KIDS in action promoting health equity in socially deprived areas (K.A.H.E.Q Study)

Research problem and specific questionsResearch shows that migrant children living in vulnerable areas are at higher risk of mental ill health. These children are seldom allowed to participate and evaluate their own well-being.

This project aims in an action research-oriented process with the children, explore, measure and evaluate well-being overtime. How do the children, their parents and peer-activity leaders describe general well-being? What key factors in the social context increase their well-being, what role does gender play?

How can children design and validate a socio-culturally aligned survey to measure their well-being, and how does their well-being change over time?Data and MethodThe project is based on a previously implemented unique Community based research (CBPR) model for equal health in three socially vulnerable areas in Malmö.

Activity house (AAH) has been established in schools by Malmö city where migrant children participate in need-driven after school activities that they themselves create and develop.

To increase participation of the children and ensure that these environments are based on their needs, 30 children (10-12-years), parents/guardians (30) peer-activity leaders (15) and researchers create CBPR teams in the areas.

The children reflect, analyse and write about their wellbeing; identify and discuss key factors, in an iterative process with a strategic group of stakeholders.

The children then develop and validate (with 100 other children from AAH) the SASIC survey inspired by the KIDSSCREEN 27.

The health-promoting activities will be evaluated by the researchers for a year with 600 children.Plan for project realisationThe operations take place within the framework of three AAHs in Malmö, where a research hub has already been established.

The cost covers a doctoral student (last year financed by Mau), project management and established methodological research experts that can support the children in the research and evaluate the survey on the long term.RelevanceIt is especially important to focus on preventive measures for children with a migration background who live in risky environments that can cause mental illness.

According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children must be involved in defining their well-being, and even in developing methods for evaluating interventions. A more equal health presupposes integration and co-influence, but methods are shaped today mainly by adults