Leveraging Health Administrative and Qualitative Data to Understand Mental Health Experiences of Transgender and Gender Diverse People: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study

Mixed methods research (MMR) studies using health administrative data (HAD) coupled with qualitative methods can offer unique insight into the health inequities experienced by marginalized populations. However, little guidance exists on how and why to mix HAD and qualitative research. This methodology paper uses the real-life experiences of conducting an explanatory sequential mixed methods study to discuss methodological considerations when combining health administrative and qualitative data for equity-oriented research. This study focused on access to mental healthcare for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals in Ontario, Canada. We illustrate the foundational importance of paradigmatic considerations, theory, and reflexivity in the research process; providing practical examples of their impact on data collection, analysis, and integration in such a study.