Research support services
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the methodology which includes the study design and rationale, study setting and rationale, study population, sample size determination, sampling procedure inclusion and exclusion 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 descriptive cross sectional survey design which used all different categories of pregnant mothers who participated. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches which helped in getting the required data.
3.3 Study setting and rationale
The study was conducted in Butansi Health Centre III Butansi Sub county Kamuli district in central Uganda. Kamuli District is bordered by Buyende District to the north, Luuka District to the east, Jinja District to the south, and Kayunga District to the west. The population of Kamuli District is estimated at 500,800 (census report 2012) Butansi Subcounty has a population density of 350 people. The major economic activity is farming. The study setting was selected because the problem understudy was prevalent on the ground among the women attending Butansi Health Centre III and its familiar to the researcher.
3.4 Study population
The study targeted a population of 40 pregnant mothers who attend Butansi Health centre III in Kamuli district.
3.4.1 Sample Size determination
A sample size of 30 pregnant mothers who attend Butansi Health Centre III Butansi Subcounty Kamuli district was selected from a population of 40 respondents.
3.4.2 Sampling procedure
The researcher used simple random sampling to select the respondents. Where by pieces of paper were written on YES or NO, folded and put in an enclosed box. Potential respondents were invited by the researcher to pick a piece of paper from the box and every respondent, who picked a piece of paper with the word YES, was requested to participate in the study.
3.4.3 Inclusion Criteria
Only those pregnant mother attending Butansi Health centre III in Butansi Sub county Kamuli District were included in the study.
3.4.4 Exclusion criteria
Anyone who was not attending Butansi Health center III and was not pregnant was excluded from the study.
3.5 Definition of Variables
Variables were logical grouping of attributes and the study used both independent and dependent variables
Independent variables were variables whose variation does not depend on that of another and these included the factors contributing to malnutrition like age marital status among others
Social economic factors. Are economic factors that affects and is shaped by social processes. In general it analyzes how societies progress, stagnate, or regress because of their local or regional economy, or the global economy
3.6 Research Instrument
Questionnaire was designed and contained both close and open ended questions. The questions were based on the research questions in the study. The questionnaire was pre-tested among 5 respondents at Butansi health center III to help the researcher to assess the accuracy and reliability of the tool before using it for data collection This tool was selected because the study was conducted among literate respondent who could read and understand the questions under study.
3.7 Data Collection Procedure
After the approval of the research proposal by the supervisor, the researcher secured an introductory letter from the school administration was obtained and presented to the Butansi Health center III Administration for permission to conduct this study. After being allowed the health center administrator introduced the researcher, she went explained the purpose and objectives of the study to the respondents and then administered the questionnaire.
3.7.1 Data Management
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 the area of study. Data was then entered in computer and saved on flash disk for safe storage.
3.7.2 Data Analysis
Data was analyzed manually on paper then entered in the computer using Microsoft excel. Then it was presented in tables figures and texts in form frequency and percentages.
3.8 Ethical Consideration
A letter of introduction was obtained from PHN College which the researcher presented to the management of Butansi Health Centre III, when allowed the in charge of Butansi Health Centre III introduced the researcher to the respondents and the researcher explained the purpose and objectives of the study then she asked for the consent and proceeded to administer the research instruments.
Privacy and confidentiality was assured to the respondents by the researcher and that the information obtained from the respondents is for academic use only.
3.9 Limitations of the Study
Some respondents were not co-operative and some found hardship in answering the questionnaire but the researcher explained to the respondents the purpose and objectives of the research which helped them answer factually. In addition some health workers were fearful 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 convinced them to respond positively.
There was also another limitation of lack of enough resources in terms of finance and human resource to help in transport, logistics and distribution of the questionnaires to mothers but the researcher lobbied for money from relatives and also used some of her salary to fund the budget
Lack of enough time to interview all the respondents, but this was properly provided for in the work plan.
3.10 Dissemination of Results
The result of the study was compiled and three copies produced and delivered to:
- UNMEB
- PHN College
- The researcher also retained a copy for future reference
- Butansi Health Centre III
