Experience from video-recorded focus group discussion on schistosomiases in Magu, Tanzania

Video-recorded focus group discussions were conducted to explore common perceived illnesses in a rural community coendemic for urinary and intestinal schistosomiases in Magu District, Tanzania. The ultimate goal was to construct a morbidity questionnaire on schistosomiases to be used as a screening tool in endemic communities. The findings suggest that video-recorded FGD was very instrumental in exploring community perceptions, attitudes, and practices with regard to different types of illnesses, signs, symptoms, and illness behavior. The methodological experience with video is discussed in detail with recommendations for observing methodological triangulation when conducting qualitative health research using FGD to enhance validity of data.