ObjectivesTo model and analyse conceptions of determinants of health and cancer that are expressed and perceived by school children aged 6–11 based on a multiphase qualitative protocol.MethodologyThis is a multicentric, qualitative study of human and social sciences conducted among school children aged 6–11 years old. Two different tools were used, e.Photoexpression and Photonarration, in four French schools. This innovative and exploratory method addresses global health during the first phase (e.Photoexpression) and the theme of cancer during the second phase (Photonarration). The children express themselves through photography and narration.Results1498 qualitative productions were made by 381 children aged 6–11 years old. The analysis of these productions of expression and narration through images allowed modelling of determinants of health and cancer as perceived by children through 7 fields and 28 categories. The conceptions of determinants of health and child cancer refer to rationalities that are centred on individual determinants (76%), minimise environmental determinants (20%) and conceal the parameters of access to healthcare and social services (3%).DiscussionThese findings provide new data to the international literature on children’s perceptions of determinants of health and cancer. These research findings, which can be applied to interventions and current practices, will enable prevention workers to act more effectively, closer to children’s perceptions and needs.

To identify the determinants of global health in the literature as perceived and expressed by children and adolescents in order to adapt prevention actions to this young audience. To also question the pertinence of a qualitative approach when interviewing children. Method: Systematic review of the literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, PsycINFO databases. The studies selected used qualitative methods alone for investigating the views of health determinants in children and adolescents. Results: 185 articles were read to reach a final selection of 13 articles on global health, excluding studies with children who were ill, studies using quantitative, mixed, or retrospective methodologies, and those dealing exclusively with themes of health. Collecting information from children and adolescents showed the pertinence and effectiveness of qualitative methods. It also appears necessary to explore new paths: improving and adapting the tools and methodological supports used and combining them to enrich repositories. Conclusion: The small amount of qualitative data available with the views of children and adolescents on health determinants requires that new studies with better adapted collection methodologies be set up. To increase pertinence and effectiveness among a young audience, it is necessary, considering the methodologies identified during this literature review, to turn toward a multi-phase method that combines these methods. A methodology in several phases allows each one to use a different approach with young people and to obtain richer and more varied information. A corpus of images appeared as a powerful tool for collection: it facilitates children's capacity for oral expression and places the researcher in a position of listening.