Qualitative research in epidemiology: theoretical and methodological perspectives

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health Research
• Causal Inference

Background:

• Modern epidemiology increasingly uses complex causal frameworks for health determinants.
• Qualitative methodologies are underutilized in epidemiological causal reasoning discussions.
• Current debates in causal inference in epidemiology often overlook qualitative evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a structured role for qualitative research within epidemiology.
• To analyze causal reasoning principles in current epidemiological debates.
• To demonstrate how qualitative research can enrich causal inference.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of causal reasoning principles in epidemiology.
• Introduction of causal inference theories by Russo and Williamson (2009) and Reiss (2012).
• Examination of how these theories accommodate diverse evidence types.

Main Results:

• Russo and Williamson's and Reiss's theories support incorporating multiple evidence types for causal claims.
• Qualitative research evidence can be integrated within these frameworks.
• Qualitative data aids in understanding causal mechanisms and contextual effects on health.

Conclusions:

• Epidemiological causal inference can be enhanced by integrating qualitative research findings.
• The proposed approach aligns with epidemiology's empirical focus.
• Future epidemiologic research should consider qualitative evidence for robust causal assessments.