Using Comics as Data Collection and Training Tools to Understand and Prevent Provider-Enacted HIV Stigma

Area of Science:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Health Communication
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Traditional data collection methods may not adequately capture nuanced experiences, particularly concerning sensitive topics.
• Participant vulnerability requires methods that are both informative and respectful, ensuring participant-informed research.
• Developing effective anti-stigma interventions necessitates understanding and addressing provider-enacted stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility of co-created comic storyboards as a generative data collection tool in qualitative research.
• To assess the effectiveness of user testing comic storyboards for ensuring participant-informed and responsive data collection.
• To inform the development of anti-stigma provider training materials using insights from participant-generated comics.

Main Methods:

• Integration of co-created comic storyboards into interviews and focus groups for data collection.
• Preliminary user testing of comic storyboards to refine their generative and participant-informed qualities.
• Qualitative-rhetorical analysis of data elicited through comic storyboards in a study on provider-enacted HIV stigma.

Main Results:

• User testing of comic storyboards led to the implementation of more responsive, participant-centered, and participatory data collection.
• Comic storyboards facilitated the elicitation of rich data, particularly regarding issues of stigma and participant vulnerability.
• Participant contributions during user testing directly informed the conceptualization and drafting of anti-stigma training comics.

Conclusions:

• Co-created comic storyboards are effective generative tools for qualitative data collection, especially in studies involving vulnerable populations.
• User testing is crucial for adapting and optimizing comic storyboards, ensuring they are participant-informed and methodologically sound.
• This approach yields valuable input for developing targeted interventions, such as anti-stigma training materials.