2016 GRAP – A Mixed-Methods Implementation and Sustainability Evaluation of Maternity Homes in rural Zambia (01-Scott/Henry)

Opportunity ID: 01-Scott/Henry

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

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nancy Scott and Dr. Elizabeth Henry

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 excel dashboards who are interested in global maternal health. The research assistants for this project may assist with the following:

  • Transcribe the translated transcripts from the FGDs and IDIs
  • Create a codebook with project staff for repeated analysis of qualitative data over the course of the project
  • Code transcripts based on the pre-determined themes and emerging themes in NVivo 10
  • Conduct a preliminary analysis of the coding results and summarize findings
  • Literature review
  • Create and edit Excel dashboards with routine quantitative data in to create reports for various stakeholder groups
  • 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).

For those interested in dashboard work completion of course GH854 – From Data to Dashboards.

Time / Date Expectations:

10-15 hours per week, beginning January through May 2016 (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.

Number of Positions: 3-4

 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.

5-10 hours per week beginning January 2017. We hope you will stick with us through the semester. Project will end in July 2017.

Location: Flexible. Can be done anywhere, but monthly meetings with two members of the evaluation team would be good.

Application request: CV and a writing sample.

Number of Positions: one (1)