International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

Abstract

Smart maternity wear is a garment used during pregnancy and designed with an aim of accommodating the physical body changes in a healthy and fashionable way. Smart maternity wear is designed with features that meet the performance requirement of the pregnant woman in a healthy way. The normal maternity wear has been designed in a way that they accommodate the physical features during pregnancy without considering the final look of the expectant woman. Most of the expectant women have complained that such garment has left them looking big and shaggy.  The aim of this study was to establish the dress features suitable for smart maternity wear that caters for the health of the fetus and the mother. Data was collected by questionnaire and interview schedule applied on 96 pregnant women, attending antenatal clinics at Kenyatta national hospital, Kenya. The obtained data was analyzed in relation to the themes created from the results. The results indicated that most expectant women said that dress features like color, fit and appearance of the maternity wear were suitable for their maternity wear as it gave them an adorable look.

Keywords

Full Text

Abstract

Smart maternity wear is a garment used during pregnancy and designed with an aim of accommodating the physical body changes in a healthy and fashionable way. Smart maternity wear is designed with features that meet the performance requirement of the pregnant woman in a healthy way. The normal maternity wear has been designed in a way that they accommodate the physical features during pregnancy without considering the final look of the expectant woman. Most of the expectant women have complained that such garment has left them looking big and shaggy.  The aim of this study was to establish the dress features suitable for smart maternity wear that caters for the health of the fetus and the mother. Data was collected by questionnaire and interview schedule applied on 96 pregnant women, attending antenatal clinics at Kenyatta national hospital, Kenya. The obtained data was analyzed in relation to the themes created from the results. The results indicated that most expectant women said that dress features like color, fit and appearance of the maternity wear were suitable for their maternity wear as it gave them an adorable look.

Keywords

Full Text

Abstract

Following the World Health Organization designating the ‘corona virus disease 2019’ (COVID-19) a global pandemic, there has been a global demand for production of PPEs (Personal Protection Equipment) to help fight the scourge. As there has been growing numbers of people getting infected, respective global governments and WHO have suggested necessary needs and measures to reduce escalation. In Kenya, the government has taken steps such as insisting on social distancing, encouraged use of face masks and controlled movement among other measures to slow the rate of transmission. These actions prevent a strain on the healthcare system which already has shortages of key equipment.

Using textile technology and design, this study seeks to implement knowledge of the field to focus on protective measures that will immediately address prevention of the spread. The study focused on the development and testing of face masks for the public to help in prevention of COVID -19 spread. These masks were made from natural cotton fibre that is affordable, available and reusable. The mask was made using three layers of 7’’ by 7’’ pieces of fabric. The two outer layers were made of poly-cotton, while the middle layer was polypropylene fabric, used as a filter. Users of this product breathe comfortably through a double-layer of brand new poly cotton. Putting masks on the sick reduces their ability to spread the virus. It is generally believed that the primary purpose of cloth masks is to prevent spread of infections from the wearer.

Keywords

Full Text