EXPERIENCE FROM VIDEO-RECORDED FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION ON SCHISTOSOMIASES IN MAGU, TANZANIA

Video-recorded focus group discussions were conducted to explore commo n perceived illnesses in a rural community coendemic for urinary and i ntestinal schistosomiases in Magu District, Tanzania. The ultimate goa l 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 p erceptions, 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 hea lth research using FGD to enhance validity of data.