1. Title Page

• The title page is the first point of contact between the reader and the research document. It serves as a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the study.
• It typically includes the proposed title of the research, the researcher’s name, index number, the institution and department, and the year of submission.
• The title is a critical element, as it must clearly and succinctly convey the essence of the research. It should be relevant to societal needs, ethically sound, feasible to execute, novel, up-to-date, justifiable, and possess measurable attributes.
• A well-crafted title is usually around 20 words (± 3 words) and should be appropriately worded to reflect the study’s scope and focus.
• An effective title includes the independent and dependent variables, the target population, and the study area, ensuring that the reader can immediately grasp the research’s focus and significance.

Example:

• • • Title: “The Impact of Nurse-Led Diabetes Education Programs on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Urban Clinics”
    • Researcher’s Name: Jane Doe
    • Index Number: 123456
    • Institution and Department: School of Nursing, University of Health Sciences
    • Year: 2023

Explanation:
The title is concise (20 words) and includes the independent variable (nurse-led diabetes education programs), the dependent variable (glycemic control), the target population (Type 2 diabetic patients), and the study area (urban clinics). It is relevant to healthcare, ethical, feasible, and measurable.

2. Declaration Page

• The declaration page contains a formal statement by the researcher affirming the originality of the work.
• It explicitly states that the research has not been submitted or published elsewhere, thereby upholding academic integrity and ethical standards.

Example:
“I, Jane Doe, hereby declare that this research work titled ‘The Impact of Nurse-Led Diabetes Education Programs on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients’ is my original work and has not been submitted to any other institution for academic credit or publication.”

Explanation:
This declaration ensures the originality of the research and upholds academic integrity.

3. Abstract

• The abstract is a concise summary of the entire research report, typically not exceeding 350 words. It provides a snapshot of the study, enabling readers to quickly understand its purpose, methodology, findings, and implications.
• A well-structured abstract includes the following elements:
  • The problem investigated: A single sentence summarizing the research problem.
  • Research questions, hypotheses, or objectives: A clear statement of what the study aims to achieve.
  • Reasons for conducting the study: A brief explanation of the study’s significance.
  • Methods: A summary of the research design, including the population, sample, and instruments used.
  • Main findings: Key results aligned with the research objectives or questions.
  • Conclusions: Insights derived from the findings.
  • Recommendations: Practical suggestions based on the conclusions.

Example:
“This study investigated the effectiveness of nurse-led diabetes education programs in improving glycemic control among Type 2 diabetic patients in urban clinics. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 200 participants divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received structured diabetes education from trained nurses over six months, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using HbA1c tests and self-reported adherence to medication and lifestyle changes. Results showed a significant improvement in glycemic control (p < 0.05) in the intervention group compared to the control group. The study concludes that nurse-led education programs are effective in managing Type 2 diabetes and recommends their integration into routine clinical practice.”

Explanation:
The abstract is concise (under 350 words) and includes the problem, methods, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

4. Copyright Page

• • The copyright page includes a formal statement asserting the researcher’s ownership of the work.
  • This page protects the intellectual property rights of the researcher and ensures that the work cannot be reproduced or distributed without proper authorization.

Example:
“© 2023 Jane Doe. All rights reserved. No part of this research document may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.”

Explanation:
This statement protects the intellectual property rights of the researcher.

5. Authorization/Approval Page

• • This page serves as official documentation that the research has been reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities or committees.
  • It validates the research’s adherence to institutional and ethical standards, enhancing its credibility.

Example:
“This research titled ‘The Impact of Nurse-Led Diabetes Education Programs on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients’ has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Health Sciences and the Ethics Committee of Urban Clinics.”

Explanation:
This page confirms that the research has met ethical and institutional standards.

6. Dedication

• • The dedication page is an optional but meaningful section where the researcher can dedicate their work to individuals or groups who have inspired or supported them.
  • This personal touch adds a human element to the academic document.

Example:
“This work is dedicated to my late grandmother, who lived with Type 2 diabetes and inspired my passion for improving diabetes care.”

Explanation:
The dedication adds a personal touch and emotional connection to the research.

7. Preface or Acknowledgements

• • In this section, the researcher expresses gratitude to those who contributed to the completion of the research.
  • Acknowledgments may extend to funders, supervisors, administrators, respondents, typists, and others who provided assistance or resources.
  • This section highlights the collaborative nature of research and recognizes the collective effort involved.

Example:
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. John Smith, for his invaluable guidance and support throughout this research. I am also thankful to the nurses and staff at Urban Clinics for their cooperation, and to the patients who participated in this study. Special thanks to my family for their unwavering encouragement.”

Explanation:
This section acknowledges the contributions of individuals and organizations involved in the research.

8. Table of Contents

• • The table of contents provides a detailed roadmap of the document, listing all sections and their corresponding page numbers.
  • It enables readers to navigate the document efficiently and locate specific information with ease.

Example:
Table of Contents

1. 1. 1. Introduction …………………………………………. 1
      2. Literature Review ………………………………… 5
      3. Methodology ………………………………………. 12
      4. Results …………………………………………….. 20
      5. Discussion ………………………………………… 25
      6. Conclusion and Recommendations …………. 30
      7. References ………………………………………… 35
      8. Appendices ……………………………………….. 40

Explanation:
The table of contents provides a clear roadmap of the document.

9. List of Figures and List of Tables

• • These pages catalog all figures and tables included in the document, along with their respective page numbers.
  • They serve as a quick reference guide, helping readers locate visual aids and data presentations without difficulty.

Example:
List of Figures
Figure 1: Conceptual Framework ……………………. 14
Figure 2: Flowchart of Participant Recruitment ….. 16

List of Tables
Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Participants …. 18
Table 2: Comparison of HbA1c Levels Before and After Intervention …. 22

Explanation:
These lists help readers quickly locate visual aids and data presentations.

10. Definition of Terms

• • This section provides clear and concise definitions of key terms used in the research.
  • By ensuring that all readers share a common understanding of critical concepts, this section enhances the clarity and accessibility of the document.

Example:

• • • Glycemic Control: The maintenance of blood glucose levels within a target range, typically measured using HbA1c levels.
    • Nurse-Led Education Programs: Structured educational interventions delivered by trained nurses to improve patient knowledge and self-management skills.
    • Type 2 Diabetes: A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.

Explanation:
This section ensures clarity and understanding of key terms.

11. Abbreviations

• • A list of abbreviations used in the document is provided to facilitate ease of reading and comprehension.
  • This section ensures that readers can quickly decode any acronyms or shorthand notations employed in the research.

Example:

• • • HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c
    • IRB: Institutional Review Board
    • RCT: Randomized Controlled Trial

Explanation:
This list helps readers decode abbreviations used in the document.

Importance of Preliminary Pages

The preliminary pages play a pivotal role in the overall research document. Their significance can be summarized as follows:

• Securing Funding: By providing a clear and compelling overview of the research, these pages help attract potential funders and stakeholders.
• Guiding the Researcher: They serve as a roadmap, outlining the plan and steps to be followed throughout the research process.
• Meeting Certification Requirements: They demonstrate adherence to ethical and institutional standards, ensuring that the research meets the necessary certification criteria.
• Generating New Ideas: The process of drafting these pages often sparks new insights and ideas, enriching the research.
• Establishing Feasibility: They help assess the practical aspects of the study, ensuring that the research is viable and achievable.
• Educational Requirement: In many tertiary programs, the inclusion of preliminary pages is a mandatory component of research documentation.
• Anticipating Challenges: They enable the researcher to identify and address potential limitations and challenges early in the process.
• Captivating Interest: The proposal aims to engage readers, showcase the researcher’s expertise, validate the methodology, and demonstrate the study’s practical relevance.