Abstract
As society becomes increasingly digital, qualitative research methods must continue to adapt and evolve to remain relevant and effective. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of asynchronous online focus groups (AOFGs) as a platform to engage young women in discussions about mental health. The Learning Insights from Girls for Health (LIGHT) study utilized an AOFG to assess mental health problems and potential solutions among 52 young women, 18-25 years old, across the United States. This study analyzed survey data and transcripts from the LIGHT study to assess participants' perceptions and satisfaction with the AOFG approach, and to characterize participant engagement and interaction within the AOFGs. Over half (59.6%) of participants were "Extremely satisfied" with the approach, and 34.6% were "Somewhat satisfied." Participants highlighted Confidentiality, Flexibility, Connection and perspective sharing, and Equitable participation as strengths of the approach, and Lack of nonverbal and paraverbal cues, Disjointedness, and Prone to user and technical error as limitations. Two themes generated to characterize participant engagement and interactions in the AOFGs included (1) Engagement through storytelling elevates insights around mental health experiences and (2) Participant interactions included offering support in the form of advice, validation, and empathy. Results of this study indicate that AOFGs are a valuable platform for facilitating discussions about mental health in young women and are a practical and flexible approach to conducting qualitative research.