Building a community-based participatory approach to child, youth, and family health: Learnings from organizational engagement in the Peel Region of Ontario.

Abstract

Background and objectives: As hospital-based pediatric clinicians and researchers, we conducted engagement with representatives from public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the Peel Region of Ontario. Objectives were to build relationships and inform research, education, innovation, and programming to improve the health of local children, youth, and families (CYF).

Method: Relevant public, private, and nonprofit organizations were identified through an extensive environmental scan. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with front-line, managerial, and executive representatives. Analysis consisted of thematic analysis and quantitative content analysis. All participants were invited to a 1-day community networking event to discuss the engagement findings and brainstorm next steps.

Results: Final sample was n = 155 individuals from n = 61 organizations. The community networking event included n = 45 participants from n = 41 organizations. Participants identified the top three health issues facing families as: (a) mental health and wellbeing (63%); (b) socioeconomic insecurity (52%); (c) lack of physical activity (43%). Major themes included: holistic health and wellness; equity and sociocultural dimensions of health; cross-sector/organizational collaboration and integration; need for inclusive, action-oriented, and participatory approaches.

Conclusions: Insights from these engagement activities led to the development of a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to CYF health in Peel. In this article we posit CBPR and a population health approach can come together in research and care to prioritize equity, collaboration, and active participation in a community-wide approach to CYF health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).