What Matters 2 Kids: a mixed-methods protocol for developing a culturally-responsive illustrated well-being measure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

INTRODUCTION: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are the future custodians of country, culture and community for the world's oldest living cultures. However, they continue to experience significant disadvantage as a legacy of British colonisation. Failure to address the systemic inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children infringes on their rights to health, education, safety and cultural identity. Despite this, there has been limited focus on recognising and measuring the cultural and personal strengths that support their well-being. This study aims to co-design a culturally grounded, illustrated self-report well-being measure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-11 years, focusing on the aspects of life that nurture their strength and well-being.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The project will employ a five-phase mixed methods design, guided by principles of co-design and best practices to develop culturally and developmentally responsive measures with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Extending existing methods, we will pioneer a new approach to develop measures enhanced with culturally-responsive pictures co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approvals have been obtained from the University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/HE000607), Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee (WAHREC1260), Far North Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/QCH/99346), Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (2140/23), Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (04-23-1063), Menzies School of Health Research and Northern Territory Department of Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC 2023-4608) and the Australian National University Human Research Ethics Committee (H/2024/0914), as well as relevant Departments of Education. The final WM2K (What Matters 2 Kids) results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and disseminated to partner organisations and the broader sector via strategic networks with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, government bodies and non-government agencies. Children will receive study communications via partner organisations in age-appropriate formats.