Abstract Introduction Adolescence is a transformative phase of life, defined broadly as a period spanning from 10 to 19 or 21 years of age. This age group occupies a distinct biopsychosocial developmental stage, and living with chronic health conditions (CHCs) increases the burden of navigating both developmental and condition-related challenges. Globally, it is estimated that 15–20% of children and adolescents have CHCs that impact their lifelong experience. Previous research has highlighted concerns about whether adolescents have sufficient information about their prescribed medicines, which may impact their self-management. To date, no previous review has specifically focused on the medicine information needs of adolescents with CHCs. Aim This review aimed to synthesise the existing evidence on the medicine information needs of adolescents with CHCs and how these have been reported to impact their self-management. Methods The review was undertaken in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, employing a comprehensive search strategy. Six electronic databases were searched (Medline, EMBASE, EMCare, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Epistemonikos) from inception to October 2024. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on the medicine information needs of adolescents aged 10–21 years with CHCs who were on regular medication. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs were included, with no restrictions on language. Exclusions were studies outside this age range, without CHCs or medicine, and non-empirical papers. Two independent reviewers conducted screening using the Rayyan web tool, followed by data extraction and quality assessment with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.1 Thematic synthesis was conducted using an inductive approach, then informed by a deductive approach using the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory framework.2 Results Of 5000 records screened, fifteen studies were included (eleven quantitative, four qualitative). In total, 1339 adolescents with different types of CHCs were represented. The included studies were heterogeneous in design, setting, participants, and how results were reported. Themes identified included what information adolescents want, who they perceive needs information related to their medicines, and where they prefer to obtain this information. Across studies, adolescents living with CHCs expressed a need for information about their medicines. The most reported information needed was related to potential side effects, followed by treatment options, benefits, and the use and administration of medicines. Adolescents’ medicine information needs were also influenced by their developmental stage, sex/gender, the complexity of their chronic condition, and the period since diagnosis. However, no study to date has primarily focused on identifying the medicine information needs of adolescents with CHCs from their own perspectives. Conclusion This review synthesises existing evidence on adolescents’ medicine information needs, highlighting key concerns reported in the literature. The findings highlight the need for clinicians and healthcare systems to provide adolescents with information about medicines, particularly about potential side effects and treatment options. Strategies are needed to guide how medicine information is provided to adolescents with CHCs, taking into account their developmental stage and the nature of their condition. Strengths of this review included the comprehensive search strategy and adherence to PRISMA 2020; Heterogeneity across studies limits the comparability and synthesis of findings.
Alhawas et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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