J Adolesc Health. 2025 Apr 24:S1054-139X(25)00098-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.02.016. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experience of adolescents as they seek, view, and evaluate health information using online and offline sources available to them.
METHODS: Adolescents aged 13-18 years were recruited using purposeful sampling to participate in virtual focus groups. Focus group questions were semistructured and addressed online and offline experiences with health information across a variety of health topics. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three investigators were involved in the inductive analysis of the transcripts, identifying themes, and leveraging the full range of codes toward a conceptual model.
RESULTS: A total of 36 adolescents participated across 7 focus groups (Mage = 15.9, SD = 1.3). Adolescents were 69.4% female and 41.7% White. Thematic analysis revealed the following 2 major themes: (1) interconnectedness of online and offline sources and (2) challenges and strategies for navigating online health information. The conceptual model describes adolescents’ processes in deciding how and whether to seek health information.
DISCUSSION: Adolescents rely on online sources to supplement offline sources, to address sensitive health questions, and to seek community, but they encounter challenges when assessing the credibility of online sources.
PMID:40272333 | DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.02.016
