Table 4 Methodological quality of included qualitative studies (n = 7)

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