Engagement in rapid public health research among young people from underserved communities: Maximising opportunities and overcoming barriers

Sarah Denford*, Lydia Holt, Rosie Essery, Joanna Kesten, Christie L Cabral, Dale Weston, Jeremy Horwood, Matt Hickman, Richard Amlot, Lucy Yardley

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

Abstract

Background
Inclusion in public health research of young people from low-income households and those from minority ethnic groups remains low. It is recognised that there is a need to change the way in which research is conducted so that it becomes more inclusive. The aim of this work was to identify novel and innovative ways to maximise recruitment and inclusion of diverse participants when doing co-production within very short time frames for emergency responses.
Method
We conducted interviews with young people from low-income and minority ethnic backgrounds, and members or leaders of groups or organisations supporting or representing young people from underserved communities.
Results
A total of 42 participants took part in an interview. This included 30 young people from low income or minority ethnic backgrounds and 12 community leaders/service providers. Of the 30 young people, 26 participants identified as female and 12 participants identified as being from a minority ethnic background. Participants discussed a number of interrelated barriers to research involvement and identified ways in which barriers may be reduced. Prejudice and discrimination experienced by young people from underserved communities has led to substantial mistrust of educational and governmental establishments. Rigid and unfamiliar research practices further limit the involvement of young people. Four themes were identified as ways of supporting involvement, including: making opportunities available for young people, adaptations to research governance, understanding and acknowledging challenges faced by young people, and ensuring reciprocal benefits.
Conclusion
This research explored barriers to engagement in rapid public health co-production. Working with communities to co-produce rapid recruitment and research procedures to suit the needs and the context in which young people live is necessary.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2217
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalBMC Public Health
Volume24
Issue number1
Early online date14 Aug 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 14 Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

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