Mixed Methods Research methodology to explore a wicked health problem -food insecurity

Wicked health problems are complex and difficult to solve. These difficulties may arise due to the problem: being difficult to define or understand, may have mutli - casual pathways, stakeholders may have differing views of the problem and lastly wicked problems are often socially complex. In order to understand the existence and experience of a wicked health problem a range of research methodologies may be required to provide a deeper understanding. Mixed methods research is a methodology for conducting research that involves collecting, analysing, and integrating quantitative and qualitative research in a single study. This methodology accommodates research problems where a second method may be required to enhance or further explain a primary method.1 Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of individuals’ & households’ physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe, nutritious & culturally relevant food 1. Food insecurity is a complex public health problem impacting on physical, social & emotional health of affected adults & children. In order to understand its complexity both quantitative & qualitative data across all population groups is required to inform public health responses to address it. This presentation will highlight an example of an explanatory, sequential two phase mixed methods methodology, including a quantitative & qualitative strand to explore the existence and experience of food insecurity in low to middle income Melbourne households. 1Creswell JW PCV. Designing and conducting mixed methods research. 2nd ed. United States of America: Sage Publications Inc.; 2011 2 Food and Agriculture Organisation. Coming to terms with terminology, Committee on World Food Security. Rome: 2012.