FOCUS GROUPS IN TROPICAL DISEASES RESEARCH

Focus groups are a method designed to gather information primarily about beliefs, values and understanding. Participants in focus groups are specifically selected to explore the range of these beliefs in a study population. Group dynamics facilitate the collection of relatively detailed information on prevalent attitudes and ideas, conflicts and contradictions. Focus groups are guided by relatively strict rules of structure and procedure. This paper examines the need for flexibility in the conduct of these groups in developing country settings, and argues for their applicability in tropical diseases research.