Implementation evaluation of a community-based youth participatory action research program.

Area of Science:

• Community Psychology
• Implementation Science
• Youth Empowerment

Background:

• Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) engages young people as research partners and change agents.
• YPAR interventions are applied in diverse settings to address various issues, promoting empowerment and liberation.
• Identifying implementation barriers and facilitators can increase the scope and impact of YPAR programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a community-based YPAR intervention using a structured framework.
• To identify key barriers and facilitators influencing YPAR program implementation.
• To present preliminary implementation outcomes, such as feasibility and acceptability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) for evaluation.
• Collected qualitative and quantitative data from multiple informants, including participants, facilitators, and research team members.
• Focused on data gathered throughout the intervention's implementation period.

Main Results:

• Described key barriers and facilitators encountered during YPAR programming.
• Presented preliminary implementation outcomes, including feasibility and acceptability of the YPAR intervention.
• Highlighted the application of implementation and dissemination science (IDS) to YPAR.

Conclusions:

• Implementation and Dissemination Science (IDS) provides a rigorous approach for evaluating YPAR.
• Understanding barriers and facilitators is crucial for optimizing YPAR program uptake and sustainability.
• This study demonstrates the value of IDS in assessing community-based youth programs.