Biomedical subjects

Alexa S Dietrich

Publications and source records attributed to Alexa S Dietrich.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The experiences of midlife women with migraines.

PURPOSE: To describe the experiences of midlife women with migraines. DESIGN AND METHODS: Qualitative data were collected in two consecutive studies, using open-ended interviews, focus groups, and online discussion boards. Interpretive methods were used for analysis. FINDINGS: Three patterns were identified: Changing Headache Patterns; Predicting, Preventing, and Controlling Headaches; and Keeping on the Move. These patterns indicated how women's headaches changed over time, how headaches were envisioned within the context of their lives, what strategies were used to meet work and home responsibilities, and how women controlled their headaches while maintaining a sense of perspective. CONCLUSIONS: Many midlife women with migraines receive inadequate or inappropriate treatment, and better dissemination of current diagnostic and treatment guidelines is necessary. Ongoing research is needed to increase understanding of how this problem affects midlife women's lives and of what interventions might prevent or alleviate migraine discomfort.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Measurement issues related to data collection on the World Wide Web.

As the World Wide Web has become more prominent as a mode of communication, it has opened up new possibilities for research data collection. This article identifies measurement issues that occur with Internet data collection that are relevant to qualitative and quantitative research approaches as they occurred in a triangulated Internet study of perimenopausal women with migraine headaches. Issues associated with quantitative data collection over the Internet include (a) selecting and designing Internet data collection protocols that adequately address study aims while also taking advantage of the Internet, (b) ensuring the reliability and validity of Internet data collected, (c) adapting quantitative paper-and-pencil data collection protocols for the Internet, (d) making Internet data collection practical for respondents and researchers, and (e) ensuring the quality of quantitative data collected. Qualitative data collection over the Internet needs to remain true to the philosophical stance of the qualitative approach selected. Researcher expertise in qualitative data collection must be combined with expertise in computer technology and information services if data are to be of ultimate quality The advantages and limitations of collecting qualitative data in real time or at a later time are explored, as well as approaches to enhance qualitative data collection over the Internet. It was concluded that like any research approach or method, Internet data collection requires considerable creativity, expertise, and planning to take advantage of the technology for the collection of reliable and valid research data.

Climacteric↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Using Internet discussion boards as virtual focus groups.

While the potential of Internet-based qualitative research methods is substantial, such methods are not without their problems. Some of these methodological challenges are unique to the medium, while others are similar to those of more traditional qualitative methods. This article presents some of these methodological challenges, and explores some of the issues involved in using on-line discussion boards as virtual focus groups in a study of perimenopausal women with migraines. Design of the study and its advantages and disadvantages are discussed, including the role of the moderator. Some of the problems encountered included potential for misunderstandings due to limits of written communications, and difficulty encouraging participation.

Climacteric↗