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.