Two articles were summarized as specific examples of research methods and designs. The qualitative was a cross sectional design of a case study. The quantitative was a quazi-experimental design with multiple measurements. Where one was an extensive interview with thematic analysis, the other was descriptive with statistics and a self control group.
Body Mass Index Knowledge of Older Adults and Motivation to Change
This article is authored by Wills, Fehin, and Callen and published in the British Journal of Community Nursing, 16:3. It was selected as an example of a quasi-experimental design. This is a summary of a quasi-experimental design in which multiple measures were used. This study found that older people did not know their own body mass or the fact they were at risk for multiple health consequences.
"Worldwide, 1.6 billion adults are overweight and 400 million are obese" (Wills).
Statement of Purpose
"The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge of older adults in Ireland and the U.S.A. about their body mass index (BMI) category and motivation to change" (Wills).
Study Methods
This was a quantitative descriptive research design with detailed and informed consent with a sample of older community dwellers. The data collection was height and weight measurements compared to self-reported measurements. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS where descriptive statistics for demographic data and t-tests comparing means of the two country groups were conducted.
Key Findings
Obesity is an emerging epidemic and health issue exacerbating chronic disease and frailty in the older generation. The prevalence is increasing and older adults are not aware of their BMI or the fact they fall within a multiple health consequence category. Only 3% of Irish adults knew what BMI was compared to where 7% of American adults knew.
Wills, T.F. (n.d.). Body mass index knowledge of older adults and motivation to change. British Journal of Community Nursing, 16:3, 110-115.
Perceptions of an older patient on the role of the family doctor in health promotion: a qualitative case study
This article was authored by Marcinowicz, Pawlikowska, Widak, and Chlabicz and published in the Journal of Medical Reports. Marcinowicz, et al. explored the older patient's perceptions of the role of the family doctor and identified factors not detected in quantitative research. It was selected because it is an example of a cross sectional design where participants were interviewed in a case study. It was also a longitudinal design taking place over two and three months.
Problem Statement
"Limited information is available concerning the opinions of older patients toward the respective services offered by family doctors" (Marcinowicz, 2013).
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the study was to understand an older patient's perspective of the role of the family doctor in health promotion and discover factors not detected in quantitative research (Marcinowicz, 2013).
Research Questions
What is the older patient's perspective of the role of the family doctor in health promotion?
What factors do the older patient feel the family doctor should promote in the healthcare setting?
What are the factors that are difficult to detect in quantitative research?
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