Youth Participation, Agency and Well-Being in Hospital-Linked Contexts: Evidence From the KIDS Programme

Youth participation is increasingly recognised as a key determinant of adolescent well-being, yet empirical evidence from hospital-linked healthcare contexts remains limited. This study examines how participation in the international KIDS programme within the iCAN network relates to adolescents' participation-linked emotional and academic well-being.

A mixed-methods descriptive and correlational design was employed. Data were collected from 50 adolescents across multiple countries who completed an adapted version of the Tiffany-Eckenrode Program Participation Scale (TEPPS) and open-ended questions. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability testing, exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and regression modelling, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative responses.

The adapted TEPPS demonstrated strong internal reliability (α = 0.88). Voice and influence together with relational support emerged as the participatory conditions most strongly associated with well-being outcomes. Cluster analysis identified four experiential participation profiles, including a highly transformative group characterised by strong agency and elevated well-being.

Meaningful participation in hospital-linked youth programmes may contribute to adolescents' perceived well-being by fostering agency, recognition and supportive relational environments. Embedding structured youth participation within healthcare systems may therefore support more responsive and humanised approaches to adolescent care.