Health Research and Knowledge Mobilization Priorities for Youth Health Equity in Canada: Protocol for a Multi-Methods Study.

backgroundHealth inequities have been a public health challenge for decades, exacerbated by disadvantages such as housing precarity, food insecurity, social disconnection, and discrimination, which are key social and structural health determinants. Young people who experience social disadvantages also experience a greater burden of health inequities. However, there has been limited research engaging youth in setting priorities for action and knowledge generation.

objectiveOur study aims to develop a research and knowledge mobilization agenda for promoting health equity among Canada's youth. The study will address important knowledge gaps through two study objectives: (1) to explore youth experiences of health equity and inequity and their perspectives on priority areas of need and (2) to collaboratively identify health equity priority areas for research and knowledge mobilization.

methodsThe multi-methods study design is informed by the social ecological model and health equity principles. To address objective 1, a qualitative descriptive approach was used in phase 1 to elicit the perspectives of youth on their experiences related to health equity and inequity. Youth (aged 15-24 years) were recruited in 4 Canadian provinces, and data were collected using affinity-based focus groups, which will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. To address objective 2, group concept mapping methods are being used in phase 2 to collaboratively identify health equity priority areas with knowledge users. Diverse knowledge user groups, including service providers, parents and caregivers, and youth participants from phase 1, are being engaged from across the research sites to participate in online synchronous group concept mapping sessions, which are informed by the focus group data. Integrated knowledge translation strategies are embedded in the research design to engage youth and relevant interest holders.

resultsThis project received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research starting in July 2024. Ethics approvals from 5 participating universities were secured by October 2024. Data collection for phase 1 was conducted between November 2024 and April 2025. Data collection for phase 2 began in November 2025. Across the 2 phases, 113 participants have been engaged. Data analysis for both phases is underway, and results are expected to be published by March 2027.

conclusionsYouth perspectives on priority health needs and the historical and existing facilitators of and barriers to meeting these needs are needed to inform future research and action toward health equity. This research will contribute important knowledge about inclusive and meaningful engagement of systematically marginalized communities in the cogeneration of knowledge and research priorities. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/84782.