Adolescent asthmatics' needs and preferences regarding medication counseling: Results from online focus groups

Abstract

Background: In adolescents, non-adherence is a major problem and leads to uncontrolled disease. Objectives: To assess adolescents needs and preferences regarding counseling and support with focus on use of new media. Methods: Asthmatic adolescents needs and preferences were examined by means of moderated asynchronous online focus group (OFG) over a one week period. Two OFGs were created: early (age 12-13 years) and late adolescence (age 14-16 years). A new question was introduced by the researchers on each first five days. Participants were asked to respond anonymously to the questions introduced by the researcher and to each other's comments. Questions concerned adherence behavior in general and needs and preferences in adherence support with focus on new digital media (mobile technology, social media, health games). Patients were recruited through community pharmacies. Results: In total, 192 adolescents were selected from 13 pharmacies and requested for participation. Fourteen returned informed consent (7.3%) of which all 14 participated in OFGs. Older participants were more actively engaged in the discussions. Forgetting was mentioned as important reason for not using medication as prescribed and some adolescents mentioned the lack of perceived need or lack of perceived effect of medicines. Participants described different supportive roles for their parents (reminding, filling prescriptions). Use of health games was not perceived useful, whilst other new media such as smartphone applications were suggested as solutions to support medication intake behavior. Furthermore, participants were generally positive about the OFG methodology and sharing of online experiences. Older participants were more actively engaged in the OFG discussion. Conclusions: It is important to find ways to improve adherence that easily fit into adolescents' daily life. Adolescents are highly engaged in technology and frequently communicate through new digital media. Our findings lay the foundation for future intervention development. In order to develop patient-centered interventions to improve medication adherence in adolescents, it is important to embed these patient perspectives.