Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health: Knowledge and Attitude of Breast Cancer

K N O W L E D G E A N D AT T I T U D E O F B R E A S T
C A N C E R
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
METHODS FOR PUBLIC
HEALTH

Reflection of Interview Techniques used
The interviews were set on a university setting of which
four female students were interviewed.
I created my questions based on the research topic
‘Knowledge and attitudes of breast cancer’
Prior to the interview, I selected four female students
who seem to have knowledge of breast cancer and asked
for their consent of which all of them agreed to
participate.
I interviewed my study subjects in an enclosed
classroom where there were no noise in order to capture
clear answers.
All the participants were interviewed one by one to
prevent borrowing of ideas and to promote privacy.

Reflection of Interview Techniques used
 I had a recording device with tapes for recording of conversations.
The recordings were to be transcribed later and compare with
written information to make sure no point was left out. I assured
my study subjects the information will remain private and only I
had access to the password of the recordings.
 I also had a pen and an interview sheet where I wrote most of the
answers from the study subjects.
 At the beginning of the interview, I created a rapport by greeting
the study subjects, introducing my self, and why I was carrying out
the research.
 I did not include so many probes to reduce boredom to the study
subjects but only where more clarity and specific information was
required. For instance, how the participants think certain causes of
breast cancer specifically leads to cancer.
 I had some refreshment juice during the interview to keep up the
morale of study subjects