Focus group research in family planning and reproductive health care

This paper discusses how to conduct focus groups in family planning and reproductive research and follows a four-part series outlining the general principles of qualitative research. Originating in market research and through development as a more general social science research method focus groups now have wide application in many areas of research including health and health care. Focus groups are often regarded as a quick and convenient way to collect data from several people simultaneously but this is an oversimplification. Our paper considers the reasons for choosing to use focus groups and the strengths and weaknesses of the focus group method. Moreover it highlights some of the practical issues in planning and conducting focus groups as well as particular considerations in the analysis and presentation of focus group data. (excerpt)