Using Focus Groups in Community-Based Participatory Research: Challenges and Resolutions

Background: While smoking rates in the United States have decreased, some population subgroups have smoking rates that exceed national and state averages. These higher rates often are associated with higher incidence rates of tobacco-associated cancers. Over time, a decrease in smoking rates leads to lower cancer incidence.Methods: Using spatial modelling techniques, we identified an underserved geographic locale in South Florida with higher than expected incidence rates of tobacco-associated cancers. We then used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design to conduct focus groups in 2011 to elicit information about the acceptability of a smoking cessation intervention delivered by trained former smokers from within peer networks.Results: A variety of smoking cessation strategies was presented and discussed in separate, gender-stratified focus groups comprised of former and current smokers (n = 39). Focus group findings consistently indicated that support groups were the preferred cessation mechanism in this community. Based on this finding, we changed our initially proposed cessation approach to one which employed support groups as a quit method.Conclusions: Currently, we are collecting pilot data to test this intervention and to reach smokers who might not otherwise be directly targeted with cessation messaging from larger tobacco control initiatives. If successful, this strategy can be adapted to effect other important changes in health behaviours in at-risk populations.

Download Full-text

From Research to Practice: A Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Approach to Develop an Education Session for People with Type 2 Diabetes (P16-055-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz050.p16-055-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Soghra Jarvandi ◽

Laurie Meschke ◽

Bonnie Hinds

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Participatory Research ◽

Community Based Participatory Research ◽

Self Management ◽

Education Session ◽

Community Based ◽

Meal Planning ◽

Management Behaviors

Abstract Objectives Despite national efforts, type 2 diabetes continues to rise in the Appalachian region. With concerns about cultural competence and health literacy, we undertook a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to program development to maximize effectiveness and cultural relevance for people with type 2 diabetes in Appalachia. Methods We conducted a multi-stage project. First, we assessed the educational needs, using a survey measuring diabetes self-management behaviors (diet, exercise, glucose monitoring, foot care, and medication) and conducted six focus groups with people with type 2 diabetes living in East TN. Next, from the focus group participants, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) was formed to review the results and provide input on the design of the education tool. The CAB used a systematic prioritization method to select the education topic and delivery methods. Finally, we piloted the resulting single nutrition education session with the CAB members. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results Forty-two people participated in this study (66% female; mean age 65.7 years, SD 12), with seven thereafter forming the CAB (57% female). Nutrition was the most raised topic in the focus groups. Comparing the five self-management behaviors, the lowest percentage of participants reported compliance with dietary self-management behaviors (32%). Using adapted Hanlon methodology, the CAB selected ‘nutrition’ as the topic for the education. In addition, CAB specified group interactions, opportunity for asking questions, presence of support person/family, and providing additional resources as critical program characteristics. Accordingly, we developed an interactive session, focused on food groups and meal planning, using social cognitive theory. The session includes basic information about diabetes, meal planning strategies, problem solving, scenarios, and individual action plan. The pilot testing of the session showed that all participants ‘strongly agree’[ed] that the session offers useable, practical information. Conclusions The CAB guided the development of a session to respond to the needs and concerns of people with type 2 diabetes in rural Appalachia. Funding Sources Humana Foundation.

Download Full-text