A Mixed Methods and Triangulation Model for Increasing the Accuracy of Adherence and Sexual Behaviour Data: The Microbicides Development Programme
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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLoS ONE
Abstract
The collection of accurate data on adherence and sexual behaviour is crucial in microbicide (and other HIVrelated)
research. In the absence of a ‘‘gold standard’’ the collection of such data relies largely on participant self-reporting.
After reviewing available methods, this paper describes a mixed method/triangulation model for generating more accurate
data on adherence and sexual behaviour in a multi-centre vaginal microbicide clinical trial. In a companion paper some of
the results from this model are presented.
Methodology/Principal Findings: Data were collected from a random subsample of 725 women (7.7% of the trial
population) using structured interviews, coital diaries, in-depth interviews, counting returned gel applicators, focus group
discussions, and ethnography. The core of the model was a customised, semi-structured in-depth interview. There were two
levels of triangulation: first, discrepancies between data from the questionnaires, diaries, in-depth interviews and applicator
returns were identified, discussed with participants and, to a large extent, resolved; second, results from individual
participants were related to more general data emerging from the focus group discussions and ethnography. A democratic
and equitable collaboration between clinical trialists and qualitative social scientists facilitated the success of the model, as
did the preparatory studies preceding the trial. The process revealed some of the underlying assumptions and routinised
practices in ‘‘clinical trial culture’’ that are potentially detrimental to the collection of accurate data, as well as some of the
shortcomings of large qualitative studies, and pointed to some potential solutions
Description
Keywords
Triangulation Model, Sexual Behaviour, Microbicides, Adherence
Citation
Pool R, Montgomery CM, Morar NS, Mweemba O, Ssali A, et al. (2010) A Mixed Methods and Triangulation Model for Increasing the Accuracy of Adherence and Sexual Behaviour Data: The Microbicides Development Programme. PLoS ONE 5(7): e11600. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0011600