Empowering adolescents for non-communicable diseases and cardiopulmonary resuscitation awareness: participatory multinational program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37914/riis.v9.526Keywords:
health literacy, adolescent, noncommunicable diseases, community-based participatory researchAbstract
Background: non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of global mortality, with many risk behaviors emerging during adolescence. Objectives: this study aimed to co-develop, implement and evaluate the Sudden Death Prevention Program, a multinational participatory initiative targeting adolescents in five European countries. The program sought to enhance health literacy and foster behavioral change in non-communicable diseases prevention and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methodology: using a Participatory Action Research framework, in three phases: (1) a scoping review to establish the theoretical basis; (2) co-creation of educational and digital resources with adolescents and stakeholders; (3) implementation and evaluation via a pre-/post-test design, independent samples and mixed-methods approach combining quantitative quiz data and qualitative feedback. Results: a total of 2,908 adolescents completed the pre-test and 2,231 the post-test. Knowledge scores increased significantly from a mean of 12.85 (SD = 4.22) to 14.53 (SD = 3.92) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 57% reported improved eating habits, 41% increased physical activity and 45% felt prepared to perform basic life support. Conclusion: the program proved effective in enhancing adolescent health literacy and promoting healthier behaviors. Its participatory and digital format demonstrated adaptability and cultural relevance. Future work should examine long-term behavioral outcomes, curricular integration and objective digital metrics.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mário Branco, João Ventura, Brigitta Safar, Zeljko Malic, Anikó Kériová, Agnese Rollo, Sandrine Couto, António Ferreira
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