Qualitative research in nutrition and dietetics: getting started

Area of Science:

• Qualitative health research
• Nutrition and dietetics research

Background:

• Qualitative research effectively addresses complex questions regarding food-related behaviors by exploring the 'how' and 'why' of individual actions.
• The field of qualitative health research is growing, with increasing recognition of its importance in shaping health policy and practice.
• Existing guidance on qualitative research is often difficult to navigate, particularly for those new to the field, with limited specific resources for nutrition and dietetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the field of qualitative inquiry and its relevance to nutrition and dietetics.
• To provide guidance on initiating and conducting high-quality qualitative research in nutrition and dietetics.
• To introduce a framework for qualitative research design, from research questions to philosophical underpinnings.

Main Methods:

• This review outlines the principles of qualitative research.
• It describes a process for designing qualitative studies, considering ontology, epistemology, and methodology.
• Subsequent reviews in the series will cover data collection, sampling, analysis, and quality assessment.

Main Results:

• Qualitative research offers a robust approach to understanding nuanced food behaviors.
• This series aims to demystify qualitative methods for nutrition and dietetics researchers.
• A structured approach, considering philosophical underpinnings, is crucial for rigorous qualitative study design.

Conclusions:

• Qualitative research is essential for in-depth understanding of food-related behaviors in nutrition and dietetics.
• This review series provides a comprehensive guide for researchers new to qualitative methodologies.
• Adopting a systematic approach ensures the quality and relevance of qualitative research in health policy and practice.