2.1. Theoretical framework and reflexivity

This study is part of a larger study ²¹ and is underpinned by the philosophical traditions and language of critical realism. ²² Specifically, critical realism challenges a positivist worldview, positing that ontology and epistemology are unlinked from each other in that we cannot reduce what the nature of reality is to our knowledge of reality. ²³ Critical realism also challenges the constructivist ontology that reality is solely a function of human experience, knowledge and discourse. ²³ Indeed, we fall in the middle of both paradigmatic poles in that although an objective reality exists, we as humans, can only partially come to ‘know’ and understand this deep and vast reality and the mechanisms involved in the production of empirical events. ^{22 , 23 , 24 , 25}

In line with this worldview, this study explored participants' experience of reality shaped by their context (e.g., cultural, discourse and perceptions), which we interpreted (i.e., a mediated reflection of reality). ¹⁹

Our research team has a breadth of research experience in PHR, migrant health, primary health care, anthropology, and sociology with credentials ranging from PhD student (M. G.), faculty researchers (J. S. and A. M.) and community‐based nongovernmental organization (NGO) staff (Z. H.) All authors are part of the University of Limerick PPI Ignite Network Operational team. Author J. S. is currently involved in the PPI Ignite Network as a Site Lead, while A.M. was the Site Lead for the preceding PPI Ignite@UL grant. Both J. S. and A. M. are PhD supervisors for first author M. G. As a Site Lead, co‐author J. S. was selected for an interview in this study as his voice was an important contribution to the range of input being sought. ²⁶ This multiplicity of roles (i.e., both researcher, study participant and PhD supervisor) prompted extensive team discussion amongst co‐authors and the Research Advisory Group, where we carefully considered the pros and cons of this multiplicity (see File S2). ^{26 , 27}