JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Effective, acceptable programs to reduce consequences of cyberbullying are needed.

Objective:

This study used “Agile” qualitative methods to refine and evaluate the acceptability of a mixed-modality intervention, initiated within the context of usual pediatric care, for adolescents with a history of cyber-harassment and cyberbullying victimization.

Methods:

Adolescents were recruited from an urban primary care clinic to participate in three consecutive iterations of the program. All participants completed a brief in-clinic intervention followed by 8 weeks of daily, automated text messaging. After 2 weeks (iteration1 and iteration2) or 8 weeks (iteration3) of messaging, participants completed semi-structured interviews that sought feedback on intervention experiences. Framework matrix analysis expeditiously summarized participant feedback and guided changes in each iteration. Daily response rates assessed participant engagement, and satisfaction questionnaires assessed acceptability.

Results:

Nineteen adolescents (age 13-17) reporting past-year cyber-victimization enrolled: 7 took part in iteration1, 4 in iteration2, and 8 in iteration3. Participants were an average age of 15 years, 58% were female, 63% Hispanic, and 21% White. Participant feedback was used to adjust intervention content and design. Participant satisfaction (from 0% excellent to 80% excellent) and engagement (from 60% of daily assessments completed to 80% completed) improved from the first to the third iteration.

Conclusions:

This study shows the value of structured participant feedback gathered in an Agile intervention refinement methodology for development of a technology-based intervention targeting adolescents.