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Focus Groups in Rapid Assessment Procedures

Focus groups are an instrument designed to gather information primarily about beliefs, values, and understanding. The participants are specifically selected to explore the range of these beliefs in a study population. Croup dynamics facilitate the collection of relatively detailed information on prevalent attitudes and ideas, conflicts and contradictions. Focus groups are guided by relatively strict rules of structure and procedure. This paper examines the need for flexibility in the conduct of these groups in developing-country settings and argues for their applicability in research on tropical diseases.