University of Alberta develops health conversation cards for teens

Researchers at the University of Alberta have created a deck of conversation cards designed to help teenagers communicate better about their health during medical appointments. These cards encourage teens to open up on important health topics. Geoff Ball, a professor involved in the study, explains that the cards serve as prompts for teenagers. They can focus on their health and engage more with their healthcare providers. This initiative aims to empower adolescents to take control of their health and make informed decisions. The new cards build on earlier work that helped parents discuss weight management with their children. This version expands the conversation to cover various health themes. To create relevant content, researchers conducted interviews with several teens to gather input on the types of questions and topics that matter to them. The final deck includes 45 cards covering themes like nutrition, activity levels, sleep, mental health, and relationships. The study involved 31 teens aged 13 to 17 at the Northeast Community Health Centre. Half of the participants used the cards while waiting for their appointments. Feedback was positive, with many teens stating the cards helped them make health-related decisions and understand their behaviors better. Engaging in health discussions during adolescence can be empowering, according to researcher Maryam Kebbe. Many teens reported improved relationships with their healthcare providers after using the cards. A significant number also expressed interest in using the cards in future appointments and recommended them to others. While more research is needed to determine if these cards drive actual behavior changes, researchers are optimistic about their initial reception. The cards could also be useful in schools and counseling settings, making them versatile tools for promoting teen health.