ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nursing students frequently experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, which can impact their mental health and academic performance (Yonca, 2023; Fauzi et al., 2021). At Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU), there is an urgent concern regarding the mental health of nursing students, despite available counselling services and academic support. Objective: This study aimed to determine the levels of stress, anxiety and depression among diploma nursing students at LMMU. Methodology: A descriptive cross- section design was utilized, involving 198 diploma nursing students selected through stratified simple random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 27, employing binary logistic regression and Chi-Square tests to examine relationships between variables. Results: The participates ages (17- 36) were predominantly female (80.8%) and unmarried (92.9%). Moderate levels of stress, anxiety and depression were reported at 36.4%, 49% and 59.4%, respectively. The majority of the students (85.4%) stayed outside the campus while only 29 (14.7%) stayed within campus. The study found that factors such as age, gender, family history of mental illness, marital status, academic and financial pressures and living arrangements did not show statistically significant associations with moderate to high levels of depression among diploma nursing students at LMMU, despite some findings suggesting trends (e.g., younger age correlating with lower depression and living- off campus being linked to higher depression) Female students were observed to be 0.49 times less likely to develop moderate to high depression compared to males, whiles those from families with a history of mental illness were 1.22 times more likely to experience increased depression however, these associations were not statically significant (P>0.05).Notably, students who frequently experienced negatives thoughts were 1.82 times more

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The World Health Organization (2023) has identified neonatal asphyxia as being the third leading cause of early newborn deaths globally, accounting for approximately 24% of neonatal mortality (Workineh et al., 2020) found out that 24% of African births are affected by asphyxia. In Kenya, birth asphyxia accounts for 29% of deaths of neonates, and Nakuru County has a perinatal death rate (15/1000 live births) that surpasses WHO recommendations ((Ngare et al., 2020). The WHO recommends a maximum of 12 fatalities per 1000 live births and suggests interventions such as drying, stimulating, and warming newborns with birth asphyxia (Moshiro et al., 2019) Objective: To identify primary factors contributing to neonatal birth asphyxia at Naivasha Sub-County Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design, using secondary data collected from the hospital's Newborn Unit records was used with the target population of asphyxiated neonates with APGAR scoring < 7 within the first minute of extra uterine life. Results: The highest incidence was observed in those aged 13-25 years (38%), married (65%), with secondary education (60%), and who attended their first ANC visit (56%). Employment status also played a role, with unemployed mothers contributing to 37% of cases. Foetal factors, such as low birth weight (55.83%), premature gestation (57.5%), vertex presentation (63.33%), and male sex (60.42%), significantly increased the risk. Maternal-obstetric factors, including PROM (42%), meconium-stained liquor (53%), infections (33%), pre-eclampsia (44%), and prolonged labour (28%), were prevalent, though not significantly different in their impact. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among socio-demographic and foetal factors, while maternal-obstetric factors showed no significant variation in their contribution to birth asphyxia. Conclusion: Birth asphyxia remains a significant concern, with key contributors identified as socio-demographic

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) is the first-line treatment for severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, conditions that contribute significantly to maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Despite its availability in Zambia, gaps in knowledge and competency among healthcare providers may hinder its effective use. This study aimed to assess the competence of nurses and midwives at Kapiri Mposhi District Hospital in the administration of MgSO4. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where 100 respondents participated in the study. Participants were randomly selected. A structured questionnaires and checklists were used to collect data. Statistics Package for Social Sciences computer software package version 23.0 was used to analyze data. Chi square tests was used to test the significance of the association between Knowledge on administration of MgSo4, Competence in MgSo4 administration, among nurses and midwives at Kapiri Mposhi District Hospital. A 95% confidence interval and P value of 0.05 were used to ascertain the degree of significance. Multivariate binary logistic regression model to determine predictors of practices and need for information was also used. Result: On analyzing the dependent variables, majority, 71% demonstrated competence in MgSo4 administration. More than half 69% of respondents had knowledge on MgSO4 administration and 58% were trained. However, 31% lacked knowledge, and 29% were either unskilled or had limited skills. Almost all (92%) of the respondents confirmed MgSO4 being readily available in the department while 73.9% of respondents actively used it. Associated barriers to utilization included fear of side effects and lack of mentorship. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge was the main reason associated with lack of competence in MgSo4 administration among 29% of nurses and midwives regardless of the period of being in service. Particular attention should therefore be given to ensuring that nurses and midwives undergo train