Undergraduate research Projects

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13Vol. 2. No. 1, Januari-Juni 2023 The Influence of Dress Code on the Quality of Higher Education from a Sharia Critical Perspective: A Case Study of Umma University
(Sharia of Faculty Islamic State University, 2023-01-20) Abdulrahman, Manswab Mahsen
Umma University is Kenya’s first Islamic-based university, chartered in 2019, and was founded to improve access towards quality higher education for diverse individuals, cultures and communities. Subsequently, the university received many students from different religions, communities, and cultures, some of whom have violated the dress code initiated by the university. This is the research problem. This study’s main objective was to explore the causes of indecent dressing among the students as well as to enhance the culture of proper dressing in higher learning institutions in general and at Umma University in particular. The study will use both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Open-ended questions were used. In addition to that, a questionnaire will be used, involving 103 students as representative respondents. The researcher will review references and study dissertations relating to dress code. The findings show that the most prominent factor of indecent dress is “freedom of choice” (68%), followed by the negative influence by foreign cultures through social media (66%), implementing dress codes doesn’t solve genuine problems in the university (57%), peer pressure (57%), and there is no specific penalty in the dress code (51%), among others. Therefore, it is recommended to amend the student dress code in the student information handbook 2020 while creating more awareness of the dress code through the use of announcements on notice boards and other means in strategic locations across the university premises.
About Scholarly Works in the Field of Islamic Economic Law: A Visualization of Related Topics
(Jurnal Hukum Ekonomi Syariah, 2023-02-01) Abbas, Ahmad; Abdulrahman, Manswab Mahsen
Understanding issues raised in academic literature is a critical step in developing scholarly works in the field of Islamic economic law. This study aims to explore the topics and trends in the field of Islamic economic law in the last three decades, from 1992–2021. The data used in this study were online published articles from 1992 to 2021. Harzing’s Publish or Perish (PoP), VOS Viewer, and Open Knowledge Maps were tools utilized for processing and analyzing the data. 169 articles were retrieved by applying the keyword and title word "Islamic Economic Law" in the Google Scholar database. The result of the study shows an increasing trend in the publication of scholarly works for the past thirty years, with 645 citations. As a result of the visualization, the topic of Islamic economic law tends to be designed in the context of theory, implementation through a case study approach, perspectives, a paper review elaborating the contract, and research in the field of Islamic law for economics. Islamic economic law areas recently attract an increasing number of attention from scientists, so related topics can be developed wider by various methods.
An Analysis of Approaches Used to Train Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders Human Occupation Skills in Selected Special units, Mombasa County, Kenya
(Journal of Popular Education in Africa, 2019-01-01) Mange, Daniel Mbirithi; Macmbinji, Vincent O.; Mjomba, Ndung’u Lewis
This study aimed at finding out the instructional strategies used to train learners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) human occupation skills. It was intended to establish whether teachers of children with ASD have adequate knowledge and skills to determine the educational needs of learners with ASD. It also investigated the existing instructional methods used in educating children with ASD human occupation skills, and established the level of awareness among teachers on the characteristics of learners with ASD. The stud employed quantitative approach. The target population was 435 respondents, 90 teachers and 345 learners with special needs. The sample comprised of 15 teachers and 30 pupils. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers. The researcher used an observation checklist to check the approaches used by teachers in training human occupations and characteristics exhibited by learners with ASD. Content validity will be determined by experts in the field of special needs. The tools were piloted in special units in Kilifi County, Kenya to determine their reliability. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data was presented in graphs and tables. The study also found out that majority of the teachers preferred using Individualized Education Plan to train learner in human occupation skills. Further, the study found out that there were inadequate teachers trained in human occupation skills as well as managing learners with autism. The study found out that majority of the learners with autism had echolalia and lack of control of emotion and throwing tantrums. The study recommends that Ministry of Education Science & Technology should employ more teachers trained in Special Needs Education in special schools, review curriculum for teacher training colleges to inculcate management for learners with specific conditions such as ASD and more in-service training on special needs teachers regarding approaches for training learners with ASD.
An Analysis of the Causes of Divorce among Muslims in Mombasa County in the Sharia Law Perspective
(International Journal of Islamic Studies and Humanities, 2020-10-21) Manswab, Mahsen Abdulrahman
Divorce is the most hateful action permitted in Islamic law. Islam puts some measures to ensure that the separation of two spouses will not occur. However, on some occasions, dissolution will become necessary because two parties cannot live together in an atmosphere of hatred and disaffection. Recently, cases about the repeal have been increasing rapidly among Muslim society in Mombasa County. This study explores the issues causing divorce among spouses in Mombasa County. The result shows that some of the reasons for divorce are poverty and unemployment, seeking a job overseas, psychological problems, drug addiction, family interference, early and forced marriage, cultural issues, and domestic violence. Questionnaire and Open-ended questions were used involving divorcees as respondents. In addition to that, the researcher reviewed references and studied dissertations relating to divorce.
An Analysis of the Causes of Divorce among Muslims in Mombasa County in the Sharia Law Perspective
(International Journal of Islamic Studies and Humanities, 2020-10-23) Manswab, Mahsen Abdulrahman
Divorce is the most hateful action permitted in Islamic law.Islam puts some measures to ensure that the separation of two spouses will notoccur. However, on some occasions, dissolution will become necessarybecause two parties cannot live together in an atmosphere of hatred and disaffection. Recently, cases aboutthe repealhave been increasing rapidly among Muslim society in Mombasa County. This study explores the issues causing divorce among spouses in Mombasa County. The result shows that some of the reasons for divorce are poverty and unemployment, seeking a job overseas, psychological problems, drug addiction, family interference, early and forced marriage, cultural issues, and domestic violence.Questionnaire and Open-ended questions were used involving divorcees as respondents. In addition to that, the researcher reviewed references and studied dissertations relating to divorce
Brand Awareness and Its Effect on Performance of Public Sugar Manufacturing Firms in Western Kenya
(International Journal of Advances in Management and Economics, 2016-01) Faraji, Anduku Yatundu; Otiso, Kennedy Ntabo; Rajab, Fozia Nurwin
Many organizations in the global market have realized that branding is an important initiative that they can put in place to ensure survival in the market. The sugar industry especially in Kenya has increasingly become saturated, attracting new and retaining old customers has not only become difficult but also costly in terms of marketing. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of branding strategies namely, brand awareness and personality on performance of public sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. The target populations of the study were members of the four (Muhoroni, Nzoia, South Nyanza and Chemilil) public sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the 12 managers while simple random sampling was used to select the 43 supervisors and 119 clerks. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics and the findings indicated that, Brand awareness and Personality had a positive and significant influence on the performance of public sugar firms, it was recommended that the management of SMFs should invest more and ensure effective use of these branding attributes by putting more emphasis on use of branding strategies in order to enhance performance.
Causes of climate change and its impact in the multi sectoral areas in Africa-Need for enhenced adaptation policies
(British Jounal of Applied Science and technology, 2018-05-11) Matata, Andy Cons,Ali Adan
Africa has experienced climate change since the late Holocene which intensified in the last century mainly due to factors such as the changes brought about by the colonial administration, which led to rapid population growth from improved healthcare systems and infrastructure, and organised agriculture. Recent studies on climate change and its impact on Africa indicate that the continent is more vulnerable to climate change than other continents because of inadequate resources. The effect of climatic change has worsened in the last fifty years, mainly due to heavy pollution and the greenhouse effect caused by the industries in the developed countries and in the newly industrialized nation such as India, China, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and others. Recent studies on climate change in Africa has shown that population growth has led to decline of forest coverincreased land and environmental degradation, leading to severe ecological disruption. This change has wreaked and continued to cause severe damage to Africa’s infrastructure, health and economy. Global warming related floods have destroyed roads, crops, water sources, and killed both people, livestock and wildlife. Droughts too have caused similar problem if not worse destruction. Africa’s poverty makes it difficult for the people to mitigate their losses and to adapt to the conditions. It is, therefore, necessary for African countries and its leaders to adopt policies and laws which deliberately aim at addressing the problems created by climate change. These policies should be tilted towards adaptation rather than mitigation since African countries generally lacks the capacity. The objective of this paper is to create policy awareness on the causes of climatic change and its impact on sectoral systems in order to prioritise timely knowledge-based policy decision for stimulated green growth development opportunities. The findings and the conclusion are based on the available literature.
Challenges Faced by Education Stakeholders in Inclusion of Individuals with Communication Difficulties into Education Mainstream-Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Study of Mombasa County, Kenya
(Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS):, 2019-02-01) Macmbinji, Vincent Otieno
This article sets out to answer the question “Challenges faced by education stakeholders in Inclusion of Individuals with Communication Difficulties into Education mainstream Sub-Saharan Africa”. Inclusion of Children with Communication Difficulties in the education mainstream has been a great challenge in many Sub-Saharan African countries. One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to give all Children Living with Disability (CDWs) those having communication difficulties among them; the opportunity to participate in the least restrictive environment so they can receive as much education as possible with their non-disabled peers. Many educators in regular schools and other stakeholders face a myriad of drawbacks in the process of trying the idea of having children with Communication Difficulty in the education mainstream. This article includes the background regarding the inclusion of Individuals with Communication Difficulties, literature review regarding inclusive education and challenges that teachers face in the process of trying the idea of inclusive education. Sample size included seventy (70) teachers. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS was used in analyzing quantitative data. Results of data analysis were presented using frequency distribution tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. The study established that experience in teaching learners with communication difficulty, policy regarding inclusion of learners with Communication Difficulties and the class size of learners (population) were the main challenges facing the teachers. The study recommended reforms in the curricula, in-service training for teachers, developing a policy for inclusion for children with Communication Difficulties.
Challenges Facing Implementation of Public Private Partnership Projects in Nairobi City County
(International Journal for Social Studies, 2016-01) Mulama Kevin, Muchelule Yusuf
This study addresses the issues that challenge the implementation of the public private partnership projects in Nairobi City County. Like all projects, implementation stage is always faced with challenges that have to be overcome to realize the desired outcome-in this case Nairobi City County has to be able to face the challenging situations which have to be dealt with in order to realize its development plan. This study has identified those challenges. The general objective was to find out the challenges that face the implementation of Public Private Partnership Projects in Nairobi City County. The specific objectives were: the examination of policy framework; institutional framework; legal framework; project planning; and project cost sharing among partners in a PPP at Nairobi City County. The problem being lack of effective policy, institutional and legal frameworks or poor planning of PPP projects. The Primary data was collected using interview guide and use of questionnaires while secondary data was collected through desk research. Through stratified sampling, Finance and Economic Sector was selected to participate in the study. This is the sector that deals with PPP project implementation. The study used primary data, which was gathered from respondents using a structured questionnaire, which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Staffs of departments whose functions use the PPP strategy were given questionnaires that they filled and responded accordingly. The study found out that despite PPP Projects being under the Finance and Economic Sector most of the staff were not actively involved in PPP Project selection, the PPP Policy, Institutional and Legal frameworks are not adequate enough to permit effective implementation of PPP Projects. Equally the level of involvement of staff in project planning is also on a very low scale. In terms of Cost sharing respondents felt that it does not play a major role in PPP project implementation. The study also studied the contract agreements, minutes of council and/or county resolutions and quarterly reports to get secondary data. Content analysis was used to analyze the data collected. The study concluded that the main challenges facing the implementation of PPP Projects at Nairobi City County are ineffective policy, institutional and legal framework. The study recommends that staff in the relevant sector dealing with PPP be fully involved in project implementation from the policy formulation stage through planning to project completion stage. The staff also needs to be trained on Project Management.
Challenges facing Muslim converts in the Republic of Kenya: A case study of Mumias-Kakamega county
(Taylor and francis, 2024) Akasi, H.Y.
Converts are a significant group within Kenya’s Muslim population. If converts are handled in the right way, they may play a big role in the spread of Islam to non-Muslims. If converts are treated properly, they could have a significant impact on the propagation of Islam among non- Muslims. In Mumias, Kakamega County, Kenya, converts face so many challenges as they navigate through their new-found faith. The aim of this study was to investigate the problems that convert in Kakamega face. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews as primary data. For the interviews, a sample of 25 participants was selected. There were 15 men and 10 women. Converts face physical assault, derogatory language, neglect by family and friends, difficulty finding a scho- lar, social integration, difficulties acquiring Islamic knowledge, difficulties learning the Quran, humiliation, identity issues, marital problems, and other problems, according to the findings. The study recommends a systematic process of educating converts for a better understanding of Islam and providing them with self-efficiency projects that will enable them to be self-reliant.
The Characteristics of Helicobacter pylori infection and Clinical Outcomes of Patient with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Admitted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
(World Applied Sciences Journal, 2014) Osman, Hussein Ali; Hasan, Habsah; Suppian, Rapeah; Hamzah, Nor Aizal Che; Sharif, Sharifah Emilia Tuan; Majid, Noorizan Abdul; Zilfalil, Bin-Alwi
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains one of the most common clinical life threatening emergencies which are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The main aim of this study was to determine the cause of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients. A retrospective record review study was conducted among UGIB confirmed patients from January 2009 and December 2012 at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. All patients who were admitted in hospital were recruited. Data collection included age, gender, Helicobacter pylori positivity, associated symptoms and Endoscopic findings. There were 46 patients with a mean age of 62 years. H. pylori was detected only in 2 (4.3%) both in Male among UGIB patients by Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) test. The prevalence of UGIB was higher in men than women 27(58.7%). The most common cause of UGIB was peptic ulcer (56.5%) and especially high amongst male patients (59.2%).The second common cause of UGIB was gastritis (19.6%). The majority of the patients are NSAID users 25 (54.3%). In conclusion, Peptic ulcer disease is the leading cause of UGIB and mainly common among males and H. pylori infection in upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients was low.
Clinical significance of Helicobacter pylori cagA and iceA genotype status
(World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2010-09-21) Amjad, Nasser; Osman, Hussain Ali; Razak, Najibah Abdul; Kassian, Junaini; Din, Jeffri; bin Abdullah, Nasuruddin
To study the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) virulence factors and clinical outcome in H. pylori infected patients.
DETECTION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORICagAAND VacA GENOTYPES FROM STOOL SPECIMEN AMONG INFECTED AND ASYMPTOMATIC HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS
(EAST AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL, 2016-09-01) Osman, H. A.
Helicobacter pylori(H. Pylori) is one of the most common pathogens affecting human kind, infecting more than 50% of the world's population. Invasive and non-invasive methods have been used to diagnose H. pylori infection. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been broadly and successfully used to detect Helicobacter pylori virulence genes in gastric biopsies and stool specimen due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Genotyping using H. pylori genes, the cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) and voculating cytotoxin gene A (vacA), offers one of the best options. Objective: To determine if genotyping of H. pylori cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) and voculating cytotoxin gene A (vacA) virulence genes in infected patients as well as healthy individuals can be done from stool specimen. Study selection: A Pubmed/Medline search was carried out using specific key words to retrieve all publications on genotyping of H. pylori cagA and vacA from stool specimen between year 2003 to 2012. Data synthesis:Ten different studies from different locations fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the study. Results:This review summarises different protocol used to successfully detect H.pylori virulence genes cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) and voculating cytotoxin gene A (vacA) from faecal specimen by PCR from asymptomatic healthy individuals and infected people with Helicobacter pylori infection. Conclusion: this review highlights the use of stool specimen as an alternative test for genotyping of H. pylori cagA and vacA virulence genes as it is non-invasive and easy to collect.
DETERMINANTS OF CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN ISLAMIC BANKING: A CASE STUDY OF GULF AFRICAN BANK.
(2021-05-01) MOHAMED, HAMIDA
The main cause of this study was to establish factors that determined customer loyalty rates at Gulf African Bank. To achieve this, the study sought to analyze the effect of service quality levels on customer loyalty, to investigate the effect of service or product delivery channels on customer loyalty and finally examined the effect of service cost on customer loyalty rates at Gulf African Bank. The study adopted a descriptive research design using a quantitative methodology using Gulf African Bank as the case of the study. The population of the study was drawn from Gulf African Bank customers with accounts that had been both active in May and June 2017. A Stratified random sampling and Questionnaires was used in ease of data collection and for purposes of explaining contents of the questionnaire to customers. Data was shown using tables and figure. Key findings of this study revealed that most of Gulf African Bank customers perceived customer service quality levels to be good. Consequently, this enhanced the bank’s customer loyalty rates. This study concluded that there exists a positive relationship between the levels of customer service as well as customer loyalty rates. The higher the customer service quality levels the higher the loyalty rate for Gulf African Bank customers. The study concluded that use of technology in delivery of banking products and services enhances customer loyalty rates. While technology use in service delivery is key, the use of branches remains vital for customer service delivery. This study recommended that Gulf African Bank should continually improve its customer service levels. In addition, the study recommended that Gulf African Bank continually invests in modern, new and innovative platforms to deliver banking products and services; multichannel delivery of services and products to enhance customer loyalty rates .
Distribution of Estate in Islamic Law: A Case Study of Missing Person, Child in the Womb and Hermaphrodite
(Journal of Islamic Studies and Culture, 2020-06-01) Manswab, Abdulrahman
The law of inheritance is associated with calculation and distribution of property of the deceased person. Furthermore, the law prescribes and clarifies who is entitled to inherit; to avoid feuds over the estate of the deceased person. The primary objective of this study is to explore steps of estate distribution and calculating shares of heirs on issues pertaining cases of Mafqud (Missing person), Hamli (Child in the womb) and Hermaphrodite (Khuntha). The science of inheritance involves rules and principle governing the distribution of property using a specific calculation based on Islamic jurisprudence. Besides, the results showed that Muslim Jurists have developed Mathematical formulas on Islamic inheritance to avoid misappropriation of property and guarantees that the right person gets what is rightfully theirs, it also prevents disputes and hostility among family members. The researcher uses the descriptive research method in terms of data collection and relied on information for the literature review.
Effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the growth of micro finance institutions based in Nairobi, Kenya.
(JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2017) WAINAINA, ALICE WANJIKU
Despite the impressive growth evident in the micro finance industry, its outreach still remains severely constrained. This study sought to examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions on the growth of micro finance institutions as a strategy of capturing the large unexploited micro finance market. The specific objectives of the study were; to analyze the effect of risk taking propensity on the growth of micro finance institutions, to examine the effect of proactiveness on the growth of microfinance institutions, to examine the effect of autonomy on the growth of microfinance institutions, to examine the effect of innovativeness on the growth of microfinance institutions and to analyze the effect of competitive aggressiveness on the growth of microfinance institutions. The study examined a target population of 56 formal Microfinance institutions operating within Nairobi. It employed a census inquiry and collected data through questionnaires and face to face interviews. The target respondents were Chief Executive Officers, Owners, Branch managers, operational managers and Relationship managers. The study used mixed research design which involved the application of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Cronbach’s alpha was used as a measure of reliability and multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The regression coefficient shows that the EO dimensions (independent variables) are positively and statistically significant in explaining the growth of MFIs. The regression coefficient shows that innovativeness is the most important variable. The study recommends the utilization of entrepreneurial orientation dimensions as a competitive strategy. It recommends the development of internal strategic measures that will promote innovation, proactiveness and autonomy in the management practices. The study recommends further research on effect of entrepreneurial orientation on Microfinance Institutions at different stages of growth. It also recommends a study on the impact of commercialization of microfinance institutions on alleviation of poverty.
Effect of Supplier Responsiveness on Procurement Performance In County Governments, Kenya
(IOSR Journal of Business and Management (IOSR-JBM), 2016-03) Rajab, Fozia Nurwin; Muchelule, Yusuf
The main purpose of the study was to establish the effect of supplier responsiveness on procurement performance. The researchers used a sample size 54 employees drawn from procurement department of Kakamega County. Stratified and simple random sampling was used in this study. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed through statistical methods such as means, standard deviation, frequencies and percentage. Inferential analyses were used in relation to correlation analysis and regression analysis to test hypothesis. Study findings showed that supplier responsiveness had positive and significant effect on procurement performance. Thus, supplier responsiveness plays a key role in increasing procurement performance. the study therefore recommends that there is therefore need for county government to source for supplier who respond in time and supply product within the given time.
Effects Of Maritime Border Conflicts On Kenya-Somali Relations
(International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2021-11-01) Manswab, Mahsen Abdulrahman; Abdifatah, Ibrahim Ahmed; Ndalilah, Joseph
Maritime boarder issues are a source of conflict to the enclosed citizens and a nation at large. This study explored maritime boarder conflict and their impact on Kenya-Somalia relations. It was guided by the specific objectives that are; to investigate the influence of colonial border demarcation on Kenya-Somalia relations; to examine the effects of continental shelf disputes on Kenya-Somalia relations; and to assess the impact of maritime territorial integrity on Kenya- Somalia relations. Theories that underpinned the topic were not limited to realism theory and relative deprivation theory. This research adopted descriptive survey research design. Purposive sampling was used of critical case sampling was used to select officials; hence the sample size determined for this study were 60 officials. The quantitative data was analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics and SPSS, the data was presented in bar charts, pie charts, frequency and percentage tables. The study found that colonial border demarcation were scantly met by the two nations, also the study found that the dispute in the continental shelf has led to poor natural resource management and the territorial integrity are not met due to postponement of dates to the International Court of Justice by the Kenyan Government.
Effects of mobile banking on financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kajiado County, Kenya
(2023-06-01) Okello, Valentine Juma
Despite the widespread availability and adoption of mobile banking technology, research on its specific impact on the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is lacking. The effective utilization of mobile banking by SMEs to enhance financial performance and the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mobile banking adoption and the financial performance of SMEs. Objectives included determining the effects of mobile banking service costs and accessibility on financial performance, as well as assessing the extent of mobile banking adoption among SMEs in Kajiado County. A descriptive research design targeted a population of fifty-eight (58) licensed SMEs in Kajiado County. Primary data from questionnaires and interviews were coded for analysis. Normality tests confirmed a normal distribution of the data. Statistical analyses, including regression analysis and ANOVA, were conducted. The findings indicated a strong negative correlation (-0.974, p = 0.000) between mobile banking service costs and SME financial performance, demonstrating a significant relationship. The rejection of three hypotheses (r=0.351, p<0.05), (r=0.321, p<0.05), and (r=0.246, p<0.05) suggested a positive association between mobile banking service adoption and improved financial performance, including revenue growth and profitability. Specifically, mobile banking service costs had a positive and significant association with financial performance (r=0.665, p<0.05), while mobile banking service accessibility showed a positive and significant correlation (r=0.751, p<0.05). The study recommends collaboration between financial institutions and mobile network operators to reduce service costs and expand coverage, thereby encouraging greater adoption by SMEs in Kajiado County and enhancing their financial performance.
Evaluation of the Atlas Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen Test for Diagnosis of Infection in Adult Patients
(Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2014) HUSSEIN, ALI OSMAN; Habsah, Hasan; Rapeah, Suppian; Norhaniza, Bahar; Nurzam, Suhaila Che Hussin; Amry, Abdul Rahim; Syed, Hassan; Dzulkarnaen, Zakaria Andee; Bin-Alwi, Zilfalil
Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is one of the most important causes of dyspepsia and gastric cancer and diagnosis can be made by invasive or non-invasive methods. The Atlas Helicobacter pylori antigen test is a new rapid non-invasive method which is simple to conduct. The aim of this study was to determine its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted between July 2012 and December 2013. Stool samples of 59 dyspeptic patients who underwent upper endoscopy were evaluated for H. pylori stool antigen. Results: From the 59 patients who participated in this study, there were 36 (61%) males and 23 (39%) females. H. pylori was diagnosed in 24 (40.7%) gastric biopsies, 22 (91.7 %) of these being positive for the Atlas H. pylori antigen test. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 91.7%, 100%, 100%, 94.6% and 96.6% respectively. Conclusions: The Atlas H. pylori antigen test is a new non-invasive method which is simple to perform and avails reliable results in a few minutes. Thus it can be the best option for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection due to its high sensitivity and specificity.