CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Introduction

This chapter discusses the methodology of the study. It describes the approaches that were used

to collect data for the study, and it is sub-divided into the following sub-sections: study design,

study area and profile, study population, sample techniques and size, data collection techniques

and tools, and data analysis.

Research Design

This study employed a case study design, recognized for its ability to provide a comprehensive

and in-depth examination of a specific issue within its real-world context (Yin, 2023). This

approach aligns with the understanding that certain research questions demand a holistic

exploration, encompassing various facets and nuances that broader methodologies might

overlook.

The study utilized Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis as the specific case, allowing for a focused

investigation within a defined geographical and social context. Within this case, health facilities

were purposively selected based on specific criteria relevant to the research question, ensuring

the findings hold specific relevance to the chosen setting.

As the study adopted a quantitative approach, questionnaires served as the primary data

collection tool. This method enables the systematic gathering of standardized data from a defined
sample of respondents within the chosen health facilities, allowing for statistical analysis and

generalization within the case context

Research Setting

The research is conducted within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, situated in Ghana's Western

Region. Comprising one of the region's 14 districts, the Metropolis boasts a vibrant population of

approximately 445,205 individuals (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021). This diverse community

encompasses various ethnicities, with the majority hailing from Ahanta, Fante, Nzema, Brong,

and Ashanti backgrounds (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021). Fante and Ahanta remain the

predominant languages spoken within the Metropolis (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021).

While traditional occupations in the Sekondi-Takoradi area revolve around agriculture, a

growing segment of the population engages in trading and white-collar professions such as

healthcare (nursing) and finance (banking) (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021). The Metropolis

itself hosts 27 healthcare facilities, catering to the community's preventive and curative needs

(Ghana Health Service, 2023). Regarding religious affiliations, Christianity, Islam, and

traditional religions hold sway within the Municipality (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021).

Population and sample Size

Student nurses in active clinical studies across some selected health facilities in the Sekondi

Takoradi Metropolis of the Western region were potential respondents for the study. A cross –

section of these student nurses was randomly selected for their inclusion in the study with their

prior consent. A sample of 150 respondents (all student nurses) was selected across the selected
hospitals namely, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Essikado Hospital, Kwesimintism Hospital

and Seven Day Adventist hospital.

Sampling Technique

Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the four hospitals. According to Tongco,

(2007) purposive sampling is an intentional decision to select a particular participant because of

the characteristics possessed by that respondent. These hospitals were sampled because they are

government hospitals mostly attended by PWDs in the municipality. This sampling technique

was also used because of the capacity of the respondents these hospitals to provide the required

information needed to answer the research question. However, the respondents in the study were

randomly selected.

Ethical Consideration

Nursing and Midwifery Training College - Sekondi’s ethical code of conducting research with

human subject was followed throughout the fieldwork. An ethical clearance was obtained from

the college’s research committee as well as all the four hospitals used as the research sites to

undertake this research work. As this study involved the participation of respondents (human

subjects), steps were taken to ensure their privacy, confidentiality, as well as safety were assured.

The researcher provided a detailed clarification of what the study is about to the respondent.

These included the aim and purpose of the study, potential benefits and risks, duration of

interviews, the voluntary nature of the study, and the right to pull out from the study at any stage.
The confidentiality of the respondents was guaranteed by not revealing their identities or

personal data in the final report. Also, only significant facts that are important in answering the

research questions were included in the final report.

Data collection tool

The data collection tool for the study was questionnaires. The questionnaire was made of two

main parts: part ‘A’ collected bio - data of the respondents, which included their gender, age,

qualification, and area of residence, while part ‘B’ consisted of structure items that tested

respondents‟ perception and attitude towards person with disabilities.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is the process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the

goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making

(James et al., 2021). Data analysis has become an essential part of various fields, including

business, science, and healthcare. In this study, the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS)

was employed to analyze the data. Cross tabulations of the responses were computed to identify

relationships among the variables, the measure of these relationships and to compare differences

in terms of area of profession. Also, tables were used to represent the frequencies of the

respondents‟ responses to the questionnaire items.

Validity:

Validity refers to the accuracy with which a measure reflects the intended construct or attribute it

claims to assess (American Educational Research Association, American Psychological

Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education, 2014). The questionnaire was

designed to collect data that are consistent with the objectives of the study.

Also, the research instrument was examined and reviewed by the researcher’s supervisor before

it was implemented. Additionally, the instrument was piloted with a few health workers before

actual implementation. This helped to “fine - tune” the instrument. The questionnaire was piloted

among 10 health workers at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital to check respondent’s ability

to understand the questions. This hospital was chosen because it renders health care services to

persons with disability and it is in the Sekondi-Takoradi Municipality. Feedback from the

respondents was used to make changes in the final questionnaire.