An iterative approach to connecting policymakers with actionable data on adolescent tobacco use

Data on adolescent tobacco and nicotine use in Sub-Saharan Africa is sparse, yet when it exists, it shows tobacco and nicotine use to be an increasing problem. In response to policymakers’ need for high-quality, accessible evidence to support improved policies and programs, Development Gateway: An IREX Venture (DG), catalyzed a network of researchers and key stakeholders to design and conduct primary data collection on tobacco and nicotine use among children aged 10-17 in the DRC, Kenya, and Nigeria. This article describes the unique approach used to design, conduct, and disseminate this research, guided by three key objectives: 1) to examine how adolescent tobacco and nicotine research can be designed to address the specific contexts, priorities, and needs of stakeholders in tobacco control; 2) to explore how research findings can be shared to build trust, inform key decisions, and be used to develop evidence-based policies to curb tobacco and nicotine use by adolescents; and 3) to present a case study pilot linking research to action in Nigeria through a youth advisory group. Engaging an iterative process in collaboration with a diverse stakeholder base fostered a strong sense of trust and ownership of this research and results. The findings of this adolescent-focused research will be integrated into existing country-specific websites designed using a similar approach which have already shown great user engagement and success. By sharing this experience, along with a case study focused on Nigeria, the authors of this article aim to promote meaningful stakeholder engagement as a way to maximize data use through shaping research that responds to specific stakeholder priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.