Focus Groups in Rural Gujarat, India: A Modified Approach

Abstract

Focus groups have become increasingly popular in health research. However, their feasibility depends on the context of such research. Through discussion of focus groups they conducted in rural India, the authors argue that successful focus groups in rural contexts must be culturally sensitive, with a research team that goes beyond the mere technicalities of collecting data. A culturally competent focus group can result when the research team has geographic, political, economic, and sociocultural knowledge related to the research area and its population. With extensive local collaboration, foreign researchers are better able to conduct data collection respectfully. The authors provide recommendations for future studies toward increasing the cultural appropriateness of focus groups in areas such as rural India.

The socio-cultural challenge in public health interventions: the case of tuberculosis in India

“…As a disease of poverty, the social implications of TB are heightened among women living and working in resource poor areas, such as those found in urban slum settlements in Mumbai. Delays in seeking help that arise from gender disparities to access and entitlements to care have been demonstrated to play a signifi cant role in Maharashtra (Vlassoff et al 2000;Vissandjee et al 2002). Research in Kerala suggests that stigma has adversely affected participation in programs such as DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment with Short course regimen), resulting in poorer treatment outcomes (Balasubramanian et al 2004;McMurray 2007).…”

Refugee Women's Health: Collaborative Inquiry with Refugee Women in Rwanda

“…Focus groups have been implemented successfully in a variety of health care settings and cultural contexts (Davidson, et al, 2003;Halloran & Grimes, 1995;Hanratty, et al, 2002;Van Eyk & Baum, 2003;Vissandjée, Abdool, & Dupéré, 2002). Morgan (2002) identified a shift in human science research toward increased acceptance of using focus groups to collect data.…”

India-U.S. collaboration to prevent adolescent HIV infection: the feasibility of a family-based HIV prevention intervention for rural Indian youth

“…First, Vissandjée, Abdool, and Dupéré [35] suggest that smaller groups of six to eight participants are ideal for exploring sensitive topics. In addition, triangulating the perspectives of different groups can enhance topic understanding, while homogeneity of group members' experiences can reduce power differentials and promote participant comfort [36,37].…”

“…Focus group venues need to be acceptable, private, convenient, and easily accessible for all participants [35,40]. As the pada lacked a common space, the girls and the mothers groups met in the house of the pada worker, and the boys and fathers groups met in the house of the anganwadi (primary school) teacher.…”