Assessing how digital intervention facilitate co-creation and participatory research among adolescents and young people in South Africa
1
South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
2
George Institute of Global Health, New Delhi, India
3
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
Globally, digital interventions have become a popular approach to address challenges in accessing information experienced by adolescents and young people (AYP). Particularly, the use of social media platforms and mobile applications has been successful in increasing knowledge and awareness within health education programs. The aim of this study was to conduct formative research to inform the development of a mobile application prototype that promotes healthy behaviors to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and negative SRH outcomes among AYP in rural South Africa.
METHODS:
For this study, we used qualitative data from an integrated e-health intervention package for NCDs and SRH co-created by and for AYP in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We purposively sampled 16 participants who were aged between 15 and 24 years and invited them to participate in two group discussions and one workshop. We also conducted four key informant interviews and two workshops with community stakeholders such as schoolteachers, religious leaders and parents. Interview transcripts were translated from isiZulu into English and analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Most participants reported that social media platforms such as TikTok were their go-to- sources of information about health-related issues because these platforms provided them with advice and support. However, some participants showed concern about receiving misinformation specifically about misdiagnosis of a health-related issue, which may lead to unnecessary stress.
CONCLUSIONS:
Overall, the findings indicate that digital interventions are providing participants with relevant information about health services. However, trustworthy digital interventions are needed to ensure that reliable and accurate information about health is available to AYP .
Globally, digital interventions have become a popular approach to address challenges in accessing information experienced by adolescents and young people (AYP). Particularly, the use of social media platforms and mobile applications has been successful in increasing knowledge and awareness within health education programs. The aim of this study was to conduct formative research to inform the development of a mobile application prototype that promotes healthy behaviors to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and negative SRH outcomes among AYP in rural South Africa.
METHODS:
For this study, we used qualitative data from an integrated e-health intervention package for NCDs and SRH co-created by and for AYP in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We purposively sampled 16 participants who were aged between 15 and 24 years and invited them to participate in two group discussions and one workshop. We also conducted four key informant interviews and two workshops with community stakeholders such as schoolteachers, religious leaders and parents. Interview transcripts were translated from isiZulu into English and analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Most participants reported that social media platforms such as TikTok were their go-to- sources of information about health-related issues because these platforms provided them with advice and support. However, some participants showed concern about receiving misinformation specifically about misdiagnosis of a health-related issue, which may lead to unnecessary stress.
CONCLUSIONS:
Overall, the findings indicate that digital interventions are providing participants with relevant information about health services. However, trustworthy digital interventions are needed to ensure that reliable and accurate information about health is available to AYP .
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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