CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
This chapter gives insight into the research method and procedures that will be adopted in
this study.
3.1 Research Design
This study will adopt a descriptive cross-sectional study design to explore the knowledge and
utilization of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) among mothers of under five children. This
design is appropriate as it enables the collection of data at a single point in time, through the
use of questioners.
3.2 Setting of the Study
This study will be conducted at Central Hospital, Benin city, Edo state. Central hospital is a
large, government-owned health facility that serves as a referral center for many surrounding
communities and towns. The hospital provides a wild range of healthcare services and it’s
well known for outpatient and inpatient treatment of childhood illness, including dehydration
caused by diarrhea. Central hospital is geographically located at golf road between the
boundaries of Oredo and Ikpoba Okha local Government Area of Edo state. It is situated
along Sapele Road, it's close to Benin Club Golf Course. It covers about 120 acres of land
and its made up of various department and wards.
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3.3 Target Population
The target population for this study will comprise of mothers with under-five children who
attend antenatal clinic, family planning clinic and immunization clinic at Central Hospital,
Benin City, during the data collection period.
3.4. Sample Size determination
The sample size for this study will be used based on the number of mothers who meet the
inclusion criteria. Based on the estimated numbers of mothers receiving care at Central
Hospital, Benin city, sample size will be approximately seventy (70) respondents.
3.5 Sampling technique
This study will employ the convenience sampling technique, also known as accidental or
opportunity sampling. Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling method in which
participants are selected based on their availability and willingness to participate, rather than
through a random or systematic process. In the context of this study, mothers who are
accessible and willing to share their knowledge and use of oral rehydration therapy (ORT)
will be included.
3.5.1 Inclusion Criteria
The inclusion criteria for this study include:
1. Mothers aged 18 years and above.
2. Mothers who attends or receive care in any of the following units:
Family planning clinic
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Immunization clinic
Antenatal clinic
3. Mothers who have under five years children
4. Mothers who are willing to communicate and participate
3.5.2 Exclusion criteria
1. Mothers under 18 years of age.
2. Mothers who refuse to participate or are unable to give informed consent.
3. Fathers or any other male care givers.
4. Health care providers.
3.6 Instrument of Data Collection
The instrument that will be used for data collection in this study is a structured self-
administered questionnaire. The questioner will be based on the objectives of the study, it
will be phrased into simple language that can easily be understood by the respondents. The
questionnaire will be divided into four sections:
Section A: Socio-demographic information such as participant’s age, occupation, marital
status, educational level, and number of under-five children .
Section B: knowledge of oral rehydration therapy (ORT).
Section C: Utilization of oral rehydration therapy in the management of dehydration.
Section D: Barriers hindering effective utilization of oral rehydration therapy.
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3.7 Validity of Instrument
The face and content validity of the questionnaire will be ascertained by the researcher’s
supervisor, where a draft copy of the questionnaire and research questions will be given to
make correction as deem fit. The corrections made will be used to produce the final version
of the questionnaire for the study.
3.8 Reliability of the Instrument
To ascertain the reliability of the research instrument, a study will be conducted on a sample
of mothers receiving care at Benin Medical Care. Additionally, internal consistency will be
assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha technique, which yielded a value of 0.82 which indicates a
reliable instrument.
3.9 Method of Data Collection
The questionnaire will be directly administered to the selected mothers by the researcher after
obtaining formal permission from the hospital management. Each participant will be
approached politely and respectfully, and the purpose of the study will be clearly explained in
simple terms. Verbal consent will be obtained prior to participation.
The data collection will take place within the hospital premises, in a setting that ensures
privacy and confidentiality for each respondent. With the cooperation and support of the
nurses on duty, the researcher will be assisted in providing clarification when necessary
during the administration of the questionnaire.
The researcher will remain present during the process to offer explanations for any
misunderstood items, ensuring that participants fully understand the questions. Each
completed questionnaire will be retrieved immediately after administration to maintain data
security and minimize the risk of loss or tampering.
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3.10 Method of Data Analysis
Data collected will be coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS). Descriptive statistics involving frequency, mean, standard deviation, percentages
representation will be used and results will be presented using tables for clear interpretation.
3.11 Ethical Considerations
Ethical approval will be obtained from the Edo state Ministry of Health Research and Ethics
Committee. Permission will also be sought from the management of Central Hospital, Benin-
City. The informed consent of the participant will also be taken; the purpose of the study will
be well explained to the participants to offer clarification and ensuring confidentiality. No
identifying information will be recorded to ensure anonymity. By adhering to these standards,
the study upholds integrity and responsibility towards participant.