Practical and Emotional Challenges of Conducting Community Research on Women, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Health Issues: A Case Study of a Survey Among Women in Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

Conducting fieldwork for surveys that deal with sensitive and gender-specific topics, particularly in semi-urban, less developed areas, has many challenges, and there is a need for more research on this issue. This case study describes the practical and emotional challenges that were faced during fieldwork operations while conducting a survey on women’s health, pregnancy experiences, and alcohol use in Tshwane, South Africa. It also discusses strategies used to overcome these challenges and will be of relevance to anyone conducting research in developing countries.