The focus groups were held in a conference room with about a 15- to 20-person capacity. The room was furnished with a large oval table and chairs. Snacks and beverages were provided for the participants. Research staff consisted of a group moderator and a note-taker. The moderator and note-taker were both of African descent and were at least master’s level researchers in the health sciences, with experience conducting focus groups. Upon arrival to the group session, participants read and signed consent forms and completed a brief demographic questionnaire.3 They were encouraged to clarify any ambiguities on the consent forms, which explained the study’s purpose, procedures, confidentiality, compensation, risks and benefits, participant rights, and the contact information of the Institutional Review Board, principal investigators, and research staff. The moderator oriented group members as to the purpose of the study. Participants were instructed to raise their hands if they wanted to speak. All participants were given an opportunity to speak through a pocket-sized digital microphone recorder that was passed around the table. Less outspoken participants were gently encouraged by the moderators to
