Sensitive Health Topics With Underserved Patient Populations: Methodological Considerations for Online Focus Group Discussions

Qualitative Health Research
Sari L ReisnerJennifer Potter

Abstract

Online focus group discussions provide an anonymous environment to assess sensitive, health-related experiences that may be difficult to discuss utilizing traditional face-to-face modalities, particularly for marginalized populations such as female-to-male trans masculine (TM) transgender individuals. This article reviews the history, advantages, and disadvantages of online focus groups, with an emphasis for research about sensitive issues with stigmatized, rare, and/or geographically dispersed patient populations. The article then evaluates the success of online focus group discussions as a case study using data from four asynchronous online focus groups conducted between September 2015 and February 2016 that explored topics related to sexual health care access with U.S. TM adults ( N = 29). The rationale for selecting an asynchronous online methodology is described along with the unique methodological considerations that emerged in developing the study protocol. We conclude by sharing lessons learned, including innovations for maximizing participant engagement and comfort to elicit rich qualitative data.

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Citations

Mar 27, 2018·Qualitative Health Research·Timothy Joseph Sowicz, Christine K Bradway
Jun 11, 2019·Journal of Health Psychology·Karen Bouchard, Heather Tulloch
Jan 15, 2020·Prevention Science : the Official Journal of the Society for Prevention Research·Sari L ReisnerValerie A Earnshaw
May 20, 2018·JMIR Human Factors·Rika TanakaRobert Nolan
Mar 20, 2019·Journal of Human Lactation : Official Journal of International Lactation Consultant Association·Ayanna RobinsonAlex Kojo Anderson
Sep 14, 2019·JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting·Kara Renee SkeltonLaura Talbott
Mar 30, 2019·Journal of Medical Internet Research·Andrea L WirtzUNKNOWN American Cohort To Study HIV Acquisition Among Transgender Women
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Oct 5, 2019·JMIR Research Protocols·Andrea L WirtzUNKNOWN American Cohort To Study HIV Acquisition Among Transgender Women (LITE)
Apr 3, 2020·Journal of Medical Internet Research·Panpan ZhuMan Xu
Nov 20, 2019·Digital Health·Lauren Georgia Bussey, Elizabeth Sillence
May 8, 2021·Eating Behaviors·Sydney M Hartman-MunickAllegra R Gordon
Aug 7, 2021·Family Medicine and Community Health·Mila F AligatoMark Donald C Reñosa
Sep 24, 2021·The Journal of School Health·Lauren M SavaSari L Reisner

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