Explanatory Mixed Methods Research Design Research Articles

Optimization of ride-sharing services: An investigation of the ride-hailing service providers

This study investigates the optimization of ride-sharing services (RSS) on the ride-hailing service (RHS) providers in Bangladesh. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method research design- a qualitative study followed by a quantitative one. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with twenty (20) riders and drivers in Bangladesh, and quantitative data were collected from 300 respondents consisting of riders and drivers using a convenience sampling technique. Factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to the data analysis. The qualitative analysis reveals several significant factors associated with RSS and RHS, including cost efficiency, fare, fuel consumption, traffic congestion, carbon emissions, environmental pollution, employment opportunities, business growth, and security. The quantitative results indicate that using RSS is associated with more significant benefits than RHS in various aspects, including cost efficiency, fare, fuel consumption, traffic congestion, carbon emissions, environmental pollution, employment opportunities, and expansion of the automobile industry. The findings may assist policymakers in understanding how RSS can yield more incredible economic, environmental, and social benefits than RHS by analyzing fare sharing among passengers, carbon emissions, fuel consumption, and the expansion of the vehicle markets etc. Therefore, the government can formulate distinct policies for RSS holders due to their contributions to economic, social, and environmental concerns. While RHS services are available in many cities in Bangladesh, this study considered only Dhaka and Sylhet cities. Thus, future studies can consider more respondents from other cities for a holistic understanding.

The Examination of the Counseling Supervision Effect on Personal and Professional Development of First-Time Supervisees

The study investigated how clinical supervision affects the personal and professional development of first-time supervisees. The explanatory sequential mixed methods research design was employed in the study. Quantitative data was collected using a single group pretest-posttest experimental design to evaluate the impact of supervision on the personal and professional development of counselors in training. Individual interviews were conducted with 51 volunteer participants who were counselors in training at a state university in western Türkiye. Paired-sample t-tests were used to analyze the quantitative data, while content analysis was employed for the qualitative data. The findings showed that supervision significantly enhanced the counselors in training's effective counselor characteristics and self-awareness management strategies. However, there were no significant differences in hindering self-awareness and professional disposition. The qualitative analysis revealed that counselors in training who participated in supervision gained a deeper understanding of counseling procedures and techniques, increased trust in the profession, and improved self-efficacy. Counselors in training also highlighted the positive impact of their supervisor and group supervision format on their development. The results of the study suggest the significance of supervision in counselor education. It is recommended that the variables included in the current research and the effect of supervision should be examined in more studies.

Evaluating the effectiveness of social workers as lead community care coordinators of a large integrated veteran affairs health care system in the Southeast region

ABSTRACT A Veteran Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS) in the Southeast region implemented the Social Workers as Lead Community Care Coordinators (SWLCCC) program to prevent delays in care coordination for veterans admitted to community hospitals. This study examines community hospital care coordinators’ perceptions and satisfaction levels with the SWLCCC program. An explanatory sequential mixed method research design was used. Surveys were analyzed using descriptive analysis and chi-square test of association and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that care coordination assistance has improved since the veteran-centered social work-led program was implemented.

Exploring engagement and flow experiences in collective music practices of amateurs, students and professional musicians

The purpose of this research was to explore the engagement and flow experiences in collective music practices of amateurs, students, and professional musicians. Based on the first phase of a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design, this article presents the results obtained from an online survey with 102 participants from diverse collective music practices. The results obtained were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Some statistically significant differences were observed in the interaction between participant groups (amateurs, students, and professionals) and dimensions of engagement (behavioral, cognitive, and emotional), as reported in the results and discussed in relation to the literature. In summary, we were able to explore and discuss some aspects of engagement, motivation, and flow experience based on the participants’ responses regarding their collective music practices.

Enhancing minority participation in cancer clinical trials: Insights from a mixed methods study.

70 Background: The urgency to enhance cancer clinical trial enrollment among racial and ethnic minority patients is underscored by the rise in novel therapies. This study examines referral mechanisms from a community-based oncology care clinic to an academic medical center, evaluates the clinical trial knowledge of minority groups, and explores perceptions and attitudes toward trials. Methods: Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design, Clinical Trial Knowledge Survey was administered to patients seen at the Hem/Onc clinic in a community-medical center. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariate analysis were used to examine associations between variables using STATA 18. Qualitative data from 10 semi-structured interviews were analyzed by two independent investigators using NVivo 14. Themes were identified through a combination of deductive and inductive approaches. Results: Of the 502 mailers sent, 97 individuals responded (response rate of 9.56%). Average age of participants was 54 years, predominantly single and African American. Majority of the of respondents (62%) agreed that patient participation is crucial for generating new and effective treatments. 65% believed that clinical trials are typically conducted on drugs presumed to be effective. However, 32.99% of the respondents perceived participation in clinical trials as a frightening experience. Four qualitative themes emerged: (i) Engagement with one’s health varied between participants. (ii) While clinical trial awareness was limited, willingness to participate was strongly endorsed. (iii) Clinical trial decision-making is a complex process heavily influenced by awareness of and attitudes toward clinical trials. (iv) There is a need to tailor educational strategies to increase awareness of and participation in clinical trials. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the critical role of awareness and tailored, culturally congruent educational strategies that are crucial to bridge the knowledge gap, alleviate hesitations, and enhance cancer clinical trial participation rates among racial and ethnic minorities.

Drought Adaptation Strategies Among Smallholder Cereal Farmers In Makueni County, Kenya

Increasing frequency and severity of drought increase vulnerability of smallholder cereal farmers globally. Arid and Semi-Arid Lands cover 80% of Kenya and location around the equator are major factors in drought development in the country. Frequent droughts result in fluctuations in cereal yields hence food insecurity in Makueni County. This study evaluated community-based and indigenous knowledge drought adaptations practiced by smallholder cereal farmers in Makueni County, Kenya. This study adopted explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. Household surveys (N=225) and key informant interviews (N=16) were used. Descriptive techniques were used in data analysis. The study found that frequent droughts in Makueni County resulted in adoption of small farm sizes for production of maize, sorghum and finger millet. Majority of the farmers produced between 1 and 10 bags of cereals. Majority (50.2%) of the smallholder cereal farmers who adopted community-based adaptations and indigenous knowledge-based drought adaptations strategies recorded an in increase in cereal yields in Makueni County. Early planting (66.7%), timely weeding (61.4%), manure application (57.0%), improving land tillage (56.1%), seed spacing (55.3%) and planting droughtresilient seeds (44.7%) led to the high annual cereal yields ranging between 1 and 10 bags in Makueni County. The drought adaptation strategies are commendable for upscaling in agro-ecological zones with similar climatic conditions in order to improve food production in the country. Information and data generated by this study is expected to result in improvement in drought adaptation policy formulation and adaptive capacity of smallholder cereal farmers hence, improvement in food production and security.

Elementary learning styles and application of the Dunn and Dunn learning style inventory model

This study explored the diverse learning styles of elementary pupils in an elementary school in the Philippines. It examined the application of the Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Inventory Model (DDL-SIM) to enhance educational outcomes. Recognizing the unique learning preferences of learners, the research aimed to bridge the gap in learning styles by implementing tailored teaching methods and strategies. Utilizing an explanatory mixed-methods research design, the study engaged all pupils using the complete enumeration sampling technique to ascertain their learning styles across five domains: environmental, emotional, sociological, physiological, and psychological. The survey questionnaire for the quantitative phase and the semi-structured interview guide questionnaire for the qualitative phase were employed, which were subjected to validity and reliability tests by the expert panel of evaluators. The study's data analyses utilized descriptive statistics, Spearman Rho correlation, and thematic analysis. As per the DDL-SIM, quantitative findings revealed significant emotional and physiological preferences, with significant relationships between demographic profiles and their learning styles. Qualitative insights underscored a holistic approach to learning as the generated major theme, emphasizing the interconnectedness of minor themes such as emotional intelligence, social dynamics, physical health, and environmental factors in the learning experiences. The study suggested that educators create tailored learning plans and gender-sensitive approaches and include emotional and physiological aspects in teaching. In support of varied learning styles, it promoted the DDL-SIM of educator’s professional development and parent and community participation. Hence, the DDL-SIM recognizes and addresses each learner's unique preferences, promoting a more inclusive and successful learning environment.

Content Analysis of Bioenergetics’ Conceptual Presentation in Senior High School Biology Textbooks

Factors that bring about a low mastery level of bioenergetics, a core concept in biology, include relatively poor teaching-learning experience and low-quality textbooks, among others. To determine which textbook and teaching components have affected the low learning mastery of the topics in bioenergetics, the researchers analyzed the textbooks’ quality of content, language, layout, and figures, and the teachers’ experience, contentment, and challenges while teaching the topic, and effects to the learners. Using a sequential explanatory mixed method research design, ten (10) textbooks, and seven (7) teacher participants were purposively selected following a set of criteria. Descriptive and principal component analyses revealed that the textbooks' quality depends on two components: (1) competent and coherent visuals and content, and (2) consistency of style in the varied forms of assessment. Narrative analysis and Quasi-Statistics analysis revealed that teachers are not contented with the textbooks as they are inadequate to teach the subject matter. The lack of good learning materials, coupled with low competence to introduce the topics, resulted in the low mastery level of the learners. The researchers propose that periodic textbook assessment, retooling of teachers’ skills, and deepening teachers’ understanding are necessary to improve learners’ performance in bioenergetics. Finally, this paper is instrumental in providing educators, resources and curriculum developers, and researchers a feasible and practical path to improve textbook quality and address pedagogical gaps.

Critical Analysis of Status of Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Manda, Lamu County, Kenya: A Multifaceted Examination of HUMINT and SIGINT

This paper presents a critical analysis of counter-terrorism strategies in Kenya, with a specific focus on the multifaceted examination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a thorough understanding of Kenya's efforts to combat terrorism. The target population of this study encompassed participants involved in counter-terrorism activities in Kenya. This included officers in security agencies such as the National Intelligence Service and the Kenya Defense Forces which formed our target population. A total of 93 officers participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. By addressing multiple levels of involvement, the paper provides a holistic view of counter-terrorism strategies and their impact. Quantitative data was collected through surveys administered to a representative sample of security personnel in the NIS and KDF. Qualitative data on the other hand was collected through interviews. Semi-structured interviews were done with key informants, such as heads of the National Intelligence Service and Kenya Defense Forces helped capture the nuanced perspectives on HUMINT and SIGINT. STATA and Statistical Package for Social Scences (SPSS) Software were used to analyze quantitative data from the survey. The statistical significance between the average expectations and average perceptions in both security agencies was analyzed using two-sample t-tests. Additionally, the significance of the gaps between the agencies was assessed with Hotelling’s T-squared test at a 5% significance level. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were also used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between the independent variable (s) and the dependent variable. The study generally found that the indicators of the HUMINT strategy were effective in countering terrorism except for source penetration. Further, the study determined that all indicators of SIGINT strategy were ineffective in countering terrorism except for interception of communication and timely warnings.

Cognitive influencing factors of ICU nurses on enteral nutrition interruption: a mixed methods study

BackgroundThe incidence of clinically avoidable enteral nutrition interruptions is high. ICU nurses, as the implementers and monitors of enteral nutrition, have a close relationship between their cognitive level of enteral nutrition interruption and the incidence of enteral nutrition interruption. The level of ICU nurses’ cognition of enteral nutrition interruption and the key factors influencing the level of ICU nurses’ cognition of enteral nutrition interruption are not known.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the cognitive level of ICU nurses on enteral nutrition interruption and delve into the key factors that affect their cognitive level from the perspective of management.DesignA sequential explanatory mixed methods research design was used.MethodsWith the convenience sampling method, an online survey questionnaire was distributed to ICU nurses in Chongqing, and 336 valid questionnaires were collected. After the survey, ICU managers were invited to participate in qualitative interviews, in which 10 participants from five hospitals completed face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews and were analyzed with thematic analysis.ResultsThe survey found that ICU nurses had a good level of cognition towards enteral nutrition interruption but poor knowledge about the definition, causes, and consequences of enteral nutrition interruption, as well as negative attitudes toward active learning, assessment, and communication. And the longer work time in the ICU, joining the nutrition team, receiving systematic training, and acquiring relevant knowledge from academic journals more frequently were favorable to improving ICU nurses’ knowledge level of enteral nutrition interruption. Personal interviews further identified the key factors affecting their cognitive level, including (1) lack of knowledge, (2) lack of proactive thinking, (3) lack of enteral nutrition management programs, and (4) lack of quality management tools for enteral nutrition interruption.ConclusionAlthough ICU nurses demonstrate a relatively high level of cognition, there is still room for improvement. ICU administrators must take specific measures to improve the knowledge of ICU nurses, especially in non-tertiary hospitals, in order to prevent nurse-induced enteral nutrition interruption in all ICUs and improve medical quality.Trial registrationNot applicable.

The The Impact of Overt Strategy Instruction in EFL Classrooms on Reading and Listening Achievement

Language learning strategies may have a key role in foreign language learning because they may foster learner autonomy and motivation. Keeping the learner-centred nature of language learning strategies in mind, this study set out to understand the impact of overt listening and reading strategy instruction on learners’ listening and reading achievement. The study employed an explanatory mixed-method research design. Research instruments were reading and listening achievement tests and semi-structured interviews. The treatment involved overt listening and reading strategy instruction that lasted for four weeks. The findings revealed that overt listening and reading strategy instruction fostered learners’ reading and listening achievement. Similarly, semi-structured interviews revealed that learners were willing to transfer the strategies they learned to new learning situations and keep using these strategies in future learning situations.

Current status of electronic health literacy among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their perceptions of online health information: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundWomen diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus often rely on internet-based health information for managing their condition. This study aims to investigate the present state of electronic health literacy among women with gestational diabetes mellitus, analyze the influencing factors, and explore their experiences regarding accessing, comprehending, evaluating, and applying online health information pertinent to gestational diabetes mellitus.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed methods research design was adopted in this study. Initially, 235 women with gestational diabetes mellitus participated in a cross-sectional survey. The research tools included general information and the Chinese version of the electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Descriptive analyses were conducted to describe the characteristics of the sample, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the factors influencing electronic health literacy among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Secondly, 11 women with gestational diabetes mellitus joined semi-structured in-depth interviews to obtain their perceptions about online health information. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis to develop themes.ResultsThe median score of eHEALS in the Chinese version among 235 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus was 29 (interquartile range [IQR], 26 to 32). Factors influencing electronic health literacy among these women included accessing health information from medical professionals (β = 0.137, p = 0.029) and utilizing health information from applications (β = 0.159, p = 0.013). From the qualitative phase of the study, four thematic categories emerged: reasons and basis for accessing health information from the Internet; address barriers to accessing and applying online health information; desires for a higher level of online health information services; outcomes of accessing and applying online health information.ConclusionThe electronic health literacy of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus remains suboptimal and warrants improvement. The sources of access to health information affect electronic health literacy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Moreover, women facing gestational diabetes encounter numerous impediments when attempting to access health-related information online, underscoring the necessity for enhanced online health information services to meet their needs.

Development of Early Childhood Education Teachers in Information and Communication Technologies for Literacy or Pedagogy

This study aimed to establish how teachers were capacitated to integrate Information, Communication and Technologies (ICT) towards development of 21st century skills among Early Childhood Education level learners, in the Zimbabwean primary schools. This is in the face of a conglomerate of limitations based on teacher capacity, school culture and access to the ICT resources. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires administered to 126 Early Childhood Development teachers drawn from 230 primary schools, followed by qualitative data collection through analysis of documents, focus group interviews and lesson observations with selected teachers. From analysis of quantitative and qualitative data through SPSS and ATLAS.ti respectively, it was found that teacher training colleges were strong in developing ICT literacy. However, they lacked the capacity to empower the teachers to integrate ICTs for instructional purposes. Such findings retard the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Zimbabwe Vision 2030. These goals regard ICTs as a cornerstone in the production of knowledgeable workers and qualified human resources for development of 21st skills among learners. Thus, the study recommends adoption of a model characterised by an institutional organisational context with organised internal and external support systems that facilitate sustainable provision of balanced technological, pedagogical and content knowledge for successful ICT integration in line with the national vision and global trends.

Learners’ and teachers’ perspectives on the use of code switching in Geography teaching and learning

Language of instruction stands as a crucial element in fostering learners’ comprehension of any subject matter. Prior studies indicate that learners’ limited proficiency in the English language is among the factors influencing their performance in Geography. The present study delved into the impact of code switching in the domain of Lesotho’s geography education, drawing insights from both learners’ and teachers’ viewpoints. Drawing on Hoffmann’s theory of code switching, the study employed explanatory sequential mixed method research design, which involved classroom observations, focus-group interviews as well as in-depth interviews with grade 10 learners and teachers respectively. Findings indicate that code switching in geography education improves learners’ comprehension by improving their proficiency in subject-specific terminology. However, an over-reliance on code switching must be avoided as learners can lose their ability to employ geography vocabulary. This study suggests that the Lesotho Education Language Policy could be revised to include the selective use of mother tongues in teaching and learning.

Exploring Contextual Factors Affecting Student Performance in Mathematics: A Sequential Explanatory Research

This study aimed to explore and characterize the contextual factors that affect academic performance in learning mathematics among high school students. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method research design, and primary data were collected with the aid of the adopted questionnaire for quantitative data, and the interview was done for qualitative data. The study used descriptive and inferential statistical methods in analyzing and interpreting the gathered data. In addition, qualitative data were analyzed through a thematic analysis approach. Results showed that the performance of students in mathematics is influenced by different factors such as students' attitudes towards mathematics, self-efficacy, parental support, and the learning environment. In addition, a thematized interview with the students supports the quantitative analysis that their performance in mathematics was governed by the said factors. Conclusively, students must be supported in their learning by providing doable tasks and exciting problems in mathematics to boost their attitude and self-efficacy. Parents are also advised to give them the appropriate support to motivate them in their studies. Moreover, teachers must integrate welfare and positive attitudes towards students to have a conducive learning experience.

Factors Impacting One-year Follow-up Visit Adherence after Bariatric Surgery in West China: A Mixed Methods Study

PurposeQuality follow-up (FU) is crucial after bariatric surgery. However, poor adherence after surgery is prevalent. This research aimed to explore the factors related to FU adherence after bariatric surgery in West China.Materials and MethodsThis study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design. Participants (n = 177) were identified from the West China Hospital. Demographic information, disease profile, treatment information, and post-surgery FU information were obtained from the bariatric surgery database of the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the West China Hospital. The survey data were analyzed using logistic regression. Semi-structured interviews with participants (n = 10) who had low adherence were conducted. The recording was transcribed verbatim and entered into qualitative data analysis software. Qualitative data were analyzed using a content analysis approach.ResultsMultiple logistic regression revealed that living in Chengdu (OR, 2.308), being employed (OR, 2.532), non-smoking (OR, 2.805), and having less than five years of obesity (OR, 2.480) were positive predictors of FU adherence within one year. Semi-structured interviews suggested that factors related to adherence to FU were lack of motivation, lack of opportunity, insufficient ability, and beliefs regarding consequences.ConclusionFactors impacting one-year FU visit adherence after bariatric surgery include not only demographic and disease-related factors but also social and family factors. These results will provide evidence to support healthcare professionals in developing personalized postoperative FU management strategies.Graphical

Justifying an application of the explanatory sequential mixed methods research design in maritime research

ABSTRACT Despite the efficacy of the mixed methods research design, there appears to be a need for more application in the maritime theme areas. This paper demonstrates the use of explanatory sequential mixed methods research (MMR) design in investigating the retention of ship officers. Previous studies often relied on the lopsided viewpoint of industry employers (using qualitative-oriented mono-methods) without capturing the employee side of the discourse. A web-based survey of 305 ship officers and a semi-structured telephone interview with 20 senior managers helped identify factors predicting the departure of ship officers to landside jobs. A long period of separation from family is a vital issue. Analysis of the interview transcripts helped explain the survey results. Sustainable HR practices are needed among shipping industry employers. Many respondents indicated that personal reasons accounted for the departure to landside jobs. The lack of support from employers during times of crisis compounds a high turnover conundrum among highly skilled ship officers. Shipping industry employers need to dedicate more resources to seafarer training even as the emergence of new technologies on board ships is placing existing skills out of fashion.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and psychosocial risk factors in first response workers to emergencies mixed method

First responders to emergencies are exposed to various risks, including psychosocial risk factors. Caring for patients in critical situations, experiencing traumatic events, and working under highly complex conditions increase their probability of developing mental disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between PTSD and psychosocial risk factors and to understand the experiences of the disorder in this population. An explanatory sequential mixed method research design was used. The quantitative phase was an analytical cross-sectional observational study (n = 193), and the qualitative phase was phenomenological (n = 5). The psychosocial risk factors that best explained the presence of PTSD symptoms were the influence of non-work conditions on work, religion, emotional avoidance, and professional support as individual factors related to coping strategies. Individual factors such as coping strategies were determining factors that explained the symptoms of PTSD, and the influence of non-work conditions on work. It was identified that the demands of the job and the organizational factors, such as leadership style and lack of institutional support, generate anguish in workers and affect their ability to regulate their emotions when exposed to critical incidents.

CONTEXTUAL KNOWLEDGE IN ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION: A STUDY OF TVET EDUCATORS' PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

In ensuring TVET graduates have been equipped with a good level of competency and are ready for industrial revolution 4.0 needs, a lot of initiatives have been introduced by the National TVET Council (MTVET), universities and TVET institutions providers. But there is still a phenomenon where the industry questions the quality of TVET graduates, particularly in the aspects of knowledge and skills. In making the TVET students able to capture and realize the real working environments and practices during the process of teaching and learning, TVET educators need to instill the elements of contextual knowledge into their curriculum design. Having a contextual teaching and learning approach in the education system has been proved by many scholars that it has had a good impact on making the students involved in meaningful learning processes by connecting them to real-life situations and linking them on how to apply it in the workplace and everyday life. Thus, this present study has investigated the utilization of contextual knowledge in teaching and learning electrical technology courses among TVET educators. An explanatory sequential mixed method research design has been followed to conduct this investigation study. Two phases of data collection have been involved and the priority has been given to quantitative data and followed by qualitative research data. The population for this study is electrical technology program lecturers from the Vocational Colleges in Malaysia. Findings from this study are expected to give a current visual of contextual knowledge levels among TVET educators that have been instilled in the teaching and learning process. In future research, all the significant findings from this study can be utilized for conducting follow-up research on developing a framework of contextual knowledge in teaching and learning for TVET educators.

Digital Skills: The Unavoidable Tool for Use of Academic Libraries during Covid-19

Aims: This study set out to establish the relationship between digital skills and the use of academic libraries in the Anglo-Saxon State Universities in Cameroon during the covid-19 period.
 Study Design: The study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed method research design.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the University of Bamenda Central Library and the University of Buea Library from 2020 to 2023.
 Methodology: A sample of 377 was selected from library staff and users through simple random sampling. Instruments for data collection were an interview guide, an observation guide and a questionnaire. Validity of instruments was guaranteed with the help of subject and language experts. Reliability was guaranteed by the use of Cronbach’s alpha and a value of .83 was attained. The data collection process was achieved using both direct delivery and electronic methods (Google Forms and Phone calls). Response rate for the questionnaire was 92.16% and for the interviews, 80%. Data from interviews were analysed thematically, from observations narratively and data from the questionnaire analysed using both descriptively (frequencies and percentages) and inferentially (Pearson correlation and simple linear regression).
 Results: The study found a positive correlation between use of academic libraries and digital skills (r(329) = .531, p < .01). Regression analysis showed that Digital Skills is statistically a significant predictor of the use of academic libraries (β = .632, t =7.269, p < .001). Challenges witnessed in relation to digital skills of library users and staff include technophobia, software, poor digital skills, and limited access to digital tools and insufficient equipment. The libraries under study made efforts to manage challenges through: networking, training, adopting new software and machines, and IT staff. These challenges therefore served as a barrier to the effective use of academic libraries.
 Conclusion: The study concludes that digital skills is a significant predictor of use of academic libraries in crises periods and if such challenges identified are not properly addressed, libraries are likely to register lower rates of patrons’ use and satisfaction.