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Background We describe the methodological dimensions of community-based participatory research through a description of study design, youth engagement, and methods/processes in the cocreation of knowledge within a Canadian study, the Bipolar Youth Action Project. This collaborative partnership—carried out by a team composed of academic, community, and youth partners—was designed to investigate self-management and wellness strategies for young adults living with bipolar disorder. Objective The aim is to describe the opportunities and challenges of this collaboration and to reflect upon the process of involving youth with bipolar disorder in health research that concerns them, and share lessons learned. Methods The project was conducted in multiple phases over 2 years: (1) grant-writing, with youth contributing to the process; (2) recruitment, in which 12 youth were selected and trained to help shape and conduct two research forums; (3) the first research forum, where more youth were consulted about the strategies they apply to stay well (self-management strategies); (4) data analysis of Forum I findings; (5) research Forum II, which consulted youth with bipolar disorder about knowledge translation of Forum I findings; and (6) data analysis of Forum II findings. Youth peer researchers with bipolar disorder were involved in a significant capacity at every stage in the process. Results Of the initial 12 youth peer researchers, 7 remained on the project from the recruitment phase until the project ended. They collaborated in the creation of two youth research forums that consulted youth with bipolar disorder on their self-management strategies. Conclusions This article shares what was learned from the process of partnering with youth with bipolar disorder in a community-based participatory research study.

Background Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) are increasingly turning to smartphone applications (apps) for health information and self-management support. While reviews have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of publicly available apps for BD, apps surveyed may not reflect what individuals with BD are using. The present study had two aims: first, to characterize the use of health apps to support mood and sleep amongst people with BD, and second, to evaluate the quality, safety and functionality of the most commonly used self-management apps. Methods A web-based survey was conducted to explore which apps people with BD reported using to support self-management of mood and sleep. The characteristics of the most commonly nominated apps were described using a standardized framework, including their privacy policy, clinical foundations, and functionality. Results Respondents (n = 919) were 77.9% female with a mean age of 36.9 years. 41.6% of participants (n = 382) reported using a self-management app to support mood or sleep. 110 unique apps were nominated in relation to mood, and 104 unique apps nominated in relation to sleep; however, most apps were only mentioned once. The nine most frequently nominated apps related to mood and sleep were subject to further evaluation. All reviewed apps offered a privacy policy, however user control over data was limited and the complexity of privacy policies was high. Only one app was developed for BD populations. Half of reviewed apps had published peer-reviewed evidence to support their claims of efficacy, but little research was specific to BD. Conclusion Findings illustrate the potential of smartphone apps to increase the reach of psychosocial interventions amongst people with BD. Apps were largely created by commercial developers and designed for the general population, highlighting a gap in the development and dissemination of evidence-informed apps for BD. There may be risks in using generic health apps for BD self-management; clinicians should enquire about patients’ app use to foster conversations about their particular benefits and limitations.

BACKGROUND This article describes methodological dimensions of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) through a description of study design, youth engagement, and methods/processes in the co-creation of knowledge within a Canadian study, the Bipolar Youth Action Project. This collaborative partnership — carried out by a team composed of academic, community and youth partners — was designed to investigate self-management and wellness strategies for young adults living with bipolar disorder. OBJECTIVE In describing the opportunities and challenges of this collaboration, the authors reflect upon the process of involving youth with bipolar disorder in health research that concerns them, and share lessons learned. METHODS The project was conducted in multiple phases over a 2-year period: 1) grant-writing, with youth contributing to the process; 2) recruitment, in which 12 youth were selected and trained to help shape and conduct two research forums; 3) the first research forum, where additional youth were consulted about the strategies they apply to stay well (self-management strategies); 4) data analysis of forum 1 findings; 5) research forum 2, which consulted youth with bipolar disorder about knowledge translation of forum 1 findings; and 6) data analysis of forum 2 findings. Youth peer researchers with bipolar disorder were involved in a significant capacity at every stage in the process. RESULTS Seven youth peer researchers remained on the project from the recruitment phase until project end. They collaborated in the creation of two youth research forums that consulted youth with bipolar disorder on their self-management studies. CONCLUSIONS This article shares learnings from the process of partnering with youth with bipolar disorder in a CBPR-informed study.