Effective strategies for testicular torsion education in adolescents: A qualitative study in educational environments

Abstract

Objective: In the context of testicular torsion, research demonstrates a delay from the onset of testicular pain to attending hospital in adolescents, leading to high rates of testicular loss. This is due to a lack of knowledge about this condition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the methods adolescents and their parents felt would be effective in testicular torsion education. Design: Qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus group workshops were used to generate ideas and opinions regarding the ‘ideal’ education package for testicular torsion. Setting: One-to-one interviews with young men and a chosen chaperone recruited through purposive sampling from after-school clubs. Focus groups recruited from an active hospital youth forum. Method: Qualitative data analysis was undertaken to explore collective and normative views and to validate findings using a combination of thematic framework, and descriptive and content analysis. Results: In all, 16 young men aged 11–19 years with an attending chaperone were interviewed. Forty-four young people of both sexes participated in focus groups. Participants in all groups supported school-based teaching about testicular torsion, with focus group members mentioning Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) as the preferred setting. Members of all groups also advocated the use of video, but tone was a matter of debate. Reservations were expressed regarding the use of social and online media as primary means of dissemination but saw these as useful adjuncts to formal school lessons. Focus group members were supportive of teaching in a mixed sex environment and for repeat lessons at 11 and 13 years of age. Conclusion: Study findings support the development and use of PSHE teaching, using video methodology, to promote knowledge about testicular torsion in boys and young men. An evidence-based intervention to improve outcomes in testicular torsion for this cohort can now be developed.