BACKGROUND:
Mental health conditions are common in young people and often begin by age 14, yet few evidence-based interventions exist in South Africa. At the Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, we have tested and evaluated several youth-focused interventions. This presentation outlines the adaptation and initial testing (non-randomized designs) of three indicated prevention interventions: WHO EASE (ages 10–14, with caregivers), #FTM (emotion regulation; ages 15–18), and Chommie (WHO-initiated chatbot; ages 15–18).

METHODS:
All three interventions followed a similar adaptation and testing process using human-centered design. Formative work with stakeholders and adolescents, including our Youth Development Team (YDT), informed iterative changes to content and delivery. We then conducted non-randomized studies with embedded qualitative components to assess acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes. Outcomes included depression, anxiety, and emotion regulation, measured at baseline and three months post-intervention.

RESULTS:
We adapted the interventions to be more engaging (e.g., added games, interactive materials, and videos). EASE-SA (ages 10–14 + caregivers) and #FTM (ages 15–18) were feasible and acceptable in schools, with good recruitment/retention and high facilitator competency/fidelity. Both showed significant improvements in adolescents’ depression, anxiety, and emotion regulation (p<0.05), with EASE-SA also improving positive parenting. Chommie showed similar reductions in depression and anxiety

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings underscore the potential of co-adapted, evidence-based interventions that prioritize meaningful engagement with youth to enhance both content and delivery. While the results are encouraging, it is essential to validate efficacy through randomized controlled trials.