CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter describes the research methodology adopted for the study on the psychosocial
challenges experienced by patients on admission and their perception of nursing care in
General Hospital Kontagora, Niger State.. It presents the research design, study setting, target
population, sample size determination, sampling technique, instruments for data collection,
validity and reliability of the instrument, method of data collection, method of data analysis,
and ethical considerations.

3.1 Research Design

The study adopted a descriptive non-experimental research design using a mixed-methods

approach (quantitative and qualitative). This design was considered appropriate because it
enables the researcher to systematically describe the psychological challenges experienced by
admitted patients and their perceptions of nursing care without manipulating any variables..
The mixed-methods approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of patients’
experiences by combining numerical data with subjective opinions.

3.2 Research Setting

The study was conducted at General Hospital Kontagora, located in Kontagora Local
Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The hospital was originally established by missionaries
in 1957, later taken over by the government of the former Northern Region in the same year,
and subsequently became the property of Niger State in 1976.

The hospital provides preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services to patients
from Kontagora and surrounding communities, as well as neighboring states. It consists of nine
(9) wards and units, including Male ward, Female ward, Paediatric ward, Maternity ward,
Accident and Emergency Unit, Antenatal Clinic, and Postnatal Unit. The antenatal clinic attends
to an average of 105 pregnant women weekly, with clinic days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays.

General Hospital Kontagora is located along the Yauri–Minna road in the Northern Senatorial
District of Niger State, opposite the Bank of Agriculture and near A.A. Rano Filling Station. The
hospital was chosen for this study because of its accessibility and the diversity of patients
admitted for care.

3.3 Target Population

The target population for the study comprised all patients admitted to General Hospital
Kontagora during the period of data collection.

3.4 Sample Size Determination

The sample size for this study was determined using Cochran’s (1977) formula for calculating
sample size for descriptive studies:

n = Z²pq / d²

Where:

n = minimum sample size

Z = standard normal deviation at 95% confidence level (1.96)

p = estimated proportion of the population with the characteristic of interest (0.5 was used to
ensure maximum sample size)

q = 1 − p (0.5)

d = margin of error (0.05)

Substituting into the formula:

n = (1.96)² × 0.5 × 0.5 / (0.05)²

n = 3.84 × 0.25 / 0.0025

n = 384

Since the study population was hospital-based and limited, and considering time constraints,
accessibility of respondents, and feasibility of data collection, the sample size was adjusted to
one hundred (100) respondents, which is adequate for descriptive nursing research and
consistent with similar studies.

3.5 Sampling Technique

A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select one hundred (100)
respondents who met the inclusion criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients who had been admitted for at least three (3) days

Patients who were conscious and mentally stable

Patients who were willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Critically ill patients

Patients with impaired consciousness

Patients who declined participation

3.6 Instrument for Data Collection

Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire developed by the researcher.
The instrument was designed to elicit information on psychosocial challenges experienced by
admitted patients and their perception of nursing care. The questionnaire consisted of four
sections:

Section A: Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents

Section B: Perception of admitted patients towards nursing care

Section C: Behaviour of nurses towards patients

Section D: Psychological and psychosocial challenges experienced by patients

3.7 Validity and Reliability of the Instrument

To ensure the validity and reliability of the research instrument, the following measures were
taken:

Relevant literature was reviewed to guide the development of the questionnaire

The instrument was scrutinized by nursing lecturers and research experts to establish content
and face validity

A pre-test was conducted in a similar healthcare facility outside the study area

Necessary corrections and modifications were made based on feedback obtained from the pre-
test

3.8 Method of Data Collection

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the structured questionnaire and
Likert-scale items. The researcher, with the assistance of trained personnel, administered the
questionnaires to respondents over a period of two (2) weeks. This method ensured clarity of
questions and improved response accuracy.

3.9 Method of Data Analysis

Collected data were coded and analyzed using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were
used to summarize quantitative data and present findings in tables and charts. Qualitative
responses were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes
related to psychosocial challenges and nursing care.

3.10 Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the appropriate hospital authorities before
data collection. Informed consent was obtained from each respondent after explaining the
purpose of the study. Participation was voluntary, and respondents were assured of
confidentiality and anonymity. Privacy was maintained during data collection, and respondents
were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE

Introductory Letter

Dear Respondent,

I am a final-year student of the Ladoke Ankitola University of Technology, Department of

Nursing Ogbomoso, Oyo state conducting a research study titled “Psychosocial Challenges
Experienced by Patients on Admission and Their Perception towards Nursing Care in General
Hospital Kontagora, Niger State.”

All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for academic
purposes. Your honest responses will be highly appreciated.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Hassan Hayyatu

Student Nurse

--
Guide for Answering Questions

Please tick [✓] the option that best represents your answer. Where necessary, kindly provide
additional explanations.

Section A: Socio-Demographic Characteristics

1. Age:

19–25 years [ ]

26–30 years [ ]

31–35 years [ ]

36 years and above [ ]

2. Gender:

Male [ ]

Female [ ]

3. Marital Status:

Single [ ]

Married [ ]

Widowed [ ]

4. Educational Qualification:

Primary education [ ]

Secondary education [ ]

Tertiary education [ ]

5. Occupation:
Civil servant [ ]

Farmer [ ]

Business [ ]

Others (specify) ___________

Section B: Perception of Admitted Patients towards Nursing Care

1. How does your nurse respond when you call for assistance?

Responds immediately [ ]

Gives verbal assurance [ ]

Comes within 15 minutes [ ]

Does not respond [ ]

2. How long does it usually take for a nurse to attend to you when needed?

Immediately [ ]

Within 15 minutes [ ]

Within 30 minutes [ ]

Not attended to [ ]

3. Does your nurse explain procedures before providing care?

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

4. How often are you involved in decisions regarding your care?

Always [ ]
Sometimes [ ]

Rarely [ ]

Not at all [ ]

5. When do nurses usually visit you?

During doctors’ rounds [ ]

During shift changes [ ]

On personal initiative [ ]

Only when requested [ ]

Section C: Behaviour of Nurses towards Patients

1. Are nurses empathetic towards your needs?

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

2. Are nurses friendly in their approach to you?

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

3. Do nurses respect your privacy during care?

Always [ ]

Most of the time [ ]

Sometimes [ ]

Never [ ]
4. How do nurses respond to your questions?

Provide complete information [ ]

Provide partial information [ ]

Provide minimal information [ ]

Do not provide information [ ]

5. How do nurses respond to your pain or discomfort?

Give verbal reassurance only [ ]

Assess and manage appropriately [ ]

Administer prescribed medication [ ]

Section D: Psychological and Psychosocial Challenges

1. Which factors mostly influence patients’ perception of nursing care? (Tick all that apply)
 Socio-demographic factors [ ]
 Organizational and environmental factors [ ]
 Communication and information [ ]
 Professional competence [ ]
 Interpersonal relationship and dignity [ ]
 Emotional support and empathy [ ]
2. What psychosocial challenges have you experienced during admission?
 Physical challenges [ ]
 Psychological/emotional challenges [ ]
 Confidentiality and disclosure issues [ ]
 Social and behavioural challenges [ ]
 Stigma or discrimination [ ]
 Financial challenges [ ]