environments.
  • Item type:Item,
    Determinants of foot self-care practices among diabetic patients attending diabetic clinic at a referral hospital, Meru county - Kenya
    (2019-09) Wanja, Laurenzia; Mwenda, Catherine; Mbugua, Ruth G.; Njau, Stanley
    Foot self-care practices are regarded as fundamental in prevention of diabetic foot ulcers[2].Globally, it is estimated that the prevalent cases of persons living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were more than 500 million [17]. Patients with type 2 DM suffer diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), one of the DM complication most costly to treat and with huge impact on global health [3]. The purpose of the study was to assess the determinants of foot self-care practices among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This research was a descriptive cross sectional, conducted among 133 type 2 DM clients who were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 21. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age of the respondents (p=0.003), level of education (p=0.006 and monthly income (p=0.014) significantly influenced foot self-care practices. 51.2% of the respondents demonstrated low level foot self-care practice while48.8% demonstrated high level foot care practice. 61% were found to have low knowledge level while 39% had high level of knowledge on foot self-care. Low level of knowledge on foot care influenced the practice of foot self-care among the type 2 DM patients attending out-patient diabetic clinic at a referral hospital in Meru County. There was a significant association between knowledge and practice of foot self-care practice (p=<0.001). Those with high level of knowledge were 4.3 times more likely to have high level of foot self-care practice.
  • Item type:Item,
    Knowledge, perception and uptake of prostate cancer screening: Cross sectional study at a Level III Hospital in Kenya
    (Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2018) Wachira, Beth W.; Meng’anyi, Lucy W.; Mbugua, Ruth G.
    Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the Knowledge, Perception and Uptake of Prostate Cancer Screening among men attending Mathare North Health Centre. Methods: This was a Descriptive cross-sectional facility based study. The study was conducted at Mathare Health Centre in Nairobi County in Kenya among men aged 30 years and above attending the facility outpatient department. Quantitative data was collected using a structured interview based questionnaire. Data was analysed by use of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 22. Results: Eighty percent (80%) of the respondents were aware of prostate cancer existence with the mass media being the major source of the information. Knowledge on various domains was low as 87% of the respondents were not aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer, 52% did not know that the disease is preventable while 71% did not know the disease is curable. Sixty four percent (64%) of the respondents were not aware of existence of prostate cancer screening services, 63% of the respondents perceived themselves as not being at risk of developing the disease while 8.8% of the respondents perceived themselves as being susceptible to prostate cancer in the future. The respondents (62.2%) held fatalistic beliefs towards prostate cancer. Only 1.3% of the respondents had undergone screening which was done more than three years preceding the study. Conclusion: The level of awareness of prostate cancer was high while knowledge on the various domains was low. There was low perception of self-vulnerability and existence of fatalistic beliefs. Consistent with the low level of knowledge, low perception of self- vulnerability, the uptake of prostate cancer was extremely low. There is need to Scale up health education to the community regarding prostate cancer to enhance knowledge, eliminate negative beliefs and increase the uptake of screening.
  • Item type:Item,
    Utilization of the nursing process among nurses working at a level 5 hospital, Kenya
    (Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2019) Mwangi, Catherine; Meng’anyi, Lucy W.; Mbugua, Ruth G.
    Background: The nursing process is a valuable tool that has revolutionized nursing practice for better patient outcome. Utilization of nursing process (NP) is however usually compromised by various internal and external factors. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Hospital factors affecting the utilization of nursing process among nurses in Thika Level 5 Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the month of September 2017 where 69 respondents were randomly sampled from nurses in medical, surgical and paediatric units. Data on knowledge and attitude was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and Key Informant Interview guide of the ward in-charges. Data on practice of NP was collected using a checklist where in patient files were sampled. Results: Majority (78.3%) of the respondents reported they have a knowledge gap in NP, 81.2% felt NP is time consuming, 29% felt that NP contributes to patients’ wellness at times and 3% felt it does not contribute to patients’ wellness. Half (50%) of the unit in-charges reported that half of the nurses had a positive attitude towards utilizing NP. Most (72.5%) of the respondents reported the facility inadequately supports the implementation of the NP. From the in-patient files; incomplete or missing information, in regards to patient episodic assessment, and nursing care plans was revealed. Discussion: A knowledge gap in relation to utilization of NP and a negative attitude were noted. The practice on NP was wanting as most of the files did not have complete care plans and this therefore indicates that there might be a compromise in patient care. Respondents echoed that practice of NP was a challenge as a result of shortage of staff, lack of supplies as they are overworked and the NP paper work meant there was no time for patient care. Conclusions and Recommendation: The facility management needs to employ more nurses, provide material resources and ensure continuous education, workshops, seminars or updates on NP to support and enhance the implementation of NP.
  • Item type:Item,
    Nurse factors influencing compliance with CDC guidelines for catheter associated urinary tract infection prevention in a referral hospital in Kenya
    (Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2019) Methu, C. W.; Mwenda, C. M.; Mbugua, Ruth G.
    Urinary tract infections are the most frequently occurring health-care associated infections. 75% of these infections are linked with utilization of an indwelling urinary catheter. However, 40% of urinary tract infections are preventable. The researcher sought to assess nurse related factors influencing compliance with Centre for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for CAUTI prevention among nurses working at Embu level 5 hospital. The study was carried out in 2017. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working at Embu level 5 hospital between 107 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data collection tools included a self-administered structured questionnaire, and an interview schedule for key informants and an observation checklist. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 and thematic analysis. Findings: Compliance among the nurses was found to be low (46.7%). However, most respondents had adequate knowledge of the guidelines on CAUTI prevention (overall knowledge score of 71%). A majority (60.2%) of the respondents also had a positive attitude towards CAUTI prevention. There was no significant association between nurse related factors (knowledge & attitude) and nurse’ compliance (all p >0.05). However, some of the key informants felt that inadequate knowledge on CAUTI prevention guidelines was a factor hindering nurse’ compliance. Conclusion & Recommendation: The nurses’ level of compliance with CAUTI guidelines was poor. The null hypothesis (H0) was accepted (p > 0.05) which implies that nurses’ knowledge and attitude do not influence their compliance with CAUTI guidelines. Further studies should be carried out on other factors, for example institutional factors that might influence nurse’ compliance with guidelines for CAUTI prevention.