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How to write Background of the Study Using a
Template
1.0 introduction
The background of the study provides an overview of the research topic, explaining its importance
and relevance in the academic and real-world context. This study focuses on [insert research
topic], which has been a subject of interest for researchers and policymakers due to its significance
in [mention field, e.g., economics, education, health, etc.]. Over the years, various studies have
explored different aspects of [insert dependent variable], but challenges and gaps remain that
require further investigation. Understanding these gaps will provide insights into [mention the
purpose of the study, e.g., policy improvements, theoretical advancements, or practical
applications].
1.1 Background of the study
The dependent variable in this study is [insert dependent variable], which refers to [provide
definition from a scholarly source]. According to [author/source], [insert definition]. This
variable is significant because it influences [mention key areas it affects, such as economic
development, student performance, healthcare outcomes, etc.]. Researchers have attempted to
analyze [dependent variable] from various perspectives, yet there is no consensus on [mention
controversial aspects or unresolved questions]. This study, therefore, seeks to contribute to
existing knowledge by examining [specific focus of the research].
At the global level, [dependent variable] has been widely studied, with scholars debating its
causes, effects, and possible solutions. Some researchers argue that [state one global viewpoint
with citation], while others believe that [state another perspective with citation]. Recent studies
indicate that [mention key global findings, statistics, or trends], showing that this issue
continues to evolve due to [mention contributing factors such as technological advancements,
policy changes, or economic shifts]. Despite these discussions, there are still gaps in research,
particularly in [mention specific areas that lack sufficient study, such as developing countries,
marginalized populations, or long-term effects]. Addressing these gaps is essential to forming
comprehensive policies and strategies at the international level.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/understandingbackgroundofthestudyusingayiiuniversitytemplates-250302101017-89ffd6ae/85/Understanding-Background-of-the-Study-Using-Ayii-University-Templates-2025-pdf-3-Copy-pdf-7-320.jpg)
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Regionally, in [mention region, e.g., Africa, Asia, Europe], the issue of [dependent variable]
remains a critical concern. Studies in [region] indicate that [mention findings from regional
studies], highlighting that [state key trends, debates, or contradictions]. Some researchers
attribute the issue to [mention factors such as economic instability, governance challenges,
cultural influences], while others argue that [mention opposing viewpoint]. For example, [cite
a study or government report] found that [mention key regional findings]. However, despite
these studies, there is limited research on [mention specific research gap in the regional context,
such as policy effectiveness, long-term impacts, or sector-specific effects]. This study aims to
bridge that gap by analyzing [specific regional focus].
Nationally, in [mention country], [dependent variable] has been a major issue affecting
[mention affected groups, such as students, workers, businesses, policymakers]. Government
reports indicate that [mention key national statistics, trends, or policies], showing that [explain
how the problem has evolved or worsened]. While policies such as [mention government
interventions, initiatives, or reforms] have been implemented to address this issue, there are
conflicting views on their effectiveness. Some studies suggest that [mention one viewpoint],
while others argue that [mention an opposing argument]. Despite various efforts, gaps remain in
understanding [mention specific aspect that has not been fully explored, such as the impact of
a new policy, challenges in implementation, or comparative analysis with other countries].
This study will investigate these gaps to provide a clearer understanding of [mention national
research focus].
In conclusion, [dependent variable] remains a significant issue at the global, regional, and
national levels, with ongoing debates and gaps in research. While various studies have examined
[mention key areas already explored], there is still limited understanding of [mention specific
gap]. This study, therefore, seeks to address these gaps by focusing on [state specific research
objective]. The findings will provide valuable insights for [mention expected contributions,
such as policymakers, educators, business leaders, healthcare providers, etc.], helping to
develop effective strategies and solutions to improve [mention expected area of improvement].](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/understandingbackgroundofthestudyusingayiiuniversitytemplates-250302101017-89ffd6ae/85/Understanding-Background-of-the-Study-Using-Ayii-University-Templates-2025-pdf-3-Copy-pdf-8-320.jpg)
Understanding Background of the Study Using Ayii University Templates .2025.pdf,,3 Copy.pdf
- 1. 1 How to write Background of the Study Using Ayii University Templates By Dr.stephenson @Ayii University The Background of the study introduces, the status and the rationale of the study. According to Ayii University Guideline on proposal writing, this section provides evidence and conditions of the existing situations highlighting the gap(s) to make the reader feel the urgency of the problem, the need to study it in order to solve the problem or contribute to its solution. The section is thus used to portray the history and the character of the problem, or issues at hand and tries to expose the facts that surround the problem or dependent variable that must be tackled through undertaking the study. That is the background attempts to convince the reader that there is a problem out there that needs to be addressed. Creswell (1994) also suggests that the background to the study should be introduced with a set of statement relevant to the theme being studied which attracts the reader to the work. Therefore the background should also focus on the dependent Variable of your study which are in the title of your study. Fig1: Study Background Structure: author Nkurikiyimana, 2025, published @ scribd.com
- 2. 2 Fig1: Importance of the background of the study: author Nkurikiyimana, 2025, published @ scribd.com
- 3. 3 According to Amin (2005) the background section should demonstrate the historical, theoretical, conceptual and contextual elements of the study systematically. As shown in fig 2. Fig 2: Components of the background of the study: author Nkurikiyimana, 2025, published @ scribd.com
- 4. 4 The first to be written is often the historical perspective. In this section, the researcher provides a narration of the history of the of the phenomenon under investigation’. As a result the researcher tells the reader what was the condition like in the past and what is it like today? At this point, the researcher needs to focus on the problem (dependent variable) rather than explanatory or Independent variable. Fig 3: Understanding the Historical perspective in the background of the study: author Nkurikiyimana, 2025, published @ scribd.com
- 5. 5 In second part of the historical Background, the researcher reflects on the work of other researchers in the field of the study. It is important do this because any title of the research, in most cases, is not being done for the first time by the researcher. Thus issues that have been discovered or believed to be true about the topic of research problem or dependent variable should be summarized in this section as suggestion that the issue at hand has developed through significant stages that bear on the present study. However, the researcher should undermine or down play the contributions of the previous scholars while justifying the need for the current investigation. Fig 4: How to present previous research in the study: author Nkurikiyimana, 2025, published @ scribd.com
- 6. 6 According to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), the Historical perspective can be approached from Global, regional to the National (or Contextual) then to local perspective. These guidelines stipulate that while the above can be adopted(fig:2), as much as possible, the background should be organized under Historical perspective as follows for undergraduate studies:- This approach would therefore entail the adoption of the Broader-Narrow perspective as suggested by Mugenda and Mugenda(1999) and illustrated by Nkurikiyimana(2025) as show below. Fig 4: Understanding the Historical perspective in the background of the study: author Nkurikiyimana, 2025, published @ scribd.com (i) Globally, what key debates and (gaps) exist on the subject area to be investigated? (ii) Regionally, what key debates (and gaps) exist on the subject area to be investigated? (iii) Nationally, what key debates and (gaps) exist on the subject area to be investigated? NB: Some Universities allow students to write the Background under the four subtitles. Students are advised to follow what their units recommend. (About 600 words, Font type: Times New Roman, Font size 12; 1.5 line spacing).
- 7. 7 How to write Background of the Study Using a Template 1.0 introduction The background of the study provides an overview of the research topic, explaining its importance and relevance in the academic and real-world context. This study focuses on [insert research topic], which has been a subject of interest for researchers and policymakers due to its significance in [mention field, e.g., economics, education, health, etc.]. Over the years, various studies have explored different aspects of [insert dependent variable], but challenges and gaps remain that require further investigation. Understanding these gaps will provide insights into [mention the purpose of the study, e.g., policy improvements, theoretical advancements, or practical applications]. 1.1 Background of the study The dependent variable in this study is [insert dependent variable], which refers to [provide definition from a scholarly source]. According to [author/source], [insert definition]. This variable is significant because it influences [mention key areas it affects, such as economic development, student performance, healthcare outcomes, etc.]. Researchers have attempted to analyze [dependent variable] from various perspectives, yet there is no consensus on [mention controversial aspects or unresolved questions]. This study, therefore, seeks to contribute to existing knowledge by examining [specific focus of the research]. At the global level, [dependent variable] has been widely studied, with scholars debating its causes, effects, and possible solutions. Some researchers argue that [state one global viewpoint with citation], while others believe that [state another perspective with citation]. Recent studies indicate that [mention key global findings, statistics, or trends], showing that this issue continues to evolve due to [mention contributing factors such as technological advancements, policy changes, or economic shifts]. Despite these discussions, there are still gaps in research, particularly in [mention specific areas that lack sufficient study, such as developing countries, marginalized populations, or long-term effects]. Addressing these gaps is essential to forming comprehensive policies and strategies at the international level.
- 8. 8 Regionally, in [mention region, e.g., Africa, Asia, Europe], the issue of [dependent variable] remains a critical concern. Studies in [region] indicate that [mention findings from regional studies], highlighting that [state key trends, debates, or contradictions]. Some researchers attribute the issue to [mention factors such as economic instability, governance challenges, cultural influences], while others argue that [mention opposing viewpoint]. For example, [cite a study or government report] found that [mention key regional findings]. However, despite these studies, there is limited research on [mention specific research gap in the regional context, such as policy effectiveness, long-term impacts, or sector-specific effects]. This study aims to bridge that gap by analyzing [specific regional focus]. Nationally, in [mention country], [dependent variable] has been a major issue affecting [mention affected groups, such as students, workers, businesses, policymakers]. Government reports indicate that [mention key national statistics, trends, or policies], showing that [explain how the problem has evolved or worsened]. While policies such as [mention government interventions, initiatives, or reforms] have been implemented to address this issue, there are conflicting views on their effectiveness. Some studies suggest that [mention one viewpoint], while others argue that [mention an opposing argument]. Despite various efforts, gaps remain in understanding [mention specific aspect that has not been fully explored, such as the impact of a new policy, challenges in implementation, or comparative analysis with other countries]. This study will investigate these gaps to provide a clearer understanding of [mention national research focus]. In conclusion, [dependent variable] remains a significant issue at the global, regional, and national levels, with ongoing debates and gaps in research. While various studies have examined [mention key areas already explored], there is still limited understanding of [mention specific gap]. This study, therefore, seeks to address these gaps by focusing on [state specific research objective]. The findings will provide valuable insights for [mention expected contributions, such as policymakers, educators, business leaders, healthcare providers, etc.], helping to develop effective strategies and solutions to improve [mention expected area of improvement].
- 9. 9 Example Research Topic: IMPACT OF CULTURAL BELIEFS AND PRACTICES ON POSTNATAL CARE AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING JUBA TEACHING HOSPITAL CHAPTER ONE 1.0 Introduction The background of the research provides an overview of the topic of research, outlining its importance and applicability in the real-life and academic context. The research focuses on the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on postnatal care for mothers who access Juba Teaching Hospital. Postnatal care (PNC) plays a vital role in maintaining the health of mothers and infants since it averts conditions such as infections, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal depression (World Health Organization, 2020). Despite the medical importance of PNC, cultural values and traditional practices continue to influence how mothers perceive and utilize postnatal services (Titaley et al., 2010). Understanding these cultural influences is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes and creating culturally responsive healthcare interventions (Kyomuhendo, 2017). 1.1 Background of the study The dependent variable in this study is postnatal care, which is the medical and supportive care provided to mothers and newborns after childbirth to ensure their health and recovery. According to the World Health Organization (2020), postnatal care is a required service that checks on the physical recovery of the mother, facilitates proper breastfeeding, prevents infection, and provides emotional support. Effective PNC has been linked to reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, but many women fail to receive or take full advantage of these services due to various socio- cultural determinants (Gabrysch & Campbell, 2009). In most cultures, beliefs and cultural practices shape maternal health choices, positively or negatively (Bohren et al., 2016). It is therefore crucial to explore the extent to which beliefs and cultural practices shape the utilization of PNC services in Juba Teaching Hospital.
- 10. 10 Postnatal care has been recognized globally as a key aspect of maternal and child health. Research indicates that although improvements in healthcare in improving maternal survival have been evident, there is still a lacuna in postnatal care access and utilization. Other scholars have asserted that the modern healthcare interventions are incompatible with existing beliefs and practices, and this has translated into poor health service uptake by some cultural communities (Banda et al., 2018). Others argue that formal postnatal care services can be supported by traditional knowledge and community support systems and should be incorporated into healthcare systems (Kagawa- Singer et al., 2010). In spite of these debates, there is still a worldwide knowledge gap on how certain cultural practices support or hamper postnatal care-seeking behavior, especially in low- resource environments (Bwalya et al., 2021). Closing this gap is critical for enhancing maternal health policies globally. Regional levels, in Sub-Saharan Africa for instance, see maternal health behavior like postnatal care greatly being determined by culture. Postpartum traditional practice in most cultures is adhered to, and some of those practices are not in line with modern medical practice. For instance, Nigerian and Ugandan studies show that postpartum women in some groups have seclusion periods where they do not report to healthcare units due to cultural taboo (Adeyemi et al., 2020). Similarly, cultural beliefs regarding dietary restriction, herbal medicine, and cleansing spiritual ceremonies can influence when and how mothers seek postnatal care (Ngugi, 2018). While some of them have health-protective benefits, others cause delays in seeking medical attention, exposing mothers to complications (Filippi et al., 2016). Little research has been conducted, however, on the influence of these cultural beliefs on postnatal care-seeking behavior in South Sudan alone. Awareness of these trends at the regional level will aid in developing targeted interventions for maternal health interventions. At the national level, within South Sudan, maternal and child health is a major issue, with both high infant and maternal mortality rates. The South Sudan Demographic and Health Survey (SSDHS, 2021) indicates that South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, and this is partly due to low utilization levels of healthcare services, including postnatal care. Cultural beliefs play a crucial role in guiding maternal health decisions, where most mothers prefer to use traditional birth attendants (TBAs), family leaders, and community healers over formal medical personnel (Mugo et al., 2022). New mothers are not advised to leave the home for
- 11. 11 a period after childbirth in certain South Sudanese societies, which may delay postnatal consultations (Mugo et al., 2022). Furthermore, "hot and cold" foods beliefs, bathing prohibitions, and spiritual protection rituals influence postnatal care practices (Bwalya et al., 2021). Although there has been some study on maternal health in South Sudan, there have not yet been extensive studies on the direct impact of cultural beliefs on postnatal care, particularly among mothers who receive care at Juba Teaching Hospital. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how cultural determinants influence mothers' selection of postnatal care. Lastly, postnatal care remains a critical component of maternal and child health but its utilization is influenced by entrenched cultural habits and perceptions. Even though global and regional research capture the role of cultural determinants in maternal healthcare behaviors, a gap exists for country-specific studies in South Sudan. As a result of the poor maternal health infrastructure and limited healthcare access in the country, cultural factor awareness is significant for devising efficient and culturally sensitive healthcare programs. Identification through this research of the influence cultural beliefs exert over postnatal care use in mothers who access the Juba Teaching Hospital will aid in crafting more efficient policy and practice relating to maternal health. DR.Stephenson Nkurikiyimana Dean of student at Ayii University