Health Literacy and Youth Empowerment: Investing for Healthier Communities

Background: Health literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in promoting youth citizenship, participation, and empowerment in health-related matters. This study examines how health literacy can serve as a strategic driver for engaging young people in decision-making processes, using participatory initiatives developed by the Portuguese Health Literacy Society (SPLS) as case studies. The initiatives include Health Miniassemblies, the Youth Leaders Program, and structured meetings with youth associations within the framework of the National Youth Council. Methods: A qualitative and participatory research design was employed, involving focus groups, interviews, and participatory observation. These methods enabled the collection of proposals from young participants and the evaluation of their involvement and perceived impact on health policies. Ethical principles and informed consent were ensured throughout all activities, although the study was not preregistered. Results: The findings reveal that these participatory initiatives contributed to increased civic awareness, improved communication skills, greater engagement in community health issues, and enhanced advocacy capacity among young participants. Youth expressed a stronger sense of agency and inclusion in health governance. Conclusion: Investing in youth through health literacy fosters democratic participation and strengthens health systems. Comparative analysis with international models confirms the relevance and replicability of this approach in diverse sociopolitical contexts.