Mixed methods research is an effective method of enquiry for community health research

Abstract

Rapid social change, the pressure of contemporary living, an aging population and an increase in chronic disease have a significant impact on community health. The complex issues underlying research into community health offer significant challenges to the researcher. The use of mixed methods research is growing in popularity in a range of disciplines, although its application is less well understood. This paper will outline the utility of mixed methods research for community health research and demonstrate how this methodology can be used to enhance the richness of data obtained.

Keywords:

• mixed methods
• triangulation
• community health
• methodology
• pragmatism