At the intersections: operationalizing intersectional thematic analysis in HIV prevention

This study aims to provide theoretical and methodological tools to assist in producing thematic analyses guided by an intersectional approach in empirically-based qualitative health studies. It argues that combining an intersectional perspective with thematic analysis can update the latter-which is quite popular in qualitative health investigations-regarding meaningful discussions about multiple and interconnected patterns of privilege and oppression that operate structurally and institutionally, producing experiences of relative disadvantage in individuals according to their gender, race/ethnicity, class, sexuality, generation, among other positions.

Based on an article that analyzed qualitative empirical data from a longitudinal demonstrative study on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) in adolescents and young people aged 15 to 19 years in two Brazilian capitals, this study discusses the limitations, challenges, and potentialities of the theoretical and methodological efforts undertaken by those authors. Additionally, this research that offers a proposal for operationalizing thematic analysis with intersectional sensitivity.

It observed that triangulating techniques can enhance thematic analysis with intersectional sensitivity to produce qualitative data. Adopting an a priori intersectional proposal, starting from the research design phase, construction, and application of data production instruments with intersectional intentionality, enables the recognition of the relations between social markers in analytical categories.

However, the absence of an intersectional theoretical-methodological perspective to conceive research and produce data fails to render intersectionality as a methodological tool unfeasible, although it may limit result analysis and discussion. Such limitations can be addressed by proposing intersectional assumptions and comparing the results with literature related to the theme and object of study.