A Youth-centred Preventive Action Approach towards co-created implementation of socially and Physically activating Environmental interventions

BACKGROUND

A vast majority of teenagers do not meet guidelines for healthy movement behaviours (i.e. physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep), posing major risks for developing multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Sustainable implementation of lifestyle interventions focused on teenagers is a key challenge.

AIM

YoPAAPE aims to tailor, implement and evaluate social and physical environmental interventions for structural improvement in the lifestyle of teenagers (12-18 years) in vulnerable life situations to reduce their NCD risk.
APPROACH

YoPAAPE introduces teen-centred, evidence-informed co-creation to tackle the complex real-world challenge of unhealthy lifestyles and health inequalities. In urban environments in HICs (DK, NL) and LMICs (NG, ZA), we will engage teenagers and other key stakeholders in local co-creation communities. Together with academic researchers and local stakeholders, teenagers will be central in 1) mapping the local system, including needs and opportunities; 2) tailoring interventions to the local context; 3) implementing, and 4) evaluating interventions guided by our novel SUPER-AIM framework assessing local Systems, User perspective, Participatory co-creation process, Reach, Effects, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance of interventions in an integrated manner.

IMPACT

All results will be integrated in an open access YoPAAPE toolbox targeted at researchers, public health practitioners and authorities, policy makers, and citizens. YoPAAPE will establish an infrastructure for teen-centred co-creation including capacity building, mentoring, and participation of teenagers as leaders and co-researchers. This infrastructure will nurture sustainable implementation of teenager-responsive preventive interventions tailored to the local context, improving their agency, movement behaviours and wellbeing, ultimately halting the rise of NCDs and associated healthcare costs.

The YoPAAPE project is focused on helping teenagers adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent diseases that come from poor habits like not exercising enough, sitting too much, or not getting enough sleep. Many teens are at risk of developing serious health issues because they don't follow healthy movement guidelines. The project aims to create and test ways to improve the daily habits of teenagers, especially those in difficult life situations, by working directly with them and other local community members.

YoPAAPE will work in various urban areas across different countries to understand what teens need and what opportunities are available to help them change their lifestyles for the better. Teenagers will play a crucial role in this process by helping design, implement, and evaluate lifestyle interventions that fit their local environment. The project uses a new approach called SUPER-AIM to ensure these interventions are effective and can be maintained over time.

The outcome of YoPAAPE will be an online toolbox accessible to researchers, health workers, policymakers, and the general public. This resource will provide practical strategies for involving teenagers in creating lifestyle changes that improve their health and reduce future healthcare costs. By empowering teenagers as leaders in this initiative, YoPAAPE seeks to foster long-lasting improvements in their wellbeing and prevent the rise of lifestyle-related diseases.