Mixed Method Integration Using Participant Selection Variant and Principle of Maximum Variation in Investigating Self-Reported Medication Compliance among Older Jamaicans Adults Diagnosed with Hypertension, Diabetes and Arthritis

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The general objective of this study was to use a mixed methods approach to study the behavioural aspects of medication compliance among older Jamaican adults, diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. This article focusses on the methodological aspects of the research process. Specifically, we explored how the principle of maximum variation was used in tandem with the participant selection variant as a mixed-method integration technique. Method: A two-strand explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed. In the first strand, secondary analysis was performed on an existing data set. From the findings, the maximum variation was used to create diverse character categories or dimensions, using demographic variables that have statistically significant associations with the outcome variable. Those characteristic dimensions were then used to inform the selection of participants for the second qualitative strand of the study. Finding: The Principle of Maximum Variation is a good fit for seamless blending of methods when conducting research using mixed methodology. Conclusion: Mixed methodology is often simplified as the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches in a study. However, by employing the principle of maximum variation as a qualitative method to inform the participant selection variant of the explanatory sequential design, a perfect blend of methods is achieved to exemplify the essence of mixed methodology.