Focus Group Discussion

Dr. B. Manoj Aravind

FGD
FGD is a group discussion of approximately 6-12 persons guided by a moderator, during which the members of the group talk freely and spontaneously about a certain topic.
Beliefs Attitudes Group Norms

Moderator

When FGD?
Exploratory research: new topic where little is known Formulate appropriate questions for more structured and large scale surveys Programmes:
Test new ideas at planning phase Identify and solve unexpected problems in ongoing programmes Evaluation

Develop appropriate education programs

messages

for

health

Process of FGD - Preparation

Selection of participants
Homogenous with major social groups

Physical arrangements
Location, sitting, recording equipment with backup

Preparation of FGD guide

Pre-testing

Process of FGD Conduct of the Session

Its an art Cover all topics in the guide Ensure everyone participates Wide range of perspectives emerge Be fully vigilant, attentive and engaged during FGD

And the artist is The Moderator

Opening the discussion Their experiences and thoughts Others perspectives Using silence Moderators participation is limited FGD Guide

Begin with few broad questions and then move to more specific questions
Topics Knowledge Main Questions Can you tell me what you know about EC?

FGD Guide an example Qualitative study on Emergency Contraception (EC)

Follow-up Questions What have you heard from others? In your opinion, are these things true? How did you happen to be discussing it? What did this person say about it? Who else is talking about EC these days? Probes Anything else about EC?

Source of Information

Where did you hear about EC?

Can you tell me more about that? Can you give me more examples?

Source: Qualitative Methods in Public Health by Priscilla R Ulin , et al.

FGD Guide Qualitative study on Emergency Contraception (EC)

Topics Experience Main Questions Do you know anyone who has used EC? Have you used EC yourself? Follow-up Questions Why did you decide to use it? What was using it like for you? Were you glad or sorry you had tried it? What made you glad or sorry? How can EC help or harm someone like yourself? Do you think women you know would want EC to be available? Why or why not? Probes Who influenced your decision? Why did you decide that way?

Opinion

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of EC?

What are some ways EC could help or harm a person? What are some reasons that people you know might not want to use EC?

Source: Qualitative Methods in Public Health by Priscilla R Ulin , et al.

Role of Note-taker
Date, time and place Number, names and description of each participant General description of group dynamics (level of participation, presence of dominant participant, level of interest etc.) including non-verbal interaction among the participants Opinions of the participants including key statements Emotional aspects (reluctance, strong feelings attached to a certain topic) including any non-verbal communication Taking notes without disturbing the discussion

Number and duration of sessions

Plan for 2 FGD s with each major group

Analysis and determine if more FGDs required

FGD 1

Analysis FGD 2 & Modifications in FGD Guide if any

Strengths
Can generate large amounts of rich data Can help explore the stories behind the issues Group Dynamics: Group members play off one anothers knowledge, opinions & experiences

Weaknesses
Should not be used for quantitative purpose FGD can be used to complement findings from the surveys and other qualitative techniques FGD may not be very useful on sensitive topics where members may hesitate to air their feelings and experiences freely (sexual behavior/HIV AIDS) Groups are often difficult to assemble

Bibliography
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Priscilla R. Ulin, et al. Qualitative methods in public Health A field guide for Applied Research. 1st Ed. Jossey Bass. Rajvir Balwhar, et al. A Text book of Public Health and Community Medicine. 1st Ed. Dept of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune. Training in Qualitative Research Methods by Dr. Amol Dongre, et al. SMVMCH, Pondicherry. Mar Apr, 2011. Workshop on Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis by SAMARTH. B.N. Joshi, et al. Reproductive Health Problems and Help Seeking Behavior Among Adolescents in Urban India. Ind J Pediatr. Vol 73; June 2006. Rosy Chhabra. Need Assessment of an Alcohol and HIV Prevention Education Program for Youth in North Western Himalayas. J Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, Jan 2007; 33(1): 5-14. Sudha Ganapathy, et al. Perceptions of gender and tuberculosis in a south Indian urban community. Indian J Tuberc, 2008; 55:9-14.