Young people diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a rapidly growing category in society. The diagnosis is linked to a higher risk for future negative effects, such as poor educational attainment and increased use of health care. Supporting this group is therefore an important public health measure.

Interaction in social media discussions

Social sustainability is a comprehensive/overall perspective that may contribute to the interpretation of how young people in a digitalized society use digital media to generate and construct meaning regarding their body and health. The study uses a number of digital sources such as (the amount of) searches in the Web portal "Vårdguiden 1177" (online health care platform) and participation in various online discussion forums. These activities may well reflect the need for information on ADHD in the society.

Analysis of interviews and other data

The data gathered will be used to examine how the identified need for information is received and interpreted by young individuals diagnosed with ADHD through analysis of social media discussions. Focus groups will be used as a way to find out more about how young individuals perceive and interpret how ADHD influences their daily life.

A part of the DHEAR research environment

The research is conducted within the framework of the research environment Digital HEAlth Research (DHEAR), which focuses around the research theme Digitalization for Sustainable Development. The research project is a collaboration between researchers from The Schools of Health Sciences, Informatics and Bioscience at Skövde University.