Research proposal writers
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the study design, study setting and rationale, study population, sample size determination, Sampling procedure, inclusion criteria, definitions of variables, data collection procedures, Data management and analysis, Ethical Issues, limitations of the study and dissemination of results.
3.2 Study Design and Rationale
A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted for this study, using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. The study design was chosen because it helped the researcher gather key determinant factors from the sample population within a limited period of time.
3.3 Study Setting and Rationale
The study was carried out in Kapchorwa Hospital, Kapchorwa district located approximately 287 Kilometres to North East of Kampala. The district is bordered by Kween district to the North-east, Sironko district to the West, Bulambuli district to the East and Nakapiripirit district to the South.
Kapchorwa Hospital is a referral hospital that serves the general population. It has 14 wards, 12 out-patient clinics, 1 theatre. It offers maternal health care services such as skilled delivery, antenatal care, HIV testing and counseling, family planning among others . The hospital hosts in its wards between 1500 and 2000 patients on any given day cared for by 132 health workers and support staff, ( Kapchorwa Hospital Records, 2017).
The study setting was chosen because it was easily accessible and the researcher is well conversant with it, which would make data collection easy at the grounds of the Hospital
3.4 Study Population
For this study, the target population was males aged 18 years and above seeking health services with their wives at Kapchorwa hospital who consented to participate in the study.
3.4.1 Sample Size Determination
To compute sample size, 30 males aged 18 years and above seen in the maternal health departments at the hospital were included in the study. This particular number is the requirement as per the UNMEB guideline for the Diploma level of study.
3.4.2 Sampling Procedure
The respondents for the study were selected by the use of simple random sampling technique whereby the researcher wrote the words ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ on different pieces of paper, folded them and put in an enclosed box.
To avoid any biasness in selecting respondents, the researcher shook the box and then opened it up and gave potential respondents an opportunity to pick a paper.
Any respondent who picked a paper with the word ‘YES’ written on it was requested to participate in the study after giving voluntary consent. This continued until the total of 30 respondents is achieved.
3.4.3 Inclusion Criteria
All males aged 18 years and above in the company of their wives found in the maternal health care department of Kapchorwa hospital, who were in position to give written or verbal consent were included in the study
3.4.4 Exclusion criteria
The study excluded males above 18 years who did not consent to participate in the study or those who were less than 18 years of age (minors).
3.5 Definition of Variables
A variable refers to an attribute of interest that a researcher intends to measure, observe or control in the study.
Dependent variable:
Male involvement in the care of their spouses during labour
Independent variable:
These will include;
Individual factors that influence male involvement in care for their spouses during labor.
Social-cultural factors that influence male involvement in care for their spouses during labor Health facility based factors that influence male involvement in care for their spouses during labor
3.6 Research Instruments
The researcher used a structured questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. This type of questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended questions drafted in English. The questionnaire was pre-tested among males above 18 years found in the maternal health care ward of Chemosong health centre III, Kapchorwa district as this assisted the researcher to verify the accuracy and reliability of the tool before applying it in the area.
3.7 Data collection procedures
The researcher obtained a letter of introduction from the Principal Public Health Nurses College addressed to the Medical Superintendent, Kapchorwa Hospital, explaining the intention of the study while requesting for permission to conduct the study.
After permission was granted, the medical superintendent introduced the researcher to the departmental head from where she introduced herself and show a copy of the introductory letter from the Principal PHNC before proceeding to interview males who were the inclusion criteria.
An interview guide administered by the researcher was used to collect data from 5. males per day and covered a period of six (6) days to gather information from 30 respondents.
3.7.1 Data Management
At the end of data collection, the researcher processed the raw data for analysis and presentation. The period of data processing included data editing to reduce errors due to inaccuracies; this was done by cross checking all the questionnaires to ensure that they are properly filled in accordance to the instructions given. Those found with errors were followed up and corrected to avoid any misrepresentation of data. All questionnaires were locked away in a drawer to avoid any data loss.
3.7.2 Data Analysis
The data was first coded manually, using a pencil, rubber and paper to tally items with similar responses and finally be entered into the computer by the assistance of a data entrant, putting into concern all the variables for easy analysis using Excel 2016.
3.8 Ethical Consideration-
Respondents’ confidentiality and privacy was maintained in this study. The researcher obtained approval and authorization to conduct the study from the authorities of Kapchorwa hospital after presenting an introductory letter from the Principal PHNC. Voluntary participation of respondents was ensured as none was coerced to participate. Signed consent of participants sought before proceeding with the interviews. Refusal to participate in this study attracted no penalty neither denial of services in the hospital. The findings of the study were disseminated to the relevant authorities of Kapchorwa hospital as well as Public Health Nurses College.
3.9 Anticipated limitations of the Study
The study was carried out in a very busy hospital setting; therefore some of the males accompanying their wives to receive care might be hesitant to participate. This was overcome by carefully explaining the study purpose and benefits. The researcher sought appropriate times when the study can be carried out without inconvenience to either party.
The researcher is likely to face financial inadequacy due to excessive costs like printing study materials, transportation, and facilitation during the field study. This was resolved by working within the budget and soliciting for financial help from relatives and friends.
Language barrier proved a challenge since not all respondents understood English that was used to construct the questionnaire. The researcher sought the services of a local interpreter to relay the questions in the local language understood by respondents.
Limited time; was overcome by strictly using the work plan and adhering to study schedules.
3.10 Dissemination of Results
On completion of the study, original copies of the research report would be disseminated to: UNMEB for the award of a Diploma in Midwifery
Public Health Nurses College library
The Administration of Kapchorwa Hospital
The researcher for future reference.
