focus groups + classification sheets + nvivo 12

Overall, the exercises worked better in Nigeria than in Ethiopia. Data richness, participant reaction and understanding, and ease of facilitation varied by study site, exercise, and participant group. Explaining and conducting the exercises increased FGD length. The exercises yielded more in-depth and complete information than ‘normal’ FGDs, but facilitator’s probing skills and overall FGD group dynamics proved crucial in this success. Resultsįacilitators and participants described the methods as ‘fun’ and ‘enjoyable’.

All data were coded in NVIVO using a deductive coding frame. FGD verbatim transcripts and interview notes were analysed to explore methodological effectiveness and respondents’ experience. Six facilitators and two supervisors who used these exercises were interviewed about their experiences. The six exercises (picture sorting, associative pictures, picture ranking, decision trees, predictive story-telling and provocative statements) were used in 32 maternal and new-born care themed FGDs conducted in Amhara and Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Regions (Ethiopia) and Gombe State (Nigeria). We selected six exercises for use in Ethiopia and Nigeria and report our experiences. Activity-oriented exercises have been suggested as a way overcoming these challenges, however little evidence exists - to date - on their use in low-income settings. In low-income settings steep power gradients between researcher and participants, as well as conversational norms, could reduce the ability of participants to voice personal opinions. The quality of data obtained through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) is highly dependent on appropriate design and facilitation.

Focus groups + classification sheets + nvivo 12