Techniques for Analyzing Focus Group Data

Focus groups are widely used in the field of public health as a quick, low-cost means of obtaining information from selected groups in the target population for programmatic purposes. Much has been written about techniques for conducting focus groups, but there is limited practical information on systematic analysis of the results. The current article outlines three methods of recording information from focus groups onto paper, as well as three techniques for condensing hours of free-flowing discussion into a readable article that accurately reflects the main points of the focus group discussions. The value of using microcomputers in organizing the focus group information is also discussed.