Engaging youth in health and research in rural Cambodia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The Youth Advisory Group on Health and Research Engagement (YAGHRE) has been a collaborative initiative between school students and Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) staff in Siem Pang, Cambodia since 2021. Members provide input on health and research activities conducted by MORU. Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore key stakeholders’ perspectives on the YAGHRE. Methods: A total of 35 respondents participated in this study, including YAGHRE members (n = 14), teachers (n = 6), healthcare staff (n = 2), school students (n = 6), and family members (n = 7). Data were collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify cross-cutting patterns in participants’ understandings, experiences, and recommendations related to YAGHRE. Results: YAGHRE members were viewed as a link between MORU and the community for health promotion and engagement with research. Participation in YAGHRE seemed to foster members’ confidence, communication, and digital literacy. Parents and teachers also reported improvements in members’ leadership and youth-led engagement activities. The knowledge and skills acquired were shared with families, peers, and community members, potentially enhancing awareness of health and hygiene. The participatory nature of YAGHRE, where members planned activities with MORU staff seemed to have cultivated a sense of ownership. YAGHRE was perceived as a transformative platform for youth skill-building and health education, strengthening community–research partnerships and local health and research capacity in rural Cambodia. Conclusions: Our engagement model suggests how community-based research and engagement can simultaneously advance scientific goals, build local capacity, and strengthen public trust through participatory approaches.