Exploring adolescent & youth worker perspectives in co-creating a smoking prevention intervention

Abstract

Background

Smoking initiation disproportionately affects certain population groups, including adolescents experiencing societal vulnerability. Co-creation, an innovative approach, contributes to developing tailored interventions that address smoking initiation disparities. For this study, a smoking prevention intervention was co-created with adolescents and youth workers from two youth social work organisations. This paper analyses the perspectives of participants engaged in this co-creation process.

Methods

Data were collected sequentially throughout the process of co-creative intervention design and involved two focus group discussions with seven adolescents each (of which six participated in both focus groups) and semi-structured interviews with five youth workers. A reflexive thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the data, capturing the co-creation process: active involvement and engagement, creating meaning, and capacity building. These themes were influenced by specific contextual factors (i.e. the physical environment of youth social work organisations and the social context, such as group dynamics) and demonstrated dynamic interactions, rather than existing independently.

Conclusion

This study gives insights into the collaborative dynamics and processes that emerged throughout our co-creation process, enabling us to give recommendations for future co-creation projects. Incorporating innovative and creative methods into the co-creation process, such as the co-creation camp, appeared to be particularly impactful in fostering collaboration, trust, and a safe space for sharing opinions. Key recommendations include prioritizing inclusivity, adapting methods to participants’ needs, considering contextual influences, and ensuring the process is both enjoyable and meaningful.