Leisure-time as a setting for ANDT-prevention - a study about adolescent's health and leisure-time activities.

Aim
The aim of the study is to increase awareness of the importance of adolescent's leisure-time activities to further develop the health-promoting and preventive work. The study wants to see the meaning of the efforts of NGOs during the leisure time for adolescent's development and drug-free upbringing. The overall aim is to improve the knowledge base for the alcohol, drugs, doping and tobacco (ANDT) prevention among young people. A central question in the study is whether efforts targeted directly at young people can contribute to the development of good living habits and health.
 
Background
The research project aims to study the leisure-time activities of the two organizations Fritidsforum and Verdandi Stockholm circuit. Fritidsforum runs the project When meeting means something. Intergenerational meeting places relevant to children and adolescent's opportunity to reflect on drugs and adulthood. The project includes activities of Cultural- and leisure Association Trädet in Örebro. Verdandi Stockholm circuit runs the project Exposed children become involved and driven in leisure-time activities. The project includes activities in Rinkeby - Tensta, Stockholm.
 
Method
The study intends to in a cross-sectional study examine who participates in the activities and in a longitudinal study follow the development of adolescent's participating in these activities regarding family life, lifestyles and well-being, with a special focus on the leisure-time activities relevant to this. Do the activities make a difference in young people's lives? What makes young people participate in the activities? 
 
The initial work began in the fall of 2011 with discussions with project managers and a detailed project plan was developed. The regional ethical committee in Uppsala approved the study in January 2012 (Dnr 2011/475). The study began in the spring of 2012. 
 
Data collection were conducted in the spring of 2012, 2013 and 2014 through questionnaires to participating adolescent's. Interviews were conducted with participating adolescent's, managers and collaboration partners. An extended documentation will be made of the projects and the implementation of its activities.
 
Results and publications
Continuous reporting is made annually to the Public health authority and the participating NGOs. The results are expected to be published in scientific articles based on the study's questions.
 
For more information
Contact susanna.geidne@oru.se.