Partridge Stephanie R, Mandoh Mariam, Todd Allyson R, Wardak Sara, Mautner Dominik, Yan Fulin, Phongsavan Philayrath, Redfern Julie, Cheng Hoi Lun, Lee Annabel, Fang Jie, Bower Marlee, Donohoe-Bales Amarina, Mihrshahi Seema, Raeside Rebecca
Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
BMC Public Health. 2025 May 13;25(1):1744. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22969-w.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global health burden, particularly affecting adolescents due to preventable risk factors. However, adolescents are frequently overlooked in NCD prevention efforts that directly impact them. This study aimed to evaluate adolescents' perspectives, experiences, perceptions, and preferences regarding their participation in NCD prevention activities.
To enable both breadth and depth, a mixed-methods study design was selected comprising cross-sectional online survey and focus groups, underpinned by community-based participatory research approach. Participants were 13-18 years and residing in Australia. Methodological integration through merging quantitative and qualitative data was employed. A weaving approach through narrative was used to report the findings. Adolescent researchers were actively engaged throughout all phases.
Five hundred one survey participants (mean 16.0 years, SD 1.2) and 19 focus group participants (mean 17.0 years, SD 0.9) contributed to this study. Mental health disorders were identified as the most significant health concern. Those with prior volunteer experience showed greater engagement in health-promoting activities. Participants recognised their pivotal role in NCD prevention, highlighting 'influence' as crucial for health improvements. They emphasised the importance of visibility, flexibility, and authenticity in engagement methods. Despite a strong willingness to participate in future NCD prevention activities, participants cited barriers such as limited opportunities.
This study highlights the importance of adolescent involvement in NCD prevention and suggests strategies to overcome participation barriers. Recommendations include promoting meaningful engagement, improving accessibility, and fostering collaboration with decision makers. These insights are crucial for guiding future efforts to tackle NCD challenges among adolescents.
非传染性疾病是全球主要的健康负担，由于可预防的风险因素，对青少年的影响尤为严重。然而，在直接影响青少年的非传染性疾病预防工作中，他们却常常被忽视。本研究旨在评估青少年对参与非传染性疾病预防活动的观点、经历、认知和偏好。
为了兼顾广度和深度，采用了混合方法研究设计，包括横断面在线调查和焦点小组，以社区参与式研究方法为基础。参与者年龄在13至18岁之间，居住在澳大利亚。采用将定量和定性数据合并的方法进行整合。通过叙述的方式来报告研究结果。青少年研究人员积极参与了所有阶段。
501名调查参与者（平均年龄16.0岁，标准差1.2）和19名焦点小组参与者（平均年龄17.0岁，标准差0.9）参与了本研究。心理健康障碍被确定为最主要的健康问题。有过志愿者经历的人在促进健康活动中的参与度更高。参与者认识到他们在非传染性疾病预防中的关键作用，强调“影响力”对改善健康至关重要。他们强调参与方式中可见性、灵活性和真实性的重要性。尽管参与者强烈愿意参与未来的非传染性疾病预防活动，但他们提到了诸如机会有限等障碍。
本研究强调了青少年参与非传染性疾病预防的重要性，并提出了克服参与障碍的策略。建议包括促进有意义的参与、提高可及性以及加强与决策者的合作。这些见解对于指导未来应对青少年非传染性疾病挑战的努力至关重要。
