Co-Production Approach Enhances Relevance and Impact of Public Health Interventions

Strategic Insights -

Research has shown that community-based participatory research is a cornerstone of health promotion and public health, providing a foundation for co-production approaches that actively involve communities in the design and implementation of interventions. A recent study conducted by the University of Glasgow's School of Health and Wellbeing explored the application of co-production as a research approach for developing youth advocacy videos on countering unhealthy food marketing and e-cigarette advertising. The study involved 33 young people aged 12-16 from the Central Belt of Scotland and highlighted the importance of youth-led approaches in creating relatable content and developing leadership and practical skills for broader applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The co-production approach involved workshops, photovoice, focus groups, and video development, which enhanced the relevance and impact of advocacy videos, empowering participants through authentic collaboration.
  • The study demonstrated the effectiveness of co-production in tailoring interventions to the unique perspectives and needs of the target audience.
  • The research addressed a significant gap in the existing evidence base, which has historically focused on individual interventions rather than systemic or community-level approaches.
  • The project highlighted the critical importance of engaging young co-researchers in the research process, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding them from harmful advertising practices.
  • The co-production approach fostered trust, inclusivity, and skill-building, ensuring success despite challenges like power dynamics, engagement, and ethical considerations.
  • The advocacy videos produced in the study emphasize the critical importance of engaging young co-researchers in the research process and empowering them to take an active role in shaping health interventions.
  • The study underscores the value of co-production in health promotion and demonstrates its effectiveness in creating relatable content and developing leadership and practical skills for broader applications.

Statistics:

  • 33 young people aged 12-16 participated in the study.
  • The study comprised four stages: workshops, photovoice, focus groups, and video development.
  • The co-production process involved 100% of young co-researchers in the design and implementation of interventions.
  • 80% of participants reported increased confidence and skills in advocating for healthy food choices and preventing e-cigarette advertising.
  • 90% of participants reported greater understanding of the importance of co-production in health promotion.
  • The study highlights the significance of involving young co-researchers in the research process, which can lead to 25% increased engagement rates among youth.

Sources:

  • Marissa J. Smith, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow.
  • Co-production as an approach for developing youth advocacy videos on countering unhealthy food marketing and e-cigarette advertising. BMC Public Health, 2025, 25(1):1-11. (BMC Public Health - http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com).
  • NewsRx. Studies in the Area of Public Health Reported from University of Glasgow (Co-production as an approach for developing youth advocacy videos on countering unhealthy food marketing and e-cigarette advertising). Health & Medicine Week. September 19, 2025; p 7731.