Questions for Grandmothers’ Focus Groups

Based on RELACHS 2003

Running a focus group

This schedule details the main themes to be explored in the focus group sessions. These questions are a guide only; you may phrase them in another way although it is important to remember not to ask leading questions as this may result in a biased response. Open ended questions provide an excellent way of beginning a discussion (the questions listed below provide examples of open ended questions). If the group does not want to discuss certain topics, even after rephrasing the questions, return to the questions later. Never try and force the group to discuss certain things but gently try to change the subject if the group are straying too far from the topic area. The discussion may not follow this exact lay out but it is important not to try to allow the conversation to develop, but do try to gently bring the discussion round to topics that may have been missed.

Introducing the focus group

  • Translation

*Firstly the facilitator will read out the following statements/questions.

All sentences will be short and clear, containing no more than 10 words, to allow for ease of translation.

*The translator will translate word for word the statement/question

*Respondent will reply in either language

*The translator will translate the reply for the facilitator if necessary

  • Welcome them to the study and thank them for taking part
  • Tell them your name
  • Explain that “the DEAL study stands for ‘DiEt and Active Living’. We are interested in finding out about young people’s health and finding out new ways to involve your family, school and community in leading a healthier lifestyle”
  • Check that they have all signed consent forms in order to participate and explain that everything they say will be confidential/ kept a secret so no one else will be ale to tell who said what. Explain that the conversation will be recorded but that no one else outside the staff on the project will be able to hear it.
  • Explain that the topics for discussion include
  • The role of the grandmother in caring for their grandchildren
  • Grandmothers’ opinions on healthy lifestyles
  • Explain that you just ask the questions and follow up certain points. What they say is up to them but remind them of the ground rules

1)only one person can speak at a time as this will make it easier for me to listen to the recording later

2)confidentiality will be maintained, you will all be given a different name and no one else’s names, or the names of any places you mention will be used

3)please tell me what you think even if your views are different to others

4)please remember to respect other people’s point of view

  • Explain that the focus group will last no longer than about 45 minutes unless they have lots to say!
  • Thank them again for taking part; remind them that their help is greatly appreciated.

Questions

1. As agrandmother, what role do youplay within the family?

*do you live with your grandchildren?

*if so, what do you do with your grandchild on a daily basis?

*do you do different things with your grandchildren at weekends?

*if not, how often do you visit?

*what is your relationship like with your grandchildren?

*do your grandchildren confide in you? How often? What about?

*do you know if they have already spoken to their parents?

2. What sort of things do you do with your family/grandchildren?

*do you cook for your family/grandchildren?

*if so- at your home or their home? what do you cook?

*if not, why not?

*what would you like your grandchildren to eat?

*who makes the final decision?

*do you do any physical activities with your grandchildren?

*If so, what?

*If not, why not?

3. Who is responsible for your grandchildren’s health?

*what could these people do to encourage healthy eating?

*what could these people do to encourage physical activity participation?

4.How could grandmothers support us to encourage healthy lifestyles?

*Ask for more detail about their ideas- where, how, when, with whom etc.

*How could parents help?

5. How could grandmothers encourage healthy lifestyles in their families?

*Ask for more detail about their ideas- what, how, when, with whom

etc.

6. How can your place of worship support leading a healthy lifestyle?

*Ask for more detail about their ideas- where, how, when, with whom etc.

*Who else/where else might be good support?

Thank you for taking part!

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Grandmothers’ focus group er lead

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