Methodological Guidelines for Focus Groups with Children from Developing Regions

Abstract

Qualitative research with children has gained recognition in recent years. Nevertheless, special considerations should be analyzed before conducting focus groups with children from developing countries where methodological guidelines are scarce. This article provides methodological guidelines for conducting focus groups with children from developing countries based on an extensive literature review and our experience in urban and rural areas in Ecuador. Peculiarities of urban and rural contexts are highlighted, and child-friendly strategies are proposed. We conclude that focus groups can be conducted successfully with urban and rural children from low-and-middle-income countries if their specific circumstances, such as language and cultural diversity, are contemplated and all the materials are tested beforehand.