Using focus groups to develop a culturally sensitive methodology for epidemiological surveys in a Latino population: findings from the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES).

Background: Many standardized survey instruments are initially developed in English-speaking populations. These instruments may not be culturally appropriate for other ethnic groups, such as Latinos.

Methods: The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) was designed to determine the prevalence of blindness, visual impairment, and ocular diseases; risk factors for these diseases; and general and ocular healthcare use among non-institutionalized adult Latinos in suburban Los Angeles County, California. The LALES investigators used focus groups to develop questionnaires and to devise culturally sensitive methods for implementing this epidemiologic study in a Latino population. Eighty-four respondents were administered the in-home questionnaire and then scheduled into one of 6 in-home focus groups, allowing participants to reflect in groups about the study, their participation, and the state of the instruments and the translations.

Findings: Overall, respondents reported that the questionnaire was well written, easy to understand, and very clear. Recommendations from participants included: 1) keep questions brief; 2) minimize the number of response choices; 3) keep phrasing clear; 4) simplify technical terms; 5) provide test results immediately after the clinical examination; and 6) hire Spanish-speaking staff to increase participants' trust and confidence.

Conclusion: Focus groups assisted in yielding a culturally appropriate survey research tool and methodology for this population-based study in a Latino community.