Back to Search Start Over

Novel Methods for Leveraging Large Cohort Studies for Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Research.

Authors :
Nguyen, Katie Truc Nhat H
Stuart, Jennifer J
Shah, Aarushi H
Becene, Iris A
West, Madeline G
Berrill, Jane
Gelaye, Bizu
Borba, Christina P C
Rich-Edwards, Janet W
Source :
American Journal of Epidemiology. May2023, Vol. 192 Issue 5, p821-829. 9p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Qualitative research methods, while rising in popularity, are still a relatively underutilized tool in public health research. Usually reserved for small samples, qualitative research techniques have the potential to enhance insights gained from large questionnaires and cohort studies, both deepening the interpretation of quantitative data and generating novel hypotheses that might otherwise be missed by standard approaches; this is especially true where exposures and outcomes are new, understudied, or rapidly changing, as in a pandemic. However, methods for the conduct of qualitative research within large samples are underdeveloped. Here, we describe a novel method of applying qualitative research methods to free-text comments collected in a large epidemiologic questionnaire. Specifically, this method includes: 1) a hierarchical system of coding through content analysis; 2) a qualitative data management application; and 3) an adaptation of Cohen's κ and percent agreement statistics for use by a team of coders, applying multiple codes per record from a large codebook. The methods outlined in this paper may help direct future applications of qualitative and mixed methods within large cohort studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00029262
Volume :
192
Issue :
5
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
American Journal of Epidemiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
163564757
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwad030