Methodological Challenges in Web-Based Qualitative Research With Medically Underserved Populations.

Internet- or web-based research is rapidly increasing, offering multiple benefits for researchers. However, various challenges in web-based data collection have been illustrated in prior research, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. To add to the literature on best practices for web-based qualitative data collection, we present 4 case studies in which each research team experienced challenges unique to web-based qualitative research and had to modify their research approaches to preserve data quality or integrity. The first 2 case examples describe issues with using social media to recruit hard-to-reach populations, the third example demonstrates the challenge in engaging adolescents in sensitive conversations on the web, and the final example discusses both the issues in recruitment and the use of different modalities in collecting data to accommodate the medical needs of study participants. Based on these experiences, we provide guidance and future directions for journals and researchers in collecting qualitative data on the web.

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, mental health and treatment need in the United States during COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Before COVID-19, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NH/PI) endured a heavy burden of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use in prior US data. Responding to reports that many NH/PI communities experienced severe COVID-19 disparities that could exacerbate their ATOD burden, we partnered with NH/PI communities to assess the substance use patterns and treatment needs of diverse NH/PIs during COVID-19. METHODS: Collaborating with NH/PI community organisations across five states with large NH/PI populations, we conducted a large-scale investigation of NH/PI ATOD use, mental health and treatment need during COVID-19. Between April and November 2021, NH/PI-heritage research staff from our community partners collected data involving 306 NH/PI adults using several community-based recruitment methods (e-mail, telephone, in-person) and two survey approaches: online and paper-and-pencil. Multivariate regressions were conducted to examine potential predictors of NH/PI alcohol use disorder and need for behavioural health treatment. RESULTS: During COVID-19, 47% and 22% of NH/PI adults reported current alcohol and cigarette use, while 35% reported lifetime illicit substance use (e.g., cannabis, opioid). Depression and anxiety were high, and alcohol use disorder, major depression and generalised anxiety disorder prevalence were 27%, 27% and 19%, respectively. One-third of participants reported past-year treatment need with lifetime illicit substance use, COVID-19 distress and major depression respectively associating with 3.0, 1.2, and 5.3 times greater adjusted odds for needing treatment. CONCLUSIONS: NH/PI adults reported heavy ATOD use, depression, anxiety and treatment need during COVID-19. Targeted research and treatment services may be warranted to mitigate COVID-19's negative behavioural health impact on NH/PI communities.