Secondary analysis of qualitative data: a valuable method for exploring sensitive issues with an elusive population?

Abstract

This paper aims to demonstrate the process of conducting a secondary analysis of primary qualitative datasets. Whilst there is a well-established tradition of carrying out a secondary analysis of quantitative datasets within social and health research, this has not been the case with qualitative datasets. Despite a recent growth in interest in the secondary analysis of qualitative data, very little information is available regarding the process, as publications tend to focus on the outcomes of analyses. A secondary analysis of 28 transcripts, sorted from two primary datasets containing longitudinal and cross-sectional interview data, was carried out. The choice of applying a secondary analysis fulfilled the aims of: (i) addressing a sensitive area of research; and (ii) accessing a research population that was elusive, factors that may be barriers to carrying out research in areas that are considered to be of a sensitive nature, or topic. Secondary analysis has potentially important implications for qualitative researchers who seek to investigate sensitive topics within health, not least of which is the opportunity it offers to facilitate the training of researchers at all levels.

Probation’s role in offender mental health

“…Several issues should be considered before conducting such analyses. Firstly, "the extent to which the research purpose of the secondary analysis can differ from that of the primary study" (Heaton, 2008, Hinds et al, 1997, Long-Sutehall et al, 2010, secondly, "the degree to which the data generated by individual qualitative methods are amenable to a secondary analysis" (Hinds et al, 1997, Long-Sutehall et al, 2010, and thirdly, how familiar the researchers are with the context of the primary study and the original recordings (Heaton, 1998, Hinds et al, 1997, Szabo and Strang, 1997. barriers exist to staff performing their role, and how these could be overcome.…”

‘I think positivity breeds positivity’: a qualitative exploration of the role of family members in supporting those with chronic musculoskeletal pain to stay at work

“…For the secondary analysis presented here, we adhered to a number of recommendations made by other authors [14,15]: we used similar analytic techniques as those used in the primary data set, we perceived there to be a good fit between the primary data sets and our research question and we established a productive and effective collaboration between the two original study teams. The thematic analysis approach taken lends itself well to group or team analysis as the research team collaboratively defined thematic meanings and structure in an iterative process [41].…”

“…Secondary analysis of qualitative data is recognised as a valuable way of gaining a new perspective on novel research topics, allowing researchers to perform additional analysis on concepts emerging from research and address these in more detail [14,15].…”

A Life Course Theory Approach to Understanding Eritrean Refugees' Perceptions of Preventive Health Care in the United States

“…Secondary analysis of qualitative data allows for a new research question to be posed examining previously collected data. Long-Sutehall, Sque, and Addington- Hall (2010) suggest that a secondary analysis of qualitative data is valuable especially with elusive populations or to address sensitive areas of research. This secondary analysis focused on one nationality group with a common experience to explore their perceptions of health care through the lens of the Life Course Theory.…”