Youth Engagement in Obesity and Chronic Disease Prevention Research, Policy, and Guideline Development

Abstract

Current obesity and chronic disease prevention interventions, policies and guidelines focused on adolescents have not made sufficient progress to reduce chronic disease risk factors such as obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Youth engagement has the potential to support the design of relevant and acceptable chronic disease prevention interventions for adolescents. This thesis aims to examine how adolescents are currently being engaged, their experiences and preferences for engagement in obesity and chronic disease prevention decision making.

Research methods included a systematic review, scoping review, cross-sectional study, focus groups, and a mixed methods evaluation study. Outcomes of interest were based on the UNICEF- Lansdown conceptual framework for measuring outcomes of adolescent participation.

It was found that adolescent engagement in chronic disease prevention research, policy and guideline development is uncommon, is predominantly consultative and rarely extends throughout the research and development process. Adolescents face barriers to engagement including accessibility, lack of opportunities, and time. Preferences for participation include hybrid delivery, skill development opportunities, payment and choice in level and degree of engagement. Youth engagement improved adolescents’ leadership and research skills and was associated with positive participatory markers including influence, empowerment, and contribution. A youth advisory group exemplified a feasible method of engaging adolescents in chronic disease prevention research.

This thesis established that adolescent engagement in obesity and chronic disease prevention decision-making empowers adolescents by increasing capabilities. Evidence outlined in the chapters of this thesis form the foundation for a youth engagement framework to guide researchers and policymakers on strategies to engage adolescents in a meaningful and ethical capacity in the chronic disease prevention field.