The link between drug use and HIV/AIDS among young people in ...

Selection Criteria
The selection criteria were as follows:
Youth in school
Males and females between age of 14 and 24 years.
High and low achievers.
A mixture of persons from rural and urban communities.
Not necessarily best behaved, obedient and well-mannered students as is often promoted by
teachers and principals
Persons who may be considered to have used substances and/or may have demonstrated risky
behavior and/or possible negative attitudes.
Out of school youth or at risk youth
Males and females between age of 14 and 24 years.
A mixture of persons from rural and urban communities.
Persons with different socio-economic backgrounds.
Persons who may be considered to have used substances and/or may have demonstrated risky
behavior.
Males on the blocks and adolescent parents.
Selection
Selections were made based upon the criteria submitted to the relevant institutions and contact
persons. Focus group participants were selected from primary and secondary schools, college and
university, probationary services, technical/vocational institutions, rural, urban and suburban
communities, and ghetto areas. (See Appendix A1 for of focus group tables)
Location & Setting
The group discussions were held at conference rooms, institutional libraries and classrooms, at times
that allowed for privacy and confidentiality, and sought to minimize distractions.
The focus group settings were informal. The moderator formed part of group setting and sought to
foster discussion, minimize tension and observe participants who were non-responsive. The circular
format was used to allow all participants to be visible to the moderator. An observer was also present
at discussions to provide additional assistance to the researcher pertinent to the transcription and data
analysis.
Equipment
An effective mini-recorder was utilized and was placed in what was considered the best-fit location to
optimize the recording of the entire discussion.
Pilot Study
A pilot study was conducted with a group of 10 females between the ages of 17-20, which helped test
the understanding of the questions. This proved beneficial, as some questions required rephrasing for
the full understanding of every participant, given their varying backgrounds. However, due to the
diversity of groups (age and education level), such modifications were made by moderator during the
focus group discussions.
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