Physical Activity and Alzheimer’s Disease Correlation among Saudis

Research Methodology

Study Design

The study’s design is a retrospective research design because it is useful in examining an exposure or outcome of Alzheimer’s disease among the Saudi population through the application of numeric data in testing the variables. The design involves data collection from the Saudi population infected with Alzheimer’s disease, thus relating the findings with their daily physical activities, and determining the relationship between the variables (Howlett 39). Furthermore, retrospective research is useful in determining the rate of Alzheimer’s infection because it occurred previously in the Saudi population, and numerous studies are in progress to determine the outcome. According to Howlett, retrospective research entails observation elements because most healthcare professions observe significant differences in Alzheimer’s infection in people who engage actively in physical activities (39). Therefore, retrospective research is useful in identifying risk factors and healthy behavior associated with well-being. However, retrospective research is highly vulnerable to biases due to the existence of challenging factors in determining the relationship between Alzheimer’s infection and physical activities.

Study Setting

The research setting includes all pertinent facets of the study, including the sampling frame, the study’s place, and the survey’s time. The research is conducted in both the hospital setting and the community, thus enabling the attainment of research objectives. The sample population for the study includes both inpatients and outpatients, thus diversifying the scope of the study and strengthening the research’s validity. However, the target community is chosen among surrounding hospitals to economize on cost. Therefore, an active target area for the study is the one that recorded the highest number of people living with Alzheimer’s.

Study Subject

The study subject comprises the entire group of people or objects with Alzheimer’s infection, thus becoming the center of interest. However, the study will only cover those people who are inaccessible areas while excluding those in remote areas. Similarly, nurses, inpatients, and outpatients infected with Alzheimer’s infection will be included in the study, thus diversifying the scope of the study. Therefore, the determination of a study subject in determining the association between physical activities and Alzheimer’s infection is useful as it highlights the target population.

Sample Size

The sample size is essential for a researcher as it allows for identifying different subjects required for the study. Before the research process, a researcher should determine the procedure used in the general research process by describing the method for identifying and enrolling subjects in the study (Taherdoost 237). Taherdoost recommends that the number of items used in the study should be lower than the calculated sample size because it minimizes potential errors (238). Similarly, the determination of sample size is useful as it determines the degree to which subjects in a sample match the population. The sample size is determined by identifying a confidence interval and confidence level, which entails the application of a plus or a minus figure.

Sampling Method

The researcher will employ a random sampling method by selecting respondents from the Saudi population, thus giving every respondent in the community an equal opportunity to be selected. However, many factors involved in the random sampling method are used to determine the representativeness of the sample size (Howlett 41). Therefore, a researcher bases their decision on the sample description and the purpose of the study.

Data Collection Method

For a researcher to select an effective data collection method, the socioeconomic and demographic factors are determined by identifying different characteristics and the population’s interests. To illustrate, a population with a low education background requires a specific data collection method as opposed to a community with intellectuals (INTRAC 1). Observation is the commonly used data collection method in determining the association between physical activities and Alzheimer’s. According to INTRAC, consideration is the most accurate and appropriate method in conducting nursing research as it enables a researcher to determine the actual physical activities (1). However, the process is subjected to the Hawthorne effect, where the observed group changes their physical activities when they become aware that they are monitored. Alternatively, interviews may be used to collect data as it allows the researcher to design the format and the content of questions asked, thus allowing the respondent to think and formulate competent answers. The data collection method is highly dependent on the quality of the interviewer because the quality of data is affected by skills, commitment, and experience.

Data Management and Analysis Plan

Data obtained from data collection methods will be stored securely using modern storage facilities such as Cloud technology. Similarly, data recorded through observation will be arranged and filed in a specific order, thus necessitating efficient retrieval during the analysis process. Therefore, risk factors such as theft and mishandling of data are highly reduced, thus enhancing the effective data management process. Among the analytical and statistical programs that will be used in analyzing data includes the use of Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and C++, thus necessitating the process of data analysis. Alternatively, statistical testing tools such as hypothesis testing will be employed to determine the efficiency of the data collected, thus establishing the association between physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease among the Saudi population.

Ethical Consideration

A researcher is entitled to enhance ethical principles while undertaking research projects, thus reducing the negative implications of the research on the respondents, families, and the general society. Ethical principles highlight a set of standards that nursing researchers use as a basis for conducting research, thus protecting an individual’s privacy by holding nursing practices (Ingham-Broomfield 35). Similarly, ethical consideration plays a crucial role in preserving the researcher from risks and the consent of obtaining a full explanation of the study’s intent.

Works Cited

Howlett, Bernadette. Healthcare Research Methods. 2013, Pp. 31-53

Intrac. “Basic Tools for Data Collection.” 2014

Ingham-Broomfield, Rebecca. “A nurses’ guide to Quantitative Research.” Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol 32, no. 2, 2014, pp. 32-38.

Taherdoost, H. “Determining Sample Size: How to Calculate Survey Sample Size. International Journal of Economics and Management Systems, 2017, pp. 237-239, www.iaras.org/iaras/journals/ijems