Optimizing intersectoral collaboration and citizen participation in community-level health promotion: a scoping review

Abstract

Objectives – We aimed to map facilitators and barriers for both intersectoral collaboration (IC) and citizen participation (CP) in community-level health promotion. Methods – In this scoping review, we searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Global Health, Sociological Abstracts, and Social Services Abstracts, using keywords pertaining to IC, CP, health promotion, and local context to identify studies published between January 2013 and March 2025. Results – We included 44 studies: 16 on IC, 16 on CP, and 12 on both. Facilitators and barriers can be divided into six overarching themes: Shared purpose, Operationalization, Relational dynamics, Adequate structure and support, Essential people at the table, and Personal drives. The frequency and interpretation of these themes differed between IC and CP. Conclusion – Facilitators and barriers for both IC and CP in community-based health promotion can be divided into six themes, with both similarities and distinguishing differences existing between IC and CP. Our study presents a framework that reflects the realities of collaboration across sectors and with citizens, which can be used to initiate, sustain, evaluate, and optimize health promotion collaboration processes.