Practical qualitative data analysis for public health research: a guide to a team-based approach with flexible coding

Area of Science:

• Public Health Research
• Qualitative Methodology
• Health Equity Studies

Background:

• Public health crises are increasing, necessitating timely qualitative research.
• Qualitative research is crucial for understanding health inequities and informing interventions.
• A practical approach to qualitative data analysis (QDA) is needed for rapid public health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a team-based flexible coding approach for qualitative data analysis in public health.
• To illustrate the application of flexible coding for simultaneous or asynchronous research questions.
• To share practical lessons and highlight the broader applicability of flexible coding.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a team-based flexible coding approach for qualitative data analysis.
• Applied the method to public health research addressing multiple, concurrent research questions.
• Documented practical experiences and lessons learned from a case study.

Main Results:

• Flexible coding provides an approachable, step-by-step process for analyzing large qualitative datasets.
• The method facilitates collaboration among coders with varying experience levels.
• Flexible coding serves as an effective training tool for novice qualitative researchers in public health.

Conclusions:

• Flexible coding enhances the reliability of qualitative research findings through active data engagement and diverse analytical outputs.
• This approach supports prioritizing urgent public health research questions and enables secondary data analysis.
• Flexible coding is a valuable, adaptable methodology for public health research and practice across disciplines.