Use of focus group data from countries with linguistic differences: translation, analysis and presentation

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Qualitative Data Collection
• Cross-cultural Studies

Background:

• Focus groups are increasingly used in nursing research for in-depth understanding.
• Existing guidance covers focus group facilitation but lacks detail on cross-linguistic data handling.
• Challenges exist in translating, analyzing, and presenting focus group data from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine current practices for translating, analyzing, and presenting focus group data from different countries.
• To provide a detailed case study of decision-making for a study involving focus group data from two nations.
• To address the gap in evidence-based guidance for reporting cross-linguistic focus group data.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of contemporary examples of data translation, analysis, and presentation.
• In-depth case study analysis of decision-making processes in a multi-country focus group study.
• Review of existing literature and practices in qualitative research methodology.

Main Results:

• A clear rationale and transparency are essential when reporting the translation, analysis, and presentation of qualitative data.
• Detailed reporting should encompass translation processes, timing, and data amalgamation.
• The need for evidence-based guidelines on reporting translation, transcription, and analysis of cross-linguistic focus group data is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for standardized, evidence-based guidance on reporting the translation, transcription, and analysis of focus group data across linguistic boundaries.
• Researchers must provide comprehensive information on translation methods and timing in publications.
• Employing a bilingual lead researcher is recommended to enhance the quality and integrity of cross-linguistic research.