No Dramas: Using applied theatre to explore youth health issues in regional Central Queensland

Abstract

Introduction: Young people in a regional Central Queensland community identified concerns related to their health and health behaviours, but have limited access to health information. Objective: To explore the youth health perspectives and priorities of young people in regional Queensland and identify how young people prefer to access health information. Design: A participatory action research approach, using applied theatre methods and technology. Findings: The key challenges to youth health in regional Queensland identified by participants were substance use, in particular vaping, and bullying. Short-form social media videos are an effective channel for communicating youth health information, but to do so must closely align with the predominant formats and trends on social media platforms. Discussion: Young people are not likely to read health information in printed form. Effective communication is the key to empowering young people to make decisions regarding their health behaviours. Our research shows that young people tend to share with other young people, and they are less likely to listen to older people and those in positions of authority. Health concerns raised ranged from cyberbullying and peer pressure to vaping, alcohol and chroming. Conclusion: Young people are more likely to engage with information that reflects their lived experience. The research concludes that we need to reconsider how information is provided for young people. Ways to empower young people and their voices via their preferred genre and format, not only to inform their health behaviours but also other aspects of their lives, is imperative.