JMIR public health and surveillance | 2021
Conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among Black sexual minority men.
Abstract
BACKGROUND\nFocus groups are useful to support HIV prevention research among U.S. subpopulations such as Black gay, bisexual, and other Black sexual minority men (BSMM). Virtual, synchronous focus groups provide an electronic means to obtain qualitative data and are convenient to implement; however, the protocols and acceptability for conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM are lacking.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nThis paper describes the protocols and acceptability of conducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM.\n\n\nMETHODS\nData for this study came from eight virtual, synchronous focus groups conducted among two studies of HIV-negative BSMM in urban U.S. cities, stratified by age (N=39): two groups of BSMM ages 18-24, five groups of BSMM ages 25-34, and one group ages 35 years and older. Virtual, synchronous focus groups were conducted via Zoom® and participants were asked to complete an electronic satisfaction survey distributed to their email via Qualtrics™.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe age of participants ranged from 18 to 44 years (M=28.3, SD=6.0). Everyone strongly agreed or agreed that they were satisfied participating in an online focus group. Only 17% preferred providing written informed consent. Regarding privacy, most reported strongly agree or agree that their information was safe to share with other participants in the group. Additionally, 97% reported being satisfied with the incentive.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nConducting virtual, synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM is feasible. However, thorough oral informed consent with multiple opportunities for questions, culturally relevant facilitation procedures, and appropriate incentives are needed for optimal focus group participation.\n\n\nCLINICALTRIAL