JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Health inequities have been a public health challenge for decades, exacerbated by disadvantages such as housing precarity, food insecurity, social disconnection, and discrimination, which are key social and structural health determinants. Young people who experience social disadvantages also experience a greater burden of health inequities. However, there has been limited research engaging youth in setting priorities for action and knowledge generation.

Objective:

Our study aims to develop a research and knowledge mobilization agenda for promoting health equity in Canada’s youth. The study addresses important knowledge gaps through two study objectives: (1) to explore youth experiences of health in/equity and their perspectives on priority areas of need; (2) to co-identify health equity priority areas for research and knowledge mobilization.

Methods:

The multi-methods study design is informed by the social ecological model and health equity principles. To address Objective 1, a qualitative descriptive approach is used in Phase One to elicit the perspectives of youth on their experiences related to health in/equity. Youth (ages 15-24) are recruited in four Canadian provinces and data are collected using affinity-based focus groups, which will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. To address objective 2, Group concept mapping methods will be used in Phase Two to collaboratively identify health equity priority areas with knowledge users. Diverse knowledge user groups, including service providers, parents and caregivers, and youth participants from Phase One, are engaged from across the research sites to participate in online synchronous group concept mapping sessions, which will be informed by the focus group data.

Results:

This multi-methods study is underway. We have completed data collection for Phase One and data analysis is underway. We are currently completing data collection and analysis for Phase Two. Integrated knowledge mobilization strategies are embedded in the research design to engage youth and relevant interest holders.

Conclusions:

Youth perspectives on priority health needs and the historical/existing facilitators and barriers for meeting these needs are needed to inform future research and action toward health equity. This research will contribute important knowledge about inclusive and meaningful engagement of systematically marginalized communities in the co-generation of knowledge and research priorities.