CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the research design, study area and population and sampling method utilized. It also describes the tool, data gathering and the research of data procedure. Research Design This study is a quantitative research with a descriptive design conducted in a one-shot survey method. According to David (2005), a descriptive study describes a situation or a simple state of affairs in terms of specified aspects or factors. Inasmuch as the researcher desired to determine the health practices of selected respondents in general, the quantitative approach is selected for statistical validity of the data. Furthermore, the descriptive design supports the objective of the study to provide a description of the said health practices through interpretation of the statistical output.

Sources of Data This was conducted at Roxas City for the reason that there is a high number of SDAs in the City of Roxas and they are accessible to the researchers. The study population are the SDA residents at Roxas City within the age group of 40-65 years old since according the Douglas abstract theory in research this is the ideal age range to measure any condition related to health of an individual which could include their health practices. Methods of Data Collection A total of 83 SDAs within the age group of 40-65 years old have been identified in the entire Roxas City. Considering the manageability of the number of target

respondents, all of them were invited to join thus total enumeration was done and all 83 individuals participated in the study. The survey was done by use of a researcher-formulated questionnaire. The items were based from the information gathered from health books as well as patterned from the objectives of this study. The tool underwent content and face validation with a reliability score of Cronbach alpha 86.5 which indicates reliability of content. Initially, the researchers secured consent from the District Pastors of the different churches of SDAs at Roxas City. They were informed of the purpose of the study and were shown a sample of the questionnaire that will be administered to their members. Upon their approval, the researchers conducted a meeting with the respondents to explain the purpose of the study and finally administer the questionnaires. For respondents that are able to read and understand the items in the questionnaire, they were given time to fill up the items by themselves while the researchers remained on hand to assist them when needed, For other respondents who had difficulty in reading or understanding the items, structured interview was conducted. Accomplished questionnaires were immediately collected and checked to ensure that all items were answered without inconsistencies. The data were then encoded in the computer using preset coding system. Analytical Procedures/Methods of Analysis Considering that the data to be processed is a descriptive data (health practices), the data was statistically computed using the frequency distribution with measures of central tendencies. Statistical test was conducted using the Special Package for Social Sciences V. 16.0, All data was computer generated.