Are people with learning disabilities able to contribute to focus groups on health promotion?

Aim. This paper shows the differences between the success of three focus gr oups in promoting group discussion on health promotion and also the detaile d effects of individual members with speech and language difficulties in pa rticipating. Background. Conducting focus groups with people with learning disabilities can promote their social inclusion. Conclusions. We conclude that focus groups are an effective method of condu cting exploratory research with adults with learning disabilities in the co mmunity, however, ability to participate with other members may be a limiti ng factor. Furthermore, special arrangements may need to be made for groups to be successful, including the use of an interpreter. The preparation of the moderator is also an important factor in group success.