The Best of Both Worlds: The Power of Mixed-Methods Research to Generate Hypotheses Among Individuals With Severe Alcohol Use Disorder in Recovery

Abstract

Mixed-methods research has the potential to generate hypotheses for larger scale studies on research subjects about which little is known. This case study describes a study designed to examine sleep disturbances during various phases of alcohol rehabilitation. The early period after discharge from inpatient alcohol treatment is a fragile time and a highly individualized experience that continues to be poorly understood. Efforts by researchers and clinicians would benefit from a clearer understanding of the individual's experience. Data were collected from a cohort of individuals at a clinical research facility providing inpatient alcohol rehabilitation treatment. Constructs related to sleep from Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory were assessed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches in a convergent parallel design. Sleep was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively within one week of discharge from the inpatient facility and again four to six weeks post-discharge. Side-by-side examples of quantitative patient-reported outcomes and qualitative interview prompts are provided. A mixed-methods approach generated a unique database from which to examine study aims, whereas triangulation allowed us to further explore parallel themes. We outline the steps necessary to ground mixed-methods research in existing health behavior theories and provide insight on generating open-ended qualitative questions for use in interviews or focus groups designed to elicit maximum participant input. Finally, we discuss the analysis process and how to “package” mixed-methods research results, particularly those which stem from a clinical research environment.

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