Methods
This is a concurrent mixed methods design whereby questionnaires, focus
groups and interviews are conducted simultaneously. This is to ensure a
synergistic approach to data collection. Both quantitative and
qualitative data were collected concurrently, and analysis and
interpretation of the data were done separately but at the same time.
The quantitative was descriptive and cross-sectional. Two Focus Group
Discussions(FGDs) and two key informant interviews were done at each
leprosy settlement and participants for the qualitative were selected
using purposive sampling. The officials incharge of the settlements were
briefed about the objectives of the study, they then suggested Focus
group discussions with participants who are able to answer the questions
appropriately. The key informant interviews were done with the heads of
the settlements appointed by the population themselves and the ones
appointed by the government to be in charge.
The quantitative questionnaire provides baseline data on the research
topic, while the focus groups and interviews delve deeper into
participants’ experiences and perspectives. This facilitates data
complementarity, enhanced data integration, and triangulation of
findings. There are 64 leprosy settlements in Nigeria and this number is
unstable as some of these settlements are no longer functioning. The
quantitative entails a cluster sampling whereby all the leprosy
settlements were separated into respective geo-political zones and
Federal Capital territory, and then one of these clusters is selected to
represent the population in that zone. Seven leprosy settlements were
selected including the only settlement in FCT. Questionnaires were
administered to 5 People living with leprosy (PLWL), 3 family members
who were randomly selected, and a community leader. The sample size was
limited to 9 quantitative respondents for quantitative. Also, groups of
8 males and 8 females each were also engaged in a focus group discussion
and the community leaders and persons appointed to be incharge were
interviewed in the 7 leprosy settlements.