Focus Group Methodology: Adapting the Process for Low‐Income Adults and Children of Hispanic and Caucasian Ethnicity

It was observed that the Hispanic participants were not as verbal as the Caucasian participants and more Hispanic focus groups needed to be conducted to obtain the same amount of diversity in information as was obtained from the Caucasian groups.

Abstract

Focus group discussions are being used more often during the formative phase of nutrition education program development. This article discusses focus group procedure adaptations to increase effectiveness with low‐income Caucasian and Hispanic audiences for adults and thirdgrade children. Recruitment is more effective if the target audience knows the recruiter. Methods such as posters and letters do not work. The facility needs to be considered safe and easy to get to. Some children need focus group discussions of less than 1 hour in length or some type of activity to break the monotony of the session. The use of a “talking stick” is also helpful to allow all children to be heard. It was observed that the Hispanic participants were not as verbal as the Caucasian participants. More Hispanic focus groups needed to be conducted to obtain the same amount of diversity in information as was obtained from the Caucasian groups.