Focus groups serve several purposes in epidemiology: 1. Hypothesis Generation: They help in generating hypotheses about disease etiology and health behaviors. 2. Understanding Context: They provide context to quantitative findings, helping researchers understand the 'why' behind statistical trends. 3. Community Engagement: They engage the community, ensuring that public health interventions are culturally appropriate and acceptable. 4. Exploring Sensitive Issues: They offer a safe space for discussing sensitive or stigmatized topics, such as HIV/AIDS or mental health.
