ABSTRACT:
Qualitative research is essential in public health to explore lived experiences, health behaviours, patient perspectives, and health system challenges. Despite its relevance, many postgraduate students and early-career faculty lack confidence in choosing appropriate qualitative designs, conducting interviews/FGDs, ensuring rigour, and performing systematic analysis.

METHODS:
This interactive workshop will be conducted using a interactive lectures, live demonstrations, and small-group activities. Participants will be introduced to key qualitative paradigms and commonly used designs (phenomenology, grounded theory, case study). A stepwise framework will be discussed: developing a qualitative research question, sampling strategies (purposive, snowball), designing interview guides, conducting ethical data collection, and ensuring trustworthiness (credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability). A rapid thematic analysis exercise will be performed using a sample transcript to demonstrate coding, category development, and theme generation. Participants will also be guided on reporting using COREQ and basic use of AI/digital tools for transcription and analysis.

RESULTS:
By the end of the session, participants are expected to: (i) formulate a qualitative research question aligned with an appropriate design; (ii) develop a basic interview guide; (iii) demonstrate initial coding and theme development; and (iv) apply principles of rigour and ethical conduct in qualitative studies.

CONCLUSIONS:
This short, skills-focused workshop will strengthen the capacity of public health professionals and faculty to conceptualize, conduct, and report qualitative research in community medicine and allied disciplines. It will support improved research output and enhance the quality of evidence generated for health system strengthening.