Conducting qualitative research on maternal morbidities: a manual
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World Health Organization
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iv, 48 p.
This manual provides practical guidance for conducting qualitative research on women’s experiences of maternal morbidities. Developed by the World Health Organization, it builds on the Women’s Voices project (WOICE) tool and aims to support researchers, practitioners and programme staff in exploring maternal health beyond clinical assessment by capturing women’s perspectives, lived experiences and social contexts. The publication emphasizes the importance of understanding maternal morbidity not only as a medical condition, but also as a phenomenon shaped by social, cultural, economic and institutional factors that affect women’s well-being and functioning throughout the reproductive life course. The manual outlines principles of good qualitative research practice, ethical considerations and step-by-step guidance for study preparation, data collection, management and analysis. It presents adaptable tools including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, recurrent journaling, photovoice and interviews with family members and companions. The document also discusses syndemics, structural vulnerability and women-centred approaches to maternal health research. By strengthening qualitative investigation of maternal morbidity, the manual seeks to support evidence-informed policies, services and interventions that are responsive to women’s needs and experiences.
This manual provides practical guidance for conducting qualitative research on women’s experiences of maternal morbidities. Developed by the World Health Organization, it builds on the Women’s Voices project (WOICE) tool and aims to support researchers, practitioners and programme staff in exploring maternal health beyond clinical assessment by capturing women’s perspectives, lived experiences and social contexts. The publication emphasizes the importance of understanding maternal morbidity not only as a medical condition, but also as a phenomenon shaped by social, cultural, economic and institutional factors that affect women’s well-being and functioning throughout the reproductive life course. The manual outlines principles of good qualitative research practice, ethical considerations and step-by-step guidance for study preparation, data collection, management and analysis. It presents adaptable tools including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, recurrent journaling, photovoice and interviews with family members and companions. The document also discusses syndemics, structural vulnerability and women-centred approaches to maternal health research. By strengthening qualitative investigation of maternal morbidity, the manual seeks to support evidence-informed policies, services and interventions that are responsive to women’s needs and experiences.
Keywords
Maternal Health, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Postpartum Period, Morbidity, Women's Health, Data Analysis, Social Determinants of Health, Socioeconomic Factors, Cultural Characteristics, Qualitative Research, Interviews as Topic, Focus Groups, Syndemic, Ethics, Research, methods, psychology, sociology