Agneta Berg

Supporting positive mental health development in adolescents is a major public health concern worldwide. Although several school-based programs aimed at preventing depression have been launched, it is crucial to evaluate these programs and to obtain feedback from participating adolescents. This study aimed to explore adolescents’ experiences with a -based cognitive-behavioral depression prevention program. Eighty-nine adolescents aged 13–15 years were divided into 12 focus groups. The focus group interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three categories and eight subcategories were found to be related to the experience of the school-based program. The first category, intrapersonal strategies, consisted of the subcategories of directed thinking, improved self-confidence, stress management, and positive activities. The second category, interpersonal awareness, consisted of the subcategories of trusting the group and considering others. The third category, structural constraints, consisted of the subcategories of negative framing and emphasis on performance. The school-based mental health program was perceived as beneficial and meaningful on both individual and group levels, but students expressed a desire for a more health-promoting approach.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore licensed practical nurses’ (LPNs’) views of being exposed to secondhand smoke in municipal home nursing care.Design and sample: Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through three focus group interviews with 15 LPNs, smokers, and nonsmokers. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the interview text.Results: Exposure to secondhand smoke during working hours, which presents a risk to the health and wellbeing of the LPNs, is a consequence of placing the interests of the smoking care recipients first and the employers’ reluctance to take action on behalf of the LPNs. These factors prompted LPNs to propose solutions aimed at resolving a major dilemma in routine home nursing care.Conclusions: A combination of actions, particularly by managers, is required to improve the working environment for LPNs while concurrently respecting the care recipients’ right to take decisions in their own homes.