![]() ![]() Top Analytic Strategies and Health Equity Implications Definitions of key terms are provided in Table 1. Our pragmatic process follows some of the analytic strategies of applied thematic analysis (9) and other approaches popular in the health sciences, such as constructivist grounded theory (10) and phenomenology (11). We will not delve into additional details on the use of qualitative methods for health equity research, assessment, and evaluation (for a recent review, see Shelton et al ). Therefore, we share an overview of a systematic, yet pragmatic, qualitative analysis approach to explore phenomena in context, elevate voices of those affected by health inequities, and inform health equity–focused interventions and related efforts. Understanding qualitative data is especially needed within the context of health equity research, in which qualitative methods may be a primary source of information about how and why inequities exist and what people think should be done to advance health equity for their communities.Ĭonsiderable time and effort are required to develop expertise in qualitative analysis however, time and resources may be limited for those working in health equity–focused research and public health practice. As more researchers and practitioners employ qualitative methods, there is a need for accessible and straightforward guidance on how to analyze and identify meaning within qualitative data, particularly among those without formal training in qualitative methods. Integrating qualitative methods in study designs allows researchers to develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of relationships and contexts that influence health than quantitative methods alone can (1,8). Major public health funding bodies encourage researchers to propose study designs that integrate qualitative and quantitative data (8). Employing qualitative methods (alone or in combination with quantitative methods) offers opportunities to produce new insights into the sources of health inequities (4–6) and leads to innovations in multilevel intervention development to decrease health inequities (1,5,7). Because health equity–driven research prioritizes eliminating socially unjust differences in health such that all have equitable access to resources, quality health care, and opportunities to be healthy, qualitative methods are an important tool in the health equity researcher’s or practitioner’s toolbox. Qualitative methods use nonnumerical or nonstatistical processes to explore human behavior and experiences in context as well as complex social-level and structural-level phenomena, including the social production of health (1–3). These strategies will guide those less experienced in qualitative methodology to employ a pragmatic approach to analysis that is sound, reasonable, and produces meaningful insight that can be used to inform efforts to advance health equity for communities with the greatest needs. We share a 4-step analytic strategy for health equity researchers and practitioners - particularly those with limited training in qualitative data analysis - that can be used to effectively execute qualitative analysis to inform health equity–driven efforts. As more health equity researchers employ qualitative methods in their study designs, additional guidance is needed on how to conduct robust and rigorous qualitative data analyses. One well-suited approach is the use of robust qualitative methods (alone or in combination with quantitative methods). Researchers and public health practitioners increasingly need to leverage diverse methodologic approaches in health equity research that will lead to innovations in the assessment of health inequities and development of interventions to decrease health inequities. These strategies will guide those who are less experienced in qualitative methodology to use a pragmatic approach to analysis that is sound, reasonable, and produces meaningful insight. ![]() What are the implications for public health practice? We offer a 4-step strategy for analyzing qualitative data and discuss health equity implications for each strategy. Integrating qualitative methods in study designs allows researchers to understand the relationships and contexts that influence health.Īs more health equity researchers employ qualitative methods in their study designs, there is a need for additional pragmatic guidance on how to conduct robust and rigorous qualitative data analyses.
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