title: Conducting qualitative interviews by telephone: Lessons learned from a study of alcohol use among sexual minority and heterosexual women.
abstract: This study explored effective interviewer strategies and lessons-learned based on collection of narrative data by telephone with a sub-sample of women from a population-based survey, which included sexual minority women. Qualitative follow-up, in-depth life history interviews were conducted over the telephone with 48 women who had participated in the 2009-2010 National Alcohol Survey. Questions explored the lives and experiences of women, including use of alcohol and drugs, social relationships, identity, and past traumatic experiences. Strategies for success in interviews emerged in three overarching areas: 1) cultivating rapport and maintaining connection, 2) demonstrating responsiveness to interviewee content, concerns, and 3) communicating regard for the interviewee and her contribution. Findings underscore both the viability and value of telephone interviews as a method for collecting rich narrative data on sensitive subjects among women, including women who may be marginalized.
authors.affiliation: San José State University School of Social Work, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0124, (408) 924-5836, FAX: (408) 924-5912.
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Drabble
authors.affiliation: Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6475 Christie Ave. Suite 400, Emeryville, CA 94608, phone: 510-597-3440, fax: 510-985-6459.
authors.forename: Karen F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Trocki
authors.affiliation: Social Worker, Special Services, East Side Union High School District, 830 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95133.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Salcedo
authors.affiliation: Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, 1670 Cherry Grove Drive, San Jose, CA 95125, phone: (408) 723-5201, fax: (408) 723-5201.
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.affiliation: Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6475 Christie Ave. Suite 400, Emeryville, CA 94608, phone: 510-597-3440, fax: 510-985-6459.
authors.forename: Rachael A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Korcha
keywords: alcohol consumption; qualitative methodology; sexual minorities; telephone interviews; women
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