Co-Creating Health Promotion Training With People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Participatory Action Research Study.
TL;DR
Findings revealed that people with intellectual disabilities prioritize holistic well-being, autonomy and personalized support, while professionals tend to focus on conventional health domains, which enhances the relevance, ethical grounding and equity of training in health promotion and prevention.
Abstract
Background
People with intellectual disabilities face persistent health inequalities and limited access to health promotion services. Their perspectives are rarely included in service design.
Methods
This participatory action research (Jan 2024-Apr 2025) involved co-researcher and co-trainers in the development of a new health promotion training for professionals working in institutional contexts. An Inclusive and Participatory Educational Board guided four iterative steps: identifying needs, co-designing content, co-teaching training and evaluating outcomes.
Results
Findings revealed that people with intellectual disabilities prioritize holistic well-being, autonomy and personalized support, while professionals tend to focus on conventional health domains. Both groups highlighted needs spanning individual, social and structural levels. The co-creation process fostered inclusion and mutual learning but encountered logistical, communication and institutional challenges.
Conclusions
Co-creation enhances the relevance, ethical grounding and equity of training in health promotion and prevention. Future efforts must improve inclusive communication, institutional coordination and formal recognition of service users' contributions.