Promoting the health of adults in mid-life, using a population-based and multifactorial approach, has until recently been poorly covered by public policy, despite the fact that the health indicators for such adults give cause for concern. This period of life also represents an opportunity to initiate changes in behaviour before the onset of disease. Against this backdrop, Santé publique France, together with its Steering and Dialogue Committee, has decided to launch an advocacy approach aimed at stakeholders working in and for the French regions.

To develop an 'advocacy' medium that includes the stages of multi-stakeholder construction required to identify the representations and perceived health problems present in the regions, the role that each stakeholder plays, as well as the health promotion tools and strategies already in place. To achieve this, Santé publique France carried out a qualitative survey of local stakeholders by means of semi-structured interviews and set up stakeholder consultation initiatives.

The methodology chosen is aimed at transferring epidemiological data, promoting the key actions arising from the qualitative survey and presenting the essential role played by the stakeholders working in and for the regions. It reflects the complexity of the population-based approach to mid-life adults in a context of multi-level responsibilities, characteristic of public health policies.

The results underline the legitimacy of Santé publique France's advocacy role in encouraging local stakeholders to work towards improving the health of mid-life adults, particularly the socio-economically disadvantaged.