What is a focus-group discussion?
A focus-group discussion is a structured form of group
discussion, guided by one person, called a moderator. The discussion can be
tape-recorded, or an observer can help the moderator by taking notes of what is
said. After some general questions, the discussion focuses on specific topics,
for example, relationships, beliefs about HIV/AIDS, access to health services,
etc.
How to organize a focus-group discussion
Identify people to invite to the group.
Each focus group should have 6 to 12 participants, plus the
group leader (the moderator) and an observer who writes down the main points
made by the group. A focus group works best when participants are of the same
sex and are of similar ages, educational levels, background, etc. It may only be
possible for you to organize a mixed group. If this is the case, remember that
some people may not feel so comfortable about expressing their opinions freely.
Avoid inviting anyone who is an ‘expert’, such as the local doctor or
midwife, or who has a very different status from the rest of the group, as this
may also intimidate participants.
The focus-group discussion should be held in a place that is
comfortable and free of distractions and interruptions. Participants and the
group leader should sit in a circle.
When all the participants have arrived, introduce yourself and
the observer, and ask the participants to introduce themselves. You should try
to remember their names so you can address them by name during the discussion;
if necessary, write their names down or use name tags.
Explain to the group that the purpose of the meeting is to get
their ideas and feelings about AIDS, for example. Let them know that the meeting
is not an educational lecture, but that you are there to gather their opinions
and to learn from them. Tell them that you will not be giving facts or
expressing your opinion during the discussion, but that you will be happy to
answer questions at the end of the meeting. Emphasize the fact that the
participants’ ideas and opinions are very important for the planning of
your project, and everyone should express their opinions freely. The rules are
that only one person speaks at a time, that all participants address the subject
being discussed and that no one is obliged to speak.
Start by asking each person in turn to answer a general
question not related to the topic, so that everyone gets used to speaking. For
example, “How long have you been a member of this youth group?” Then
go on to the questions suggested below. During the session, be sure you stay
neutral and do not express your personal opinions or knowledge as this can
influence the group. Encourage everyone to participate – don’t allow a
few to monopolize the group. If you are encouraging, friendly and relaxed, this
will make the group more comfortable and the discussion will be better. Be
flexible in letting the group talk, but move them on to the next question before
the discussion loses energy or becomes repetitive. The whole discussion should
last no longer than one to two hours.
The observer should write down the number of people present,
where the discussion takes place, the sex and approximate ages of the
participants, and how long the group discussion takes. The participants’
names should not be recorded. The observer should also note down the
‘atmosphere’ of the group –lively or bored, anxious or relaxed,
etc. For each question, he/she should write down the main opinions expressed,
and the areas of particular sensitivity or strong feeling. It is important to
write down the terms and expressions people actually use when talking about
sexuality.
To end the meeting, ask the participants one by one if they
have any final comments. Examine these comments if they seem interesting or
relevant. Ask the group if they have any questions for you; at this point you
can freely share with them your own knowledge and experience. Thank the group
and repeat that their ideas are valuable and will be used in designing health
education materials.
Suggested questions for focus groups
These questions are suggested because they are ‘open
questions’ – they can’t be answered with YES or NO, which means
they do not have the answers built in, but require group discussion. If you
adapt or change any of the questions, be sure you keep them ‘open’.
HIV/AIDS questions
1. What do you know about this disease called AIDS?
2. What do you think causes AIDS?
3. How do you know if someone has the virus that causes
AIDS?
4. How do people get infected?
5. Who is at risk of getting infected with HIV, the virus
that causes AIDS?
6. Who is not at risk?
7. In your opinion, how might AIDS affect people in our
community, now and in the future?
8. How important do you think AIDS is compared to other
problems people face?
9. What can people do to keep from getting infected? How
easy or difficult is it to do these things?
10. How would people in this area feel if someone in
their family or community were infected with HIV?
11. What or who do you think could be good sources of
information about AIDS that people would really listen to? Why?
12. What can young people do to help prevent AIDS in the
community?
13. What can young people do to help people and the
families of people who are already HIV-infected or have AIDS?
14. What sorts of information/training/materials/other
support do you need to prevent people from getting infected with HIV and to
support people with AIDS and their families?
For some focus-group discussions you may want to get some
information on a specific topic. For example, it may be that the frequency with
which people have been giving blood in your area has decreased. You may feel it
has something to do with the fear of infection with HIV and misinformation. It
would be useful to find out what information people have in order to organize a
health promotion campaign, which directly answers their questions. The following
are some suggested questions to help you find out what people already know and
where their fears lie:
