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Researching reducing health disparities: Mixed-methods approaches

Author

Listed:
  • Stewart, Miriam
  • Makwarimba, Edward
  • Barnfather, Alison
  • Letourneau, Nicole
  • Neufeld, Anne

Abstract

There is a pressing need for assessment and intervention research focused on reducing health disparities. In our research program, the use of mixed methods has enhanced assessment of the mediating impacts of social support on the health of vulnerable populations and enabled the design and testing of support interventions. This paper highlights the benefits and challenges of mixed methods for investigating inequities; and, illustrates the application of mixed methods in two exemplar studies focused on vulnerable populations in Canada. Qualitative methods fostered in-depth understanding of vulnerable populations' support needs, support resources, intervention preferences, and satisfaction with intervention strategies and impacts. Quantitative methods documented the effectiveness and outcomes of intervention strategies, and enhanced the reliability and validity of assessments and interventions. The researchers demonstrate that participatory strategies are needed to make studies more relevant to reducing health disparities, contextually appropriate, and empowering.

Suggested Citation

  • Stewart, Miriam & Makwarimba, Edward & Barnfather, Alison & Letourneau, Nicole & Neufeld, Anne, 2008. "Researching reducing health disparities: Mixed-methods approaches," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(6), pages 1406-1417, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:66:y:2008:i:6:p:1406-1417
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joanna Sale & Kevin Brazil, 2004. "A Strategy to Identify Critical Appraisal Criteria for Primary Mixed-Method Studies," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 38(4), pages 351-365, August.
    2. Santana, Paula, 2002. "Poverty, social exclusion and health in Portugal," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 55(1), pages 33-45, July.
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    1. Goodman, Anna & Guell, Cornelia & Panter, Jenna & Jones, Natalia R. & Ogilvie, David, 2012. "Healthy travel and the socio-economic structure of car commuting in Cambridge, UK: A mixed-methods analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(12), pages 1929-1938.
    2. Stewart, Miriam J. & Kushner, Kaysi Eastlick & Greaves, Lorraine & Letourneau, Nicole & Spitzer, Denise & Boscoe, Madeline, 2010. "Impacts of a support intervention for low-income women who smoke," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(11), pages 1901-1909, December.
    3. Anthony Surace & David G. Zelaya & Arryn A. Guy & Nadine R. Mastroleo & Ayla Durst & David W. Pantalone & Peter M. Monti & Kenneth H. Mayer & Christopher W. Kahler, 2022. "Examining the Impact of Race on Motivational Interviewing Implementation and Outcomes with HIV+ Heavy Drinking Men Who Have Sex with Men," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-14, March.
    4. Louise W. McEachern & Sandra Harris & Renata Valaitis & Anissa Watson & Jennifer Yessis & Barbara Zupko & Rhona M. Hanning, 2022. "Learning Circles: A Collaborative Approach to Enhance Local, Healthy and Traditional Foods for Youth in the Northerly Community of Hazelton/Upper Skeena, British Columbia, Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-19, November.
    5. Usha George & Mary S. Thomson & Ferzana Chaze & Sepali Guruge, 2015. "Immigrant Mental Health, A Public Health Issue: Looking Back and Moving Forward," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-25, October.

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