JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although focus groups are a valuable qualitative research tool, face-to-face meetings may be difficult to arrange and time consuming. This has been further compounded by the COVID-19 global pandemic, where the subsequent lockdown and physical distancing measures implemented, caused exceptional challenges to all human activity. Online Focus Groups (OFGs) are an example of one alternative strategy, requiring investigation. 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:

Our aim 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 (13-16) in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a convenience sampling method, we invited eligible participants via e-mail in two different cities of Colombia to take part in OFGs conducted via Microsoft Teams®. Researcher notes and discussion were used to capture the participant and facilitator experiences as well as practical considerations.

Results:

We conducted 10 OFGs with a total of 42 participants. Data obtained met our expectations and the online methodology did not compromise the quality of our results. Technical issues arose but different measures were taken to minimize them: 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 (i.e., 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.