Engaging Community-Based Youth Research Partners to Identify and Close Gaps in Conducting Youth-Partnered Research on Structural Determinants of Health and Health Equity

We’re forming a (volunteer) Community Engagement Council to guide an innovative research study aimed at engaging youth in research, assessing youth knowledge of structural determinants of youth health and health equity, and co-developing statements to guide engagement of Youth Research Partners in equity-focused research. Together, we’ll co-create approaches for how to include youth in health equity research to empower and support youth health in Canada. This is an advisory/ engagement role with honoraria provided (not employment).

Structural determinants of health are factors that impact youth health and can include things like political and ecological contexts. These factors (that youth often cannot control) shape youth health by influencing youth access to resources, healthcare, education, and their ability to live healthy lives. The way these factors impact youth health can differ from person to person and can create health inequities among youth. Youth have a first-hand understanding of the challenges they and their peers face in living healthier lives. Because of this, youth are in a key position to contribute to the development of programs and services that are informed by evidence and lived experience (i.e., by youth). Youth and researchers creating approaches to health equity research together can result in more effective policies that target health inequities among youth.

By getting involved in health equity research, youth can benefit from skill development, enhanced knowledge, self-perception, and active contribution to their communities.

We’re seeking:

• Youth 15 to 24 years of age from diverse backgrounds from across Canada.
• Note: We protect youth participants’ privacy and follow ethical guidelines for working with ages 15–24, including secure data handling and age-appropriate consent.

Council members will:

• Meet virtually for 30 minutes once every three months with our research team.
• Guide key project activities (e.g., review and help create study materials).
• Share unique insights on our research goals and topic area to shape this research meaningfully.
• Youth on the council will receive a $25 e-gift card per 30-minute meeting attended.
• Optional Opportunity: Interested participants can also become “Research Champions” and play an even greater role in our project. The Research Champion role is a paid position at $25 per hour of work.

Accessibility and Inclusion:

We provide live captioning, flexible scheduling, and technology/data support on request. We welcome youth from equity-deserving groups and will accommodate accessibility needs.

This study is led by Dr. Stephana Julia Moss from the Department of Pediatrics at Dalhousie University, alongside Dr. Donna Halperin from the School of Nursing at St. Francis Xavier University and Dr. Jeanna Parsons Leigh from the School of Health Administration at Dalhousie University. Our team includes diverse researchers and youth community members from across Canada.