Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project
Abstract Introduction Applying youth participatory action research (YPAR) has become common practice in public health. However, there are challenges in applying YPAR and there is a need for improving the process by learning from youth that has participated in such projects. This study explores youth...
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23097-1 |
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| author | Biljana Meshkovska Gerben Moerman Evelyne Baillergeau Christian Bröer Nanna Lien Aleksandra Luszczynska Ana Isabel Rito Cécile Knai Arnfinn Helleve |
| author_facet | Biljana Meshkovska Gerben Moerman Evelyne Baillergeau Christian Bröer Nanna Lien Aleksandra Luszczynska Ana Isabel Rito Cécile Knai Arnfinn Helleve |
| author_sort | Biljana Meshkovska |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Applying youth participatory action research (YPAR) has become common practice in public health. However, there are challenges in applying YPAR and there is a need for improving the process by learning from youth that has participated in such projects. This study explores youth involvement in the CO-CREATE project which focused on developing overweight and obesity prevention policies. Methods This is a qualitative study, based on three data sources: 1) fieldnotes taken by project staff during observation of youth (approximately 150 observations) 2) semi-structured interviews with project staff (n = 12) 3) direct feedback from participating youth through feedback forms (n = 51). Data was analyzed in NVivo, following the principles of reflexive thematic analysis. Results Five themes were generated which showcase youth involvement in CO-CREATE: 1) an inspired and engaged youth; 2) insights through respectful interactions; 3) a strength of voice and call to action; 4) challenges in understanding project and disengagement; and 5) interpersonal conflict and pressure to participate. Conclusion Taking the time to build trust and create a feeling of equality is important. It is also important to allow youth to take the lead when they wish so and have clear ideas of how to do so. Voices of rebelliousness can be a show of strength and help reach the goals of the project. Participation in CO-CREATE may have contributed toward individual empowerment of youth. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f6feab65ce4f4cbcb36f858bc99a4a92 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-f6feab65ce4f4cbcb36f858bc99a4a922025-08-20T03:54:11ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-05-0125111210.1186/s12889-025-23097-1Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE projectBiljana Meshkovska0Gerben Moerman1Evelyne Baillergeau2Christian Bröer3Nanna Lien4Aleksandra Luszczynska5Ana Isabel Rito6Cécile Knai7Arnfinn Helleve8Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, BlindernDepartment of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of AmsterdamDepartment of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of AmsterdamDepartment of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of AmsterdamDepartment of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, BlindernPsychology Department in Wroclaw, SWPS UniversityWHO Collaborating Center for Nutrition and Childhood Obesity - National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo JorgeHealth Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and PolicyCentre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public HealthAbstract Introduction Applying youth participatory action research (YPAR) has become common practice in public health. However, there are challenges in applying YPAR and there is a need for improving the process by learning from youth that has participated in such projects. This study explores youth involvement in the CO-CREATE project which focused on developing overweight and obesity prevention policies. Methods This is a qualitative study, based on three data sources: 1) fieldnotes taken by project staff during observation of youth (approximately 150 observations) 2) semi-structured interviews with project staff (n = 12) 3) direct feedback from participating youth through feedback forms (n = 51). Data was analyzed in NVivo, following the principles of reflexive thematic analysis. Results Five themes were generated which showcase youth involvement in CO-CREATE: 1) an inspired and engaged youth; 2) insights through respectful interactions; 3) a strength of voice and call to action; 4) challenges in understanding project and disengagement; and 5) interpersonal conflict and pressure to participate. Conclusion Taking the time to build trust and create a feeling of equality is important. It is also important to allow youth to take the lead when they wish so and have clear ideas of how to do so. Voices of rebelliousness can be a show of strength and help reach the goals of the project. Participation in CO-CREATE may have contributed toward individual empowerment of youth.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23097-1YouthParticipatory action researchPolicyPreventionOverweight and obesityQualitative |
| spellingShingle | Biljana Meshkovska Gerben Moerman Evelyne Baillergeau Christian Bröer Nanna Lien Aleksandra Luszczynska Ana Isabel Rito Cécile Knai Arnfinn Helleve Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project BMC Public Health Youth Participatory action research Policy Prevention Overweight and obesity Qualitative |
| title | Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project |
| title_full | Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project |
| title_fullStr | Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project |
| title_full_unstemmed | Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project |
| title_short | Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project |
| title_sort | voices of youth youth participation in the co create project |
| topic | Youth Participatory action research Policy Prevention Overweight and obesity Qualitative |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23097-1 |
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