Description

Challenges associated with qualitative interviewing for Indigenous research: Insights from experience

PAM MCGRATH*, NICOLE RAWSON* AND LEONORA ADIDI*,+

*Population & Social Health Program, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan, QLD;

+Menzies School of Health Research, Royal Darwin Hospital Campus, Casuarina, NT, Australia

Abstract

This paper provides reflections on the challenges in the process of completing a qualitative research study with Indigenous women in East Arnhem Land and the professionals who care for them. The findings identified five areas of concern: (1) difficulties associated with high levels of loss and grief in the communities; (2) difficulties associated with location; (3) difficulties associated with lack of participant familiarity with the research process; (4) difficulties associated with the sensitivity of topic and need for confidentiality; (5) problems associated with addiction and mental health issues. The hope and expectation is that sharing the experience of the difficulties encountered along with solutions will make a contribution to the literature in a way that supports other researchers in their important work in Indigenous health care.

Keywords: Aboriginal peoples, Australia, cancer, psychosocial aspects, interviews, participation, qualitative, rural, sensitive topics