Engaging young people in qualitative research to address complex public health policy issues
1
Institute for Health, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3260
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Young people’s perspectives are frequently underrepresented in public health policy discussions, despite policies having long-term impacts on their health and wellbeing. Enabling young people to critically engage with complex public health issues including the commercial determinants of health (CDoH) is essential for inclusive, equitable, and effective policy development. Public health researchers play a critical role in creating meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute to these discussions. This workshop examines the opportunities and challenges of engaging young people in complex policy issues and demonstrates qualitative methods and practical strategies to support meaningful participation.
METHODS:
We will draw on case studies from our own research that engaged young people aged 12–24 years in discussions about the CDoH, with a particular focus on gambling and climate-related health policy. Qualitative engagement methods included online surveys, online focus groups, in-depth interviews, and facilitated round-table discussions. Methods were designed to promote accessibility, critical reflection, and collaborative dialogue.
RESULTS:
When provided with clear, age-appropriate information, relevant real-world examples, and interactive discussion formats, young people demonstrated strong capacity to engage critically with complex public health policy issues. Participants articulated nuanced understandings of how commercial actors influence health outcomes and emphasised the importance of government regulation to protect at-risk populations. Engagement was most effective when activities were collaborative, clearly linked to young people’s lived experiences, and allowed time for reflection.
CONCLUSIONS:
Supporting young people to critically engage with public health policy is a vital component of public health advocacy. By creating inclusive and well-designed spaces for dialogue, reflection, and analysis, researchers can empower young people to contribute meaningfully to complex policy issues. This workshop will build capacity within the public health community by sharing practical approaches to youth engagement and identifying mechanisms to support young people to be advocates for their own health and wellbeing.
Young people’s perspectives are frequently underrepresented in public health policy discussions, despite policies having long-term impacts on their health and wellbeing. Enabling young people to critically engage with complex public health issues including the commercial determinants of health (CDoH) is essential for inclusive, equitable, and effective policy development. Public health researchers play a critical role in creating meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute to these discussions. This workshop examines the opportunities and challenges of engaging young people in complex policy issues and demonstrates qualitative methods and practical strategies to support meaningful participation.
METHODS:
We will draw on case studies from our own research that engaged young people aged 12–24 years in discussions about the CDoH, with a particular focus on gambling and climate-related health policy. Qualitative engagement methods included online surveys, online focus groups, in-depth interviews, and facilitated round-table discussions. Methods were designed to promote accessibility, critical reflection, and collaborative dialogue.
RESULTS:
When provided with clear, age-appropriate information, relevant real-world examples, and interactive discussion formats, young people demonstrated strong capacity to engage critically with complex public health policy issues. Participants articulated nuanced understandings of how commercial actors influence health outcomes and emphasised the importance of government regulation to protect at-risk populations. Engagement was most effective when activities were collaborative, clearly linked to young people’s lived experiences, and allowed time for reflection.
CONCLUSIONS:
Supporting young people to critically engage with public health policy is a vital component of public health advocacy. By creating inclusive and well-designed spaces for dialogue, reflection, and analysis, researchers can empower young people to contribute meaningfully to complex policy issues. This workshop will build capacity within the public health community by sharing practical approaches to youth engagement and identifying mechanisms to support young people to be advocates for their own health and wellbeing.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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