Challenges in Conducting Multilingual Focus Groups in Health Behavior Research

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrsml.v13.i10.4

Prof.(Dr) Avneesh Kumar

Galgotias University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 203201 India

Abstract

Conducting multilingual focus groups in health behavior research presents unique challenges that can affect data quality, participant engagement, and overall study validity. These challenges include linguistic nuances, cultural interpretations, logistical complexities, moderation skills, and ethical considerations. Addressing these issues requires careful planning, culturally and linguistically tailored protocols, skilled bilingual moderators, and robust translation and back‑translation procedures. This manuscript examines these challenges in depth, drawing on a mixed‑methods study involving four focus groups conducted in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin among urban populations. Key findings reveal that inadequate moderator training leads to data loss, literal translations obscure meaning, and scheduling across diverse language communities strains resources. We propose a comprehensive framework for designing and executing multilingual focus groups, including standardized moderator training, iterative translation processes, and participant verification of translated transcripts. By implementing these recommendations, researchers can enhance the validity, reliability, and inclusivity of health behavior research in multilingual contexts.

Keywords

Multilingual focus groups; health behavior research; translation challenges; cultural competence; mixed‑methods

References

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