Qualitative assessment of adolescents' views about improving exposure to internet‐delivered interventions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain first insight into factors which might be associated with exposure to internet‐delivered interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured focus group interviews were conducted with five groups of Dutch adolescents (n=54), aged 12‐17 years. Several aspects of exposure: a first visit; staying long enough actually to use and process the information; and revisiting the intervention, were explored.

Findings

Several factors that are likely to improve exposure to internet‐delivered interventions were identified, such as the use of “word of mouth” marketing, comparison of own behaviour with friends and the use of reminders.

Research limitations/implications

Focus group interviews are only a first step in the generation of ideas and opinions. A next step would be to conduct observational, experimental and longitudinal studies to test if and how these factors improve exposure to internet‐delivered interventions.

Practical implications

This paper is a useful source for those developing internet‐delivered interventions who want to improve exposure rates to their interventions.

Originality/value

The results of this exploration serve as an important first step to gain more insight into factors that improve exposure to internet‐delivered interventions.

Citation

Crutzen, R., de Nooijer, J., Brouwer, W., Oenema, A., Brug, J. and de Vries, N.K. (2008), "Qualitative assessment of adolescents' views about improving exposure to internet‐delivered interventions", Health Education, Vol. 108 No. 2, pp. 105-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280810855568