Adapting a Mental Health Intervention for Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Web-Based Synchronous Focus Group Study

Abstract

Background Although focus groups are a valuable qualitative research tool, face-to-face meetings may be difficult to arrange and time consuming. This challenge has been further compounded by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown and physical distancing measures implemented, which caused exceptional challenges to human activities. Online focus groups (OFGs) are an example of an alternative strategy and require further study. At present, OFGs have mostly been studied and used in high-income countries, with little information relating to their implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective The aim of this study is to share our experiences of conducting OFGs through a web conferencing service and provide recommendations for future research. Methods As part of a broader study, OFGs were developed with adults and adolescents in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a convenience sampling method, we invited eligible participants via email in two different cities of Colombia to participate in OFGs conducted via Microsoft Teams. Researcher notes and discussion were used to capture participant and facilitator experiences, as well as practical considerations. Results Technical issues were encountered, but various measures were taken to minimize them, such as using a web conferencing service that was familiar to participants, sending written instructions, and performing a trial meeting prior to the OFG. Adolescent participants, unlike their adult counterparts, were fluent in using web conferencing platforms and did not encounter technical challenges. Conclusions OFGs have great potential in research settings, especially during the current and any future public health emergencies. It is important to keep in mind that even with the advantages that they offer, technical issues (ie, internet speed and access to technology) are major obstacles in LMICs. Further research is required and should carefully consider the appropriateness of OFGs in different settings.

Virtual Synchronous Qualitative Data Collection Methods Used in Health and Social Sciences: A Scoping Review of Benefits, Challenges and Practical Insights

“…Several articles included in our scoping review provided readers with checklists (Sipes et al, 2022; Wilkerson et al, 2014), procedural diagrams (Dodds & Hess, 2020; Dos Santos Marques et al, 2021; Lindau et al, 2022; Roberts, 2015), and sets of recommendations (Calvo-Valderrama et al, 2021; Irani, 2019; Saarijärvi & Bratt, 2021) based on the authors’ experience in collecting virtual synchronous qualitative data. For example, some authors provided readers with checklists to help decide whether to choose online or offline study design, interviews or focus groups, synchronous or asynchronous data collection, and other decision-making checklists (Wilkerson et al, 2014).…”

“…An additional 15- to 30-min period prior to the start of data collection, depending on the size of the group, the platform used, and the participants’ profile, should be sufficient to ensure that all technological issues are resolved and the meeting can start on time (Saarijärvi & Bratt, 2021; Tuttas, 2015). For example, researchers should plan for extra time when running focus groups compared to interviews because of the higher number of participants who might require help with technological issues (Calvo-Valderrama et al, 2021; Kite & Phongsavan, 2017). Researchers could also consider involving participants in the planning of the session’s length so that it is acceptable to all (Santhosh et al, 2021).…”

“…Selecting the Platform. Researchers should select a platform that meets their institution's research ethics board's approval criteria and with which they and the participants are comfortable working (Abrams et al, 2015;Calvo-Valderrama et al, 2021). Possible software platforms include but are not limited to: Adobe Connect, Apple FaceTime, Blackboard Collaborate, Facebook Messenger, GoToMeeting, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Webex by Cisco, and Zoom, to name a few of the most frequently used (Lobe et al, 2020;Smith et al, 2021).…”

“…Choosing the Number of Participants. When conducting virtual synchronous data collection through focus groups, researchers should aim for a lower number of participants per group (4-6) than during in-person focus groups in order to ensure a smooth process and dynamic interactions among all involved (Calvo-Valderrama et al, 2021;Carter et al, 2021;Dos Santos Marques et al, 2021;Kite & Phongsavan, 2017).…”