Table 2 Methodological quality assessment criteria adapted from MMAT

Scientific rigor of data collection, analysis and reporting of qualitative studies

Are the sources of qualitative data (i.e. informants, observations, documents) relevant to address the research question?

Is the process for analysing qualitative data relevant to address the research question?

Is appropriate consideration given to how findings relate to the context (e.g. setting in which data were collected?

Is appropriate consideration given to how findings relate to researchers’ influence (e.g. through their interactions with participants)?

Scientific rigour of data collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative studies

Is the sampling strategy relevant to address the quantitative research question (quantitative aspect of the mixed methods question)?

Is the sample representative of the population under study?

Is there an acceptable response rate (e.g. 60% or above)?

Are the statistical methods used appropriate for measurement?

Was there any recall bias in reporting data?