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Suchman L, Gitome S, Nyando M, Kwena ZA, Wekesa P, Okumu S, Ndunyu L, Okoli C, Tijani A, Jegede A, Idiodi I, Nmadu G, Dimowo S, Maluwa A, Atuyambe L, Birabwa C, Alitubeera P, Kaudha B, Kayego A, Jumbe T, Mtalimanja I, Vallin J, Sinha E, Phillips BS, Amongin D, Bukusi E, Holt K, Kamanga M, Liu J, Malata A, Omoluabi E, Waiswa P. Many Cooks in the Kitchen: Iterating a Qualitative Analysis Process Across Multiple Countries, Sites, and Teams. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023; 11:e2300143. [PMID: 38050043 PMCID: PMC10749643 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-23-00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Establishing and proving methodological rigor has long been a challenge for qualitative researchers where quantitative methods prevail, but much published literature on qualitative analysis assumes a relatively small number of researchers working in relative proximity. This is particularly true for research conducted with a grounded theory approach. Different versions of grounded theory are commonly used, but this methodology was originally developed for a single researcher collecting and analyzing data in isolation. Although grounded theory has evolved since its development, little has been done to reconcile this approach with the changing nature and composition of international research teams. Advances in technology and an increased emphasis on transnational collaboration have facilitated a shift wherein qualitative datasets have been getting larger and the teams collecting and analyzing them more diverse and diffuse. New processes and systems are therefore required to respond to these conditions. Data for this article are drawn from the experiences of the Innovations for Choice and Autonomy (ICAN) Research Consortium. ICAN aims to understand how self-injectable contraceptives can be implemented in ways that best meet women's needs in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Nigeria. We found that taking a structured approach to analysis was important for maintaining consistency and making the process more manageable across countries. However, it was equally important to allow for flexibility within this structured approach so that teams could adapt more easily to local conditions, making data collection and accompanying analysis more feasible. Meaningfully including all interested researchers in the analysis process and providing support for learning also increased rigor. However, competing priorities in a complex study made it difficult to adhere to planned timelines. We conclude with recommendations for both funders and study teams to design and conduct global health studies that ensure more equitable contributions to analysis while remaining logistically feasible and methodologically sound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Suchman
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Serah Gitome
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Okumu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alfred Maluwa
- Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe, Malawi
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Betty Kaudha
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Kayego
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Janelli Vallin
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elena Sinha
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Beth S Phillips
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dinah Amongin
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Kelsey Holt
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jenny Liu
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Address Malata
- Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe, Malawi
| | | | - Peter Waiswa
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Busoga Health Forum, Jinja, Uganda
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