Active participation and inclusion of children and young people with disabilities in health research in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

Introduction

Children and young people with disabilities make up a substantial population in sub-Saharan Africa yet their active participation and inclusion in health research remain limited. Although disability-inclusive and participatory approaches are increasingly recognised as essential for ethical and impactful research, evidence on how children and young people with disabilities are actively involved across research stages is inconsistent. This scoping review aims to systematically map and synthesise existing literature on the active participation and inclusion of children and young people with disabilities in health research in sub-Saharan Africa and identify reported interventions, strategies and outcomes that support such involvement.

Methods and analysis

This review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley framework and will be reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Africa-Wide Information and grey literature sources will identify studies published in English from 2000 to 2025. Eligible evidence will include qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies, as well as organisational reports addressing participation of children and youth aged 0–35 years with disability in health research.

All identified records will be imported into Rayyan (Rayyan Systems Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA) for title and abstract screening. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract data using a structured charting form and synthesise findings using descriptive and thematic analysis. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this review draws solely on publicly available literature. The findings will provide a regional synthesis of disability-inclusive health research involving children and young people in sub-Saharan Africa and will inform the development of equitable, participatory research practices. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and accessible formats, including plain-language summaries and youth-friendly presentations.