The University of Zambia (UNZA) is a public university located in Lusaka, Zambia. It is Zambia's largest and oldest learning institution. The university was established in 1965 and officially opened to the public on 12 July 1966. The language of instruction is English.
Miombo forests are ecologically and economically important; however, knowledge about mycorrhizal assemblages harboured by these ecosystems and the driving factors is scarce. We investigated the composition and diversity of soil arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi in Miombo National Forest Reserves in Zambia across three sites with different tree species compositions, soil properties, and climatic conditions. Our DNA metabarcoding results identified distinct mycorrhizal fungal communities among the study sites, driven by soil pH, moisture, and nutrient content. Mycorrhizal diversity was highest at sites with low mean annual precipitation. Across all study sites, the variation in mycorrhizal fungal diversity could be explained by soil pH, moisture, and nutrients, while tree species composition contributed little variation. The taxonomic composition and relative abundances of mycorrhizal fungal genera varied among study sites. Our results suggest that changes in tree species composition have the potential to influence mycorrhizal communities in Miombo ecosystems, with implications for ecosystem functions and services.
Globally, mealtimes provide key insights into cultural and social values and practices. We examine mealtime environments and eating practices in two different African settings using quantitative observational and questionnaire data. Participating families (N = 80) were recruited from two rural locations in Zambia and Kenya. Results following descriptive analysis showed that meals are typically taken as a family in a sociable context, providing opportunities to nurture children's positive behaviours. In both communities, mothers (71.25%) were most likely to be present and typically prepared meals and provided the food. We observed a few distractions being used during mealtimes, and children finished their food with little to no conflict. Plate sharing varied across the two sites and was more common in Zambia, where we also observed more traditional practices such as eating with hands (as opposed to cutlery) and sitting on mats on the ground (as opposed to seated on chairs or sofas). Overall, our findings suggest more similarities in the cultural and social values across the two African contexts despite slight differences in mealtime practices. In particular, positive mealtime behaviours (little food refusal, lack of conflict) were common across all contexts, regardless of the extent to which traditional practices (such as plate-sharing and sitting on the floor) were used. Findings align with Family Systems theory, which states that the family is understood best by conceptualizing it as a complex, dynamic, and changing collection of parts, subsystems, and family members.
Legacy lead (Pb) contamination from a century-long Pb-Zn mining operation (1906–1994) continues to pose severe environmental health threats in Kabwe, Zambia, one of the world’s most polluted sites. While elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children are well-documented, maternal exposure remains understudied despite its critical implications for fetal development. We conducted a cross-sectional biomonitoring study among 510 pregnant women across four townships in Kabwe (Makululu, Kasanda, Katondo, and Mahatma Gandhi), stratified by proximity to the former mine (1.5–4.5 km). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected utilizing a structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were analyzed for Pb using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS), with rigorous quality control (recovery: 92.3–95.1
Although women’s autonomy is key to patient care, the extent to which patients exercise autonomy during clinical consultations in resource-limited contexts such as Zambia remains unknown. This study aimed to examine women’s experiences of autonomy in decision-making and respectful treatment in Zambian maternal healthcare. The study was conducted in Lusaka and used a cross-sectional survey design. The sample consisted of 305 women who were conveniently recruited. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data and two validated instruments: the 7-item Mothers Autonomy and Decision-Making Scale (MADM), and the 14-item Measure of Respect (MOR) index. Higher levels of decision-making autonomy, according to MADM, are significantly associated with higher levels of perceived respect in maternal healthcare settings, according to MOR (p < .001). Furthermore, higher education was found to correlate significantly with higher autonomy and respect (p < .001). Both instruments showed an excellent (MADM) and good (MOR) internal consistency among this sample (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.959 and 0.851, respectively). Overall, while there’s significant variation in responses, there is a slight tendency towards positive experiences in both autonomy and respect in maternal healthcare settings. Health authorities should promote the implementation of autonomous and respectful care for all women, regardless of socioeconomic or educational background, and provide a supportive environment that fosters user participation in decision-making. Patient autonomy is a core ethical principle in enhancing patient-centered care and influencing healthcare decision-making. However, the extent of maternal autonomy practice in resource-limited contexts like Zambia remains understudied. This study reveals significant disparities in Zambian women’s experiences of autonomy and respectful care, influenced by sociodemographic factors and provider type – indicating potential systemic biases and structural inequities in Zambian maternity care. Higher education, employment, marital status, and having children correlate with increased autonomy and respect. Furthermore, women reported higher levels of autonomy and respect when consulting OB/GYNs than when consulting midwives, contrary to findings in other contexts.
This study examined educational stakeholder voices and shared goals in advancing inclusive education within resource-constrained Zambian schools. Using a qualitative design, we conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with administrators, teachers, community leaders, and parents in both urban and rural inclusive school settings. Data were analysed through a hybrid process combining QualiGPT-assisted thematic coding and human interpretive validation. Our findings reveal stakeholders anchor inclusive education on five cross-cutting thematic patterns - access, support, belonging, equity and barriers. However, stakeholder emphasis on each theme appeared to vary by role. To this effect, administrators focused on systemic features, teachers emphasised classroom-level support, community leaders highlighted community integration, and parents prioritised children's social acceptance and rights. Considering perpetual resource limitations, stakeholders report existing assets in human expertise, training infrastructure, and community networks that could offer sustainable action points for strengthening inclusive education. The study underscores the need for coordinated, multi-level approach grounded in locally situated stakeholder realities for advancing inclusive education.
