Building evidence into youth health policy: a case study of the access 3 knowledge translation forum

Background Effective integration of research evidence and youth perspectives into policy is crucial for supporting the future health and wellbeing of young people. The aim of this project was to translate findings from the Access 3 research studies to support development of a new state policy on youth health and wellbeing within New South Wales, Australia. Ensuring the active contribution of young people within policy development was a key objective of the knowledge translation process. Methods The knowledge translation activity consisted of a one-day facilitated workshop with 64 purposively sampled stakeholders. Participants included eight young people, fourteen policymakers, fifteen academics, twenty-two clinicians or managers from New South Wales (NSW) health services, four general practitioners and one mental health service worker. The design of the workshop was guided by the knowledge translation frameworks of Lavis et al [1] and Grimshaw et al [2]. Research findings to be translated came from the NSW Access 3 studies. Participant satisfaction with the workshop was evaluated using a brief self-report survey. Policy uptake was examined through exploratory document analysis of the subsequent NSW Youth Health Framework 2017-2024. Results A total of twenty-five policy recommendations were established through the workshop and these were grouped into six themes. The six policy themes were: 1) Technology solutions, 2) Integrated care and investment to build capacity, 3) Adolescent health checks, 4) Workforce, 5) Youth participation, and 6) Youth health indicators. Forum members were asked to vote on the importance of individual recommendations. These policy recommendations were subsequently presented to the NSW Ministry of Health with some evidence of policy uptake identified. The majority of participants rated the forum positively. Conclusions The utilisation of knowledge translation theories and active youth engagement led to the successful transfer of research evidence and youth perspectives into NSW youth health policy. Future research should examine the implementation of policy arising from these knowledge translation efforts.

Photovoice as a research, advocacy, and harmonization tool for refugee and local youth in Turkey

Background Turkey has millions of refugee and local youth, who share common youth health problems. As part of the REACH Project, this study aimed to assess youth's access to health information, health care, and healthy environments, in addition to their perspectives on using digital health technologies. Methods We used photovoice, a community based participatory research approach, and worked with 4 mixed (refugee and local) youth groups between the ages of 15 to 24 in Istanbul. Each youth group met with the research team and a professional photographer before data collection. Young people then took photos of barriers and facilitators regarding their access to health information, health care, and digital health technologies, in addition to their health problems. This was followed by focus group-like discussions, where young people discussed the photos and their meanings for them. Content analysis was used for data analysis and findings were shared with stakeholders via photo exhibits, panels, and policy briefs for advocacy purposes. The study was funded by TaiwanICDF and Columbia University. Results Findings showed that youth had a wide range of physical, social and mental health problems coupled with problems in accessing health information and youth-friendly services. Problems with social determinants of health were more prominent for refugees. Although youth often used the internet to access information, their experiences with digital health technologies were very limited. Conclusions Our study findings indicated that despite legal rights to access health care for all youth, refugee youth faced more barriers in accessing information and services. On the other hand, refugee and local youth showed similarities regarding common youth health problems and access to youth-friendly services. The photovoice approach enabled active participation and created a shared environment for refugee and local youth to discuss their mutual problems and understand each other. Key messages Photography is a communication tool that acts as a bridge between participants, researchers, and decision makers. Photovoice, as a participatory approach, creates a learning environment for both participants and researchers.

4-H Student Nutrition Advisory Councils Support Positive Youth Development and Health Outcomes Among Underserved Populations

4-H SNAC Clubs engage youth in low-income schools with majority Latinx enrollment in leadership activities to increase schoolwide health and wellness. 4-H SNAC Clubs aim to develop youth health leaders, establish youth-adult partnerships, and increase access to 4-H in Latinx communities. Outcomes related to healthful living and positive youth development were assessed using the Teen Teacher Retrospective Survey (n=59) across five 4-H SNAC Clubs. Results show positive outcomes related to self-reported health behaviors for students and their families and leadership development. 4-H SNAC Clubs can increase access to 4-H among Latinx youth and support healthier communities through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education programming.

Health risk behaviors among university students: the role of outdoor sports and electronic sports

PurposeInvolvement of youth in electronic sports is increasing and outdoor sports are decreasing day by day. It not only affects their health but also leads them towards noncommunicable diseases. Risk of noncommunicable diseases is associated with physical inactivity and affects physical and mental health. It results in different personal and social implications. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of outdoor sports and risks of electronic sports for health.Design/methodology/approachThe data for study is collected from 450 university students using purposive sampling technique. In order to measure outdoor sports, a four items instrument developed by Simon and Smoll (1974) is used. For electronic sports, instrument is adopted from Lemmens et al. (2009) and for health of youth, instrument by Bailis et al. (2003) is used. After reliability and validity check, structural equation modeling is used to analyze data.FindingsThe results reveal that perceived outdoor sports have significant positive impact on health, whereas electronic sports have negative impact on youth health that lead them to certain noncommunicable diseases. There is need to emphasize and encourage youth for outdoor sports and avoid indulging in esports that may lead to addiction.Practical implicationsElectronic games have various risks for the development of syndromes among younger generation. Awareness should be provided that physical activities are essential for healthy life and how risky be the esports for their health. This study may be helpful for government as well to reduce dependency of youth on technological devices and provide necessary recreation facilities to engage in. This research study validates that outdoor sports have significantly positive impact on health of youth and it reduces health related problems and destructive behaviors among youth.Originality/valueInvolvement of youth in electronic sports is increasing and outdoor sports are decreasing day by day. It not only affects their health, but also leads them toward non-communicable diseases. The present study examines the impact of esports and physical sports on youth health.