Why and How Epidemiologists Should Use Mixed Methods.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Mixed Methods Research

Background:

• Current epidemiology predominantly uses quantitative methods, limiting the study of complex biosociocultural public health problems.
• There is a need to incorporate qualitative data to understand context and population perspectives in epidemiological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a guide for epidemiologists on applying mixed-methods approaches in observational studies.
• To demonstrate how mixed methods can enhance causal inference and the definition of causal structures in epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• Review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies.
• Application of convergent and sequential mixed-methods designs to epidemiologic concepts (confounding, mediation, effect modification, bias).
• Inclusion of concrete examples and a case study of mixed-methods application in observational research.

Main Results:

• Mixed methods allow for the incorporation of qualitative sociocultural factors and population perspectives into quantitative studies.
• Demonstrates practical applications of mixed-methods designs for complex health outcomes.
• Enhances the systematic definition of causal structures in epidemiological research.

Conclusions:

• Mixed-methods research offers a viable solution to address the limitations of purely quantitative approaches in epidemiology.
• This approach expands the scope of research questions addressable by epidemiologists, particularly for biosociocultural health issues.
• Integrating mixed methods can significantly improve epidemiological education and research practices for causal inference.