Active Participation of Children in Health Research: Methods, Experience and Ethical Aspects

OBJECTIVES: Due to a changing perspective of adults on children, an increasing participation of the youngest population in health research (HR) was observed in the last two decades. Including children's perspectives and needs in health research, can help to make health promotion interventions more needs-based and effective, and therefore have a positive impact on children's health. The aim of the present project is to provide recommendations for a meaningful and needs-oriented active participation of children in HR in Germany, illustrated by a fictitious example research.

METHODS: First, a scoping review was conducted according to the 5 steps of Arskey & O'Malley's (2005) framework and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. 13 studies were included in the subsequent analysis. In addition, two guideline-based expert interviews were conducted. Based on a comparison of the results, recommendations were formulated and applied to the sample research.

RESULTS: The results of the data collection were similar in further parts and complemented each other meaningfully. It was found that, in addition to the use of target group-specific active and visual methods, behavior and the relationship between the people involved are particularly important for successful participation. Based on this, recommendations for action could be formulated. In addition to the actual research process, these also refer to the preparation and the general framework as well as to the evaluation of participation.

CONCLUSIONS: This work provides guidance on how children can be meaningfully involved in HR in a way that meets their needs and thus contribute to the promotion of child health. Future research should investigate and formally confirm the validity of participation. In this way, additional effective participatory research practices could be identified.