Data Collection
Data were collected by two research assistants in each
of the three regions. One research assistant collected data
from patients in surgical wards, and the other collected
data from patients in medical wards. Research assistants
were all trained in conducting systematic sampling in
compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria under
"participants." The questionnaire was distributed and
administered by paper and pencil for patients who were
assigned even numbers on the admissions list. Patients were
offered assistance in filling out the questionnaire if they
were unable to read and/or write.