0685/2009 - The use of focus groups to investigate sensitive topics: an exampleresearch on girls‘ways of seeing sexual risks
O uso de grupos focais para investigar temas de natureza íntima: exemplo de uma pesquisa sobre pontos de vista de meninas adolescentes acerca dos riscos do sexo
Publicado
Author:
• Dora Lucia de Oliveira - Oliveira, D.L.L.C. - Porto Alegre, RS - UFRGS - <dora@enf.ufrgs.br>Thematic Area:
Não CategorizadoAbstract:
The methodology of focus groups has been increasingly employed in the context of social sciences research, particularly in health-related inquiries. Considerations about the sensitive aspects of such researches are not, however, very often seen in research reports, nor discussions about ways of conducting sensitive research. The aim of this paper is to share an experience of doing focus group research on sensitive topics, such as AIDS, risk and sexual issues, highlighting some methodological issues. More specifically, it suggests ways of working with teenage girls in focus groups about sensitive topics. The advantages of the use of focus groups to explore views of HIV/AIDS and other sexual risks are also discussed. Sociocultural approaches to risk and feminist thinking inform the main arguments.Keywords: Focus Groups; Qualitative Research, Sexual Behavior, Adolescent Health, Risk
