Adolescent perspectives about their participation in alcohol intervention research in emergency care: A qualitative exploration using ethical principles as an analytical framework

Abstract

Aims To explore adolescents’ experiences of consenting to, and participating in, alcohol intervention trials when attending for emergency care. Methods In-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 adolescents (16 males; aged 14–17 years (M age = 15.7)) who had taken part in one of two linked brief alcohol intervention trials based in 10 accident and emergency departments in England. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subject to thematic analysis. Results Research and intervention methods were generally found to be acceptable though confidentiality was important and parental presence could hinder truthful disclosures regarding alcohol use. Participants discussed the importance of being involved in research that was relevant to them and recognised alcohol consumption as a normative part of adolescence, highlighting the importance of having access to appropriate health information. Beyond this, they recognised the benefits and risks of trial participation for themselves and others with the majority showing a degree of altruism in considering longer term implications for others as well as themselves. Conclusions Alcohol screening and intervention in emergency care is both acceptable and relevant to adolescents but acceptability is reliant on confidentiality being assured and may be inhibited by parental presence. Trial registration ISRCTN Number: 45300218

A qualitative exploration of 14 to 17-year old adolescents’ views of early and preventative mental health support in schools

“…Undertaking a small number of interviews can facilitate a close association with interview participants, enhancing the rigour of in-depth enquiry 42 , through a considered approach to the complexity and context of individual participants' experiences 43,44 . The average length of interviews in the present study was short at approximately 30 minutes, however succinct responses are typical in qualitative work with young people 41 . The generation of empirical data with a relatively narrow focus is possible through short interviews 45 , which can glean interesting data due to the co-operative nature of interview participants 46 .…”

“…Schools must be acutely aware of the impacts of bullying, academic stress, and the transition from primary school to secondary school. Future policies and support should reflect this, and should be co-developed with young people 41 . Young people were able to weigh up the strengths and limitations of school-based mental health interventions, and the feasibility and acceptability of preventative school-based mental health support must be examined further.…”

mHealth Targeting Physical Activity, Diet, Alcohol, and Smoking among Swedish High School Students : Processes and Outcomes of a Multiple Health Behavior Change Intervention (LIFE4YOUth)

“…On the other hand, such a stance can be considered as more unethical than providing tips to adolescents who want to stop smoking and consuming alcohol. 194 The LIFE4YOUth intervention gave all participants access to content aimed at stimulating reflection on why and how to change behaviors. All participants under the age of 18 who reported any alcohol consumption and all participants regardless of age who reported cigarette smoking received feedback signaling a health risk, while the feedback targeting participants 18 years or older took the reported amount into account.…”