in this chapter, the researcher:

• Discusses findings in relation to objectives and previous studies.

• Draws conclusions from results.

• Makes practical and policy recommendations.

• Highlights implications and study limitations.

It provides answers to the research questions and shows how the study contributes to existing knowledge or solves a real problem.

Discussion of Findings

Purpose of the Discussion

The discussion interprets the meaning and significance of the results presented in Chapter Four.
It links findings to:

• The study objectives and research questions

• Theoretical or conceptual framework

• Previous studies in the same field

It explains why and how results occurred rather than just restating them.

How to Write the Discussion

Organize the discussion per research objective or question.
For each, follow these steps:

Step 1: Restate the Objective

Begin by reminding the reader of the specific objective or question being discussed.

Objective One: To assess the effect of community health education on HIV testing uptake among adolescents in Kampala.

Step 2: Summarize Key Findings

Briefly highlight what was found in relation to that objective.

Results revealed that adolescents exposed to community health education were twice as likely to test for HIV compared to those who were not exposed.

Step 3: Interpret the Findings

Explain what the findings mean and possible reasons behind them.

The improved testing uptake could be due to increased awareness and peer influence resulting from community health talks.

Step 4: Compare with Previous Studies

Support or contrast your findings with literature from Chapter Two.

This finding agrees with Namusoke et al. (2018) who observed that continuous community dialogue enhances voluntary HIV testing.
However, it contradicts Nanyonjo (2020), who found no significant association between community education and testing behavior—likely due to differences in target age groups.

Step 5: Theoretical Explanation

Relate findings to the conceptual or theoretical framework guiding the study.

According to the Health Belief Model, individuals take preventive health actions when they perceive benefits and low barriers—this study supports that principle.

Step 6: Highlight Implications

Show how results influence practice, policy, or further research.

These findings imply that integrating peer-led community education into adolescent HIV programs could enhance early testing and linkage to care.

Tips for Writing a Good Discussion

• Avoid repeating tables and numerical data.

• Be interpretive, not descriptive.

• Acknowledge unexpected results and possible explanations.

• Maintain a logical flow linking data, theory, and literature.

• Discuss consistencies and contradictions with previous research.

Example (as in Kayizzi, 2015):

“Our study found that Tenofovir-based ART showed superiority over Zidovudine-arm in reducing HIV viral load among adults. This could be due to the fact that Tenofovir is more potent and well tolerated. This result is in favor of a study done in Rwanda which also reported high viral suppression rates. However, the result is not supported by another study in Kenya, possibly due to adherence differences and study setting variations.”

Conclusions

Purpose

The conclusion summarizes what the study discovered based on the discussion and objectives.
It gives an overall judgment drawn from the findings.

Key Features

• Concise summary of findings per objective.

• Clear answers to research questions.

• Statement on whether hypotheses were supported or rejected (if applicable).

• Reflection on how findings contribute to knowledge, policy, or practice.

Example:

The study concluded that community-based health education significantly increases HIV testing uptake among adolescents. Peer-to-peer approaches proved more effective than facility-based sessions, suggesting that involving adolescents as peer educators enhances program impact.

Recommendations

Purpose

Recommendations translate conclusions into practical actions, policy suggestions, and research directions.

Types of Recommendations

a. Policy Recommendations

The Ministry of Health should adopt and scale up peer-led community health education models within adolescent HIV programs.

b. Practice Recommendations

Health workers should conduct regular interactive sessions to reinforce testing and counseling behaviors among adolescents.

c. Research Recommendations

Further longitudinal studies should assess the long-term impact of peer-led community education on HIV prevention outcomes.

Qualities of Good Recommendations

• Directly derived from findings.

• Realistic and actionable.

• Address specific audiences (e.g., policymakers, practitioners).

• Linked to study limitations and feasibility.