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NGEE ANN POLYTECHNIC

School of Health Sciences
Diploma of Health Sciences (Nursing)
Introduction to Nursing Research

Student Statement Plagiarism Disclaimer

I declare that this submission is my own work and that in every case where I have drawn on the
work of any other author or source, this is fully and specifically acknowledged in the text of my
submission and the works cited in the appended reference list.

Full Name Bilaal Ameeruddin Ibn Meeranudeen

Student No. S10243493G
Tutorial Group T02
Date 11/7/2023

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NGEE ANN POLYTECHNIC

School of Health Sciences

Diploma of Health Sciences (Nursing)

Research Critique Template

Use Primary and Quantitative study for this assignment

Critique the different parts of the paper using the guiding questions. Your
critique should be in the form of an essay.

In your final draft, please delete the guiding questions and this paragraph
from the essay.

To save you the trauma of losing your hard work, always work on an ONLINE
copy of the assignment We may not entertain students’ requests for extension
due to hardware issues.

Part 1: Article Information

Title

The title is clear, accurate and unambiguous as it effectively conveys the main purpose of the

study which is to assess the compliance of health care workers to covid-19 in outpatient

settings in Tanzania with regards to infection prevention and control practices. With a word

count of 19, which isn’t too long as word-count of a good English sentence ranges from 11-25

( as it displays keywords that entices the reader to what the study is portraying and the factors

in place. Like the population of interest, (Tanzanian health workers) variables in the study ( It

has also stated that it is a cross-sectional study design.

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Abstract

The abstract is essential to leave a good impression on the reader and encourage them

to read more. This abstract covers the research problem, sample, methodology, findings, and

implications. The abstract consists of structured headings which is informative and more

comprehensive for readers. While specific recommendations are not mentioned, the need for

improvements in supplies and health worker behaviors is emphasized. The abstract is of

appropriate length as it is very detailed and in good English, although slightly exceeding the

ideal word count of 300 to 350 words(). Overall, it leaves a positive impression and encourages

further reading of the research paper.

Part 2: Introduction to article

Background Introduction

The introduction provides relevant information about the research topic. It discusses the global

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lower-income countries with weak health systems. It

highlights the challenges posed by the health systems. It also presents why the need for these

implications are needed to be put in place. The citation of recent articles supports the rationale

for the study.

Rationale

Yes, the rationale is supported by statistics on the routes of transmission and the viability of the

virus on surfaces. Hence, the current study aims to assess the compliance of health workers

with infection prevention and control practices relevant to COVID-19 in outpatient settings in a

lower-income country like Tanzania.

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Part 3: Designing the Research I

Aim or Purpose of study

The aim or purpose of the study is not explicitly stated. However, based on the article it is clear

that the aim and purpose is to analyze and help with infection prevention and control practices

in outpatient settings in lower income countries. This study is relevant to nursing practice as the

insights from the study can be used to improve infection control.

Hypotheses or Research questions

The questions were not clearly stated but it is inferred that the possible questions were, is the

level of compliance with infection prevention and control practices relevant to COVID-19? And,

how does facility location, level, and ownership relate to compliance with infection prevention

and control practices? The study aims to illustrate the compliance rate with the various

variables.

Part 4: Designing the Research II

Independent and dependent variables

The independent variables stated are facility characteristics and health worker characteristics.

The dependent variable stated is compliance with infection prevention and control practices.

The independent variables are measured by structural tools and rosters of the health workers

while the dependent variable is measured by observations of health workers behavior.

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Research design

The research design used in this study is a cross-sectional design. Which is used to measure the

prevalence of a specific phenomenon or characteristic at a single point in time (Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). It was suitable as it allowed for the assessment of

health worker compliance with infection prevention and control practices at a specific point in

time.

Part 5: Methodology I

Sampling methods

The facilities were selected based on convenience and accessibility by the use of convenient

sampling and the usage of a facility survey.

Sample size

The sample size of the study consisted of 220 health facilities and 734 health workers, which

may not be large enough to ensure representativeness of the entire population. The author has

indicated that the sample size was achieved by a randomized control trial without explicitly

discussing it as a limitation or strength.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The inclusion/exclusion criteria were not mentioned in the provided text. However, having a

inclusion/exclusion helps as it helps ensure the study sample represents the intended

population and reduces the potential for bias. A clear criteria enhances the validity and

generalizability of the findings.

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Part 6: Methodology II

Ethics procedure

Participants were fully informed about the study. Written informed consent was obtained from

each health worker observed. Verbal informed consent was obtained from patients or their

adult caretakers. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committees of the Ifakara

Health Institute, the National Institute of Medical Research in Tanzania, and the London School

of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. They were also ensured to have the write to withdraw at any

given time.

Part 7: Methodology III

Data collection Instrument/tool

The article does not specifically mention all data collection instruments and the reliability and

validity testing of the data collection instruments. However, it does state that the use of a

structured tool for interviews with the facility manager to gather information on facility

characteristics was put in place and clinical observations were conducted using a tool adapted

from a previous study.

Data collection Procedure

The author did not go into detail about the data collection procedure but provided a general

overview. Hence, it is unclear whether it was self-administered or completed by an interviewer.

Part 8: Discussion/Conclusion

Limitations

The authors stated that the information gathered was collected for a different purpose before

the COVID-19 pandemic and specific measures that lead to COVID-19 was not included in the

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study. The facilities included was not representative of the private facilities in Tanzania and a

lack of variation might not be generalized in the other sectors. The authors also indicated the

need for further research with a bigger scale feeling it would help improve infection control

practices.

Word count: ____________(Part 1 to Part 8 only, excluding guiding questions and heading.

Guiding questions and headings =500 words)

(Keep your word count within the range 900 to 1100 words. Otherwise two (2) marks wlll be

be deducted for every 100 words less or more than the word range.)

* The guiding questions and headings from Part 1 to Part 2 in the this template have a
word count of 500.

References

(Note: Must have at least 3 journal article references in the reference list, including the article

that you chose to critique. All reference list entries must have corresponding in-text citations)

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