scholarly journals Using interpretative phenomenological analysis for public health nutrition and dietetic research: a practical guide

2004 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Fade

The present paper introduces interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a framework for analysing qualitative research data collected for public health nutrition and dietetic research studies. The theoretical roots of IPA have been set out briefly in order to help researchers decide whether the approach is relevant for them and their particular research questions. IPA can be used to analyse data from one-to-one interviews in order to develop ‘thick descriptions’ that may help illuminate human experience. IPA can also be used to develop theories and/or models, which could help inform policy. The main body of the paper describes the analytical techniques and procedures used to achieve both outcomes in a practical way, using examples from the author's own research. In the following paper Krueger's methods for analysing focus group data are set out for comparison. It is hoped that these papers will empower researchers with little experience of qualitative research to develop confidence with qualitative data analysis. In addition, it is hoped that the material will stimulate debate amongst more experienced qualitative researchers from a public health or dietetic background.

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 160940692092160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverly Love ◽  
Arlene Vetere ◽  
Paul Davis

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a qualitative thematic approach developed within psychology underpinned by an idiographic philosophy, thereby focusing on the subjective lived experiences of individuals. However, it has been used in focus groups of which some have been critical because of the difficulties of extrapolating the individual voice which is more embedded within the group dynamics and the added complexity of multiple hermeneutics occurring. Some have adapted IPA for use with focus groups, while others provide scant regard to these philosophical tensions. This raises the question whether IPA should be used with focus group data. To address these concerns, this article will set out a step-by-step guide of how IPA was adapted for use with focus groups involving drug using offenders (including illustrative examples with participants’ quotes). A rationale of why it was important to use both focus groups and an IPA approach will be covered including the value, merits, and challenges this presented. An overview of how participants’ idiographic accounts of their drug use, relapse, and recovery were developed will be provided. This article will conclude with a suggested way forward to satisfy the theoretical tensions and address the question raised in the title.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Hong Tang ◽  
Luis Miguel Dos Santos

For a significantly long time, the field of health science and public health has relied considerably on quantitative and experimental evidence to support knowledge. Researchers in the field of social science and public health promotion advocate that qualitative research methodologies and IPA could be a useful tool to understand the inner world and perception for patients with particular illness and background. Unlike quantitative research studies, qualitative research studies do not seek statistical and experimental answers for client healing and operational activities but how and why illness influences the life of patients. The purpose of qualitative research study with a particular lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) tends to describe a certain phenomenon or social problem by explaining the subject of study. The purpose of this study is to introduce the applications of IPA and summarize the two literature reviews with the application of IPA in the fields of nursing education and public health. The results of this study aim to provide a guideline for potential public health and nursing educators to employ IPA and other related qualitative research methodologies to capture and reform the current teaching curriculum and the rapidly changing society in the health science field.


2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tijs Laenen ◽  
Federica Rossetti ◽  
Wim van Oorschot

This article argues that the ever-growing research field of welfare deservingness is in need of qualitative research. Using focus group data collected in Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom, we show that citizens discussing matters of social welfare make explicit reference not only to the deservingness criteria of control, reciprocity, and need but also to a number of context-related criteria extending beyond the deservingness framework (e.g. equality/universalism). Furthermore, our findings suggest the existence of an institutional logic to welfare preferences, as the focus group participants to a large extent echoed the normative criteria that are most strongly embedded in the institutional structure of their country’s welfare regime. Whereas financial need is the guiding criterion in the “liberal” United Kingdom, reciprocity is dominant in “corporatist-conservative” Germany. In “social-democratic” Denmark, it appears impossible to single out one dominant normative criterion. Instead, the Danish participants seem torn between the criteria of need, reciprocity, and equality/universalism.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 205510291986063
Author(s):  
Eleanor Phillips ◽  
Stephanie Archer ◽  
Jane Montague ◽  
Anish Bali

There is little qualitative research exploring non-cancer gynaecology patients’ experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Seven women participated in audio-recorded interviews, discussing their experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery for gynaecological surgery. Data were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes were identified: meeting informational needs, taking control of pain, and mobilising when feeling fragile. Control emerged as a key element throughout the themes and was supported by provision of factual information. While participants were generally satisfied with their experience, topics such as concerns about analgesic use, the informal role of staff in mobilisation, and the expressed desire for more experiential information for participants require further research.


Author(s):  
Danielle Hitch ◽  
Fiona Pazsa ◽  
Alison Qvist

While obesity is recognized as a key global public health issue, there has been no research to date on the perceptions of care for people with this condition held by individuals in positions of organizational power. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the perceptions and experiences of clinical leaders and managers of providing care to inpatients with obesity at a metropolitan public health service. This study applied an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to qualitative research, conducting interviews with 17 participants. Their perceptions of care for inpatients with obesity encompassed both their personal understanding as an individual, and their observations about the organizational, patient and carer perspectives. Three overall themes were identified: (1) the problem of inpatients with obesity, (2) inpatients with obesity as sources of risk and (3) personal and professional perceptions of inpatients with obesity. While clinical leaders and managers were aware of the potential impact of stigma and weight bias on care given to this cohort, elements of implicit bias, stereotyping, “othering” and ambivalence were frequently present in the data. Ongoing efforts to improve care for patients with obesity must therefore include efforts to address perceptions and attitudes at all organisational levels of the workforce.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn M. Cuthbertson

AbstractIntroduction:This paper is a methodological reflection on the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) utilised in the context of a qualitative research project that explored perceptions and experiences of the journey to radiographer advanced practice.Methods and materials:A two-phase qualitative research explored the perceptions and experiences. Phase 1 reviewed reflective diaries (n = 12) kept during the educational phase of the practitioner journeys. Phase 2 included one-to-one, semi-structured interviews (n = 6) which were recorded, transcribed verbatim and reviewed using the IPA six-stage thematic analysis for practitioners embedded in the advanced practice role.Findings:Key themes arising from reflective diary analysis informed the interview content; and following interview transcription, data immersion and IPA, 12 emergent sub-themes generated 3 superordinate themes.Discussion:Theoretical perspectives and application of the methodology are discussed. The phenomenological and interpretative qualities of IPA have the potential to provide unique and valuable insights into lived experiences of individuals. It is hoped that this researchers’ reflections are transferrable for those interested in employing a qualitative methodology for radiotherapy and oncology research.Conclusion:Therapeutic radiographers work within rapidly changing environments from technological, treatment and care perspectives. With continued development and change, the impact of research utilising an IPA methodology may allow exploration of perceptions and experiences from a range of key stakeholders with the potential to increase the research base.


Author(s):  
Danielle Hitch ◽  
Fiona Pazsa ◽  
Alison Qvist

While obesity is recognized as a key global public health issue, there has been no research to date on the perceptions of care for people with this condition held by individuals in positions of organizational power. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the perceptions and experiences of clinical leaders and managers of providing care to inpatients with obesity at a metropolitan public health service. This study applied an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to qualitative research, conducting interviews with 17 participants. Their perceptions of care for inpatients with obesity encompassed both their personal understanding as an individual, and their observations about the organizational, patient and carer perspectives. Three overall themes were identified: 1) The problem of inpatients with obesity, 2) Inpatients with obesity as sources of risk and 3) Personal and professional perceptions of inpatients with obesity. While clinical leaders and managers were aware of potential impact of stigma and weight bias on the care given to this cohort, elements of implicit bias, stereotyping, ‘othering’ and ambivalence were frequently present in the data. Ongoing efforts to improve care for patients with obesity must therefore include efforts to address perceptions and attitudes at all organisational levels of the workforce.


Author(s):  
Robin Cooper ◽  
Anne Fleisher ◽  
Fatima Cotton

This paper describes a phenomenological study in which the authors explored students’ experiences learning qualitative research in a variety of academic fields. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with six participants from various academic fields who had completed at least one post-secondary-school-level qualitative research course and who were not students of the researchers. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the researchers identified five primary themes representing the lived experience and meaning found in the participants’ experience of learning qualitative research: (a) a variety of feelings are experienced, (b) a pivotal experience serves as a catalyst in the learning process, (c) the central role of story, (d) active learning, and (e) relating learning to prior knowledge. The findings both support and contribute new aspects to the knowledge of this experience. The results also point to “building connections” as the essence of the phenomenon of learning qualitative research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Imam Faisal Hamzah ◽  
Zaldhi Yusuf Akbar ◽  
Gisella Arnis Grafiyana

Education in Indonesia, especially higher education institutions, has a role to build interaction between religious adherents. How is this experience of tolerance in religiously based higher education institutions where the majority of students and staff are religious according to the institution. One of the largest religious-based higher education networks in Indonesia is the Muhammadiyah Universities or Perguruan Tinggi Muhammadiyah (PTM) network. Muhammadiyah as one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia which has a network of higher education spread across various parts of Indonesia where students studying have diverse religious backgrounds. This study aimed to examine the dynamics of social identity in the experience of non-Moslem students at Muhammadiyah College. This research uses qualitative research methods using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Six participants, Christian, Catholic, Hindu, and Buddhist from four Muhammadiyah College in the province of Central Java - Indonesia, were interviewed and analyzed to obtain core themes. The results of this study produced five superordinate themes, namely the influence of the environment, personal characteristics, perceptions of the religion adopted, experience as a Muhammadiyah College Student, and perceptions of Islam and Muhammadiyah. The conclusion of this study shows the psychological dynamics of non-Muslim students shape the perception of Islam itself as a religion, also Muhammadiyah as an Islamic organization.


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