Focus Group Discussions Research Articles

Considering patient-centred care and patient empowerment as essential to quality health care delivery in Ghana

Background: Rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), poor health choices, mistrust of the health system, self-medication, resistance of diseases to medication and dissatisfaction with the service experience serve as red flags on the path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).Aim: This study explored the importance of patient-centred care (PCC) and patient empowerment (PE) within the context of healthcare service delivery in Ghana.Setting: The study considered PCC and PE from the perspective of three public healthcare facilities within the Greater Accra region.Methods: The researcher adopted a qualitative exploratory research approach. The study employed purposive sampling for the selection of healthcare facilities and healthcare providers. Convenience sampling was applied to select patient participants. A total of 33 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted across the three sampled facilities as part of the data collection process.Results: Healthcare providers and patients unanimously view quality as essential for effective healthcare delivery. The application of the capacitating role of PE and PCC is inexact and largely left to subjective interpretation.Conclusion: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recognised that patient experiences, a key indicator of care quality, have often been suboptimal and is actively working to address these weaknesses.Contribution: This study supports the call for health systems to remain committed to efforts to achieve UHC, with a focus on PCC and PE.

AI-Powered Applications for Improving EFL Students’ Speaking Proficiency in Higher Education

As Artificial Intelligence systems increasingly dominate various sectors in this technology-driven era, educational institutions are eager to integrate innovative tools and applications into the teaching and learning experience to enhance students' abilities, performance, skills and achievements. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of utilizing Google Assistant, an AI-based app, in improving students’ English speaking performance. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitatively, a pre-post speaking test was conducted with participating students before and after the intervention (using the Google Assistant app). Following the experiment, qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with some of the participants. The findings revealed significant improvements in students’ overall speaking performance and sub-skills. The use of the Google Assistant application notably enhanced EFL students’ fluency and interaction, followed by pronunciation, vocabulary, content and relevance, and spoken grammar, respectively. Additionally, based on the participants' discussions, several benefits of using this AI-based application were identified, including providing language practice and resources, engaging and motivating learners, and immersing students in a self-directed learning experience. However, some challenges were also inducted, particularly regarding accessibility, connectivity and technical issues. Consequently, several conclusions and recommendations were drawn based on these findings.

A qualitative study to inform the development of a decision support tool for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Tigray, Ethiopia.

Tuberculosis (TB) is Ethiopia's leading infectious killer disease. The war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has resulted in the disruption of TB care services. Prediction models are recommended to aid the diagnosis of TB in resource-limited settings. However, the development of such decision-support tools without the participation of end users may not be successful. To inform the tool development, we described barriers to diagnosing TB and identified applicable and desirable parameters for the proposed tool. We conducted a qualitative study between February and June 2023 in two cities in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. We conducted 12 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with healthcare workers (HCWs). Interviews were translated, coded, and analyzed to identify predefined and emergent themes during the thematic analysis. Healthcare workers used symptoms, risk factors, signs, and investigations to diagnose TB. However, failure to ask about antibiotic use, the absence and non-affordability of investigations, and patient load were barriers affecting the diagnosis of TB. Most of the classic TB symptoms and their duration were sorted as very important, simple, reliable, generalizable, and desirable indices. In addition, a trial of antibiotics, being chronically sick-looking, having HIV, having a contact history with a TB patient, and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate fulfilled the above criteria. In the TB diagnostic process, HCWs account for a variety of data, but they prefer the classic symptoms of TB to heighten their clinical suspicion. Antibiotic trials and some risk factors were also considered reasonable. However, when HCWs have a heavy workload and a shortage of investigations, they experience a suboptimal TB diagnostic process. Hence, appropriate context consideration and care providers' preferences for parameters will inform tool development.

“Whenever I help her, I am also expecting her vagina in return”: a qualitative analysis to explore men’s and adolescent girls’ perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual behaviour and health of adolescent girls in rural western Kenya

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic caused school closures, which intensified the negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including increases in transactional sexual partnerships, gender-based violence,...

ESTABLISHING SUSTAINABILITY IN THE TOURISM VILLAGES OF BALI

The goal of developing tourism villages is to improve community welfare. The aim of this research is to formulate an integrated strategy to develop sustainable tourism at tourism villages. Data collection were through observation, focus group discussions (FGD) and interview. FGD method is a common approach for data collection in qualitative research. There were 50 respondents consisting of representatives from government, academics, the chairman of the Bali tourist village communication forum and tourist village managers around Bali. The novelty of this research is an integrated strategy approach in realizing sustainable tourism at tourist villages in Bali. This research revealed that the collaboration between government, tourism village managers, and community participation to innovate green marketing, implementing corporate social responsibility in light of the local wisdom of Tri Hita Karana, and effectively leveraging digital marketing to raise tourist village brand awareness are all essential components of sustainable tourism. The results of this research are expected being a reference for stakeholder in order to accomplish the aim of improving tourist villages performance through sustainable tourism.

Exploring Consumer Understanding and Perceptions of Front-of-Pack Labelling of Foods and Non-Alcoholic Beverages in Kenya

Background: Front-of-package labeling (FOPL) is shown to support healthier consumer choices. Many countries have adopted different FOPL systems. Objective: This study explored perceptions and understanding of three FOPLs and identified features that could enhance their effectiveness in Kenya. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted across four Kenyan counties—Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa, and Kisumu. Data from 12 focus group discussions with 137 adults of diverse socio-demographic backgrounds were analysed. Participants evaluated three FOPLs: Red and Green (RG) Octagon, Red and Green Octagon with icons and text (RGI), and Black Octagon Warning Label (WL). The FGDs assessed visibility and memorability, comprehension, potential effectiveness, and cultural relevance of each label. NVivo version 14.0 was used for thematic analysis. Results: Kenyan consumers had mixed perceptions of the proposed FOPLs. The black Octagon WL was found to be the most visible and memorable due to its bright colours. Although the RG and RGI symbols were visually engaging, some participants reported confusion with the colour meanings. The WL was also more readily understood due to its text. Overall, WL was preferred for its potential to influence purchasing decisions, while all three FOPLs were considered culturally suitable. Conclusions: The Black Octagon Warning Label was the most visible and comprehensible of the three FOPLs and shows promise in influencing consumer behaviour in Kenya. While RG and RGI symbols are appealing, their colour scheme could reduce their effectiveness. Educating consumers on FOPLs could enhance their impact in reducing unhealthy food purchases.

Grade 10 Students’ Experiences with Catch-Up Fridays

This study investigated Grade 10 students’ experiences with Catch-Up Fridays at Prosperidad National High School during the 2023-2024 academic year. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, the research aimed to understand how students engaged with the program and its impact on their reading proficiency. A total of 30 Grade 10 students from Prosperidad National High School in Prosperidad District I, Agusan del Sur, were selected through purposive sampling for in-depth interviews. The study employed thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) guidelines, beginning with detailed readings of interview and focus group discussion transcripts. The findings revealed both challenges and benefits associated with the Catch-Up Fridays program. Students encountered significant issues with time management and task overload, which led to stress and decreased academic focus. The lack of engagement and relevance in some activities further diminished motivation, while limited teacher support exacerbated these difficulties. However, the program also demonstrated notable benefits, such as improved reading skills, increased engagement with diverse texts, and enhanced motivation and attitudes toward reading. These outcomes were consistent with the Theory of Student-Driven Learning, which emphasized the importance of student autonomy, relevant learning activities, robust support systems, and peer collaboration. The study highlighted the need for balancing workload, tailoring activities to student needs, ensuring effective support, and fostering a collaborative learning environment to improve the effectiveness of Catch-Up Fridays. Future research should explore integrating structured peer collaboration to enhance the program’s impact on student learning and confidence.

“They say it may cause cancer:” A Qualitative Exploration of Filipinos' Contraceptive Misconceptions and Primary Healthcare Interventions

Background and Objective. Contraceptives are widely acknowledged for preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, there is a prevalent lack of awareness regarding contraceptives, leading to unaddressed misconceptions. This study aimed to identify common contraceptive misconceptions among men and women of reproductive age and explore how primary health workers address them. Methods. A qualitative study was conducted in two phases within District 5, Manila City. Phase 1 comprised focused group discussions with men and women of reproductive age (n=60), while Phase 2 involved conducting in-depth interviews with primary healthcare providers (n=16). MAXQDA, a qualitative software, to organize and code the data, was utilized. Results. Women of reproductive age reported several misconceptions about contraceptives, including concerns about adverse health effects, emotional and behavioral changes, perceived ineffectiveness, and cosmetic or bodily changes. For instance, they believed that contraceptives could lead to serious health complications, such as cancer, genital injury, and even death. Primary healthcare providers addressed these misconceptions through open dialogue during service delivery, particularly during prenatal and postpartum check-ups and infant immunizations. They utilized patient education strategies, including the teach-back method, and conducted community outreach and workshops on contraceptives and family planning, especially during Women’s Month. Conclusion. Several misconceptions were identified among women of reproductive age regarding the proper use and safety of contraceptive methods, as well as misguided beliefs. In contrast, men did not exhibit any misconceptions about contraceptives, which warrants further investigation. Primary healthcare providers have taken a proactive approach to address this issue by offering comprehensive explanations and ensuring clear understanding between healthcare providers and women. Promoting contraceptive health literacy could help bridge the knowledge gap between men and women of reproductive age.

A Miseducation: Perspectives on Sexuality Education from Black Women in the US South

Over the last three decades, the receipt of formal sexuality education has declined, with half of adolescents nationwide receiving the minimum Healthy People standard of sexuality education from 2015 to 2019. Further, racial and geographic inequities in sexuality education remain, with Black women and girls more likely to receive abstinence-only-until-marriage instruction. We sought to describe Black women’s sexual education in two southern states, North Carolina and Georgia. We conducted a qualitative community-based participatory research study. We held focus-group discussions with forty-nine Black women in Georgia and North Carolina between May 2019 and January 2020. The research team, the reproductive justice organization, and the Research Board reviewed, discussed, and refined themes developed using deductive thematic analysis. Most participants were employed. The median age was twenty-seven. From the participants’ accounts, we observed the inadequacy of sexuality education and the resulting process of unlearning inaccurate, negative information and learning positive and accurate information about sexuality. Participants expressed a desire for accessible, high-quality sexual education for themselves and the next generation that addresses autonomy, pleasure, and consent. Our findings highlight the need for investment in existing community efforts and in creating high-quality, culturally responsive comprehensive sexuality education nationwide to effectively address structural barriers to accessing sexuality and relationship information and skills.

Abstract B007: A qualitative research study on hematology and oncology consultants’ experiences and opinions on using minimal residual disease (MRD) as a fast-track approval endpoint in early-phase clinical trials in multiple myeloma in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently considered the minimal residual disease (MRD) as an acceptable accelerated approval endpoint in multiple myeloma (MM). The data from the meta-analysis studies established the clinical benefit of MRD negativity in certain hematological cancers such as MM. Objectives: The primary objective of this qualitative research study is to assess hematology and oncology consultants’ opinions and experiences on the adequacy of using minimal residual disease (MRD) as an intermediate endpoint in early- phase clinical trials in multiple myeloma (MM) for fast-track approval of drugs and biological products in the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. That may include using MRD in MM in both settings: newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM. The secondary objective is to gather information about the feasibility and availability of sensitive methods for detecting MRD in the context of real-world medical practice and clinical trials in Saudi Arabia. Study Design: The study design is a qualitative approach to interviewing 30 registered male, or female physicians specialized in hematology and oncology in Saudi Arabia. The interviews will be conducted in two ways: a single focus group and several face-to-face interviews. The participants should have more than 1 year of experience post-fellowship training. The participants will be invited for an interview via email or phone. A predetermined set of semi-structured questions is to be asked in the same order to each participant. The topic of questions will include the definition of MRD, clinical and research significance of MRD, MRD detection thresholds (e.g., 10^-5 vs. 10^-6), duration of MRD negativity at the complete response, correlation with other clinical endpoints such as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The interviews will be conducted by scientific oncology and hematology evaluation experts at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority who have considerable experience in engaging in personal discussion. This qualitative study has about 5–10 semi-structured one-to-one interviews of hematology and oncology consultants performed at a convenient time for each doctor. Moreover, the discussions in focus groups can be as small as four participants. Qualitative data will be prepared and analyzed by an expert in data analysis. Citation Format: Tariq Hassan Alqurayshah, Albandari Alnasser, Tariq Alqurayshah. A qualitative research study on hematology and oncology consultants’ experiences and opinions on using minimal residual disease (MRD) as a fast-track approval endpoint in early-phase clinical trials in multiple myeloma in Saudi Arabia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B007.

Parental mediation strategies for social media use: a thematic analysis of perspectives among Indonesian parents and adolescents

ABSTRACT As social media provides opportunities but also involves risks for adolescents, some parents apply strategies to help their children adaptively use social media. Taxonomies of these strategies were primarily based on research conducted in the Global North. However, while social media use is also highly prevalent in the Global South, research on parental mediation strategies in the Global South is relatively scarce. The aim of this study is to increase our understanding of parental mediation strategies for social media use that occur in Indonesia. We conducted a qualitative study consisting of eight focus group discussions and eight semi-structured interviews (15 Indonesian parents and 30 Indonesian adolescents). The thematic analysis revealed that participating Indonesian parents typically applied a combination of specific restrictive and enabling strategies, including access restriction, interaction restriction, technical mediation, monitoring, interpretative mediation, supervision/co-use, modelling, and norm implementation. Parents reported a range of difficulties when trying to implement mediation strategies but overall, they believed that their strategies help their children to use social media more adaptively.

Adoption of soil conservation practices by mandarin (Citrus reticulata B.) farmers in Gulmi, Nepal

Mandarin has a tremendous potential for export and increased income for farmers of Nepal. However, in the recent years, soil degradation and erosion are the major challenges faced by the citrus enterprises especially in the hilly region of Nepal. The declining status of production and productivity cannot be checked without the transfer of site-specific and commodity-based knowledge and skills to the corresponding farmers. A study was carried out in 2023 to examine the soil conservation practices and status of technology adoption among the mandarin farmers. A total of 80 households from three wards of Dhurkot rural municipality of Gulmi district were selected on purpose for the study. Data were collected through interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussion, using semi-structured questionnaire, then the descriptive analysis was done using MS Excel and SPSS (Version 23.0). The results revealed that mainly three types of soil were presented in the study areas viz. luvisols, cambisols and sandy gravel, which are highly prone to soil erosion. The average area under mandarin cultivation was reported to be 0.74 hectare, with an estimated productivity of 7.6 metric tons per hectare. Approximately 95% of the respondents were familiar with soil degradation and its consequences in mandarin production. Accordingly, 96.2% of the respondents had adopted some forms of soil conservation practices like sod culture (40%), minimum tillage (36.2%), liming (40%), terracing and cover cropping (95%) and integrated plant nutrient system (31.2%), alongside the traditional stone bunds and mulching. The findings suggested that an increased participation in trainings and contact with extension agents has a significant influence on the importance of capacity building of the farmers regarding sustainable soil conservation technology, innovative cultivation practices, and ensuring frequent extension services to the farmers. Implementing these measures is expected to enable mandarin farmers in Nepal to check annual losses of soil fertility due to soil erosion and landslides, thereby contributing to commercialization of citrus.

The Strategy of the Yogyakarta City Government in Implementing a Sustainable Zero Inorganic Waste Policy

This research aims to analyze the implementation of the Zero Inorganic Waste policy enacted by the Yogyakarta City Government, focusing on waste sorting strategies, infrastructure support, and challenges encountered in managing inorganic waste. The qualitative methodology involves field observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with various stakeholders. The research findings indicate that while this policy has successfully raised public awareness about waste separation, significant challenges remain, such as low public participation, limited infrastructure, and insufficient education efforts. Therefore, the government must increase resource allocation for waste management infrastructure and develop more effective educational programs to encourage behavioral change. This study’s contribution to urban waste management literature lies in its emphasis on the importance of a participatory and systematic approach to waste management and the need for public behavioral change to achieve sustainability goals. The conclusions of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in formulating more effective waste management strategies in Yogyakarta and other urban areas. This research also offers substantial theoretical contributions, particularly regarding the importance of participatory and systematic approaches in urban waste management and the necessity for societal behavioral changes to achieve sustainability objectives.

Exploring sociocultural factors and ubuntuism for women living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe

Background: The focus of this study was on women living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe, who face many challenges, both in the family and community. Patriarchy compounds these problems as these women navigate access to health and other services.Objectives: The study sought to explore ubuntuism and the sociocultural factors that facilitate or constrain women living with HIV from accessing community services and resources.Method: An interpretive phenomenological analysis research design was utilised for the study. Purposive and quota sampling were applied to recruit 40 participants from six villages. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions that were audio recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using the interpretive phenomenological analysis framework.Results: The study found that women living with HIV face stigma and discrimination in the form of social exclusion and reduced access to community-based health activities and empowerment opportunities. These challenges were compounded by the negative impact of patriarchy that gives rise to land, resettlement and acculturation challenges.Conclusion: Ubuntu is a reflection of mutual dependence and can be used to promote more compassionate relationships with those who are HIV positive in the community.Contribution: The study provides unique insights into the challenges experienced by women living with HIV and how ubuntu could mitigate those challenges so that it adds to the humanistic philosophies in interpersonal relationships.

Referrals and Black-White Coronary Heart Disease Treatment Disparities: A Qualitative Study of Primary Care Physician Perspectives.

Black-White coronary heart disease (CHD) treatment disparities are well documented, especially regarding the use of high-quality hospitals. Physician referral networks may play a role. To understand how primary care physicians (PCPs) make specialty referrals for CHD treatment and how referrals may contribute to treatment disparities. Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. We purposively recruited 45 PCPs (50 invited, 90% response rate) in three metro areas with high Black-White segregation of cardiac care networks (New York City; Chicago; Atlanta). We developed the focus group discussion guide from interviews and current literature. We conducted two focus groups per metro area via Zoom. Two expert team members independently coded the transcripts using inductive techniques and analyzed focus group content and themes using Dedoose. Most participants were male (62.2%), White (57.8%), and practiced for at least 23years. We identified several recurrent themes for factors influencing cardiology referrals. The most frequently mentioned themes were heavy reliance on professional networks, specialist availability, timeliness, communication style, patient geographic and economic constraints, and patient preferences. PCPs used anecdotal and not data-driven evidence to assess hospital quality and viewed Black-White differences in high-quality hospital use as due to patient economic status and preferences or differences in hospital access and provider referral bias. PCPs' referral decisions for CHD treatment are primarily driven by access to specific professional networks and the socioeconomic circumstances of their patients. Nevertheless, PCPs strive to make the best available decisions, leaning into their networks and honoring patient preferences. While PCPs acknowledged existing disparities, they attributed them to patient and system factors rather than provider referral bias. Mitigating disparities will require interventions to improve minority-serving providers' formal and informal connections with high-quality specialists and hospitals, address patient socioeconomic constraints, and train providers to recognize their potential biases and misconceptions.

Methodological guidelines for a rapid appraisal of agricultural innovation systems under agroecology (RAAIS-AE)

The agricultural innovation system (AIS) is an approach that considers agricultural innovation from a multidisciplinary perspective. The Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems is one of the commonly used operational methods. It involves a series of structured and participatory activities, including interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholder workshops, to identify the actors, institutions, and relationships involved in the AIS, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the system. This approach has been structured in such a manner that it adapts easily to different contexts where different stakeholders, such as developers, academicians, and policymakers are working with community members on innovation. A reflection on the concept -what to know (the requirements) and what to get (the outputs) is necessary for coming up with practical, reflective analysis and applicable procedures for a deeper understanding of the context where the innovations are introduced. Following this will enable us to fully understand the bottlenecks in transitioning from conventional systems to an agroecological model thus pinpointing potential entry points for promoting these systems’ dissemination and scaling.

Experiences and needs of persons who have undergone limb amputation in Saki West, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Amputation is a life-changing experience involving the surgical removal of a body part. However, little is known about the experiences of persons who have undergone limb amputation in the Saki West Local Government Area (LGA), which prompted this study. An exploratory qualitative study design was used. Thirty participants were interviewed using face-to-face focus group discussions. Five sessions were conducted, with six participants in each session. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis framework of Braun and Clarke. A total of 76.3% of the participants were males and 73.3% were married. Their ages ranged from 22 and 69y, with a mean age of 48.0y and a monthly income of 20000 naira (US$12). Three major themes emerged from the study: the needs and challenges of those who have undergone amputation, coping strategies of those who have undergone amputation and recommendations by persons who have undergone amputation. The study revealed that people who have undergone amputation experienced psychological pain, such as a loss of self-worth and stigmatization from friends and loved ones. Coping strategies identified were accepting the situation and emotional support from family. Participants recommended providing financial support, empowerment programs, employment opportunities and fostering a community of amputees in the Saki West LGA. Amputees undergo psychological and psychosocial problems that can affect their health and recovery. They need emotional and financial support, rehabilitation services and provision of prostheses from family, society and the government. These services should be adequately provided in the Saki West LGA, the largest among the 10 suburban local governments in Oyo State, with numerous commercial activities and a high risk for road traffic accidents.

Authoritative Parenting Style and Social-Emotional Development of Pre-Primary Learners: A Case of Lurambi Sub-Kakamega County, Kenya

Parenting is crucial to a child's growth and development since so much of what they learn in their formative years hinges on the strength of their relationships with their parents. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of authoritative parenting styles on social emotional development of pre-primary learners. The study adopted Baumrind's theory on parenting styles and used descriptive survey research design. The target population was 6,848 pre-primary learners, 264 ECD teachers, and 6,526 parents in Lurambi Sub-County-Kenya. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques helped to obtain sample size of 400 pre-primary learners, 26 ECD teachers and 20 ECD parents from 19 pre-schools. The interview schedule, questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to generate data for the study. The regression analysis indicated that authoritative parenting style had a statistically significant effect in predicting social emotional development of pre-primary learners as indicated by R2 =.206 (20.6%); F(1,18), = 4.661, B= .541, t=2.159, p<0.045. The study concluded that most children had active conversation with their parents, the study also concluded that most children were given token by their parents before doing task, the study also most parents made demands from their children. The study recommends that parents should use authoritative parenting to enhance children’s social emotional development.

Education – Language – Identity

AbstractIn our paper we explore the intricate relationship between language and identity within the Hungarian language minority residing in Slovakia, examining the patterns of identification among high school students in Western Slovakia. Focusing on upper-secondary Hungarian-medium high school students, we investigate the role of the Hungarian language in shaping identity patterns and cultural unity. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative questionnaire survey with qualitative focus group discussions, we address research questions regarding the construction of community belonging and adolescents' attachments to their region and homeland. Our study, encompassing 414 students from five Hungarian-medium gymnasiums, sheds light on the identity formation of the Hungarian national minority and highlights divergent tendencies between different age groups. The findings are part of an ongoing state-level research project.

Abstract B006: Qualitative research study on the use of minimal residual disease as an intermediate endpoint in multiple myeloma clinical trials in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently considered minimal residual disease (MRD) as an acceptable accelerated approval endpoint in multiple myeloma (MM). Meta-analysis studies have shown the clinical benefit of MRD negativity in certain hematological cancers such as MM. Objectives: This qualitative research study, with a unique focus on the Saudi context, aims to assess the opinions and experiences of hematology and oncology specialists and consultants in Saudi Arabia. The study is particularly interested in their views on the use of MRD as an intermediate endpoint in early-phase clinical trials for fast-track drug approval by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in the context of multiple myeloma. This includes assessing the use of MRD in both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM. The secondary objective is to gather information about the feasibility and availability of sensitive MRD detection methods in real-world medical practice and clinical trials in Saudi Arabia. Study Design: The study will involve interviewing 30 registered male or female physicians specialized in hematology and oncology in Saudi Arabia. The physicians will be included in the study using purposive sampling methods. The study will collect the physicians’ opinions and experiences about MRD. The interviews will be conducted through a single focus group and several face-to- face interviews or performed online, using ZOOM. Participants should have more than one year of experience post-residency or post-fellowship training. The predetermined set of semi- structured questions will cover topics such as the definition of MRD, its clinical and research significance, MRD detection thresholds, duration of MRD negativity, and its correlation with other clinical endpoints, such as progression-free survival and overall survival. The interviews will be conducted by scientific oncology and hematology evaluation experts at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, who play a crucial role in this study. The study will consist of 5–10 semi- structured one-to-one interviews and focused group discussions of as few as four participants. Before starting any interview, participants will complete consent forms, including the study’s goals and who will conduct the study. Qualitative data will be prepared and analyzed by an expert in data analysis, ensuring the highest research standards. The results will be presented using descriptive and interpretive methods. Citation Format: Albandari A Alnasser, Tariq H Alqurayshah. Qualitative research study on the use of minimal residual disease as an intermediate endpoint in multiple myeloma clinical trials in Saudi Arabia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B006.