What Evidence?: Qualitative Publishing in the Canadian Journal for Dietetic Practice and Research

<b>Background:</b> Qualitative research involves the analysis of data in various forms (i.e., written text such as interview transcripts, literature, or a personal diary; visual media such as photographs, maps, or memes; and audio materials such as podcasts, music, or voice notes) to describe and/or interpret phenomena and humans' perceptions and experiences of the world, including of food, health, and well-being. Dietetic-scholars have raised concerns about the dearth and quality of qualitative dietetic research.<b>Objective:</b> To document the availability and quality of qualitative research published in Canadian dietetic literature.<b>Methods:</b> A manifest content analysis of articles published in the <i>Canadian Journal of Dietetic Research and Practice</i> (CJDRP) between 2012 and 2021.<b>Results:</b> In total, 340 articles were published between 2012 and 2021 of which 43 (12.6%) used qualitative methods. Overall, the quality of qualitative articles was poor; articles frequently failed to report the methodological approach or a theoretical framework. Methods of data collection, data analysis, and strategies to ensure rigor were seldom described in detail. Reported limitations were often inappropriate for qualitative research.<b>Discussion:</b> Qualitative research is markedly underrepresented in the CJDPR. Efforts are needed to ensure that high-quality qualitative research evidence and publishing opportunities are available to Canadian dietetic practitioners and researchers. This study provides baseline data to evaluate the impact of future efforts.