Dr. B. Manoj Aravind

Focus Group Discussion

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 messages for health education programs

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…

• Opening the discussion• “Their” experiences and thoughts• “Others” perspectives• Using silence• Moderator’s participation is limited• FGD Guide

The Moderator

FGD Guide – an exampleQualitative study on Emergency Contraception (EC)

Topics Main Questions Follow-up Questions Probes

Knowledge Can you tell me what you know about EC?

What have you heard from others?In your opinion, are these things true?

Anything else about EC?

Source of Information

Where did you hear about EC?

How did you happen to be discussing it?What did this person say about it?Who else is talking about EC these days?

Can you tell me more about that?

Can you give me more examples?

Begin with few broad questions and then move to more specific questions

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

FGD Guide – Qualitative study on Emergency Contraception (EC)

Topics Main Questions Follow-up Questions Probes

Experience Do you know anyone who has used EC?Have you used EC yourself?

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?

Who influenced your decision?

Why did you decide that way?

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

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?

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

FGD 1

Analysis& Modifications in FGD Guide if any

FGD 2

Analysis and determine if more

FGDs required

Strengths

• Can generate large amounts of rich data• Can help explore the “stories” behind the

issues• Group Dynamics: Group members play off one

another’s 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

Bibliography1. Priscilla R. Ulin, et al. Qualitative methods in public Health – A field guide

for Applied Research. 1st Ed. Jossey Bass.2. Rajvir Balwhar, et al. A Text book of Public Health and Community

Medicine. 1st Ed. Dept of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune.3. Training in Qualitative Research Methods by Dr. Amol Dongre, et al.

SMVMCH, Pondicherry. Mar – Apr, 2011.4. Workshop on Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis by SAMARTH.5. B.N. Joshi, et al. Reproductive Health Problems and Help Seeking Behavior

Among Adolescents in Urban India. Ind J Pediatr. Vol 73; June 2006.6. 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.

7. Sudha Ganapathy, et al. Perceptions of gender and tuberculosis in a south Indian urban community. Indian J Tuberc, 2008; 55:9-14.