Abraham Olufunmilola, Szela Lisa, Thakur Tanvee, Brasel Kelsey, Brown Randall
J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2021;26(2):133-143. doi: 10.5863/1551-6776-26.2.133. Epub 2021 Feb 15.
This study explored adolescents' perspectives on prescription opioids, opioid safety and misuse, and sources of opioid information.
High school students participated in focus groups that elicited information about adolescent perspectives on prescription opioids and opioid safety. Demographic information was collected. Focus groups consisted of 5 to 8 student participants and 2 moderators. Focus groups were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcript content was thematically analyzed using NVivo.
A total of 54 high school students (59% female, 44% white, 44% Latino) participated in 8 focus groups. Participants ranged from ages 14 to 18 years and grades 9 to 12. Five major themes emerged: 1) perceptions of prescription opioids and misuse; 2) prevalence of prescription opioid misuse; 3) reasons for prescription opioid misuse; 4) consequences of prescription opioid misuse; and 5) sources of medication information. Participants identified examples of misuse and reasons for and consequences of teen opioid misuse, including mental and physical health challenges, peer and family influences, and addiction. Sources of opioid-related information included family, peers, online Web sites, and television shows.
Adolescents had some knowledge pertaining to prescription opioids, but they had misconceptions related to safety. Participants were aware of safety risks and negative consequences of misuse. Adolescents obtained medication information from various sources, including health care professionals, family and peers, and online sources. Educational efforts that target adolescents should provide opportunities for addressing misconceptions about safe and responsible use of medications.
本研究探讨了青少年对处方阿片类药物、阿片类药物安全性及滥用情况以及阿片类药物信息来源的看法。
高中生参与了焦点小组，该小组收集了有关青少年对处方阿片类药物和阿片类药物安全性看法的信息。收集了人口统计学信息。焦点小组由5至8名学生参与者和2名主持人组成。焦点小组进行了录音并由专业人员转录。使用NVivo对转录内容进行了主题分析。
共有54名高中生（59%为女性，44%为白人，44%为拉丁裔）参与了8个焦点小组。参与者年龄在14至18岁之间，年级为9至12年级。出现了五个主要主题：1）对处方阿片类药物和滥用的看法；2）处方阿片类药物滥用的普遍性；3）处方阿片类药物滥用的原因；4）处方阿片类药物滥用的后果；5）药物信息来源。参与者列举了青少年阿片类药物滥用的例子、原因和后果，包括身心健康挑战、同伴和家庭影响以及成瘾。与阿片类药物相关的信息来源包括家庭、同伴、网站和电视节目。
青少年对处方阿片类药物有一定了解，但对安全性存在误解。参与者意识到了滥用的安全风险和负面后果。青少年从各种来源获取药物信息，包括医疗保健专业人员、家庭和同伴以及在线来源。针对青少年的教育工作应提供机会，以消除对安全和负责任用药的误解。
