Research Methods

1
Research Methods

• Maura Baldiga

2
Needs Assessment Sakina

• Goals
• To understand the specific health needs and
  resources in Sakina.
• To explore potential models for effective health
  programs

3
Research Methods

• Quantitative
• (Survey)
• How many?
• Wider framework
• Focus on identifiable variables
• Easy to generalize and compare

• Qualitative
• (Focus groups and interviews)
• Why? How?
• In-depth framework
• Emphasize meanings, experiences, and views of all
  participants
• Sensitive to context, complexity and detail

4
Focus Groups

• Small, structured groups with selected
  participants, led by a moderator
• Predetermined but open questions
• Allows for multiple opinions
• Useful to study needs and wants of a community in
  a social context

5
Focus Groups in Sakina

• 6-10 people for about 90 minutes
• Convenient, comfortable setting
• Conducted by two trained volunteers

Focus groups will include

• Key political-economic members
• Local healthcare providers
• Local/regional government officials
• Other NGOs working in Arusha
• Secondary school children

• Women
• Men
• Potential health workers
• Leaders of churches
• Village leaders

6
Interviews

• Conversation with a purpose
• Semi-structured
• Strive to understand individuals framework of
  meaning

7
Interviews in Sakina

• Conducted by two trained volunteers in Maziwa
  (population 400)
• Systematic sampling (every 10th house)
• Will last approximately 1 hour

8
Interview Example

• Can you describe a typical day for you?
• The last time you were sick, did you go to the
  doctor?
• What do you think would be most helpful in
  improving your health?

9
Surveys

• Establish data about population needs and
  priorities used for comparison
• Quantifiable data on illness, income, etc.

10
Surveys in Sakina

• 100 surveys throughout Maziwa
• To be filled out by all adult members of
  household
• 20 questions structured as either choose the
  best answer, fill in the blank, or a ranking
  system
• Will be used as ongoing monitoring form

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Survey Example

• For the 11-16, rate on a scale of Strongly
  agree, agree, dont know, disagree, strongly
  disagree.
• HIV/AIDS is a problem in my family
• In my community
• 2. Lack of food and clean water is a problem in
  my family
• a. In my community
• 3. Lack of education about health is a problem in
  my family
• a. In my community
• 4. Lack of access to health providers is a
  problem in my family
• In my community

12
Ensuring Quality

• Triangulation using several different methods
• Record Keeping clear accounts of data
  collection/analysis
• Context understand context and setting
• Diversity include wide-range of perspectives
• Self-reflection awareness of biases

13
Things to think about

• Ideal vs. practical
• Value community participation
• Analysis of data collected
• Development of health programs

14
Bibliography

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