GRAP 2017 – MAHMAZ Qualitative Data Management & Analysis (03-Scott & Fong)

Project Title:  A Mixed-Methods Implementation and Sustainability Evaluation of Maternity Homes in rural Zambia

Faculty / Researcher Mentor: Dr. Nancy Scott and Rachel Fong

Description Statement:

The Maternity Homes Access in Zambia Project (the MAHMAZ Project) is a cluster randomized controlled trial with the aim of evaluating whether or not maternity homes can increase access to skilled delivery for women who live the furthest away. Maternity homes (also referred to as mother’s shelters and maternity waiting homes) are short-term residential structures built adjacent to health care facilities where women can stay for the days preceding their due date and the days following their delivery. With the launch of the implementation phase in September 2016, the study team is conducting an ongoing implementation and sustainability evaluation of several intervention components including: the Minimum Core Mothers’ Shelter Model, the governance and management systems, and sustainability strategies such as income-generating activities. This evaluation utilizes several tools and methods including analysis of routine monitoring data, fidelity checklists, experience surveys, in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD). The evaluation is ongoing in 4 districts of Southern Province and Nyimba District of Eastern Province. The findings of this process evaluation will help inform the ongoing implementation as well as help to explain the findings of the impact evaluation.

Scope of Work:

We are looking for student research assistants with experience in qualitative data management and analysis and/or experience with literature reviews who are interested in global maternal health. The research assistants for this project may assist with the following:

  • Code transcripts based on the pre-determined themes and emerging themes in NVivo 11 Pro
  • Create a codebook with project staff for repeated analysis of qualitative data over the course of the project
  • Transcribe the translated IDI transcripts
  • Conduct a preliminary analysis of the coding results and summarize findings
  • Conduct literature reviews
  • Other evaluation-related tasks for the project

Minimum skills desired:

  • Previous experience through work or class in coding and analyzing qualitative data.
  • Functional knowledge of NVivo and willingness to learn (team willing to do some training on this program).
  • Previous experience doing literature reviews in class or at work.
  • Functional knowledge of Mendeley or Zotero

Time / Date Expectations:

10-15 hours per week, beginning January through May 2018 (or until completion). Success with initial tasks will lead to opportunities for further involvement with the project, including potential field placements for practicum/internships in Zambia.

Any special application request:

  • Two writing samples required

Number of Positions: 2

Logistics & Support:

Weekly meetings with project staff and/or principal investigator. Student can access NVivo software through Boston University. Desk space at CGHD may be made available. If effort and quality of work is satisfactory, may lead to involvement in publications of results.