An overview of qualitative research methodology for public health researchers

Antonn Isaacs

doi:10.4103/2230-8598.144055

Abstract

Qualitative research methodology enables researchers to explore social and behavioural issues related to public health that are not achievable with quantitative methods. Several complex public health issues can be better understood by exploration using qualitative methodologies. However, these methodologies are underutilized in public health research particularly in developing countries. This paper aims to introduce qualitative research to students and researchers in public health in developing countries and to encourage its use in research by presenting an overview of how to undertake a qualitative research study. Key aspects of this methodology include choosing and working within a theoretical framework, recruitment of participants, following the right process of data analysis, and presentation of findings for publication.

Highlights

Qualitative research is useful when the research focuses on complex issues such as human behavior and felt needs
This paper aims to introduce qualitative research to students and researchers in public health in developing countries
It is suggested that health researchers who do not state the theoretical framework that their work is underpinned by, could unwittingly be using Qualitative Description (QD) as their framework.[16,17]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Qualitative research is useful when the research focuses on complex issues such as human behavior and felt needs. Despite the importance of following a theoretical framework in qualitative research, it is not uncommon for qualitative reports in public health to not specify the theoretical framework that the study is built on Rather they only list the number of focus groups or in-depth interviews that were conducted.[15] It is suggested that health researchers who do not state the theoretical framework that their work is underpinned by, could unwittingly be using Qualitative Description (QD) as their framework.[16,17] QD is a relatively recent method of naturalistic inquiry which aims to “present a rich, straight description of an experience or an event.’’[18] In QD studies, participants are asked to describe events in their own words and to suggest ways of improving outcomes or changing behaviours.[19].

Method of data collection Advantages limitations

CONCLUSION