Health Promotion Organizations Research Articles

Ten years promoting health of young people in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: A review of the Pass'Santé Jeunes program.

BackgroundPass’Santé Jeunes (PSJ), initiated in 2013, addresses high-risk behaviors among young people in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. The program, supported by the Agence Régionale de Santé and Promotion Santé Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, combines digital resources with local partnerships to promote healthy choices among youth. ObjectivesThis article reviews the comprehensive health promotion approach of PSJ, aiming to identify key deployment strategies that could serve as a model for other regions or health promotion organizations. ResultsPSJ offers validated health resources through a website tailored to different age groups and includes content for parents. The program employs a robust digital marketing strategy, enhancing visibility and engagement through social media. Collaborations with regional athletes have significantly increased outreach, with website traffic growing from 1,000 to 31,000 monthly visitors and social media reach exceeding 450,000 in 2023. Over 20,000 professionals have been trained or sensitized, fostering a network of local actors dedicated to youth health. The program's participatory and community-led strategies effectively mobilize various life environments to support health promotion. ConclusionsPSJ exemplifies a successful regional health promotion model. Its comprehensive approach, integrating digital tools and local partnerships, addresses the complex determinants of youth health behaviors. Ongoing evaluation and adaptation are crucial to maintaining the program’s relevance and effectiveness. Future efforts should focus on bridging regional disparities, enhancing youth engagement, and ensuring long-term support for local actors to sustain health promotion activities.

Exploring physicians’ expectations of telehealth services implementation in primary care: An application of the social cognitive theory

ABSTRACT Background: Understanding healthcare professionals’ expectations in telehealth is crucial for successful implementation. The present study used an adaptation of the antecedents-expectations model, supported by the social cognitive theory to evaluate physicians’ expectations regarding the implementation of telehealth in primary healthcare (PHC) and to investigate the potential influence, on expectations, of a prior telehealth experience (antecedents) during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted online, targeting PHC physicians. Expectations covered four telehealth performance domains including public health and health promotion, Care Quality and Workflow Organization, Patient’s Convenience and Engagement and Providers’ Value and Training. Antecedents included six domains including gain in self-efficacy, gain in knowledge, gain in participation/engagement, gain in experience, enjoyment and satisfaction. Stepwise linear regression was performed to analyse the effect of antecedents on overall expectations. Results: A total of 54 physicians participated in the study. The mean expectation score was 114.15/154 (SD = 28.26), with highest expectations concerning cost-effectiveness, care timeliness and patients’ convenience. A previous experience with smart apps and dedicated telehealth platforms was associated with lower expectations scores. Expectations scores were positively correlated with antecedents scores; however, satisfaction was the sole independent factor of overall expectations (regression coefficient B = 4.40, 95%CI: 3.11–5.68). Conclusion: The findings highlight the significance of previous experience and various antecedents in shaping physicians’ expectations about telehealth. These insights can inform the development of strategies and interventions to enhance healthcare professionals’ expectations and facilitate the successful implementation of telehealth services.

Citizen science as a vehicle to address multiple policy objectives: Case studies from Australia.

Despite increasing interest in citizen science as an approach to engage members of the public in research and decision making about health and wellbeing, there is a lack of practical evidence to guide policy and practice organisations to utilise these approaches. In this study we investigated how and why citizen science came to be incorporated into the work of two policy organisations. We offer two in-depth case studies of Australian government organisations which have utilised citizen science in environmental and healthy ageing policy. Interviews with organisational informants and relevant documents were analysed inductively to explore how citizen science came to be adopted, legitimised and supported. Citizen science was utilised to address multiple organisational objectives, including increasing community participation in science; enhancing individuals' wellbeing, learning, and skills, and generating data to support research and policy in a relatively cost-effective manner. In both cases, grant funding was a mechanism to support citizen science, with project delivery facilitated through academic-policy partnerships and led by external academic or community partners. Although citizen science is relatively new in policy and practice settings, this study underscores the value of these approaches in realising co-benefits for organisations, academics, and community members. The support and advocacy of senior managers as 'champions', and a willingness to invest in trialling new approaches to address policy problems are necessary ingredients to foster acceptance and legitimacy of citizen science. SO WHAT?: Citizen science initiatives can be strategically utilised by health promotion organisations to enact priorities related to genuine community involvement, support research and innovation and facilitate collaboration and partnerships between academic, policy and community stakeholders.

Nostalgia-based marketing campaigns and sport participation

PurposeFramed by nostalgia marketing, this research draws upon lessons from ParticipACTION, a Canadian non-profit health promotion organization, to examine one of their most well-known campaigns, Body Break with ParticipACTION, in order to assess the potential role for nostalgia-based marketing campaigns in sport participation across generational cohorts.Design/methodology/approachExploratory sequential mixed methods involving two studies were completed on behalf of ParticipACTION, with the authors developing the research instruments and the collection of the data undertaken by research agencies. Study 1 was the secondary analysis of qualitative data from five focus groups with different demographic compositions that followed a common question guide. Study 2 was a secondary data analysis of a pan-Canadian online survey with a sample (n = 1,475) representative of the overall adult population that assessed awareness of, and attitudes toward, ParticipACTION, Body Break, physical activity and sport participation. Path analysis tested a proposed model that was based on previous research on attitudes, brand and loyalty. Further, multi-group path analyses were conducted to compare younger generations with older ones.FindingsThe results provide direction and understanding of the importance of nostalgia in marketing sport participation programs across generational cohorts. For instance, in the four parent-adult focus groups, unaided references as well as frequent and detailed comments regarding Body Break were observed. Similarly, Millennials reported that Body Break was memorable, Canadian and nostalgic, with a mix of positive and negative comments. The importance of nostalgia was supported sequentially via results from the national survey. For example, while 54.1% of the 40–54 age-group associated ParticipACTION positively with Body Break, so did 49.8% of the 25–39-year age group, most of whom were not born when the promotion ran. Further, brand resonance was found to explain 4% more variance in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), the proxy for sport participation, for younger people compared to older people.Practical implicationsResults provide direction to brands, properties and agencies around the use of nostalgia in sport marketing campaigns and sponsorship efforts. For brands seeking to sponsor sport properties to alter their image with potential consumers in a new market, associating with a sport property that many view as nostalgic could improve the impact of the campaign. On the sport property side, event managers and marketers should both identify existing assets that members or fans are nostalgic about, as well as consider building nostalgia into current and new properties they develop.Originality/valueThis research is valuable to the sport marketing and sponsorship literature through several contributions. First, the use of nostalgia marketing, and nostalgia in general, is novel in the sport marketing and sponsorship literature, with future research in nostalgia and sponsorship recommended. Second, the potential to adopt or adapt Body Break to other sport participation and physical activity properties is empirically supported. Finally, the finding that very effective promotions can have a long-lasting effect, both on those who experienced the campaigns as well as younger populations who only heard about it, is notable.

Possibilities of integration of health promotion into the rehabilitation process

Aim: The aim is to analyse and determine the possibilities of using health promotion tools and approaches at different levels of implementation of the rehabilitation process. Materials and Methods: Published information sources on the organization of rehabilitation care and health promotion served as materials of the study. The methods of system analysis, structural and logical analysis, bibliosemantic and information-analytical methods were used during the research. Conclusions: The implementation of the rehabilitation process at different levels requires different conditions, resources and the availability of specialists, which leads to different approaches to the integration of health promotion. On the basis of the defined categories of rehabilitation, it is possible to form a framework for the integration of health promotion into the rehabilitation process with the identification of potential tools and approaches. However, all levels require not only resources, but also appropriate professional training of specialists in the implementation of health promotion activities.

OP33 Child And Adolescent Mental Health Care Models: A Scoping Review

IntroductionMental illnesses are among the most common health problems in children and adolescents worldwide, and their prevalence has recently increased. At the same time, many countries face gaps in care and a shortage of services. To address these challenges, countries are developing child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) strategies and adopting their models of care. This paper aimed to give an international overview of these strategies and care models to support decision makers and stimulate mutual learning and improved CAMH care.MethodsWe identified core topics within published CAMH strategies and care model documents from seven selected countries within the Global North, which represented different healthcare systems, geographical regions, and public health traditions to maximize variety. We systematically extracted data on the identified topics and summarized them narratively by applying qualitative content analyses.ResultsThe documents addressed the following core topics: awareness raising activities; prevention and promotion; detection; treatment; telemedicine; care pathways; transitional psychiatry; vulnerable patient groups; user participation; infrastructure; workforce development; implementation; digital tools for case management; and data acquisition and research. A stand-alone CAMH strategy exists in most countries.Recommendations on CAMH care often followed a public mental health approach and placed a high priority on mental health promotion and cross-sectional organization and funding of CAMH care services. Key principles of future CAMH care included: increased flexibility of care settings; early intervention; an open and non-judgmental attitude among staff; and strengths orientation instead of focusing on deficits and diagnoses.ConclusionsReducing the prevalence of mental illness and current shortcomings in care requires action at the policy level (e.g., developing a CAMH strategy with a focus on mental health promotion and installing cross-sectoral governance), organizational level (e.g., reorganizing treatment settings and pathways of care), and individual level (e.g., strengthening user involvement and workforce development). Applying the recommended approaches in other countries will likely require redesign, ideally with a participatory approach and evaluation alongside piloting.

Mental health promotion practice in Aotearoa New Zealand: findings from a qualitative study.

Mental health promotion (MHP) is integral to improving the overall health and well being of individuals, communities, and populations. However, knowledge and reporting about MHP which occurs throughout Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) is limited. This article reports findings from a qualitative study that sought to understand NZ health promotion practitioners' (HPPs) MHP practice. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 HPPs employed at various health promotion organizations. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified three key themes. Two themes (planning and evaluation) related to practice directly and included various subthemes: needs assessment; principles/approaches/frameworks; operationalizing equity and te Tiriti o Waitangi; collaborative approaches; planning for evaluation; process evaluation domination; and evaluation challenges. The third theme related to the context of practice and encompassed various system influences restricting HPPs from practising as they wished. These were represented in four subthemes: contractual agreements; field fragmentation; in the shadows of mental ill-health and workforce capacity. Study findings highlight several opportunities to improve MHP practice in NZ. Most pertinently, the need for system-level action to address the factors restricting HPPs' practice.

How Funding Policy Maintains Structural Inequity Within Indigenous Community-Based Organizations.

Despite efforts to increase investment in Indigenous health and well-being in the United States, disparities remain. The way in which health-promoting organizations are funded is one key mechanism driving the systemic, long-term health disparities experienced by Indigenous people in the US. Using Indigenous-led community-based organizations (ICBOs) that provide psychosocial care as a case study, we highlight multiple ways in which policies that regulate the external funding that ICBOs depend on must change to promote equity and allow the organizations to flourish and address unmet psychosocial needs for Indigenous community members. We use a system dynamics approach to discuss how "capability traps" arise from a misfit between external funding regulations and organizations' needs for sustainability and effective care provision. We provide suggestions for reforming funding policies that focus on improving ICBO sustainability.

Responses to Mixed Fear and Pro-social Emotional Appeal Covid-19 Health Communication Strategies in South Africa: A Reflection

Since the advent and global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, several governments used emotional appeals as mechanisms to influence public behavioural change in a bid to combat spread of the then novel Coronavirus. Research shows that the uptake of health messaging is often, partly influenced by audience responses to emotional appeal techniques employed in such messages. This study intended to assess responses by South African audiences to COVID-19 emotional appeal messages from March 2020. The Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) is applied. A quantitative study analysed responses of over 1000 participants. Results indicate that government officials used a tailored and phased communication strategy mirroring fear and pro-social appeal messages to the intensity of COVID-19 waves. Results indicate that the most recurring emotional responses by participants were concern, worry and sadness. The least experienced emotions were gloom and surprise. Participants held mixed perceptions towards messages about their experiences regarding government COVID-19 message clarity. Majority of the participants, 72-76% expressed intentions to continue engaging in positive behavioural measures in response to government containment strategies. The recurring multiple waves of COVID-19 infections globally, necessitated tailored and mixed multi-phased messaging by the South African government provoking mirrored responses. This study could provide insight into effective, audience-responsive messaging for longstanding health crises by health promotion organisations including governments.

Health promotion networks in two districts in Bavaria, Germany: an exploratory case study mapping networks with respect to thematic agenda and location.

Building networks is an essential part of health promotion. However, network analysis remains relatively unexplored in this field. This study introduces a new technique that maps thematic agendas and geographical locations of health promotion actors. This case study used elements of quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse network data. We used empirical data from two networks in Bavaria, a federal state of Germany. We identified a total of 55 actors in the first network and 64 actors in the second. We categorized the thematic agenda of actors according to their main field of work: "healthy childhood development," "healthy middle age phase," "healthy ageing," "health equity in all phases of life." One network showed a significant surplus of actors that focus on "healthy ageing." We combined and analysed data from both networks collectively. Two districts with no health promotion actors within their geographical borders were identified. To put geographical gaps into context, data about deprivation and age was included. Results identified geographical areas with high need for support from health promotion actors. Through comparison of our results with existing literature, we derived potential network strategies for further successful networking. This study adds a new perspective to characterize health promotion networks by mapping them thematically and geographically. The concept can be used to give health promotion organisations relevant insight into network structures. This can improve decision-making processes concerning partnership strategy and finally lead to a positive health impact. Hence, our findings encourage further development of this technique and other networking methods in the field of health equity and health promotion.

Nutrition and Health Programming and Outreach in Grocery Retail Settings: A Community Coalition in Action.

Grocery stores can provide a conducive environment for interventions targeting healthy eating and access to health services, particularly in low-income communities. A wide array of organizations deliver nutrition and related programs in community settings, but rarely in a coordinated fashion. Collaboration of local health promotion organizations with grocery stores could increase consumers' access to and selection of healthy foods and related services. This evaluation of the In-Store Programming and Outreach Coalition (IPOC) uses thematic analysis of first-person accounts from coalition members. To our knowledge, this is the first study of such a coalition. We present perspectives from six stakeholders about the IPOC strengths, challenges, and recommendations for strengthening the delivery of in-store interventions. Themes identified include partnership, increased client reach and cross-referrals, conflicting work schedules, leadership, and recommendations to identify coalition leaders and expand services to other grocery stores. We conclude that grocery stores can offer a suitable setting for programming and community outreach through coalitions.

Public librarians and public health: How do partners perceive them?

Public libraries are increasingly recognized as community partners that improve the reach of health promotion organizations. The capacity of libraries to support community-based health initiatives has previously been studied through case studies in particular communities. Few national studies have considered how and why public libraries are perceived as part of the community health environment. With the aim of understanding how libraries are perceived in the context of promoting healthy eating and active living, this article examines the characteristics of successful community partnerships involving public libraries. This article uses data from interviews with librarians and their partners in 18 communities in 16 states across the United States. Case studies selection utilized a sentinel community approach to identify public libraries that self-identify as actively involved in community based health initiatives. Findings indicate that libraries are seen as trusted connectors, community experts, and organizations that share goals with health promotion organizations. Nevertheless, the strength of these partnerships is diminished by several factors. Improving and codifying community collaborations involving public libraries is identified as an opportunity to address this trend. The discussion focuses on how increased understanding of this trend both within the public health and within the public library profession would contribute to better including public libraries and public librarians in the promotion of community health.

Development and Feasibility Testing of the Clinical-Community Linkage Self-Assessment Survey for Community Organizations.

IntroductionClinical-community linkages (CCLs) can improve health, but few instruments exist to evaluate these partnerships. To address this gap, we develop and test the Clinical-Community Linkage Self-Assessment Survey (CCL Self-Assessment).Materials and MethodsWe built on an existing framework and conducted a literature review to guide the design of our survey, and obtained feedback from academic, clinical, and community-based experts. To pretest the instrument, we conducted 10 think-aloud interviews with community-based health-promotion organizations. We performed feasibility testing with 38 staff from 20 community organizations, followed by criterion-validity testing.ResultsThe 15-item final instrument includes five domains: Nature of the Relationship, Communication, Referral Process, Feedback Loop, and Timeliness. Expert feedback included keeping the CCL Self-Assessment brief and actionable. Think-aloud interviews produced a range of revisions related to item wording, instructions, brevity, and formatting. Feasibility testing showed high response rate and ease of administration. Sites scoring high on the CCL Self-Assessment also scored high on the criterion measure.DiscussionWe demonstrate feasibility, as well as face, content, construct, and criterion validity. Initial results suggest the CCL Self-Assessment survey may be used by community organizations to identify strengths and weaknesses of their linkages. Next steps include additional statistical validation and testing to determine how the CCL Self-Assessment survey works in the field as well as providing specific tools to improve linkages.

USE OF KETOGENIC DIET THERAPY IN EPILEPSY WITH MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION: A SYSTEMATIC AND CRITICAL REVIEW

With the development of molecular techniques over time more than %60 of epilepsy has associated with mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction. Ketogenic diet (KD) has been used in the treatment of epilepsy since the 1920s. Aim. To evaluate the evidence behind KD in mt dysfunction in epilepsy. Methods. Databases PubMed, Google Scholar and MEDLINE were searched in an umbrella approach to 12 March 2021 in English. To identify relevant studies specific search strategies were devised for the following topics: (1) mitochondrial dysfunction (2) epilepsy (3) KD treatment. Results. From 1794 papers, 36 articles were included in analysis: 16 (%44.44) preclinical studies, 11 (%30.55) case reports, 9 (%25) clinical studies. In all the preclinic studies, KD regulated the number of mt profiles, transcripts of metabolic enzymes and encoding mt proteins, protected the mice against to seizures and had an anticonvulsant mechanism. Case reports and clinical trials have reported patients with good results in seizure control and mt functions, although not all of them give good results as well as preclinical. Conclusion. Healthcare institutions, researchers, neurologists, health promotion organizations, and dietitians should consider these results to improve KD programs and disease outcomes for mt dysfunction in epilepsy.

Characterising health promotion in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages: A content analysis of COVID-19 and maternal health resources.

Issue addressedHealth promotion resources in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) languages are being widely translated and disseminated at the community, health service and government level. In addition to outlining the relevant Australian policy context and evidence base, this study sought to describe the availability and characteristics of COVID‐19 and maternal health promotion resources incorporating Indigenous languages.MethodsHealth promotion resources published online between June 2005 and June 2020 were identified by a desktop scan and screened against quality inclusion criteria. A content analysis by resource type, health topic, purpose, use of language and source was conducted.ResultsA total of 215 resources was eligible for inclusion, incorporating 50 different Indigenous languages and representing a varied approach to language use and health promotion. Almost 7 times as many COVID‐19 resources were identified than maternal health materials.ConclusionsIn contrast to maternal health, COVID‐19 has seen a sharp rise in the number of health promotion resources produced in language, especially in formats capable of streamlined replication in multiple languages. Strong use of narrative, storytelling and alternative primary aims such as language education suggests potential for greater collaboration between health promotion organisations and other community groups and services. Bilingual resources may have applications for communities where traditional language knowledge is being reawakened.So what?Emerging capacity to efficiently produce health promotion resources in multiple Indigenous languages could be capitalised for health topics beyond COVID‐19. However, further research in determining best practice and user perspectives is essential in guiding the development of these resources.

A qualitative study exploring young offenders\u2019 perspectives on alcohol and other drug health promotion

BackgroundDrugs and alcohol can cause significant harm to individuals, families and communities. Young offenders represent an important population group, which often sport many characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to experiencing harm from drug use. For decades, research has shown the complexity of health behaviours and the need to consider consumer perspectives to respond and support different populations effectively.MethodsThis study utilised qualitative inquiry to explore young offenders’ (aged 13 to 18 years) experiences with drug use. The study sought to discern the pathways to drug dependencies for young people and to understand how community organisations can better support young people involved with the justice system.ResultsThree themes were identified in the data. First, the clear lack of knowledge about how to reduce harm from drug use among young offenders. Second, the structural and environmental influences on drug use and the need to develop personal skills and knowledge, alongside advocating for supportive environments for good health. Third, the power and hope that a youth advocate with lived experience can bring to the harm prevention and health promotion field.ConclusionsCommunity services have an integral role in ensuring drug and alcohol education is accessible for different youth populations. Importantly, health promotion organisations should raise awareness about the environmental influences on drug use behaviours, and work deliberately to include consumer perspectives in the design and planning of prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Consensus, Global Definitions of Whole Grain as a Food Ingredient and of Whole-Grain Foods Presented on Behalf of the Whole Grain Initiative.

Proposed global definitions of whole grain as an ingredient and whole grain food are presented by the authors on behalf of the Whole Grain Initiative. Whole grains are an important pillar of healthy and sustainable diets. Internationally accepted credible definitions of whole grains as food ingredients and whole-grain foods are necessary to ensure that all global stakeholders have shared standards, and that consumers find them clear, credible, and useful. Based on widely accepted, existing definitions and new developments, the Definitions Working Group of the global Whole Grain Initiative, with experts from academia, government agencies and industry, developed definitions for global application. The key statements of the definition documents are as follows: “Whole grains shall consist of the intact, ground, cracked, flaked or otherwise processed kernel after the removal of inedible parts such as the hull and husk; all anatomical components, including the endosperm, germ, and bran must be present in the same relative proportions as in the intact kernel” and “A whole-grain food shall contain at least 50% whole-grain ingredients based on dry weight. Foods containing 25–50% whole-grain ingredients based on dry weight, may make a front-of-pack claim on the presence of whole grain but cannot be designated ‘whole grain’ in the product name”. The definition documents have been ratified by the leading international scientific associations in this area. We urge that these consensus Whole Grain Initiative definitions be adopted as the basis for definitions used by national regulatory authorities and for health promotion organisations worldwide to use in nutrition education and food labelling.

Organizational structure and human agency within the South African health system: a qualitative case study of health promotion.

Despite international recognition of health promotion (HP) as a cost-effective way to improve population health, it is not highly regarded nor is it sufficiently institutionalized in many health systems. This diminishes its ability to deliver on its public health promises. This paper examined the role of organizational structure and human agency within the South African health system (drawing on Giddens’s structuration theory) in determining the extent of, and barriers to, the institutionalization of HP. We conducted a qualitative case study using a combination of in-depth interviews (n = 37), key informant interviews (n = 8) and one-day workshops (n = 5) with Department of Health (DoH) staff (HP and non-HP personnel) from national, provincial and district levels as well as external HP stakeholders. Within the South African health system, there are dedicated HP staffs, with no specified professional competencies or a coherent hierarchy of job titles. Allocated HP resources were frequently shifted to other programmes. This resulted in a disconnect between national and provincial levels, which impeded communication and opportunity to develop a shared vision and coherent programme. We found some examples of successful HP organization and implementation practices, such as the tobacco control legislation. Overall, HP staff had limited agency and were often unable to articulate the vision for HP. Uncertainty about the role of HP has led to powerlessness, and feelings of resentment have generated demotivation and moral distress. HP voices were seldom heard and were repressed by dominant curative-focused structures. If leaders of HP continue to be embedded in such an institution, there is little chance of driving an effective HP agenda. Therefore, there is a need to engage policy-makers to integrate HP into the health system fabric. Establishment of an independent HP foundation could be one mechanism to drive multi-sectoral collaboration, contribute to evidence-based HP research and further develop health in all policies through advocacy.

The power of narrative health communication: Exploring possible effects of first-hand experiential stories on cancer awareness amongst university students

Narrative health communication has the potential for effective health promotion about cancer amongst youth from low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa experiences a rising cancer-related disease burden with predicted increase of over 85% by 2030. Whilst promotion through communication, of cancer prevention strategies targeting 18–29 year olds remains scanty, it is crucial for cancer prevention behaviour before the disease develops. The study aimed at examining how narrative storytelling can create cancer awareness amongst students at the University of Johannesburg. A qualitative approach was adopted. During October 2019, an awareness session that formed part of a month-long health campaign involving various activities for students, promoted preventative behaviour leading to early cancer detection. Campus Health Services in collaboration with other University departments invited six cancer survivors and experts to share stories about their various cancer experiences with students and staff. Many of the participants aged between 18 and 49 years, indicated that they did not know how to engage in self-examination of their bodies and had never taken any cancer tests. Most of the participants expressed a willingness to engage in frequent self-examination and visiting health facilities to receive regular professional tests as a result of storytelling. Results may assist health promotion organisations with the construction of effective cancer health messaging especially for hard-to-reach groups such as youth in developing countries.

Supporting youth 12-24 during the COVID-19 pandemic: how Foundry is mobilizing to provide information, resources and hope across the province of British Columbia.

Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and social service centres for young people aged 12–24 in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Online resources and virtual care broaden Foundry’s reach. Its online platform – foundrybc.ca – offers information and resources on topics such as mental health, sexual wellness, life skills, and other content suggested by youth and young adults. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant and unique challenges to the youth and their families/caregivers served by Foundry. Disruptions to school, access to essential healthcare services such as counselling, familial financial security and related consequences has left young people with heightened anxiety. The Foundry team mobilized to respond to these extenuating circumstances and support BC youth and their families/caregivers during this hard time through three goals: (1) to amplify (and translate for young people and their families/caregivers) key messages released by government to support public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) to develop content that supports the needs of young people and their families/caregivers that existed before COVID-19 and are likely to be exacerbated as a result of this pandemic; and (3) to develop and host opportunities through social media and website articles to engage young people and their families/caregivers by creating a sense of community and promoting togetherness and social connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each goal and plan integrated the leadership, feedback and needs of youth and their families through engagement with Foundry’s provincial youth and family advisory committees. Our study evaluated Foundry’s media response to the COVID-19 pandemic by recording/measuring (1) the website/social content created, including emerged thematic topic areas; (2) the process of topic identification through engagement with youth and young adults; (3) the social and website analytics of the created content; and (4) the constant, critical team-reflection of our response to the pandemic. Following measurement and reflection, our team offers recommendations to health promotion organizations for future preparedness.