Table 4.

Methodological quality of included qualitative studies (n = 7)

Quality category	Studies meeting criterion, n (%)
1. Sample
(a) Clear and/or Justified Sampling frame
2. Clear rationale for sample selection	5 (71)
1.Convenience sample (e.g., volunteers)	2 (29)
0. Sampling rationale not described and/or clear	0
(b) Adequacy of sample size
2. Rationale for sample size provided and met	3 (43)
1. Rationale for sample size provided but not met	0
0. No rationale provided	4 (57)
(c) Adequacy of sample description
2. Sample adequately described	3 (43)
1. Sample partially described	4 (57)
0. Sample not described	0
2. Qualitative framework (theoretical orientation e.g., feminism, interpretivism, critical theory)
2. Framework provided for study design and methodology and orientation disclosed	1 (14)
0. No framework provided	6 (86)
3. Interviewer bias addressed
2.Yes	2 (29)
0. No	5 (71)
4. Data recording
2. Objective methods used for data capture (e.g., tape recording, transcription)	7 (100)
0. Subjective methods used or methods not described	0
5. Data analysis
2. Method of analysis described (e.g., thematic analysis, interpretative, phenomenological analysis, content analysis) and detailed	5 (71)
1. Either method of analysis described only or detailed only	2 (29)
0. Method of analysis not described or detailed	0
6. Reliability and validity
2. Checks for data credibility are provided (e.g., triangulation, audits and continual recoding, intercoder and intracoder reliability)	3 (43)
1.Partial checks for data credibility	2 (29)
0. No clear checks provided for reliability and validity of qualitative approach	2 (29)
7. Data presentation
2. Examples of data presented that provide an understanding of data analysis and interpretation (one or two quotes or specific examples)	7 (100)
1. Examples provided but do not present a clear interpretation of data	0
0. Very little data presented	0