Study design

A cross-sectional study was conducted where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected.

Data types and sources

The quantitative data included survey responses. The qualitative data included key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a review of organizational reports.

Sampling

The study population for the assessment included all active (permanent and temporary) The total population of active KWS personnel as of January 2021was N=4,461 (supplied by KWS, Office of Human Capital). In fulfillment of the NACADA: ADA Baseline Assessment Guidelines (2020), a sample of 30% of the total KWS active personnel were selected to participate in the baseline assessment. The final sample size was determined by using a sample size calculator based upon a 95% confidence level ± 2% Margin of Error. This resulted in a final sample size of approximately 1,400 individuals. While there were several options for allocation of the total sample, a probability-based stratified sampling methodology was determined to be the most empirically efficient and valid for a study of this nature to reflect the gender composition of the KWS. Consequently, for this assessment, a stratified random sample of approximately N= 1400 individuals (Females n = 282; Males n =1116) were randomly selected to participate in the assessment. Table 1 lists the study areas covered in this assessment.

Due to the small proportion of females across the KWS overall, and in specific duty stations and sampling sites, the analysis and findings does not report by specific Conservation Area, Park, or Duty Station.

Survey instrument and language of interview

Following the NACADA Baseline Guidelines (2020), a structured questionnaire (see Appendix A) was created using Kobo Toolbox software to generate the quantitative data. Kobo Toolbox was developed as a joint initiative between OCHA, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and the International Rescue Committee for humanitarian work. It is widely used and validated method for data collection in the field. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce cross contamination from contact of surfaces including pens, papers, envelops and all other requirements on paper,

the researchers adopted this paperless approach. Once the survey form was created in Kobo Toolbox, each tablet was pre- logged in to by one of the co-investigators so that the form could be accessed in the field. The volume of responses, 100% participation, exceeds expectations for survey research. The survey assessment and focus group discussions were conducted in a designated private space away from other participants and staff, and in line with the recommended social distancing requirements as per national guidelines. No personal identifiable information was required of the participants to access or complete the survey form. The survey took approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Responses from participants in the field were automatically transmitted to the principal investigator when the tablet was connected to the Internet. The focus group discussion served as a complement to the survey instrument. It is a strong data collection method that aims to draw from personal experiences, perceptions, and attitudes of participants to provide in-depth information around the issues of drug and alcohol use. The focus group questions are provided in Appendix X of this report. A random selection of eight persons was selected from those who participated in the survey. For sites with fewer than eight respondents overall, all respondents were invited to participate in the focus group discussions. The focus group notes were transmitted to the primary investigator for analysis.

Data collection

Survey Administration Flow Chart

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/applications/kobotoolbox

The researchers will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for disinfection of mobile computers and tablets. Each tablet will be disinfected at the beginning of the research study. Survey participants will be asked to disinfect their hands prior to touching the tablet and upon completion of the survey. The field research team will subsequently disinfect each tablet as an additional measure.

Ethical concerns

Ethical approval was obtained from the ESRC . The primary investigator and co-investigators have undertaken an online course on protection of humans in research. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce cross contamination from contact of surfaces including pens, papers, envelops and all other requirements on paper, we are therefore proposing for a paperless approach. Considering that the surveys are being conducted on a tablet, the consent was explained on the first page of the document of the survey.

Sanitizers were made available to disinfect tablet surfaces and other stationaries that were used during the assessment before and after their use. The primary investigator and co-investigators were responsible for carrying out the field research. Informed consent was sought from all those who are randomly selected to participate in the study on the day of the study. Welcoming remarks included a reading of informed consent (Appendix C) to all participants. Participants were informed that their participation is voluntary and that they may stop their participation at any time. Prior to commencement of the assessment, the investigator explained the risks and benefits of the study. Acknowledgement of informed consent to participate was obtained through a check box on the tablet which is mandatory before proceeding with the assessment. Participants were able to withdraw their consent to complete the survey assessment at any time and advised that their data will be deleted. Voluntariness and consent to participate was further explained and obtained for all those who were randomly selected to participate in the focus groups.

• The primary investigator, Dr. Patricia Griffin, is a fulltime faculty member at Holy Family University (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Dr. Griffin also submitted this application to the Institutional Review Board at Holy Family University.
• Once the survey was underway, no participant withdrew their consent to participate in the assessment.

Data entry, cleaning, and analysis

To maximize research insight, quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. An online survey was used to gather quantitative data. No personal identifying information was sought on the survey. Questionnaire responses were anonymous. Data reported were aggregated to prevent possible identification of individual participants. The survey responses were immediately transmitted electronically to Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage at pgriffin@temple.edu. Once the survey data

was transferred electronically from the tablet to OneDrive, the data was deleted from the tablet. Also, relevant to note – a consent to participate form is the first page of the online survey. This electronic consent form has been electronically transmitted and stored along with all survey data and focus group interview notes.

Dr. Griffin is responsible for data management and data security. Quantitative data has been coded, sorted, and analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics namely frequencies, pie chart, bar graphs and percentages will be used to describe, organize and summarize collected data. Cross tabulations, chi square statistics, and regression analysis may also be calculated to assess data relationships.Responses from focus group open-ended questions have been analyzed qualitatively using Atlas.ti software and summarized according to emerging themes. The qualitative findings complement the quantitative findings by providing deeper insights and experiences not necessarily sought through the forced choice survey questions. The qualitative focus group notes have been scanned and transmitted electronically to Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage at pgriffin@temple.edu. Data will be stored and retained for a minimum of five years after the completion of the research. At that time, the data will be deleted from OneDrive, along with manual deletion from Dr. Griffin’s laptop that may have been used to perform data analysis and report writing.