CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the research design and methodology adopted in investigating the
knowledge and attitude of health workers towards immunization in Dan-Magaji Community,
Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The methodology provides a clear roadmap for
how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted to achieve the objectives of the study.
The chapter highlights the research design, the population of the study, the sampling
techniques, the instrument for data collection, its validity and reliability, as well as the
procedures for data collection and analysis. Adopting a systematic and structured
methodology ensures the research findings are credible, reliable, and relevant for improving
immunization service delivery within the community.
3.1 Research Design
The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, which is appropriate for examining the
knowledge and attitude of health workers toward immunization in Dan-Magaji Community,
Zaria Local Government Area. A descriptive survey enables the researcher to collect data
directly from participants to understand their current knowledge levels, perceptions, and attitudes
without manipulating variables (Best & Kahn, 2016).
This design allows for the comparison of knowledge and attitude among different categories
of health workers, such as nurses, community health extension workers (CHEWs), and
vaccinators. It provides a snapshot of the existing situation, which can guide interventions aimed
at improving immunization coverage and service quality in the community.
3.2 Population of the Study
The population for this study comprises all health workers involved in immunization services
in Dan-Magaji Community. This includes nurses, community health extension workers
(CHEWs), community health officers (CHOs), and vaccinators. According to the records of the
Dan-Magaji Primary Health Care (PHC) center and the Zaria Local Government Health
Department, the total population of health workers directly engaged in immunization services is
approximately 45 individuals (NPHCDA, 2021).
This population also includes health workers participating in outreach programs and mobile
vaccination campaigns. Targeting these groups ensures that the study captures perspectives from
professionals directly responsible for vaccine administration and caregiver education.
3.3 Sample Size and Sampling Procedure
Given the small population size, the study employs a total population sampling method, where
all 45 health workers involved in immunization services will be included. Total population
sampling is appropriate for small populations because it allows the researcher to include
everyone, ensuring comprehensive coverage and more accurate findings.
In situations where some health workers are unavailable, convenience sampling will be applied
to include those present and willing to participate. This approach ensures that sufficient data is
collected while minimizing gaps due to non-response.
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection
The primary instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire developed by the
researcher. The questionnaire is designed to gather quantitative data on:
1. Socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, educational qualification, years of
experience, type of facility).
2. Knowledge of immunization, including vaccine schedules, dosage, routes of
administration, contraindications, and management of adverse events following
immunization (AEFI).
3. Attitude toward immunization, including perceptions, motivation, and willingness to
educate caregivers.
4. Factors influencing knowledge and attitude, such as training, supervision, workload,
and resource availability.
The questionnaire uses closed-ended and Likert-scale questions, allowing responses to be
easily quantified for statistical analysis. Likert-scale items measure attitudes on a scale from
“Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.”
3.5 Validity of the Instrument
To ensure validity, the questionnaire was reviewed by experts in public health and
immunization, including the project supervisor and senior health officers at the Zaria Local
Government Health Department. Feedback from these reviewers was used to refine items for
clarity, relevance, and appropriateness.
Additionally, a pilot study was conducted among 5 health workers from a neighboring
community (outside Dan-Magaji) to test understandability and question structure. Ambiguous
items were revised based on pilot feedback, ensuring the instrument accurately measures
knowledge and attitude.
3.6 Reliability of the Instrument
The reliability of the questionnaire was determined using the test-retest method. The instrument
was administered to the pilot group and re-administered after two weeks. Responses were
compared using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.82, indicating high
internal consistency. This ensures the instrument is dependable for measuring health workers’
knowledge and attitude toward immunization.
3.7 Procedures for Data Collection
Data collection will follow these steps:
1. Ethical Clearance and Permission: Approval will be obtained from the Zaria Local
Government Health Department and the head of Dan-Magaji PHC. Informed consent will
be sought from all participants.
2. Questionnaire Administration: The researcher will personally administer the
questionnaires to ensure completeness and clarify questions.
3. Follow-up: Health workers unavailable during the initial visit will be visited again to
maximize participation.
4. Data Handling: Completed questionnaires will be coded and securely stored to maintain
confidentiality.
3.8 Procedures for Data Analysis
Collected data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics:
Frequency counts and percentages for socio-demographics, knowledge levels, and
attitudes.
Mean scores and standard deviations for knowledge and attitude items.
Chi-square (χ²) test to assess relationships between knowledge and attitude.
Correlation analysis to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between
knowledge and attitude variables.
Data will be presented in tables, frequency, and percentage and hypothesis will be tested
using chi sqaure, and interpreted in line with research objectives and hypotheses.
References
Best, J. W., & Kahn, J. V. (2016). Research in education (12th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). (2021). Routine immunization
strategic plan. Abuja: NPHCDA.
Sadiq, U. A., Abubakar, A. A., & Musa, S. S. (2020). Training and attitude of health workers
towards routine immunization services in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of
Medicine, 29(2), 245–252.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Improving health worker performance for
immunization. Geneva: WHO.