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Factors Influencing Low Utilization of Postnatal Care at Six Days Among Mothers in Rural Zambia: A Case of Siavonga District Hospital

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Postnatal care (PNC) is a critical intervention for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, yet its utilization remains low in many rural African settings. This study assessed factors influencing low attendance of postnatal mothers at six days at Siavonga District Hospital, Zambia. A cross-sectional study design was employed involving 384 postnatal women selected from Maternal and Child Health (MCH) registers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to determine associations between socio-demographic variables and PNC attendance.

Only 14.2% of mothers attended postnatal services at six days, indicating critically low utilization. Significant factors associated with non-attendance included maternal age, parity, education level, distance to the health facility, and knowledge of PNC services. Social and cultural practices such as postpartum seclusion, negative perceptions of health workers, long waiting times, and limited partner support were also identified as key barriers.

The findings highlight the need for community-based awareness programs, improved quality of care at facilities, and strengthened male involvement strategies. Enhancing early postnatal follow-up services could substantially improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in rural Zambia.

Comparative Performance of Pre-Commercial vs Existing Maize Hybrids in Zambia

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Maize production in Zambia has remained below the global average, with a national yield of 2,800 kg/ha compared to the world average of 5,000 kg/ha, as reported by FAO. This yield gap is mainly attributed to challenges such as pests, diseases, declining soil fertility and the use of low yielding varieties with limited resistance to pests and diseases, that are not suited to local Agro ecological conditions. To address these challenges, this study was conducted at Agri-Wind in Serenje District, Zambia, to evaluate and compare the performance of six pre-commercial maize hybrids against sixteen commercially available hybrids. A total of twenty-two maize hybrids were assessed, including six pre-commercial varieties (PV17, PV18, PV19, PV20, PV21, PV22) and sixteen commercial varieties (V1 – V16). The trial was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Performance evaluation focused on yield potential, insect and disease resistance, as well as distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA in Field Book (CIMMYT) at a 5% significance level (p = 0.05). Results indicated that V5 and PV19 were the highest-yielding hybrids, producing 5,850.70 kg/ha and 5,498.18 kg/ha, respectively. These varieties, along with PV18, showed strong resistance to Northern Leaf Blight (NLB) and Maize Streak Virus (MSV), making them promising candidates for commercial release. Although PV17 had a lower yield (3,781.05 kg/ha), it demonstrated the best resistance to NLB (score of 1.5), suggesting its potential for disease-prone areas. In contrast, PV21, which had lower yields and weaker disease resistance, was deemed less suitable for release. Generally, PV19, PV18, and PV17 emerged as the most promising pre-commercial hybrids, while V5 was recommended for high-yielding areas. In addition, the DUS analysis revealed superior characteristics in the pre-commercial hybrids, such as enhanced anthocyanin coloration and optimal growth duration, indicating their potential adaptability to local agroecological conditions.

A Critical Appraisal of the Law Protecting Persons with Mental Health Conditions in Zambia

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Mental health is widely recognised as an important part of the proper functioning of an individual and contributes to the overall well-being of a person. A human rights based approach states that all members of society should be catered for in the eyes of the law and have equal access to justice. However, there is not much importance placed on mental health in the Republic of Zambia and there is a lot of discrimination against persons with mental conditions. The aim of this research is to critically appraise the Mental Health Act of 2019 and hereafter educate the public on mental health. Inaddition, the research seeks to investigate how Zambia has dealt with mental health, analyse the improvements made in the Mental Health Act, 2019, and make proposals for solutions to the shortcomings identified in how the provisions of the law are carried out.

This research was essentially desktop based and reviewed statutes. The desk review involved the qualitative analysis of the provisions of the Mental Health Act in determining its significance. Analysis of books, articles, and other various online sources was also used to collect the information contained in this research.

The findings revealed that the legislation on mental health in Zambia is progressive but lacks practicality. There are no workable guidelines, either legislative or judicial, which accommodate persons living with varying degrees of mental challenges. Arising out of this analysis it is recommended that the Mental Health Act should be amended to include in-depth definitions of the major conditions that could affect members of the public and incorporate mental health services in existing health establishments to increase access to these facilities by people with mental health difficulties.

Factors Affecting Listing of Small and Medium Enterprises on LuSE Alternative Investment Market in Zambia: A Case of Lusaka Business District

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Economic growth in both developed and developing nations is strongly linked to the growth of alternative investment markets. Alternative markets for the listing of start-up companies have been established and launched by many exchanges in order to assist small and medium businesses in raising finance through initial public offers and listing their shares for trade. The rise of these alternative markets has been slow, particularly in poorer countries. The study’s major goal was to discover the characteristics that influence SMEs’ ability to list on the Lusaka Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (LuSE AIM). Examine whether information accessibility is a critical factor in determining SMEs listing on the Alt-M; determine if regulatory requirements are a factor to consider when SMEs decide to register on the AIM; determine if corporate governance is an important factor in determining SMEs listing on the AIM; and determine if SMEs support platforms are important factors in determining SMEs listing on the AIM. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design using a survey as the research approach to attain this goal.  The approach was deemed appropriate and useful towards assessing of the elements influencing listing of SME firms on the securities exchange. The population of the study included all 1663 SMEs registered under Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Businesses Association in Lusaka. Stratified sampling technique was used for the study where random sampled quotas were selected from each industry. The sample size of SMEs derived 322 companies and only 161 SMEs successfully participated in the study as respondents. Primary data were used to obtain information in this study using closed-ended questionnaires. To identify the characteristics that influence the listing of SMEs on the stock market, the study used quantitative analysis and factor analyses. The parameters that determine the listing of SMEs on the Alternative Securities Market were identified using factor analysis. Factor I (information accessibility), Factor II (regulatory needs), Factor III (business governance), and Factor IV (corporate governance) identified as the four elements (SMEs support platforms). Information accessibility, enabling legislative requirements, sound corporate governance, and SMEs support platforms were identified as the barriers to small and medium firms receiving finance through the LuSE Alternative Investment Market, according to the conclusions of the research study. The findings of the study suggest that availability to information is critical to listing, and that a regulatory environment that is friendly to small and medium firms will encourage them to list. Furthermore, while corporate governance is not a prerequisite for SMEs to list, good corporate governance practices have been proven to promote SMEs to list. According to the survey, relevant authorities should educate SMEs on the critical information required for securities market listing so that they may make educated judgments. Policymakers should make it easier for SMEs to expand by enacting favorable policies and making it easier for them to list on the AIM. Corporate governance regulations should be tailored to the structure and environment of SMEs by policymakers. The government should develop an atmosphere that includes support systems tailored to SMEs. Putting support platforms in place increases SMEs’ desire to list.