Data collection tools statistics methods

Statistics

1. Data Collection tools By Prof. Salwa Elsanousi

2. Sources of Data ( 1) Health services facilities: hospitals, health centres , dispensaries, dressing stations, private clinics (2) Ministry of health and other related ministries or health sectors (3) localities (4) Community leaders (5) Organization (6) Different programmes (7) Community at large.

3. Quantitative Data: These are written in numbers for example incidence, prevalence, rates or ratios, numbers and percent. For morbidity and mortality we utilize the responders’ responses, also used for measuring the service utilization coverage, the age groups, etc.. Quantitative data can be collected by : Mini-survey Questionnaire.

4. Quantitative Data : (1)The Questionnaire: The Questionnaire is a method of data collection. It consists of series of questions to achieve certain objectives. Steps for questionnaire design: state your objectives decide what variables are needed to achieve the objectives divide the questionnaire to certain (parts) e.g. part ‘I’ general information like name, age, sex, residence. Decide what questions are needed in each part Decide whether these questions will achieve the objectives, whether the questions are easy realistic simple.

5. Types of questions can be used in the questionnaire 1- Close ended and open ended questions: in the close ended questions you give the respondent certain options e.g. [ ] yes [ ] no 2- in the open ended you give the respondent the chance to answer in his own words

6. Each type has advantages and disadvantages The close ended is easy to answer, easy to analyze and it remind the respondent with the important, but sometimes is misleading and biased The open ended Is slow difficult to analyze but more honest and innovative

7. Mini-survey: - number 20-30 - 10-15 questions - close ended questions you can modify used as a rapid and economic method. Can be used to test questionnaire.

8. Qualitative Qualitative: Focus group discussion: Is used to collect qualitative data. To dig deep to know what people think and feel. It is conducted to answer the question why?

9. Steps for conducting F.G.D. (1) Determine the number of the groups (at least 2 groups) (2) The group should be homogeneous or at least sharing a common experiences (e.g. mothers, F.P. utilizers etc..) (3) Length of time should not exceed 2 hours (4) Determine group setting all the respondents seeing each others (5) Prepare a topic guide (list of open ended questions) (6) a moderator to ask the questions and manage the discussion (7) a reporter to register the group discussion (8) choose the correct time and place

10. Start the group discussion by introduction: introducing yourself and explain the purpose of the discussion let the participants introduce themselves Then go through the questions and let the participants answer register the discussion summarize the key ideas and close the session

11. Observation: Is an important type of qualitative data collection tool can give information about so many things, e.g. geographical situation ethnic groups sex, age, behaviour environmental sanitation building situation training of health worker attitude of health workers The observation should be accompanied with a checklist. A checklist is a series of descriptive or activities which should be checked.

12. In-depth interview: Is the way of gathering information through communication between some one who wants information (the interviewer) and the responsible people who can supply the information (interviewee) such as the leader or the service provider etc….. people should trust the interviewer in order to : * give the correct information * introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the interview * start with the general information and then the private ones. The following criteria should be available in the interviewer: has good communication skills relaxed, friendly, pleasant Knowledgeable about the questionnaire

13. Analyzing and Summarizing data For the questionnaire use data sheet The data managed either manually or using the computer For qualitative data summarize the responses of the respondents you can use diagrams or comments on each response Data can be presented in tables or diagrams or graphs