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Design of a Qualitative Study of Health Inequality in Madrid Neighborhoods. Hhh Project.
Objective: To build a qualitative methodological design for a rigorous study of the social differences related to cardiovascular health in Madrid neighborhoods.
Method: Three neighborhoods in Madrid with different socioeconomic levels were selected for the study using Semi-Structured Interviews (SSIs) and Focus Groups (FGs). The selection process for these three neighborhoods was as follows:
- Classification of all Madrid’s neighborhoods (129) according to a high or low socioeconomic level. An ad hoc index was created for this classification, considering such criteria as level of education and unemployment.
- After arranging the classification according to this index, nine neighborhoods were short-listed. Each neighborhood was classified into different socioeconomic levels.
- A non-participant observation technique was used for the final selection of the three neighborhoods, judged by criteria such as social heterogeneity within the neighborhood, size, and gentrification process.
Results: After selecting the three neighborhoods (Nueva España -high level-, El Pilar –medium level-, and San Diego –low level-) thirty SSIs were held with residents and twenty-eight FGs were formed, and six SSIs were held with key informants.
Conclusions: The proper choice of neighborhoods is essential for the qualitative study of health inequalities in big cities.