Selection of study sites and participants for research into Nepal’s federal health system

Journal article

Wasti, Sharada Prasad, van Teijlingen, Edwin, Simkhada, Padam, Rushton, Simon, Balen, Julie, Subedi, Madhusudan, Karki, Jiban, Adhikary, Pratik, Sapkota, Sujata, Gautam, Sujan, Marahatta, Sujan, Panday, Sarita, Bajracharya, Bikesh and Vaidya, Anju 2024. Selection of study sites and participants for research into Nepal’s federal health system. WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health. 12 (2), pp. 116-119. https://doi.org/10.4103/who-seajph.who-seajph_169_22
AuthorsWasti, Sharada Prasad, van Teijlingen, Edwin, Simkhada, Padam, Rushton, Simon, Balen, Julie, Subedi, Madhusudan, Karki, Jiban, Adhikary, Pratik, Sapkota, Sujata, Gautam, Sujan, Marahatta, Sujan, Panday, Sarita, Bajracharya, Bikesh and Vaidya, Anju
Abstract

Introduction:
This article offers insights into the process of selecting representative study sites and participants in a longitudinal study in Nepal. As part of the research design process, the selection of representative areas in a large-scale study requires both intellectual and practical considerations.

Methods:
We briefly introduce our study into the impact of federalization on Nepal’s health system before outlining the criteria considered for the identification of fieldwork sites and the most appropriate study participants for the qualitative interviews and participatory components of this research.

Findings:
The selected areas are presented with an overview of the areas selected and their justification. The study sites and participants should consider a broader coverage with diverse participants’ backgrounds. Several factors can influence the identification and recruitment of the right participants, including the use of appropriate gatekeepers, gaining access to recruit participants, logistical challenges, and participant follow-up.

Conclusion:
We conclude that longitudinal qualitative research requires a carefully selected diverse set of study sites and participants to assess the complexities and dynamics of the health system and service provision to ensure that longitudinal research is representative and effective in addressing the research question(s) being investigated.

KeywordsFederalization; Longitudinal study; Nepal; Qualitative research; Site and participant selection
Year2024
JournalWHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health
Journal citation12 (2), pp. 116-119
PublisherMedknow
ISSN2224-3151
2304-5272
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4103/who-seajph.who-seajph_169_22
Official URLhttps://journals.lww.com/wsep/fulltext/2023/12020/selection_of_study_sites_and_participants_for.7.aspx
FunderHealth System Research Initiative in the UK (Round 6): Grant Reference No.: MR/T023554/1
Publication dates
Online19 Jan 2024
Publication process dates
Deposited29 Jan 2024
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Open
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