Expanded Nursing Uganda Explanation
Sample Size Determination should be understood beyond a short definition. Link the concept to patient history, focused assessment, common risks, nursing priorities, documentation and evaluation of outcomes.
01 Sample Size Determination
Sample size determination , also known as sample size calculation or sample size estimation, is the process of determining the number of individuals or items to be included in a sample from a larger population for a research study.
- Sample size is abbreviated as n
- Study/Accessible Population is abbreviated as N
- Margin of error is abbreviated as e (0.05 at 95% Confidence level)
02 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHILE DETERMINING THE SAMPLE SIZE
- Research Objectives : Different objectives may require different sample sizes to achieve meaningful results. 📚
- Population Size : Larger populations necessitate larger sample sizes to ensure representativeness. 🏢
- Sampling Error : Smaller margins of error require larger sample sizes. ±📏
- Confidence Level :Higher confidence levels generally result in larger sample size requirements. 🎯 expressed as a percentage (e.g., 95% confidence level).
- Research Design : The chosen research design, whether experimental, observational, qualitative, or quantitative, can impact sample size. Each design has its own requirements. 📊🔍
- Data Collection Methods : The methods used to collect data, such as surveys, interviews, or observations, can influence the sample size. 📝🎙
- Budget and Resource : Practical limitations, including budget constraints and available resources, can also influence your sample size decisions. 💰
- Time : The time available to conduct the study can impact the sample size. Tight timelines may necessitate smaller, more manageable samples. ⏰
- Ethical Considerations : Ethical principles, such as minimizing harm to participants, can influence sample size decisions, particularly in sensitive research areas. 🤝
- Statistical Software and Tools : The availability of statistical software and tools for sample size calculations can streamline the process, ensuring accuracy in your estimates. 📈🖥️
03 HOW TO DETERMINE SAMPLE SIZE
1. Census (for Small Populations):
A census involves including every member of the population in your sample. This method is highly advantageous for small populations because it eliminates sampling errors and provides data on every individual in the population.
NOTE : census is only feasible for small populations. Conducting a census for large populations may not be cost-effective and practical.
****
2. Transfer from a Similar Study:
Another approach is to transfer the sample size from a similar study with comparable objectives and characteristics. This strategy can save time and resources.
A potential disadvantage is that you might repeat the mistakes made in the previous study. Ensure the previous study was methodologically sound.
3. Using Internet Sample Size Calculators: This method utilizes the Internet sites that help one to determine the sample.
One Examples is: https://www.calculator.net/sample-size-calculator.html
4. Utilizing Published Tables:
Researchers can make use of published tables designed for sample size determination. One such example is the Krejcie & Morgan table of 1970, which helps researchers determine the sample size for a given population. Another example is Glenn(1992).
- N is the Population
- S is the Sample size you need to draw.
For example a For a population of 45 people, Krejcie & Morgan table advises a Sample of 40 people.
For 10 people, Sample is 10 , requiring a Census due to the small number of people.
These tables are a valuable resource and provide guidance on sample size selection, taking into account factors like population size, confidence levels, and error margins.
5. Applying Standardized Formulas:
A widely accepted method involves applying standardized sample size formulas, such as the one developed by
- Kish and Leslie in 1965.
The formula is as follows:
n = Z²pq / d² ,
where
- Target Population : 500 diabetic patients attending Goma Health Center in Mukono District.
- Confidence Level : 95%
- Margin of Error : 5% (0.05)
- Prevalence : historical data indicating that around 40% of patients at Goma Health Center are diabetic (p = 0.40).
Using Kish and Leslie Formula:
n = Z²pq / d²
Where:
- n = Sample size
- Z = Z-score for the desired confidence level (1.96 for 95% confidence)
- p = Assumed true population prevalence of diabetic patients
- q = Complement of p (1-p)
- d = Margin of Error (0.05)
n = (1.96)² X 0.40 X (1 – 0.40) / (0.05)²
n ≈ 346.18
In this scenario, you would need a sample size of approximately 347 diabetic patients attending Goma Health Center in Mukono District to estimate the true population prevalence with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error.
****
II. Yamane formula, developed by Taro Yamane in 1967 .
The formula is as follows:
n = N / (1 + Ne²)
Where :
- n = Sample size
- N = Population size (500)
- e = Desired level of precision (0.05)
n = 500 / (1 + 500 X (0.05)²)
n ≈ 333.33
In this scenario, you would need a sample size of approximately 333 diabetic patients attending Goma Health Center in Mukono District to achieve the desired level of precision (5%).
6. USING UNMEB GUIDELINES
04 3.4.2 SAMPLING PROCEDURE
A sampling procedure is a defined and systematic method for selecting a subset (sample) from a larger group (population) for the purpose of conducting research or collecting data.
It involves the steps and techniques used to ensure that the sample accurately represents the population, allowing researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from the sample’s data.
05 Nursing Uganda Clinical Lens
Use Sample Size Determination as a practical nursing topic, not only a memorized definition. Translate theory into safe decisions, accountability, communication and service improvement.
- What to understand first: define sample size determination, identify the normal or expected pattern, then explain what changes when the patient is unwell.
- Why it matters in care: the nurse must recognize risk early, explain findings clearly, document accurately and know when to escalate.
- How to revise it: connect each point to assessment, nursing diagnosis or care problem, intervention, rationale and evaluation.
06 Assessment Guide
- The problem, stakeholders, available resources, policy requirements and ethical issues.
- Risks to patients, staff, confidentiality, quality, costs and continuity.
- Documentation, reporting lines, supervision and evaluation measures.
07 Nursing Priorities, Rationales and Outcomes
- Use evidence, policy and professional standards to guide action.
- Communicate clearly, document decisions and protect confidentiality.
- Evaluate whether the action improves safety, learning or service delivery.
The rationale for these priorities is patient safety: nursing actions should prevent deterioration, reduce discomfort, support recovery and create clear evidence for the next caregiver.
- Expected outcome: The plan is documented, realistic, ethical and improves patient care or learning outcomes.
08 Patient Teaching and Revision Check
- Explain sample size determination in simple language the patient or caregiver can repeat back.
- Teach warning signs, medicine or follow-up instructions, hygiene or lifestyle points where relevant.
- For exams, prepare a short answer using: definition, causes or risk factors, signs, assessment, management, complications and prevention.
- For ward practice, document baseline findings, actions taken, patient response and the plan for review.
Illustrations and Diagrams (10)
2 more diagrams available — open the lesson for full illustrations.
Related Video Lectures
Watch nursing lecture videos on YouTube for this topic. Opens in a new tab.
Watch on YouTubeExternal link: YouTube may use its own cookies and terms. Nursing Uganda is not affiliated with YouTube.