Objective: To outline the importance of the clarity of data analysis in the doing and reporting of interview-based qualitative research. Approach:We explore the clear links between data analysis and evidence.We argue that transparency in the data analysis process is integral to determining the evidence that is generated. Data analysis must occur concurrently with data collection and comprises an ongoing process of 'testing the fit' between the data collected and analysis. We discuss four steps in the process of thematic data analysis: immersion, coding, categorising and generation of themes. Conclusion: Rigorous and systematicanalysis of qualitative data is integral to the production of high-quality research.Studies that give an explicit account of the data analysis process provide insights into how conclusions are reached while studies that explain themes anchored to data and theory produce the strongest evidence.

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Objectives: To describe the proportion of women reporting time is a barrier to healthy eating and physical activity, the characteristics of these women and the perceived causes of time pressure, and to examine associations between perceptions of time as a barrier and consumption of fruit, vegetables and fast food, and physical activity. Design: A cross-sectional survey of food intake, physical activity and perceived causes of time pressure. Setting: A randomly selected community sample. Subjects: A sample of 1580 women self-reported their food intake and their perceptions of the causes of time pressure in relation to healthy eating. An additional 1521 women self-reported their leisure-time physical activity and their perceptions of the causes of time pressure in relation to physical activity. Results: Time pressure was reported as a barrier to healthy eating by 41 % of the women and as a barrier to physical activity by 73 %. Those who reported time pressure as a barrier to healthy eating were significantly less likely to meet fruit, vegetable and physical activity recommendations, and more likely to eat fast food more frequently. Conclusions: Women reporting time pressure as a barrier to healthy eating and physical activity are less likely to meet recommendations than are women who do not see time pressure as a barrier. Further research is required to understand the perception of time pressure issues among women and devise strategies to improve women's food and physical activity behaviours.

Recent research indicates that the health status of rural people is inferior to that of people living in metropolitan Australia. This paper summarises the rural-metropolitan health differential and turns to the field of research being called the social determinants of health for explanations of rural health inequalities. The paper explores the ways in which psychosocial factors can interact with material, behavioural and sociocultural factors to contribute to health outcomes. It suggests that the concepts of place and rurality may be useful in future research on the determinants of population health. Further research issues are identified that need to be addressed if we are to understand the complexities of rural health disadvantage.

Objective: To highlight the importance of sampling and data collection processes in qualitative interview studies, and to discuss the contribution of these processes to determining the strength of the evidence generated and thereby to decisions for public health practice and policy.Approach: This discussion is informed by a hierarchy-of-evidence-for-practice model. Pu bl i c h e a l t h r e s e a r c h u s i n g qualitative methods produces studies that can range from an exploratory study with modest implications for practice to well-developed, generalisable studies. The contribution that a study can make to public health practice and policy rests on several core features of sound qualitative research. In common with other empirical studies, qualitative research starts by justifying the research problem by reference to the literature. Qualitative research then defines a theoretical framework for the study, identifying the theoretical concepts that are relevant and will be employed in the study.1 The next step is to collect data according to a sampling plan, following which there is the analysis of data and reporting of research findings.2 In this paper, our focus is on sampling and data collection.There are inconsistencies and gaps in the literature regarding appropriate appraisal of qualitative research. 3 We propose that sampling and data collection are critical to determining the quality of a study. We use the underlying model of a hierarchy of evidencefor-practice 3 to discuss the role of sampling and data collection in determining the strength of the evidence for decisions made in practice or policy settings. This has particular relevance as a guide for researchers seeking publication and reviewers of submitted articles, given recent concerns about the quality of qualitative papers being submitted for publication. 4 One of the biggest problems noted was the lack of information provided about sampling, providing little opportunity Methods Article