Research
This chapter presented the methodology which includes the study design and rationale, study setting and rationale, study population, sample size determination, sampling procedure inclusive criteria, definition of variables, research instruments, data collection procedure, data management data analysis, ethical consideration, limitation of the study and dissemination of results.
3.2 Study design and rationale
The study used a cross sectional survey with different categories of women who participated. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze the findings
3.3 Study setting and rationale
The study was conducted at Bweyogerere Health Centre III Kira municipal council Wakiso district central Uganda. The health Centre is one of the health facilities in the district and it offers many health services including immunization, obstetrics and emergency care, HIV/AIDS management services to mention but a few. The study setting was selected because the problem understudy was prevalent on the ground and the health Centre was representative enough of other facilities in the district. It’s approximately six kilometers from Kampala city, the main means of transport is taxi and Bodaboda. Its capacity is 2000 patients per month. Bweyogerere health center three is located in Wakiso district which is bordered by Mukono in the East, Kampala in the west.
The study targeted women with children of under one year who attended young child clinic at Bweyogerere health Centre III.
3.4.1 Sample Size determination
The study population constituted of 35 mothers who brought their children below one year for immunization at Bweyogerere Health Centre III Wakiso District.
The respondents were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Berg (2006) purposive sampling is where the researcher chooses the respondent based on what He/ she thinks would be appropriate for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used because it was cheap..
Only those mothers with children under the age of one year who visited Bweyogerere Health Centre III during the period of study were included in the study. Mothers were interviewed when they voluntarily accepted to be interviewed.
Variables are logical grouping of attributes and the study used both independent and dependent variables
Independent variables
These included the specific objective that is to say the knowledge of the mothers about immunization schedule, socio-economic factors and cultural factors that influence immunization
Dependent variables
Completion of immunization schedule
3.6 Research Instrument
Interview guide was designed and contained both close and open ended questions but mostly close ended question so as to simplify the answering procedure. The questions were based on the research questions in the study. This tool was selected because the study involves mixed groups of respondents, where by some respondents are illiterate while others are literate and thus unable to read, write and understand.
Quality control involved pre-visiting the study area
The researcher administered the questionnaire to the respondents. This helped to improve efficiency and maintain privacy during data collection. Data was collected for a period of 6 days and the researcher interviewed 5 respondents every day.
Data management included data editing before leaving the area of study to ensure that there are no mistakes or areas left blank. Any mistakes found were corrected before leaving there area of study
Data analysis was done using quantities approach. Data was entered in the statistical package for social scientist (SPSS version 12).The entered data was checked for correctness during entry. The result based on a single valuable was presented mostly in tabular forms with some graphs that were developed using Microsoft Excel figures. Findings were presented in figures, tables and statistical statement.
A letter of introduction was obtained from PHN College which the researcher presented to the management of Bweyogerere Health Centre III, when allowed she proceeded to administer the research instruments. Consent was obtained from the respondents before they are engaged in the study. The study commenced after the objectives of the study were clearly explained to the respondents and when they had understood and voluntarily accepted to participate in the study
There was also be privacy of the respondents; confidentiality of information obtained from the respondents and acknowledgement of their views.
The anticipated limitations were from the respondents who would not be co-operative and some who found hardship in answering the questionnaire. In addition some mothers feared to share their views and in this case respondents were reassured of the confidentiality and the researcher explained to them the purpose and future benefits of the study which she believed would convince them to respond positively.
There other limitation was lack of enough resources in terms of finance and human resource to help in transport, logistics and distribution of the questionnaires to mothers in this case the researcher’s budget catered for that challenge
Lack of enough time to interview all the respondents, but this was properly provided for in the work plan.
Due to the fact that the interview was hurried there was a probability of getting inadequate and inaccurate data so questionnaires were checked before leaving the respondent.
The result of the study were compiled and four copies produced one for Bweyogerere Health Centre III another for PHN College and another for Uganda Nurses and midwives Examinations Board.
