Qualitative Research Analysis Of Experiences Of AIDS Orphans In An African Community
The purpose of nursing research is to investigate lived experiences of AIDS orphans in an African community. Qualitative research methodology permits researchers to investigate orphaned children after an AIDS epidemic in the Nelson Mandela Bay area of Africa.
“The experiences of AIDS orphans living in a township. ” The article title identifies the target of the study and sample population; AIDS orphans in Africa. Qualitative research methodology of phenomenology allows researchers to study phenomena to develop questions for further investigation utilizing quantitative methods. Abstract of the Article The abstract identified main points of the study; study methodology, purpose, population sampling, and qualitative approach. Researchers explained, “A qualitative research design that used an explorative, descriptive, contextual and phenomenological strategy of inquiry was employed. ” Further, data analysis identified key concepts; “how children experience devastating changes in their life circumstances when they become AIDS orphans” and “how the participants rediscovered hope to persevere. ”
Introduction
Researchers specified the incidence of children being orphaned secondary to an AIDS epidemic in Africa. The authors identified an “estimated 15. 7 million children, that is 30% of the 53 million anticipated orphans from all causes in sub-Saharan Africa, will have lost at least one parent to AIDS by 2010”. Statistics were discovered from multiple resources describing the impact of the AIDS epidemic on children. The purpose was explained by identifying the scope of the problem; AIDS in Africa. Although researchers did not identify a specific statement of the problem, their account of the AIDS epidemic undoubtedly defines the research problem and population.
Literature Review
The authors did not present a formal review of the literature. They conducted original research; previous research on the subject does not exist. The authors reviewed statistical databases. The evidence gained supported the need for investigation of the phenomenon. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework Researchers did not identify a specific theoretical framework, nor did they identify a framework where they compared study findings. Polit and Beck (2004) explained how some researchers conduct qualitative studies “within an ideological framework, typically to draw attention to certain social problems or needs of a group”. In context, Roy’s adaptation model serves as an appropriate theoretical framework for this research. Roy (2011) declared, “The Roy adaptation model is to promote adaptation of individuals and groups; to transform a society to one that promotes dignity, and to sustain and transform the universe. ”
Research Questions
Researchers identified: the focus of the study, two research objectives, and one research question. The objectives and research question were easily located in the body of the article. They are clearly acknowledged and congruent with the purpose of the study.
Methodology
- Research Design and Sample Setting
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Descriptive Vividness, Methodological Congruence and Analytical Preciseness
Researchers classified the research design as “a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design with a phenomenological approach to inquiry, to explore and describe the lived experiences of AIDS orphans in a township”. “Criterion-based purposive sampling strategy” permitted identifying a study population appropriate to the study objectives. Researchers utilized their expert knowledge to select a cross-section of a population to achieve their goals. They interviewed eight subjects until the data was diffused, “which meant that the researcher was obtaining the same information from subsequent participants; therefore, there was little point in continuing with the data collection”.
Data collection was achieved through “unstructured phenomenological in-depth interviews”. Unstructured interview questions permitted participants to describe their lived experiences without being hindered by leading questions. Researchers initiated the interview with an opening question, and “the remainder of the interview proceeded by following up and exploring dimensions introduced in the stories told in response to the initial question posed”. Ethical concerns were specifically addressed, and research approval was obtained through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Ethics Committee (due to the vulnerable population being interviewed). Data analysis was conducted using Tesch’s eight step method. This facilitated researchers to place data in categories, themes and sub-themes.
Validity and precision were controlled through peer debriefing. This way a general understanding of the study coupled with the researcher having the ability to review perceptions/insights can be had. Precision was maintained through interrater reliability and data triangulation. “The researcher combined transcribed interviews, personal journals and research notes in the data collection process and a colleague, experienced in the field of research, carried out a peer review”. Lastly, data analysis was coded utilizing an independent coder, not involved in the study.
Theoretical Connectedness and Heuristic Relevance
The article followed a logical sequence of methodology, population, data collection and analysis. Van Rooyen et al. (2012) applied findings to nursing practice, “Primary health care nurses should facilitate the management of support groups for AIDS orphans; therefore, they should receive the necessary professional development training with regard to the coordination and facilitation of support groups”.
Discussion
Researchers acknowledged the limitations of the study as the small geographic area within which the study participants resided. Additional research is necessary to explore the lived experiences of AIDS orphans residing in other areas of Africa and globally. They recognized additional areas for nursing practice, stating “Primary health-care nurses should be equipped to facilitate and coordinate a planned approach in response to AIDS orphans living in townships”. Additional research is identified. The authors suggested developing a survey to utilize in future quantitative research.
Evaluation of the Research
The study purpose was affirmed and identified an existing problem worthy of investigation. AIDS orphans are a newer phenomenon. This has developed since the AIDS epidemic starting in the later part of the millennium. Millions of children have lost one or more parents; developing an understanding of the lived experiences of these children is an important component of the nursing profession.
