Focus Group as a Qualitative Technique in Cross-Cultural Research: Empowering Traditional Health Practitioners as Focus Group Moderators

The aim of this study was to see how focus group discussions could be facilitated to obtain authentic information from participants in a cross-cultural study. Traditional medicine and beliefs are still being practiced in sub- Saharan Africa. People consult with traditional health practitioners for various personal reasons including the treatment for HIV/ AIDS. Traditional health practice can be regarded as a cornerstone of African tradition; and represents a sensitive area for researchers who wish to explore traditional health practice and knowledge and its impact on health-seeking behaviour. Qualitative research methodology was employed at three sites in Gauteng and two sites in KwaZulu-Natal. Focus group discussions were conducted in the indigenous languages by traditional health practitioners who had been trained as focus group moderators. The results of the study indicated that emic knowledge, understanding and interpretations can be elicited with appropriate research methodology, technique and strategy especially when the custodians of traditional and cultural practices are included as part of the research team.