• Lauren S Chernick, Brendan K Wallace, Maxmoore T Potkin, David L Bell, and Peter S Dayan.
• From the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
• Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022 May 1; 38 (5): 213218213-218.

ObjectiveMale adolescents frequently present to the emergency department (ED) and many participate in behaviors increasing their risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Although the ED visit may represent an intervention opportunity, how best to design and deliver a sexual health intervention matching the preferences of adolescent male users is unclear. Our objective was to explore receptivity to and preferences for sexual health interventions among adolescent male ED patients.MethodsIn this qualitative study, we asked sexually active male ED patients aged 14 to 21 years about their attitudes toward ED-based sexual health interventions and preferences for intervention modalities. Participants interacted with an early prototype of a digital intervention to gather specific feedback. Enrollment continued until saturation of key themes. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded based on thematic analysis using NVivo.ResultsParticipants (n = 42) were predominantly 18 to 21 years (63%) and Hispanic (79%). Although most (71%) had sex in the prior 3 months, 45% did not use a condom at last intercourse and 17% had impregnated a partner. Participants viewed the ED visit as unused time without distracting influences, suitable for educational sexual health interventions. They considered ED-based digital interventions a reliable and confidential source of information. Engaging interventions allowed user control and provided novel and relatable content.ConclusionsAdolescent male ED patients are receptive to ED-based digital sexual health interventions. These identified preferences should be considered when designing future user-informed sexual health interventions for the ED setting.Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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