Attitudes of Estonian adolescents and young adults to alcohol and tobacco consumption and digital interventions

Abstract

Background: High rates of smoking and drinking among Estonian adolescents and young adults presents a considerable future public health issue. Very little is known about the preferences for support in this understudied population. This study aims to give insight to the potential for using digital interventions in Estonia. Method: We conducted a focus group study with three groups. Participants were 22 adolescents and young adults between 13 and 24 years of age from a high school, a youth centre and a university in Tallinn, Estonia. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Estonian adolescents and young adults are keen on opportunities for changing their smoking and drinking behaviour and see digital interventions as an appropriate intervention delivery method. Their knowledge of changing behaviour is lacking and they express interest in the use of personal narratives, self-monitoring and tailoring as useful behaviour change techniques in this population. Discussion: Estonian adolescents and young adults have easy access to alcohol and cigarettes and not enough support in quitting or reducing consumption. A tailored digital intervention would be appealing to this population.