Exploring the Acceptability and Suitability of Synchronous Online Focus Groups for Health Research With Métis Nation of Ontario Citizens: An Internet-Based Survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many researchers to adjust research methods from in-person to online formats. This paper explores the acceptability and suitability of synchronous online focus groups used to explore housing and health with Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens, one of 3 constitutionally recognized Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Objective: The objective of this internet-based survey was to understand the experiences of MNO citizens participating in synchronous online focus groups.

Methods: Only participants of the "Understanding Housing and Health" project were eligible to complete the survey and were recruited via a 'thank you' email. The survey asked respondents to rate their experience, satisfaction, and preference, as well as the feasibility and cultural appropriateness of the online focus group. An open textbox allowed respondents to share additional thoughts. Demographic and personal information (ie, age, gender, MNO region, and email) were collected. A total of 33/35 eligible participants completed the survey. A content analysis was conducted to generate themes from the open textbox responses and used to triangulate the results. The survey was developed collaboratively with MNO staff.

Results: Most respondents identified as women and were 45-65 years and older. All respondents had used Zoom before, and most (n=28, 85%) were either strongly or somewhat confident in their ability to use Zoom. One hundred percent of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed that they would participate in an online focus group in the future, and 86% of respondents strongly (n=22, 67%) or somewhat (n=7, 21%) agreed that an online focus group was culturally appropriate for Métis health research. A total of 82% (n=27) of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed that an online focus group was more feasible. Moreover, 58% (n=19) of respondents strongly or somewhat disagreed that they would have preferred to participate in an in-person focus group, while 27% (n=9) were neutral. Around 58% (n=19) of respondents could see other participants all of the time and did not experience lag at any point, while 25 (76%) could hear other participants all of the time, indicating fewer issues with audio. A total of 70% (n=23) of respondents felt they could connect with others all or most of the time, while 30% (n=10) felt they could do this some of the time or rarely. Content analysis of the open textbox responses generated 4 themes: internet and technology issues, accessibility, structure of the group discussion, and positive feedback.

Conclusions: The use of online focus groups for research with MNO citizens is acceptable; however, internet and technology issues can affect a participant's ability to fully engage. Considerations around cultural appropriateness and connecting with others should be made. This information will help inform method selection for future research work conducted in collaboration with the MNO.