Amplifying Youth Voices in Public Health: Assessing the Sustained Impact of PATCH Youth Engagement Programs on Adolescent Health, Well-Being and Leadership Development.

INTRODUCTION

For over 10 years, the Wisconsin-based Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) Program has worked alongside youth ages 14-19 to enhance adolescent health programs, policies, and practices. This evaluation explores the lasting effects on those who participated in the PATCH program as an adolescent.

METHODS

All former Wisconsin PATCH participants were invited to complete a retrospective pre-post survey that asked them to reflect on their attitudes, actions, and knowledge before and after participating in PATCH. The survey used 5-point Likert scales and open-ended questions to comprehensively assess themes such as job exploration and readiness, relationships and connectedness, advocacy, self-worth, stigma, and health- and healthcare-related knowledge, confidence, and behaviors.

RESULTS

A total of 104 past participants completed the survey. All 11 scales showed significant changes (p < .001), and qualitative analysis yielded 6 key themes, including the program's impact on sense of community and interpersonal relationships, advocacy, and workforce development.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings contribute to the understanding of the long-term benefits of youth engagement in health programs and provide valuable insights for practitioners aiming to develop and enhance similar initiatives. Furthermore, they underscore the critical role of sustained, structured youth involvement in achieving meaningful and lasting improvements in adolescent health.