Using a mixed-methods approach to identify health concerns in an African American community

Abstract

Objectives: We used qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to identify the health concerns of African American residents in an urban community and analyzed the extent to which there were consistencies across methods in the concerns identified.

Methods: We completed 9 focus groups with 51 residents, 27 key informant interviews, and 201 community health surveys with a random sample of community residents to identify the health issues participants considered of greatest importance. We then compared the issues identified through these methods.

Results: Focus group participants and key informants gave priority to cancer and cardiovascular diseases, but most respondents in the community health survey indicated that sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and obesity were conditions in need of intervention. How respondents ranked their concerns varied in the qualitative versus the quantitative methods.

Conclusions: Using qualitative and quantitative approaches simultaneously is useful in determining community health concerns. Although quantitative approaches yield concrete evidence of community needs, qualitative approaches provide a context for how these issues can be addressed. Researchers should develop creative ways to address multiple issues that arise when using a mixed-methods approach.

FIGURE 1

Overview of mixed-methods approach: West Philadelphia Consortium to Address Disparities, Philadelphia, PA, 2006–2007. Note. COCCDC = Christ of Calvary Community Development Corporation; HPC = Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania; NBLIC = National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer; Penn = University of Pennsylvania; SWAC = Southwest Action Coalition.

FIGURE 2

Health conditions from community health survey: West Philadelphia Consortium to Address Disparities, Philadelphia, PA, 2006–2007. Note. STD = sexually transmitted disease.

FIGURE 3

Descriptive information on health concerns from community health survey: West Philadelphia Consortium to Address Disparities, Philadelphia, PA, 2006–2007. Note. CVD = cardiovascular disease; STD = sexually transmitted disease. Respondents were asked: “How concerned are you about . . .?” Respondents were not asked to rate their concern on a scale from 1-100. The scale was, “Not at all concerned,” “A little concerned,” “Somewhat concerned,” and “Very concerned.”