End User-Informed Mobile Health Intervention Development for Adolescent Cannabis Use Disorder: Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Substance Use Disorders

Background:

• Cannabis use is rising among adolescents, with current interventions showing limited success and high relapse rates.
• Mobile technology shows promise for adult substance use treatment, but research in adolescents using cannabis is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key elements of an app-based intervention for adolescent cannabis cessation that resonate with young users.
• To inform the development of engaging and effective digital tools for adolescent cannabis use reduction.

Main Methods:

• Focus groups were conducted with 37 adolescents (aged 14-17) who use cannabis.
• Participants discussed smartphone usage, health app engagement, and desired features for a cannabis cessation app.
• Qualitative data analysis employed iterative coding, including structural and pattern coding.

Main Results:

• Adolescents desire rewards (social media-like and prosocial), self-monitoring tools, and peer support.
• Privacy, confidentiality (discrete branding, usernames), and customizable notification frequency/content are crucial.
• Engagement hinges on familiar, relevant, and individualized app features.

Conclusions:

• App-based interventions for adolescent cannabis cessation should integrate familiar content, language, and reward systems.
• Personalizing digital interventions increases engagement and retention in substance use treatment.
• Adapting evidence-based strategies to adolescent needs and routines enhances treatment effectiveness.