Problem and Purpose
The problem that the researcher is set out to solve is to find a better method of eliminating school absenteeism of children that are affected by illnesses that come as a result of dirty hands. The purpose is to make a comparison between handwashing using soap and the use of hand sanitizers in a bid to find the most appropriate method. Such a move is the role of school nurses who seek to reduce the rates of absenteeism in school that is caused by illnesses associated with dirty hands (Vessey et al, 2007).
Literature Review Critique
The researchers used current literature that is relevant to the problem they are out to solve. The literature used is concise and focused on the study topic, making it more relevant for use in such a case. Most literature used consists of secondary sources of information that are applied right and credit is given to earlier researchers on the same topic (Vessey et al, 2007). The literature review is critically evaluated, covering both sides of the two methods. The research tries to be unbiased as much as possible as it discusses both advantages and disadvantages of the two methods.
Theory Base
A theoretical framework is a collection of theories and models from the literature. The theoretical framework used in this research is entirely based on the literature review conducted.
Research Questions and Hypothesis
The research was guided by the following research questions.
- What is the relationship between illness, school absenteeism and academic performance?
- What is the efficacy of hand cleansing?
- What are the different types of hand cleansing techniques and how effective are they in reducing illnesses?
- What are the barriers to effective hand cleansing?
Research Design
The design applied in this research is experimental since it involves some training and is focused on quantifying a hypothesis that already exists (Vessey et al, 2007).
Sampling
The sampling procedure adopted was purposive. The sampling technique and the sample size are appropriate for the study because it takes care of all the participants and is representative of the whole personnel in a school setting.
Variables
In this research, the independent variable is the method of handwashing to be used while the efficacy of handwashing in reducing absenteeism forms the dependent variable.
Data collection
The method of data collection that was used in the study is observation. This method is appropriate in the study as the right personnel were trained and used as participants and their honest views were obtained from the study.
Validity and Reliability of Data-Collection Instruments
It is evident from the research that interviews are the data collection instruments that were used. This instrument and the information it provides are valid since the key informants are also the participants (Vessey et al, 2007).
Validity and Validity Threats
According to Nahid, validity is concerned with whether the findings are really about what they appear to be about. This research, as a whole, is valid since it is focused on solving the stated problem, all through, and also in using relevant literature in getting the needed information.
Legal issues and ethical considerations
The information gathered from participants was kept and only used for the study. The participants were informed of the purpose of the research. The researcher preserves the anonymity of the informant by not mentioning the names but only designations of all those involved in the research (Vessey et al, 2007).
Limitations and External
The major limitation to the study identified in this research is the use of limited methods for data collection. This poses threats to the validity of the information provided since the number and diversity of methods and instruments of data collection used is one such parameter for measuring validity.
Findings / Conclusion
Having considered many factors regarding the use of soap and water, when compared to hand sanitizers, the teachers seemed to advocate for hand sanitizers because the pros outweighed those of soap and water. The main pro consisted in the fact that it’s not as messy and problematic as compared to soap and water.
Implications
The study implies that nursing education is equally important to elementary school children as regards hygiene. This is so since the teachers acknowledged a very good improvement in hygiene from the time the students were exposed to training by the nurses (Vessey et al, 2007).
Recommendations
This research cannot be termed as complete and satisfactory, it leaves so many gaps that need to be filled, hence, the need for further research. For example, there needs more research to explain how sanitizers can be used to eliminate all micro-organisms that cause illnesses. With the fact that absenteeism that is attributed to illnesses was not fully eliminated after this research, there is a need for further research (Best practices for hand hygiene in all health care settings, 2008).
References
Best practices for hand hygiene in all health care settings. (2008). Toronto, Ont.: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Vessey, J., Sherwood, J., Warner, D., & Clark, D. (2007). Comparing Hand Washing to Hand Sanitizers in Reducing Elementary School Students’ Absenteeism. New York: Jannetti Publications.