Evaluation of Health & Social Care Research Methods: Article Analysis (Essay Sample)

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Evaluation of Health & Social Care Research Methods: Article Analysis
The aim of this paper is to detail key methodologies used and evaluated their effectiveness in regard to drawing conclusion from the findings derived at using the methodologies. Additionally, the aim and objectives of the research will be looked at in order to ascertain whether they were achievable given the methodologies used and the results achieved. A credible research has to have quality of participants looked at. This should be in line with the characteristics of sampled participants and justification of the sample. Bryant (4) noted that data collection methods used plays an indispensable role in regard to ascertaining the kind of results to be obtained. The same case applies to data analysis technique used. This is arguably true because the analysis technique used determines the findings achieved.
Critical appraisal
The main objective of the study was to explore how symptomatic patients with high cholesterol interpret the risk of cardiovascular disease. For this objective to be achievable, it is indispensable that the researchers consider the methods they will be using to achieve credible results. This includes selection of participants to take part in the study as well as the methods they will use in collecting data. For instance, sampling participants who have no history of high cholesterol instances would definitely not provide credible information that can give an overview of what patients with high cholesterol go through. Additionally, interviewing one or two participants where the population is vast would not provide informed information. In this regard, the study interviewed 14 participants with high cholesterol and with risk of cardiovascular disease.
The participants were selected from general practitioners who worked with patients with high cholesterol. This was indispensable in that these practitioners had full information of their patients as far as their conditions are concerned. However, the patients provided fulfilled the criteria of ensuring that they has high cholesterol and at high risk of cardiovascular disease, patients who had received information about cholesterol-reducing medication, and patients who had not manifested cardiovascular disease or symptoms. They were interviewed from their homes. Godwill (14) argued that interviews provide a platform on which in-depth scrutiny of the topic under investigation can be carried out. It is also apparent that follow up questions can be used to get more details of information provided using structured questions of interview guide. In light of this, this kind of data collection employed by the research was ideal in that the patients provided credible information that led to findings of the research. The interviewees were interviewed individually with interviews lasting between 1-2 hours. 12 out of the 14 interviewees reported to have used cholesterol reducing medication (Bryant 16). However, none of the interviewees had symptoms of cardiovascular disease by the time of the interview. The study also adhered to the ethical code of American Anthological Association.
In regard to data analysis, an ethnographic approach was used to in support of interplay between theory, methods and data in regard to analytical process. The use of theory revealed that risk perceptions of patients at risk of future disease were eminent (Bryant 21). In fact, it was revealed that social theories helped framing semi-structured interview guide questions. Some of the themes noted include risk of cardiovascular disease, perception of the patients in regard to information they received from general practitioners, and response of family and friends after informing them about the risks outlined by general practitioners.
On the other hand, results indicate that several participants suggested that high cholesterol was as a result of a lifestyle associated with fatty foods which was facilitated by lack of exercise. Nevertheless, most of the participants reported that they observed healthy eating during week days, but in some instances were compelled to use fatty foods during social events that required them to do so. For instance, some of these events include eating together with family as they enjoy each other’s company. Associations of fatty foods with traditions that recognize them as indispensable part of the tradition compels people at risk of developing cholesterol continue using them. In this regard, the risk associated with fatty foods was weighed against the pleasures associated with eating fatty foods during social and cultural events as traditions demands. However, most of the participants stressed the importance of cholesterol medication adding that there is a need to have individual responsibility of eating healthy foods and regular exercises. However, it was evident that the issue of high cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular was also associated with body and mind. Most participants argued that worry about high cholesterol would prop risk of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, high cholesterol was not found to maintain a balance in physiological and mental health.
The analysis was carried out using identified themes that were approached from theoretical perspectives with the intent of strengthening and contextualizing the findings about risk (Godwill 25). In this regard, it can be argued that the themes identified were indispensable in ensuring that the results from the interview guide were focused in finding solutions detailed in every theme. For instance, the findings on the theme of risk of cardiovascular disease indicate that the participants were aware of risks involved by having high cholesterol as stipulated by general practitioners. The other theme involves the perception of patients in regard to information provided by the general practitioners. Participants indicate that although practitioners clarified risks involved for having high cholesterol, their perception was that social and cultural factors played a key role, and which cannot be ignored because it is part of their tradition to enjoy fatty foods during social events. In light of this, it is apparent that analysis according to themes provided was ideal in that it helped gather information that would give comprehensive conclusion.
Generally, results that are not theme derived tend to juggle with generalized information that can lead to uncertainty of conclusions. For instance, having results that focus on general questions without clear themes would lead to gap in the area of the study that would otherwise require more specific questions answered. In addition, it is important that any given research study have specific themes that addresses gaps that might have been left in previous studies on the same topic. Generalized results would be difficult in addressing specific gaps identified in previous studies.
Conclusion
It is apparent that the article by Kirkegaard, P. et al is an evidence-based research article that offers credible details of methodological literature in relation to health and...