La historia de Roberto: The use of vignettes in Hispanic health research

Purpose: This purpose of this study was to explore the use of a vignette, La Historia de Roberto, as a data collection method among Hispanics.

Research Question: Is a vignette an appropriate data collection method in exploring the beliefs systems of Hispanics?

Significance: A vignette is a short story that describes hypothetical characters and situations to which participants are invited to respond. While vignettes have been used by researchers in a variety of disciplines, their use in health, especially minority health, research has been limited.

Methods: This study, using focus group methodology, was conducted among a convenience sample of 50 adult Hispanic men and women. Data were collected through a demographic form and audiotaped responses to the vignette, La Historia de Roberto. The vignette was based upon the authors' prior research and clinical practice among Hispanics. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. Thematic analysis was used in the analysis of the qualitative data. Trustworthiness of the data collection, analysis, and interpretation were established through the use of an audit trail.

Results: The vignette, La Historia de Roberto, provided insight into how respondents made health and healthcare related decisions. It also allowed discovery of a major factor that influenced and determined participants' health related decisions. Thematic analysis of the vignette data revealed the importance of the Hispanic cultural value of familismo, the importance and centrality of family, as the major factor influencing Hispanic health, health promotion, and treatment behaviors.

Discussion: Vignettes elicit data that may not be collected by other methods. They allow participants to define, interpret, and respond to fictional characters and situations from within their own contextual worldview. The use of vignettes in minority health research has the potential to inform effective and culturally appropriate healthcare interventions for Hispanic and other ethnic minority populations.