Table 1.
Characteristics of the participants in the focus groups and cognitive interviews
| Characteristics | Focus groups | Cognitive interviews |
|---|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 | 21 |
| Age (in years) | M = 54.2 (SD = 12.7), range: 30–79 | M = 51.5 (SD = 15.0), range: 22–80 |
| Sex | ||
| Female | 31 (77.5%) | 16 (76.2%) |
| Male | 9 (22.5%) | 5 (23.8%) |
| First language | ||
| German | 38 (95.0%) | 20 (95.2%) |
| Other | 2 (5.0%) | 1 (4.8%) |
| Occupational statusa | ||
| Employed | 9 (22.5%) | 7 (33.3%) |
| Unemployed | 6 (15.0%) | 5 (23.8%) |
| Retired | 19 (47.5%) | 7 (33.3%) |
| Student/trainee | 2 (5.0%) | 3 (14.3%) |
| Marital status | ||
| Unmarried | 25 (62.5%) | 10 (47.6%) |
| Married/partnered | 6 (15.0%) | 3 (14.3%) |
| Divorced | 9 (22.5%) | 8 (38.1%) |
| Formal education | ||
| Lowb | 6 (15%) | 1 (4.8%) |
| Intermediatec | 10 (25.0%) | 8 (38.1%) |
| Highd | 15 (37.5%) | 5 (23.8%) |
| Very highe | 9 (22.5%) | 7 (33.3%) |
| Chronic disease groupa | ||
| Cancer | 5 (12.5%) | 2 (9.5%) |
| Cardiovascular disease | 10 (25.0%) | 7 (33.3%) |
| Mental disorder | 27 (67.5%) | 13 (61.9%) |
| Musculoskeletal disorder | 22 (55.0%) | 12 (57.1%) |
Abbreviations: M, mean; SD, standard deviation.
a
Multiple answers possible.
b
low = no formal degree or graduation after less than 10 years at school.
c
Intermediate = graduation after 10 or 11 years at school.
d
High = graduation after more than 11 years at school.
e
Very high = college or university degree.