Views Of Adolescents Research Articles

Health literacy from the perspectives of children and adolescents - a meta-ethnography

Abstract Background The current literature on health literacy rarely considers the views of children and adolescents. The aim of our qualitative evidence synthesis was therefore to develop a child- and adolescent-centered conceptualization of health literacy. Methods We conducted a meta-ethnography of qualitative studies. Our iterative literature search considered the literature up to November 2023. We dually screened 1596 abstracts and 97 full texts, assessed the methodological limitations of the 32 included studies, and considered 21 data-rich studies in the analysis. We extracted first- and second-order constructs, translated the studies into each other, and developed a coherent argumentation. We dually assessed the trustworthiness of the evidence. Results The resulting model comprises micro-, meso-, macro- and chronosystems. It highlights the influence of demographic, cognitive and psychological factors on the development of health literacy in children and adolescents at the micro level, the social environment, including family, friends, peers, teachers, and health professionals at the meso level, and the media and internet, the health and education system, the living environment, and the social narrative about health at the macro level. The chronosystem shows the impact of upbringing, development, and experience. Children absorb health information actively and passively, employing various strategies to evaluate its trustworthiness. They seek advice from their social environment, which acts as a source of information and influencing factor. Different types of information are weighed up and ranked before action is not taken. Conclusions Existing models of health literacy are too one-dimensional to be applied to children and adolescents and do not consider their social and living environment. The proposed model offers a comprehensive understanding of health literacy in children and adolescents. It can be used as a basis for future interventions to improve health literacy. Key messages • Health literacy of children and adolescents is significantly influenced by a combination of internal and external factors. • By incorporating the perspectives of children and adolescents, we have developed a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of health literacy.

The adverse dyadic friendship (ADF): An exploratory retrospective view of female adolescents.

Friendships of adolescent girls play a significant role in providing socio-emotional support and enabling the attainment of developmental tasks. The present exploratory paper focuses on an aspect of close friendships that has yet to be widely examined, which we described as the Adverse Dyadic Friendship (ADF). This is a friendship whose negative elements are perceived from the distance of time as outweighing its positive ones. To examine the features of ADF, a qualitative study based on retrospective data obtained from 34 young adult females (Mage = 31.14, SD = 5.59) was conducted in Israel. Using a semi-structured online questionnaire, participants were asked to address a specific close same-sex friendship they had during their middle or high school years that has negatively affected them. The emerging themes (such as negative feelings and various coping strategies) suggest that ADF comprises an intense emotional condition, having implications on the development of individuals' self-perception. The consequences of ADF may be detrimental to adolescent girls' self-worth and friendship skills and extend into their adult life. Whereas the developmental literature emphasizes the positive aspects of friendship for adolescent girls, this study points out how ADF can also become a developmental challenge for them: on the one hand, ADF comprises a risk factor for their socio-emotional development, and on the other hand, presents an opportunity to learn and introduce changes in their lives. The main contribution of this paper is that ADF can stimulate further research on the complex aspects of friendship between adolescent girls.

What does it mean to be European? How identity content shapes adolescent's views towards immigrants and support for the EU

AbstractAdolescents support Eurosceptic and far‐right movements more and more. Since adolescents' years are a formative period for political orientations, it is important to promote a shared sense of belonging together among Europeans to counteract these tendencies. This could be achieved by fostering a European identity, however, only if its content is civically defined. We examined adolescents' understandings of being European, and how they relate to intolerance, EU support, and other predictors. Our sample included 1206 German adolescents (51% female, Age: M = 14.4, SD = .6, 27% ethnic minority adolescents). European identity was assessed via open answers and five closed questions. We conducted latent class analysis to identify identity classes. Three classes emerged: a living‐based (47%), a culture & value‐based (27%), and an ancestry‐based class (26%). Classes did not differ regarding EU support, but regarding intolerance (highest: ancestry‐based, lowest: culture & value‐based). Our results indicate that German adolescents differed in their understanding of being European and that it is important to consider how youth define Europeanness to understand European identity's effect on their views. Furthermore, our study argues for assessing identity openly to capture nuances of identity content adequately.

Adolescence in the life course spotlight.

The articles in this special issue were inspired by the late John Schulenberg's long view of adolescence, a perspective that emphasizes the integral role that the teens and twenties play in the life course. Using multiple longitudinal data sources to explore myriad developmental topics, the authors delve into the ways that adolescence connects, disrupts, and stands out from childhood and adulthood as a means of integrating rather than isolating these developmentally dense years. In this commentary, I highlight what this collection of studies does to drive home some basic tenets of the long view of adolescence and point out some other tenets that should garner more attention moving forward. Specifically, I discuss the need to connect multiple periods of life before and after adolescence, voice some caution about not letting the long view of adolescence keep us from continuing our in-depth exploration of adolescence itself, and encourage more macro-level conceptualizations of context to go with more common micro- and meso-level connections in order to better interrogate inequality. John's career has taught us a great deal about how to think about adolescent development, and just because he left us too soon does not mean that we will stop learning.

Perspectives on Organ Donation among Adolescents and Impacting Factors

Organ donation is a pivotal yet relatively unexplored subject in India, where prevalent myths, misconceptions, and cultural beliefs often shape people's attitudes and perceptions towards organ donation. This research paper delves into the views of adolescents in India on organ donation, as they represent a crucial demographic group that is poised to become future decision-makers and potential donors. Based on a thorough analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, the paper examines the knowledge, attitudes, and intentions of adolescents regarding organ donation. Furthermore, the paper investigates the factors that influence their willingness to donate organs, including their religious and cultural beliefs, family dynamics, educational interventions, and awareness campaigns. The study's results provide valuable insights into the obstacles and enablers of organ donation among young people in India and underscore the significance of targeted educational programs to foster a donation culture and enhance organ donation rates in the country.

Behavioural patterns and dangers: a mixed-methods exploration of simultaneous polysubstance use and intervention strategies among Swiss adolescents.

Recent trends in Switzerland indicate a concerning rise in simultaneous polysubstance use among adolescents, a practice marked by the concurrent or sequential consumption of multiple psychoactive substances, notably alcohol and cannabis, alongside prescription medications (e.g. benzodiazepines) and illicit drugs, resulting in dozens of fatal outcomes. However, data on simultaneous polysubstance use and evidence-based approaches to effective prevention is lacking. The study aimed to explore and gain insights into use patterns, use settings, use motives, harm-reduction strategies, concerns associated with substance use, and support and counselling services from the point of view of adolescents practicing simultaneous polysubstance use in Switzerland. An exploratory study was conducted via an online survey (n = 116) and two focus group discussions with affected Swiss adolescents aged 14 to 20. A mixed-methods approach was applied to gain insights and better understand the phenomenon of simultaneous polysubstance use among Swiss adolescents. Quantitative survey data obtained between November 2021 and March 2023 by means of convenience sampling - organised by distributing flyers (in three national languages) among several project partners, on the internet, over social media and by word of mouth - was analysed descriptively, whereas qualitative survey data and focus group data were thematically explored. A concurrent nested design was employed, utilising quantitative findings as a core foundation for addressing research questions, while qualitative findings were instrumental in validating and providing contextual depth to the results. Our findings reveal a preference of the sample for combining alcohol with cannabis and/or other substances (e.g. benzodiazepines or hard drugs) in social settings, driven by diverse motives, including enhancement of experiences and partly maladaptive coping mechanisms leading to self-medication. Despite some awareness of the potential harms, there is a significant reliance on peer-shared strategies for harm reduction, highlighting a gap in formal support and counselling services, some of which are perceived by adolescents as lacking empathy and relevance. This study underscores the urgency of developing targeted, youth-centred interventions that resonate with the lived realities of adolescents, aiming not only to reduce substance use but also to address the broader psychosocial factors contributing to simultaneous polysubstance use. By shedding light on the complex dynamics of adolescent polysubstance use, our research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on effective prevention strategies, advocating for a holistic approach encompassing education, policy reform and community support to tackle this multifaceted public health challenge.

Psychological and ethical issues raised by genomic in paediatric care pathway, a qualitative analysis with parents and childhood cancer patients.

In paediatric oncology, genomics raises new ethical, legal and psychological issues, as somatic and constitutional situations intersect throughout the care pathway. The discovery of potential predisposition in this context is sometimes carried out outside the usual framework. This article focuses on the views of children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA) with cancer and their parents about their experience with genomic testing. Forty-eight semi-structured interviews were performed with children or AYAs with cancer and one of their parents, before and/or after receiving the genetic test results. The interviews were fully transcribed, coded and thematically analysed using an inductive method. This analysis revealed several themes that are key issues: perceived understanding and consenting, apprehension about the test outcomes (expectations and fears), perception and attitude towards incidental findings. The main expectation was an aetiological explanation. Children and AYAs also emphasised the altruistic meaning of genetic testing, while parents seemed to expect a therapeutic and preventive approach for their child and the rest of the family. Parents were more concerned about a family risk, while patients were more afraid of cancer relapse or transmission to their descendants. Both groups suggested possible feelings of guilt concerning family transmission and imaginary representations of what genomics may allow. Incidental findings were not understood by patients, while some parents perceived the related issues and hesitated between wanting or not to know. A multidisciplinary approach would be an interesting way to help parents and children and AYAs to better grasp the complexity of genetic and/or genomic testing.

Psychosocial determinants of adolescents' attitudes toward disclosing dating violence.

This study combined a person-oriented approach with a psychosocial framework of help-seeking to examine factors associated with the intent to disclose dating violence among developing adolescents. Data came from adolescents in middle and high school in a rural area in the southeastern United States, who were surveyed annually for 4 years (Nwave 1 = 580; Mage = 13 years, SD = 1.48; 52.7% female; 49% Black, 39% White, 11% Hispanic, or other minorities). Results confirm expectations that intraindividual (adolescent views on violence and safety); interindividual (peer and family dynamics); positional (gender, having a supportive adult); and ideological factors are all significant predictors of patterns in help-seeking attitudes. However, predictive relevance of some factors varied across help-seeking groups and data collection periods, supporting the differential effects hypothesis. For example, while greater friend social support increased the odds of belonging to "friend confidants," it simultaneously decreased the odds of being a member of "parent confidants" and "moderate help-seekers" groups. Additionally, the influence of family functioning tended to decrease over time, eventually losing its explanatory value at Wave 4. The article concludes by discussing how integration of a person-centered methodological approach with a robust theoretical foundation advances our understanding of variability in adolescents' responses to dating violence. Consideration of diversity in adolescent intentions to react to interpersonal violence is discussed further in the context of policy and practice to enhance protective options and prevent or minimize harm. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Information sharing between psychiatric hospitals and schools to better support adolescents returning to school following a suicide-related crisis

As rates of adolescent hospitalization for suicide-related crises increase, so does the urgency for improving adolescent school reintegration. Communication and collaboration are considered key mechanisms for continuity of care during times of transition; however, to date, few studies have identified critical information to share or have explored strategies for navigating challenges to information sharing during and following school reintegration. The present study explored previously hospitalized adolescent (n = 19), parent (n = 19), school professional (n = 19), and hospital professional (n = 19) views of information sharing and their perceptions of facilitators and barriers to this communication. Applied thematic analysis revealed three key themes related to the best information to share across entities, including the (a) need to consider environmental relevance to information (i.e., informing school supports and hospital treatment), (b) importance of considering information unique to each patient's circumstance (i.e., sharing information on a “case-by-case basis”), and (c) duality between families preferring to share minimal information but school professionals desiring the maximum (i.e., less is more vs. more is better). Regarding facilitators and barriers to information sharing, six key themes emerged, including (a) understanding risks and benefits of information sharing; (b) trust in hospitals and schools; (c) mental health stigma; (d) communication processes; (e) navigating individual, family, school, and community contexts; and (f) “push and pull” between privacy and need. Findings inform key considerations for collaborating with families in determining if and what information to share during school reintegration.

Exploring adolescents’ perspectives of single-sex schooling: teetering amongst competing views

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the perspectives of adolescents attending a private Christian single-sex secondary school. The research literature into the impact of single-sex schooling upon learners, while plentiful, is equivocal and few scholars have delved into the views of adolescents in such contexts. To demonstrate their perspectives of single-sex schooling, the findings are represented as poetry clusters, grouped together to highlight the ways in which the adolescents teetered amongst competing views. Better understanding the related formative presence of societal messages and gendered expectations shaping single-sex learning environments offers possibilities for teachers to disrupt these norms.

Towards Enforcing Good Digital Citizenship: Identifying Opportunities for Adolescent Online Safety Nudges

With the prevalence of risks encountered by youth online, strength-based approaches such as nudges have been recommended as potential solutions to guide teens toward safer decisions. However, most nudging interventions to date have not been designed to cater to teens' unique needs and online safety concerns. To address this gap, this study provided a comprehensive view of adolescents' feedback on online safety nudges to inform the design of more effective online safety interventions. We conducted 12 semi-structured interviews and 3 focus group sessions with 21 teens (13 - 17 years old) via Zoom to get their feedback on three types of nudge designs from two opposing perspectives (i.e., risk victim and perpetrator) and for two different online risks (i.e., Information Breaches and Cyberbullying). Based on the teens' responses, they expressed a desire that nudges need to move beyond solely warning the user to providing a clear and effective action to take in response to the risk. They also identified key differences that affect the perception of nudges in effectively addressing an online risk, they include age, risk medium, risk awareness, and perceived risk severity. Finally, the teens identified several challenges with nudges such as them being easy to ignore, disruptive, untimely, and possibly escalating the risk. To address these, teens recommended clearer and contextualized warnings, risk prevention, and nudge personalization as solutions to ensure effective nudging. Overall, we recommend online safety nudges be designed for victim guidance while providing autonomy to control their experiences, and to ensure accountability and prevention of risk perpetrators to restrict them from causing harm.

Examining police perceptions of challenges in policing adolescents: a comparative analysis across rank, role, and tenure

ABSTRACT This study addressed the need for improved police training in the context of police-community relations, with a specific focus on interactions with youth. Data were collected from active police across the US to understand their perceptions of adolescents and identify training needs. We examined the impact of police roles (e.g. patrol, command) on their descriptions of adolescents, challenges policing adolescents, and training requirements. Findings reveal that police working as school resource officers (SROs) had a more positive view of adolescents and expressed interest in acquiring specific skills for effective interactions. Commanders viewed policing skills as challenging, whereas others viewed adolescent attributes as most challenging in police-adolescent encounters. Experience did not significantly influence police perceptions; beliefs remained consistent across veteran and less experienced police. Findings underscore the necessity for new training protocols for all law enforcement personnel, regardless of tenure, to mitigate negative and potentially harmful police-adolescent interactions.

How discrimination experiences relate to racial/ethnic identity and mental health across first- and second-generation Vietnamese American adolescents.

Racial/ethnic discrimination has been linked to behavioral and emotional problems in youth from marginalized groups. However, the psychological experience associated with discrimination may differ between immigrant and nonimmigrant youth. Race-based discrimination may impact an adolescent's view of their own group (private regard) and/or their sense of how others view their group (public regard). Owing to differences in racialization, immigrant adolescents may be affected differently by experiences of discrimination than their U.S.-born peers. The present study examined whether nativity moderated the paths from racial/ethnic discrimination to private and public regard to mental health problems among Vietnamese American youth. Surveys were completed by 718 Vietnamese American 10th and 11th graders (Mage = 15.54 years, 61.4% female, 38.6% male). In this sample, 21.2% were first-generation (i.e., born outside of the United States) and 78.8% were second-generation (i.e., born in the United States with at least one parent born outside of the United States). Multigroup path analysis tested the direct and indirect effects of racial/ethnic discrimination on behavioral and emotional problems via private and public regard and whether associations differed for first- versus second-generation youth. Racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with lower public regard, but not private regard, for both first- and second-generation Vietnamese American youth. Public regard was negatively associated with behavioral and emotional problems only among second-generation youth. No indirect effects were significant. Findings suggest differences in racialized experiences, as well as opportunities to support second-generation Vietnamese American and other marginalized youth from immigrant families from the mental health impacts of discrimination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring adolescents’ experiences of talking about race, ethnicity and culture during dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): a qualitative study using thematic analysis

Abstract Although anti-racist adaptations to dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are emerging, little qualitative research exists exploring adolescents’ perspectives on therapists’ approach, cultural competency and humility regarding ethnicity, race and culture (ERC) within DBT. This study explored diverse adolescents’ experiences of talking about ERC during all aspects of DBT treatment. Ten adolescents from diverse ERC backgrounds who attended DBT at a National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (UK) completed semi-structured individual interviews that were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, adopting a critical realist approach. Five over-arching themes were developed from the data. Theme 1 captures the power for explicit ERC-related conversations to facilitate change, as they are frequently overlooked in therapy. Theme 2 discusses factors that facilitate or inhibit ERC-related discussions. Theme 3 captures the difficult ‘double bind’ that adolescents find themselves in: not wanting to be a spokesperson for ERC issues whilst hoping for their therapist to facilitate/model ERC-related discussions. Theme 4 explores how adolescents navigated their identity in relation to ERC, their wider systemic context, and experiences of ERC-related trauma. Theme 5 explored therapeutic alliance, and how therapists might encourage DBT skills use with greater ERC sensitivity, emphasising validation. Using a bottom-up approach, we show a clear mandate from diverse adolescents for (White) clinicians to proactively create the space and safety required for ERC-related discussions. We emphasise the importance of anti-racist praxis including cultural humility, multi-cultural competencies, and validation of ERC-related difficult experiences within a wider systemic context. Key learning aims (1) A recent publication by Pierson et al. (2022) has raised the importance for White DBT therapists to adopt an anti-racist position and actively reflect on how a lack of anti-racist stance can form therapist treatment-interfering behaviours. (2) The current study explores the views of adolescents from diverse ethnic, racial and cultural (ERC) backgrounds on how ERC issues are being brought into DBT. (3) Adopting a bottom-up approach, we identify key themes from adolescents’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to talking about ERC in the therapy room, why such discussions are important in supporting adolescents to navigate their own identity in therapy, and recommendations for clinicians to consider on ways of increasing and enhancing such conversations in the clinical setting.

Adolescents with neuropsychiatric symptoms in the turmoil of the service system: The NEPSOS interdisciplinary study of social work, adolescent psychiatry, special education, and expert organisations

Existing social, health and education services do not respond to the needs of adolescents with neuropsychiatric symptoms. These services are usually fragmented and their professionals’ expertise is insufficient. In this interprofessional context, the integration of specialisations, multidisciplinary expertise and knowledge is a challenge. In the NEPSOS study, we explore the services aimed at and service needs of adolescents with neuropsychiatric symptoms and their families. The NEPSOS study is collaboratively designed and carried out by experts from the University of Turku and the University of Eastern Finland, including researchers of adolescent psychiatry, social work and special education, as well as expert organisations such as the Southwest Finland Centre of Excellence on Social Welfare and the Nationwide Association of Different Learners. These organisations provide their expertise for the implementation and integration of the research results into the service system and the development of recommendations. 
 In this study, the appropriateness of services and service paths are examined from the perspectives of adolescents and families, professionals and interprofessional collaboration. The study has four different lines. Line 1 examines the relationships between a) the socio-economic status of the parent and the situation of the adolescent and b) neuropsychiatric symptoms and child protection support measures. Line 2 examines the experiences and views of adolescents and their parents concerning the functionality of the service system and the functional forms of psychosocial support. Line 3 studies the professionals’ perspectives on the functionality of the service system and interprofessional collaboration in the context of adolescent service paths. Line 4 focuses on communication and interaction activities, including the implementation of the research results.
 The NEPSOS study will provide knowledge and deepen the understanding of the following topics:
 •How interprofessional cooperation is implemented in the service paths for adolescents with neuropsychiatric symptoms from the perspective of professionals from the fields of social work, adolescent psychiatry and education.
 •How existing service networks meet the needs of adolescents and their families, and what kind of psychosocial support is provided to them by the professionals of social work, adolescent psychiatry, and special education. 
 •How psychosocial services and interprofessional collaboration are performed to improve the timeliness, targeting and integration of services for adolescents with neuropsychiatric symptoms and their families.
 Furthermore, the impact of this study’s findings will be manifested as practical recommendations and training materials for professionals. The NEPSOS study forms part of an interdisciplinary research consortium whose ongoing and future studies specifically aim at strengthening the integration of social care, health care and education for the health and wellbeing of children and families. Our experiences regarding interdisciplinary collaboration and the future results of the study can be applied internationally both in higher education and the integration of child social, health and education services.
 Keywords: neuropsychiatric symptoms, adolescents, interdisciplinary collaboration, social work, adolescent psychiatry, special education.

Views of adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV on HIV status disclosure in Eswatini

ABSTRACT HIV is recognised as a multifaceted chronic disease, bearing psychosocial consequences that potentially impact on the personal and social well-being of those living with it. Adolescents and youth bear a significant proportion of the burden of the HIV epidemic but they have low rates of disclosure of their HIV status. This study aims to determine the views of adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV on HIV status disclosure among 361 adolescents aged 15–19 in Eswatini. A cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents who already knew their status, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A majority of the participants, 55% (n = 200), were females, and 44% (n = 160) were males. A low number of adolescents (22%) had disclosed their HIV status to anyone. Adolescents who found it difficult to understand disclosure themselves had low levels of onward disclosure (27%) compared to adolescents who better understood the disclosure event. Our results revealed that adolescents’ prevalence of HIV status disclosure was low. This raises concerns as some of the adolescents were in relationships with partners who were not aware of their status. However, older adolescents displayed some level of disclosure self-efficacy in that a higher proportion of them disclosed better than younger adolescents.

The self-perceived needs of adolescents with suicidal behaviour: a scoping review.

Suicidal behaviour in adolescents is a major public health problem. Much research on this issue has focused on epidemiology and risk factors for suicidal behaviour, paying less attention to the self-perceived needs of adolescents. However, to increase engagement in suicide prevention, it is important to include the views of adolescents. A scoping review was performed to identify the available empirical study findings, of any study design, related to the self-perceived needs of adolescents with suicidal behaviour. The literature databases Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched.Twenty-nine studies from 14 predominantly Anglo countries were included in the scoping review. The review showed that girls were overrepresented and that studies predominantly used qualitative approaches. The identified needs of adolescents with suicidal behaviour can broadly be grouped into needs related to the following areas: the importance of connecting with other people; adolescents' self-help strategies and personal growth after self-harm; mental healthcare; school or study programs; and needs related to society in relation to taboo on suicidal behaviour. Prevention of suicidal behaviour in adolescents will need to focus on development and strengthening of interventions fitting the needs of adolescents in these areas.

Exploring the Usability and Acceptability of a Well-Being App for Adolescents Living With Type 1 Diabetes: Qualitative Study.

Adolescents living with either type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) have an increased risk of psychological disorders due to the demands of managing a chronic illness and the challenges of adolescence. Psychological disorders during adolescence increase the risk of suboptimal glycemic outcomes and may lead to serious diabetes-related complications. Research shows that digital health interventions may increase access to psychological support for adolescents and improve physical and mental health outcomes for youth with diabetes. To our knowledge, there are no evidence-based, publicly available mental health apps with a focus on improving the psychological well-being of adolescents with diabetes. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and usability of our evidence-based well-being app for New Zealand adolescents, Whitu: 7 Ways in 7 Days (Whitu), to allow us to further tailor it for youth with diabetes. We interviewed adolescents with T1D and T2D, their parents, and health care professionals to explore their views on the Whitu app and suggestions for tailoring the app for adolescent with diabetes. We also explored the cultural acceptability of the Whitu app for Māori and Pacific adolescents. A total of 34 participants, comprising 13 adolescents aged 12-16 years (11 with T1D and 2 with T2D), 10 parents, and 11 health care professionals, were recruited from a specialist diabetes outpatient clinic and Facebook diabetes groups. Each participant attended one 1-hour focus group on Zoom, in person, or via phone. Researchers gathered general feedback on what makes an effective and engaging app for adolescents with diabetes, as well as specific feedback about Whitu. Transcribed audio recordings of the focus groups were analyzed using directed content analysis. Adolescents with T1D, their parents, and health care professionals found Whitu to be acceptable and usable. Adolescents with T1D and their parents signaled a preference for more diabetes-specific content. Health care professionals expressed less awareness and trust of digital health interventions and, as such, recommended that they be used with external support. Due to challenges in recruitment and retention, we were unable to include the views of adolescents with T2D in this qualitative study. There appears to be sufficient openness to the use of an app such as Whitu for supporting the well-being of adolescents with T1D, albeit with modifications to make its content more diabetes specific. Based on this qualitative study, we have recently developed a diabetes-specific version of Whitu (called LIFT: Thriving with Diabetes). We are also planning a qualitative study to explore the views of youth with T2D and their perspectives on the new LIFT app, where we are using alternative research approaches to recruit and engage adolescents with T2D and their families.

The relationship of health literacy and adolescent HIV-AIDS prevention behavior: a case study of vocational school adolescents in Gowa Regency

Adolescents are the group most at risk of HIV-AIDS transmission because adolescence is the period when there is the highest social mobility and will open opportunities for them to be exposed to various physical and psychological changes. As a result, these adolescents have a high vulnerability to the transmission of multiple types of diseases, including HIV-AIDS. The results of interviews with several adolescents who are students at the high school level in Gowa Regency obtained information that adolescents view and evaluate people who have HIV-AIDS. Adolescents answer that they tend to avoid and hate them. According to the explanations of several youths, this was all due to the lack of information obtained, and the school had not yet provided a curriculum on HIV-AIDS in schools. Then, the results of interviews with several high school teachers revealed that no research had been conducted related to HIV-AIDS prevention behavior. On the other hand, the incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases is closely related to a person's health literacy. The condition of the world of health, which is increasingly more complex than various diseases, certainly requires a skill in health literacy owned by every individual, including adolescents. Based on this, a study was conducted which aimed to reveal and find out 1) the description of health literacy and HIV-AIDS prevention behavior in high school youth in Gowa District, 2) the relationship between health literacy and HIV-AIDS prevention behavior in high school youth in Gowa District. The data collection technique uses a Likert scale questionnaire, and the data analysis technique uses chis square analysis. The results of the study showed that 1) the health literacy of SMK youth in Gowa Regency was generally low, 2) the HIV-AIDS prevention behavior of VOCATIONAL SCHOOL youth in Gowa Regency was generally low, 3) there was a relationship between health literacy and HIV-AIDS prevention behavior in SMK adolescents in Gowa Regency.

‘I feel that I should decide on my own….’: who should be involved in the decision-making process for adolescent involvement in HIV research?

IntroductionEfforts to improve health outcomes among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (ALHs) are hampered by limited adolescent engagement in HIV-related research. We sought to understand the views of...