vi
7.1 Work Plan ............................................................................. ......85
7.2 Budget ................................................................................. ......87
Chapter 8: Major components and outline of the different phases in a research
process .................................................................................... ..... 89
8.1 Summary of the major components of a research proposal . ......89
8.2 Fieldwork ............................................................................. ......92
8.3 Writing a research report ..................................................... ......95
Chapter 9: Definition of common terms applied in computer use and
application of some statistical packages ............................ ....101
9.1 Introduction to a microcomputer .......................................... ... 101
9.2 Introduction to some common software packages .............. ....103
9.3 Exporting data from Epi6 to Epi 2000 and SPSS ................ ....127
References ................................................................................................ ....130
Research methodology
1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
1.1
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, the student should be able to
:
1. Define research in general and health systems research in particular
2. Enumerate the
characteristics of research
3. Identify the different types of research
4. List the essential features of health systems research
5. Describe the broad divisions (steps) involved in the research process
6. Explain the roles
of research in development
1.2 Introduction
The ultimate goal of any national health-development process is to enable its people to reach
a level of health that enables them to make meaningful participation in the social and
economic life of the community in which they live. To
attain this objective, countries should
decide on the best approaches to adopt. However, this requires detailed and accurate
information on the existing health systems of these countries. Unfortunately,
such information
is often lacking , inadequate, or unreliable. As a result, decisions are
based on assumptions
and unjustified conclusions and often result in inappropriate policy choices. In this regard, the
search for scientific knowledge and information should be strongly supported.
Research in the context of public health thus aims to provide all aspects of information
necessary for planning and the effective implementation of a health system. For all
communities,
whether affluent or poor, health research is the top priority. The research
questions are formidable: how to join with policy makers and communities in assessing
priority needs, planning, financing
and implementing programs, and evaluating them in terms
of coverage, efficiency and effectiveness.
