Qualitative research has been an important aspect of health education research for a long time. However, the ways in which qualitative approaches contribute to the promotion of health equity have not been well explained. In recent times, qualitative research has become a more significant methodological tool that can be used to comprehend, inform, and enhance health equity.
Qualitative research is an important tool for gaining insight into the subjective meaning and context of health. It can help us understand where and how to step in to promote health equity. This article provides an overview of the special issue of Health Education & Behavior, which includes 15 articles that use qualitative research to contextualize and illustrate answers to research questions. The article also highlights the potential of qualitative research to promote health equity.
Qualitative research can provide valuable insights into a variety of contextual factors that are challenging to measure through quantitative research. This emphasizes the importance of including diverse perspectives into research to gain a more thorough understanding of a given topic like health equity.