Adolescents' Perspective on Need of E-Health and M-Health Interventions for Establishing Healthy Lifestyles in Sri Lanka

Background: Adolescents accounts for 16% of Sri Lankan population of 20.4 million. Unhealthy lifestyles such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, tobacco consumption, alcohol and other substance use are known risk factors for cancer and other noncommunicable diseases. Aim: Study assessed adolescents’ perception of the need, acceptability and suggestions on establishing healthy lifestyles among adolescents through e health and m health interventions using web-based platforms in Sri Lanka. Methods: Qualitative assessment using four focus group discussions (FGDs) among youth trainees of 15-19 years in Western Province of Sri Lanka in 2015. FGD guide was developed. Two facilitators conducted the discussions. Each focus group consisted of 9-10 trainees. Informed verbal-consent was obtained prior to the discussions. Privacy and confidentiality were ensured. Meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed by identifying themes and categories using constant comparison. Results: All the trainee...