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In the companion article to a literature review published recently in Nursing Standard (Sloan 1998), the author demonstrates the use of focus groups as a data collection method. He details how the group discussion was analysed, and reproduces the findings relevant to the 'good characteristics' of a clinical supervisor from the supervisee's perspective.
This paper reports on the use of focus groups to investigate the attitude and quality of breastfeeding care among perinatal care staff. The initial steps of data analysis were observing collected data and dividing them into the meaning group categories, and using a constant comparative method for analytical techniques and procedures to analyse the findings from three focus groups (composed of a total of 22 midwives and nurses from hospital A). From the data, six categories were identified. These categories provide the framework for discussing the findings of the research. The results of this examination were accordingly used to develop perinatal staff issues for breastfeeding care and education strategies.
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Suicide is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people aged 15-24 years of age. This paper illustrates the use of focus groups with young people to enhance knowledge of ways to address youth suicide. Analysis of the findings identified three themes perceived by participants as being warning signs of a suicidal friend (personality changes, risk-taking behaviour and unusual actions). An important finding, which has implications for the planning of further suicide prevention strategies, was that young people would either cope alone or turn to a friend if they were feeling suicidal. The fact that a lack of knowledge was identified as the major barrier to youth using existing services/resources suggests that health promotion awareness campaigns which provide information on where young people could access help need to be developed. The use of focus groups with young people has provided valuable insights into ways to address youth suicide. We urge other researchers to incorporate similar methodologies.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
This paper analyzes how physicians' treatment choices are influenced by cost to the patient for four different diseases in France: mild hypertension, hay fever, dyspepsia and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Five focus groups of physicians were conducted in the fall of 1998. The paper reviews the type of shifts and strategies physicians used to reduce the cost to the patient. In order to maintain access to care for the patients, the most common strategy used is to refer to different types of social structures in the health care system. However, a number of shifts related to drug or treatment choices were also identified such as prescription of older drugs, shifts to drugs having different drug coverage and cheaper drugs within a drug class. In a proportional system of copayment, the price level of the services (drugs or exams) clearly appeared as a determining factor to induce physicians' decision shifts. Overall, we also found that French physicians put higher priorities on the cost to society than on the cost to the patient in their treatment decisions.
OBJECTIVE: To compare knowledge of and interest in genetic testing for hereditary colon cancer syndromes. METHODS: Colorectal cancer patients, first-degree relatives of colon cancer patients and controls were recruited from a familial cancer registry. Focus groups explored attitudes about genetic testing. RESULTS: All three groups conveyed interest in testing, but lacked knowledge about testing and its implications. After receiving information regarding the potential benefits and costs of testing (including insurance and employment issues) all three groups were disinclined to be tested. The reasons varied among risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: When informed about the costs and implications of testing, individuals may be reluctant to undergo genetic testing, regardless of baseline risk. Barriers to testing will vary depending on the perceived risk of carrying a mutation.
Recently, several findings demonstrated an increase in high-risk sexual behaviour among gay men. This study conducted focus groups with gay men who engaged in risk-taking behaviour with casual partners. Three issues were addressed: appraisal of current AIDS prevention activities, explanations for sexual risk-taking, and needs for support. The results show that participants criticize current prevention efforts. The explanations for risk-taking behaviour contribute to a better understanding of the underlying processes related to sexual risk-taking. Participants' needs include unequivocal information on HIV and AIDS, more insight into the rationality behind safe sex directives, and more opportunities to discuss their difficulties regarding safe sex behaviour with peers.
The identification and measurement of service quality are critical factors that are responsible for customer satisfaction. This article identifies 11 attributes that define quality of care and patient satisfaction and reveals various gaps among the patient, physician, and administrator groups in the perceived importance of those dimensions. Managerial implications for patient-focused health care are discussed.
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PURPOSE: Korean American women have twice the rate of cervical cancer than white women and demonstrate low rates in participation in cervical cancer screening. This study was to describe the perceptions about cervical cancer and factors related to cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. METHOD: Focus group methods. RESULT: Five themes emerged. First, knowledge about cervical cancer; misconceptions about cervical cancer, its causes, reproductive anatomy and the treatment. Second, perceived meanings of having cervical cancer; most of the women felt that cervical cancer represented a loss of femininity and existential value of womanhood. Third, knowledge about cervical cancer screening ; regular medical check-ups were necessary for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Fourth, experiences and perceived meanings of cervical cancer screening; the participants expressed their feelings; embarrassment, fear, shame and shyness. Fifth, practices of cervical cancer screening; various intervals in participating in cervical cancer screening. But they mentioned several deterrents, language, insurance, time constraint, embarrassment, fear of the screening results, misbelief about susceptibility, lack of health prevention behavior, and lack of information written in Korean. CONCLUSION: Results emphasize the critical need for culturally appropriate health education to encourage participation of Korean American women in cervical cancer screening.
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UNLABELLED: Adult immunizations have dramatically improved the health of many Americans. In the United States, researchers have documented disparities in the utilization of adult vaccinations between whites and racial and ethnic minority populations. This article examines racial and ethnic attitudes regarding recommended adult vaccinations. METHODS: Four adult focus groups (N=22) were conducted in community churches in San Francisco, CA. Participants were either age-appropriate or had clinical indications to receive a strong recommendation for influenza and pneumococcal immunizations but had not been routinely immunized against influenza and had never been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. Content analysis was used to analyze narrative data and identify emerging themes. RESULTS: Participants reported that they lacked information about the benefits or potential side effects of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations and that their physicians were not routinely informing them of, or recommending, these vaccinations. Meanwhile, most participants expressed a willingness to be vaccinated against pneumococcal infection and influenza. All focus group participants felt that community churches were a potential venue for delivery of adult vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: Many adult racial and ethnic minorities have basic information regarding the influenza vaccine but lack sufficient information regarding the benefits of pneumococcal vaccinations. Physicians should provide information regarding adult vaccinations to all patients. On-site vaccination and vaccine education programs in community churches may be successful in increasing the utilization of adult vaccinations in unvaccinated church populations.
BACKGROUND: First-degree relatives (FDRs) of breast cancer patients are at potential genetic risk for developing breast cancer. Although FDRs are being targeted for screening and counseling, few studies have explored their beliefs about risk modification or preferences for risk counseling. METHODS: To learn more about these beliefs, the authors conducted four focus groups among FDRs (n = 29). RESULTS: Findings indicate misunderstanding about risk and interest in more information. For instance, the participants confused risk factors with causes, discounting scientific validity of risk-factor information if they knew a breast cancer victim without risk factors or with protective factors. Most FDRs thought lifestyle factors contributed to risk. The overwhelming majority thought they could reduce personal risk by lifestyle modifications. Most were not interested in genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility, saying they would worry too much if they learned they had a mutated gene. According to the participants, lack of primary prevention techniques negates the value of genetic testing. CONCLUSION: If risk counseling for FDRs is to become more widespread, these exploratory findings should be addressed in research and program development.
A multisite study funded through the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Office of Research on Minority Health was conducted in 1996 to determine the HIV/AIDS prevention needs of Native American out-of-treatment drug users. In an effort to recommend directions for HIV/AIDS prevention programming, one component of this study entailed conducting a series of focus groups at each of four sites: Anchorage, Alaska; Denver, Colorado; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Tucson, Arizona. While some site differences were noted, several consistent thematic findings were revealed across all locations. Specifically, focus group members strongly recommended directly involving key members of the Native American community in conducting outreach and intervention activities, involving Native people as the sources of information, and utilizing local and tribally relevant forms of delivering the message. Other consistent themes included getting messages to smaller communities to prevent the potential "annihilation" of tribes, educating youth, and linking alcohol prevention education to HIV/AIDS education. Findings from this study support the idea that future HIV/AIDS prevention programs must take into account subgroup and individual level differences among Native American drug users.