A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of a Youth-Led Digital Hypertension Education Intervention Among Parent-Youth Dyads

Involving youth in chronic disease health promotion with adults can benefit both adults and youth. In this mixed-methods pilot study, we explored the effects of a youth-led digital hypertension education intervention on knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavior outcomes, as well as participant feedback, in parent-youth dyads. High school students (14+ years) paired themselves with an interested adult (18+ years) to create 19 adult-youth dyads. We implemented a 6-week youth-led digital hypertension education intervention to guide youth through learning and then teaching their adult about hypertension. We employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Hypertension knowledge, confidence in helping an adult manage hypertension (youth), blood pressure (BP) self-care activities (adults), and self-efficacy to manage hypertension (adults with hypertension) increased from pre- to post-intervention. Participants deemed the intervention acceptable and feasible. Pilot findings suggest that involving youth as learners, teachers, and supporters of health promotion can be a catalyst for adult change.