Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE project

TL;DR

This study explores how youth participated in the CO-CREATE project to develop obesity prevention policies, highlighting both successes and challenges.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into youth involvement in public health projects through a detailed analysis of their experiences in the CO-CREATE initiative.

Findings

Youth were inspired and engaged when given opportunities to lead and express themselves.

Building trust and fostering equality were crucial for effective youth participation.

Interpersonal conflicts and disengagement were also observed, indicating areas needing improvement.

Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-23097-1.

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