Focus Group Discussion Method Research Articles

Towards A Strategy for Pro-Poor Tourism Development in Pakistan: Exploring New Horizons

The study holds significance as it has the potential to establish sustainable and inclusive tourism practices in Pakistan, simultaneously promoting economic growth and addressing the requirements of marginalized communities. This study tried to explore the hidden tourist attractions for pro-poor tourism development in Pakistan and specifically studied the tourist attractions of Khushab district. Focus group discussion method have been used to collect information from the respective area. Moreover, the study tried to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the tourism industry to make Khushab district as one of the good tourist attraction points of Pakistan. The study reveals that the travel industry faces challenges in various areas, including limited advertising efforts, inadequate infrastructure, and inadequate transportation. Stakeholders suggest the need for improved facilities, particularly for women and children, and the need for redesigning and examining significant structures and locations. They also advocate for liberal government approaches to support local and global investments, land acquisition, and promoting new ventures. Governments are increasingly focusing on promoting and promoting the travel industry, but a proper physical and restricted system is crucial for its growth.

Economic Barriers to Success of Income Generating Activities of People with Disability: Evidence from Iringa Municipal Council, Tanzania

Experience in developing countries suggests that People with Disabilities (PWDs) are earning significantly less from self-employment and the share of self-employment income in the total income of their household is lower than for the people without disabilities. This study investigates the economic barriers to the success of Income Generating Activities (IGAs) of PWDs in Iringa Municipal Council, Tanzania. The study adopted a mixed method approach targeting PWDs undertaking IGAs in the study area. A sample size of 60 key respondents and 10 key informants were drawn using purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion methods were used to collect primary data, while documentary review was used to collect secondary data. The study found that limited access to credits due to existence of unfriendly conditions and procedure; being not trusted by financial providers; lack of entrepreneurship education due to difficulty to reach training location and lack of information; and lack of reliable market for their IGAs commodities were the economic barriers to the success of IGAs undertaken by PWDs in the study area. The study recommends some ways to improve IGAs undertaken by PWDs that include stakeholders’ innovation to allow flexibility in addressing PWDs barriers to credit accessibility, entrepreneurship education, and markets of their business commodities.

Buddhism in Agrarian Society of Rural Bengal: Perspectives of Belief Systems with a Focus on Ritual and Deities

Buddhism was the State Religion of Bengal at least for more than four hundred years between mid of 8th century and 12th century during the Pala reign in Bengal. In the 2011 Indian census, the percentage of Buddhists in West Bengal was 0.31% while in Bangladesh less than 1% of the total population is now a follower of Buddhism. Most of the Buddhists were converted to Islam during the Sultanate rule in Bengal while Hinduism silently took over many of their shrines and deities. This paper is an attempt to revisit the cultural landscape of early Buddhism in Bengal along with a focus on the elements of Buddhist culture in folk life applying cultural geographical methodologies and examining the presence of Buddhist rituals and deities in agrarian society in sublime form. A literature review was followed by extensive fieldwork during festivities of the shrines of Hindu deities having a connection with early Buddhism of Bengal. Along with participant observation during ritualistic practices, interviews, and focus group discussion methods have been applied involving stakeholders to obtain qualitative data for analysis. The results reveal the various manifestations of the interplay between the process of universalization and parochialization in the dynamism of the evolving belief system of an apparently Non-Buddhist folk society of the present day, the root of the culture of which was exclusively Buddhist.

The Importance of Physical Education and Health Subjects for Students with Special Educational Needs in Malaysia

This article discusses the importance of physical and health education for students with special educational needs (SEN) in Malaysia. The study involved 200 respondents, including MBPK. This study uses a mixed methods approach, including surveys and focus group discussions with MBPK teachers and parents. Findings show that physical education can provide a variety of benefits, including improving physical fitness, social interaction, and emotional control. Participation in these classes can promote physical, social and emotional well-being, and help develop new physical skills. This study emphasizes the importance of providing equal access to physical education and health classes for MBPK and suggests that schools prioritize these subjects in their curriculum. However, this study has limitations in terms of sample size and generalizability to all MBPK. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of physical education and health classes on academic performance and social skills, as well as parents' and teachers' attitudes and beliefs towards inclusive physical education. The article suggests that the government should prioritize the inclusion of physical education and health in the curriculum for MBPK to promote their overall development and wellbeing. The study also highlighted the need for inclusive and adaptive physical education programs, as well as support for teachers and parents. Overall, the study shows that physical education and health classes have a significant positive effect on the academic, physical and psychological well-being of MBPK in Malaysia.

Online Focus Group Discussions to Engage Stigmatized Populations in Qualitative Health Research: Lessons Learned

Community participation in research involving stigmatized populations has been sub-optimal, and digital tools could potentially increase participation in qualitative research. This study aims to describe the implementation of an online chat-based FGD (Focus Group Discussion) with men who have sex with men (MSM) in China as part of formative research for the PIONEER project, determine the advantages and limitations associated with the approach, and assess the feasibility of deepening community participation in STI research. Participants were involved in four days of asynchronous FGDs on sexually transmitted diseases and answered questions about the online FGD method. Online FGDs allowed us to deepen participant engagement through bidirectional communication channels. Data from online FGDs directly informed recruitment strategies and community participation for a clinical trial. Overall, 63% (29/46) of men who had never participated in offline LGBTQ + activities joined online FGDs. Many participants (89%, 41/46) noted that online FGDs were more convenient, less socially awkward, and more anonymous than in-person qualitative research. We highlighted potential risks as well as mitigation strategies when using online FGDs. Online FGDs were feasible among this group of sexual minorities and may be particularly useful in many cities where stigma limits in-person research participation.

Platform and e-commerce design for Indonesian family businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic has required the adoption of digital platforms and e- commerce for family businesses in Indonesia. This digital transformation is not only crucial for their survival but also for their growth and long-term success. By embracing digital technologies, family businesses can adapt to the "new normal" reestablish their operations and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the evolving digital ecosystem. This article aims to provide an overview of the platform and e-commerce design for Indonesia family businesses. The data was collected from six family businesses through interview, observation, and focus group discussion method. The results have shown the development of two types of designs platform for e-commerce Indonesian family business including general platform designs and detailed platform designs. The general platform design aims to explain the components of the online platform, while the detailed platform design provides a more detailed description of the activities conducted on the platform.

Understanding Shiminhua in Chinese Greater Bay Area: Internalizing urban identity and negotiating place attachment

AbstractThis article aims to investigate the following question: How does the process of urbanization of rural–urban migrants (shiminhua) unfold in Chinese cities? It focuses on the urbanization of people in the contextualized concept of shiminhua. This paper mainly adopted qualitative methods of focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi‐structured interviews in three cities in the Greater Bay Area of China (GBA). The results indicate that shiminhua is an incremental process of gaining internalized urban identity and negotiated place attachment. It implies that successful shiminhua process in the GBA consists of efforts from multiple levels of stakeholders. Regional policy and urban governance strategy should understand shiminhua more comprehensively to facilitate successful shiminhua process.

“It depends on the boss” – a qualitative study of multi-level interventions aiming at office workers’ movement behaviour and mental health

ABSTRACT Purpose This embedded qualitative study explored the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of two multi-level RCT interventions among office workers, aiming at improving movement behaviour to enhance mental health and cognition. The interventions addressed the organizational, environmental, and individual level. Methods Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 38 stakeholders after completion of the interventions. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The interventions were well appreciated, and office workers attributed improvements in movement behaviour and wellbeing to the interventions. Especially the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based counselling and free gym access were appreciated, feasible and delivered as planned. Participants described existing workplace norms as barriers to more activity, particularly for reducing sitting. Support from managers and team support were considered crucial components. However, delivering these components was difficult. Conclusions The findings support the design of the multi-level interventions for changing movement behaviour. Results highlight the potential of CBT for this target group and the importance of manager and team support. Desired effects of similar multi-level interventions, including CBT, might be achieved in future studies that carefully address the issues with feasibility and acceptability and the resulting low fidelity of some intervention components that were identified in this study.

“We are everyone's ASHAs but who's there for us?” a qualitative exploration of perceptions of work stress and coping among rural frontline workers in Madhya Pradesh, India

ObjectiveMore than a million female village-level lay providers called ‘Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)’, who deliver primary care, face high levels of stress due to work demands and low compensation, within the context of poverty and gender inequality. Evidence on ASHAs has focused on workplace challenges from a system perspective, without sufficient probing into individual-level stress. This study aims to gain perspectives into the experiences of work stress, the related health symptoms, and the responses to stress among ASHAs in India. MethodsFocus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with ASHAs in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, were audio-recorded and transcribed. Grounded theory was used to generate themes under the various domains of ASHAs’ work and domestic life. We identified pathways between the conditions that trigger stressful events, experiences of these events, resulting perceptions, effects on health and wellbeing, and approaches used by ASHAs to respond to stress. ResultsSix FGDs with 59 ASHAs generated the following themes: (a) Facility: Workload, undue pressures, unstructured work; ASHAs’ relationships with seniors (e.g., feelings of being disrespected, blamed, or targeted), and low access to physical and administrative resources; (b) Home: Feelings of guilt for putting less time for family/child care; disrespect by the elderly for a poorly incentivised job; (c) Community: Low acceptance by the villagers; caste- and gender-bias; difficult community-level relationships (emotional labour, fear/stigma towards her services); (d) Somatic and psychological symptoms: headache, exhaustion, depressive symptoms (to cite a few); and (e) Responses to stress: Motivation (support from peers, family, a sense of identity/pride, incentives), Individual strengths (e.g., social responsibility), and spiritual recourse mechanisms. ConclusionsThis study will inform the development of a strengths-based coaching intervention to address work stress among ASHAs. The findings are relevant to building the evidence on alleviation of work stress among female frontline cadres in low-resource settings globally.

Utilizing Digital Health Technology to Increase Sexual Health Care Access: Youth Preferences on Self-Collect, Mail-In Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing in a High Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence Area

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for innovative approaches to delivering care. Self-collect, mail-in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing could address barriers to in-person STI testing, particularly for youth, who bear a disproportionate burden of STIs. This study sought to obtain youth input on the development of a free self-collect, mail-in STI testing program. MethodsFocus group discussions (n = 5, 45–60 minutes each) were conducted with 28 youth ages 14–19 years old living in Baltimore, Maryland. Focus group discussions were based on a conceptual framework of patient-centered health-care access, and a prototype online program was discussed. Transcribed data were coded thematically. Memos were written to synthesize findings and identify representative quotes. ResultsParticipants noted existing barriers to in-person STI testing barriers including individual-level (e.g., lack of knowledge), interpersonal-level (e.g., stigma), and structural-level (e.g., financial). Although participants expressed concerns about self-collect, mail-in STI testing (e.g., accuracy of self-swabbing), there was overall acceptance of the program, and many felt it would address current barriers to testing. Opportunities to improve the testing program included all four steps of testing process: kit ordering, receipt of the kit and swabbing, post-testing experience, and communication of results and treatment. Specifically, participants desired expanded shipping options to schools, and mail drop-off points such as lockers and local convenience stores; more transparency about testing and treatment; and hearing directly from health-care providers to assuage any concerns. DiscussionSelf-collect, mail-in STI testing was favorable among youth, and could be a viable option for increasing youth access to STI testing.

Development of Agro-Edutourism Based on Sustainable Agroindustry in Ngestiharjo Village, Kulon Progo

Lestari Mulya (LM) Agro-Edutourism is one of the Agro-Edutourisms included in the Aerotropolis Area, which is a tourist area supporting Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo Regency. This Agro-Edutourism is a tourist destination designed for educational purposes for children who have received early childhood education and kindergarten students. The community services aim to support members of the Lestari Mulya Women Farmer Group as managers of the Agro-Edutourism to discover their potential, identify development alternatives and assist them to become a sustainable agroindustry. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods were used by the Universitas Gadjah Mada community services team to gather the information needed for further development planning. The results of the in-depth interviews showed that there is potential for the land and that some ideas can be developed to improve the quality of Agro-Edutourism products. The Lestari Mulya Women Farmers Group was able to use the FGD method to design a safer and more comfortable layout for the area. The community services team has developed a master plan proposal to apply for funding to improve infrastructure to support faster development of the Agro-Edutourism

Social representations of gender and their influence in Supported Employment: employment specialists’ experiences in Sweden

Purpose Gender differences have been found in the outcomes of vocational rehabilitation (VR) and in Supported Employment (SE), therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore employment specialists’ (ES) social representations of gender in relation to work and VR and how these social representations influence the ES’s work in the VR process according to SE. Methods The qualitative method of focus group discussions was employed. Ten focus groups were held with 39 ESs from four categories of SE organizations in Sweden. Topic analysis was applied to the transcribed material from the focus groups. Results Five themes with different social representations about gender and disability in relation to VR and working life formed in the analysis: (1) differences in personal and health factors among VR-participants, (2) gender norms in society influencing VR, (3) energy-intensive environmental issues influencing VR, (4) gender-specific interactions in VR, and (5) gendered paths in the welfare system. Conclusion Social representations of higher strains on women with disabilities compared to men with disabilities both in private and working life, which reflect the lived experiences of the ESs, is a possible explanation for gender differences in VR and working life for persons with disabilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Gender differences in the outcomes of vocational rehabilitation (VR) interventions have been noticed worldwide. In this study, pervasive social representations about gender and disability in relation to VR were found, but also unconsciousness about gender among VR professionals. Therefore, awareness of gender is necessary in VR. Individualized and person-centered approaches to VR like Supported Employment, although considered best practice, might hide structures like gender, which could lead to reproducing discriminating processes and therefore not achieving gender equality in VR. Therefore, knowledge of discrimination is important in VR. Gender-sensitivity in vocational rehabilitation models with a person-centered and individualized approach is needed and there might also be a need to systematically tailor vocational rehabilitation models to reach gender equality in the outcomes of the interventions. Therefore, gender equality indicators are needed for VR models, to evaluate model effectiveness from a gender perspective.

Roles of Instructors in Enhancing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Towards Learners’ Academic Progress in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

Most of the Open and Distance Learning students face the challenges of poor academic progress when they relay on private and self-learning without any assistance from the teachers (instructors). Therefore, this study assessed the role of Instructors in Enhancing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Towards Learners’ Academic Progress in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study had two research questions namely: What are the services performed by instructors in enhancing learning through ODL in Iringa Municipality? What are the impacts of instructors in facilitating ODL learners toward academic performance? The study was methodologically operationalized by qualitative research approach and was guided by case study design. The target population was the Regional Resident Tutor, instructors and students from Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The total sample size involved 40 respondents. Data was collected through interview and focus group discussion methods. The data were analysed through the use of thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that provision of study materials such as modules and notes for further reading, face-to-face meetings, and guidance and counselling services are the services provided by ODL. Furthermore, this study revealed out that instructors have a great role in Open and Distance Learning leaners since, the guidance and counselling services provided to the students help them in various ways such as improving their studying skills and techniques. It is concluded that Tanzania government under the High Education Students Loan Board (HESLB) should provide loans even for ODL students to reduce the cost of education such as tuition fee, stationery, accommodation and meal. Finally, the government should oversee again the cost of ODL if possible, there is also a need to reduce the tuition fee and improve the infrastructure and resources such as libraries, classes and ICT facilities and services.

A Focused Group Perspective of Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Middle-Aged Adults in Rural Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Purpose Recent records by the World Health Organization show that hypertension is more prevalent in Africa than in other parts of the world, and remains the foremost common risk factor for cardiovascular-related diseases, stroke, renal diseases, and death. However, little is known about the risk factors for hypertension by people from rural areas, especially among middle-aged adults. Therefore, the study examined the knowledge of the risk factors for hypertension among middle-aged adults in rural areas of Anambra state, Nigeria. Materials, and method Focus group discussions were used to collect data from 40 middle-aged adults (20 males and 20 females). Two key themes stood out from the data collection guides. These are “awareness of hypertension and its’ symptoms” and “knowledge of risk factors of hypertension”. Results The findings showed that the participants were aware of hypertension but lacked in-depth knowledge of the risk factors for the disease. Most participants did not believe that intake of certain foods like starchy foods and excess alcohol consumption could lead to one being hypertensive. Discussion and conclusion There is a need for social workers to sensitize and enlighten the middle-aged adults in the study area on the risk factors for the disease.

Implementasi Transfer Pengetahuan Pertanahan Melalui Penyuluhan dan Klinik Pertanahan Desa

The presence of land and spatial issues in the Bejiharjo Urban Village presents a significant challenge in providing understanding and awareness to the community in its management. Transfer of knowledge to raise awareness among the people of Bejiharjo faces challenges such as strong institutional and political bureaucracy, geographical diversity of the region, and people's educational backgrounds. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study, the data for which was gathered through the focus group discussion (FGD) method and interviews with 20 residents. Discussions focused on conveying the diversity of potential areas worth developing, while interviews were used to address land and spatial issues. The findings show that counseling about the diversity of regional potentials and providing solutions to land problems can be used to foster community empowerment, improve the quality of land services, and meet the community's security needs for their land. However, the uniformity of land service requirements, the ease of bureaucracy in each institution, and the political will of the authorities to assist residents in the regions are the keys to achieving social welfare

Integration of disease surveillance in the English context: a qualitative study

ObjectivesThe world is experiencing increasing threats from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. Integration of disease surveillance systems has been put forth as one way to ensure more timely analysis of data and response. This study sought to explore the current context and state of integration of disease surveillance in England, including the barriers and facilitators to integration, as well as opportunities for improvement. Study designQualitative study with focus groups and key informant interviews. MethodsFocus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with key national, regional, and local stakeholders involved in surveillance activities in August and September 2022. These discussions and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using a within-case content and thematic analysis. ResultsIn total, five FGDs and 10 KIIs were conducted with 27 participants. Participants had different views on what integration is, though mostly agreed that surveillance systems in England are not integrated. Lack of standardisation, governance and oversight, and structural and financial barriers were hindering the current system from being more integrated. The additional benefits of integration above and beyond the ‘status quo’ during response activities were questioned by some. ConclusionEngland does not have a single integrated disease surveillance system but has a range of disease-specific surveillance systems that have evolved largely independently to meet operational needs. Greater integration may be desired and to a certain extent is important, but it is essential that it is understood as a means to an end and the overall purpose of surveillance is kept in mind.

The Role of Financial Reports for MSMEs in Gianyar District

MSMEs play an important role as the driving wheel of the regional economy. Financial statements are one of the components that can be used as a barometer to assess business development. The results of the BPS survey show an increase in the quantity of MSMEs after the new normal (2020). However, is this increase in line with quality? There are still many assumptions that the process of preparing financial statements is very complicated. Not even a few who have not prepared financial reports. This research was conducted in Gianyar Regency, as one of the areas where MSME growth has been very fast compared to other districts in Bali Province from 2020 until now. This study analyzes MSME perceptions of financial statements, constraints and influences on the preparation of financial reports on MSMEs with a descriptive approach using the focus group discussion (FGD) method and supported by the results of a questionnaire survey. Involved 10 informants and 100 respondents selected through purposive sampling. The results of this study are expected to be able to provide consideration for SMEs regarding the importance of preparing financial reports in running a business. It is our hope that the output of this research can be additional literacy as well as input on the importance of financial reports and the role of accounting in business development. As well as shifting the accounting paradigm from making it difficult to accounting to help businesses.

“Otherwise … he will be a beggar”: a focus group study to understand the Perspectives of physiotherapists about measuring rehabilitation outcomes and impact in low-resource and conflict-affected settings

Purpose Rehabilitation outcomes are important for patients, professionals and policy makers. Most outcome measures (OMs) were developed for “Western” contexts and may be inadequate for low-resource and conflict settings, where the ability to demonstrate impact would be critical to strengthening the sector. This study aims to understand perspectives of physiotherapists from challenging environments regarding current practices, value, barriers, and facilitators of measuring rehabilitation outcomes. Materials & methods Focus group discussions were held in English with 35 physiotherapists from 18 countries. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, anonymised, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged illustrating the levels at which outcomes and measures were discussed: User (patients, families), provider (physiotherapists, rehabilitation workers), application (OMs), and structure (management, health system). Participants discussed diversity in current practices and patient populations, utility of OMs and a neglected rehabilitation sector lacking investment. Barriers to progressing outcome measurement included lacking patient health literacy, rehabilitation provider training, valid OMs, and leadership. Participants suggested improved patient involvement, routine outcome measurement by using, developing, or adapting simple, context- and stakeholder-relevant OMs, and support from management. Conclusions These insights illustrate the need of and provide robust recommendations for context-adapted development of rehabilitation outcome measurement in various challenging contexts.

Integrative Thematic Textbooks for Elementary School Students and the Impact

This research aims at examining the development of the integrative thematic textbooks for the elementary school students and the impact of the textbooks towards their learning. This research was designed using Research and Development (R&D) using AwARDIE model which was developed from the ADDIE model. Research participants involved experts, teachers and students. Data was collected through interviews, document analysis, questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion methods. To analyse the data, some statistical formulas were used, such as: Levene, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-test and Omega Squared. The findings show that the integrative thematic textbooks have high validity based on the experts and practitioners’ judgements. In addition, the textbooks developed are proven to be effective to improve the students’ learning.

Pendampingan Keluarga pada Ibu Hamil, Ibu Menyusui, dan Anak Usia di Bawah Dua Tahun (Baduta) di Wilayah Puskesmas Cipadu Kota Tangerang

Nutrition is one of the factors that play a role in the rate of growth and development of infants as a superior generation in the future. Family mentoring activities are a form of community empowerment by studying existing problems and efforts to overcome them so that families can be free from nutritional problems. This mentoring program aims to help families improve knowledge, feeding practices, and nutritional status before and after family mentoring for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under two years old. This activity was carried out using lecture and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods, then continued with assistance in feeding practices. Eight respondents comprised three pregnant women, three breastfeeding mothers, and two children under two years old. The implementation began with strengthening cadres regarding child and maternal feeding practices and how to conduct monitoring and evaluation. The mentoring was carried out for two months with weekly monitoring and evaluation. Based on the mentoring results, there was an increase in knowledge among mothers of toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. In addition, feeding practices also improved, and the weight of children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers also increased. It can be concluded that mentoring focused on feeding practices can improve the nutritional conditions of children and pregnant/breastfeeding mothers who are malnourished.