JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Despite unprecedented advances in global access to the Internet via smartphones, barriers remain to engaging hard-to-reach populations in many methods of health research. One potential avenue for conducting qualitative research is via participatory web-based media, including the free, popular social platform WhatsApp. However, despite clear advantages to engaging with participants over a well-established web-based platform, logistical challenges remain.

Objective:

This article reports evidence of feasibility and acceptability of WhatsApp as a method to conduct focus groups.

Methods:

A pilot focus group was conducted with Spanish-speaking women near the U.S.-Mexico border. The content focus was knowledge and perceived risks for exposure to Zika virus during pregnancy.

Results:

Evidence is presented that WhatsApp is a secure, low cost, logistically feasible methodology that resulted in rich qualitative data from a population that is often reticent to engage in traditional research. A total of 5 participants participated in a focus group, of whom all 5 consistently contributed to the focus group chat in WhatsApp that was conducted over three consecutive days.

Conclusions:

The findings are noteworthy in a time when gold standard face-to-face focus groups are risky or precluded within safe COVID-19 guidelines. Other implications include more application and evaluation of WhatsApp for delivering one-on-one or group health education interventions on sensitive topics. This paper outlines key steps and considerations for methods replication or adaptation.