1+300(0.
0025)
= 300
1+0.75
= 300
1.75
Therefore, n = 171
A 10% attrtion will be added Therefore, n = 188
3.5 Sampling Technique
The researcher will use stratified sampling technique and convenient sampling technique in
selecting the respondent into the study in Central Hospital Benin city, Edo state.
3.6 Instrument for Data Collection
Structured questionnaire will be the instrument that will be use for data collection for this
study. The items will be constructed in a close-ended form where the respondents ticked
appropriately the option that suits their best knowledge.A 4-point Likert scale with options
including Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD).and
closed ended question format will be use in constructing the instrument that will be used for
this study. A total of 41 questions will be used and the questionnaires will be divided into
sectionA, B, C, D and E to address the research objectives under investigation.
Section A: contained demographic information of the respondent e.g What is your stage of
pregnancy?
Section B: contained items on the level of knowledge of nutritional and dietary practices
29
among pregnant women in central hospital e.g Pregnant women understand the importance of
consuming a balanced diet ; SA [ ], A [ ], D [ ], SD [ ].
section C: contained items on the dietary practices among pregnant women in central hospital
e.g Pregnant women often include fruits and vegetables in their daily meals ; SA [ ], A [ ], D
[ ], SD [ ].
Section D::contained items on the barriers to optimal dietary practices among pregnant
women in central hospital e.g Cultural beliefs and traditional practices influence my food
choices during pregnancy ; SA [ ], A [ ], D [ ], SD [ ].
3.7 Validity of Instrument
Validity refers to how accurately a method measures what is intended to measure. If a research
has high validity that means it produces results that correspond to real properties,
characteristics, and variations in the physical or social world (Middleton, 2023). High validity
is one indicator that a measurement is valid. If a method is not reliable, it probably is not valid.
Validity can be assessed by comparing the results to other relevant data or theory. The
questionnaire that was adopted will be properly organized, structured and simplified by the
researcher under the guidance of the supervisor and public health officers before it will be
distributed
3.8 Reliability of Instrument
Reliability refers to how consistently a method measures something. If the same result can be
consistently achieved by using the same methods under the same circumstances, the
measurement is considered reliable (Middleton, 2023). For this study, the test-retest method
will be adopted to confirm the consistency and reliability of the research instrument over time.
Cronbach’s Alpha will be used to measure how well the items in the questionnaire work
30
together to assess the same concept. A test involving 20 pregnant women was conducted in
Edo specialist hospital The Cronbach’s Alpha values for the sections of the questionnaire
were: 0.82 and 0.78, giving an overall reliability coefficient of 0.80. These values indicate that
the instrument is internally consistent and reliable for data collection
3.9 Method of Data Collection
One hundred and eighty-eight (188) well-structured questionnaires containing questions
relevant to the study will be administered to respondents at Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo
State. The questionnaires will be distributed during antenatal clinic sessions, and respondents
will be guided on how to complete them appropriately. A trained research assistant will
accompany the researcher throughout the data collection process to provide clarification where
necessary, ensure proper administration of the instrument, and facilitate the prompt retrieval of
all completed questionnaires. All responses will be gathered immediately after completion to
maintain accuracy and completeness of the data.
[Link] of Data Analysis
Data collected will be analyzed using SPSS, frequency tables and mean score.
The four-point rating scale will be given values as follows:
SA = Strongly Agree 4
A = Agree 3
D = Disagree 2
SD = Strongly Disagree 1
Decision Rule:
31
The decision to accept or reject an item statement in the mean and standard deviation tables
will be based on the weighted mean 0f 2.5 . Any mean score equal or above the weighted mean
will be accepted, while any mean score below the weighted mean was rejected.
3.11 Ethical Consideration
Letter of introduction will be obtain from the Head of Department Midwifery of Edo State
Nursing Sciences Benin City and this letter will be given to the management of central hospital
for informed consent.
The research will also be submitted to the Ministry of health for ethical approval
Informed consent will be obtained from all respondents.
The research participants will be given adequate information concerning their role in taken all
data
Collected from respondent will be kept confidential and anonymous.
Participation will be voluntary, and participants has the right to withdraw from the study at any
Time without any consequences.
All these data collected from respondents during the course of this study will be neither
Adulterated nor falsified.
The author of all the various books that will be used for the study will be acknowledged in order
to Avoid plagiarism and to show intellectual.
32
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