Using focus groups in the development of nutrition education materials for low literacy clients

Abstract

Nutrition education materials, including a videotape and accompanying written materials, are being developed and will be tested for use with low literacy clients. Two focus groups were convened in order to obtain input from individuals representative of the final target groups. The objective was to clarify and refine the components of an educational program best suited for low literacy clients with hypercholesterolemia. One group was African American and the other Caucasian; each group had 10 participants. The format of the nutrition education program was presented and clips from several commercial videos with different types of formats were shown. A graphic to help participants identify more acceptable foods was presented and comments elicited. A draft of a pocket sized shopping guide was presented. Feedback was first obtained using open-ended questions. When the leaders felt that it was desirable to obtain opinions about specific topics, more close-ended questions were then asked. Examples of food items which are available in different forms (fresh, frozen or canned), or as different brands (generic, store brands, name brands) were presented and participants asked to identify those which they routinely purchase and why. Because the larger research project of which this is a part will include phlebotomy, the group was shown various paraphernalia which will be used. They were asked how they would feel about participating in these procedures and what could be done to optimize the atmosphere. The results of the focus groups provided specific information important in the development of education materials for the target group. Original drafts of the video script and accompanying written materials have been revised to make them easier for participants to use and to understand. Food items more likely to be purchased have been used as examples in the videotape so that it better fits the lifestyle of the target audience. The shopping guide has been revised to more clearly reflect this group's interests and to be more user friendly.